Ed

ition 35

T: 08000 807 809E: hello@bbpmedia.co.uk

www.bbpmedia.co.uk

BRISTOL BUSINESS POST

bbpMedia

companies without the track record to raise finance by moreconventional means. The criteria are stricter than for EIS in orderto drive investment where it is most needed. To be eligible forSEIS investment, a company must have fewer than 25employees, no more than £200,000 in assets, and may not raisemore than £150,000 through SEIS in any three year period.

Many of the investment rules that apply to EIS also apply toSEIS, but one key difference is that existing directors can takeadvantage of SEIS to obtain tax reliefs.

A company that qualifies under SEIS may later also qualifyunder EIS, though it must have spent at least 70% of its SEISfinances to be allowed to do so. Investors under SEIS mayreinvest in the same company under EIS providing they do sowithin three years.

The firm warns that EIS and SEIS, like most other beneficialinvestments, should not be thought of as schemes providingspeedy guaranteed returns, as the companies that qualify are,by their very nature, smaller and higher risk. Investors, howeverwho take appropriate advice may well find that EIS and SEISinvestments can provide a valuable addition to their portfolios.

Talk to Managing Principle, Mark Pooley, or a member of theteam, as he says, “We like to think proactively about how wecan help clients’ companies succeed.”

He issues an invitation to new clients, “Please do get in touchto see how we can help. We look forward to working with you,confident that you will soon become another satisfied client. “

To find out more about Hollingdale Pooley and its services, go towww.hollingdalepooley.co.uk. Alternatively emailenquiries@hollingdalepooley.co.uk or call 0117 9733377.

Hollingdale Pooley Limited, is a highly respected, Bristolbased, firm of accountants established in 2004 thatprovides accountancy, audit, taxation and business adviceto businesses in Bristol area and beyond.

The partners have all previously trained or worked in large ormedium sized practices while the rest of the team is eitherqualified or in training and experienced in particular disciplines.

A combination of experience, expertiseand highly professional service hasproved a winning combination forHollingdale Pooley which enjoys animpressive client retention rate.

For companies, the practice providesa background team of expertsoffering continuous support andadvice, but also works closely withindividuals to establish vital one-to-one relationships that result in timely,bespoke guidance on improvingbusiness or personal finance.

The practice is well placed to offer advice on a range ofgovernment initiatives designed to help small businesses growwhile providing opportunities for investors, such as theEnterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and the Seed InvestmentScheme (SEIS), designed to offer a range of tax reliefs toinvestors who purchase new shares in those companies.

SEIS was introduced to complement EIS, when it wasrecognised that EIS was not able to drive the significant levelsof seed capital where it was most needed to promote growth,into the smallest, highest risk and earliest stage companies,SEIS was designed to meet that need.

The higher risk that investors undertake is reflected in the moregenerous tax reliefs, of 50% income tax relief on investmentrather than the 30% available through EIS.

Capital Gains Tax relief and exemption also differ from EIS.Investors using SEIS also gain, as with EIS, from 100% capitalgains tax relief on the disposal of qualifying shares; but SEISoffers an exemption from capital gains tax if the investmentcomes from gains realised in that tax year.

Hollingdale Pooley is able to advise on the eligibility criteria forthe scheme which can be a life line for young and growing

To find out more about Hollingdale Pooley and its services, go to www.hollingdalepooley.co.ukAlternatively email enquiries@hollingdalepooley.co.uk

or call 0117 9733377

Expert Advice - Tailored to your Needs

HollingdalePooleyChartered Accountants

Mark Pooley

12466 AP_HorseWorld 02/11/2015 11:58 Page 1

Welcome to Edition 35 of the Bristol BusinessPost, the free magazine for the Southwestbusiness community, packed with news tips andstories across the region.

In this edition we have a major feature onchoosing a Conference Venue, and the many usesfor Corporate Video. Our Technology for Businesssection is reviewing the choice of Telecomssystems and partners for your business.

With National Apprenticeship week looming welook at the new breed of Apprentices, andconsider aspects of Health and Wellbeing withinthe workplace. Our Warehousing and Logisticssection this time looks at the challenges facingthe Logistics sector and in a link to theApprenticeship feature calls for more training.

We continue to discuss some of the reliefs andallowances available to businesses and carry onthe Pensions discussion.

Please keep sending your business stories andpress releases to newsdesk@bbpmedia.co.ukwe will feature as many as we can.

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

Tel: 08000 807 809Fax: 01905 726 467E: hello@bbpmedia.co.ukW: 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.

C O N T E N T SBeavis Morgan 4

The Tax Benefits of Research 5

AECOM 6

Ernst & Young 7

Boatman Financial 8

The Auto Enrolment/Pension Freedoms Equation 9

Bridgwater College 10

The New Apprentice 11

Wiltshire College 12

The South West Apprenticeship Company 13

Bath College 14

N-Gaged Training 15

Otter HR 16

Business Telecommunications 17

Datasharp 18

Surf Telecoms 20

Gradwell Communications 21

Active8 Robots 22

Keep on Trucking 23

Kerry Logistics 24

Coface 25

Rygor Group Services 26

Kingspan 27

Drive-Tech 28

Weir Quay 29

Henleaze Roofing 30

Orchard Energy 32

“Lights, Camera, Action!” 33

Bruton Cox Visuals 34

Horizon 51 35

Cineon 36

New Fruit Productions 37

Deliveroo 38

The Pump House 38

Choosing a Conference Venue 39

Bristol Sport 40

Chepstow Racecourse 41

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel 42

Go Ape 43

Ashton Court Mansion 44

Dartington Hall 45

Fruitdrop 46

A Call to Action 47

Industrial Medical and Safety Services 48

Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre 49

Mojo Active 50

New Leaf Health 51

BBP Media Contents pg ed 35_Layout 1 21/02/2016 12:27 Page 3

Thousands of companies are missing out on R&D taxincentives for investment in software, systems andtechnology, worth millions of pounds.

Beavis Morgan has anestablished team ofR&D experts, led byToby Hermitage. Tobyhas been involved inR&D since the regimelaunched in 2000 andhe and his team havemade thousands ofclaims and recoveredaround £50m of taxbenefits for clients.Toby’s 100% trackrecord of success oversuch an extendedperiod is a significantsource of reassuranceto clients and testament

to his and his team’s commitment to excellence.

We have made successful claims for companies across an incrediblybroad range of industries from companies where R&D is expected,to companies involved in waste management, travel, debtmanagement, security systems, building & building management,jewellery and media companies. An increasingly common theme isthat they have developed innovative software solutions ortechnological processes to solve particular issues within theirbusinesses. The resolutions are rarely obvious and attempts to solvethem have a lack of certainty in their outcome.

In many cases, key personnel within the company haveidentified the problem and one or more potential solutions, butdo not have the specialist skills required to implement thosesolutions. As a result, the company engages outsideconsultants to carry out some or all of the implementation.Whilst the tax relief is reduced in these circumstances, the costto the company of those consultants form part of the R&Dexpenditure on which relief can be claimed. Even where thereare competitors who have solved the same or a similarchallenge, R&D relief would be available as long as the solutionto the problem has not reached the public domain.

We have seen a growing number of companies activelychoosing to develop their own software systems, as the “off theshelf” alternatives are simply not able to cope with theparticular demands and challenges placed upon theirbusinesses. Many view this development as simply being part

of their IT expenditure, but in many cases the systems that arecreated are sufficiently innovative to qualify for relief under theR&D scheme.

The tax relief granted for expenditure incurred on R&D is anextremely valuable one, both for profitable companies andthose that are loss making. For profitable companies the reliefgives a reduction of up to 46% of the amount spent on R&D; inmany cases reducing corporation tax liabilities to nil.

The tax credit available for loss making companies is ofparticular benefit as R&D related tax losses can be “sold” toHM Revenue & Customs for a tax credit thereby creating apositive cashflow impact. The value of these claims can be upto 33% of the amount spent on R&D.

The value of the relief is dependent on the size of the claimantcompany and the rates cited above are for “Small and Medium-sized Entities” (SMEs) however the limits for being an SME aresufficiently generous to cover businesses of substantial size. Tobe an SME, a company must employ less than 500 people (ona full-time equivalent basis) and have either Turnover of below€100 million or Gross Assets of below €85m.

Contact Steve Govey in the first instance on +44 (0)20 7549 2371or email steve.govey@beavismorgan.com

Toby Hermitage

12688_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 16:03 Page 1

4

In fact, small businesses accountedfor more than 80 per cent of theamount of tax relief claimed forresearch and development in the2013-14 tax year, the most recent forwhich figures are available. Thenumber of small firms applying for therelief outnumbered large firms makingclaims for their own equivalent bynearly four to one in 2013.

Yet – and here is the truly remarkablestatistic – HM Revenue and Customs’own research shows that less than oneper cent of all firms potentially eligible forthese valuable sources of write-offsagainst their revenue are actually claimingthe relief.

Most business owners may be aware ofR&D, and even that there are taxadvantages to be had from investing inwork which qualifies as such.

But where the real knowledge gap seemsto exist is in that there are many kinds ofwork which can qualify as research anddevelopment for the purposes of beingoffset against tax liabilities. There is awidespread belief that only companiesengaged in cutting edge research anddevelopment, with large teams of research

scientists developing some form ofadvanced technology in white coats haveany chance of qualifying.

Many tax experts, indeed, believe that thisis a myth which needs to be shattered forthe sake of the future prosperity of notjust the SMEs which stand to gainimmediate benefit from their owngroundwork and innovations, but thewider business community which mayalso find commercial advantage fromresearch and creation of new productsand services carried out in the UK.

The fact is that it isn’t just the traditionalfield of scientific research in which workqualifies for support through the taxregime.

Since 2000, any company based in theUK which is working on the developmentof new products, services or systems, oron ways of materially improving existingones in any field, can qualify for taxcredits under the banner of R&D, whichcan either be offset against anycorporation tax owed, or claimed directlythrough HMRC as a cash payment.

And the definition of a ‘small’ business bythe UK Corporation Tax Act of 2009 whichgoverns who is eligible for help is widerthan you might realise, with a smallbusiness classed as one which has under500 staff and an annual turnover of lessthan €100million (about £73miilion at late2015 rates)

It isn’t just SMEs themselves who appearto be ignorant of the benefits available –the lack of knowledge seemingly extendsto their accountants and financialadvisors. Why else would the proportionof businesses claiming be so low?

Yet companies believing they might have avalid claim for revenue to be offset in thisway have to act quickly, as they are onlyallowed leeway of two tax years forbackdating any claims for a relief orrepayment.

In introducing this classification of taxbenefit, the UK government was seen asbeing keen not to lag behind several of itsprincipal world rivals, such as the USA,Canada and France, which had brought insimilar schemes some years earlier.

For SMEs, what is known as a‘superdeduction’ may apply, allowingthem to claim for an extra 125 per cent oftheir eligible R&D costs to be offsetagainst their taxable income. And if thecompany makes a loss in a tax year forwhich they make such a claim, they mayinstead claim a cash payment of a sumequal to very nearly one-third of theireligible investment in R&D.

An article such as this can only, by itsnature, skim the surface of a topic asinvolved as the tax system. So if it hasmade you curious about what you mighthave been missing out on by way ofallowances and payments for work todevelop products and systems to helpyour business, ask a financial adviser formore information.

The Tax Benefitsof Research

Research and the benefits arising from itand incentives for doing it are far from thepreserve of business big boys.

12780 1pg v2_Transport Warehousing 19/02/2016 12:00 Page 1

5

AECOM’s Fiscal Incentivesteam have a clear message –“we save our clients money”.

The team is formed of highlyexperienced and dedicatedasset taxation specialists with awide range of professionalqualifications from surveyingand engineering through toinvestment, taxation, accountingand sustainability.

They assist clients in reducing their tax liabilities by identifyingassets and investments that attract tax relief. In some casesmore than half of the project expenditure (including professionalfees) will be eligible for relief against taxable profits.

This year alone the team identified over £1 billion of capitalallowances, creating a direct financial saving for their clients ofover £200 million.

Particular services include:

• Capital allowances consulting

• Land remediation relief consulting

• Research and development relief consulting

• Property-related VAT and International Customs Duty mitigation

They undertake due diligence on potential acquisitions anddisposals, providing advice on the availability of relief andproviding the necessary contractual clauses and documentationto secure all available benefit.

Capital expenditure can be analysed on new builds, fit outs,conversions and refurbishments, with works in existingproperties often providing the most lucrative returns in terms oftax relief.

Fiscal incentives are increasingly being used to support thesustainability agenda in buildings and the firm’s earlyinvolvement provides the best opportunity to implement aneffective strategy focussing on green incentives via thespecification of qualifying equipment and installations.

Enhanced Capital Allowancesprovide 100% relief or a 19%payable credit (subject torestrictions) for expenditure onprescribed energy or water-saving technologies. Theseare available in the year thatthe expenditure is incurred,allowing for a full andimmediate benefit.

Whilst AECOM’s FiscalIncentives team can add valueat any stage of a project ortransaction, their earlyinvolvement can have themost impact. Recent changes

to the capital allowancerules mean that carefulplanning is required whenconsidering a propertypurchase or disposal toensure that the benefit ispreserved. Interactionduring the preparation ofthe bid or tenderingprocess also allowsAECOM to proactivelymanage the tax reliefprocess and enables theimplementation of thebest methods forenhancing the claims andtax relief available.

