bbp midlands - edition 50

Ed

ition

50

08000 807 809

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Birmingham Business Post50th Edition

Who would have thought a pint and a packet of porkscratchings combined with a healthy dose of Black Countrypride would prove the magic formula for internationalbusiness success?

That’s exactly how Stephen Pitts came up with TeeT Shirts, the garmentprinting, embroidery and screen printing company with customersacross the UK and beyond.

With that ‘pub idea’ recently opening a new in-houseembroidery department within the last few weeks, Stephen andthe team have even more to be proud about than just their roots.

“It was 2007 and we were talking over an ale and a bag ofscratching about our pride for Black Country culture and howwe wanted more people to feel proud of where they camefrom,” remembers Stephen.

“This transpired into the idea of printing T-shirts with funnyslogans in a local dialect which people could show off and, as aresult, interact with others about their culture.”

To say the garments were an immediate hit is a bit of anunderstatement. In just a few short years, that pub idea has turned into

a shop in Reddal Hill Road, Cradley Heath with five fulltime staff, a website handling orders from as far as theUSA, Canada and Australia, and that new embroiderydept, capable of handling one-off orders - or batchesby the hundreds.

TeeT Shirts idea for empowering people with their own tshirt range has remained the ethos behind theirburgeoning custom print services.

TeeT Shirts send orders all over the UK & beyond fortheir bespoke designs, dealing with a lot of corporate &team wear. They are also one of the market leaders instag and hen party garments.

“Just like our own branded T-shirts, we know whenpeople purchase their custom items, be it workwear, astag party or football team. It’s because they want thewearer to feel part of ‘something’,” says Stephen. “It’ssomething at the forefront of our minds whenever wemake any order.”

Last, but not least, the company is in the process ofoffering discharged screen prints, which don’t leavetexture on garments.

“We like to keep up with all the latest industryinnovations,” smiles Stephen. “We’re all a little bit geekyhere and like to try the latest in everything.”

And if there wasn’t reason enough to feel proud,Stephen rates their biggest business success asinspiring everyone in their team to feel the same way asthey do.

“We love helping them to improve, learn things and feelproud of themselves, as well as part of ‘something’when they work at TeeT Shirts,” says Stephen.

“We are passionate about what we do and go all out tocreate innovative T-shirts that get positive reactionsfrom our regulars and people worldwide.

“We are totally committed to ensuring the highest possiblestandard of service and products from us at all times.”

Bostin’.

To find out more, or to place anorder, visit

www.teetshirts.comAlternatively telephone

0121 288 1200 or email [email protected]

33058 QPD _HorseWorld 19/11/2014 15:57 Page 1

C O N T E N T SThe Midshire Group 4

Social Media Marketing 7

Darren Langley 8

IceBlue 9

Newstead Insurance Brokers 10

How to overcome your fears and find success 11

Choice Loans 12

Sources of Business Finance 13

Private & Commercial Finance 14

Ducalian 15

BCRS 16

FSC Investment Services Limited 17

Tilney Bestinvest 18

Credit Insurance 19

Bartlett 20

Auto Enrolment - The Pensions Regulator 21

CIPP 22

Central Financial Planning 23

ERA Solutions 24

Fleet Management for the Modern World 25

Telogis 26

Covase 27

Civica 28

Advance Forwarding 29

Jaguar Heritage 30

Foremost Security 34

Warehousing 35

Air & Ground 36

Aaron & Partners LLP 38

Newline Computing 39

Flexi Narrow Aisle 40

Total Interiors Storage Solutions Ltd 42

DENIOS Ltd 43

A & B Richardson Engineering Ltd 44

Constructions Services UK Ltd 46

The Construction Skills Gap 47

TR Training 48

Fairview Builders Merchants 49

Brooke Smith Planning 50

CC Contracting Ltd 53

Parkfield Building Services 54

The Warm Light Company 55

UK Kiosks 56

Team Building 57

Pretty Clever Events 58

Eden Hotel Collection 59

Freax Adventures 60

Autograph Events 61

AbbeyHotel Golf and Spa and Lea Marston Hotel 62

Welcome to our golden 50th edition of theBirmingham Business Post, the free magazine forthe Midlands business community, packed withnews, tips and stories from across the region.

In this edition we continue our series on AutoEnrolment and Fleet management. Start UpBusinesses will find inspiration from Bev Jamesarticle on Facing Your Fears and Finding Success,Sources of Funding, Social Media Marketing andan overview on Credit Insurance.

We look at the Construction Skills Gap, TeamBuilding Events, and Warehousing.

In our next edition, we continue to focus onWorkplace Pensions. We will discuss the taxincentives for R&D, Sources of Business Funding,the Cloud, and to kick off the New Year, we willbe starting a series focussing on the Health &Fitness industry.

Happy Christmas everyone!

BBP Media11 Canalside Office Complex,Lowesmoor Wharf,Worcester WR1 2RR

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

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

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

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

Birmingham Edition 50 Contents_Layout 1 09/12/2014 11:01 Page 1

Company brand and industry leader in the legaltelecommunications sector, LegalTX will also be involved in themove with all 25 communications employees relocating to thenew site.

The excitingdevelopments don’tstop there; theMidshire Group willalso be refreshingits corporateidentity. Thecombined officerelocation and re-brand has given thecompany a valuableopportunity to takea look at thebusiness as awhole. MidshireBusiness Systems,Midshire Northernand MidshireTelecom will be

marketed as one, with the new strap line 'technology for youroffice' used to better reflect its strong presence in the UKtechnology sector.

The new website and marketing materials which are beinglaunched to coincide with the move will further enhance thegroup’s corporate identity.

Sales Director Kevin Tunley comments “This is a very excitingtime for everyone at Midshire. Relocating is an important part ofour continued growth strategy. Our industry is constantly evolvingand we have to change with it in order to remain competitive. Weare known for our printers and photocopiers but now we are ableto offer products such as interactive touchscreens, tablettechnology and 3D printers. We've taken on more staff to growand up-skill our team to support these developments.

The year before their 25th anniversary has seen someexciting changes for market-leading, office technologysales and service provider Midshire Business Systems.

As part of a £2.2 million investment programme the companywhich was established in late 1990, is leaving its Nechells homein October 2014 to move to larger premises at Doranda Way,West Bromwich, to allow space for their expanding business.

The last few years have been very successful for Midshire,culminating in an outstanding year in 2013, which saw thelaunch of IT services and new products added to their alreadydiverse office technology portfolio. As a result Midshire hastaken on over 28 new employees within the last 12 monthsalone and group turnover is anticipated to exceed £24 millionthis financial year. The increase in staff takes the total numberof employees to 192, exhausting the current office andworkshop space.

The new 1.2-acresite has beendeveloped into amodern flexible andprofessionalenvironment takingaccount ofMidshire’sincreasing the officeand warehouserequirements byexpanding thepresent 20,000square footwarehouse to25,000 square feet.The move will givestaff greater

flexibility and scope for on-site demonstrations, having multiplemeeting rooms and conferencing facilities available.

Phil Powell

The Midshire Group is an award-winning, independent supplier ofPhotocopiers, Colour Copiers, Multi-functional Printers,Telecommunications and IT Solutions.

32950 3pg 2_HorseWorld 07/12/2014 10:06 Page 1

4

Save your business money on office printing,photocopying, fax and scan solutions. Let Midshire

Business Systems give you a quote today...

For more information about Midshire’s range ofservices please visit their website

www.midshire.co.ukor telephone on 0121 359 5559

“We are always on the lookoutfor exceptional people in salesand service because we haveincredibly high standards tomaintain, in order to remain atthe forefront of what we do.Our new home in WestBromwich will inspire ourpeople as well as providecareer developmentopportunities, allowing themto grow and thrive".

Managing Director Phil Powellsays, "I am pleased toannounce this excitingdevelopment in Midshire'shistory and would like to thankour employees and customersfor their continued loyalty andsupport in our growth as wemove forward."

Midshire Business Systems Ltd continually develop their service and support to guarantee all clients receive a first-class service in the provision of leading edge office solutions. /This is Why Sharp UK congratulate Midshire on their continued growth and move to new premises.

Midshire Business Systems Ltd: Doranda Way, West Bromwich, West Midlands B71 4LT Telephone: 0121 359 5559 www.midshire.co.uk

Kevin Tunley


5


6

Social media is more than just a fun

way to engage and communicate with

friends. It can be an extremely

powerful business marketing tool if

strategically implemented.

One of the main purposes in employing

Social Media in marketing is as a

communications tool that makes a

company accessible to those interested in

their product and brings them to the

attention of those who have no

knowledge of their products. These

companies use social media to create

buzz, learn from and target customers.

It's the only form of marketing that

can finger consumers at each and

every stage of the consumer

decision journey.

Marketing through social

media has other benefits as

well. Of the top 10 factors

that correlate with a strong

Google organic search, seven

are social media dependent.

This means that if brands are

less or non-active on social

media, they tend to show up less

on Google searches.

A common mistake businesses

make is while being aware of

social media yet failing to realise

its potential or to develop a

formal social media plan. Having

a plan for marketing via social

media is just as important as it is any

marketing strategy. A savvy business

owner does not buy traditional advertising

without developing a plan, and the same

applies with social media.

A social media marketing plan includes

many of the elements of a traditional

marketing plan. Research into target

markets and consumer purchasing is a

must. Identifying brand strengths and

weaknesses is also important.

Someone should be appointed with the

specific responsibility to run your social

media campaign and be in charge of

monitoring and posting content,

otherwise, despite initial enthusiasm the

campaign can easily run out of steam and

become dated.

It is key that the social media manager

ensures that content is posted on a regular

basis, and responds to all comments and

feedback. They should be willing to monitor

the company’s social pages 24/7, which can

be easily accomplished through e-mail alerts

and mobile apps.

It is useful to develop a planning calendar,

which may outline the number of posts per

week, the time the post will be made (you

should vary your posting times), and the

content for each post. Your planning calendar

lays the foundation for your successful social

media marketing campaign and ensures you

are maintaining your social

sites and posting on

a regular basis.

Once

you have

decided

which social

media sites you want to

use, small businesses should consider

Facebook, Twitter and Google+ at the very

least, it is time to create your pages. It is

important for all your social media to have the

same look and feel as your company

website, and be sure to include links on your

website and invite all of your customers and

friends to join your pages.

Now that you have identified a manager, set

up your pages, and developed a planning

calendar, it is time to start generating

engaging content. Once you generate

content, you can plug it into the dates/times

you have reserved on your social media

calendar to compose posts.

As you consider content, think outside your

company and put yourself in your customer’s

shoes. What type of information is not only

engaging, but is something followers would

like to share? Creating sharable content is one

of the quickest ways to pick up new followers.

It is imperative to monitor all comments and

respond in a timely manner.

Good or bad, all feedback

needs to be addressed. If

someone praises your

product and/or service,

thank them.

If they have a complaint

or concern, reach out to

them. It is important to

investigate the validity of

the negative comment and

address it immediately.

Customer feedback can

help you better

understand reaction to

your products and/or

services.

What better way to gauge

customer demand than to

ask them yourselves?

Don’t be afraid to

engage your

followers and get

their opinions. Doing

so can help identify

both areas of

strength and

weakness. As we

discussed earlier, prompt

response to comments is key to developing a

relationship with your followers. Even big box

stores work to maintain open and responsive

communication with their followers.

Social media marketing intimidates many

small businesses, but if you approach it like

any other form of marketing and develop a

plan, it can become a very useful and

effective tool which complements your

traditional marketing strategies. Good luck!

Social MediaMarketing

11996 1pg_Transport Warehousing 15/10/2014 12:33 Page 1

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can be proud of, for a matter of hundreds of pounds rather than thousands.

Darren stressed the critical importance of asking the right questions, as theclients will be using their own content and images, and new companies willoften need quite a bit of guidance as to what their sites need to contain.

A low monthly charge of £30+ VAT then maintains the site,paying for web hosting,optional domain name, onlinecustomer support, premiumplug-ins for the website andthe licence of the templateunderlying the design andruns for as long as youwould like the website for.

The requirements of start-upbusinesses, by their verynature, evolve swiftly, andDarren will be there to provide ongoingguidance, and to develop the site, so that itfulfils current requirements. Then when the time comes for a completelybespoke site the relationship established over the years can only be beneficial.

Darren explained that a good web site is vital to the success of a business andsays that sadly many new businesses, who are quite naturally strapped forcash at the outset, cut corners and end up with such poor web sites that theyeffectively almost sabotage their own business. If you have any doubts aboutyour website, Darren offers a free website MOT service to help businessesavoid common embarrassing errors.

Darren is very encouraged by the enthusiastic take-up of his Starting PointWebsite Plan and sees the service becoming the main focus of his businessover the next few years.

Building websites that generate businessand build credibility, award winning webdesigner, Darren Langley, has over 17 yearsof experience working with some of theworld's best-known brands.

Darren is very excited about his latest venture,Starting Point Website Plan, a new service idealfor start-up businesses.

For the last 7 – 8 years Darren has beendesigning stunning bespoke websites for manywell-known businesses such as The Ritz Hotel,Oxford University Press and Sky News besidesa host of lesser known and smaller companies.He has found though, that a bespoke websitecan prove too costly for many start-upbusinesses at an average outlay of around£2,000.

Once he started to consider the problem ofproviding a professional, budget aware serviceto start-up and smaller companies he concludedthat many of the core features that make for asuccessful website are very similar. He thoughtabout reverse engineering the process, strippingit back to basics, and as a result has developeda unique series of templates.

Clients choose the template that gives them thelayout they prefer; Darren will then work with theclient to establish the bits and pieces that theywant included, and slot those in, thus providinga speedy, cost effective, yet totally professionalservice producing a web site that any business

Award Winning Web Design in BirminghamHelping businesses profit from an online presence they can be proud of

DARREN LANGLEYWEB DES IGN

Time for a chat, just call...

0121 647 [email protected] us onlinewww.darrenlangley.com

Follow us on

33045 QPD_HorseWorld 20/11/2014 14:29 Page 1

8

“ ”

[email protected] 563050 @insideiceblue

.

The West Midlands agency recognises that social media plays an important role in targeting potential customers in a more informal and conversational fashion.

With a range of platforms to suit all audiences, social media has changed the nature of customer engagement and companies have told IceBlue that they don’t know where to start.

The key, according to IceBlue’s Creative Director, Emma Bloor, is to pick the right channel first.

“It’s all about tailoring your content to the different platforms. Twitter can be great for sharing links and individual images, whereas Pinterest and Instagram strengthen your company’s visual presence.”

“After identifying the right channel, you should then focus on interacting with your customers; it is through conversing and getting to know them that you will form the basis of a business to consumer relationship.”

Red Bull, a pioneer for businesses on social media, regularly engage with their clients on Twitter through providing short and often witty responses to tweets from people who have mentioned their product.

Other brands build the customer relationship by getting consumers directly involved in their digital advertising.

Last year, Evian used their Facebook app to allow fans to upload videos of themselves dancing which then became part a meme, known as the ‘Wimbledon Wiggle,’ for the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

IceBlue is another company that has invested in social media, this time taking a creative and innovative new approach to networking.

At a recent breakfast meeting, the IceBlue team arrived with liquid chalk pens and two metre blackboards, asking attendees to leave their mark by drawing their logo and later tweeting them the finished results.

“By the end of the event we had received so many tweets of peoples’ marks, saying how much they enjoyed drawing on the blackboard,” Emma explained.

“What was great about asking people to tweet us was that it triggered that all important conversation - we were provided with instant feedback on our blackboards, as well as developing connections with potential clients.”

IceBlue’s social blackboard a recent event

BE SEEN BE HEARD BE NOTICED

Get social and show the world what you can do #iceblue


9

Most would agree that an insurance policy’spaperwork can be full of indecipherable technicalterminology - but Newstead Insurance Brokers standsout as a beacon of clarity.

The Birmingham broker makes it a priority to minimise thejargon so that every client understands the details, but thenputting clients’ needs first is always how it operates.

In offering commercial and connected personal lines insurancesto the business community, Newstead only ever focuses ondelivering high service standards.

Here is where the personal touch is critical and has proved thefoundation to 25 years of success. Regular visits are made toclients, each of whom is treated individually and given aportfolio which has been tailor made to provide the rightprotection for their business.

And should anybody need to make a claim, the same commitmentto quality applies, assures Managing Director Paul O’Donnell.

“We know that you will want it to be dealt with quickly,efficiently and in a manner that reduces the effect it has on yourbusiness or personal life,” he says.

“We have dedicated claims handlers at two administrationcentres who will ensure that a claim is reported promptly toinsurers and that it reaches a satisfactory conclusion. They willalso keep you regularly updated with its progress.”

Originally launched in Stoke in 1987, expansion has seenNewstead open offices in Hagley Road and London and gainrepresentation throughout the world. It has now establishedaccess to all leading insurance companies and Lloyds of London.

Of course not every year of those two decades and more hasbeen plain sailing, with a recession or two requiring negotiation,but Newstead’s combination of expertise, experience and

100% commitment to top quality service has seen it weatherthe storms.

“An unstable economic climate is always a challenge aseveryone is looking to cut costs and, viewing it as an expensivepiece of paper until anything happens, their first port of call isto cut back on the money they are paying out for theirinsurances,” says Paul.

Another recent challenge has been the rise of online insurancesales but, Paul points out: “Most customers return when theyrealise that they will never receive the same levels of servicewhen arranging insurances this way.”

Whether your need is for property owners, professionalindemnity, director & officers, commercial or fleet insurance, ora retail package, liability, household, business advisory serviceand much more, Newstead can help.

“We pride ourselves on providing high levels of service, which iswhat we believe continues to make us a success and why wehave continued to grow despite the twin challenges ofrecession and online insurance sales,” says Paul.

“With Newstead you insure today to be secure tomorrow.”

For further information about the company and its rangeof services, go to

www.newstead.co.uk where you can also email an enquiry.

Alternatively telephone 0121 410 2400

Insure today secure tomorrow


10

The road to success is paved with many tempting

parking spaces.

Whilst travelling along the road to success many people stop

when they meet an obstacle.

This can come in the shape of general setbacks or we may stop

when we reach a hurdle or we have a skills gap, money or fear –

can all be reasons why some people stop dead in their tracks

whereas others drive on.

Successful people do the things they don’t necessarily

want to do in order to get the results they want.

This includes overcoming fears and limiting beliefs that may hold

us back. Confidence is not the absence of fear, it’s having the

courage to take action in spite of fear.

If fear is holding you back from reaching your potential and

grasping opportunities that come your way, then its time to take

action - commit to removing the obstacle or to go around it,

through it or over it.

Here are my top tips for overcoming fear:

1. As the great Jedi Knight Yoda famously said in Star Wars

“Named your fear must be before banish it you can.”

