bbp south west - edition 26

Ed

ition

26

08000 807 809

[email protected]

www.bbpmedia.co.uk

Bristol Business Post

Getting ready to deck your business halls? FrenchayChristmas Tree Farm can help them look - well,treemendous.

The family business is gearing itself up for its busiest time ofyear - and that begins in mid-November when it starts deliveringits freshly cut pines to company premises throughout Bristol.

Its a service thats also highly popular with local schools andchurches but, as festive fever builds throughout December,thousands make a bee-line to the Frenchay site, the only placein Bristol where they can buy a freshly cut tree.

MD Simon Maughan says the aim is to introduce somethingnew every year and, having bought a new piece of land, the bigplan for 2014 is more trees - and more fun.

Its important that customers have a good experiencechoosing their own tree, especially as its often a big trip out forfamilies, he says.

For Simon and his team, Christmas is an all-year experience.The farm now has about 25,000 trees, all at different stages ofgrowth. But at one time, it seemed the business would nevertake root.

My father Peter had the idea of growing Christmas trees, saysSimon. I came home from university in 1994 to find 100 planted in the back garden! But the crop failed as they were far too close together.

In 1998 he tried again, planting about 4,000 Norway Sprucesin a nearby field. Being a student of horticulture, my interestwas caught and, after a visit to a Devon grower we opened forbusiness in 1999 with about 150 bought-in trees.

It wasnt much of a success, but we continued planting andthe following year we just about broke even.

Even Simons not sure what drove them on in those early yearsas they battled to keep young trees being choked from weedsbut, thanks to Peters hard work and determination, customernumbers grew and, as Simon recalls: I distinctly rememberthinking we had succeeded after an overwhelmingly busySaturday in December 2009.

Today the farm, close to Junction 1 of the M32, next to theformer Frenchay Hospital, also sells stands and wreaths, andeverything is managed with the environment in mind.

Road miles are few as the trees are grown locally, andbecause we encourage people to return their tree to us formulching, everything gets recycled, Simon points out.

Unexpected weather challenges aside, there is reason to liken thecompanys success to that of mighty oaks grown from little acorns.

I think getting any business into profit has to constitute a majorsuccess but when I see the same family coming back year afteryear for their tree, I know Ive done something right, reflects Simon.

But looking back over the last 15 years and knowing that wehave donated well over 12,000 to charity, from our profits,that, too, is success.

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm opens in December. For full details visit www.frenchaychristmastreefarm.co.uk

Alternatively call 07717 220086 or email [email protected]

[email protected] 07717 220086

Let us deliver and display your Christmas Tree this year

Frenchay Christmas Tree Farm

Simon Maughan

12087 QPD_HorseWorld 16/10/2014 15:22 Page 1

Welcome to edition 26 of the Bristol BusinessPost, the free magazine for the southwestbusiness community, packed with news, tips andstories from across the region.In this edition we will complete our two partfeature on Web Design and Development, andadvise on How to Protect your IntellectualProperty. Bev James will discuss ManagingRedundancies, while we will continue our serieson Fleet Management, and Auto enrolment.We also look at sources of Business Finance,Warehousing, office Interior Design, and ways toreduce your commercial carbon footprint by askingAre Your Business Practices Costing the earth?In our next edition we will be looking at start UpBusinesses, Bev James will be helping us to Faceour Fears and Find success, while we look at teamBuilding events, and traineeships and continue ourseries on Risk Management and WorkplacePension Reform.

BBP Media11 Canalside office Complex,Lowesmoor Wharf,Worcester WR1 2RRTel: 08000 807 809Fax: 01905 726 467E: [email protected]: www.bbpmedia.co.uk

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

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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

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

C o n t e n t sC3 Media 4Web Design & Development 5southmedia 6Appadoodle 7ojo solutions 8new Media Group 9itecopeople 10Microdec Plc 113D enterprise Centre 12new World Business Centre 14Office Interior Design 17Desking seating storage 18Basepoint Business Centres 19R D owen & Co 20Auto Enrolment - The Pensions Regulator 21Kellands 23Cool Ventures 24Sources of Business Finance 25Private & Commercial Finance 26How to protect your big idea 27stevens Hewlett & Perkins (sH&P) 28Page Hargrave 29Grip It 30Are your Business Practices Costing the Earth? 31solar systems 32solar slate Ltd 33Coface 34Controlling risks in the workplace 35Atradius 36Logic sHe solutions 37Warman Building Company 38Warehousing 414D solutions Ltd 42Dickies 43eCycle UK 44Hero eco 45Cambridge Removals and storage 46Changes & Challenges within the Haulage Industry 47Broadsure Direct 48Covase 49Plymouth Marine 50Taking a positive approach to redundancy 51tortworth Court 53oakdown touring and Holiday Park 54

BBP Media Contents pg ed 26_Layout 1 30/11/2014 17:30 Page 3

also take great care in maintaining, improving and enhancing them as time goeson, working with clients to continually develop their websites as theirbusinesses grow.

The company was formed in 2009, initiallyworking on content managed websites, staticbrochure sites, and some smaller eCommerceprojects; however the impression made on theteam following its first experience with theMagento platform was to change the course ofthe business going forward.

We quickly realised it was set to revolutionise theface of eCommerce as we knew it, says Tim. Wehave enjoyed working with the platform immensely;it provides us with the tools we need to create thebest possible solutions for customers.

Starting abusiness inthe middle ofa recession,staying ontop of theirgame and

keeping ahead of the competition has beenchallenging, Tim acknowledges, but C3Medias position today demonstrates itshere to stay.

Initially a two-partner start-up businessbased in the basement of a house inKingsdown, C3 Media now comprises adynamic and highly skilled team workingfrom an office located next to Brandon HillNature Park, with views across the city.

This year has seen even more excitingdevelopments, including two appointments bringing the number of employees tosix, and working on some eCommerce projects for Hudson Shoes, CotswoldCollections and Paxton & Whitfield.

As 2015 approaches, the team is staying on track withplans to keep growing the business and providing agreat service to customers.

Get in touch - wed love to hear how wecan help you says Tim.

To find out how they can help you with youronline business, go to www.c3media.co.ukAlternatively, telephone 0800 1488 234

or drop them an email at [email protected]

The Bristol based eCommerce agency cancount Hudson Shoes and some of theworlds leading global brands among itsclient base - but its the local businesseswhich are the icing on the cake.

We love what we do, and our job is made evenmore enjoyable by working within the SouthWest explains Managing Director Tim Willis.We are very proud of our great city and get thegreatest enjoyment from working with otherbusinesses in the area.

Based in Great George Street, C3 Mediaspecialises in working with the MagentoeCommerce platform and provides an end-to-end service, including discovery, planning, designand the development of eCommerce websites.

Once a shop is up and running, C3 Media staysclose by, ensuring its available to clients at alltimes. The solid proactive support helpscustomers improve their website and back endprocesses, and allows them to get the most outof their online presence.

Online shops can be complex beasts, requiringmore than a beautiful design explains Tim.

We take immense pride in sites we build, payingmeticulous attention to the user experience, fromfirst impressions, to final order confirmation. We

C3 Media is top-notch when it comes tocreating you a beautiful, functional, stand-out online shop.