Their involvement increases the opportunity to create additionalproject cash flow through tax relief by:

– Identifying project-specific tax and fiscal incentives.

– Forecasting the flow of available reliefs to assist in the reporting process.

– Maximising recovery through enhanced capital allowances and other high-yielding reliefs.

– Advising on “green” initiatives, including renewable technologies.

AECOM works with a wide range of clients across all sectors,ranging from small business and private investors tointernational and world renowned organisations, with a particularfocus on the property sector, working with such high profilebusinesses as British Land, Prologis, Gazeley and Hammerson.

The firm’s network of offices throughout the United Kingdomenables them to provide specialist advice to their clientslocally.The firm’s international capability and knowledge of taxdepreciation regimes worldwide also enables them to providelocal solutions globally. They have a history of operating in manyinternational jurisdictions such as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia,South Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, India, Poland and Spain. Theywork with local tax agents to provide enhanced segregation ofproject expenditure for tax depreciation purposes.

For more information about the firm and its wide range ofservices, please visit the web site www.aecom.com

Tim Jackson leads the AECOM Fiscal Incentives team and canbe contacted on: 020 70617167 / 07872912586timothy.jackson3@aecom.com

Tim Jackson - Director

33713_HorseWorld 10/12/2015 08:50 Page 1

6

Working with youOur national Innovations Incentives practice (part of our globalnetwork), assists clients of all sizes on their journey from asingle grant application or first R&D claim, through to a matureinnovation funding strategy. We do this through a provenpartnership of tax excellence and industry science andengineering experience. We are able to work simply and clearlywith all your teams and speak their language.

This practice operates seamlessly with local client teamsproviding all Tax Advisory and Compliance services you wouldexpect from us. Our Bristol office serves the region and ensuresthat your innovation funding strategy blends seamlessly withyour wider business and tax agenda throughout the lifecycleand beyond.

Innovation funding is: R&D Credits, Grants, Patent Box?A strategic view of the future?

From start-ups to global index-leaders, innovation is at theheart of successful organisations. However, our recent surveyof aerospace and manufacturing sectors reinforces ourexperience that most companies (>60%) are yet to formalise aninnovation funding strategy that will underpin future growth.

Available incentivesInnovation incentives are a major area of governmentinvestment and continue to increase in generosity year on year.We should all be familiar with the Research and Development(R&D) tax and credit incentives that have been a central pillar(although many companies continue to underestimate therelevance and extent of these). In addition, however, the UK ismore competitive than ever with compelling grant programmesand intellectual property (IP) regimes such as the Patent Boxproving ongoing benefit.

Looking forwardConsidering the whole innovation lifecycle, rather than elementsin isolation, is now crucial to building a truly effective innovationfunding strategy for future development.

By considering future iterations of the lifecycle, we no longerlook simply retrospectively at the credits we can receive forR&D already done. Rather, we now consider how we alignfuture projects to available grants, dynamically capture thequalifying R&D for credits, and recognise the most effective IPopportunities that will feed into future patent box revenue.

By taking this holistic view, our clients also optimise theinteractions between the incentives and create an innovationfunding strategy which delivers more than the sum of its parts.

Contacts:

Adrian WilliamsExecutive Director, Innovation Incentives awilliams3@uk.ey.com

Karen KirkwoodTax Partner, EY Bristolkkirkwood@uk.ey.com

What will be your view of the future?

12497_HorseWorld 12/11/2015 12:18 Page 1

7

24 The Town Crier Magazine | AUGUST 2015

Traditional Values Modern Thinking Clear Charges Transparent Advice

Are you confused by the world of pensions and the newpension freedom rules that were introduced in April 2015? Youprobably aren’t alone and at Boatman Financial we can helpyou gain a better understanding of what options are available toyou if you’re aged 55 and over.

You cannot ignore the fact that we are all getting older and nearlyone in five people in the UK will live to see their 100th birthday!With this in mind, it is important to choose how you take yourretirement benefit and think about your needs both in the earlyyears and later years of your retirement. Your circumstances maychange during your retirement due to ill health or divorce soflexibility is important plus with the nation getting older, yourincome may need to last much longer than you anticipate.

Today’s retirees spend £1,084 permonth on essentials (services, fuel,transport, housing and food).According to the Centre forEconomics and BusinessResearch's (CeBR), this is set toincrease to £2,930 per month, or£35,500 per annum, by 2050, anincrease of 148%!

Potential pension options include:

• Guaranteed Income – receive a set amount of income for life

• Get flexible access to your savings – take the income you need, when you need it

• Have it paid in cash – get your retirement savings paid as a lump sum

• Leave it for now – keep your savings where they are and give them a chance to grow

Independent Financial Advisers, Boatman Financialare based in Calne, Wiltshire and our advisers havebeen providing advice to clients across the SouthWest of England for over 20 years.

We offer a professional financial planning serviceproposition. This is clearly defined, has a transparentfee structure and is designed to deliver the best valueto our clients. Our core business values ensure weact with the utmost degree of integrity andprofessionalism at all times and are open and ethicalin everything we do. We put our clients’ bestinterests at the heart of the business. We believe thatprofessional financial advice can add significant valueto individuals and to businesses. It is because of thisbelief that we are able to offer a comprehensive on-going adviser service designed to create real value forour clients.

For information about independent financial adviceand how we might be able to help you visit us atwww.boatmanfinancial.co.uk or call us on 01249 470067.

WORKING WITH YOU FOR A BETTER FINANCIAL FUTURE

Boatman Financial Ltd is an appointed representative of TavistockFinancial Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA number 556111.

Registered office: 28 Brock Street, Bath BA1 2LN. Registered in England and Wales, Company no. 07671876.

12750_HorseWorld 01/02/2016 09:29 Page 1

8

Many smaller businesses are due tostage over the next few months butthe choice of a suitable fund has beenfurther complicated by lack of choice,as many of the larger companiesclose their funds to new applicants,while the new pension freedoms haveadded an extra dimension of difficulty.

Many businesses have successfullynavigated the staging of their autoenrolment, but further changes tolegislation occurred in 2015 as newpension freedoms came into effect. Theeventual outcome of these changes will bethat more people will be not only savingfor their retirement but having the freedomto use those savings as they see fit.

There has been a great deal written aboutwhat these freedoms will mean foremployees but, from an employer’s pointview, allowing for the effect of thesechanges will be crucial in retaining andmotivating staff.

It will be important to ensure your schemeis flexible enough to allow for these futurechanges.

Those over 55 now have the option towithdraw all their pension pot at once, totake several smaller withdrawals, or leave it invested – potentially switchingbetween saving and drawing downincome over time.

This is great news for employees who canlook forward to a retirement that suitstheir individual life style, but it places anextra burden on employees to ensure thatthe pension they provide their staff is notonly compliant and fit for purpose but also

that their employees are equipped withthe knowledge to make informed choicesabout its disposal.

Previously although pension holders coulddraw down just 25% of their pension taxfree, the rest had to be used as anannuity to provide an income in later life,but now that this restriction has beenlifted sales have soared.

ABI figures show that the total value ofdrawdown products sold in the secondquarter of last year was a total of £1.3bn,compared with £670m in the same periodthe previous year and £425m the yearbefore that, according to figures from theAssociation of British Insurers. Thenumber of policies sold in the secondquarter was 19,600 last year, comparedwith a total of 9,500 the previous year and5,500 the year before. Not all drawdownproviders are members of the ABI, soactual figures for the whole market arebound to be higher still.

At the same time the number of annuitiessold, as opposed to their value, has alsofallen steeply. A total of 17,800 were soldbetween April and June last year,compared with 46,400 in the same periodthe previous year and 90,000 in thesecond quarter of 2013.

It seems to be more affluent savers whoare sticking with annuities. The averageannuity bought in the second quarter ofthis year was worth £55,600, comparedwith £38,600 last year and £34,500 in2013.

While much was talked about recklessspending on the part of pensioners, these

fears do not appear to have been realised,a total of only £1.3bn was paid in the firstthree months of the freedoms: an averagesum of just under £15,000. As for thepredicted boom in Buy-to-Let a pollcarried out by Prudential found thatexpectations of a boom as a result of thefreedoms look unlikely to be realised.Although 37pc of home owners aged over 55 said that they planned to buy atleast one more property, only 14pc saidtheir plans were a result of the newpension freedoms, and only 18pc ofprospective buyers said they wereconsidering anything other than a home in which to live.

It is important, therefore, that whensetting up your staff pension provisionunder the obligations of the AutoEnrolment legislation that you take thenew freedoms into account, and ensurethat your new company pension schemeallows your employees access to all thenew pension freedoms. Currently themajority of work place pension schemesdo not.

Successfully answering these questions could play a vital role inretaining your staff.

While it might be tempting to do theminimum when establishing youremployee benefit scheme, it be difficult,and the value in doing so questionablefrom a cost/benefit perspective.

Since pension contributions are likely torepresent one of the biggest items ofexpenditure for an employer they shouldensure that the benefit works for them.

The Auto Enrolment /Pension FreedomsEquation

www.workplacepensions.gov.uk

33815 1pg v2_Carford Group 22/01/2016 11:37 Page 1

9

Bridgwater College hasworked hard to help benefitbusinesses in theirworkplace training andApprenticeship needs. Byworking with employers,industry specialists,community organisationsand awarding bodies,Bridgwater College can

develop and deliver innovative, accredited trainingprogrammes that fully address the theoretical knowledge,practical skills and industry behaviours that combine tocreate professional, work-ready individuals.

Further Education colleges, such as Bridgwater College, are nottraditionally the first port of call for an employer seeking torecruit an apprentice or trainee, or to re-train or upskill anexisting employee via an Apprenticeship programme. However,a combination of colleges’ expert knowledge of funding andawarding body requirements, academic and pedagogicexpertise and industry-standard facilities, means they areextremely well-placed to deliver the theoretical and practicalelements of Apprenticeship training, leaving businesses tocomplement and reinforce this learning via practical applicationin the workplace.

Over the past two years the UK Government has committedsignificant resource to the development and funding ofApprenticeships and Traineeships, as a considered response tothe UK-wide skills shortage. Bridgwater College’s employerengagement has generated private sector investment of some£40m in College buildings and facilities which, in turn, havesupported phenomenal growth in Bridgwater College’sApprenticeship provision. Through these partnerships,employers are being given unprecedented access to a vast poolof talented individuals, and the opportunities they are nowoffering young people, in terms of work experience, work

placements,Apprenticeships andTraineeships with bluechip, multinationalcompanies are secondto none.Apprenticeships arenot just for the young,and definitely not justfor the academically

able; Bridgwater College’s employer partnerships have alsogenerated fantastic opportunities for individuals who prefer avocational route or who are unemployed, disadvantaged andsocially-excluded, to enter, or return to, the workplace.

Research carried out for the Department for Business,Innovation and Skillls shows that 65% of employers reportimproved productivity in their business as a result of employingan apprentice, and nine out of 10 Apprenticeship employershoping to achieve business benefits, confirm thatApprenticeships deliver.

Bridgwater College can workwith the employer to identifyan Apprenticeship frameworkthat addresses the broadtraining need, and then tailorit to suit, with the specialist,craft-based componentsbeing delivered byexperienced, skilledpersonnel in the workplace.Employers sometimes use anApprenticeship programmeto re-train or upskill existingemployees in response toemerging opportunities ortechnological advancementor to boost their supportservices such as businessadministration, IT, marketingor HR.

Apprenticeships can also work well for small and medium-sizedbusinesses. Even a micro-business, where the passing on ofskills is absolutely vital to its survival, can access – and afford –an apprentice. From April 2016, employers will no longer berequired to pay employer National Insurance contributions forapprentices (under the age of 25 on earnings up to the upperearnings limit). Small businesses may also be able to receive a£1,500 grant for apprentices aged between 16 and 24 years old.

If you would like more information please contact our BusinessDevelopment team on 01278 655111 or emailbusiness@bridgwater.ac.uk

12697 AP 2_HorseWorld 03/01/2016 12:55 Page 1

10

The sky’s the limit when it comes to therange of training opportunities out thereand we’re not just looking at the bluecollar professions. Think of anapprentice and then banish all ideas of acallow youth in grubby overalls wieldinga spanner/screwdriver or similar.

While apprenticeships in such vital andskilled sectors as mechanics, engineeringand the like still exist and are, rightly, valued,today’s candidates will more often than notbe white, green, red, yellow or any colourcollar you’d care to mention such is thevariety out there.

The word apprentice conjures up a wholehost of images thanks to the variety ofprofessions represented. And no, we’re notincluding a pointing bearded man shouting“you’re hired” or “fired”.

Today there are nearly 300 types ofapprenticeships available, making forhundreds of jobs in nigh on 170 differentindustries.

Banking, accounting, IT, HR and insurance -they’ve all got it covered as, of course havethe aforementioned electrical andengineering along with plumbing, car andhairdressing (for example) sectors.

But what about a crime scene photographer,a diamond mounter, a play worker or fishhusbandry? There’s apprenticeships outthere for all of these roles, as there are forthose wishing to embark on a new career inthe marine industry: sea fishing, portoperations, rivers and inland waterways.