When the familiar feeling of fear arises, take time to

acknowledge it and name it. What exactly are you afraid of? Is it

fear of looking silly, fear of failure, fear of the unknown…..?

2. Be your own inner cheerleader:

Once you have identified the fear, listen to the voice inside of

your own head. What are you telling yourself about the situation

and your ability to succeed? Some people have an inner

cheerleader and others have an inner critic. Whilst we want to

have a balanced and realistic view of our abilities, being your

own critic is rarely helpful. Decide what you need to tell yourself

about the situation and change your inner dialogue to a more

positive one.

3. Notice your body language:

When we become fearful, our bodies become tense and we

may feel ‘butterflies’ in our stomach. There is a common phase

used when people are not in a good state of mind, we often tell

them to ‘shake it off’. This physical shift can be a positive way

to disperse negative energy and get us back on track.

4. Desire:

When the desire is high enough, we will find a way.

When we know ‘why’ we want something we will find the

‘how’. Remind yourself what’s important to you and list the

benefits of achieving a successful outcome.

5. Become comfortable feeling uncomfortable.

The more we stay within our own comfort zone the smaller it

becomes. Stepping into our stretch zone on a regular basis can

build confidence. When we enter into our stretch zone we can

often feel a little apprehensive but the more we do it, the more

comfortable we are with that feeling. Rather than becoming

nervous and stopping in our tracks, we recognize the feeling

and rather than reacting negatively to it, we acknowledge it is

there…..and move through it.

We often judge other people on what we see on the outside but

we judge ourselves on what we feel on the inside. Many

superstar singers like Robbie Williams and Adele have a great

onstage presence and persona but both have admitted suffering

from stage fright. This has not stopped them from getting to the

top of their career and pursuing their passion.

It’s best to start small than never to start at all! So what ever the

first step is for you, once you have identified it, make sure you

take it. Never let fear hold you back from being the person you

were born to be.

Step up and stand out, you were born to shine.

CEO of The Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans

Bev JamesHow to overcome your fears and find success.

Bev James

33116 1pg_CD Engineering 05/12/2014 14:22 Page 1

11

“Please don't think if your bank says no that's the end ofthe story. There are so many, and a growing number of,alternatives,” he declares.

It’s a message he’s happy to broadcast to the skies given theopportunity, and as Managing Director for Choice Loans, is wellplaced to know what he’s talking about.

The company is an independent finance broker works with all UKLenders and specialist finance agents specialising in "alternative"sources of funding for businesses and individuals nationwide.

“There are all these options and people are just not aware ofthem,” he says. “What’s more, the choices are growing; we'reseeing new lenders all the time.

“We have a board at our office displays all the different lendersand we're having to make the writing on it smaller and smallerto cram more names on it.”

When it comes to seeking funding, current reality is totallydifferent from perception, itself a leftover from the financial crash.

Previously, Sean explains, the banks had been flooding the marketwith cash and there was no room for any new funding providers.After the 2007/08 crash, the banks withdrew and suddenly therewas no finance available, particularly if it was unsecured.

“The word 'unsecured' hasbecome very unpopular inbanking circles but there areplenty of private lenders whoare willing to offer £200,000unsecured if an applicant hasa strong balance sheet and agood credit record,” he says.

He’s also quick to reassurethat lending is being carriedout sensibly, but points outthat it’s not a givenrequirement for finance

seekers to produce huge business plans or have million poundbalance sheets.

“It’s becoming a very competitive market with a nice bit ofhealthy rivalry between lenders and small businesses should beaware of it,” he adds.

Which is where Choice Loans comes in. “As a broker, weprovide you with options,” explains Sean. “We don't charge anyfees, so talk to us and see what the choices are. You might likethem, you might not but it will only cost two minutes of yourtime to find out.

“We will ask salient questions about your business, its trading,how it’s structured, what the profitability is like, what kind ofbalance sheet it has and the kind of security you can offer witha personal guarantee behind the loan and within that we thendetail which options are best for you.”

What Sean hates, is to hear about someone taking a moreexpensive loan simply because they hadn’t been aware of acheaper one. He cites how he achieved a crowd fundedbusiness loan at 11% APR for a client after every other brokerhad recommended a merchant cash advance with a high rateAPR of 70 to 80%. “It was the right decision for them,” he says.

And that’s how Choice Loans works. If you need finance butare not sure what you need or how to get it, give the team acall. They’ll find the solution that’s right for you.

To find out more visit www.choice-loans.co.uk or telephone 0845 126 0350

Sean O Farrell has an impassioned plea to finance-hungry small businesses.

Here’s just some of the alternative sources thatyou may not be aware of.

• Crowdfunded business loan - up to £250,000unsecured over five years. Available fromprivate investors to established, credit-worthycompanies.

• Non-bank lending - unsecured business loansavailable quickly (up to £50,00 in as little astwo hours) from privately funded lenders.

• Merchant Cash Advance - unsecuredfinance for retailers taking card payments.Get finance now based on expected futurecard takings.

• Pension-led business finance - using a frozenpension to fund your business.

• Overdraft alternatives - from privatecompanies. Like banks but for larger amountsand on more flexible terms.

• Asset backed loans - for clients with heavyadverse credit if assets are provided assecurity loans can be arranged up to threeyears

Sean O'Farrell

33039 Advertorial_HorseWorld 10/11/2014 16:31 Page 1

12

There are a numerous sources of

finance available to both new and

established businesses, but the

decision as to which source is most

appropriate for your needs requires

careful consideration.

Roughly speaking, funding breaks down

into two forms: debt and equity. You take

on debt when you borrow money from a

lender, and pay interest on the loan. You

will be required to repay the money with

interest over time. Or, you can take on an

equity investment - in which you sell a

portion of the company to an investor in

return for cash or something else of value.

Bank lending is still problematical for

many small or new businesses without a

track record; therefore the majority of new

businesses consider alternative sources

first. A recent survey reported that bank

loans comprised less than 15% of start-up

capital. This does not mean that you

should not look for a bank loan, just that it

is not the only source to consider.

Start-ups often find it easier to get money

from individuals or groups of individuals,

while companies which have a track

record of success are more apt to find an

audience with institutional lenders.

Your first source of capital will probably be

a loan from yourself. There are definite

advantages here, you

own the whole

company, control the

show, and stand

to reap the gains

should your

venture

become

valuable.

But there's a potential downside as well.

Even the best-researched and well-run

start-ups involve risk. We hear wonderful

tales of risk-takers who take out second

mortgages on their homes and borrow

from their retirement funds to launch

businesses that turn them into millionaires.

There are fewer stories in the news about

the far more common experience of the

many people who take great risks and fail,

losing their homes and savings in the

process!

Another form of personal debt is to use

your credit cards, this option is very

expensive and extremely risky, but with a

cool head and careful management can

be a useful short term solution.

Borrowing from your friends and family,

usually at low or no interest is often a

good way for new businesses to get

money. But you risk alienating your family

if the business falls on hard times and you

have trouble repaying the loan. Be sure

that you have a written agreement

regarding the amount borrowed, the

interest rate and how and when the loan

is to be repaid.

If you go to your bank for a business loan,

the bank will ask for security, usually

company or personal assets. Business loans

have far stricter requirements than consumer

loans. For example, if your business is

experiencing tough financial times,

your bank may ask you to

immediately pay off the full

amount of the loan, something

that is unlikely to happen with

a consumer loan.

Many small businesses

are funded through

personal loans or other

loans based on

personal assets.

Consumer loans, home equity

loans, second mortgages,

mortgage refinancing,

and personal loans - are easier to obtain

than business loans if you have a good

credit history.

Some banks don't mind if you take a

consumer loan and use the funds for

business purposes, others will refuse to

lend to you if you tell them you need the

money for business purposes. Keep in

mind that if you tell a banker a loan is for

personal use and you use it for business,

that lie constitutes fraud.

Commercial Finance companies are the

companies that make car loans. They take

on higher risk commercial loans than

banks and can handle commercial loans.

If your company is high-growth and will

continually need its loan ceiling raised;

your credit history is spotty; or your

company has a high debt-to-worth ratio

with a strong cash flow a Commercial

Finance company, may be a good bet, but

bear in mind, greater risk usually brings

higher costs. Rates and fees will be higher

than banks.

Venture capital is available to a wide range

of businesses at most stages of

development, they specialise in

companies that have a solid track record

and are expected to grow by at least 20%

a year. They also want to buy into the

company, not just make a loan. In addition

to firm ownership, venture capitalists will

also want management input in the form

of board seats or executive positions.

Funding is also available from your peers;

business angels, Crowd Funders and

Peer to Peer Lenders,

www.alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk.

lenders come from all walks of life and will

provide funds for viable businesses. We

will look at these options in more depth in

a future edition.

There are also a huge range of

government backed loans and grants,

www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-

finder, www.gov.uk/business-finance-

explained are useful resources.

Sources ofBusiness Finance

12118 1pg 2_Transport Warehousing 30/11/2014 12:55 Page 1

13

This Stock Exchange listed finance house commands a financeportfolio of more than £100 million and provides hire purchaseand finance lease facilities to more than 11,000 consumers andbusinesses throughout the UK.

Although its headquarters are in the City of London,geographical distance is no object when it comes to deliveringthe trademark prompt and personal service which makes thebusiness stand out from its peer group.

“We go out and see customerswherever they are located toensure that we understand theirbusiness, their specificrequirement and can ensure thatwe meet their expectations,particularly in terms oftimescales. It’s an old-fashioned,traditional way of doing businessbut it works and gives us a farbetter relationship with ourcustomers,” says ManagingDirector Robert Murray.

“We pride ourselves in delivering a personal service whilegetting the job done quickly. In the past we have set someexceptionally quick turnarounds in terms of approvingtransactions and getting them documented.”

Trading for 20 years and listed on AIM for 15, Private &Commercial Finance has been a well-kept secret between the60,000 or so customers it has helped to secure vehicle andasset finance during that time.

But now, withincreased capacity tolend, the company islooking to increaseawareness of itsexpertise and abilityas it focusses onhelping even moreSMEs who areincreasingly finding itdifficult to obtain

asset and vehicle finance from the mainstream finance houses.

“They just don’t spend enough time looking at an application ordo an in-depth investigation into a company to understand aboutit or the asset or vehicle which they're buying,” says Robert.

“We take the trouble to do that and so add to the personalservice that we offer. Neither do we have set policies to whichwe have to rigidly adhere.”

Private &CommercialFinance

“Our independence is one of our key strengths and it enablesus to make decisions quickly. Our underwriters use theirexperience, skills and expertise to evaluate applications on acase-by-case basis rather than use credit scorecards.

Private & CommercialFinance provides financeto help its SMEs acquirecars, commercialvehicles, trailers,coaches and buses anda wide range of plantand machinery. It alsohas experience of andexpertise in financingmore specialist vehiclessuch as classic cars,prestige cars,

horseboxes and motorhomes. The group also providesrefinancing facilities to enable customers to raise cash, forexample, for an acquisition or to purchase a property.

A transaction may be arranged through a hire purchase orlease agreement, but the applicant can rest assured that it willbe one that suits them best, promises Robert.

“It is all about structuring our facility to suit the customer’srequirement,” he says. “What we do is make sure the facility weprovide is sensible, affordable and matches their budget.”

The task of seeking and committing to what can be a majoramount of finance can be daunting and confusing but thanks tothe friendly and welcoming approach of all of Private &Commercial Finance’s employees - no automated phonesystems here – it is made a lot easier. When you call, youspeak directly to a highly experienced underwriter who will soonput you at your ease.

“More than a third of our team have been with the company for morethan 10 years and we are proud of our well experienced workforceand their specialist knowledge of the sector,” affirms Robert.

“Above all, our objectives are to be professional in everythingwe do and to offer a personal service to our customers so thatwe can build lasting relationships with them, efficiently.”

To find out more about the full range of hire purchase and leasingfacilities available from Private & Commercial Finance or to makean enquiry, go to www.pcfg.co.uk

Alternatively telephone Business and Broker Development’s JoeDavison on 07734 551239, email [email protected]

Private & Commercial Finance Group may be a relatively small organisation - but it has a big reach.


14

We hear a lot about the difficulty many businesses find insourcing finance for expansion but less about the lack of realopportunities for investors.

Ducalian bridge that gap, providing private equity finance fromhigh net worth individuals, financial advisors and consortia foroperationally led real estate opportunities.

Thus an opportunity for investors enables movement in themarketplace, speeding up expansion and development forestablished companies. The average private owner of ahealthcare facility, pub or other business looking to expand intoadditional premises would normally need to reinvest profits forseveral years in order to build sufficient funding for expansion,but capital investment from Ducalian can get him moving andcontributing to UK growth.

Ducalian backed businesses have a projected enterprise value of£41 million, and have acquired 118,513 sq ft of industrial space.

As well as investing in established businesses looking toexpand, Ducalian work with entrepreneurs to develop projectsfrom the ground up. Working with partners they aid in site-finding, development, planning, fit out and operation.

They create the product and then invest in its development, aswas the case in a recent acquisition in Solihull, where they areworking with an established storage operator to expand theirportfolio sharing profits between operator and investors.

When Ducalian invest in a project the initial investment willcover all aspects including the purchase, build, fit out andoperating losses to profitability. Depending on the scale of theproject they would expect to see a return on a pub within 6months although a storage facility can take between 18 monthsto two years, but everything depends on the operator, andprofits will always be aligned with performance.

When selecting an operator and a project, apart from theexpected careful due diligence process they look at a number offactors to do with the selected area, projected growth, theavailability of labour, transport links, the current provision in thespecific sector for the area, and how the development will impacton the local community. The right operator is evidently crucial,and Ducalian will look at their record, industry knowledge andexpertise. Ducalian are able to tap into an experienced pool oftalent to create excellent management teams, and each project iscarefully monitored through board participation.

As James Hancock, Director, explained, “When we develop anew business venture we like to take a hands-on approach bytaking an active role in the operations of our investments. Byworking in partnership with the management team throughboard representation, we can provide the necessary support to

enable the business to perform effectively. We ensure that ourinterests and that of the management teams are similarlyaligned to reward growth.”

Ducalian are helping businesses grow; investorsand those needing development capital should

visit their website www.ducalian.comtelephone +44 (0)20 7440 8690

or email [email protected]

Follow us on...

DUCALIAN

Specialising in creating value through the development and growth of real estate businesses. Our role is to provide investors with opportunities to participate in the growth of individual business ventures that directly benefit them as shareholders. We are all highly motivated by the fact that we only meet our investors requirements if the businesses, which we build, succeed.

www.ducalian.com

020 7440 8690

DUCALIAN

Real Estate Venture Capital Specialists


15

In times of market volatility when accessing finance foryour business seems to be non-existent, there is hope,writes BCRS Chief Executive, Paul Kalinauckas.

I believe for a growing business one of the biggest milestonesthey will reach is the point when they are ready to take it to thenext level - expand operations, recruitment, purchasing moreequipment or securing new premises. Few small businessescan afford to finance this type of change through workingcapital alone, but once in place, they know the positive effect itwill have on their cash flow and future prospects.

This is the moment thatbusiness owners need toturn to financing as a wayto move their businessforward. Fortunately,obtaining finance for a smallbusiness does not have tobe challenging. No matterthe size of your business orits cash flow situation, thereare plenty of options forfinancing your growth.

BCRS Business Loans isone of those options!

BCRS provides access tofinance for businesses

through its Business Loan Fund. Set up twelve years ago,BCRS has helped many businesses grow and prosper. Loansof between £10,000 and £100,000 are available to viablebusinesses turned down by mainstream lenders.

BCRS’s sole purpose is to provide access to finance to enablebusinesses to grow and prosper. We have just celebratedhitting a lending milestone of £20million since our launch andwe are also seeing an increased demand for our services whichsubsequently peaked last year when we witnessed an increasein business lending of over 40%.

Our loan fund has been especially designed to helpbusinesses.� We understand that getting business finance cansometimes be a problem. Lack of track�record, unreasonablesecurity arrangements, past financial problems or simply not

meeting conventional credit scoring methods may be hinderingthe process.

This is where I believe BCRS comes into its own. There is a lotthat my team and I can do to help Midlands based businessesand we are looking to connect with them as their local businessloan fund. The BCRS model is of an approachable lender andwe assess each individual case on its own merits. We operatevery much with a traditional lending ethos rather thanimpersonal computerised credit scoring.

A BCRS loan can be used for a wide variety of projectsincluding working capital, purchasing equipment, recruitment,start- ups and marketing. We lend into most market sectorsincluding construction, engineering, IT services, manufacturing,service providers and wholesalers.

A quick response for your lending requirementsis available through the enquiry form facility

at www.bcrs.org.uk or call us on 0845 313 8410

B U S I N E S S L O A N S

Follow us...

Paul Kalinauckas, BCRS Chief Executive

Martin Taylor, member of the Bank of England’sFinancial Policy Committee.


16

If you’re anything like me you love things that are a little bit out ofthe ordinary, perhaps even things that challenge you’re thinking.Debates that engage you’re brain and make you really think oreven better that can change your mind are brilliant. It can almostbe a “eureka’ moment in your life.

Investments

Frank Cochran

Well if you’re reasonably intelligent the chances are youhave gone for 2 or 3. You wouldn’t be 1) because howcan you be happy with a net interest rate return of only1.2% as this does not cover basic inflation; you couldn’tbe 4) because if you don’t care less you’d have stoppedreading this article by now.

So if you’re either resigned ordespondent, you have a distinctcase of financial lethargy. It’s a nastydisease that affects millions ofpeople with money in Banks andBuilding societies. In a nutshell thesymptoms are that the poor personis too lazy to get off their backsideand look for a better rate of returnfor their investment.

Fear not!!! For an antidote is at hand and we can cureyou. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PICK UP THEPHONE AND DIAL 01902 422333 we will thendiscuss with you the options of different ways in whichyou can access investments which can give you muchbetter rates of return and with more tax efficiency thanyou are currently getting.

So come on, get it done and take your medicine, a quickphone call could make you happy!!

Call

01902 422333Email

[email protected]

www.fscinvestments.co.ukFSC Investment Services Limited are regulated

and authorised by the financial conduct authority.

So here’s my challenge for you.

You get your mail from the letter box, there’s astatement from your Building Society it shows thatfor the last 12 months you have invested £50,000with them in their top rate super duper savingsaccount and for this they have added a grand totalof 1.5% gross or in cash terms £600.00 net.

Are you?

1) Happy

2) Resigned

3) Despondent

4) Could not care less?

32884 1pg_FSC Investments Services Ltd QPD 1pg 24/11/2014 12:39 Page 1

17

Choosing and managing your own investments isn't rocketscience but it does take time and dedication. So while many ofus start out enthusiastically, life often gets in the way, or werealise we’re not sufficiently interested to give our investmentsthe attention they need.

If any of this rings true, Tilney Bestinvest has a simple solution.Let them manage your investments for you.