4

Web Design &Development

Did you know the internet is zoomingtowards a staggering one billionwebsites by the end of 2014? Thatsone heck of a lot of reading. Even themost mighty of search engines hasmuch to sweep through, and, therefore,you want to make sure your site is rightup there at the top of the list.But a having good website means somuch more than hitting the first pagewhen search results are displayed. Itsyour business card, your CV, yourcompanys reputation.In the modern digital age its the firmswithout websites that are the exception tothe rule. The opportunity to have a shop windowonto the world is not to be missed but, aswith a walk down any high street, theappearance of some windows will enticeyou in to a business and discover, morewhile others will probably prompt you tomove swiftly on.Online, the competition is fierce, withconsumers able to check out theopposition with just a click of the mouse.So its critical that your website not onlymakes visitors sit up and take notice, butgives them a fun, useful and easy-to-useexperience which makes them want tocome back again.Your biggest ally in this challenge, withoutdoubt, is the professional website designer.Such experts can help you to showcasewhat you and your company does bestand at the same time provides anenhanced experience that encouragescustomers to buy from you, either onlineor through direct contact.Of course appearance is everything - anyeffective and cleverly designed websiteclearly signposts your goods and servicesto potential buyers but it also indicatesthat you, the owner, cares about yourbusiness and image. That, in turn, goeson to install confidence and trust in theclient to make that all-important purchase.The visual stuff is probably what has themost impact on your visitors, butprofessional designs also take care of the

practical nuts and bolts, the not-so-obvious matters whose importancebecomes critical when you realise youdont have them. For example, if required,the provision of an easily manageable (foryou and customers) e-commerce solutionensuring you are connected to all yoursocial media accounts (you DO havethose, dont you), and making sure yourevisible to latest versions of all the webbrowsers, i.e. IE7 and IE8, Chrome,Safari, Firefox and Opera.A professional designer will also devise asite that requires minimum input from theuninitiated - that means you. You will stayfocused on doing what you do best,running and growing your business. Aclever design will not really require a majorupdate for a good 12-24 months and,when you feel it does, its a simple matter ofgetting in contact with your designer again.So, how can you make your websitestand out from the crowd? Well, listen tothe web designers, as obviously, they arethe experts and the ones to trust, theyknow what theyre talking about.But here are a few thoughts you maywant to jot down to take in to anydiscussion.1. Flash, bang, wallop, what a picture.A picture tells a 1,000 words - and the lastthing web visitors want to do is spend hourstrawling through hundreds of words to whena simple but powerful punchy image will do.Add a video and the site is 53 times morelikely to appear on the first page of a Googlesearch. Videos have also been proven toengage audiences for longer.

2. Tease, tease, tease.Youve got something they want? Tantaliseyour visitors, show how you can give themsolutions or enjoyment in your products.What about some special offers?3. Colour me beautiful.Careful colour use can say so much aboutyour page, with many unaware that youresaying it. We all have our favourite huesbut different ones mean different things todifferent people and cultures. Carefulconsideration is required, taking intoaccount your products and site visitorsbut keep it harmonious and keep it simple- four or five colours plus black and whiteis deemed enough.4. Adding interestEnrich your visitors experience. Addcompany news updates, industry newsupdates or offer some expert advice?Youre a plumber? What about five toptips on saving water? While the overalldesign might not need changing for awhile, keeping the content fresh not onlyencourages people to keep returning toyour website, it also improves your searchrankings, meaning rocketing chances ofyou being found by new customers.

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SouthmediaThe Greenway Centre | Doncaster Rd

Southmead | Bristol | BS10 5PY

CALL: 0117 329 [email protected]

www.southmedia.co.uk

Southmedia is a digital creative agencywith a difference. We love making great,high quality websites and apps, but we alsolove our local community.

We have a close working relationship with thelocal community centre in Southmead and havehelped them to overhaul their IT systems. Weare currently developing a new app and website for the local paper, The Mead; and are indiscussions with the Youth Centre about puttingtogether an after-school club. So when youwork with us, youre not just helping us to paythe bills, youre investing in the development ofa community.

The business began in October 2011. Whatstarted out life as a trading name for Ben as afreelance developer soon became a team of five(and soon, six - were hiring!). We are based atthe Greenway Centre in Southmead and occupya large office unit - when were not in the cafenjoying the food!

Southmedia has grown from working solely withother agencies to working directly with clients toproduce their web sites and apps. Over the lastfew months, weve worked with the NHS,national clothing brands, small business ownersand the organisations from the voluntary andcommunity sector.

This year we hope to continue to grow our team and consolidate the way wework as a business, as well as to continue to develop our communityinitiatives. Were working on several exciting apps that we hope to launch overthe next few months, too.

Through the hard work of our team, weve gone from strength to strength as abusiness, but our journey hasnt been without its obstacles. Our biggestchallenge has been standing out in what can only be described as a saturatedmarket. The digital and creative industries in Bristol and Bath are booming -theres a lot of competition out there! Our answer to the challenge is to investtime and money into creative solutions to problems in our local area, and tostrengthen our focus on helping charities and community groups alongsidebusiness clients.

Perhaps our greatest success has been in getting people to believe in the ideaof a digital agency in Southmead. Its generally accepted that if youre acutting edge tech company, you want to be in the buzzing, dazzling city centre- not an area with complex social and economic difficulties, where the averagelife expectancy is three years below the city average. Yet weve seen first handthat not only is it possible to be successful in Southmead, but doing our bit isbeginning to impact the local community positively and meaningfully.

FIND US ON...

Web and app design with asocial conscience


6

Bristol-based Appadoodle specialise in bespoke front andback-end web and app development. They have a strongteam of developers and designers working collaboratively topush the boundaries in terms of what's possible. Establishedin 2013, the app and web development team are growingrapidly to deliver on the vision of founder Jamie Prangnell.

"Our focus is to createexperiences for our users thattransform and enrich their lives.We're currently in an intensiverecruitment process in order todeliver on the exciting projectsthat we're already working on."

Those projects include someground-breaking work with theNHS and the treatment ofpeople suffering from mental

illness. Appadoodle's concept is introducing "gamification" topatient treatment. This has involved working closely with theNHS to deliver an Early Intervention Service App, which isdesigned to help young people recovering from mental illness.

Users will download the app to their smartphone, which theythen use every day as a gauge of their mental health, withsections like a mood diary. The users are rewarded withtokens, acting as an incentive to continue using the app.

The data from the patients will be stored on a special highsecurity NHS network, which is accessed by medicalprofessionals to support patient treatment.

The idea is to give doctors improved monitoring of thepatients health, and at the same time motivates the patients tocontinue treatment, and hopefully help them recover quicker.The mental health charity Mind has published research that onein four people in the UK suffer from some form of mental illnessevery year. If we can help to make people better in some waywith our services then weve succeeded.

The app is currently undergoing live testing, and is due tolaunch in January. Thebuzz in the healthindustry is palpable; theapp has already beennominated for an NHSaward with a ceremonyin Birmingham later thismonth.

Getting the call aboutthe award wasamazing and totally

unexpected said Jamie. It was a really powerful validation ofwhat were doing. We cant wait to share our work with thegeneral public.

While they have considerable expertise in the health andeducation arena, lots of different industries could also benefitfrom their skills and experience.

This has included websites for publishers, venture capitalists,special effects and film companies, as well as apps for socialreturn on investment and medical care.

Were always trying to create engaging experiences, and webelieve that the innovations that we've developed so far willcertainly have important applications that we haven't evenconsidered yet. We like to think of our clients more as partners,and work with them to transfer our skills to multiple industries.Every day is a research and development day, we work hard toensure were using the latest development tools and technologies.

APPS, WEBSITESAND NEW MEDIA

UI/UX DESIGN

GAMIFICATION

REST AND SOAP APIs

DATABASE DESIGN

AGILE AND SCRUM SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

AT A TIME

IMPROVINGTHE WORLDONE ALGORITHM

www.appadoodle.co.uk

twitter.com/Appa_doodle

uk.linkedin.com/company/appadoodle

Appadoodle are a company in a hurry.

Jamie Prangnell


7

challenges and are able to translate these into beautiful, yetfunctional, web and mobile solutions that will work for you andyour customers.