And while some may see an apprentice asa young person just setting out upon theirvery first career, it’s worth bearing in mindthat he/she can easily be someone olderwho has been promoted to a role thatrequires new skills and responsibilities or ischanging career.

Even Hollywood’s picking up on that vibe.Last year’s The Intern featured Robert deNiro playing a pensioner abandoningretirement to become a senior intern (the USequivalent) at an online fashion company.

No matter what the age, however, mixing on-the-job training with in-the-classroomlearning means apprentices are able to gainthe skills they need for their chosen career aswell as nationally recognised qualifications atthe end.

What’s more there’s Higher Apprenticeships,many of which offer training up to degreelevel while paying a salary, thus providing areal alternative to university. A temptingopportunity then to really move your careerforward without running up student debts.

There’s plenty more opportunity to come,especially as the government has declaredits commitment to expanding the number,range and quality of apprenticeships offeringtraining to degree level.

Last year it revealed that 1,000 businesseswere involved in designing the newapprenticeship standards and that inbetween 2013 and 2014 it had invested£1.5bn in apprenticeships which, throughout2014, were estimated to contribute £34billion to the UK economy.

Meanwhile, those businesses who hiredapprentices were happy to report anaverage increase in productivity of £214 aweek as well as a rise in the quality of theirproduct or service.

There’s other good news for employers whoenjoy the opportunity to nurture their owntalent, plan for the future and negate anyfuture skills gaps - 83% of those employingapprentices were said to rely on theirprogrammes to provide the skilled workersthat they needed for the future.

According to the National ApprenticeshipServices (NAS), 77% believedapprenticeships made their companies morecompetitive and that they could mould thecandidates to suit their own particularworking practices. Candidates, they felt, whowere eager, adaptable and motivated to do agood job, knowing that a promising careercould be ahead.

The NAS has also reported that manycompanies find it is more cost effective tointroduce apprenticeship schemes than hireskilled staff and further knock-on effects arelisted as positive contributions from otherstaff members who can see the investmentthe organisation is making in skills. That, inturn, increases employee retention.

So it’s a big thumbs-up all round for theapprentice (as opposed to an aggressivelypointing finger) and the government isn’tfinished yet.

It’s looking to introduce a total of three millionapprenticeship starts over the next five yearsand it’s this ambition that will be a key driverfor National Apprenticeship Week 2016,running from March 14-18.

Co-ordinated by the Skills Funding Agency, the initiative will include hundreds ofevents and activities across England toshowcase apprentices and apprenticeemployers and celebrate the positive impactthat both apprenticeships and traineeshipshave on individuals, businesses and thewider economy.

The NewApprentice

The apprentice is back. Big time. After appearing tofall out of favour for a while, the opportunity to earnwhile you learn is now more popular than ever.

National Apprenticeship Week14-18 March 2016

33808 1pg_Transport Warehousing 22/01/2016 12:15 Page 1

11

Moulding your future workforce

Apprenticeships:

Moulding your future workforcewith Wiltshire College

Call The Apprenticeship Team on 01249 465282

www.wiltshire.ac.uk/apprenticeships

We offer a range of intermediate, advanced and higher apprenticeships including:

12708_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 15:33 Page 1

12

The South West Apprenticeship Company (SWAC) is an Apprenticeship TrainingAgency (ATA) which is encouraging employers to benefit from the Apprenticeshipsupport available to them in order to reap the rewards of having an apprentice intheir business.

The National Apprenticeship Service reports that 89% of employers have indicatedthat apprenticeships helped their business and improved the quality of their product orservice. Our award winning apprentices have completed key roles in Business andProfessional Services, Engineering, ICT, Finance, Marketing, Laboratory and Science andeven Fire and Rescue!

SWAC provides free, impartial advice for businesses that want to find out about thebenefits and steps involved in recruiting an apprentice. Employers frequently say thatbureaucracy and red tape get in the way of them taking on an apprentice, but the SWACare here to take care of all that for you!

How we can help?

SWAC currently provide apprentices to a wide range of businesses. We are experts in ourfield and fully recognised by the National Apprenticeship Service, we offer a full range ofservices that you can draw on. Below is a summary of ways we can help you:

Workforce Development and Apprenticeship Planning

We look at your organisation and help you understand the full range of opportunities tocreate apprenticeships. This will include an assessment of your current vacancies; likelyfuture vacancies based on your annual staff turnover; the training requirements you havefor existing employees; your future recruitment plans; and how all of these may be able tobe met through a robust and successful apprenticeship programme.

Apprentice Recruitment

Where our apprenticeship planning results in a recruitment campaign for new vacancieswe can help you recruit appropriate candidates.

1. We agree a job description with youdetailing the job role that yourApprentice will undertake.

2. We market your job vacancy andmatch the person spec to our currentpool of candidates.

3. We carry out a 3 stage recruitmentprocess, initial sifting fromapplications received, a telephoneinterview to assess suitability for therole and finally a face to faceinterview.

4. Our Recruitment Team will shortlista selection of candidates and sendthe CVs to you.

5. You choose the candidates thatyou want to interview and weschedule this for you.

You select the candidate

We employ the Apprentice on yourbehalf and pay them weekly throughour apprentice payroll system, wealso offer you and the apprentice afull mentoring and support package.

We arrange for your Apprentice to betrained by a recognised OFTSEDinspected Training Provider.

Our Success

Currently 99% of our apprentices areoffered full-time employment orprogress onto a HigherApprenticeship with their hosts oncompletion!

To date, we have employed or placedover 500 apprentices in businessesacross the South West and last year wehad two finalists and a winner at theNational Apprenticeship Awards and atthe local apprenticeship awards.

Ready to recruit? Then give usa call on 0800 334 5767 oremail us at info@theswac.org.uk

12720_HorseWorld 03/02/2016 11:55 Page 1

13

Apprenticeships at Bath College: A story of success

Bath College has the highest apprenticeship success rateamongst colleges in the West of England with more than 81 percent of apprentices gaining qualifications in 2013/14.

With a well-establishedreputation as the largestprovider of apprenticesin Bath, the collegecurrently supports over400 apprentices across22 business sectors.

An apprenticeship at Bath College could be the start of a career inindustries including business, catering, construction or engineering.

Apprentices can gain professional qualifications as well ashands-on work experience, making them more attractive tofuture employers.

Once qualified, Level 2 apprentices can expect to earn 11%more than people without training, and Level 3 apprenticescould earn 18% per cent more.

People with an advanced level apprentice could earn, on average,over £100,000 more than those without training during their career.

Employability is a focalpoint for Bath College,which was awardedTraining Provider of theYear at both the 2013 and2014 Bristol and BathApprenticeship Awards.

Work-based LearningManager Barney Willissaid:

"We are committed toproviding apprenticeshipsas we recognise thatapprentices can be veryhigh-calibre employeesand can go on to be thefuture of any business.

"We are introducing more apprenticeships to cover nearly allemployment sectors and to fit business needs and requirements."

Bath College has a close relationship with many of the SouthWest’s top employers, with Ofsted praising the college’semployability focus.

If you’re a student interested in an apprenticeship, or abusiness hoping to take on an apprentice contact StaceyHarper on (01225) 328729 or emailstacey.harper@bathcollege.ac.uk

For the latest apprenticeship vacancies, visitwww.bathcollege.ac.uk/type/apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at Bath CollegeAn apprenticeship is the perfect way to get a foot on the career

ladder, providing hands-on experience in a real job whilst you

earn and qualify for your chosen profession.

/BathCollege@bathcollege

For more information, please contact our apprenticeships team on 01225 328 729, 07805 042 830, or email apprenticeships@bathcollege.ac.ukStudent Advice Centre, Bath College, Avon Street, Bath, BA1 1UP

www.bathcollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Are you the missing piece?

12764_HorseWorld 04/02/2016 15:40 Page 1

14

N-Gaged Training are an award winning training provideroffering courses across a broad spectrum of industries,but especially focussing on Logistics, Taxi Driving,Hospitality and Pre-Employment Training.

The work N-Gaged undertake has been recognised as exemplaryby national companies, Trade Unions, Colleges, Job Centre Plusand individuals alike. They will provide free training for theunemployed, subject to eligibility, and provide a holistic servicefrom careers advice and guidance through to job opportunities.

The company attributes its success to its clear ethos ofpartnership and innovation. It is through the development ofpartnerships with employers, local authorities, trade unions,colleges, Job Centre Plus and individuals that the business hasdeveloped into the award winning and highly respected trainingprovider of today.

Based at the Beeches Hotel, N-Gaged can provide a ‘live’training experience in the Hospitality Sector. Offering a range ofprogrammes, they can provide a comprehensive service helpingto assess your training needs, delivering or signposting theappropriate training, through to reviewing the success of thetraining against your organisational goals.

Responding to the rising interest in apprenticeships from theLogistics sector, Skills for Logistics is developing an expandedrange of apprenticeship schemes covering the wide selection ofdisciplines and career options available within the freightlogistics industry.

N-Gaged, working in partnership with Skills for Logistics, anumber of leading South West Colleges are pleased to be ableto offer a variety of apprenticeships to meet the needs of thesector and giving their apprentices the opportunity to gainvaluable skills appropriate to the sector.

N-Gaged mission is to deliver a positive learning experiencefor everyone, providing added value to the individuals and

employers they work with.

For more information please visit their website, www.n-gaged.co.uk

email mail@n-gaged.co.uk or contact Melaine Irwin on 0117 9603693

Monday to Friday.

• Traffic Specialists

Plan routes and organise loads to ensure goods reachtheir destination on time and in good condition.

To do this job well you'll need a quick brain and theability to think on your feet.

• Warehouse Specialists

organise the handling, storage, packing and movementof goods in and out of the warehouse. To do this jobwell you'll need to be highly organised and ready to takeresponsibility.

• Professional Drivers

when you're out on the road in charge of up to 44tonnes of awesome power and a valuable cargo onboard, you are literally in the hot seat. You'll need yourwits about you and be ready to make decisions everymoment of every mile.

• Advanced Apprenticeships

are designed for young people who have the potential tobecome the supervisors and managers of tomorrow.That sort of responsibility requires people with initiative,good organisational ability and strong practical skillsrooted in sound training. If you have the potential andare keen to carve out a successful career in a dynamicindustry, this could be just what you're looking for.

Delivering Quality Training Solutions

12766 AP_HorseWorld 10/02/2016 14:00 Page 1

15

Have you ever thought about how much more successfulyour business would be if all your staff performed at thesame level as your best? All your sales people sold at thehighest level, your customer services people were all asgood with the customers?

Put simply, high quality HR is all about getting the best from allof your people all of the time. Raising the bar your people’sperformance to improve the performance of your business.Easier said than done, and the time-poor small business owner,already bogged down with day to day tasks and the mass oflegislation with which they need to comply, is rarely able to giveHR the time it deserves and frequently leaves matters to oneside, until there is a serious problem.

This is where Otter HR comes in. Otter HR was set up in 2008by John Taylor, with the aim of providing first class HR adviceto small and medium sized companies who do not need theirown full time HR Manager or HR Director, and to provideadditional support where necessary. Otter HR Services givesyou all the advantages of having your own experienced HRDirector at a fraction of the cost.

‘In my experience, we often get called into organisations whenthings have gone wrong, there may be a serious performanceissue or even an employment tribunal claim pending and we arehappy to deal with those cases. In all my time in HR I have notlost a tribunal case yet.’ says John ‘Success in getting goodperformance from your people and defending in tribunal comesfrom being well planned and setting good structures and

objectives for staff. Get that process right and businesses canmaximise their performance‘.

Managers and business owners sometimes find dealing withpeople issues difficult. If a particular employee or team isstruggling then there can be a temptation to leave the problemto resolve itself. ‘I think the thing I say to my clients most is thatit won’t go away’ says John. ‘In fact, problems often get worseif you leave them so I am always seeking to come up with aplan to solve issues. People often think that it will be difficult,but it is rarely as bad as they fear. One of the most importantelements of high quality HR support is the ability to managedifficult conversations to a solution which works for all sides.’

So where do you start? Probably with a free consultation andHR assessment, Otter HR will discuss your business with you,giving you the opportunity to explain any concerns you mayhave, where you see the future of your business, and yourimmediate plans. They will be able to identify the areas withwhich they can help, and provide recommendations and anaction plan tailored specifically to your business.

Whether you are just starting out and considering taking on thatfirst key, non-family member of staff or an established business,Otter HR recognises the importance of having the right peoplein place and will be at your side to help you.

It can be very complex to know the most appropriate course ofaction to take when something goes wrong, with potential legalimplications. Otter HR are able to offer professional advice tohelp managers deal with these cases and in difficult situationswill manage them directly.

Whatever your HR concerns Otter HR will be able to help,please contact John Taylor for an initial discussion on 01803 606069, or for more general information, visit their web site www.otter-hr.co.uk

12691_HorseWorld 14/12/2015 16:39 Page 1

16

There once was a time when the needto keep pace with the latestcommunications technology meantbuying a younger, faster carrierpigeon - or a louder drum.

Yes, in the Stone Age, before wires andvirtual networks began to transmitcommunications, smoke signals, percussionand birds were the must-have gadgets.Just imagine the excitement that wasgenerated when letters and postal systemsspanning the country and beyond arrived.