They offer a range of tailored investment management solutionswhether you have £500, £50,000 or more than £250,000 toinvest and are equipped to access a range of investmentstrategies designed to meet your goals; leaving you to get onwith your life, safe in the knowledge that their Chief InvestmentOfficer and award-winning team is looking after your investments

For those with more complex financial needs, they offer anindividual financial planning service.

To find out how Tilney Bestinvest can help you achieve yourfinancial goals, please contact them on 03330 145 416 or [email protected] or visit tilneybestinvest.co.uk

Tilney Bestinvest is a leading UK investment and financialplanning firm that builds on a heritage of more than 180 years.They look after more than £9 billion of assets on behalf of ourclients and pride themselves on offering the very highest levelsof professional client service with transparent, competitivepricing across the entire range of solutions. They have anetwork of offices across the UK and combine award-winningresearch and expertise to provide a personalised service toclients whatever their investments needs.

Registered office: 6 Chesterfield Gardens, Mayfair, W1J 5BQIssued by Bestinvest (Brokers) Limited

find us on

The value of investments, and the income derived from them,can go down as well as up and you can get back less than youoriginally invested. If you are in doubt as to the suitability of aninvestment then you should seek professional advice. Pastperformance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

The Tilney Bestinvest Group of Companies comprises the firmsBestinvest (Brokers) Ltd (Reg. No. 2830297), Tilney InvestmentManagement (Reg. No. 02010520), Bestinvest (Consultants)Ltd (Reg. No. 1550116) and HW Financial Services Ltd (Reg.No. 02030706) all of which are authorised and regulated by theFinancial Conduct Authority.

About Tilney Bestinvest

Have a question or need some help with

your account? Get in touch today

03330 145 416www.tilneybestinvest.co.uk

[email protected]

IS IT TIME TO HAVEYOUR INVESTMENTSMANAGED?

Important information


18

In the UK, more than 80% of day-to-

day business-to-business

transactions are enabled on credit

terms, so managing and protecting

your financial interests has never

been more important.

Most people are aware of the need to be

insured against loss or damage to

property, but against poor payers? Yet

research indicates that of all companies

that fail, 18% do so as a result of

experiencing bad debt or poor working

capital.

Unpaid invoices can represent up to 35%

of a company’s assets and are vulnerable

to loss if your customers fail to pay.

Credit insurance protects your business

from non-payment of commercial debt.

Your insurer will assess the credit

worthiness and financial

stability of your insured

customers and assign them

a specific credit limit, which is

the amount indemnified if that

insured customer fails to pay.

It makes sure that your

invoices will be paid and

allows you to reliably

manage the

commercial and

political risks of

trade. Trade Credit

Insurance provides

a tried and tested

protection against

companies which,

for whatever reason,

don’t pay.

As a result, you have greater

confidence extending more credit to

current customers and pursuing

new, larger customers that would

otherwise seem too risky. If your

customers fail to pay, your insurer

will cover the insured invoices and take

care of the debt collection.

Without the back up and information that

a credit insurance firm can provide,

deciding on how much credit to allow a

customer, be they new business or clients

of long standing, requires numerous

factors to be taken into account that can

be easily overlooked in the excitement of

gaining that great order. However, should

that substantial customer then default on

his payment or become insolvent it can

cause your business severe problems.

Credit Insurance is a valuable tool in your

credit management armoury, providing

access to risk analysts who have an in-

depth knowledge of your customers. As

those who have Credit Insurance are

aware, policies provide access to unique,

continually updated, financial information

on both new and existing customers.

With a Credit Insurance policy in place

you are armed with a powerful financial

and economic information source enabling

you to develop business with successful

and secure partners, proving that a policy

is also a powerful marketing tool.

There are many types of Credit Insurance

policy available that can be tailored to

your own particular requirements. Whether

you want to credit insure your entire

customer base or just require a policy to

provide information and security on your

export debts.

These options should be discussed with

your broker; he has the expertise and will

be able to advise on the levels and types

of cover most suitable for your business.

Having an expert advisor in your corner

throughout the first-time and renewal

application process is essential. Getting

paid in the event of default depends on

your compliance with the contract, and

your broker has a vital role in ensuring you

understand your responsibilities as a

policyholder and advises you accordingly.

A reputable broker will always work in

partnership with his client, and use his

objectivity and broad market knowledge

to achieve the best result.

The ability to see real time information has

enabled credit limits to be written with

much greater certainty, enabling

underwriters to offer bespoke

solutions, while intense market

competition has forced

premiums in many instances

to pre-recession levels,

making the product more

affordable to both existing

policyholders, as well as

to companies looking

to insure for the first

time.

Companies should not

overlook the major

benefit to their own

creditworthiness that having

Credit Insurance in place

provides. Banks and other

lenders will see you as a much

lower risk, enabling you to

secure better borrowing terms. A

credit insurance policy can be

used to provide security to a

lender for trade or export finance.

In some cases, your bank or

lender may actually require credit

insurance in order to qualify for a loan.

In fact, credit insurance is not just a

sensible precaution; it is an essential,

providing all round benefits for any

business.

CreditInsurance


19

The recession is coming to an end,opportunities are opening up on all frontsand it is an exciting time to be in business.

For many companies, however their recovery isfragile and new and expanding companies needto carefully manage their financial risk. Thebusiness is out there with everyone feeling somuch more optimistic than over the last fewyears, but, and it is a big but, can your companyafford to take the risk of supplying to newcustomers without the certainty of payment.

It seems like a catch 22; in order to grow youneed to increase your exposure to existingcustomers and take on new ones. But to supplythem will incur additional risk and what then ifthe customer defaults?

Bartlett has the answer. They are a leadingindependent firm of insurance brokers andfinancial advisors, established in 1940, withoffices in the UK and overseas, offering a rangeof business insurance, risk management,personal insurance and independent financialadvice, to individuals and companies of all sizes.

There is a positive message from Phill Hall,Credit Insurance Development Manager. Hesays, “The recession is over, businesses are

wanting to expand and have the confidence to sell more whether it be in theUK or overseas.” He recognises that there is very real concern amongbusiness owners, in deciding just who it is safe to sell to. “It can be very hardto know who the good new customers will be”.

Credit Insurance is an essential tool for new and expanding businesses. Phillexplained that in these technologically advanced days and with underwritersinvesting heavily in sources of both public and non public information, policyholders may be quickly assured and obtain cover at the click of a mouse. Theinformation is available, and decisions are quick, enabling policy holders to winnew business.

Bartlett sees the provision of Credit Insurance as a major factor in assistingour economic recovery, by giving businesses the scope and confidence togrow. Phill Hall commented “A business who recently took out covermanaged, over a short period of time, to generate sufficient additional sales tomore than cover the cost of the policy”.

Bartlett already has a well-established portfolio of Midlands businesses and, asthey forecast substantial growth in Birmingham, are looking to substantiallyexpand their presence here.

Independent, professional and focussed on service, Bartlett is very proud oftheir independent status and their people who are recognised specialists in allthe major disciplines.

Michael Bartlett – Chairman, Bartlett Group “Our progress has beenbased on the quality of our people and the trust placed in them by ourclients. Over the years, the Bartlett Group has become one of the UK's

most respected firms of its kind, with clients now throughout the world.”

www.bartlettgroup.comOr Call Phill Hall on 01132 593584email [email protected]

We will be able to arrange an informal discussion, based on your individual circumstances.


20

Auto EnrolmentThe Pensions Regulator

Welcome to my sixth and final Auto

Enrolment articles. Today provides an

overview of the topics covered in my

past five articles with updates on how

Auto Enrolment is developing.

By now most employers with 50 or more

employees will have already staged. That is

they are already providing work placed

pensions. Next year will see those

companies with between 30 and 50

employees needing to stage and then over

the following two years we will experience

the tsunami of smaller employers.

At the peak there will be in excess of

100,000 businesses per month needing to

go through the staging process. With only

around 8,000 advisers registered to

support these businesses there is going to

be a definite shortage of support. So the

message should be clear, please do not

delay. It is possible to pre stage, that is

carry out all of the preparation work well

ahead of time and then wait for the staging

date. This will certainly help cope with the

tsunami and my firm is already helping

clients achieve this proactive approach.

I am sure readers of all of these articles

will recall the estimated costs quoted in

my first article. It does seem that

providers are doing their bit to help

smooth the passage through to staging

and this in turn is taking some of the

workload off advisers, which in turn allows

a more cost effective proposition to be

offered. One slight negative is that the

number of providers is falling as the

insurers consider propositions on purely

economic terms. My experience with two

of my clients who staged earlier this year

was that even with over 50 long term

employees earning reasonable wages,

obtaining competitive terms proved difficult.

Since my second article rates have

changed when categorising workers.

Eligible Jobholders are any worker aged

between 22 and current state pension age

and earning in excess of the earnings

trigger, currently £10,000 per annum. As

an employer of this class of worker, you

must automatically enrol them into the

pension scheme and make on-going

employer pension contributions.

Non-Eligible Jobholders are workers of any

age that earn between the lower threshold,

currently £5,772, and up to the earnings

trigger of £10,000. They are also

employees aged either under 22 or over

state pension age and earning over the

earnings trigger of £10,000. With these

workers the employer is obliged to provide

information about the right to opt in.

Should they opt in by completing an ‘opt in

notice’ then the process above is followed.

Finally, Entitled Workers are those of any age

who earn less than the lower threshold of

£5,772. Again these individuals can decide to

join the pension scheme by completing a

‘joining notice’, although this time the

employer is not obliged to contribute.

Middleware has evolved as well over the

past few months. The main software

houses have finally caught onto the need to

provide a system that works with their

payroll package. There are still separate

middleware packages available in the

marketplace, some of which can be

enhanced at a later date with other

employee benefits. However, providing they

are up to it, and competitively priced,

something linked to existing payroll software

appears to be the best route forward.

I would like to remind you about possible

penalties. The Pensions Regulator does

have powers to issue penalties. Initially the

first step would be to issue a Compliance

Notice. This notice provides the employer

with a period of time to become compliant.

Should that fail then the first step is a fixed

regulatory penalty of £400. Thereafter it can

levy daily penalties for non compliance

starting at £50 per day for employers with

up to 4 employees, £500 per day for

employers with 5 to 49 employees, £2,500

per day for employers with 50 to 249

employees, £5,000 per day for employers

with 250 to 499 employees, and for

employers with more than 500 employees

the daily penalty is £10,000.

The first penalty notices have recently

been issued. Unfortunately, apart from

trade press, the matter has received little

in the way of publicity. Personally I was

hoping for a household name to be fined,

just to ensure that all employers are aware

that Auto Enrolment is not an option, it is

a legal requirement.

I do hope this series of articles has been

informative in helping you plan Auto

Enrolment within your business. To sum up

urgent action is required otherwise you could

be left behind and facing unpleasant fines.

Authors Credit to:

Ian D Gillard FCA FCCA DipPFS AIPW,

director of R D Owen & Co, Chartered

Accountants.

11844 1pg_Carford Group 28/11/2014 15:57 Page 1

21

bookkeepers and payroll providers at least, is the introductionof a generic notification service (GNS) which was primarilyintroduced, it is said, to notify the employer, or their agent,where they appeared to be in a situation of being issued with apenalty, if they didn’t take action and contrary to popular belief,these are not penalty notices, merely a heads up that a penaltymay be pending in the absence of employer (or agent) action .

Depending upon which side of the fence you sit, you mighthave taken the view that they are very helpful, or they are anabsolute horror of a process, to be ignored at all cost – and theviews really are that extreme.

The penalty however will always be issued on paper and sentthrough the post and will contain a unique ID which, andassuming you disagree that the penalty should be paid, will beneeded in order to appeal the penalty. The penalty can beappealed online or by post and the employer or their agent has30 days in which to lodge an appeal.

Previous appeals have provided many and varied acceptablereasons for an appeal to succeed, they might be factual or fallinto the “reasonable excuse” category. Regardless as to howyou currently process your payroll and because of the tight timelimit for appeal you should be thinking about how you mightdeal with these penalties if they arise, or better still, how youmight avoid them?

Samantha Mann MAAT, MCIPPdip. CIPP Senior Policy & Research Officer

t. 0121 712 1000f. 0121 712 1001

e. [email protected]

Penalties for non-compliance with the tax regime are awell-established part of the British tax system andregardless of your views about the impact that RTI(submission of PAYE returns in real time) has had, 6October 2014 saw the long awaited release of a newarrival in HMRC arsenal of penalties.

Large employers (those with 50 employees or more as at 6October 2014) need to make note that a fully automated penaltyregime for late filing of in-year returns has now arrived. Smallemployers will come within the regime from 6 March 2015.

What this will mean for some employers is that February willsee the postman bearing bad news with the delivery of anautomated Penalty that will have been issued as a direct resultof the late sending of a Full Payment Submission (FPS) or notsending an Employer Payment Submission (EPS) where youdidn’t pay any employees, or because you didn’t send theexpected number of FPS, according to HMRC.

It would be fair to say that amongst the many debates sincethe arrival of RTI, the most significant, for accountants,

Looking for learning and development opportunities for your team?

Why not let us come to you?

If you have three or more members who require training and development opportunities, we can come and deliver training or quali cations in-house.

cipp.org.uk

To nd out more email

[email protected] with details of your

training and/or quali cations requirements

Not anotherpenalty?

32945 HPD_HorseWorld 03/12/2014 11:21 Page 1

22

There are changes to pensions coming inApril 2015, but Central Financial Planning ishere to help.

The Solihull investment and pensions advisor, already nationalaward-winner when it comes to the quality of its advice andstandards, is the perfect partner to guide you through the newrequirements.

The Solihull bespokeindependent company, bothChartered and Accredited by theInstitute of Financial Planning,specialises in advising clientswith retirement planning orhelping those who are alreadyretired and want professionalhelp with their investments.

“The great joy of financialfreedom is having your heart andmind free from worry about life'suncertainties,” says ManagingDirector Ian Smith.

“Our aim is to pave the way for amore secure financial future for you through developing a long-term relationship and acting as a trusted adviser to you, yourfamily and for businesses of all sizes.”

The forthcoming pension changes sees Central FinancialPlanning anticipating increased demand for its services nextyear as more people seek advice, but 2015 will also see thecompany developing its specialism in care home fee planning,thanks to continued referrals from solicitors.

It is not just recommendations which reflect the knowledge andhigh standards of which Central Financial Planning is so proud,there are awards too.

A long list of wins includes Citywire’s regional New ModelAdviser of the Year and Income Drawdown Planner of the Yearand Ian has been named Pensions/SIPP Independent Adviserof the Year - three times in a row.

“We are a small bespoke financial planning boutique but ourknowledge, qualifications and experience are far beyond mostnational companies,” he says.

It is never too early to think about securing your financial futureand talking to Central Financial Planning represents the start ofa journey that will help you secure goals that will see you, yourfamily and your assets protected.

Have a question or need some help?Get in touch today

0845 006 6204

Managing DirectorIan Smith

“We will listen to your needs, your hopes your dreams, and willthen formulate a bespoke plan, one filled with clear, no jargonadvice on the most appropriate financial products for yourpersonal circumstances,” promises Ian.

“Many people have goals and dreams, but a goal without aplan is just a wish. An achievable goal is a dream with adeadline.”

To find out more about Central Financial Planning andits services, go to www.centralfinancialplanning.co.ukAlternatively, telephone 0845 0066204 or email [email protected]


23

ERA Solutions, who were formed in January2000, are the leading national specialists inthe assistance of employee matters withInsolvency Practitioners.

The firm works with Insolvency Practitionerswho are called in to deal with strugglingbusinesses or individuals who have becomeinsolvent. Practitioners are usually tasked withsetting out complex insolvency proceduresincluding how to deal with the sensitive area ofEmployment Rights.

In October 2013 Sarah Rheeston nee Portmantook over ERA after 14 years’ experience withthe firm. We asked what, if any, had been hermajor challenges, she laughed and said “Takingthe business over and setting it all up!”

The company provides a comprehensive andprofessional service to insolvency practitionersin employment related issues, offering hands onexpertise and an approach that combinesquality and efficiency with cost effective results.

While they have successfully undertaken largereceiverships with mass redundancies they areequally happy to provide expertise to thesmallest of liquidations.

Dealing with redundant employees can bechallenging ERA Solutions Ltd steps in tosupport the Insolvency Practitioner with thisdelicate and sometimes time consuming task.Speak to ERA and discover how their servicescan save you time and money, leaving you freeto manage your cases more effectively.

ERA Solutions recognise that liquidation andredundancies are amongst the most stressfulexperiences that people suffer, and are there tooffer informed and sympathetic support. Due totheir long standing and excellent workingrelationship with the Insolvency Service, they areoften able to achieve a fast turnaround ofpayments to the employees.

The claims system is going digital and ERASolutions are proud to have been chosen to bepart of the testing process for the new system,which will be going live in the New Year. Theemployee will be completing the claim form RP1

on line and consequently will be made directly to the Insolvency Service. Thisin turn will reduce delays in payment to the employee.

One of the important changes will mean the claimant will require a casereference number in order to complete the claim. This can only be given oncethe case has been set up with the Insolvency Service (RP14). This also meansthe company must be insolvent before the claim can be made.

It is a quite a tribute to their expertise that ERA have been chosen to conductthis trial, Sarah said that it was going extremely well.

Her plans for the future are to continue to grow the business and to continueto offer top quality service at a competitive rate.

Sarah said: “Our success is down to working in partnership with all sorts offirms including many of the top 10 as well as medium and individual IP firms.The future is strong for ERA Solutions and we are looking forward to growingand developing over years to come.”

Call the team now for more details on 0845 094 1777or email [email protected]

www.era-solutions.co.uk

Find us on...

employment rightsin insolvency

E R A S o l u t i o n s


24

Increasingly, software savvy, IT literate,fleet decision-makers are waking up tothe fact that today’s hi-tech vehiclemanagement systems can seamlesslyinteract with other internal and externalsoftware to dramatically improveoperating effectiveness and efficiency.

Ever-evolving sophisticated web-basedsoftware developments mean that fleetoperators no longer need to manually inputevery item of information, from a driver’sname to a car’s number plate and from afuel purchase to a vehicle service.

Hours spent on form filling are now beingput to more efficient use.

Such techno-awareness couldn’t be morecritical at a time when the revenues of the$9billion global fleet management industryare expected to triple within the five years.

UK-based trafficsafe.org reported onfindings from market research company ABIResearch.

Market penetration in the commercial freightsegment is already high, said the company,which has forecast that the main drivers forthe extended growth out to 2018 are basedon four key elements:

1 Many HGV manufacturers are offeringfleet management systems that are pre-installed during vehicle manufacturing as aresult of OEM partnerships. Majormanufacturers like IVECO, DAF, Scania andVolvo already offer such a package but thenumber of truck suppliers providing built-infleet management is expected to grow.