Nathan says, Whether you are after a complex bespokesolution, a simple brochure site, a facelift for your existing siteor just guidance and advice on what to do next, we are here tohelp and would love to talk.

They have a variety of standard packages from 1 a day to fullymanaged solutions, but are happy to tailor any package to suityour needs, just ask.

They offer a range of services including Business Consultancy from Business Analysis to IT Strategies, TechnologyConsultancy Development, Design Consultancy, WebsiteDesign and Development and Mobile and Online ApplicationDevelopment.

Nathan stressed, Our friendly and experienced team are hereto help you. With 13 years experience in the industry and awide client base across the South West, the UK and world,weve learnt a few things along the way and we know it isnteasy to get the right solution first time.

We love designing websites for people that look great andachieve amazing results. We dont use templates, send thingsoff to distant lands, or just turn out the same old stuff. Ourapproach ensures we fully understand your needs and that thisis translated into web solutions that work for you.

They are very excited by a current project, working inpartnership with a local primary school to develop a uniquevirtual learning environment. The pupils will have access viatablets, mobiles and lap-tops, to create a co-operationallearning environment that will benefit and include everyone.

The project is nearing completion and will be suitable for useacross the primary school sector.

Never ones to rest on their laurels the directors, Tom, Nathanand Kevin Triggle, who joined them in 2013, have lots on the gofor 2015, including a makeover aligning themselves forsignificant growth and the launch of ojo community, puttingsomething back through various charitable initiatives.

For more information please visit thewebsite

www.ojosolutions.com

Find us on

In the fast moving world of modern businesscommunications there are a wealth of opportunities toget your message across to potential clients.

These are exciting times for businesses prepared to seize theseopportunities and take advantage of the expanding potential ofmodern communications. However, many businesses are failingto realise their goals through the use of poor websites.

Set up in 2000, as ojo Designs, by Tom Passmore and NathanBaranowski while still at university, by 2010 the business hadgrown so rapidly that in 2012 it was time to go for it and formojo solutions.

ojo solutions are a young, creative team who bring a uniquecombination of innovation and flair to help businesses get theirmessage across through the creative use of technology.

Theirs is a personalised and friendly approach, offering a uniqueblend of business and technology consultancy, working withyou, the client, to ensure that they understand your needs and

Providing solutions to your online and mobile needs...


8

Responsive Web Design is Preferred for SEOGoogle went on the record to declare that Google prefers responsive web design over mobile templates. Having one single URL makes it easier for Google bots to crawl your site, Googles external link algorithms and reduces the chance of on-page SEO errors.

A Speedy Responsive Website is KeyAccording to Google the standards recommended are that content you see before scrolling on a mobile device loads in under 1 second and the entire page loads in under 2 seconds. This is typically not possible when loading a desktop website on a mobile device. When a user has to wait too long for a page to load, theres an extremely high chance they will leave your site.

Responsive Adapts to Future DevicesOne of the big benefits of responsive design is that the size of the template is designed based on screen size not device. This means that no matter what size screen someone is viewing your website it will display properly for that screen size.

Moving forward it will be extremely critical that your website provides mobile users an easy-to-use experience. Having a mobile website is no longer simply a nice feature, rather it is a necessity and will literally impact the growth of your business.

New Media Group specialise in building responsive websites for companies of all sizes if you have any questions regarding responsive web design get in contact on by using the details below and see how we can help you...

Is your website responsive?

01672 552352 [email protected] www.new-media-group.co.uk

Its probably no surprise by now that mobile Internet usage has been skyrocketing over the last few years. Mobile internet usage has already matched desktop usage in 2014. Even with this compelling evidence, the vast majority of business websites are still NOT mobile friendly. This is not only causing a headache for users but also a loss in business opportunity.

We explain why having a responsive website is so critical to your marketing and some key considerations to keep in mind when designing a responsive website.

Mobile Usage is BoomingThis might not be a surprise for most of you, yet despite the impressive statistics below many businesses do not yet have a mobile website. Hopefully reading through these statistics will make you sit up and stop ignoring the need for a mobile website.

Over 20% of Google searches are being performed on a mobile device. In 2014 85% of UK local searches were performed on a mobile device. 61% of people have a better opinion of brands when they offer a good mobile experience

Positive User Experience Is KeyAccording to Google, if a user lands on your mobile website and is frustrated or doesnt see what they are looking for, theres a 61% chance they will leave immediately and go to another website (most likely a competitor). Its also said that if they have a positive experience with your mobile website a user is 67% more likely to buy a product or use a service.

85%OF UK MOBILE USERS

SEEKLOCAL INFORMATION

VIA

SMARTPHONES

ONLY 1 IN10BELIEVE THIS TO BENECESSARY FOR THEIR

BUSINESS

OF SMALL BUSINESESHAVE YET TO DESIGN

MOBILEOPTIMISEDVERSION OF THEIR

WEBSITE

OF THE MARKET

SHARE WHEN

GOOGLESPEAKS, SEARCH

MARKETERS

LISTEN

74%67%

WITH

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itecopeople, the specialist IT and SustainabilityRecruitment Company focussed on making adifference with their high level of service, will becelebrating their 15th year of future proofing theirClients recruitment needs in 2015.

IT and Sustainability are two of the greatest challenges facingbusinesses both today and tomorrow and while at first glancethe idea of a successful IT company opening a Sustainabilitydivision might seem strange, on closer consideration it can beseen as a natural progression and all part of being alert to thefuture of business.

The company originally opened for business in January 2000,as Summit Computer Recruitment, and soon became highlyregarded as specialists in IT recruitment across the board.However, a growing awareness of the needs of companiestaking advantages of the opportunities in the Sustainabilitysector, led to this forward thinking company opening a separatedivision to cater for that market.

The Sustainability division has proved so successful that thecompany decided two years ago to rebrand themselves asitecopeople, a clever play on words, to reflect the two divisionsand the most important component - people. Each division iskept quite separate and staffed by consultants who have adeep understanding, knowledge and expertise in their sector.

When you form a relationship with itecopeople their Consultantswill get to know you and your company in order to thoroughlyunderstand your needs. Whether you are looking to fill a senior,middle ranking or more junior position, or contract orpermanent staff for your next position they are committed toputting forward the best candidates to fit your requirements.

They will take time to understand the culture of your businessand your expectations of the role, presenting candidates thatwill not only meet your present requirements, but grow withinyour organisation, and add value to your operation.

itecopeople spend just as much time with potential candidates,getting to know them, their skills, aspirations and potential, thusensuring that when they put a candidate forward they will be agood fit with your organisation. They understand that theirclients are busy people and wont waste their time, withapplicants who do not meet the needs of the client.

itecopeople maintain an excellent network of contacts that they havedeveloped over the years, in consequence, they will often know ofthe ideal candidate who is perhaps too busy in their current post tobe searching out new opportunities, but due to the nature of theirongoing relationship can be sounded out in confidence.

At itecopeople they love what they do, and get ultimatesatisfaction from putting the right person into the right job withthe right company, be that on a contract or permanent basis.

They say We are passionate about our job which is listening toyou, understanding what you want and how you want thatservice delivered, we are passionate about the environment andmaking sure that new technology will contribute to a bettersustainable world in the future.

They are members of REC (The Recruitment & EmploymentConfederation) and an ISO 9001 & 14001 certified and auditedcompany, under pinning their commitment to delivering aquality recruitment process and service.

Recruiting today. Sustaining tomorrow.

For more information please visit the website www.itecopeople.co.uk

telephone 01566 776 888or email [email protected]

Find us on..

11981 1pg_HorseWorld 17/11/2014 14:52 Page 1

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Microdec Plc is proud to be strategic business partners withitecopeople and congratulate them on their recent expansion.They are pleased that itecopeople chose Microdec and theirflagship product Profile RPM to aid business growth.