The computer/digital revolution hastransformed telecommunications in a waythat wouldn’t have been thought possibleeven 30 years ago.

And while the sector may always beconcerned with the ultra-modern, in ahistorical note, telecommunications comesfrom Greek words meaning ‘far off’ and‘information exchange’.

With the way we now communicatechanging on a daily basis, thesignificance oftelecommunicationstechnologies to any business,and the requirement to keepthem up to date, cannot beoverstated.

The on-going introduction of newsystems and devices makes extrademands on large and small organisationsand their employees, in turn requiringtelecoms services providers to constantlybe on the button when it comes toproviding versatile solutions that willsatisfy a wide range of needs.

From telephones, faxes, television, theinternet and a vast array of privatenetworks, telecommunications technologycan be aptly described as a firm’s centralnervous system.

Without it, organisations large or smallcould not compete or survive in our globalinformation service-dependent economies.It plays a key part in many aspects of abusiness, not only the obvious one oftransmitting information. Improvingefficiency and productivity and contributingto expansion can all be affected by theefficiency of a telecoms system.

Of course we have ‘The Internet’, butthat’s not the be-all and end-all forbusiness communication and interaction.As much as it’s seen as an expansion inhow companies engage across the globe,experts take a dim view of the idea thatthe World Wide Web would ever rendertelecommunications obsolete.

So making sure that you have the besttelecoms for your business and that they’realways as current as possible, is going tobe one of the most important investmentsto make and it is in every professional’sbest interest to make sure that they awareof new developments, be they atelecommunications expert or not.

Keeping thefingers on the pulse, so to

speak, puts employees at alllevels in a very good position to get up-to-the-minute information about newproducts and services which can, in turn,benefit their company.

For example, just simply subscribing toleading telecoms publications andnewsletters can keep a business abreastof important developments and can,ultimately, enable it to implement them assoon as they become available, thusgiving it a vital competitive edge.

It’s not just about ensuring the workplace isimplementing change; companies also needto be able to deliver proper responses tocustomers. Awareness of newdevelopments and when to upgrade forvirtual services such as call handling andmessage taking can only serve to boostand convey a favourable impression to newand would-be customers and underline areputation for high quality service.

Keeping pace with new technologiesmeans a capable telecommunicationssystem will help keep everyone alert to theconstantly evolving ways of doingbusiness which could be of overall benefitto a company.

Nowadays much can be done overthe phone which once could only be

done in person; essentially freeingemployees from travelling tomeetings to concentrate on waysof increasing revenue, efficiencies

and other aspects of the business.

As breakthrough after breakthroughkeeps coming, the thought ofimplementing each new development is adaunting one - but neither is it practical.

As with any computer software/hardware,the boffins always have something fasterand bigger with which to tempt us but itdoesn’t mean a business will fold if a newversion of the ‘newest’ call handlingsystem installed six months ago isreleased onto the market.

But, clearly, any business that relies solelyon a fax machine and 10 year-old mobilephones is going to struggle to keep upwith current business practice.

Clearly, it’s all about finding the rightbalance and ensuring there are solidfoundations in place for anycommunications system, along with aconsideration for future telecoms needsand what is required to support thebusiness plan and objectives.

BusinessTelecommunications

32893_Transport Warehousing 10/08/2014 12:36 Page 1

17

The modern office is changing. Whatever the size, whateveryour type of business, the way you work will have beenrevolutionised over the past decade. Even the stationery fillingyour stock cupboard will be different. Modern workplaces aremore efficient; they’re increasingly paperless. And the waycolleagues and customers communicate has changed most ofall.

With over 35 years’ communications experience, we’ve seeneverything from fax to dial-up internet come and go. But themodern office has never looked so complex or been soconnected. So what does the modern office look like, and howcan you take advantage of new technology in your workplace?

Voice over Internet Protocol enables voice and video-callingover the web, meaning face-to-face conferencing with clientsand colleagues overseas is now an everyday reality for manybusinesses. The advantages are endless. While video callingwill never replace the need to meet clients or suppliers inperson, following up an initial meeting with a video call can be acheaper, easier-to-organise alternative to hosting a second visit.Many systems allow users to ‘share screens’, so colleagues inremote locations can see how you’re working in real-time.

Of course, VoIP systems rely on fast, stable internetconnectivity. A combination of wireless and data networkingsystems are the bedrock of all modern offices. Ask yourself;are you happy with your connectivity? Could your currentnetworking system deal with additional staff-members anddevices? If not, it may be time to look for a new data solution.

Remote Working

Turning up at work in your pyjamas was once the stuff ofnightmares. Now it’s the stuff of dreams. Video and voicesystems like those discussed above mean you can be in theoffice and abroad (or in bed) at the same time. Combined withcollaboration software like Google Docs, home-working savesbusinesses office costs and employees spend less timetravelling. The upshot is improved work-life balance for allinvolved, and with hosted HD video conferencing systems at alow monthly entry price, a small outlay can mean a muchhappier workforce.

Of course, you can also prevent errant employees from takingadvantage by implementing effective MDM (Mobile DeviceManagement) systems, which monitor and restrict use ofoffice laptops and mobiles.

Business Mobiles

The key ingredient to making home-working work: businessmobile phones. With the advent of smartphones, working on themove and out-of-hours accessibility have become a workplacereality. Customers’ questions can be answered with an on-site callback to the office, decisions can be discussed and implementedwithout delay, and having to miss a day of work to look after an illfamily member is no longer such a big deal.

There are other less obvious – but more interesting – waysmobile technology can improve business performance.Colleagues working by themselves in remote locations can betracked and sent assistance using lone-worker protection.Presentations can be beamed from mobile devices usingBluetooth. Meanwhile, M2M (Machine to Machine) systemsenable networked devices to exchange information and performactions without the manual assistance of humans.systems e.g.barcode scanners to monitor deliveries, stock control andservice levels.

And the cost doesn’t have to be all yours; employees’ owndevices can be upgraded using the MDM systems discussedpreviously.

Blended Media Customer Contact

Telephone systems have changed dramatically over the years,from simply handling calls, to much, much more. Nowhere hasthis shift been felt more than in contact centre technology.Anywhere from a small team of two to thousands of employeessplit over multiple sites can now operate an effective unifiedcomms portal.

How does the modern office communicate?

12210 2pg _HorseWorld 15/02/2016 16:01 Page 1

18

Using campaign dialling systems, calls can be automaticallyrouted to the most appropriate employee. Voice, email, socialmedia, webchat and even SMS channels can all be pluggedinto a single unified communications portal, offeringcustomers a seamless communications experience – especiallyif employees are given a script to work from.

At the same time, the performance of an office contact systemcan be monitored using dynamic wallboards; easy-to-useapps which offer a real-time, bird’s-eye view of businesscommunications. These boards show live stats on callsanswered, customer wait times, calls waiting and more, makingit easy to troubleshoot and improve inbound and outboundcontact. And it doesn’t end with call stats either; any businessdata from your customer relationship management tool (CRM)can be displayed - stock levels, sales volumes, all manner ofbusiness-critical data. Even employees’ birthdays.

Call recording systems make it easy to remember andaccess the details of any conversation with customers orsuppliers. They’re an invaluable way of solving disputes andhelping businesses comply with legal codes. And if they helpprevent just one courtroom situation, they will have paid forthemselves. Many recording systems also transcribe andanalyse calls, pointing out inefficiencies so you can get on withdoing better business.

There you have it: the modern office. How does yoursmeasure up? Have you got a communications conundrumyou would like to talk to us about?

4, The Office Village, Bath Business Park, Roman Way, Bath, BA2 8SG.

08000 328274 www.datasharp-ic.co.uk hello@datasharp-ic.co.uk

@DatasharpIC

facebook.com/DatasharpIC

LinkedIn.com/company/Datasharp-Integrated-Communications

Datasharp Integrated Communications have been providingcutting-edge office communications for more than 35 years.To find the right system for you, or to test-drive the latestbusiness technology yourself, please ask about arranging avisit to our new Datasharp Technology Centre at BathBusiness Park, or contact the Datasharp team on 08000 328 274.

Come for a free demonstration at our new Technology Centre near Bath

12210 2pg _HorseWorld 15/02/2016 16:01 Page 2

19

Bristol

Telford

Leicester

Worcester

Newport

Derby

Birmingham

Nottingham

Plymouth

Swansea

Stoke

Bude

Cardi�

Lands End

Slough

Taunton

Northampton

London

Coventry

Gloucester

Our Network Upgrade to 100Gb

12736 AP_HorseWorld 11/02/2016 15:49 Page 1

20

As one of only a handful of UK-based 1-TierMicrosoft Office 365 partners, selected specificallyby the software giant as an authorised re-seller ofits services and products, GradwellCommunications can offer solutions for everyaspect of a SME’s productivity and workprocesses. As a result, it helps them realise the fullbenefits of the technologies it supplies.

“We don’t supply companies with ‘one size fits all’solutions to their telecoms and broadband needs,”Mr Gradwell promises. “And throughout their timeas a customer of ours, businesses can takeadvantage of our dedicated, UK-based ongoingsupport, operating from our headquarters in Bath,making us simpler to work with.”

As well as directly supplying and servicing a large andgrowing customer base, Gradwell Communications ispaving the way for continued expansion by workingalongside a select group of affiliate partners, who re-sell its services and packages, enabling it to expandits geographical reach.

“This is another way in which we are backingbusiness growth, as many of these partners arethemselves small businesses. So they fullyappreciate the demands and concerns of theircustomers, talk to them in language theyunderstand, and work collaboratively with them tofind telecoms and internet solutions which meettheir needs, now and well into the future,”concluded Mr Gradwell.

Give Gradwell Communications a call on 01225800 808 to start a discussion about how they canhelp your business work and communicate moresmoothly. Or see more details of the servicesoffered at www.gradwell.com

Gradwell – plugging small businessesinto the comms revolution

Back in the late 1990s, ‘serial entrepreneur’ Peter Gradwell wasjuggling working on his first start-up with university studies, when herealised that his business, and thousands of other SMEs, could reallybenefit from a simpler, ‘one-stop shop’ approach to theircommunications technology needs.

That was the idea which prompted him to set up GradwellCommunications, and now, nearly 20 years later, he remains an integralpart of the business which has grown to employ about 70 staff, mainly at itsBath headquarters, and looks after more than 22,000 customers – mainlySMEs – guiding them towards the right solutions across the three ‘Cs’ ofthe communications needs: calls, connectivity and cloud.

“We like to solve the challenges of meeting individual businesses’ particularcommunications needs, and, whatever their size and ambitions for the future,see ourselves as a partner who can support them as they grow, and providesolutions which adapt to their changing needs,” said Mr Gradwell.

In the field of phone calling, Gradwell has developed its own VoIP (voiceover internet protocol) system, which allows single and multiple users tomake calls over the internet and thereby greatly reduce their call costs.

The company also promises its customers “internet access that won’t slowyou down”, supporting this clear and unequivocal statement of intent withoptions which include instant back-up and support to identify and deal withany of those annoying drop-offs in service which can blight the smoothrunning of any business – and the infrastructure designed to prevent themhappening in the first place.

It adds up to a dedication to ongoing service to its thousands of customerswhich last year brought Gradwell Communications recognition among itspeers, including a nomination at the 2015 Comms Business Awards in the‘Good to Great’ category, which recognises the achievements of thefastest-growing firms in this highly competitive sector.

The company’s third big area of focus is the cloud, where GradwellCommunications has built a service offering around the cornerstoneprinciples of ensuring customers have total control over their data, that it iskept securely, and that their solutions make every client more productive.

12740_HorseWorld 10/02/2016 15:32 Page 1

21

If you’ve ever pondered whatthe wide world of roboticsmight offer your business as itsets out on the path togrowth, you can find both helpfor all your needs andinspiration about what can beachieved from Somerset-based Active8 Robots.

Born from a companywhose roots go back to thebeginning of this century, itsmain original purpose wasto supply robots, roboticscomponents, kits and awide range of electronicitems and accessories, andits initial target audienceswere hobby builders, as wellas schools, colleges anduniversities.

Today, the company’s mainstrength has shifted along withthe growth in e-commerce,and it now boasts a fullytransactional website,www.active-robots.com listing more than 3,000products.

These now run right to some of the most sophisticated robots which help runmany highly automated manufacturing plants and processes.

“The services offered through Active8 Robots focus around providing our clientswith solutions to automate production lines, whether that’s using a traditionalrobot, or the newest technology, in the form of collaborative robots,” explainedcompany chairman and managing director Antony Lovedale.

Mr Lovedale has gathered a strong collection of talent, taking in cyberneticsengineers, mechanical and electrical engineers and robot programmers, as wellas a range of people with other top-level technical skills.

Active8 Robots is also a unique in its field in using technology known as pointcloud scanning for the evaluation of manufactured products. This enables it tocarry out highly detailed feasibility studies to help businesses find out whetherautomation is right for their needs.

“We then deal with our clients’ projects right through from conception tocompletion, entirely using our in-house specialist team, as this enables us tocompletely tailor our offerings to their needs, and harness the latest availablesolutions in every instance,” Mr Lovedale said.