2 Some fleet management system suppliersare focusing on specialist segments orsmaller fleets, creating markets wherecompanies would not otherwise considerfleet management as an option.

3 New and emerging markets will come onstream including Russia, South America andAsian countries.

4 An increased level of knowledge of thebenefits of fleet management within themarket especially in such areas as improvedroad safety and better fuel consumption isdriving additional demand and enabling fleetmanagement vendors to consolidate onexisting markets.

With such a major upturn in the fleetmanagement industry forecast, operators willnot be able to afford to spend time in the‘Dark Ages’ entering every single detailrelating to a company fleet.

Jason Francis, Managing Director of fleetsoftware and occupational road safety expertJaama says increasing numbers of fleetdecision-makers understand the importanceof choosing technology that can fullyintegrate with systems operated by externalsuppliers and other company departments,such as HR, payroll and finance, and whichcan also be accessed by drivers.

“Until only a few years ago, they still had tomanually enter virtually every single piece offleet relevant information,” he says. “Not onlywas this time-consuming andadministratively cumbersome, it could beprone to mistakes. Additionally, the way datawas stored meant that it was difficult to

monitor, measure and compare and contrastthe performance of individual drivers andvehicles effectively. Today’s computersoftware is able to seamlessly populatesystems in real time, ensuring up-to-the-minute accurate management information.”

Data and information feeds from contracthire and leasing suppliers, daily rentalcompanies, fuel management operators,fast-fit organisations and residual valuesuppliers, for example, can now update fleetmanagement systems, along withinformation supplied by drivers - mileages,expense claims and working hours - andinformation from other departments on, forexample, new starters, employee promotionsand changes in driver circumstances.

Says James: “The technology is nowavailable and today’s forward-thinking fleetoperators can use it to their advantage. Inturn the management information they cansupply to their bosses on every facet offleet functionality has never been moredetailed or more accurate.

For those fleet managers who fear theadvance of technology would leave themwithout a job, James advises: “This is farfrom the truth as the technology revolutionenables fleet decision-makers to be far morestrategic in their job and less process-driven.”

He also has plenty of reassurance overfears that the volume of data available andreports generated by super-efficientsoftware could prove unmanageable.

“It is true that data available to fleetoperators has increased by a factor of 50 inthe last decade and will continue toincrease,” he acknowledges. “However,they can decide what they want to monitorand measure by exception and cancustomise the software to meet their ownindividual requirements.”

So decide what would benefit your company,from simple GPS tracking to sophisticatedreal time feedback, do your research, andstart saving both time and money!

Fleet Managementfor the Modern World


25

We all aspire to improving customer service, but at what costto the business? The delicate balancing act of meetingcustomer demand, with finite resources is now much easierwith the latest mobile technology.

We can now connect customers, suppliers, drivers and vehiclesin ways previously impossible. This means more engageddrivers, informed and satisfied customers and managementwith visibility of trends within their business. On the road, thisequates to lower fuel costs, reduced vehicle wear and tear, andbetter utilisation of staff and resources.

Five or ten years ago, telematics was all about providinginformation to management and was less concerned withengaging the driver. Driver connectedness is integral to the next

wave of telematics. A business is only as good as the person inthe field that represents it and by providing that connection to realtime data, your drivers are able to make more informed decisions.

Through the combination of telematics, work ordermanagement and route optimisation, the system can see whattools are contained in each vehicle, as well as the skillset ofeach driver. In a work environment where the need to respondto ever-changing customer demand is critical, this ability helpssignificantly improve response and fleet efficiency. Byintelligently selecting and rerouting a capable vehicle and driver,it ensures customer satisfaction and the most efficient use ofyour resources in the field.

Through coordinated use of navigation, dispatch, work ordermanagement and route optimisation, organisations can plan thework for the day, and dynamically reschedule to meet changesalong the way. The technology takes the desired production forthe day, compares that to the available assets in the field, andcreates a plan that is going to allow those goals to be achievedby driving the fewest miles. This saves fuel, reduces wear andtear on the vehicle, and puts the least amount of strain on thedriver. It also gives the company a realistic assessment of howthe fleet is actually performing compared to the plan. Underfavourable conditions, these technologies can reduce totalmiles driven by 15 to 20 percent and help increase productivity.

This level of information and ability to react to events meansthat customer service can be maximised, while keeping costscontained. Companies can grant a customer visibility into thelocation and estimated arrival time of a delivery or service visit.The customer can ensure that they are at home at the righttime for the call, or for a business customer, equipment or dockspace is made available to ensure an efficient turnaround –satisfying both parties.

This connected way of doing business can be engineered to fitthe needs of most organisations. The benefits are high; agreener, more cost-efficient fleet (fuel savings, reduced idling), asafer fleet (improved driving behavior/fewer accidents andparking/speeding tickets), improved customer satisfaction, lesswear and tear on your vehicles (and their drivers), improvedemployee satisfaction and decision making, and an overallgreater utilisation of your assets and resources.

Sergio Barata, General Manager EMEA, Telogis

Telogis provides the technology that helps you get a handle on excessive idling,

out-of-route miles and speeding, plus a clearer view on driver behaviour –

all resulting in fewer trips to the pump.

With today’s fuel prices at an all-time high, it’s time to understand how implementing

the solution that’s being used by the world’s largest fleets in more than 100 countries

can help you get ahead.

To see �rst-hand how Telogis transforms business, Telogis.co.uk or call +44 (0) 203 005 8805

Make fewer trips to the pump, and transform the way you do business.

Telogis customers experience a 10-15% cut in their annual fuel bill.

mssay you do bus

The Connected Vehicle the Next Generation of Telematics


26

Policies can be mind-numbingly dull if you don’t lift themoff the page. After reading 101 pages of small print -complete with sub-sections on numbered lists on bulletpoints – it’s tough to remember how this torrent ofwords relates to your SME in the real word.

It’s a common mistake - words being confined to the page onwhich they’re written rather than seeing what that documentrepresents. A fleet policy (like any business policy) shouldn’t be justa tick in the long checklist of SME must-be-dones, to be forgottenas soon as it’s PDFed; it should be the beginning of instilling yourethics, your principles and your standpoints.

Ask yourself big questionsWhen a policy document is signed, that’s not “it”. That policy’swords instantaneously become a lasting commitment from you toyour employees and visa versa about how your business fleet will berun and cared for day-to-day. It can be an important step in lookingafter your employees as well as defining yourself as an employer.

So, before you put pen to paper, work out what's really importantto your SME… is it driver safety, protecting your brand, beinggreen, reducing costs, fulfilling your duty of care or all of theabove?! That’s what will make your policy both influential andsuccessful. After all, if a policy isn’t both of those things, what’s thepoint in having one at all?

The policy sandwichAny policy document is actually pretty useless by itself. It needs tobe sandwiched between two operational activities to make it “real”:

1. Management and employee buy-in

2. Aligned processing

Buy-in: Talk to your employees to gauge reactions and temperany concerns (particularly around vehicle/ fuel preferences, greyfleet vehicles and mileage reimbursement). How do they see itaffecting their jobs?

Most policies will involve approval processes around things likejourney sign-off and lease vehicle choices. Careful thought should beput into who, when and how approvals happen so that there’s arigid yet quick process which doesn’t hinder managers’ other duties.

Processing: From driver forms to mileage tracking, every policy ispartnered with administration. There’s an argument to say that ifthere’s not adequate checks/monitoring of a policy, thewords themselves are meaningless. (Why take a copyof a driving licence if you’re not getting it checkedwith the DVLA and, if it is invalid or hasendorsements against it, how do you wantyour business react?)

Here’s some questions to bear in mind asyou define your fleet policy:

• How are the rules monitored/checked? (i.e. annuallicense\checks, insurance updates)

• Who’s responsible for completing those checks andwhat support do they need to do this well?

• What happens if parts of the policy aren’t upheld? (i.e.driver education, disciplinary action, fleet review)

Fleet FundamentalsCovase has a number of must-haves in its fleet policyarsenal which are a good place to start:

If you'd like Covase to help you write a new fleet policy or update your existing one, give them a call on 0845 369 7100.

How to write a policy** that's worth more than the paper it's written on


27

There’s a new version of market leading fleetmanagement software on the way, bringing evengreater efficiencies for the thousands of satisfiedusers throughout the UK.

Specialist systems and business process services providerCivica is getting ready to roll out release 9 of its Tranmansystem, the software which has already proved its credentialswith major public and private organisations across the country.

The new release is part of Bristol-based Civica’s ongoingcommitment to ensuring its products and services always meetcustomers’ needs through a constantly evolving transport andtechnology market.

“Our focus is to help them to remain cost efficient andcompliant with the wide ranging and comprehensive laws onroad transport,” says Matt Goodstadt, General Manager ofCivica’s, Fleet Management Business Unit.

“The latest version of our Tranman system will help customersgain more insight into their operations and further reduceadministration and operating costs.”

For more than 25 years, Civica has maintained a successfultrack record of service delivery and growth.

In that time it has become an industry pioneer in providing awide range of specialist systems and business process

services, through software, cloud-based services andoutsourcing, to help customers around the world transform theway they work.

The usage figures are impressive. Tranman is used by 90% ofthe UK’s police forces and 40% of it’s fire brigades -Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service recently procured Tranmanon a five year contract while Police Scotland and the ScottishFire and Rescue Service, both independently chose it tomanage their large national fleets.

More than 100 local authorities are also benefitting from thesoftware as are 30% of the country’s ambulance services and ahost of blue chip businesses such as Morrisons Supermarkets,Babcocks, Balfour Beatty, Carillion, Veolia and Travis Perkins.

“Fleet managers need to achieve more with less and improvingthe quality of services delivered and achieving efficiency targetsis paramount,” says Matt.

“We understand that keeping control of fleet costs is a neverending challenge but investing in Tranman will bring improvedfleet management and operational efficiency.”

To find out more, or to make an enquiry go to

www.civica.co.uk/tranman

Its Tranman system is aimed at helping fleet managersto reduce and control costs, manage compliance andimprove operational efficiency, covering areas such as:

• Vehicle records.

• Fuel management.

• Drivers, accidents and risk management.

• Workshops, maintenance authorisation and stores.

• O Licence management.

• Long and short term hire and pool car booking.

• Grey fleet management.

Facilitate Improve Transform

Every day we help more than

professionals in their jobs750,000


28

The installation of a whole new IT system seesAdvance Forwarding poised to click ‘go’ on the nextexciting chapter of its 21-year story - and it wants totake the next generation of freight forwardingprofessionals with it.

The Derbyshire company is looking to recruit as ends anexciting anniversary year that has taken in the purchase of newpremises to allow for increased warehousing space and theexpansion of its packing services.

Based in Melbourne, Advance Forwarding is renowned as atrustworthy partner for organisations requiring a dynamic andinnovative approach when transporting commercial goodsaround the world.

Proud of its flexible approach to customer requirements itsOperations staff are encouraged take on an account

management role, liaising directly with clients to offer first-handadvice and a highly efficient service.

The combination of Forwarding and Packing services create aseamless solution for all logistic requirements.

Advance already works in partnership with some of the UK’s mostprestigious names. Recently projects have included packing andshipping ‘Old Bill’, a Brough Superior SS 80 1000cc one-of-a-kind motorbike, and the re-export of restored ChristchurchCathedral bells following the 2011 New Zealand earthquake. TheAdvance Group specialises in shipping unique items as well asfrequently transported commercial products across Aerospace,Automotive, Healthcare and Food Industry sectors.

Recognised as a multimodal 3PL service provider, it offersglobal courier services, domestic haulage (using its own fleetfor local collections, deliveries and dedicated same dayconsignments), dedicated and groupage European road freight,intermodal road and rail and international sea freight andairfreight. As part of the service it assists with all forms ofcertified export documentation, consular documentation, lettersof credit and full marine insurance cover.

The Packing divisionmanufactures packingcases, crates andpallets for the exportmarket and has vastexperience in handlinghazardous/dangerousgoods, non-hazardous commercial

shipments, motorcycles, antiques and personal effects. Inaddition, it facilitates a pick and pack operation, storage anddistribution, container stuffing and devanning.

With UK and overseas agents for air and sea, a dedicatedsupplier base for European groupage and accessibility to amultitude of networks, boosted by the preferential rates itenjoys with global courier operators, Advance Forwarding hasthe world at its fingertips.

“We’ve had a very successful few years with a 33% increase inturnover between 2013/14 and we’re on track for a further 25%increase throughout 2014/15,” says Sales Director, SteveHodson. “I and my fellow company founder, Operations DirectorMike Bull, have every reason to look forward with confidence.

Since the pair established the business to provide a premiumhands-on service for local companies, they have seen it growconsistently into an established and well-respected Investors inPeople operation. It continues to grow through offering apremium service that is second to none from a highly driventeam of professionals on hand 24/7.

For further information or to email an enquiry, visit www.advancegrp.co.ukAlternatively telephone 01332 865 656

We are proud to support

Advance Forwarding Ltd and

Advance Packaging Ltd The team at Towergate would like to congratulate

them on their anniversary

Towergate is a trading name of Towergate Underwriting Group Limited. Registered in England No. 4043759. Registered address: Towergate House, Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Kettering: 01536 486 700 l [email protected]: 01604 887 300 l [email protected]

www.towergate.com

For more information please contact us on:

01530 243710or visit:www.rafton.co.uk Email:[email protected]

8 Woodland Close, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QH

Congratulations to Advance Forwardingon their 20th Anniversary.

Providing a personalised service to local business owners and individuals. For help with any of your accountancy and tax needs.All initial consultations are free of charge.

32984 1pg_HorseWorld 05/11/2014 10:09 Page 1

29

In Detail

(Whitley, Coventry – 16 October 2014).

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations today announces the launch of theJaguar Heritage Driving Experience. This range of exciting driving experiencesgives participants the unique opportunity to take the wheel of cars includingLe Mans-racing legend Jaguar D-type, legendary E-type and Jaguar’s mostpotent sports car ever, the F-TYPE R Coupé. Details of the new JaguarHeritage Driving Experience may be reviewed at:www.jaguarheritagedriving.com

From November 2014 the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience opens at anestablished 200-acre testing facility, Fen End, in Warwickshire, where visitorswill be offered the chance to drive some of these icons of Jaguar’s richproduct history.

Many of the vehicles in the collection will be driven by members of the publicfor the very first time, having been prepared for high octane test actionfollowing Jaguar’s recent purchase of over 500 outstanding British heritagecars from a private collector.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, JohnEdwards, said:

“This is the first experiential offering from our new division and is the first timein Jaguar’s history that we have made a collection of vehicles of this calibreavailable for ‘arrive and drive’ experiences. It’s an extremely exciting newproject that underscores the very essence of what Special Operations is allabout – celebrating heritage with our eyes firmly on the future.”

The collection includes many iconic Jaguars, charting over 100 years ofbeautiful, fast cars from pre - and post-war road racers and Le Manschampions, to later sporting saloons and grand tourers. A variety of drivepackages will be available, allowing visitors to experience a particular era or tojourney through Jaguar’s history right up to present day heroes such as the F-TYPE R Coupé.

In Brief:

• For the first time, Jaguar fans from all over the world have theopportunity to drive models from a unique collection of Jaguar heritage vehicles

• The programme launched inNovember at Jaguar Landrover'sofficial Fen End test facility in theWest Midlands

• A variety of experiences isavailable to book now, from one-hour drives to half-day Le Mans 24 Hours race-themed specialsand a full-hospitality ‘Grace andPace’ driving programme

Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Launches Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience

33112 DPS_HorseWorld 01/12/2014 15:13 Page 1

30

Example packages include:

Jaguar Experience (ranging from £95 to £250):

From passenger rides to driving alongside a seasonedprofessional (including some recognisable faces from the worldof motorsport), visitors can choose from individual models –including an XK150 or Mark 2 saloon – or selected pairingssuch as the Series 1 and Series 3 E-type. There’s also theoption to drive heritage cars alongside their moderncounterparts, such as an E-type with a factory-fresh F-TYPE.

Le Mans Experience (£750):

Re-live the experiences of legends such as Mike Hawthorn andDuncan Hamilton for half a day, with drives in the iconic C andD-types that dominated the world famous 24-hour endurancerace in the 1950s. This package will also feature drives in theXKSS and F-TYPE R Coupé, and includes lunch.

Grace and Pace Experience (£2,000):

A full day of driving Jaguar Heritage legends, from post-warracers to sports saloons, coupés, roadsters and much more,including the new XFR and F-TYPE R Coupé models. TheGrace and Pace day will also feature opportunities to drivecreations from the company’s Special Operations division, andincludes chauffeur-driven transfers in classic Jaguar saloons toa lunch venue.

The first visitors to Jaguar’s Heritage Experience days will alsobe invited to exclusive guided viewings of the ‘Perfect Ten’exhibition, installed at Fen End for a limited period following itsrecent launch at the Jaguar XE reveal at Earls Court, London.The ‘Perfect Ten’ is made up of iconic Jaguars selected by adistinguished panel including design director Ian Callum, LordMarch of the Goodwood Estate and AC/DC front man BrianJohnson. The selection includes the ultra-rare SS100 and theone-of-a-kind and priceless XJ13. More on the creation of theJaguar ‘Perfect Ten’ can be seen in this short film:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evq7wcq09H0

The facility at Fen End will also feature a new brandedmerchandise outlet - where the recently launched Heritage ’57Collection is available to purchase. Full details of the newcollection may be found here:https://shop.jaguar.co.uk/heritage

For more information visitwww.jaguarheritagedriving.com

email [email protected] telephone 0333 577 0156

As of 2015, the Jaguar XK8 becomes a part of the Jaguar Heritage portfolio.

With almost 11,000 genuine parts available, your car will retain its beauty

and authenticity for years to come.

For further information talk to our dedicated team of Jaguar Heritage experts:

E: [email protected] T: +44 (0) 2476 565 708

www.jaguarheritageparts.com

THE BIRTH OF A NEW CLASSIC


31

Jaguar Land Rover's newly established Jaguar Heritagedivision was exhibited for the first time at the popular LancasterInsurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC, which attracted65,000 visitors over the weekend of 14 -16 November.

The Jaguar Heritage stand showcased the capabilities andvision of the Jaguar Heritage team, including the opening of thenew Heritage workshop at Browns Lane, the extensive classicJaguar parts offering, the Heritage Branded Goods range, thecontinued production of the Light-weight E-type, as well thenew Heritage Driving Experiences which were also launched thesame weekend.

Large numbers of visitors flocked to view the Lightweight E-type, 'Car Zero', the prototype for the six brand-new modelsdue to be built by Jaguar Land Rover Special VehicleOperations. These six new E-types will be meticulously built byspecialist engineers, highlighting the expert skills of the JaguarHeritage workshop. The coveted Lightweight E-types wereoriginally built in 1963 with aluminium bodies to improveperformance, with just 12 of the projected 18 cars being built.The six brand-new Lightweight E-types will carry the originalseries chassis numbers of the 'missing' models.