In 1983, Microdec developed a software application for a major recruiterin urgent need of a tool that could easily and effectively track theirrecruitment process. Over thirty years later Microdec Plc is the leadingglobal provider of recruitment software solutions.

The key to their success is the highly adaptable nature of both theirproducts, Profile EPM and flagship product Profile RPM, their focus onproviding the correct solution for your business, and the 24/7 supportthey provide their customers via a Global Help desk. In today's fastpaced environment, recruitment companies need to ensure their CRM

software works seamlessly with their businessprocesses so that their consultants can quickly andeasily find the best candidates for the job.

Whatever your business requirements, and whateversize of company you are, Microdec Plc can provide theright product that will not only aid business growth butgrow with your business too, from EPM which wasdeveloped specifically for smaller and start-upcompanies, and offers streamlined software that isquick and easy to set up, to Profile RPM, a highlyconfigurable tailor-made solution that is powerful,flexible, and easy to use.

People Developing Systems

THE Recruitment Software for professional recruitment companies.

Powerful and Adaptable Software Solutions helping you deliver quality service to your clients.

www.microdec-prole.com

THE Recruitment Software

Microdec

PROFILE RPM

Time for a chat?Call us on: 01277 227778

fax: 0872 4464575 or email us at: [email protected]

Visit...www.microdec-profile.com

Were here to help

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3D Enterprise Centre

s

The new 3D Enterprise Centre opened its doors for business at Lackham House, Wiltshire College on 6th November.

Small and medium-sized businesses can now get access to world-class CAD CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacture) tools and rapid prototyping through 3D printing at the new enterprise centre run by EIN-SW (Engineering Innovation Network - South West).

The centre is designed to boost product design capabilities in businesses by fast-tracking product development, bringing innovative product concepts to market.

The 3D Enterprise Centre has been set up with industry partners including NT CADCAM, distributors of the market leading SolidWorks CAD package; The Enterprise Network; SYS; 3D Connexion; and Zenkia. Wiltshire Council, via The Enterprise Network,

provided funding as part of a 1m investment to help rural start-up businesses develop their own facilities.

Lackham House offers full conference facilities, with a business lounge available for members to drop in for informal meetings.

Wiltshire College Acting Principal Amanda Burnside welcomed business representatives, Wiltshire

Conservative Prospective Member of Parliament for Chippenham, Michelle Donelan, to the opening ceremony, and said: This is a clear example of how the college and commerce can work in partnership and successfully, for both students and business.

Businesses attending the launch were G Plan Upholstery of Melksham, Box-based Nyquist Solutions, Summit Chairs of Trowbridge, IXYS of Chippenham and PPM

companies from Bristol, Bath

west.

The centre now boasts

SolidWorks licences, Ian Weston, NT CADCAMs UK sales manager for SolidWorks, said: Any business can come here with an idea and utilising the technology here, can come

Haydn Earl, Project Manager for EIN-SW, based at Lackham House, added: It is fantastic that we are pulling in the latest technology for business and student development. The more we can help develop business, the more we can provide for students in the future.

One student utilising the facility during the launch event was Paul Hailes, formerly of Trowbridges Clarendon Academy and now a Motorsport Engineering student at Wiltshire College.

Currently on a work experience placement at the Lackham

Wiltshire Enterprise: One-Stop Shop TrainingStaying competitive is the key to sustainability. Training your staff, keeping them motivated and up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies is essential to achieving that

too by learning new skills and becoming a valued asset to any organisation.

Wiltshire Enterprise (WE) is the business training division of Wiltshire College, delivering high quality skills development and training solutions.

Working with over 1,300 employers throughout Wiltshire and beyond, Wiltshire Enterprises dedicated team of specialist staff have the

knowledge and understanding of businesses covering a wide range of industries from engineering and manufacturing to Health and Social Care.

WE offer a wide range of courses from Work-based Training NVQs and Apprenticeships to professional

WE Hotline: 0845 345 2235 | www.wiltshire-enterprise.co.uk WE Hotline:

12136 DPS_HorseWorld 12/11/2014 13:35 Page 1

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campus, he said: This technology really is amazing. Its impressive and it makes the design side much easier and quicker.

The Enterprise Network is a 5.2m initiative led by Wiltshire Council with Government and EU funding, aimed at supporting new and growing small and micro businesses.

Any businesses wanting further details on the new 3D Enterprise Centre can visit www.wilts3dcentre.org email [email protected] or phone 01249 466800 (ext 6753)

Open for Business3

short courses, all designed to enhance the skills of your staff.

Working closely with businesses to identify skills gaps, Wiltshire Enterprise understands that time means money and that external training can mean potential staff shortages for your business. With this in mind, WE

provide in-house training for employees at a time and place to suit you and your business working hours.

Talk to us about...

Solutions for BusinessTraining and Development

Wilt

shir

e En

terpr

ise

TRAINING PEOPLE FO

R SU

CC

ES

S

Joining student Paul Hailes at one of the workstations, are, from left, Haydn Earl, project manager with EIN-SW, Amanda Burnside, Wiltshire College acting principal, Tim Martienssen, the head of service delivery, economy and regeneration at Wiltshire Council, and Ian Weston of NT CADCAM

W

WE Hotline: 0845 345 2235 | www.wiltshire-enterprise.co.uk

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From the moment you enter the building, you wont fail to beimpressed by the modernity and scope of the design and interiorsand there are exceptional fittings which can be found throughout.

This is a complex that is unique and provides an unbrandedenvironment that clients can adapt as needed.

Included in the competitiverental packages are all utilities,parking, 24-hour access,cleaning, security, a fully-manned professional reception,shower facilities, and a kitchenarea.

It takes all the added stressesaway from having your ownoffice we worry about thesethings, emphasises Jeff. Theenclosed and private meetingrooms can be hired, on a dailyor hourly basis, by internal

clients or external guests and the centre has fibre optic internetwith WiFi plus high-end communications equipment, ensuringwe have the best technology available so that clients canconcentrate on their business.

And thats all just for starters. Being a new arrival upon Bristolsbusiness scene, Jeff is dedicated to ensuring the Centre willonly go from strength to strength and new facilities are alreadyin the pipeline.

With the economic upturn and increase in smaller and start-ups over the last year, we are introducing a number of two-desk offices to cater for such businesses, he reveals.

We are also planning an additional conference facility that canaccommodate groups of up to 20 delegates at a time, thusenhancing the centres capabilities.

Theres already a concerted effort under way to ensure thecentre becomes the hub of a thriving business community; anumber of monthly networking events are already lined upwhich are destined to prove ideal for meeting new contacts andpromoting individuals businesses.

Its been an exciting year bringing the New World BusinessCentre to life - and now its here, the possibilities for Bristolbusiness people are endless.

Jeff is extremely positive about its future, saying: Weve done agreat job and are confident weve raised the bar on the qualityand standard of serviced offices.

Its also the time to pay tribute to those who helped him totransform his vision into reality over the last 12 months.

A whole new world of business has just opened up inBristol aimed at ridding entrepreneurs of all the addedstresses that come with having their own office.

The New World Business Centre, in Station Road, Warmley,officially launched in October, providing brand-new, fully-furnished, offices to rent, conference and meeting rooms fordaily or hourly hire and virtual services for smaller businessesand companies needing a Bristol presence.

MD Jeff Cox has spent the last year overseeing thetransformation of a dilapidated building into smart, modernpremises incorporating nine individual serviced offices, eachnamed after an international city, including Bristol - of course.

And he knows the facilities will be a valuable asset to their users.

Theres a lot to be said for first impressions; it is so importantthat you put across the right type of image of your companyfrom the outset, he says.

One way of projecting the correct professional image is tohave offices which impress upon clients and, as such, the NewWorld Business Centre is ideal.