That could mean using a traditional autonomousrobot, or even a more modern, state-of-the-artcollaborative machine. It is particularly proud tohave been appointed the only approved UKdistributor of the Sawyer robot, the newestiteration of this latter type, which has beenfeatured in Time magazine, which particularlynoted its potential to automate many taskswhich have previously been considered toomenial, dangerous or undesirable for humans.

If you think your business will never be touched bythe onward march of robotics, consider that theInternational Federation of Robotics has predictedthat the industry is set to grow by 12 per cent ayear for many years into the future.

And the feeling in the sector is that these newrobots will work alongside, rather than replace,human labour. So it will be doing the ‘dirtywork’ we have traditionally not wanted to do –and with a great deal of precision – leavinghumans to tend to and maintain them, andbring new levels of accuracy and safety to manycritical industrial processes.

Active8 Robots has a friendly and approachableteam on hand to answer any of your questions,and help you explore the true potential for itsproducts to make sure your own are perfectlymade – every time.

Call them any time from 9am to 5pm, Mondayto Friday on 01761 239267, and they’ll behappy to set up a demonstration of their mainproducts and their potential uses, or explore thepossibilities which robotics and the latestautomation products can open up for yourbusiness by visiting www.active8robots.com

Somerset firm can give your business a majorboost with cutting-edge robot technology

12737_HorseWorld 28/01/2016 13:01 Page 1

22

Keep on Trucking

Our warehousing and logistics operatorshave been called upon to face a greatmany additional challenges recently.Quite apart from the additional annualpressure of Christmas, adverse weatherconditions, storms and floodscontributed to the challenges driversfaced this winter.

2015 was also dominated by events at theChannel Tunnel, which had a significantimpact on the freight forwarders that use theport of Calais for their European overlandhaulage operations.

With the situation looking likely to continueinto 2016, the Director General of BIFA, theTrade Association representing UK freightforwarders, Robert Keen said, “BIFA hasrepeatedly called for government action toaddress the problems being caused by thewould-be illegal immigrants attempting tostowaway on trucks.

“We will continue to press the authorities inFrance and the UK to step up their protectionof the routes across the Channel and fulfiltheir obligations to let trade move unhinderedon this strategic freight route”.

In 2015, BIFA said that it felt that therewas some evidence that the UKGovernment is listening to the advice it isgetting from the UK’s logistics sector andwelcomed the freeze in fuel duty andplanned investment in the UK’s roadinfrastructure, as being positive signs.

However, in January they expresseddismay at the ongoing delay in a decisionon the expansion of airport capacity in thesouth east and expressed the sincerehope that the government wouldn’t letparty political issues continue to stopprogress on this crucial issue, in 2016.

While logistics professionals will haveallowed for some delays, the managementof the flow of goods is a complexbusiness and for businesses who rely on a“just in time” policy for the management oftheir supply chains, even a short delaycan cause major difficulties.

Weather, stowaways and acceleratedperiods of demand are not the onlychallenges facing the industry, BIFA says that 2016 will see its memberscontinuing to face numerous challenges,with some the result of legislative changesand government policy, rather thaneconomic issues.

Robert Keen said: “From a legislativeperspective, two major impacts on thefreight forwarding landscape in 2016will result from the implementation ofthe Union Customs Code and theamendment to SOLAS requiring theverification of gross mass ofcontainers prior to loading”.

The Union Customs Code will comeinto Europe-wide force on May 1streplacing the Community CustomsCode, causing a significant impact on businesses involved in global tradein goods.

From May 1st a financial guaranteewill be required from any UK companyoperating a customs-authorised reliefor suspension regime, such ascustoms, warehousing or inwardprocessing, of an amount equivalentto cover the amount of duty that maybe due, causing additional costs.

Guarantee waivers will be introduced, butonly for those businesses that fulfil thecriteria for Authorised Economic Operator(AEO). This is a supply chain securityaccreditation, approved by Customs forcompanies that demonstrate that theirinternal processes fully support customscompliance. It can take six months or moreto obtain AEO authorisation, so this shouldbe considered as soon as possible.

The basis of customs valuation will alsochange. Customs valuation will now have tobe based on the final sale before import,possibly increasing customs duty costssignificantly. Customs duty currently appliesto royalty payments only where they relateto imported goods, and are payable as acondition of sale of those goods. Theserestrictions will be removed, so that manymore royalty payments will be subject tocustoms duty.

Another important issue for BIFA membersnext year, says Robert Keen, will beeducation and training. The associationprovides a number of helpful distancelearning courses delivered online, formembers. Please visit their web site fordetails of current courses and start dates,www.bifa.org.

Developments in automotive technology,such as GPS and fleet managementsystems are helping to improve road safetyand driver awareness throughout theindustry, while there are also manyspecialist driver-training courses for all levelsfrom apprentice to Fleet Driver, CPC, LGV,HGV or PCV, which will enable your driversto improve and add higher categories totheir existing qualifications.

Improved qualifications and incident reductionwill not only result in less down time andpotential loss of reputation but should resultin lower insurance premiums too.

The UK logistics industry is continuing todrive the country’s economic growth andrising to the complex challenges of today’slegislation and the demands of increasinglysophisticated producers, manufacturers andconsumers.

12774 1pg_Transport Warehousing 19/02/2016 13:02 Page 1

23

Kerry Logistics is a unique logistics provider with a far-reaching global network, an unparalleled presence in theFar East and China, and a dynamic approach to meeting ourcustomers’ needs.

We have the largest distribution network and hub operations inGreater China and South East Asia and we provide customisedsupply chain solutions for over 40 of the world’s top 100 brands.

We work across a wide spectrum of industries including fashionand lifestyle, electronics and technology, food and beverage,automotive and pharmaceutical, industrial and material science,and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Our global network stretchesacross six continents and weoperate over 43 millionsquare feet of logisticsfacilities covering everythingfrom basic warehousing tosophisticated operations inour bonded and free tradezone facilities.

We are ambitiously growing our operations across the globe,adding new offices in key locations and introducing newservices to better serve our customers.

We want our customers to know that when they partner with us,they partner with a powerful network designed to help successfullydrive their business at the global, regional, and local level.

The foundation of our business remains the physical movementof goods by sea, air, and rail, but the developments in ourbusiness demand that we become more and more innovative inthe way we transact and report to our clients, and the solutionsthat we provide.

With this in mind, we have developed our own IT platformcalled KerrierVISION to provide customised inventory, freight,purchase order and delivery tracking.

We like to innovate.

The growth of the businessglobally is supported by theoperation of the businesslocally - we are greatbelievers in having a realpresence in the markets weserve and expanding theKerry Logistics message ofcustomer focus andexcellence delivered togetherwith local expertise.

The time has come for us to open an office in the West Countryand we are actively looking for the right kind of people to join usand bring Kerry Logistics to the importers and exporters in the area.

We are excited about the many opportunities in this vibrant regionand we know that Kerry Logistics’ unique network and unparalleledAsia expertise will bring huge benefits to businesses in the region.

Join our team

We are looking for dynamic professionals who understand thevalue of customer service and the importance of local expertisebacked by global presence to share our vision with the WestCountry business community.

Find out more about how you could work with Kerry Logisticsat www.kerrylogistics.com or contact Brian Dempsey,Commercial Director, Kerry Logistics, by emailingbrian.dempsey@kerrylogistics.com or calling 01322 296050

12735_HorseWorld 01/02/2016 13:58 Page 1

24

In a recent visit to Bristol, George Osborne drew attention to‘turbulence in the world economy’ but as Coface’s GrantWilliams explains, Bristol businesses can still prosper if theytake sensible precautions against bad debt.

Announcing a £37 million research facility at the Filton Airbus plant,the Chancellor insisted that Britain was ‘pushing ahead’ as one ofthe fastest growing developed economies. However, theGovernment’s decision to suspend the sale of Lloyds Bank sharesbecause of market volatility and slowing global growth shows thatBritain is not immune from economic shocks.

As one of the most economically resilient cities in the UK, Bristol iswell-placed to withstand these more challenging trading conditionsand continues to attract inward investment. According to officialfigures, the City recovered strongly after the last recession,recording growth of 19.2% between 2009 and 2014 (only beatenby London)2. Significantly, growth was seen across a broad rangeof industries including the manufacturing sector. Developmentssuch as the Airbus research and test centre and the massive newdistribution centre just announced by retail chain, The Range3, area further boost for the City and should generate jobs andcommercial opportunities.

Coface’s latest evaluation of country risk1 highlights theconsiderable political and socio-economic risks facingdeveloped and emerging economies in 2016. The key points are:

• Uncertainty surrounding the outcome of elections inthe United States and Britain’s EU referendum is likely toaffect business confidence.

• Growing corporate indebtedness in China andemerging countries is a cause for concern. Companydebt now represents more than 160% of China’s GDP.

• Coface is cautiously optimistic about the Eurozone (a key market for companies in the South West region).Insolvency figures in Germany, France, Italy and Spainare improving.

• For the UK, Coface predicts GDP growth of 2% in 2016,a fraction down on the 2.2% growth achieved in 2015.

However, in the context of the economic uncertaintieshighlighted above, Bristol companies cannot afford to incur abad debt which could weaken their financial stability so anydrive to attract new business must be supported by asensible approach to credit risk. Recognising these commonred flags when dealing with prospective customers shouldhelp avoid a costly mistake:

• Lack of transparency eg if it is difficult to determinewho owns the company, whether it is part of a group, itsbusiness address.

• Reluctance to provide financial information on requestsuch as turnover, authority to obtain a banking reference.

• Trying to impose a trade reference. You should be freeto approach the company of your choice from two orthree options.

• A poor credit rating. Use an independent creditchecking service to obtain an objective assessment ofthe risk of non-payment and act accordingly. Cofaceclients have access to instant online credit opinionsbased on the specific amount of credit they wish toextend.

• Attempts to change your established payment terms egrequests to extend the due date by a few days.

Of course, every business must determine its own appetite forrisk but in our experience prevention is always better than cure.The adrenalin rush of making a big sale is somehow never assatisfying as receiving a customer’s payment on time.

For further information about Coface, contact us on 01923 478111 or visit www.cofaceuk.com

Next time, we’ll explain how credit insurance canprotect you if the worst happens.

References1 Country risks again under tension in 2016, Coface, 26 January 2016

http://www.cofaceuk.com/News-Publications/News

2 London leads UK cities in economic recovery, Office for NationalStatistics, 9 December 2015

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171766_426950.pdf

3 The Range moves '1,000-job' target from Wiltshire to Bristol, BBCNews, 21 January 2016

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35370942

Warning signs

12638 AP_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 12:54 Page 1

25

If ever a contract hire and haulage business can be saidto have been built on solid foundations, then surely RygorGroup Services is it.

Emerging from a business which began by hauling stone fromthe huge quarries dotting the Mendip hills in the 1960s, thisparticular division was formed much more recently, to caterspecifically for businesses which wanted to hire trucks anddrivers for their big, yet sometimes short or medium-termmoving jobs.

For many of these operations, the expense of buying their ownfleets and employing a permanent team of drivers would be acrippling burden. So Rygor Group owner/director GrahamDrake was put in charge of developing a successful model for acontract haulage business.

Today this division employs about 50 people and boasts a fleetof almost 50 Mercedes-Benz trucks. Many of the team are‘embedded’ with client businesses, working in effect as their in-house haulage teams, ensuring their operations remain viablethrough careful fleet management, which aims to deploy RygorGroup Services’ vehicles in the most efficient way possible.

Today, major clients still include many which need large and bulkyloads moving regularly between a fixed number of locations.

In many cases, these fleets of trucks and driver teams areconsidered such an integral part of a customer’s operationsthat some vehicles have even been painted with a client’s liveryso that, to the unknowing eye, they would appear to be ownedby that company.

But behind the scenes, it is Rygor Group Services which keepsthe wheels turning, 24 hours a day if necessary. For bothvehicle purchase and after sales care, Rygor Group’sMercedes-Benz Dealerships are utilised to keep any essentialmaintenance work ‘in-house’, maximising vehicle uptime.

“We can negotiate contracts with businesses of any length,depending on the economics of the services required, but we tendto work over terms of about five years, as this makes the deliverycosts to our client businesses negligible.” Mr Drake explained.

And this system, of gradually expanding the geographical reachof the delivery networks which it has operated on otherbusinesses’ behalf, has been the platform for the growth of thebusiness. As its clients themselves have steadily grown, RygorGroup Services has done so alongside them, opening newdepots where they are considered to be needed to meetcustomers’ requirements, and then gaining new business inthose areas. This, in turn, has ensured the continuing viability ofits core operations.

“What makes it really work is the close relationships ourmanagers for each of the business divisions have built with thelogistics teams at the factories and warehouses they workfrom,” said Mr Drake.

“Because we work directly from those customers’ premises, wemaintain very close communication with their sales anddistribution teams, and in that way, we can respond veryquickly to the changing needs of their businesses.”

Even in instances where a company does not have its ownspace to house a full-scale logistics operation, Rygor GroupServices can bring in portable buildings to accommodate theback-up people and equipment needed, so that they can stillbe based at a customer’s own site, which keeps lines ofcommunication as short as possible.

“Our operations can be moulded around those of our customers,so if you’re running a small but growing business and distributionis a key to unlocking its growth potential, we would love to talk toyou about how we can help,” Mr Drake concluded.