Jaguar Heritage also celebrated the 60th anniversary of itslegendary Le Mans winning D-type, and presented the famous

D-type, chassis number 561, kindly loaned to Jaguar LandRover by Adam Lindemann. The car was the Ecurie Ecosseteam's third, last and latest D-type, delivered brand-new fromthe Jaguar factory at Browns Lane in March 1956.

These Jaguar cars were complemented at the LancasterInsurance Classic Car Show by new Jaguar Heritage brandedmerchandise, available for sale; following the successful launchof the new '57 Collection at the recent Paris Motor Show.

The JaguarHeritage '57Collection, provedvery popularduring the show. Itwas created byJaguar's designteam tocommemorate themarque's mostsuccessful period

at Le Mans, using the 1957 Le Mans-winning Number 3 'EcurieEcosse' team car as inspiration. Distinguished by the winningblue flag and drawing on signature cues from this victorious car,key pieces from the Collection include a classic leather jacketand apparel, a leather racing holdall, luggage and smallerleather goods which carry iconic photography taken at the1957 Le Mans race.

Jaguar Heritage Parts were also represented at the show.Jaguar Heritage Parts supplies 100 per cent genuine Jaguarparts for models which have been out of production for tenyears or more. These genuine parts are the only way to ensurethat a classic Jaguar is kept in the best possible condition.

Jaguar's specialist technical advisors were also at hand to offertechnical advice around the Heritage Parts range. With over 35years of product knowledge, they were also taking parts orderson the day.

There was also an area dedicated to the newly establishedJaguar Heritage Workshop, which reopened at Browns Lanethis summer. The workshop offers servicing and restoration toclassic Jaguars, all of which is undertook by highly skilledJaguar technicians. It is also the home of the Light-weight E-type build.

On the stand, the Workshop featured an XK150 chassis andwas hosted by a workshop representative who was offeringtechnical advice to visitors over the weekend, as well as takingservice bookings.

The team at Jaguar is delighted by the marques’ success at theshow this year and the interest that Jaguar Heritage createdwith classic car enthusiasts.

Jaguar Heritage Wows the Crowds.


32

Because as with all works of art, imitation always pales in comparisonto authenticity.

There is almost 100 years of knowledge and engineering behind the Jaguar brand. When you choose genuine parts from Jaguar Heritage, you’re choosing an unwavering dedication to durability and quality that’s infused in everything we do.

We’re committed to the future of Jaguar’s past – and to preserving your classic car in a state of timeless perfection.

Jaguar Heritage Parts are available online and from your local dealer.

www.jaguarheritageparts.com

WHY SIMPLY REPLACE, WHEN YOU CAN GENUINELY PERFECT?

Jaguar Heritage Parts are available online and from your local dealer.www.jaguarheritageparts.com


33

Bring the Nottingham professionals on board and youknow that your premises are safe in their fullyqualified personnel’s hands.

More than 200 clients, large and small, across the Nottingham,Derby and Leicester areas all enjoy secure peace of mind,thanks to the high-quality protection they receive fromForemost Security.

Whether it’s an on-site physical presence that’s required, ahighly visible mobile patrol or a fast-response key-holdingservice, the company can adapt its provision to fit eachindividual requirement.

And if you’re just not sure where your security weaknesses are,Foremost Security will happily conduct a free review of your premises.

“When your staff, premises and visitors need to be protectedfor whatever reason, security becomes a necessity,” saysManaging Director Paul Ritchie. “We are professionals whohave been vetted and approved to provide the services yourorganisation needs.”

Now, having just moved to larger and prestigious offices at TheClock Tower, in Nottingham city centre, Foremost Security isplanning to extend it’s protective and fast response presence toeven more customers.

Established in 2010, the company has quickly established itselfas an important and trusted provider of security services, whichinclude manned guarding, mobile patrols and secure keyholding with fast alarm response.

Accredited under Security Industry Authority ApprovedContractor Scheme, all its processes and procedures areaccredited to ISO 9001 : 2010.

With clients including Nottingham University, local councils, majorindustrial manufacturers and organisations within the construction,service and facilities management sectors, Foremost Security islarge enough to handle the security from any industry yet smallenough to offer a personal, tailored service.

It’s that ability to provide pinpoint and respond to exactly whatthe customer wants which has not only sustained it through thetough recession, it has helped it to grow.

Despite what many would think is some extraordinary decision-making.

“There’s no doubt the recession was one of our biggestchallenges and, like other companies, we had to face theeffects of cuts on non-essential services,” says Paul.

“Sadly, some believe that security is a non essential service -which often proves to be a great mistake.

“It can be required for a wide range of reasons: from the valueof goods or sensitivity of handled information to a site’s complexentry and exit requirements. Some companies, to comply withtheir insurance policy, have to provide adequate security whilefor others, security is merely the peace of mind of a speedyresponse to alarm activation in the middle of the night.”

And Foremost Security provides them all in a professional andcost effective way.

Find out more at www.foremost-security.co.ukwhere you can also view some satisfied client

testimonials. Alternatively telephone 0115 911 0213 or email [email protected]

So you thoughtall accountantswere the same...

Gothic House, Barker Gate, Nottingham NG1 1JU To find out how Keith Willis Associatescan help you please

contact us on 0115 947 6677 or email [email protected]

What do we stand for?Apart from the more general accountancy services we can also assist you with business development and specialist tax services.

What we offerBusiness Accounting including Audit, VAT & Payroll

Personal Accounting including Estate Planning & Self Assessment

Specialist Services including Retail & Construction

Business Accounting | Personal Accounting | Specialist Services www.keithwillis.com

We are dedicated to finding new ways to generate value for our clients.

Security for your business foremost in your mind? Then you need Foremost Security.


34

Think of that iconic ending toRaiders of the Lost Ark. Asolitary figure pushes atrolley bearing the Ark of theCovenant, firmly sealed intoan anonymous crate, throughan alleyway. The camerapans back to reveal a vasthanger-like space stackedhigh and wide with identicalcrates. Now THAT’s awarehouse.

It’s a great finish to a classic film,but while today’s warehousesmight not look quite like themovie version, they, too, areoften expected to be safeholding zones for the preciousand the possibly hazardous.

Specialised storage of liquidsand gases, agriculturalcommodities and refrigeratedgoods are all part of thewarehousing and storageindustry service, along with theusual general merchandise andmechanical parts.

In an industry which is currentlyreported to be in a growthphase, with revenue expecting toreach £13 billion by next year,being asked to look after anartefact or few should notpresent any problem.

The chief impetus behind thecurrent growth is the everdeveloping technology andchoices of location with theindustry responding toincreasingly complex supplychains and new customerdemands.

The last ten years or so haveseen warehousesmove away from theirtraditional sites,typical of a pastindustrial age such asdock andinner city

areas, to places that are oftensemi-rural but close to goodtransport links.

Nowadays they will be burstingwith technology - as opposed toidentical wooden crates - thattakes into account the extravalue now being offered bystorage operators. Automatedand voice operated pickingsystems are taking their placealongside RFID tracking systemsand barcode scanners.

There are no single soulspushing individual trolleys here.More often than not, the largestwarehousing systems are a hiveof industry with teams of peopleracing up and down, pickingorders for the next delivery to goout. But whether stock is held inpart of a vast automatedlogistical hub, or a small unitrequiring minimal staffing, ahuge amount of thought willhave - or should have - beenput into choosing thewarehouse by the stock holder.

There are many considerationsto take into account, and they’renot all about location, location,location.

Take costs, for example. They’regoing to have a fairly majorbearing, particularly when there’sthe potential to overlook quite afew while seeking out awarehouse. You may findyourself paying more if you wantto base it close to your corecustomers: prices in that areacould be higher than if youchose somewhere less central,and once you bring shippinginto it - it could cost more from

one site than another.Clearly financial

planning is a mustwhen choosing awarehouse.

Location, location,location. OK - it drives mostcompanies’ choice ofwarehouse. A large businessmight go for a countrycentral location with easyaccess to motorways,railways or airports, asmaller local business mightprefer something closer toits own base.

Warehousing

Once the situation’s beenchosen then it’s time to getdown to the nitty gritty. Whatwill the warehouse be used for?Maybe not the Ark of theCovenant, but other than theobvious security considerationsand safety requirement ifhazardous materials are involved,it’s worth looking at the buildingto see if it fits the way thebusiness operates.

Is there really enough room, notjust for now but in the future?Nobody wants to buy or pay foracres of square footage and onlyuse a tiny portion of it. But ifpotential expansion is on thecards - and what businessdoesn’t plan or hope for that - itmay be worth consideringbuying bigger.

It will save money in the long runas moving warehouses is a bigexpensive, time-consuming taskand not undertaken lightly,

especially if a lot of stock isinvolved. No one wants tooutgrow their storage facilitiestoo quickly.

Don’t forget the practicalitieseither. Companies with fleets oflorries need to be able to makesure they can get the vehiclesonto the site.

Of course every business has adifferent requirement so notevery one of these factors willhold an equal amount ofimportance, but it’s worthconsidering them all whenselecting a warehouse, not justfocusing on its location and size.

And if any archaeologist-typesturn up bearing large heavycrates that they want storedunobtrusively in your warehouse,make sure you’ve got a jolly safeplace in which to put it.

33051 1pg plus 33077 Advert_Transport Warehousing 05/12/2014 12:56 Page 1

35

There have been big changes at Air &Ground, who serve the aviation industry, asthey streamline their operation under threecore business models, Warehousing,Distribution and Inventory Management,and a fresh new look at these domains.

Matthew Powell, Supply Chain and SupportDirector, told us, “We are in a unique businessarena and in order to break it down to a moreunderstandable format we have created 5 newcorporate images, covering Parts Supply,Contract Management, Warehousing,Distribution, and Inventory Management.

Air & Ground has over 15 years’ experience inthe management of Logistics processes forother companies, from storing and handlingconsignments to the management of a supplychain of small to large items. They can bothstore and distribute, using their detailedcomputer system, warehousing facilities andhighly qualified and experienced staff. Our teamof aviation, civil and ex-military specialise in themanagement of all nature of goods and systemsthat is focused on Quality, Safety and theenvironment.

Air & Ground has access to a number of securefacilities with flexible capabilities to best suitbusiness operational requirements and minimiseyour company’s expenditure and maximise itsprofitability.

Matt said, “We will support your long-termwarehousing strategy, but also offer qualitymanagement of your seasonal and temporaryrequirements.” They believe in doing extra fortheir customers, and are rather different fromthe normal storage company in the great levelsof service they offer, not just storing, butmanaging your materials and their distribution toyour best advantage. If you hit a problem, theyprobably already have the answer and are thereto help with well-founded and positive advice.

There is no need to have any concerns about what sort of items and materialsyou need to store and distribute. Air & Ground can provide solutions for largeor awkward items, vehicles, aircraft, and containers to aviation spare partsincluding wing components for the A380 Airbus. Air & Ground can manage itall; their high-density storage and distribution capabilities are ideally aligned tohandle consignment stock.

Using an efficient service to handle your warehousing and distribution needs hasconsiderable cost saving benefits, quite apart from being far more convenient.

| Aviation House | London Road | Shirleywich |

Why should you choose Air and Ground for yourwarehousing and distribution needs? First and foremost,efficiency, the benefits of their outstanding Logisticsservices include as standard:

• Next day shipment to NATO countries

• Worldwide Export Capability

• Packaging standards exceeding commercial and militaryspecifications

• Kitting capability to enhance your production times

• Improved lead times to supplying your client’s needs

• Just in Time (JIT) solutions for you and your customers

• Marine and cargo third party liability insurance

• Virtual customer control with full tracking

• Latest stock control and bar coding system

• Strategically located near major UK airports and motorways

• Trained, experienced and friendly staff

• Capability to market your surplus and excesses

• Contingency measures to continue operating 24/7/365

Delivering the best service and productswithin the Aviation industry.


36

Avoiding additional premises costs for storage and enablingyou to make better use of your own floor space, reducingstaffing costs - no need to employ and train appropriatelyqualified staff, and eliminating the need to hire, purchase andmaintain specialist lifting equipment, fork lift trucks etc.

Air & Ground’s detailed stock analysis software will help tocontrol your stock levels to ensure that you only carry what youneed, while still making sure that you have sufficient materialsas and when you need them thus minimising stock costs whilereducing downtime, all key savings.

Using Air & Ground will facilitate all aspects of your entireoperation, with critical parts and products held at the ready,and easy drop off and call off plans; all designed to enable youto meet your planning and production needs resulting in aseamless, and improved customer service.

A key concern for many of us is security, but clients are happyto let Air & Ground take care of everything, their bondedfacilities are compliant with the regulations covering hazardousmaterials, they are covered by JSP (the MOD regulations

covering storage ) and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms). Theyare thus able to offer complete security of both materials anddata, their facilities being monitored by 24 hour CCTV andsecurity alarmed by ADT.

Despite the economic downturn that has affected manycompanies, Air & Ground continues to support local charities, inparticular the Donna Louise Trust and the Staffordshire Searchand Rescue Team with the donation of a Landrover vehicleequipped to operate in all weather conditions.

The future is looking bright for Air & Ground as they take offinto a new chapter in their story. M.D. Ian Dodds is excitedabout the company’s future and their smart new corporateimage, and he is delighted by the rapid growth they arecurrently experiencing, developing new business andsuccessfully negotiating new distribution agreements.

Get in touch to see what they can do for yourcompany, you’ll soon be wondering why you

didn’t get in touch with them before.

Air & Ground Ltd | Aviation House | London Road | Shirleywich | Staffordshire | ST18 0PN

airandground.com or call 01889 271777

[email protected]

We will offer :

• Accountability.

• Best Practice

• Continuous Improvement.

• Innovative approach to heritage support.

• Maintaining business and professionalstandards.

• Risk Management

• Providing customers with clear value for money.

• Proactive and flexible interaction.


37

Pre-Christmas is the busiest time of year for hauliers andwarehouse keepers, with high demand for storing andtransporting goods. However, there are several factors toconsider ensuring best practice is followed and nopotentially costly legal issues arise.

Tim Culpin, Head of Transport Law at Aaron & Partners LLP, says:

“For hauliers it’s mostly common sense – making sure you haveenough grit for your yard, providing adequate lighting for driversto do their daily checks and factoring in delays caused byadverse weather conditions, so that drivers aren’t going overtheir hours.”

Another problem hauliers faceis drivers duplicating licencesto avoid having to disclosepoints or even disqualificationsto their employers.

Tim explains: “Drivers’ abilityto hold a vocational licence isjudged on their conduct indriving any vehicle so somemay pretend they’ve lost theirlicence to keep a clean one topresent at work. The companycan get a mandate to includeregular licence checks fromthe DVLA which means thereare no opportunities to mislead

the company and all driving offences are recorded.”

And it’s not just the drivers who must make sure their licencesare up-to-date.

One of the most commonmistakes hauliers make is notapplying for a new operator’slicence in advance of a changein the legal entity which holdsit (e.g. sole trader to companyor a change in partners), thenfinding themselves paying highlegal fees to try to solve thesituation whilst losing income.

Tim says: “Almost always, it’s agenuine mistake, people simplydon’t realise that by losing apartner the partnership becomesa new entity so requires a newlicence, even if the majority of

the partnership is intact. The same is true if the businessincorporates”.

There are several reasons companies continue to operate underthe wrong licence and often the error does not come to lightuntil the licence is due to be renewed, which could be up tofive years after the change and too late to salvage.

Tim said: “It could be a sudden change, such as the death ofone of the partners, in which case a lawyer can help you get acontinuation, but as a rule you should notify the trafficcommissioner as soon as you’re aware of a change in thepartnership or entity – a failure to do so can result in an inabilityto operate for months while a new licence is applied for.”

For warehousing, problems arise when the terms that will applyto the storage are not made clear at the outset of therelationship with the customer.

Nick Clarke, Commercial Partner at Aaron & Partners, says:“You must make sure that the terms and conditions underwhich you are storing goods are notified to the customer beforethe storage commences. Standard industry terms includeprovisions limiting your liability and if you don’t ensure they areincorporated you will potentially face very significant liability ifthe goods are lost or damaged while in your care.

“Bigger customers may ask you to trade on their terms butthese are likely to favour them. You should have a solicitorreview the terms to ensure that you know what obligations andliabilities are imposed on you before agreeing to them. Thisinitial cost could save you very large amounts in the long run.”

Logistic legalities? Let’s talk.

01743 443 043Canon Court North, Abbey Lawn, Shrewsbury SY2 5DE

[email protected]

If your relationship with your current solicitor has come to the end of the road, consider getting things back on track with a move to Aaron & Partners. As logistic sector specialists, we offer expert practical, commercial and strategic legal advice to warehouse operators, commercial vehicle operators and their staff.

One of the UK’s leading firms of road transport solicitors

Strong rankings by leading legal directories Chambers & Partners and Legal 500

Honorary legal advisors to the UK Warehousing Association

24 hour Helpline

@AaronsTransportaaronandpartners.com/logistics

Best Practice for hauliers and warehouse keepers

Nick Clarke

Tim Culpin


38

When you bring in Newline Computing for your software,they’re going to get to know you very well before they goanywhere near a keyboard.

Critical to the company’s modus operandi is knowing exactlyhow its clients’ businesses work so it can then go on to devisethe best possible IT solution for each and every case.

“We appreciate that every customer is different, so our softwarehas to be functional, scalable and flexible,” says ManagingDirector Neil Cartwright.

“That’s why it’s vital we know everything about an operation.We do this by working closely with key members of thecustomer’s organisation to understand each of the processesthey go through to complete their daily operations.”

It’s this ability to get to the heart of a client long beforeproviding any solution that Newline is proud to declare as oneof its greatest successes.

“It’s because we do this so carefully and successfully that wehave long-standing customers who have been with us for over15 years.” says Neil. “The testimonials on our website areevidence.”

More than 26 years’ experience of providing customised ITsolutions lie behind Newline Computing Systems, based inHalesowen.

It brings its low-cost design and programming services to avariety of market sectors but with a focus on warehousemanagement and supply chain logistics which includesdeveloping bespoke commercial applications.

“We understand changing business needs and the demand forcontinual improvement,” assures Neil. “Using Microsoft robustrapid development tools we design, develop, install andsupport all our applications and a variety of service levelagreements (SLAs) are available, including 24/7 support.

To further enhance the robustness of our software products, weutilise industry leading database products to store and back upall clients’ data.”

Particular services include supply chain solutions, stock control,order management, barcode scanning, IT support, sequenceapplication and bespoke programming.