New World Business Centre


14

Having Matt Maciej Strzalka as my right hand man has beenparamount in overcoming any hurdles we came up against,Jeff declares.

His design and IT skills meant situations which could havebeen a headache, were ironed out before becoming tooproblematic. His ability to resolve problems is quite unique andhell always find a solution.

Indeed, a valuable colleague to have on side for, few woulddeny, the very process of purchasing what was a rundownproperty with the objective of stripping it back to its bare bonesand creating a new modern-day business centre, was achallenge in itself.

The task of project-managing the refurbishment, along withrunning another business, has been demanding and presentedfurther challenges to say the least, acknowledges Jeff. Letsjust say there were a few sleepless nights!

However, I can honestly say that its been worth it. Thesatisfaction of seeing how everything has come together hasgiven me a great sense of pride in what weve achieved andnow the centre is up and running, Im delighted to introduceour two carefully selected managers, Liz Mizen and SarahParrott who are managing the day-to-day running of the centreand helping me in its future development.

Whether the client is a small company wanting to establish itselfin a competitive environment, or an experienced businesslooking to expand, the New World Business Centre can providea serviced office space that is second to none.

Operating a business from such a tranquil and convenientlocation, with on-site parking, eliminates all the inner-citystresses, says Jeff.

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Our clients can spend more of their valuable time running theirbusiness, and enjoying their day, rather than driving aroundlooking for that elusive car parking space!

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16

The days of dreary workplaces arenumbered as many businesses cometo recognise the benefits to theirbottom line of well-planned officespace that reflects their corporateidentity and is somewhere peopleenjoy coming to work.

So far so good, but brilliant workplaceswhich make clever use of space andcolour, intelligent lighting, thoughtfulacoustics, terrific graphics and appropriatefurnishings take careful planning.The smart modern office is an all-roundsensory experience designed to makepeople feel good and be more creative.The first step is to decide what you wantto achieve, and what you are prepared topay for it. It is well to take some advice at this stagefrom a company specialising in office interiordesign. Traditionally, they fall into one of twocamps, either designers or contractors, butthere are companies out there who offer a

complete package ofcreative design and

implementation.A professionalwill sit downwith you tounderstandyourobjectives and

then produce adesign brief.

Considerations to be taken into accountinclude, the physical space itself and howit is used, including the technology -computers telephones etc., followed bythe secondary considerations of the actualfurniture, lighting, temperature, acoustics,flooring and dcor.The designer will need to establish whateach person actually does, and how muchspace they really need for the efficientperformance of their role. Fewer peoplejust sit at a work station all day nowadays,for every 12 employees statistically at leastone will be out on any given day, thenpeople are at meetings, seeing clients, onholiday, sick, and away from their desk forany number of reasons. With floor space so dear, especially in citycentres, is allowing a space per memberof staff overkill?Employers say the benefits associated withstaff being freed from the office ofteninclude increased productivity, improvedstaff retention and lower costs. Accordingto Peter Thomson, a fellow at HenleyBusiness School who specialises in virtualworking, these changes mean the purposeof offices needs to be rethought. It wouldbe wrong though just to install technologyfor its own sake, Thomson says, "It'sabout reviewing the way people andoffices use technology. In the past, wewere stuck to the desk, but now we canrecreate the office anywhere.Not everyone, however, can or wants towork from home. Many of us actually enjoytravelling to a separate workplace, whichcan offer an opportunity to socialise, tomake friends and, in some cases, evenpartners. Business owners are wise tolearn how to change the office

environment to make their officeshappier and thus more productiveand creative.

Having established how muchactual desk/workspace area,meeting areas and break outspace is needed, and the

optimal positioning for theelectrics, telephony and other

equipment, it is time to consider the general surroundings.

Appropriate desking and seating is critical,no matter how good it may look, if theworking position is uncomfortable, theemployees back may cause themproblems. Chairs should give goodsupport and be adjustable to suit theindividuals preferred working position. Natural light increases productivity, energyand creativity and while it is unrealistic toassume every office can knock out a fewmore spots for windows and skylights, youcan work with the light you already haveby making sure that as many desks arewithin view of a window as possible. If natural light just isn't a possibility for you,it's better to opt for indirect light that is,light that bounces off the ceiling or wall as it's more soothing and calming thanlight that shines directly on employeesLegally, there is no minimum temperaturefor workspaces in the UK, although theHealth and Safety Executive says it isreasonable for employees to expect it tobe at least 16C. However, employerswould be wise to aim for a temperature of21-22C, as this is generally accepted asbeing comfortable by most people.Completely open plan spaces and highceilings generate uncomfortable noiselevels and while the provision ofheadphones can help, screens, suspendedceilings and appropriate flooring canimprove matters dramatically.Flooring has a dual purpose in addition toits role in reducing noise and contributingto the dcor, it can be used to delineatework and traffic areas.The importance of colour should alsonever be underestimated; bright colours liftmood and stimulate creativity, whereaspastel tones are soothing. Lively graphicsare fun and can bring a touch of humourand even inspiration.A thoughtfully designed office is not just agood place to work; it will reward thebusiness owner with a happier, moreproductive work force.

Office InteriorDesign

12084_Transport Warehousing 30/11/2014 10:01 Page 1

17

Simon Williams was not just a Desking Seating Storagecustomer - he and his family liked it so much they boughtthe company.

They took over the Bristol business in August 2013 and in justover 12 months have seen sales boom.

Theyve really put the office solutions provider on the map -three previous advertising-free years had seen it languishingunder the city radar when it came to awareness of its productsand services.

From supplying flooring to suspended ceilings including alloffice, school, bistro and conference furniture, Desking SeatingStorage, in Broad St, Staple Hill, is also the source of muchmore, including Bristols only KAB seating distributor.

The last year has seen Managing Director Simon, wife Lisa andson, Sales and Marketing Manager Mitch, introduce inkcartridge sales, and there are plans to do more.

Were proud to say that our cartridges are some of the mostaffordable in Bristol, and were looking at bringing in a vast

range of office stationery, reveals Lisa.

Exciting times ahead, then, for the Williamswho have taken over the already suc-cessfulcompany, established in 1978.

We believe in making life better at work -wherever you work, we want to make it

easier for you to fulfil your potentialand help you succeed, saysSimon.

Whether you are responsible forprocurement, facilities or humanresources in an organisation, a

school head teacher or anarchitect looking for something tomatch your ideas, we aim to offer theproducts and services which willachieve the required result in assmooth a journey as possible.

Of course our furniture is also designed to make life better atwork for all those who use it - by promoting good ergonomicsand safeguarding wellbeing with afford-able quality furniture.

With Mitch taking over the Marketing Manager role, the familybusiness has already enjoyed an increase in sales in the lastyear and a returning client base. Hes also building a newwebsite to make it easier to purchase online. We have a veryspecial marketing tool too - if you see the rally car in your localarea, come over and say hello and ask us for your 5% discountvoucher! Mitch suggests.

Simon, who spent 10years as a FacilitiesManager and had been acustomer of DeskingSeating Storage duringone of the many office fit-outs and redesigns heoversaw, heard thebusiness was up for sale.Facing redundancy from

his own job and with his familys backing, sold their home tohelp raise the funds to by the company.

We feel our costs and services are second to none andincreasing our sales in this way, at the end of the recession, hasto rate as one of our biggest successes to date, says Simon.

Combined, our solutions make Desking Seating Storage theperfect all-in-one office fit-out team you have been looking for,says Lisa.

To find out more, go towww.deskingseatingstorage.co.uk

Email [email protected] or telephone 01179 571415


18

Basepoint Business Centres have been giving growingbusinesses across the South and South West a boost fortwo decades, and show no signs of stopping.