Complete logistics service drives firms onto greater growth

To get the full picture on Rygor Group Services’capabilities, or if you are interested in Mercedes-Benz

Truck sales, call 08454854955or email grahamdrake@rygor.co.uk

RGS Contract Manager, Steve Stacy with Graham Drake

12751 AP_HorseWorld 11/02/2016 16:33 Page 1

26

But, in terms of motivating change, there’s a stick too. From 2018 it will bemandatory for all buildings with an F or G EPC rating to be upgraded to aminimum of E. In fact, landlords will not be able to agree new tenancyagreements until this improvement is made. The ZerO Energy Lightingsolution alone will improve a typical G grade building to a D grade, therebyprotecting rental yields for property owners.

The business case for improved lighting is unarguable. Through the launchof Kingspan ZerO Energy Lighting, we are helping building owners andoccupiers to create better, brighter and more cost-effective buildings.

For more information on how ZerO Energy Lighting can make a significantcontribution to improving the energy-efficiency of your warehouse building,please contact us:

Tel: +44 (0) 1944 712444Email: ZEL@kingspanpanels.comWebsite: www.kingspanpanels.co.uk/fsl

The unarguable business case for improvedlighting in warehouses

Too many of the UK’s commercial properties arecurrently lit by low-quality, inefficient, costlylighting. When you consider that lighting makesup 43% of total electricity consumption in theWarehouse sector, it’s clear that the region standsto benefit enormously from a rethink oncommercial lighting. We believe there are twocompelling reasons, in terms of both anopportunity and a threat, for businesses toimprove their lighting now and realise this benefit.

First, the carrot. Kingspan Insulated Panelsrecently conducted a study on the potential costsavings that better lighting systems couldgenerate for UK businesses. The study showedthat the adoption of improved lighting systemsalone could result in a potential annual electricitycost saving for the Warehouse sector of £430m,with the average business lighting electricity costfalling from £25,583 to just £3,837.

So the opportunity to warehouse building ownersand occupiers is enormous. Just by improving theway their properties are lit, they can benefit fromdrastically reduced electricity bills. That is not tomention the other associated benefits in terms ofincreased productivity and wellbeing of thebuilding occupants, higher asset values, andlower carbon emissions.

That is why we launched Kingspan ZerO EnergyLighting, a bespoke solution that achieves theoptimum balance of natural and artificial light inlarge buildings. At the heart of the ZerO EnergyLighting solution is a holistic approach, based onrigorous design principles, that utilises the best oflighting, building and energy technology to achieveunprecedented performance. It combines intelligentLED lighting with smart controls, and high-qualitypolycarbonate rooflight products to deliver a typicallighting electricity cost saving of 85%. Wecomplete the solution with the addition ofKingspan Energy Rooftop Solar PV to deliver theremaining 15% cost saving, and ultimately, ZerOEnergy Lighting. The combined solution, whichbrings together these technologies for the firsttime, has been shown to pay for itself within just30 months – well within the return on investmentthreshold required for most businesses.

12747_HorseWorld 26/01/2016 13:57 Page 1

27

Could your company driversbenefit from some additional

driver training?

Motor accidents affect not only the individuals concerned butalso the organisation for which they work. With over 5,000deaths and over 300,000 casualties a year on British roads, thetoll of death and personal loss is enormous.

One of the lesspublicised effects ofthese accident levelsis the massivefinancial loss sufferedby companies.Increased premiums,lost time andbusiness interruption,

missed appointments, and late deliveries, can all impact onyour company profitability and reputation.

Many companies recognise that all their company drivers,whatever their vehicles, could benefit from an intensive SkidPan course in advanced and defensive driving techniques.

The Drive-Tech training centre at Castle Combe circuit offers acomprehensive course specifically tailored to meet thechallenge of road safety. The delegate is encouraged todevelop his or her personal skills under the expert guidance oftheir qualified instructors.

The course is designed for up to 6 drivers per session. It is anintensive driving course to provide experience of driving in adverseconditions such as excess water on the road, ice or snow.

The course commences with a thorough safety briefing, andthen an initial skid pan experience in both front and rear wheeldrive cars.

OversteerThe course includes a detailed briefing on oversteer, what it is,what it feels like, how to apply corrective action and whathappens if you don’t correct. The course will also illustrate thedriver actions that are likely to induce oversteer, and the typesof car most likely to oversteer.

UndersteerThe course also covers understeer, what it is, what it feels like,how to apply corrective action and the results of not doing so.The course also covers the driver actions likely to induceundersteer and the types of car most likely to understeer.

This comprehensive course is perfect for company car driverswhether they spend a lot of time on the road or not to refreshtheir skills.

Drive-Tech don’t just specialise in Driver Training but from theirbase at Castle Combe Circuit, which has hospitality suites andcatering facilities, run very well regarded Corporate Events,Team building Activities, Stag & Hen parties and just generalfun days out.

Provided by professionals for professionals, Drive-Tech is thedriving force for business.

Telephone 01249 783010 to make a booking, or visit www.drivetechltd.co.uk for more information.

INTENSIVE SKID PAN COURSE

During the sessions drivers will also experience:

• Intensive practice on the skid pan in both Rovers and BMWs.

• Detailed briefing on braking with non-ABS cars. Cadence braking.

• Intensive braking exercise.

• Detailed briefing on braking with ABS cars. How it should be used. Its advantages and limitations.

• Intensive ABS braking exercise.

• Briefing on differences between techniques for using brakes on cars with and without ABS. Briefing on ‘brake assist’ fitted to some cars.

• Discussion on 4WD.

• Attendees receive our course notes and a completion certificate

12702 AP_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 14:27 Page 1

28

“We have done a fewcrossings and acircumnavigation of the UKbut we always feel relievedwhen we go under theTamar Bridge in Plymouthand head for our regularmooring at Weir Quay.”

That endorsement from one happy customer pretty much sumsup the feeling of many for this traditional bustling boatyard setin a tranquil Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just six milesupstream from Plymouth Sound.

The plaudits are many. “I tell them what I want and theyorganise it, whether I want a new deck, a heating system, mycompass repaired or some new cockpit cushions. It is all partof the service,” says one.

“It is essential that I know I can phone up someone, ask themto do a job and be confident that they will follow through withan excellent standard of work,” praises another. “It’s reassuringfor me to know that my beloved boat is entrusted to expertswho care for her as much as I do.”

It’s this reputation for care and excellence that new ownersAndrew and Vicki Higgins are committed to continuing followingMike and Lisa Hooton’s original vision of creating the smartestsmall boatyard in the country whilst retaining the values andatmosphere of the traditional friendly yard.

The Hootons bought the then run-down business in the 1990s,transforming it into a thriving rural enterprise employing morethan 10 professionals and marine tradesmen.

It became renowned for providing an exemplary level of marineexpertise, personal customer service and attention to detail: forexample a luxury lobby and showerblock, free coffee and freewi-fi to all the moorings.

It was following Mike’s untimely death last year that Andrewand Vicki came on board. Dedicated to continuing the Yard’shigh reputation they plan to run it the same way, offering a one-stop shop of marine excellence with all marine servicesavailable. They also intend to introduce some innovations and afree service to take customers out to their boats.

The boatyard has over 100 deepwater swinging moorings and,employing shipwrights and engineers, offers a completeprofessional service, including winter lay-up, maintenance, repairsand refit, ships joinery, plumbing and engine service and installation.

In addition, the Yard provides access to riggers, canvasmakers, stainless fabricators, upholsters, paint sprayers andgrit blasters.

There isn’t a job which is too small or too big for the Weir Quayteam. Its comprehensive services include: shore storage,marine engineering for all inboard and outboard engines,traditional boatbuilding – construction and restoration, fineships joinery, GRP, Insurance works and stainless fabrication.

Generally it can handle motor or sailing yachts up to 50ft or 20tons while the refit shed can take boats up to 40ft.

Of course, visiting yachts are always made welcome as arethose who keep their boats in busy marinas but bring them toWeir Quay for servicing, repairs and major refits. As anincentive, its haul-out and re-launch service starts at just £9 perfoot including up to a week on hardstanding.

For more information about the services, go to

www.weir-quay.com. Alternatively telephone

01822 840474 or email info@weir-quay.com

Francis Clark is delighted to support Weir Quay Boatyard

francisclark.co.uk

Francis Clark LLP also has offices in:• Exeter• Salisbury• Taunton• Tavistock• Torquay• Truro

The region’s largest, national award-winning, independent chartered accountancy firm and tax specialists.

Plymouth:01752 301010

12721_HorseWorld 28/01/2016 10:02 Page 1

29

Henleaze Roofing offers an efficient and competitivepitched roofing service to its customers. Using either achoice of tile or felt they are able to repair or re-roof timberpitched structures, lean to roofing and extensions inaddition to entire pitched roofs.

Tiling is probably the most popular method of waterproofingpitched and vertical roofs. With an extensive choice of concreteand clay roofing slates, you can be assured of a finish to suityour specific requirements and budget.

Henleaze Roofing are also leadwork specialists, Paul told usthat lead has been recognised for its unique characteristicsfor centuries and has been used in prestigious andimportant buildings across the country. When fitted correctlylead will significantly outlast other roofing materials, and isan excellent material to use in roofing as it is renowned forits durability and longevity and performs excellently against

Keeping a roof over one’s head is a very well-knownsaying, but until a problem occurs how many of useven think about our roof?

Bristol basedHenleaze Roofing,have built a well-regarded reputation bydoing just that,thinking about roofs. Afamily run business,established in 1981they are a father andson team with over 35years’ experience in

the roofing industry and provide a full range of roofingservices to homeowners and businesses throughout theBristol and South West region.

Maintaining the roof of your property is essential. Waterdamage allowed to occur can rot the timber structureleading to costly repairs. Neglecting to maintain, repair oreven replace a roof when necessary can end up a costlyundertaking, especially if you don’t call in a professional.

Roof repairs are often needed after harsh winters. The roofcan be compromised by water seeping through a poorseal, cracked ridge tile or loose slate. Water will soak intothe underlying timber frame and can result in dark spots onthe ceiling and bulging. This not only looks unappealing,but can be structurally unsafe over time. For health andsafety reasons roofing repairs should not be attempted bya non-professional.

Paul Gundrill,Henleaze Roofing’sMD, explained thatdepending on the typeof roof covering, atypical roof can lastbetween 15 and 60years, but that an old,worn or damaged roofmay not only be

reflected in a lower value for your property but, mostimportantly, have serious health and safety implications. Hewarned of some of the signs that indicate that it might betime to re-roof your property, saying, “If more than one-third of your roof is damaged or worn, it is time to replacethe entire thing. Look for signs of wear such as roof tilesthat are torn, battered and curled at the edges.”

Henleaze Roofing will undertake any necessarymaintenance and repairs including re-pointing ridge tiles,replacing roof felt, storm damage, lead work replacementand other general roof repairs. If the whole roof needsreplacing, Henleaze Roofing can help there too.

BUILDING PLASTICS

www.adl-buildingplastics.co.ukTel: 0117 955 2660

ADL Building Plastics in Bristol stock a wide range of

products that are required forbuilding and plumbing.

Unit 10, Russell Town AvenueIndustrial Centre, Lawrence

Hill, Bristol, BS5 9LT

HENLEAZE ROOFING IS CELEBRATING THEIR 35TH ANNIVERSARY.

HENLEAZE ROOFINGEN EN HEN HEN H NLEA NLEA NLEAZ NLEAZ RO OZE ROZE RO OOFIN OOFIN OOFIN OOFIN NG NG N N G

12716 2pg_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 16:31 Page 1

30

the challenges of British weather conditions. Roofs andgutters are made by laying sheets of the lead onto timberboards. Jointing details allow the sheets to integrate,producing a weatherproof surface.

At Henleaze Roofing they use milled lead to ensure thatthe correct coded weight is used in all of their work, andare fully compliant with the appropriate health and safetyregulations concerning the use of lead.

Roofing work doesn’t stop just with the roof, HenleazeRoofing will also carry out all types of chimney repair workincluding re-pointing, lead renewal, capping in and even fullremoval, if required, they are able to install or repairguttering, fascias and soffits and will select and use qualityproducts appropriate to the property.

With their wealth of experience and range of services,Henleaze Roofing is able to cater for all of your commercialand domestic roofing needs. They will diagnose yourroofing problems and discuss your individual requirementswith you, and once the work is complete will be happy toadvise you on how best to maintain your roof in the future.

Tel: 0117 9610 511 Mob: 07966 686608With over 20 years experience in the industry,

Longreach Scaffolding have a solid reputation for ourquality of service, reliability and safety.

Congratulations to Henleaze Roofing on 35 years in business.

We cover all aspects of scaffolding: Domestic/Commercial/Temporary Roof/ Netting,

from scaffolding for general building works at hometo long term scaffolding erected for commercialproperty or renovation, any size large or small.