Traditionally its applications have been PC based, but Newline,always keeping its finger on the technological pulse of its fastand ever-changing industry, has already developed severalcloud-based applications which give customers access to theirdata wherever they are located.

It’s been an exciting year too - in September Neil, who joinedthe business in 1996 as a junior programmer, moved his smallteam to its new home on the Coombs Wood Business Park,premises which can accommodate further growth.

newl inewarehouse andlogistics solutions

The future sees the company focussing on increasing the ITsupport it offers to SMEs but Neil says the core business willalways be software development.

“We aim to grow at a steady, but sustainable pace, while stillbeing able provide robust applications and the high level ofsupport our customers are accustomed to,” he adds.

“We are an experienced software company, capable ofdeveloping the right solution for your business.”

To find out more about the company and its services, orto email an enquiry go to

www.newlinecomputing.comAlternatively telephone

0121 559 5566

33046 QPD_Grenville Engineering 2pg DPS 05/11/2014 10:14 Page 1

39

The Gas Superstore was established in1969 with its first retail outlet in Leicester.

The company specialises in supplying kitchenappliances, fires, fireplaces, and barbeques and,while the retail stores remains a populardestination for consumers from across the EastMidlands, sales from The Gas Superstore’sonline presence now account for up to 70 percent of all customer orders.

Such has been the success of the company’sonline e-commerce business that the GasSuperstore needed to upgrade its warehouseoperation to ensure that it is in a position tofulfill every next day delivery promise it makes toits loyal internet shoppers.

A 65,000 sq ft new build distribution centrefacility was acquired in Coalville – only 14 milesfrom its original retail store, allowing it tosupport a rapid click and collect service for theEast Midlands.

To maximize the storage capacity and handlingefficiency of the new site, The Gas Superstorewith the help of Flexi Warehouse Systemsplanned their new racking scheme around avery narrow aisleconfiguration (VNA)served by Flexiarticulated forktrucks.

Storage racking needed to be some 6.5 metres high to fully utilize the newbuilding with aisle widths set at 1.9 metres with end of aisle transfer aisle of only3 metres, the Flexi trucks are able to handle ISO and EURO or appliancesindividually. In order to increase throughput and reduce the average traveldistance between picks, a central transfer aisle only 2.7 metres wide with bridgebay storage above was created.

Opting for this Flexi based narrow aisle storage solution has enabled morethan 3,000 pallet storage locations to be achieved within the new building’sfootprint as well as the other important work zones required, goods receiving,picking and packing, dispatch and administration offices.

The Flexi AC trucks in the operation are the latest generation high throughputmodel. These units with 220 degrees of articulation, precise independentpower steering and unique ‘True Radius’ chassis design allow pallets andappliances to be handled easily in the 1.9 metre aisles. The Flexi trucks wereboth supplied with optimal hydraulic white goods/ appliance clamps to ensurethat the risk of damage to white goods and appliances was eliminated duringthe handling process, in fact uniquely the Flexi, when fitted with thehydraulically operated clamps can place appliances individually into speciallyadapted decked out pallet racking locations further improving safe storagecapacity and reducing manual handling.

Thanks to their ability to operate both inside the warehouse and outside in theyard, the Flexis are used by The Gas Superstore to unload incoming trailersand deliver stock to the storage cube.

When it comes to outgoing orders, the Flexis pick items from the racking andtransfer them directly to The Gas Superstore’s own fleet of delivery vans forshipment and installation into individual clients’ homes across the EastMidlands and increasingly nationwide.

The Gas Superstore’s Director Paul Fenn said: “We decided that the best wayto maximize the capacity and efficiency of our new building was to go downthe very narrow aisle (VNA) route. But we wanted the flexibility of handlingpallets or individual appliances in a very narrow aisle that Flexi articulatedtrucks offer when compared to traditional trucks.”

Flexi Narrow Aisle’s marketing director, John Maguire, commented: “Afterundertaking a detailed site survey and ensuring that we fully understood TheGas Superstore’s intralogistics requirements, we recommended a solution thatallowed appliances to be stored and then picked for individual customersdeliveries as well as handling pallets”.

“Because all Flexi AC used trucks are built with an independent powersteering motor to eliminate kickback, which then allows the main hydraulicsystem to power all appliance handling attachment, we had no hesitation inrecommending our machines for this client’s application.”

Paul Fenn added: “We considered other makes of articulated truck but wereimpressed by the way the Flexi team looked carefully at our requirementsbefore designing a solution that ultimately has fulfilled all our needs and more.The Flexi’s engineering and quality build are excellent, however operator clearforward visibility and smooth steering system has proven to be most importantwhen handling our customers’ fragile white goods with clamps.”

Delivering the (white) goods

FO RWA R D SA F E LY

AC


40

Call 0121 557 6242 ww F L E X I N A R R O W A I S L E

AC Rang

M OV I N G FO RWA R D SA F E LYOp w guardH VIS mast Tr Rad sTM design Sm th control

Short

Term

Ren

tal

Now you can acquire a new

contract hire with terms to suit your budget.

brand new and with all the support you’ll ever need?


41

Formed in 1996, Total Interiors Storage Solutions Ltd havegrown to become one of the UK’s leading providers ofinnovative storage solutions, including racking systems,mezzanine floors and refurbishment projects. Our success islargely due to the wealth of experience and knowledge of theTotal team who, like the directors Jerry and Julian Ruane,have spent many years in the industry. This valuableexperience means that we can provide our customers withthe right storage solution, at the right time and the right price.

Based in Worcester, Total Interiors Storage Solutions are anactive member of SEMA, the British Trade Association of theStorage Equipment Industry and the leading authority on thesafe design, installation and use of storage equipmentmanufactured and supplied by the appointed members.

Whatever your storage or materials handling problem, we canhelp you to decide upon a system most suited to yourindividual requirements, whether it be for standard units orpurpose built, enabling you to utilise your space to its optimum.

We have a team of in-house designers and offer site surveys,installation services and after sales safety inspections. Ourteams of experienced installers undertake contracts throughoutthe UK.

The comprehensive range of storage and handling solutionsinclude:

Racking and Shelving Systems

As the authorised distributor in the Midlands for Apex Linvar,we offer a wide range of racking systems, including PalletRacking, Drive-In Racking, Mobile Racking, Cantilever Rackingand Carton Live Storage.

Shelving is available to suit every application from small storesto large installations storing archive files including governmentand healthcare records.

Mezzanine Floors

Mezzanine Floors are a cost effective and efficient way ofincreasing office, storage and work space; notably because ofthe speed that space can be doubled giving you room to growthe business at relatively little cost compared to extensions oroffice moves.

Each installation will be designed specifically for yourrequirements from planning to complete installation, and wesubmit our drawings and calculations to Building RegulationApproval departments on your behalf.

Refurbishment Projects

A refurbishment project will provide additional space andfacilities for your existing building rather than go to the expenseof a new build or extension. The range of services could includecomplete strip outs, office facilities, mezzanine flooring,partitioning, suspended ceilings and electrics.

From concept to completion, the refurbishment would beproject managed by the Total Interiors Construction Design andManagement Co-ordinator, working closely with sub-contractors who are personally appointed by us and audited ona regular basis.

With advance planning and weekly meetings, we ensure thatyour business will continue to run smoothly throughout therefurbishment project.

TOTAL

Call us: 01905 757506www.totalinteriorsdirect.co.uk

Providing complete solutions for any storage need, expertly and

Our aim is simple. We will design, manage and install a system that will be the backbone of your storage, sales and production processes. You can trust the right price, the right can do attitude and the right team at your disposal.

Providing Complete Solutions For Any StorageNeed, Expertly and Efficiently


42

Work safety and environmental protection are the twinpillars upon which DENIOS Ltd has built a worldwidereputation for excellence.

Born out of a chemical spill-induced environmental disaster inthe River Rhine 26 years ago, the company’s mission to offerproducts which minimise risk with hazardous substances andprotection has taken it to the forefront of the market.

What began with simple spill pallets and storage containersevolved with impressive speed as customer requirements andlegal obligations and recommendations became more demanding.

Today the company designs, manufactures and supplies acomprehensive range of products related to hazardous materialsstorage, environmental protection and health and safety at work,including indoor and outdoor storage solutions for drums andIBCs, cabinets for heating, melting and cooling substances forpre and post production operations, equipment for storing andhandling gas cylinders, drum handling equipment, absorbents,spill kits and personal protective equipment.

And thanks to DENIOS’s own comprehensive trainingprogramme covering chemicals and hazardous substances safehandling, ATEX awareness and Managing Safety, businessescan help to minimise their costly risks and increase their staff’sown knowledge and appreciation of safety issues.

DENIOS opened its UK office in 2000. Its 37,225sq ft base inNewport, Shropshire, produces standard solutions which canbe adapted to specific applications or the experienced andexpert team can tailor solutions to job specific requirementswhilst respecting UK regulations.

Customer satisfaction is forever a priority, and DENIOS UK hasproved itself a reliable partner, offering excellent benefits suchas highest product quality, a fast delivery service andcompetent support.

Constantly keeping pace with the ever-changing technologicaldevelopments and legal requirements has enabled DENIOS tomaintain its market leadership and this year is proving nodifferent when it comes to innovation.

A host of recentadditions to theportfolio includesthe new, world firstdeep drawnUltraSafe spill pallet.Constructed from asingle piece of steelwithout seams,corners or edges,this sump offers the

ultimate insafety whenstoringhazardoussubstances.

DENIOS has also announced the development of the 120-minute fire rated FBM storage container with sliding doors.Meeting all the current fire protection requirements of EN 13501(REI 120) thanks to a double steel frame construction and non-flammable mineral wool panels, the FBM with sliding doors willresist fires from inside or outside sources for up to two hours,offering a greater level of protection for employees, facilities andthe environment.

Another new arrival is the DENIOS app, a ‘go to’ guide foranyone working with hazardous materials that provides thelatest news and information on legislation and regulations,handy tips and hints on how to store and handle hazardousmaterials safely and much more. It’s available free from Appleand Google Play App stores.

Whatever your requirement, DENIOS can produce a solutionthat will meet UK regulations.

For further information about its products and services, visit www.denios.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 0808 178 0723

Granville Avenue, Newport, Shropshire TF10 7DX01952 813 388* Written quote must be given to NovaFord prior to ordering elsewhere and proof of purchase at that Price must be provided.

| www.novaford.co.uk |

Offering a Price Match GuaranteeBest new car price or claim a FREE SERVICE!

We are proud to supprtDenios UKand wish them all the best for the future...

Go Further

NovaFord

NovaFord

*

Hazardous storage and handling


43

A & B Richardson was formed in 2000 and is a privately owned,well established traditional engineering company based on theSeven Stars Business Centre, in Oldbury, the engineeringheartland of the Black Country.

The companyspecialises in the forging,pressing, and stampingof metals, and in toolmanufacture. They carryout die and toolmanufacture for allindustries with CNCmachines, and also offerconventional machining.

Among their impressive roll of long standing customers they areproud to number Metis Aerospace, Firth Rixon, Brockhouse,Footprint, Doncasters and Shakespeare Forgings, but large or small,A & B Richardson offers the same high standards of service to alltheir customers.

Their state of the artCNC engineeringequipment allows themto produce one-offprototypes, small batchruns and large scalecontracts withmetronomic ability andtheir strict qualitystandards ensure

guaranteed dimensions and tolerances for every single componentthey produce.

Over the years tokeep up with demandand expand theircapabilities they haveinvested heavily innew equipment andthey have a goodrange of CNC

machining centres supported by CAD modelling technology, givingthem a vast range of capabilities.

Current machines include Bridgeport 1500 Axis capacities X-axis1500mm by Y-axis 660mm by Z-axis 700mm.Spindle speed15000rpm and Bridgeport 800 CNC high speed milling machines withc/w tool changing systems Axis capacities X-axis 800mm by Y-axis510mm by Z-axis 500mm.Spindle speed 12000rpm. Depot CNCheavy duty milling machine with c/w tool changing systems. Axiscapacities X-axis 1800mm by Y-axis 1000mm by Z-axis 850mm,

Spindle speed15000rpm, and aJohnford Gantry Millingmachine with c/w tooling,Axis capacities X-axis2600mm by Y-axis1750mm by Z-axis850mm. Spindle speed10000rpm and a CNCControlled Correa

3500mm X 10000mm X 1050 mm table milling machine.

Their investment in up tothe minute equipmentdoesn’t stop there, theyhave also recently acquiredanother Kiheung U 1,000Auto Index 3.1 mtr CNCBed Type Travelling TableMilling Machine With

Heidenhain iTNC 530 and a Tuscan LD48 CNC Lathe with an OverBed Swing of 1220mm. Spindle Bore 153mm. Traverses X =650mm Z = 3000mm S/No LD244806113.

Ongoing investment inboth technology andtraining has allowedthem to offer allcustomers the completeCNC engineeringexperience; from theCAD/CAM design andprototype developmentof the componentthrough to the project

Visitwww.wright-co.com

The Squires5 Walsall Street,WednesburyWest Mids WS10 9BZ

0121 556 1072

We are proud to be associated withA&B Richardson Engineering

9 Stafford StreetBrewoodStafford ST19 9DX

01902 850 828

Wright & Co Partnership Limitedoffering a friendly professional servicespecialising in all aspects ofaccountancy, business advice,taxation and tax-planning to thesmall and medium sized business& sole trader.


44

For further information please give a member of the team a call on

01902 497696or send us an email to: [email protected]

BT Compressor Services

Anchor Road, Coseley, West Midlands WV14 9NA www.btcompressors.co.uk

BT Compressor ServicesBT Compressor Services operate one of the largest teams of qualified, experienced service engineers in the Midlands.

This coupled with the availability of large stocks of spares to suit all makes of air compressors, ensures the mostreliable and comprehensive service to all customers on site or at our workshop with the assurance of a 24 hour call out.

We are proud to support A&B Richardson Engineering wishing them all the best for the future

Sales • Service • InstallationYour future is in our hands

managedmanufacture anddelivery of yourparts. Every stageof thedevelopment ishandled by aworkforce thatstrives to deliverthe absolute best.

A & B Richardson Engineering Ltd, also have a full range of nonCNC machines that compliment the manufacture of high precisiontooling manufacture including a 10T overhead double beam crane a3 ton crane, a new 6 ton Fork Lift Truck, a 5T multiform truck and arecently purchased 6 ton stacker truck.

Their highly skilledworkforce worksto tight tolerancesto produce diesand tools for allindustries,especiallyautomotive; abrilliant trainingground for theirnew apprentice

A & B Richardson has the capacity and expertise to offer servicesfrom the design stage right through to production, assembly andfitting, and offers clients a one-stop solution to any engineering ormanufacturing project, however large or small, from large heavywork through to tiny components.

For more information please give one of thefriendly, knowledgeable team a ring on

0121 544 5239 or visit their website

www.abrichardsonengineering.com

Unit 8, Seven Stars Business CentreSeven Stars Road, Oldbury, West Midlands,

B69 4JR


45

Constructions Services UK Ltd has been working in theConstruction sector for over 20 years and has built up a vastnational database of fully qualified Construction Managementand Tradesmen, enabling them to provide timely andstraightforward recruitment solutions to the industry.

The company believes in developing long lasting partnershipsby working in co-operation with their clients and candidates.Therefore they will discuss your requirements in depth and usetheir contacts and experience to bring forward the mostsuitable candidates to contribute to your business.

By entering into a formalized business relationship, you can beassured that Construction Services (UK) Ltd will represent yourinterests as their client in a professional, confidential andcommitted manner at all times.

Whether you are looking to make permanent, freelance,professional appointments or trades and labour searchassignments, they won’t waste your time. Their in depthknowledge of the industry brings with it a clear understanding ofthe qualities, experience, and where applicable, the specificqualifications or training that will be required for the job in question.

Many of their contract staff are very well known to them havingbeen on their database for a number of years, all having beeninterviewed in depth, with references obtained. Using contractstaff gives you the ultimate in flexibility, because you need onlytake on staff when you need them, whether it's for larger than

normal contracts, covering holidays or sickness, peak periodworkload cover or contracts outside the area.

They keep things simple by letting you relax and get on with thejob in hand, saying “You manage the site, we manage thestaff.” A team of their experienced Contract Managers will makeregular site visits to make sure everything is running smoothlyand to deal with any issues as they arise.

You don’t need to bother about the paperwork either;Construction Services UK will deal with all the administrationrelated to their staff. So you don't have to worry about thepayroll; wages, NI and PAYE are all managed by them.

As Jim Grosvenor, Director, explained, “We will send you oneweekly invoice, making everything much simpler for you tomanage. In addition, we are also fully up to date with allaspects of ever changing employment laws and legislation, soyou don't have to be.”

The company’s excellent reputation is built on their knowledgeand expertise of Interior Fit Out, Construction and Mechanicaland Electrical Trades Recruitment. The lead the way in theindustry, being known for reliability, adaptability and credibility, foradding value to their clients via knowledge and expertise, and forinvestment in the training and development of their team.

The company philosophy is not based on a cheap service at acheap price, but on building and supporting long term clientand candidate relationships that spread throughout the industry.

They believe their specialist divisions, and national coverageallow them to align themselves with your company to provide thebest recruitment services for all categories of ConstructionRecruitment through a centralized account management system.

The combined resources of Construction Services (UK) Ltdensure that they provide a quality, innovative and cost effectiveTrades and Labour recruitment service.

CONSTRUCTIONSERVICES

Making sure you get the right staff for the job.

For more information please visit thewebsite,

www.csukltd.co.uk or telephone 01564 774000 to speak to

one of the knowledgeable team.

YOU MANAGE THE SITE WE MANAGE THE STAFF


46

The UK construction industry’s already

huge skills gap is only going to get

worse if the country fails to train up the

next generation of young people.

That’s the stark alert from The Prince’s Trust

and HSBC following their recent joint survey

which found that 77% of the sector’s

business leaders fear the shortage will slam

the brakes on the UK's economic recovery.

Their warning came as another survey

showed that the nation’s builders had

enjoyed seven consecutive months of

strong growth that was putting further

strain on already tight supplies of skilled

workers. In fact, construction industry

shortage concerns now stand at their

highest level since 2008, according to the

RICS UK Construction Market Survey

while the Cross-Industry Construction

Apprenticeship Task Force (CCATF) Joint

Chairman, Martyn Pryce has said work

experience should be offered to young

people wanting to enter the sector.

The Prince’s Trust, which aims to help

58,000 unemployed young people this

year, is also calling on employers to

invest in vocational training to help ease

the situation.

The organisation has already

teamed up with a number of

major employers, including

HSBC, Balfour Beatty and

Costain as part of

its mission to

upskill the

workforce of

the future.

Through Get into Construction, Costain has

equipped more than 50 unemployed young

Londoners with the skills and confidence

needed to find work in the Built

Environment sector and has further

programmes planned to help even more.