Tewkesbury and Chepstow are just two of 30 locations acrossthe south of England, East Anglia, the Midlands and Wales,where SMEs and start-ups can enjoy all the benefits of aBasepoint centre.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Basepoint provides awide range of quality, cost-effective, managed and servicedoffices, alongside different types of flexible space designed tosuit all companies.

Whether you are asmall or mediumenterprise looking torent managed officesor workshops, a start-up firm needing avirtual office, or alarger corporatecompany looking for alocal presence andaccess to serviced

meeting rooms, a Basepoint Business Centre offers somethingdifferent to the usual office rental.

Each centres management team is dedicated to building anddeveloping links with other organisations and maintaining awide knowledge of the availability of new initiatives and fundingthat may help small SMEs, particularly with the signposting andpromoting of grant availability.

There are also regular, free networking events and seminars tohelp raise awareness of business issues and to provide advice onkey areas such as business planning, sales, marketing and PR.

Their centres are equipped with the latest technology in digitalphones, high speed internet access, CCTV and more, withother facilities including a staffed reception, comfortablebreakout areas and well-equipped meeting rooms.

Riverside Court in Chepstow, is an established, modernbusiness centre, providing more than 20,000 sq. ft. ofworkspace over 42 fully serviced offices that are available forrental on a short, fixed or long term basis.

Enjoying fabulous views of the Severn Estuary, it is handilyplaced just off Junction 2 of the M48, with access to themotorway network serving Wales, The Midlands and SouthWest England.

Basepoint Tewkesbury in Oakfield Close, on the TewkesburyBusiness Park, just off the M5s Junction 9 comprises 69 small

business units, offering a wide range of designs suitable foroffice, workshop or studio use.

A large open plan office with integral meeting room/directorsoffice, around 1,600 sq. ft. in all, is also available to let, andbenefits from centre facilities including Cat 5e cabling, highspeed internet access, a lounge/breakout area and free parking.

As well as managed office space, the Basepoint Centres alsooffer virtual offices for rent and serviced meeting rooms for hireby licensees and members.

For further information about any Basepoint BusinessCentre, to arrange a viewing or to book a meeting room, visit

www.basepoint.co.uk.

Alternatively for Basepoint Tewkesbury telephone 01684 854444 or email [email protected] and for

Basepoint Chepstow telephone 01291 635500 or email [email protected]

Discover the advantages of a local business base on your doorstepAt Basepoint we offer a number of benefi ts to help you stay local and keep costs down for your business.

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19

R D Owen & Co was founded in 1871 by David Owenbefore the formation of the Institute of CharteredAccountants in England & Wales. David then joined theInstitute and was immediately made a fellow in 1891.The firm was originally known as David Owen & Cowith an office in Devizes. A review of the Institutesarchives show that David also opened offices inLondon, Bristol, Bath, Warminster and Marlborough.

Ralph D Owen eventually succeeded his father around 1931 assenior partner and the firm became known as Ralph D Owen &Co with offices in Bath and Warminster. The practice moved toits current location in Queen Square around 1947.

On Ralphs death in the late1950s the firm became knownas R D Owen & Co wascontinued by the late LeslieFudge and ChristopherSullivan with the same twooffices. The practice becamespecialist in taxation andbecame involved with the taxaffairs of some householdnames as well as looking afterlocal professions and traders.

On 1 April 2008 the practicemerged with Pethericks &Gillard Limited of MidsomerNorton and Wells. The

directors of Pethericks & Gillard Limited have rightly decided toretain the long established trading name and continue tomaintain the two offices at Bath, controlled by Robin Browning,and Warminster, controlled by Ian Gillard. They wish to build onthe existing traditional values by incorporating the latesttechnology and their robust compliance systems, which areregularly monitored. Both are also members of the Institute of

Chartered Accountants in England & Wales thereby proudlyfollowing in the footsteps of the founder.

Both Ian and I want to continue the RDO tradition of providinghigh quality solutions to local businessmen and women saiddirector Robin Browning. As well as having the support of ourparent company, we have also invested in employing LaurenWilkins, (now James) a qualified Chartered Tax Adviser andmember of the Society of Trust and Estate Planners to assist usin providing the very best tax advice possible.

At Pethericks & Gillard we are known for our straight talkingclear advice backed by the need to be there for our clients ingood times and bad added Ian Gillard With many small andmedium size businesses among our clients, Pension AutoEnrolment will be a major issue in the forthcoming years andone which again clients will be looking to us for support andguidance. As a result we have invested heavily within the groupto ensure we have the knowledge and qualifications required tosupport both existing and new clients during this major changefor employers throughout the UK.

R D Owen & Co Offices

Queen Caroline House, 21A Market Place 18A Queen Square Warminster Bath, BA1 2HR BA12 9AY 01225 422183 01985 213130

Attention Bath & Bristol Business Owners Do you need more than just accounts and tax

returns from your accountant?

www.rdowen.com

Preparing your accounts and tax returns is easy. But can your accountant help you make more money? Does your accountant have experience working in your specialist field? Does your accountant give you answers or just more questions? With a unique range of services, we are more than just your accountants; we are your complete one stop business partners.

CALL US NOW FOR A FREE INITIAL MEETING R D Owen & Co

Chartered Accountants

Six Reasons why hundreds return to RDO each year.

9 Clear fixed and guaranteed

fees. When we say fixed we mean it

9 Plain English advice from experienced professionals

9 We take away the worries of the penalty driven compliance issues

9 Proactive advice for both personal and corporate tax mitigation

9 Inheritance tax planning supported by Wills, Trusts and Probate support

9 Pension Auto Enrolment solutions for small and medium size employers

(L-R) Robin Browning & Ian Gillard


20

Auto EnrolmentThe Pensions Regulator

Welcome to my sixth and final AutoEnrolment articles. Today provides anoverview of the topics covered in mypast five articles with updates on howAuto Enrolment is developing.By now most employers with 50 or moreemployees will have already staged. That isthey are already providing work placedpensions. Next year will see thosecompanies with between 30 and 50employees needing to stage and then overthe following two years we will experiencethe tsunami of smaller employers. At the peak there will be in excess of100,000 businesses per month needing togo through the staging process. With onlyaround 8,000 advisers registered tosupport these businesses there is going tobe a definite shortage of support. So themessage should be clear, please do notdelay. It is possible to pre stage, that iscarry out all of the preparation work wellahead of time and then wait for the stagingdate. This will certainly help cope with thetsunami and my firm is already helpingclients achieve this proactive approach.I am sure readers of all of these articleswill recall the estimated costs quoted inmy first article. It does seem thatproviders are doing their bit to helpsmooth the passage through to staging

and this in turn is taking some of theworkload off advisers, which in turn allowsa more cost effective proposition to beoffered. One slight negative is that thenumber of providers is falling as theinsurers consider propositions on purelyeconomic terms. My experience with twoof my clients who staged earlier this yearwas that even with over 50 long termemployees earning reasonable wages,obtaining competitive terms proved difficult. Since my second article rates havechanged when categorising workers.Eligible Jobholders are any worker agedbetween 22 and current state pension ageand earning in excess of the earningstrigger, currently 10,000 per annum. Asan employer of this class of worker, youmust automatically enrol them into thepension scheme and make on-goingemployer pension contributions. Non-Eligible Jobholders are workers of anyage that earn between the lower threshold,currently 5,772, and up to the earningstrigger of 10,000. They are alsoemployees aged either under 22 or overstate pension age and earning over theearnings trigger of 10,000. With theseworkers the employer is obliged to provideinformation about the right to opt in.Should they opt in by completing an opt innotice then the process above is followed.