We give free, on-site, no-obligation quotes. To arrange yours today, give our friendly team acall on 0117 9610511/07966686608 and get your

scaffolding project underway (email: neil@longreachscaffolding.co.uk)

Resourceful recyclingresponsible & reliable waste management

www.mccarthymarland.co.uk

Call: 0117 941 2555

McCarthy MarlandResourceful Recycling

TM

Waste recycling centre

Skip hire

Roll- on roll-off

Grab hire

Tipper hire

Waste compactors

FREE site assessment &

waste management plan

FREE monthly waste report

Reduce the waste you send to

landfill and increase recycling

On-time delivery and

collection service

For a FREE no obligation quotation callPaul today on 01179501222 or07870997883, or visit the web sitewww.henleazeroofing.comfor more information.

12716 2pg_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 16:31 Page 2

31

Are you among nearly one in two businesses paying over the odds foryour energy usage? The competition and markets authority (CMA) hasvoiced concerns that 45 per cent of SMEs in the UK have been placedon a default energy tariff – one that has not been actively negotiatedand which can be more than twice as expensive as a negotiated tariff.

In this article, Amar Hussain, commercial director at leading UK energymanagement specialist Orchard Energy, discusses whether smallerbusinesses are being failed by the energy market, or whether there is morebusinesses can do to be proactive in the way they negotiate their tariffs.

The energy landscape has changed and isnow more complex than ever, resulting in anincreased administrative strain on valuable timeand resources for small businesses. Switchingenergy suppliers and making sure younegotiate the best energy tariff can be adaunting prospect. Unlike in a larger company,where there is more resource in-house toresearch the best available tariffs, smallerbusinesses simply don’t have the time, andoften, could be spending two to three timesmore on their energy bills than if they were toenlist the help of an energy broker.

In 2014, BMG conducted quantitative researchfor the Citizens Advice and found smallbusinesses had a distant relationship with theirenergy supplier, and due to the limitedresource available to research alternatives,experienced issues when negotiating a gooddeal. The research also found that there wasanxiety around switching supplier.

But businesses shouldn’t be put off by switching supplier. More often than not,it’s a lack of understanding around the terms of a contract that can be theissue. Small businesses largely rely on shopping around on the internet to getinformation on new contracts, or call up companies directly, with only aminority choosing to work with brokers. This can take up valuable time and islikely to put smaller businesses at a greater risk of making less optimalswitching decisions.

For businesses who shop around, it’s also really important that they terminatetheir existing contract to allow them to switch to a different supplier otherwisethey may be put on a default tariff. It is true that in the past energy suppliershaven’t always been transparent in disclosing the terms and conditions ofcontracts, but it is now a requirement for suppliers to write to businessesahead of the renewal date outlining any changes taking place and businessesare now more informed. Small businesses should be savvy by allowing anenergy broker to secure their contract in advance to ensure they get the bestpossible deal on their energy supply.

In Bristol Orchard Energy has worked withnumerous businesses including The WatershedCinema, Colston’s School, Bart Ingredients andBristol City Football Club. The firm has alsoidentified and secured refunds of £85k forincorrect billing for one Bristol client through itsinvoice validation services. A saving the clientwould never have recouped without the help ofan energy specialist.

At Orchard Energy, the team of energy specialistsproactively secures and fixes your energycontracts at the right time in a volatile market. Itsdedicated administration service gives youassistance with all paperwork and enquiriesrelating to energy contracts, renewals,terminations and changes of tenancy. The teamalso manages supplier transfers, provides missingdata, negotiates contract terms and handlesqueries linked to outstanding payments on youraccount. To find out how Orchard Energy couldhelp you today visit: www.orchardenergy.co.ukor call 0844 581 0844.

Be proactive in negotiatingyour energy tariff saysOrchard Energy

Amar Hussain, commercial director at Orchard Energy

Orchard Energy’s Bristol office

12753_HorseWorld 01/02/2016 09:16 Page 1

32

“Lights, Camera,Action!”

A phrase all movie buffs are familiar with, but thesedays “the talkies” are not just for cinema or television,but are viewed as a highly effective marketing tool.

Corporate videos, or audio-visualcorporate communications, are one of themost effective means of communicationaround, whether for in-house purposessuch as staff training or for getting yourcompany’s message out to a wideraudience, video is the thing.

Commissioned primarily for use by acompany, corporation or organisation, acorporate video is often intended for aspecific purpose in a corporate or businessto business environment and viewed onlyby a limited audience. The task is frequentlydelegated to the company’s marketing orcommunications manager.

However, it should be remembered that itis not sufficient to call on a member ofstaff who happens to have a video cameraand took great images of their daughter’swedding or some attractive holiday snapsif you require a professional result. Wehave all sat through mind numbinglyboring presentations that would havebeen a great deal more interesting forsome judicial, if not drastic editing!

For effective communication call in theprofessionals; a professional audio visualcompany will discuss your requirementsand make useful suggestions, they are the

experts and will know what has workedfor other companies in your sector.

They will be keen for you to look at filmsthey have produced for a range of clients,which will give you even more ideas! Notonly do they have the facilities; studio,professional equipment, experienced, highlytrained staff, audio suites and editingfacilities, but they have the all-importantknow-how to produce effective results.

The word effective is important here, anyoutlay from your business needs toproduce good results, and to more thanrecoup that expenditure; a cheap, poorlyproduced video will often turn out to havebeen more expensive in the long run interms of loss of image and reputation.

The growth of digital technology has led toa convergence between corporate videoand other forms of media communications.Social media marketing, using thetechniques developed by the corporatevideo companies, is taking the advertisingworld by storm. Your corporate video cannow be streamed to a tablet or smartphone, while GPS technology can targetyour message to potential customers inspecific geographic locations, thepossibilities are endless.

By adding video to your websiteyou will dramatically improve thevolume and quality of traffic fromsearch engines such as Google,Yahoo and YouTube. Researchhas shown that an online videois fifty times more likely to hit thefront page of Google than singletext web page whilst time onsite, bounce and click throughrates are all improved.

Corporate videos are now sosophisticated that they can beproduced using the sameproduction techniques and styleas a broadcast televisionprogramme, including aerialphotography, outside

broadcasting and time-lapse photography.To engage audiences who are used toviewing popular media, a corporate videomight even be themed on a well-knowntelevision series.

A corporate video production companymay typically take the client brief, developa script or treatment (and sometimes astoryboard), liaise with the client, andagree on a production schedule anddelivery date. The time and scale of acorporate video production can varygreatly. Some videos may use only minimalcrew and basic equipment, whilst somelarge scale corporate videos may havesimilar (or often higher) budgets and levelsof production equivalent to a broadcasttelevision programme or TV commercial.

The corporate video production processwill frequently involve the following stages:

• Pre-production, planning includesscript writing and storyboarding. Thebudget will also be agreed at this stagebetween the production company andclient.

• Video production, including locationfilming with a camera crew anddirector. This may also include otherelements, such as actors andpresenters.

• Post-production and video editing - thefilmed (live action) footage is edited together. This may also includerecording an audio voice-over, addinggraphics, composing a music score orsoundtrack, and including 2D/3Danimation sequences with the finished video.

So whether you want to produce an inhouse Fire or Health and Safety film, havea record of your latest conference andawards ceremony or run a majorpromotional campaign for your business ora new product range, you cannot afford tooverlook the power of corporate video andits use in social media marketing.

12769 1pg_Transport Warehousing 19/02/2016 13:14 Page 1

33

Can your business afford to stay away from beautifullymade video? Do you need stylish and brand identifiablevideo? Do you need help conquering YouTube, Facebookand Instagram with promotional video?

Then talk to those helpful folk at Bruton Cox Visuals, they are afull service video production company who specialise incorporate video and social media promotional photography.Based in Gloucestershire, the company was established in 2007by Ben Bruton-Cox and his wife Molly, who are firm believers inthe power of cinematic techniques to tell a story.

Bruton-Cox Visuals is a premier video production company thathas worked for local broadcast television stations, feature filmsand various media groups throughout the UK and abroad. Theyspecialise in creating bespoke video for social media channels,such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook

Social Media marketing is one of the fastest growth areas inadvertising, and provides an unrivalled opportunity to reach newclients and educate them in what you do, and what makes yourservices the right fit for them. A professionally made video hasthe ability to motivate, story tell and humanise what you do likeno other medium.

Bruton-Cox Visuals use broadcast quality equipment capable ofshooting up to 4K and can offer 4K aerial filming using CAAapproved pilots. Using aerial videography and photography givesthe viewer a unique perspective. Used as a storytelling device thebest way of using aerial footage is to use a small amount of it asit enhances the story and gives the viewer that “WOW” moment.

Promoting your products and services through video marketingis incredibly powerful, Google for example loves video. They ownYouTube and have integrated YouTube searches into theiralgorithms, meaning that companies with videos show up moreoften – a Bruton-Cox video will ensure that such increasedawareness really works in your business’s favour.

From helping to launch companies by capturing their launchevent to making various videos for their new website, thecompany will work with your chosen team to make sure thesevideos fit your brand. However, as in most cases they create yourvideo brand, using their specialist skills and techniques, they willstyle each video to be as unique as the clients they work with.

Ben told us, “We can bring a crew with us to film or it can be justan individual, we are happy to help whatever size and scope ofyour business. We want to make your video work for you.”

“We have helped companiesto reach out to the localcommunity with the videoswe have created for themusing Facebook targetedadvertising. We have madevideos directly for Instagram,a key marketing tool forcompanies for promotion andawareness and brand identity.

“From wind farms to store opening to time-lapse onlypromotional videos we have captured many launch events allover the UK, from International FTSE 100 companies toindividuals who have a just a small or start company, we are ableto create custom made videos for all types of businesses.”

Can you afford not to find out how they can help you topromote your business?

Email bajcox@me.com telephone on 01453 451648

meantime take a look at the websitebrutoncoxvisuals.com

12646 AP v2_HorseWorld 21/02/2016 11:50 Page 1

34

After realising that the use of UnmannedAerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones) was onthe rise, and appreciating the value thataerial shots could give to variousindustries and companies, Jake couldsee that there was some distance ingetting his hobby off the ground and intoa business.

There are of course, strict regulationimposed by the CAA that govern theuse of UAVs for commercial purposes,and Horizon 51 had many hoops tojump through in order to get theirapprovals to operate professionally.

Over the past couple of years,Horizon 51 have gone from takingoccasional shots for estate agentsand sporting events, to producing fullpromotional videos for companiesranging from land developmentcompanies to event organisers andcampsites, and they’ve even beinginvolved in feature length films.

The aerial shots are achieved using atwo man team, one for flying thedrone and another to operate thecamera. This both ensures the highestpossible levels of safety whilstensuring they can get the bestpossible shots from an elevated vista.

What’s more, Horizon 51 are one of alimited number of CAA approvedcompanies to have specific exemptionsto the normally very strict rulessurrounding the use of UAVs and wherethey can be flown. What this means tothe customer is that Horizon 51 can flyin areas where other companies wouldnot be allowed – which invariablymeans getting closer to the action andgetting more impressive shots.

“B2B Promotional videos are a core partof our business now. We’re able to offerboth professional 4K quality groundfootage and aerial shots, and edit thattogether with text, graphics and music toproduce really striking and inspiringpromotional videos. A promotional videoon your website is one of the best waysto get your company and its services orproducts across in the first couple ofminutes of a visitor arriving on your site.”

You can contact Horizon 51 to enquireabout a promotional video for yourcompany by calling Jake directly on07968 704511, emailing him atjake@horizon51.co.uk or using thecontact form on the website athorizon51.co.uk

Horizon 51 are a leading Somerset based aerial photography, videoand media production company. Started in 2013 by aerospaceprofessional, Jake Memery, Horizon 51 began as many businessesdo; as a hobby that “got serious”!

www.hor izon51.co.uk

12767_HorseWorld 01/02/2016 11:56 Page 1

35

A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words, so combinewords and pictures and you have a very powerfulcommunication tool. So far so good, but it takes skill toconvey the message you intend, so it is well worth callingin the professionals.

Cineon are a small business with a big reputation, deliveringprojects throughout the UK, working with a diverse range ofnational and local companies including those within the energysector and entertainment industry. They have the capability todeliver large scale projects but equally enjoy producing smaller,individual films.

From creating storyboards and scripting, to animation, sounddesign and broadcast finishing; Cineon comprises a highly-skilled team of individuals with many years experience.

Their work falls into three main areas:

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS In their corporate practice theywork with businesses of any shape and size to produce corporatevideos for a range of applications including, but not limited to,business developments, employee communications, technicalprocesses, tutorials and staff training and the introduction of newcompany processes. Cineon's particular speciality is the onlinecorporate TV channel, and they have set-price packages forregular magazine programmes with bespoke graphics.

Incorporating video as a communication tool is an innovative way forbusinesses to ensure staff, clients and other stakeholders areengaged and informed. Cineon develop long term relationships withtheir clients, maintaining a library of footage to ensure capturedmaterial is used to its maximum potential.

CREATIVE VIDEO What really gets Cineon going is theopportunity to come up with innovative video ideas for variedclients. Video is a powerful tool and uses many differenttechniques and styles, across varied platforms. Maybe you wantto use video but don't quite know how, or perhaps you have anidea but don't know how to realise it. This is where the creativeminds at Cineon can get your project off the ground.

They have worked on a range of projects including body paintedpremiership rugby players, underwater filming with penguinsand even simulated nuclear emergencies. Cineon’s videos havebeen on broadcast TV and have gone viral with hundreds ofthousands of internet hits. They know how to find your messageand get it out there!