Darren James, Managing Director at

Costain, says: “The Prince’s Trust has a

fantastic reputation for working with the

UK’s most disadvantaged young people

and is known for achieving great results,

which is why we’re proud to have offered

four young people from our most recent

Get into Construction programme jobs with

our sub-contractors and invited the rest of

the group to complete our five-week

tunneling traineeship.”

According to experts from the National

House Building Council (NHBC), activity in

the sector has now reached its strongest

level for seven years, but it also reports

that bricklayers, carpenters and decorators

are the skilled workers which building firms

are finding toughest to source as the

workloads improve. The Council adds its

voice to the growing clamour that more

must be done to increase the availability of

talented tradespeople.

The RICS has also flagged up

concerns about the nation’s lack

of bricklayers, maintaining

that the situation is a

natural consequence of

the rise in construction

demand after five

subdued years.

The ConstructionSkills Gap

“The upsurge is creating pressure across

an industry which failed to invest in

attracting new talent or in the training of

existing employees at the height of the

economic downturn. This in turn is creating

similar effects among material supply,”

suggests Alan Muse, RICS Director of Built

Environment. “Workloads, profits and

employment are all forecast to deliver

growth over the next 12 months and it is

now the responsibility of industry to invest

in training and technology to ensure it

capitalises on these opportunities.”

Another organisation joining The Prince’s

Trust in tackling the problem head on is

the government’s UK Commission for

Employment and Skills (UKCES). It too,

has teamed up with some of the nation’s

leading employers to deal with skills

deficiencies in offsite construction, a

sector accounting for 7% of total

construction output in the UK and worth

more than £1.5bn to the economy.

UKCES is giving more than £630,000 to five

employer-led projects across the country

that will bring together offsite construction

employers and partners in a bid to improve

collaboration and provide better training

opportunities for new and existing workers.

The initiative is part of the on-going UK

Futures Programme which has been set

up to encourage innovative employer-led

solutions to long-standing or emerging

skills issues.

Dr Bill McGinnis CBE, former chair of the

McAvoy Group (offsite solutions) and a

commissioner at UKCES, explains: “The

projects are set to lead the way in tackling

offsite construction skills shortages. In

collaboration with partners, and with each

other, employers are using innovative

solutions to develop high-quality training and

implement learning across the sector.

We hope that these projects are just the start

of the process to better equip the workforce

and ensure that the UK remains at the

forefront of the offsite construction industry.


47

When it comes to laying the foundations for thefuture of the construction industry, the job’s inthe safe hands of TR Training.

Since 2006 the Warwickshire company has beenbusy training the construction sector through itscomprehensive range of courses.

It was established by Gordon Harris who, after a 30-year career with some of the biggest constructioncompanies, realised something needed to be doneabout the industry’s skills shortage.

TR Training, based at Grendon House Farm,Atherstone, was the result.

Offering construction and plant training, CPCS(Construction Plant Competence Scheme), NPORS(National Plant Operators Registration Scheme), fullyfunded NVQs and apprenticeships, the company is botha highly sought-after gateway to a construction careerfor novices and a renowned provider helping employerskeep on top of staff training and qualifications.

“Our customers range from major constructioncompanies to sole traders,” says Gordon. “We delivertraining on site or at our centre which isCITB/Construction Skills and SQA accredited.”

Such is TR Training’s success that it’s emerged fromthe challenge of recession stronger and moredynamic than ever.

In the process of increasing the number ofclassrooms at its premises, it’s also adding newcourses, such as the Driver Certificate ofProfessional Competence (CPC).

Its key focus, however, is the delivery of the ConstructionIndustry Training Board’s CPCS card scheme.

“It’s the main standard for plant operators and based on acombination of professional competence and health and safetyawareness,” explains Gordon.

“More than 150,000 individuals carry the card which is required to beable to operate most categories of plant on Major Contractors Groupand NCF National Contractors Federation sites.”

The scheme provides a range of benefits including: recognition of skills,competence and qualification and improved health and safety awareness.

It’s also a crucial aid to construction industry job seekers, Gordonpoints out. “Clients and employers demand proof of competence fromall operators on their sites and the CPCS card proves that you havethe skills and practical experience to do the job effectively,” he adds.

“Many sites won’t let you operate plant unless you carry the card.”

The CPCS card is also critical for those seeking the relevant skills toenter the industry but TR Training is on hand to help novices throughits NVQ series, offering a lengthy list of subjects, such asConstruction Site Supervisor and Piling Operative.

Whether you’re an established worker or a construction newbie,TRTraining has the building blocks you need to cement your success inthe industry.

To find out more visit www.tr-training.co.ukAlternatively telephone 01827 895 655

or e-mail [email protected]


48

The friendly folk at Fairview Builders Merchants moveheaven and quite a lot of earth to ensure the best fortheir customers.

Construction materials, timber and garden landscapingproducts are their specialities but customers visit the single siteWorcestershire yard for so much more than that.

Sand and gravel, block paving, cement, bricks, roof tiles,plasterware, nails, asphalt and thermal blocks are only part of avery long list of stock.

No wonder Fairview is the first choice for trade customers andmembers of the public throughout the Vale of Evesham.

It’s now a world away from the fledgling business which startedin 1974 as a small yard in Cheltenham selling reclaimed buildingmaterials. A decade on from its launch, the company hadexpanded to selling new building materials alongside reclaimedones. As it continued to grow a second yard was acquired atBuckle Street, Honeybourne.

In recent news they have just undergone a completerefurbishment including a new DIY store and computerisedsystem to enable them to provide an even better service totheir customers.

Managing Director Stuart Bailey explained: “We took this yardfrom being used primarily for holding stock, and built it into asuccessful, independent builder’s merchants in its own rightand we feel this transformation is one of the family firm’sbiggest successes.”

By 2000, Fairview had outgrown its original Cheltenham siteand so that was sold for the company to concentrate ongrowing and developing the Honeybourne base.

“Our greatest challenge has always been to remain competitivewithout compromising quality, and giving customers a servicethat is second to none,” says Stuart.

“But thanks to our massive stocks of sand, gravels, anddecorative aggregates we are confident that, assisted by ourknowledgeable and friendly staff, they will find the right buildingsupplies at the right price.

“Add to this our range of blocks, slabs, posts and fencingsupplies along with the tools to do the job and all you need indrainage and ancillary building supplies and you will see whywe are the number one choice for many builders, contractorsand the public in the Vale.”

It leads the way in supplying traditional building supplies, butFairview is quick to become a modern supplier.

Stuart reveals: “We are working on our online presence whichincludes an upgraded builder’s merchant website and adedicated landscaping website with online ordering.

“We are also developing our social media presence throughTwitter (@fairviewtrading) and Facebook and marketing ourproducts through ebay.”

For those who can visit, Fairview is open Mondays-Fridays,8am-5pm and on Saturdays from 8am until mid-day.

With its own fleet of vehicles, ranging from a 750kg van to 18-tonne crane offload trucks, it offers a standard one to two-daydelivery service of stock items within a 25-mile radius from its yard.

For orders further afield or for any other enquiry, please call01386 833001 or email [email protected]

Alternatively visit www.fairviewtrading.co.ukor www.fairviewlandscapingsupplies.co.uk

Think local.

Think

The professional, yet friendly competitively priced independent firm of chartered accountants based in the heart of Evesham.

Contact us today for a FREE no obligation initial meeting01386 [email protected] GC Accountancy LimitedGC C H A RT E R E D C E RT I F I E D A C C O U N TA N T S

We would like to congratulateFairview Trading on their 40th anniversary

01242 678586Irish Butts, Stoke Orchard Road, Cheltenham GL52 7DG

[email protected]

Offering a large selection ofAggregates . Skip Hire . Plant Hire

BUILDING & LANDSCAPING MERCHANTS


49

When did you start your business and howhas it grown since you started out?The business was established as a sole-practice, 20 years agoby Louise Brooke-Smith. It has since grown into a companyemploying a team of planning and surveying professionals plusan administrative section. This has been recognised by variousprofessional bodies and highlighted when the Practice wasawarded a special commendation at the Royal Town PlanningInstitute (RTPI) Planning Awards for Small Planning Consultancyof the Year 2010.

Since then, it has been national finalists in the 2011 and 2012/13RTPI Small Planning Consultancy of the Year awards, namedPractice of the Year by the RTPI West Midlands in 2011 and havebeen finalists in the RTPI Planning Excellence awards in 2014.

The team prides itself on its professional knowledge andunderstanding of planning legislation and process. It has acommercial realism and acknowledgement of how the constructionand development industry works. This, together with its thoroughunderstanding of the role and value of the ‘community’ in theplanning process means thatwe have an exceptionally highsuccess rate.

Tell us about your business, and theproducts and services you offer.Brooke Smith Planning was established in 1994 and over thepast twenty years has grown into one of the UK’s leadingindependent planning and development practices. The team,comprising Chartered Planners and Chartered Surveyors, offersplanning and development advice to clients across the UK,guiding them through the complexities of the planning system.That work covers the preparation and submission of all forms ofplanning applications; the pursuit of appeals, high court action,enforcement cases, advice on listed buildings and conservationmatters, all forms of economic commercial and social impactstudies, a range of planning appraisals and a raft ofrepresentations to the Local Plan process. The Practice has anenviable reputation for offering commercially astute advice anda track record of adding value to its clients’ property portfoliosand landholdings.

Clients comprise both the public andprivate sectors and include major residentialand commercial developers, financialbodies, national corporate andcommercial operators, academicinstitutions, local authorities plusindividual land and property ownersand other professionals advisingacross the built environment.

BROOKE SMITH PLANNING

We interviewed Brooke Smith Planning, Celebrating its 20th Year in business.


50

In terms of the market place, the team reviews current propertyand policy trends and responds accordingly. This coming year islikely to see more work within the private rented sector as capitalinvestors move out of London and into the Regions. We alsoenvisage increasing work within the renewable energy sector.

The approach is one of 'responsiveness' mixed with 'marketawareness' and commercial realism. This is how our clientsoperate and so it's how we operate.

What has been your greatest businesschallenge?Although it was a challenge to successfully keep the businessgoing and expanding through the recession that hit the propertyindustry so hard, our flexibility, varied client base and broadexperience saw us through. The Practice is now the largest inits history and the client base is as wide as ever.

What’s new or what are your plans foryour business for this year?Every organisation should review its work and its approach on aregular basis and Brooke Smith Planning is no different. Ourrolling three year business plan is the subject of teamdiscussion and we reach decisions on a collective basis with allmembers influencing the direction of the Practice. The

proposals for the coming session include continuing togrow, incrementally, by promoting from within the

organisation and by taking on the next set of graduatesand student placements.

Millennium Point · Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG

ENABLING A GREAT PLACE TO EXPERIENCE THE FUTUREMillennium Point is now entering its second decade and expanding its ambitions to become increasingly of national importance. With refreshing new ideas, centred on science, technology, innovation and learning, Millennium Point is a hub for creative thinking.

Discover more: millenniumpoint.org.uk / millenniumpointblog.org.ukTel: 0121 202 2222 Email: [email protected] @millenniumpoint

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORTBROOKE SMITH PLANNING,

WISHING THEM ALL THE BESTFOR THE FUTURE.

Millennium Point Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG

@millenniumpointTel: 0121 202 2222 Email: [email protected] more: millenniumpoint.org.uk / millenniumpointblog.org.uk

is a hub for creative thinking.centred on science, technology, innovation and learning, Millennium Point to become increasingly of national importance. With refreshing new ideas, Millennium Point is now entering its second decade and expanding its ambitions

ENABLING A GREAT PLACE TO EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE

Curzon Street Birmingham B4 7XG

Tel: 0121 202 2222 Email: [email protected] more: millenniumpoint.org.uk / millenniumpointblog.org.uk

centred on science, technology, innovation and learning, Millennium Point to become increasingly of national importance. With refreshing new ideas, Millennium Point is now entering its second decade and expanding its ambitions


Millennium Point is now entering its second decade and expanding its ambitions


engineering solutions, delivering results

FAIRHURST

are proud to support Brooke Smith Planning

Specialising in the provision of Civil and Structural engineering consultancy services, including Geotechnical and Environmental, Traffic and Transportation, Ports and Harbours, and Water Services.

We have an excellent reputation for providing an unrivalled spectrum of skills, resources and personal project input. This, combined with enthusiasm, vision and commitment, ensures your project will be as important to us as it is to you.

BirminghamCornwall Buildings, 45-51 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B3 3QRT: 0121 213 4892 F: 0844 381 4412

[email protected]

www.fairhurst.co.uk

FAIRHURST

• Quantity Surveying • Project Management • Building Surveying • Specialist Advisory

Independent property and construction consultancy

For more information contact:

e: [email protected]

t: 07970 280301 www.rlb.com/uk


51

What has been your greatest businesssuccess?Our biggest success has to be that we still retain a strong andhigh position in the market place. This simply reflects ourprofessional standards and reputation which in turn reflects astrong team attitude and a steady and realistic approach tosourcing new clients and then retaining them.

We have a seen a number of highlights which included securingconsent for major development schemes for clients across the

UK. However, sometimes it's the smaller cases where apoint of principle has been challenged or the vagariesof the planning systems have been pushed to itslimits - but then common sense prevails - that meansmore to us as a team.

Planning is challenging and at times very frustrating but thatmakes the work even more exciting because a professional,realistic approach can make all the difference to a client,whether they are a major blue chip operator, a community groupor a single landowner just wanting the system to work properlyand achieve a viable and attractive development where nothingexisted before. It's what makes us get up in the morning!

CHARTERED TOWN PLANNING &DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

The Cloisters12 George Road

Edgbaston BirminghamB15 1NP

T: 0121 693 8900

F: 0121 455 6580

E: [email protected]

Find us on...


Brooke Smith Planningchartered town planning & development consultants


We would like to thank all of our business associates and would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

Brooke Smith Planning


52

WARNINGPlant, Tool & Access Equipment...

DO NOTHIRE ANY

Alpha Works, Stourbridge Road, Lye, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 7BU

Phone: 01384 424770Fax: 01384 424880Email: [email protected]

Web Site: www.will-hire.co.uk







...Without ringing

C.C. CONTRACTING LTD.Industrial and Commercial Construction Specialists

Concrete solutions from CCCCC Contracting Ltd (CCC) specialise in building industrial andcommercial accommodation with concrete construction skillsat the heart of their business.

CCC has been helping businesses expand and improve since theearly nineties. The company started out as a small family run civilengineering contractor and has since grown into a fully skilled andwell equipped building contractor serving clients all over mainland UK.

Design and BuildCCC’s team of experts are able to provide a complete design andbuild solution to most building construction needs whether it be abasic industrial unit or a complete new factory incorporatingmachine foundations and pits.

From warehouse floors to complex machine foundations, andincorporating drainage, waste management, steel frame buildingsand topological surveys, CCC offer cost effective solutions to all theircustomers. They understand the needs of industry and can devisesolutions that cause minimum disruption to your business.

Concrete Yards, Roads and FloorsWhether you require a new power floated concrete floor to FM2standard, or repairs to a concrete yard, CCC are able to meet yourneeds. Years of experience and a skilled, permanent labour forcegives them the ability to undertake the following types of work:power floated concrete floor construction and repair, heavy dutyconcrete freight yards, durable materials handling yards or lightstorage yards, offering construction, extension and repair, along withconcrete or asphalt road construction and repairs.

Machine FoundationsThe specific technical requirements of machine foundations requirespecialist skills and knowledge, which CCC has built up overdecades in the industry. The workforce rise to the challenge of thismore complex side to the industry and their combined experienceleads to cost effective speedy results to even the most complexrequirements, from complex multi-plateau machine foundations tosimple conveyor or looping pits.

Drainage, Bunds and Waste Management SystemsLet CCC advise and assist when it comes to these constructionneeds. From specification through to construction they can helpsolve drainage problems. From watertight chemical resistantstructures internally or externally to simple high integrity bund walls -give CCC a try at providing a competitive solution to any watertightstructures you may require.

Steel Frame BuildingsAre you looking for more storage space, a brand new factory andoffices, a new industrial unit or an extension to you existingpremises? They can offer a full design and build turnkey project or atraditional architect led construction. Whether it be a 500 ft² extensionor a 50,000 ft² new warehouse, they can service your requirements.

t: 01384 891 891 e: [email protected]: www.cccontracting.co.uk


53

Parkfield Building Services has become a force to bereckoned within the West Midlands, recession or norecession.

More importantly, it’s become a brand of integrity andrecognition amongst its customers, clients, businesses andcontractors alike.

Pretty impressive considering it was established in 2006, shortlybefore one of the worst downturns in living memory and onewhich hit the construction industry harder than most.

But Ernest Bick and his sons Dean and Craig have put togethera team of top quality tradesmen to produce some fantasticprojects over the last few years, and their ensuing reputationhas made them one of the region’s most sought-after buildingcompanies among households, commercial concerns andpublic sector organisations across the region.

Having worked within the building, decorating and maintenanceindustry for decades, gathering continued experience underreputable companies and contractors, it was only a matter oftime before Ernest, Dean and Craig, went into business together.

Parkfield Building Services Ltd, at Unit 6, Chancel Way, Witton,can handle any size of project, whether domestic orcommercial, thanks to its broad range of services, including:rebuilds, refurbishments, extensions, conversions, roofing,plumbing, plastering, electrics, carpentry, decorating,maintenance and architect design schemes.

“Once we have seen your requirements we will provide you witha full breakdown specification and quotation. When you arehappy for us to start work, we will bring you our full personalcommitment to every aspect of the project,” assures Dean.

Right from the start the company has succeeded in going fromstrength to strength, with decorating and maintenance always astrong part of its portfolio.

However, in 2009 it was decided to establish ParkfieldDecorating Services Ltd and Parkfield Maintenance ServicesLtd to make its services clearly defined and meet the demandsof the growing Parkfield brand.

It has also gone on to acquire its own self-efficient offices andstorage premises while renting two other neighbouringpremises, something Dean and the team rate as one of theirbiggest successes.

“The last six years have not been without their challenges and Ican’t put my finger on which would be the single greatest one,but we are proud to achieved what we have today,” he says.

“Every year we have grown stronger and every day we arelearning more and more.

“We want to continue providing a quality service to our ever-growing client base and build upon the great reputation we have.

“We do have plans to grow still further and there are some veryinteresting things that we have in the pipeline for 2015 - but mylips are sealed for now!”

At the heart is our family run approach that permeates through all that we do from start

to finish.

To find out more about Parkfield Building Services and toview its portfolio, visit www.parkfieldbs.co.uk

To make an enquiry, email [email protected] or telephone 0121 241 2959

We understand your business and have knowledgeable, experienced staff to deal with all of your insurance requirements.

Who can we cover ?All types of tradesmen, including builders, roofers, scaffolders, civil engineers and waste/recycling companies.