Finally, Entitled Workers are those of any agewho earn less than the lower threshold of5,772. Again these individuals can decide tojoin the pension scheme by completing ajoining notice, although this time theemployer is not obliged to contribute. Middleware has evolved as well over thepast few months. The main software houses have finally caught onto the need toprovide a system that works with theirpayroll package. There are still separatemiddleware packages available in themarketplace, some of which can beenhanced at a later date with otheremployee benefits. However, providing theyare up to it, and competitively priced,something linked to existing payroll softwareappears to be the best route forward.I would like to remind you about possiblepenalties. The Pensions Regulator doeshave powers to issue penalties. Initially thefirst step would be to issue a ComplianceNotice. This notice provides the employerwith a period of time to become compliant.Should that fail then the first step is a fixedregulatory penalty of 400. Thereafter it canlevy daily penalties for non compliancestarting at 50 per day for employers withup to 4 employees, 500 per day foremployers with 5 to 49 employees, 2,500per day for employers with 50 to 249employees, 5,000 per day for employerswith 250 to 499 employees, and foremployers with more than 500 employeesthe daily penalty is 10,000.The first penalty notices have recentlybeen issued. Unfortunately, apart fromtrade press, the matter has received littlein the way of publicity. Personally I washoping for a household name to be fined,just to ensure that all employers are awarethat Auto Enrolment is not an option, it isa legal requirement.I do hope this series of articles has beeninformative in helping you plan AutoEnrolment within your business. To sum upurgent action is required otherwise you couldbe left behind and facing unpleasant fines. Authors Credit to:Ian D Gillard FCA FCCA DipPFS AIPW,director of R D Owen & Co, CharteredAccountants.

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

21

The current opt-out rate is less than 8% which means over 92% of workers have enrolled within their employers workplace pension scheme and it is against the law for an employer to encourage their workers to opt-out.

Source: The Pensions Regulator.

Auto-enrolment Myth 3

My employees arent interested in pensions.

The Wisdom.92% of workers have enrolled within their

employers workplace pension scheme.

For more pearls of wisdom on Auto-enrolment go to money-wise.co.uk, call 01225 471100 or email [email protected]

Money Wise Independent Financial Advisers Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

11967 Full pg_HorseWorld 27/08/2014 15:15 Page 1

22

The recent revolutionary pension changespresent major opportunities for thosesaving for retirement.

Currently, investors aged 55 or over can take upto 25% of their pension fund as a tax-free cashsum, using the rest to purchase a taxableincome, usually via an annuity. However, fromApril 2015, investors will be able to take thewhole of their pension fund as a lump sum afterage 55, ending their requirement to buy anannuity. The first 25% will be tax-free, whilst therest will be taxed at the investors marginal rate.

Not only that, but investors will now be able touse their pension pots like bank accounts,withdrawing money whenever they choose. Thiswill provide a great deal more flexibility forpension investors, who will now be able tochoose between withdrawing all their pensionmoney immediately, leaving it invested and takingincome when required, or buying an annuity.

The limits have also been removed for newinvestors in income drawdown, allowinginvestors to draw as much income as they like.Income drawdown allows you to take up to 25%of your pension tax-free as a lump sum, leavingthe rest of your pension pot invested - taking an

income directly from it, instead of using the money in your pot to buy anincome via an annuity. More flexible annuities may also be on the cards.

Under the current rules what happens to pensions when someone dies is quitecomplicated and depends on how old the deceased is and whether they havetaken any money from their pension. The chancellor George Osborne hasannounced the proposed abolition of the punitive 55% pension death tax,which means from April 2015 it will be possible to pass your pension pot on toyour beneficiaries in a more tax efficient manner.

Under the new rules which will be implemented from April 2015, anyone belowthe age of 75 who dies will be able to pass their pension on to anyone theylike completely tax free. Unlike the old rules, it doesnt matter if the pensionhas been touched (or crystallised) whether an income or lump sum has beentaken from the pension pot it can still be passed on tax free as long as theperson who died was under the age of 75.

From April 2015, if a person dies after the age of 75 and their pension ispassed on to their beneficiaries as a lump sum it will be liable to a 45% taxcharge. However the government intends to make lump-sum paymentssubject to tax at the beneficiarys rate (know as a marginal rate) rather than a45% flat rate. The government wants the pensions industry to put the systemsin place to allow lump sums to be taxed at the beneficiarys marginal rate byApril 2016.

These changes apply to those aged 55 or over who have a defined contributionpension scheme, such as a personal pension or SIPP. The government hasstated that around 18 million people could benefit from these changes.However, the impact of the new rules will depend on your age and when youplan to take your pension, so getting independent financial advice is important.

Founded in Bristol by Steve Kelland in October 1988, Kellands hasbecome one of the leading firms of independent financial advisers in theUK. Each year, it advises clients on investments worth in excess of 400

million. Kellands now has a nationwide group of franchises offeringindependent advice across the UK. All Kellands Offices are individually

authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Great opportunities in the newworld of Pensions

Quays Office Park, Conference Avenue,Portishead, Bristol, BS20 7LZ

www.kelland-bristol.comor call 0117 900 4000

We will be able to explain your options to you, based on your individual circumstances.

by Steve Kelland, Chairman of Kellands

Steve Kelland


23

Cool Ventures is not only brilliant at inspiringentrepreneurs and helping businesses to grow, its ashining example of its own advice.

In the last year alone the Yate company has doubled itsturnover and is now recruiting admin staff to free up themanagement team to deliver more services to the customerand effectively manage its own growth.

New services are also lined up, giving small businesses evenmore opportunity to expand.

Thats on top of one of its biggest successes: helping a clientwin a 10 million contract and then to secure a RegionalSupport Grant to fund the organisational changes required forthe contracts delivery.

For a company launched in 2011, Cool Ventures is clearly hotstuff across the South West.

Led by Roger Wilkinsand Sue Marchant, thecompany is much morethan a business andmanagementconsultancy to owner-led firms.

Its portfolio also coversbusiness planning,financial intermediationto debt and equityfunding sources andexecutive recruitmentservices.

Theres introduction to business workshops aimed at thoseconsidering whether to starting a company is the right move forthem. Not only do they cover business plan preparations, theygive guidance through the legal and financial aspects and someof the basic skills which will be needed.

One to one sessions, in which Cool Ventures experts work withstart-ups and small companies on the crucial details, such asSWOT analyses, financial forecasts, plans, loan applications arealso available.

And for those who are already successfully established, theresthe Growth Services programme to help with the transition to amore hands off style of management, and the BusinessPerformance Services series aimed at helping owners takecontrol of their companies - so that their companies dontcontrol them.

For most, funding is critical to making growth happen, and CoolVentures is perfectly placed to help clients attract investment.Its consultants have access to many potential investors, and italso has coaches accredited for the Growth Voucherprogramme and the Growth Accelerator Programme and hasaccess to supported coaching for qualifying businesses.

Training is also a critical part of any companys progress and,once again, Cool Ventures can help with a range of coursesand workshops covering topics such as Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Basic Financial Reports and Setting andManaging Budgets.

Responsible for designing and deliver all its own material, CoolVentures is happy to tailor courses to specific business andmanagement requirements.

If you want to grow your business, we can provide the supportyou need, either using our own skilled staff or by utilising ourextensive network of skilled advisers, consultants andcoaches, says Roger.

For further information about Cool Ventures and its services, go to

www.coolventures.co.ukAlternatively email [email protected]

or telephone 01225 580850

Follow us@cool_ventures

Roger Wilkins on the far right, and Sue Marchant, second from left, with one of their clients.