We can arrange cover for:Employers and Public Liability, Contract Works, Professional Indemnity, Motor Fleet and much more .....

We are proud to support Parkfield Building Services and wish them all the best for the future.

www.arthurmarsh.co.uk

Call 0121 382 1001 to discuss your insurance requirements,

or call in at our offices

Cambrai Court. 1231 Stratford Road, Hall Green, Birmingham, B28 9AA

Authorised and regulated by the

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We understand your business and have knowledgeable, experienced staff to deal with all of your insurance requirements.

LOCALINDEPENDENT INSURANCEBROKER BASEDIN BIRMINGHAM.


54


55

Its portable and modular polycarbonate kiosks are such a hit thatthey’re selling across Europe, have been snapped up by PremierLeague and European football clubs including Barcelona, Milanand Paris St Germain - and by a certain boy band...

The Pershore company’skiosks were used at WembleyStadium to sell officialmerchandise andprogrammes at the three sell-out dates of One Direction’sWhere We Are Tour.

For MD Nick Daffern, theevent demonstrated perfectlyhow UK Kiosks can helpimprove a massive stadiumexperience for visitors.

“Organisers have to make theplaces where programmes ormerchandise are sold visible,accessible and easy to use,”he explains. “Our event kiosksand sales units are specificallyintended to do that and helpreduce queuing time.”

But UK Kiosks doesn’t confine itself to massive stadia events, it suppliesthe sports, retail, event, construction and security sectors supplying unitsin various sizes and layouts for market stalls, information offices, bar andcatering kiosks, medical centres, security huts and car parking booths.

They’re also a practical and low cost way for a business to boost itsaccommodation and when decorated in clients' logos and colours, throughsister company Rapid Retail’s full graphic design, paint and livery solutions,ensure maximum brand impact and increased consumer footfall.

“We pride ourselves on tailoring solutions to clients'needs and are constantly developing new units to meettheir ever-changing demands,” says Nick.

He and co-founder Andy Moss spent more than 20years working in sports and event marketing and,having seen how merchandise was sold at venuesworldwide, realised a niche for specially designed highlybranded units. They established UK Kiosks at theHolden Works, in New Road, 18 months ago.

Of course, any new business faces challenge and forUK Kiosks, finding access to funding sources was oneof the biggest. But Nick is full of praise for the help itreceived.

“The resources are there but it is difficult to discoverhow to tap into them.” he says. “Our bank, NatWest,has been remarkable and we have a very closerelationship with key managers there. We also have aprivate investor and hopefully the Government’s SmallBusiness Bill will improve access to funding for SMEs.”

Now it’s onward and upward. The company’s plans toincorporate an e-commerce platform to a newlyrevitalised website will see customers able to buy itsentire range on line by the end of the year.

And Nick and the team are also busy consolidatinggrowth in the sports market with a view to developingthe kiosks into other sectors.

“Export markets are also significant,” he adds. “We sell inFrance, Italy, Spain, Sweden and Iceland and, with thehelp and support of UKTI (UK Trade & Investment), weare looking to meet more potential European customers.”

UK Kiosks is so successful, it’s notjust going places, it’s going in OneDirection.

UKKIOSKS

For further information about the companyand its range of products and services, go to

www.ukkiosks.com Alternatively telephone 01386 555044

or email [email protected]

Follow us on.. @UKKiosks

33033 QPD _HorseWorld 20/11/2014 14:00 Page 1

56

There’s no I in team - the phrase is

practically a cliché now but once it

was just about the only kind of team

building that existed in the workplace.

Other than the ‘works outing’ or, for

some really adventurous types, a

determined jog through an army

assault course.

Today the choice and style of event is

practically endless - ranging from an

hour’s gathering in a conference room to a

week of outdoor fun activities - a whole

industry has grown up around the idea of

building staff relationships outside the

workplace.

And that’s a good thing too. The idea of

‘us and them’ is increasingly taking a back

seat as managers and business owners

realise how critical to success is a

company that operates as cohesive team

of people from the top down.

Growing in popularity since the 1970s, the

concept of team building took off big time

in the 1990s and is now firmly

established. Yes, the sector took a hit in

the recent recession. After all, what

industry didn’t? So in keeping with the

mood of the times, the first thing to go

was fun.

After all, it seemed a logical saving to

make but, as any team building expert will

tell you, the events are not all about fun.

Their sub-text includes business

development, training, maintaining morale,

and a whole lot more.

Be it a treasure hunt, hire wire challenge,

crafting things with chocolate or puzzling

out how to build a tower with matchsticks

and straws, it all boils down to one thing:

a high-impact learning experience that

helps people work together, ultimately

boosting production and motivation.

Here are just a few reasons why team

building is now a vital part of any

company’s growth strategy.

• Makes work more enjoyable.

• Helps everyone get to know each

other.

• Helps people together on the same

goals.

• Participants identify their own

strengths and weaknesses.

• Improves team productivity.

• Boosts effective collaboration between

team members

Team building activities are usually of four

types: Communication exercises; usually

problem solving activities, decision making

exercises; in which groups have to work

together to make complex decisions,

planning/adaptability exercises; looking at

facets of planning and adaptability to

change, and trust exercises; in which

team members have to trust each other to

varying degrees to successfully complete

the activity.

In a nutshell they’re all about

communication, communication,

communication.

Team Building

How many companies consist of different

departments which never interact through

the entire working week - never mind day?

A simple five-minute office activity, let alone

a full weekend away, can bring people

together who don’t normally meet. By

requiring them to work on a specific task

they will have to find ways to work together,

thus boosting their interpersonal skills as

well as their problem solving skills, which

they can then take back to the workplace.

A team building task done successfully is

also a magical source of motivation for both

individual participants to become more

confident about their own skills level

boosting their ability to complete

challenging tasks without backing down -

and as a group.

It’s surprising too, what creativity can burst

forth, simply by asking people to work

together in a place a world away from the

office. The mere act of asking them to do

things they don’t normally do in a place that’s

entirely different - in a forest for example -

takes them right out of their comfort zone

and requires them to think entirely differently

so they can complete the task.

Ultimately, as everyone learns to contribute

their individual skills and work together

through activities specifically designed to

encourage co-operation and not

competition, the coherence thus developed

becomes a powerful tool in accomplishing

tasks in the workplace.

It doesn’t take much to work out that

that a group which is highly motivated,

whose people totally get what

they can achieve by working

together, and know how do it

well, understanding individual

strengths and weaknesses, is

going to be far more effective

than another which isn’t.

Investment in team building is

investment in not only the

business but its people, and

together they’re a force to be

reckoned with.


57

“They’re about business development, training, maintainingmorale, launching new products and all that falls in-between,”she says.

“While it may seem the most logical area to cut when times are hard,many companies now realise how much employees need to berecognised, albeit at a Christmas party or annual sales conference.”

So Pretty Clever can help, absolutely fizzing with ideas that canbe tailored to your requirements. Current best sellers are gameshows, our interactive tablet based treasure hunts using cuttingedge technology and our LED furniture range available to hire.

It’s also intent on attracting international business to the Midlands.

“Birmingham is a hive of industry and business hub the UKshould be proud of,” declares Sam. “We want overseasorganisations to host their events and conferences here withour unique destination management company (DMC).

“This is a dedicated Meetings, Incentives, Conference andEvents (MICE) service, with a view to supporting inboundbusiness from Europe, the Americas, and further afield.”

All in all, a Pretty Clever idea.

To see how your event can go with a zing, visit www.prettyclever.co.uk telephone 0845 413 3030 or email [email protected]

Organisers who are serious about making their occasionsmemorable and fun keep the award-winning company ontheir contacts Favourites list. They know working withthe Pretty Clever team will take all the stress and worryfrom the task.

“Our job is to make ourclients job as easy aspossible,” assures MD SamNash. “Whatever stage ofthe process they are at, wecan step in to help, takingon as much as required,ensuring the final eventdelivery is exceptional.”

Launched 12 years ago,Pretty Clever Events canassist with team building, fullconference management,free venue finding, event

styling and theming, product launches, awards ceremonies,parties and full event management. What ever the occasion, theagency has it covered right down to the smallest requirement.

For Sam, it’s not just ensuring the ‘wow’ factor front-of-house,she likes to make an impact behind the scenes, and thatmeans with customers too.

“Relationships are important to us,” she says. “We listen toclients from the outset and are great at drilling down to thedetails and the behind-the-scenes logistics. It’s not just aboutthe initial concept it’s about a perfect completion too”

It’s a proven formula for success. “Repeat business speakslouder than words and I’m proud to say we have a number ofclients who keep coming back.” smiles Sam. “We’re creative,we’ve got our finger on the pulse and move with the times. Wego above and beyond expectations.”

As the nation spiralled into recession, the first thing to go werethe fun occasions as businesses sought to cut costs, but, Samstresses, there’s more to events than just having a good out-of-work time.

Sam Nash

“ “Need to organise an event that will keep people talking for months?

Think carefully and you will come up withsomething Pretty Clever...


58

BUSINESS WITH EDEN HOTEL COLLECTIONWelcome to the award-winning Eden Hotel Collection.

There is something very special indeed about our portfolio of eight carefully chosen hotels.

Each one has been selected for the unique qualities it offers; the beautiful architecture, outstanding food, peaceful surroundings and the sense of total escape and relaxation we offer each and every guest who step into our hotels.

Whilst each property in the collection has its own unique character and personality, all uphold the impeccable standards of service, quality and attention to detail for which the Eden Hotel Collection is renowned.

Planning a corporate event, teambuilding day or high level boardmeeting?

Stylish surroundings, a relaxed atmosphere and impeccable yet unobtrusive service ensure business at Eden is a deal maker.

Glamorous product launches, award-winning private dining for that all important board meeting or team building over country pursuits in the grounds, our business teams have got it covered.

Our Midland venues...

Check in with us... Explore the portfolio at www.edenhotelcollection.com

Mallory Court Hotel, Warwickshire

A 31 bedroom country house hotel well known for its award-winning cuisine. Mallory Court is home to the Knights Suite, a purpose built conference facility able to accommodate up to 160 delegates.

Nine beautifully decorated meeting rooms allow for a versatile meeting environment, whilst the atrium provides a light, open space for break out sessions. For smaller meetings, or to wine and dine clients, take a private room in the Main House or Brasserie.

The Arden Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon

The 45 bedroom Arden Hotel is the perfect destination for your corporate day out with conference facilities for up to 40 delegates in this stylishly and sympathetically renovated listed property, opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatres in the heart of Stratford.

Brockencote Hall Hotel, Worcestershire

The 21 bedroom country estate offers conferencing facilities and events for up to 22 delegates in the private meeting rooms or impress your clients by taking exclusive use of the whole house and estate.

What really sets Brockencote apart is the range of onsite team building activities. 70 acres of grounds allow you to create an invigorating bespoke event to get your team working together and enjoying some fresh air.


59

Freax Adventures are committed to ensuring that customersreceive the highest quality service. Be they primary schoolchildren, college students or corporate clients, theBirmingham company is all about hard work ensuring theyhave some tip-top play.

But that’s becauseManaging DirectorJohn Street andhis teamunderstand exactlyhow to delivermemorableadventurousactivities and teambuilding events.

And they alsoknow how to usea variety of land

and water-based adventurous activities, combined with their peopleskills, as tools to transform a business.

Freax Adventures provides a variety of team development challenges,activities and events – from fun rewards for effective teams to solvingpeople problems in the workplace.

“Our teamdevelopmentactivities focus onreducing the risk ofemployees makingmistakes because ofpoor performance, abad officeatmosphere orconflict,” says John.

“Specific staffingissues like this pose

a great risk to any business and we can help companies improve theirproductivity and staffing environment/relationships through a wide varietyof set or bespoke team challenge activities.”

But whether clients are colleagues, families or friends, Freax Adventureshas a jam-packed programme of fun things for them to try; activitieswhich combine adventure with challenge to enable children, youngpeople and adults to ‘have a go’ or progress at different sports.

You can go to where the adventure is, or John and his friendly team willbring the excitement to you.

Established in 2005, Freax Adventures has become a firm favourite forsupplying a host of fun and challenge, which includes: bush craft andsurvival skills, mountain biking, mountaineering, archery, air rifle targetshooting, body zorbs, climbing, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, watersports, airsoft and themed corporate activity days.

“We’re committed to providing an activity that gives whatthe customer wants,” promises John “We can designthings to provide the best occasion for each group.

“Whether learning to climb or paddle, holding a socialevent, or an in-depth critical analysis of yourmanagement team on a leadership developmentcourse, we truly understand people and know how tobring the best out of individuals and teams.”

And for thosecompanieswith a keencorporatesocialresponsibility(CSR) FreaxAdventurescan also help.John, whorates one ofhis greatestbusiness

successes as being able to sustain a local children’scharity free@last through monthly donations, says:“Working with us will not only bring you a rewarding teamchallenge or a fund-raising day for other charities, Freaxgenerates income through its profit which a proportiongoes to Free@Last, a charity which is committed toproviding opportunities, activities, mentoring and supportfor children and young people in Nechells,”

Now focussed on developing and delivering themedactivity days or bespoke events to even more corporategroups, Freax Adventure hopes to bring even morepeople and companies together.

Adventure activities and TeamBuilding..

ADVENTURESADVENTURES

To find out moreCall us on: 0121 327 5972

or email: enquiries@@freax.co.uk

www.freaxadventures.co.uk

Catch up with their latest news

by following:

@freax__uk on Twitter

or visit their Facebook page,

Freax Adventures.

Gorge Walking

Zorb

Football

Raft

Building

Team

Building

for Adults


60

Midlands buyers. The agency is also much in demand fromoverseas clients for reward, recognition and incentive programmes.

“It’s essential to make sure you reward and value your staff andwe create programmes that provide fun and aspirationalelements as well as serious networking and businessdevelopment aspects,” says Victoria.

“They’re a great way of thanking staff, suppliers and customersand we arrange awards dinners, team building events andincentive trips to match your brand and suit target audiences.Rather than just drain your budget, they bring results andimprovements throughout your business.”

As the nation recovers from the recession which saw manycompanies slash spending on just these kinds of happenings,the fact Autograph Events has registered growth throughoutsuch times is testament to the memorable events it has created.

It also shows the team listens carefully, too. Explains Victoria:“We like to have feedback from every project. It helps us toimprove our service, skills and, most importantly, to meet ourclients' requirements and goals for their event.

“It's especially great to receive positive feedback. It makes ourjob so worthwhile.”

So if you’re organising an event or conference that will standout, get in touch with the team - with their help you canguarantee it will be as unique as an autograph.

For further details, or to register your interest for the March showcase, visit www.autograph-events.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 01905 676444 or email [email protected]

Finding a karaoke machine on a remote island off thecoast of Brazil for an incentive group’s impromptu sing-a-long was one of the more interesting challengesfaced by the Autograph Events team - but they did it.

No matter how weird and wonderful a request is, the Worcestercompany will go the extra distance to meet it and ensure asuccessful occasion.

That’s why it’s one of the country’s signature eventmanagement agencies.

Based on the VentureBusiness Park,Autograph Eventsarranges incentivetrips, conferences,awards ceremonies,team building,production, marketing& PR, venue findingand accommodation

services - to name a few - at an international level.

More than 20 years of expertise are behind every projecthandled by the agency, which has built an outstandingreputation providing an extremely high level of customer serviceto deliver exceptional events worldwide.

“We understand your expectations. Then we exceed them,”promises Managing Director Victoria Jenkins-Leigh.

“If you find managing an event gives you a headache, don'tworry, that’s what we do. We will engage with your brandpersonality, bring it out to play and engage with your visitors.In effect, we become an extension of your organisation.”

Whether the requirement is for support and assistance throughan entire occasion, or just for a particular area of expertise,Autograph Events and its dynamic team of managers, producers,audio visual technicians and exhibition planners, can help.

Forthcoming projects include a supplier and client event at TheStudio, Birmingham, next March in which suppliers from acrossthe country will showcase their venues and products to West

E V E N T S


61

Two Midlands hotels are preparing to add their own special 4-star sparkle to this year’s glittering Christmas season

The Blake family-owned AbbeyHotel Golf and Spa in Redditchand the Lea Marston Hotel, Golfand Spa, Sutton Coldfield, arebringing all the compliments of theseason to guests with a host ofspecial festivities.

Party nights, seasonal lunch anddinner menus, New Year’s Eveballs and the warmest ofwelcomes all await.

And there’s also some superbluxury Christmas packages whereyou can make the most of thehotels’ golf and spa facilities.

If you want to make yourcelebration special and soak up

some fabulous festive atmosphere, a visit to either of theseestablishments, both members of Classic British Hotels, theorganisation that’s a recognised hallmark for quality, is a must.

Each has gained a reputation as a leading 4-star venue offeringluxury accommodation and top quality service with superb on siteleisure facilities.

The Abbey Hotel Golf and Spa is situated on a lovely 175-acreestate that once belonged to the now ruined local abbey.

With 100 contemporary en suite rooms, meeting and conferencefacilities, banqueting rooms for private occasions and gorgeouswedding venue grounds, it’s perfect for any milestone celebration,intimate family occasion or important business event.

Golf enthusiasts love its 18-hole golf course which is the home ofthe Carlsberg Pro Am and host to many corporate and countymatches, and which also welcomes beginners or those wanting toimprove through the tuition offered by PGA Golf professionals.

FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS AT LEA MARSTON & ABBEY HOTEL

GOLF & SPA

The Health Club and Spa, open to hotel residents and members,offer the perfect opportunity to either boost fitness or simply relaxand unwind thanks to a comprehensive range of workout/trainingprogrammes, exercise classes, swimming lessons and revitalisingbeauty treatments.

The Lea Marston Hotel, Golf & Spa enjoys its position within 54acres of grounds and its nine-hole Marston Lakes course, built toUSGA specification, and pitch and putt course are also popular withthe area’s golfers.

There’s further opportunity to escape life’s pressure by visiting theidyllic Elemis spa sanctuary or you can take out a health clubmembership and enjoy all the gym opportunities and fitness classesit brings.

Overnight comfort is assured in any of its 88 well-appointed roomsand the hotel’s wedding venue, meeting and conference facilities,and banqueting rooms are always much in demand.

Here is where you can fine dine in style in the award-winning tworosette Adderley Restaurant or enjoy delicious pub classics inHathaway's Bar.

Gourmets at the Abbey Hotel can take their pick from BramblingsRestaurant, with its panoramic views over the golf course, or TawnysBar and Terrace overlooking the 18th fairway.

Ideal for families, couples, holiday makers and business travellers,the Abbey Hotel and the Lea Marston Hotel are the perfect homes-from-home.

To find out more about their Christmas offerings, golf facilities or health and spa packages go to www.leamarstonhotel.co.uk or www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk

33036 QPD_Grenville Engineering 2pg DPS 03/11/2014 14:52 Page 1

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