24

There are a numerous sources offinance available to both new andestablished businesses, but thedecision as to which source is mostappropriate for your needs requirescareful consideration.Roughly speaking, funding breaks downinto two forms: debt and equity. You takeon debt when you borrow money from alender, and pay interest on the loan. Youwill be required to repay the money withinterest over time. Or, you can take on anequity investment - in which you sell aportion of the company to an investor inreturn for cash or something else of value.Bank lending is still problematical formany small or new businesses without atrack record; therefore the majority of newbusinesses consider alternative sourcesfirst. A recent survey reported that bankloans comprised less than 15% of start-upcapital. This does not mean that youshould not look for a bank loan, just that itis not the only source to consider.Start-ups often find it easier to get moneyfrom individuals or groups of individuals,while companies which have a trackrecord of success are more apt to find anaudience with institutional lenders. Your first source of capital will probably bea loan from yourself. There are definiteadvantages here, youown the wholecompany, control theshow, and standto reap the gainsshould yourventurebecomevaluable.

But there's a potential downside as well.Even the best-researched and well-runstart-ups involve risk. We hear wonderfultales of risk-takers who take out secondmortgages on their homes and borrowfrom their retirement funds to launchbusinesses that turn them into millionaires.There are fewer stories in the news aboutthe far more common experience of themany people who take great risks and fail,losing their homes and savings in theprocess! Another form of personal debt is to useyour credit cards, this option is veryexpensive and extremely risky, but with acool head and careful management canbe a useful short term solution. Borrowing from your friends and family,usually at low or no interest is often agood way for new businesses to getmoney. But you risk alienating your familyif the business falls on hard times and youhave trouble repaying the loan. Be surethat you have a written agreementregarding the amount borrowed, theinterest rate and how and when the loanis to be repaid. If you go to your bank for a business loan,the bank will ask for security, usuallycompany or personal assets. Business loanshave far stricter requirements than consumerloans. For example, if your business is

experiencing tough financial times,your bank may ask you to

immediately pay off the fullamount of the loan, something

that is unlikely to happen witha consumer loan.

Many small businessesare funded throughpersonal loans or other

loans based onpersonal assets.

Consumer loans, home equityloans, second mortgages,

mortgage refinancing,

and personal loans - are easier to obtainthan business loans if you have a goodcredit history. Some banks don't mind if you take aconsumer loan and use the funds forbusiness purposes, others will refuse tolend to you if you tell them you need themoney for business purposes. Keep inmind that if you tell a banker a loan is forpersonal use and you use it for business,that lie constitutes fraud.Commercial Finance companies are thecompanies that make car loans. They takeon higher risk commercial loans thanbanks and can handle commercial loans.If your company is high-growth and willcontinually need its loan ceiling raised;your credit history is spotty; or yourcompany has a high debt-to-worth ratiowith a strong cash flow a CommercialFinance company, may be a good bet, butbear in mind, greater risk usually bringshigher costs. Rates and fees will be higherthan banks. Venture capital is available to a wide rangeof businesses at most stages ofdevelopment, they specialise incompanies that have a solid track recordand are expected to grow by at least 20%a year. They also want to buy into thecompany, not just make a loan. In additionto firm ownership, venture capitalists willalso want management input in the formof 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 willprovide funds for viable businesses. Wewill look at these options in more depth ina future edition.

There are also a huge range ofgovernment backed loans and grants,www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder, www.gov.uk/business-finance-

explained are useful resources.

Sources ofBusiness Finance

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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. Its 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 dont 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 customersrequirement, 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 Finances 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 Developments JoeDavison on 07734 551239, email [email protected]

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

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Todays advanced economies live ordie by their ability to get smarter.Growth comes not from competing onlabour costs, raw materials or accessto capital: our competitive edgedepends on our capacity to innovate.

When that light bulb moment comes, theone that comes from finally actuallygetting that special idea, process orconcept down on paper, or creating aworking model, it is very exciting.

However, that moment which often onlycomes after many hours, sometimes evenyears, of research and development isonly the start.

The first thing you must do before takingyour idea to market is to get protection on your product, having protection onyour idea adds credibility and will stoppeople reproducing your idea without prior permission.

Every business will own some form of intellectual property. It could be the artistic design, shape, technology or brand of their productor process, but do you know howto protect and exploit theseintellectual assets?

Intellectual property includescopyright, patents, design andtrade marks and must besomething you have created thatsunique. Intellectual propertyprotection can provide the ownerwith a market monopoly that canprove a valuable asset.

You cant protect an idea but you canoften protect what you do with it, eg. Youcant protect an idea for a book but youcan protect the words youve written.

However the protection of intellectualproperty has become increasinglycomplex with the majority of Europeanstates having their own set of criteria. For a company or individual to protecttheir invention can be very expensive andtime consuming.

So how can you protect your IP assets?First decide on what needs protecting,what is important to others, not just you.Take time to understand the basics of

intellectual property protection, there are numerous web sites on the subject,but the government web sitewww.gov.uk/browse/business/intellectualproperty is a useful resource.

Once you are confident that you have atleast a general understanding, contact aprofessional trade mark and patentattorney. Establishing intellectual propertyrights can be very protracted andstressful, and many applications forintellectual property protection needsupport every step of the way. Aprofessional trademark and patentattorney will be able to advise their clientson all aspects of intellectual property,including patents, trade marks andregistered designs in the UK, Europe and elsewhere.

They can represent clients before the UKand European patent offices and trademark offices thus enabling them to supportclients at every stage, from pre-filingadvice, through filing, prosecution andgrant, to renewal. They also work withoverseas patent and trade mark attorneysto secure intellectual property protectionelsewhere.

The process of standardising trade marksand designs across the European Union islargely complete, and after more than 40years of negotiation, the majority of the EUmember states have finally agreed to aunitary European patent which will mostlikely come into force this year.

Last year the IPO (Intellectual PropertyOffice) asked people to tell them what

areas of copyright law they foundconfusing, so that they could publishcopyright notices containingpractical, clear and non-technicalguidance that people could usewith confidence.

Social Media and the internethave thrown up a new set of IPchallenges as their use becomesever more widespread. Havingreviewed the requests relating tosocial media and the internet,the IPO (Intellectual PropertyOffice) has published guidancefor people who use, upload and

link to images and photos on theweb - whether for business orpersonal use. You can find this

information on Copyright notice 2014.

With so many changes to already complexrules and regulations, the help of anexperienced patent and trademark attorneyhas never been more necessary.

So if you or your company has created ordesigned something you believe to beunique, contact a specialist straight awayfor commonsense advice on how toprotect your light bulb moment.

If you make it easy for others to steal yourideas, you can ultimately end up washingaway your own path to success.

How to protectyour big idea

Intellectual Property


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Napoleon described the British as a nation ofshopkeepers, but Jon Welfoot, partner at StevensHewlett & Perkins (SH&P) maintains that it would alsobe true to think of ourselves as a nation of inventors.

Inventors are however, rather inclined to become engrossed intheir invention. Indeed, for the individual it can become almostan obsession. While the larger companies and organisationsoften have dedicated teams of lawyers to take care of things, inthe thrill of invention it is only too easy for the smaller concernor individual to neglect safeguarding the rights to a seeminglygreat idea or fail to check whether someone else has got therefirst. If the invention, design or brand name is new andinnovative it is crucial to take suitable steps to establishownership in order to protect their work; it is after all theirproperty and an important business asset.

SH&P are specialist Intellectual Property Lawyers who, havingbeen established in 1915, will be celebrating 100 years ofadvising business owners and individual inventors next year.They are a partnership who deal purely with matters ofintellectual property, and have offices in London and Bristol.Both Offices provide Patent, Trade Mark and Design services,and offer clients a full range of services focussing on all aspectsof the protection, maintenance and enforcement of intellectualproperty rights around the world.

Jon Welfoot, It has never been more important to protect yourIP because in these days of widespread information technology,others can piggyback on someone elses ideas only too easily.

He stressed the importance of making an initial application,before you disclose any invention to the public. As lawyers, aduty of confidentiality is binding on SH&P

bbp south west - edition 26

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