TRAINING COURSES Cineondesign and deliver bespoke videotraining courses for companieswho want to improve theirpresence on the internet andgenerally communicate better.Cineon believe that anyone can

create good content with a bit of training and this is a key aspectto Cineon's relationship building focus. They help you to startproducing content and are there to manage your videos andproduce the next level of top quality video when you need it.Training courses are typically 1 to 2 days depending uponrequirements and cover a range of topics including pre-production, camera skills and editing.

Visit the web site to view some of their recent projects or givethem a ring to talk over your video requirements they are sure tobe able to help.

www.cineon-productions.com01392 444111Email info@cineon-productions.com

12763_HorseWorld 04/02/2016 12:53 Page 1

36

Rob Hayward, the Creative Director at New Fruit Productions talked to us aboutthe company, and how it started out. He met his co-director Jonathan Burt whilethey were still at University and seeing the market potential for well-made videoswith high production values, they decided to set up their own business and, as aresult, New Fruit Productions came into being in 2011.

After a modest start, “working from home with a cheap video camera and anote book!” they now work from a city centre office, use state of the artequipment and boast a prestigious client list. They tell us that they love workingand living in Bristol and find the creativity around the city highly inspirational onall levels. They say, “The quality of the work the city is producing is awesomeand keeps us on our toes!”

They are keen to promote the communication potential of video to localbusinesses, helping them to communicate their marketing and trainingmessages effectively, using their strapline “Creating moving image that matters.”

New Fruit work side by side with talented photographers, from eventphotography, aerial photography, time-lapse, or a combination, they have itcovered. Their post-production suites are top of the range and that’s wheretheir in house editors turn raw footage into engaging and dynamic edits.

Keeping tabs on the rate of advancements in the technology behind film making,has been one of the major challenges the business has needed to overcome, butluckily Technical Director and co-founder Jonathan Burt is on the ball!

It is up to Jonathan to make sure that New Fruit has the gear to capture exactlywhat the client wants – from 20ft film cranes to 3 Axis Gimbals or Stedi-Cams,

they ensure the right kit is at your disposal.Among recent advances in camera technology,drones, no, not the unmanned missiles, but theability to capture stunning aerial footageprovides a real bonus to their clients.

Some of their latest kit came into play whenmaking a film to showcase celebrated Britishdesigner Sassi Holford’s latest range – “TheBride Decides”. They shot the film on twoSony FS700s and utilised their “new toy” theDJI Ronin. Having seamless steady shotsadds an extra level of production value and wewere incredibly pleased with the results.

The Sony FS700 was used again but this timewith a Canon 5D3 for a very different style ofproject when they were asked to film anddocument the day American software giantSophos opened and floated the company on theLondon Stock Exchange.

When we asked what they perceived to betheir greatest success it is typical of the pairthat they rated their commercial work, creatinga “How it’s Made” series for Lush Cosmeticswhich gathered over 2 million views online,equally with a documentary about a Strokesurvivor who lives in Bristol and his challengeto walk up Ben Nevis, which Rob tells us wasa “crazy experience!”

For a fresh take on your marketing message,Rob and Jonathan extend a warm welcome,saying “Get in touch via e-mail, phone or popinto our Bristol Centre office, at 35, KingStreet, for a coffee!”

hello@newfruit.co.ukRob 07851 225543Jonathan 07540 242505

Join us on:

Channelling enthusiasm, creativity and expertise to

produce exciting and effective video communications

is the hallmark of New Fruit Productions.

12768_HorseWorld 08/02/2016 16:14 Page 1

37

The hottest new service in quality fooddelivered to your door… fast! Order yourgourmet meal online and have it delivered injust 32 minutes.

This is not “fast food” but quality food delivered fast. A company on a mission, Deliveroo is signals a new generationwhen it comes to freshly prepared high quality meals deliveredto your home or office. Working only with carefully selectedpartners the emphasis is on quality, choice and freshness.

A romantic supper for two, pizza with the lads, sushi, or evenperhaps, mega burgers for the girls, cookies and cakes forthe mums at playgroup? Relax; Deliveroo have got it covered,just place your order online and wait for your meal to arrive.

01179 226699

thai tasting sharing optionbespoke menu from £20ppThe ultimate sharing experience

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu 000000000000000000oooooooooooooooooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss ppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp22222222222222£££££££££££££££rrrrrrrrrrrrrr mmmmmmmmmmmmmmffffffffffffkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkeeeeeeeeeeeeeee mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Holding a corporate event, or a conference? Have yourweekly team meeting? Deliveroo can cater for it withfantastic food from Bristol’s top restaurants.

Deliveroo are one of the fastest growing companies in thesector with new branches opening as you read, so foramazing food from an incredible selection of localrestaurants, visit the web site www.deliveroo.co.uk enteryour postcode and take your pick.

To be part of the Deliveroorevolution as a participatingrestaurant, a team member or adelivery driver, visit the web siteto apply.

A venue with a difference, the Pump House, on the edgeof Bristol’s Floating Harbour is a restored Victorianpumping station.

Dating back to 1870, thecurrent owners, Head ChefToby Gritten and DanielObern, took over The PumpHouse in April 2007 and re-opened later that year inJuly, providing the idealdestination for those in searchof exquisite food and qualitybeverages, in fabuloussurroundings.

The last 9 years have seenthe Pump House earn aplace in the Michelin, GoodFood Guide and the AAGuide with two rosettesand notable wine list award,and win the titles Bristol’sBest British, BestRestaurant and Best Chef.

There is a choice of food styles, from a la carte and a bar menu, allfreshly prepared, from locally sourced seasonal ingredients, reflectingthe wonderful produce widely available throughout the South West.

Bristol foodies are making Friday and Saturday evenings at thePump House a regular date, to sample the tasting menus served inthe mezzanine restaurant, a fantastic way to sample a range anexquisitely prepared seasonal offerings.

Amidst a well stocked bar serving a fantastic range of winesand spirits, The Pump House has arguably the largestcommercial gin collection with over 500 to choose from! Theyoffer a gin of the day - with garnishes tailored to match thatparticular gin such as homemade grapefruit ice cubes.

The Pump House is available to hire either wholeor in part for your private function and makes awonderful celebration venue, whether for your

company do, a wedding or a major family event.

For more about the Pump House, its opening times or to book, visit

www.the-pumphouse.com Alternatively telephone 0117 9272 229or email info@the-pumphouse.com

Your Essential Cleaning & Catering Supplier

We are pleased to support The Pump House in all of their future endevours by providing excellent catering& cleaning supplies with great customer service.To find out more about what we can offer you and your business, contact our sales team on 0117 934 1270 or visit us at www.pattersons.co.uk

P U M P

H O U S E

12684 and pump_HorseWorld 21/02/2016 10:08 Page 1

38

Choosing aConference VenueHow do you choose a conference venue?

With the number available running intothe hundreds of thousands, the task offinding one that’s right for you, yourbusiness and your event appears daunting.

Equally, the pressure is on the venues topresent themselves as stand-out from thecrowd, providing users with an experiencethey won’t forget.

Things are certainly looking brighter for theindustry than in recent times. Latest researchinto the UK’s conference and business eventssector, released last year, gave it an estimatedvalue of £21.6 billion in venue and destination,£2 billion higher than the previous year.

Today’s successful conference venue,whether it’s purpose built, a multi-functionspace, village hall, church, hotel or evensomething else, is likely to be the one thatmeets a whole variety of different needs andis prepared to go that extra mile to fulfil them.

But there’s also list of things to consider anddo when looking for the place that will meetyour event’s requirement.

Cost: If you’ve got a budget, stick to it. If youhaven’t, make one. There are somewonderful venues out there but bookingsomething you can’t afford isn’t clever.

As long as you have a quality, experiencedvenue committed to making your meetingsuccessful and interruption free and ensuringyour delegates are well fed and watered,you'll get far more from the event.

Facilities: Apart from the relatively obviousmeeting room or function suite, look forsuitable light fittings, power points and a roomwith unobstructed views, projection screensand LCD televisions, high quality, heavy dutycables and free, unlimited Wi-Fi access.

Meeting type: Think before you book. Ifyou’re planning an outdoorsy team-buildingevent or one where colleagues are likely towant to relax and let their hair downafterwards, don’t go for a more formal kindof venue. And vice versa.

Make a site visit. Go armed with a list ofwhat you require from the venue andensure you leave with all the necessaryinformation and explanation of facilities.Once there consider things such as thegreeting from reception and your salesrepresentative - your delegates couldreceive the same welcome), the overallfriendliness of all staff and parkingavailability - is it free?

Food for thought. Making sure your guestshave enough to eat and drink is critical. It’sworth, if possible, organising a tastingsession with the chef during your site visitto ensure the food is suitable and that themenu caters for meat eaters, vegetariansand all other dietary requirements.

Last but not least, location. Transport linkscan prove critical, so opting for somewherein a prime location with easy access if oftena key driver behind a choice of venue. Butthings get really interesting when it comesto choosing the type.

An unusual venue can turn a standardsolution into something about which peoplewill keep talking for months afterwards.

The range of options out there is becomingincreasingly varied and, in some cases,quite breathtaking.

Fancy planning your next product launchwhile sitting underneath Concorde beforehaving a tour of the iconic aircraft? It canbe done.

Bowl your clients over by meeting them atLords the home of cricket? Even better, wehave our very own catch in the region:Edgbaston Stadium which promises anequally unforgettable experience.

Make your event a racing cert at aracecourse. Aintree, for example, doesn’tjust host the Grand National, and, footballclubs are certainly scoring with manybusinesses nowadays.

Why not a conference afloat? Bristol hasthe iconic SS Great Britain and there’sHMS Belfast on the Thames but there’shundreds of different crafts and marinecentres across the land all ready to pipeyou and your delegates aboard.

Museums can be fascinating places forget-togethers - you could even find yourselftouching history by going somewhere likethe Churchill Museum and Cabinet WarRooms whose facilities include periodrooms and the latest AV facilities and airconditioning.

No matter where you hold your gathering,in the end the ones that really score arethose which then go on to provide aservice that goes above and beyond; whichwork closely with a client right from themoment of enquiry to well beyond theevent itself.

It doesn’t have to cost the earth either.The main thing is to find a venue that is agood fit with the style of your event and thepeople you're inviting, be it a hotel,conference centre and yes (they are outthere), even a zoo. Go get ‘em tiger.

33807 1pg_Transport Warehousing 22/01/2016 11:08 Page 1

39

Huge demand expected for new landmark stadium’s2016/17 VIP Club seats

This year sees the full unveiling to the public of the completelyrevamped Ashton Gate as a flagship multi-use stadium andevents destination serving the city of Bristol and the whole ofthe South-West.

In the process, the rebuilt stadium, home of Bristol City andBristol Rugby, will be opening itself to a completely new fanbase. When the wraps come off in the new year, it will revealthe biggest venue of its kind in the region and, its developersand backers hope, a versatile new facility which will put theregion firmly on the map in terms of the facilities on offer.

The organisation which has co-ordinated the project, BristolSport, was created by Stephen Lansdown, with a vision whicharose out of a visit to Spain’s legendary Nou Camp stadium,the home of FC Barcelona.

Impressed by its multi-sport, community-focused approach, heput a plan into action to unite the commercial operations of theteams involved in Bristol, including Bristol City and BristolRugby men’s and women’s set-ups, Bristol Flyers basketballteam, and Bristol Sport Racing.

Both the football and rugby club will share a 27,000 capacitystadium of which the main element, an 11,000-seater WestStand, is progressing rapidly.

“As this new stand starts to change the city's skyline we havereleased the remaining VIP Club Seats for sale,” said BristolSport CEO Andrew Billingham, just as this issue of BristolBusiness Post went to press.

With the new stand’s 18 executive boxes already sold out, thenew VIP Club Seats “offer one of the best seats in the stadium,directly above the new tunnel on the halfway line,” MrBillingham added.

“They come with the use of our largest restaurant, also offeringvarious food packages on either a one or five-year term, whosemenus are overseen by double AA rosette honoured executivehead chef, George Opondo, formerly of London’s Savoy Hoteland Brands Hatch race circuit.”

The new stand will also house the rest of Ashton Gatestadium’s main match and non-match related corporate

facilities, including a new banqueting suite capable of seatingup to 850 diners.

“This will enable us to extend our matchday covers to 1,400,and help us realise our vision of making Ashton Gate the bestplace to combine sport and VIP treatment in the South-West,”said Mr Billingham.

Regional business representatives who want to sample the newfacilities at Ashton Gate for themselves, and treat clients ortheir own staff in the process, can now book seasonalpackages at the stadium from as little as £48 per game,making this the perfect way to treat clients, reward staff, orsimply to use the stadium as a backdrop for an unforgettableget-together for friends and family.

“All of our new boxes sold out in weeks and we are expectingdemand to be high for these premium seats,” added Mr Billingham.

Inspiring sport and business in the South-West is the centralmission of everyone involved in this far-reaching project. Earlyresponse, with the selling-out of all the executive boxes, suggeststhey have every chance of realising this lofty aim – and certainly ofgiving sports participants and fans the facilities that they can talk ofproudly on their travels both nationally and internationally.

To find out more call 0117 9630 600 option 4, or emailcommercial@bristol-sport.co.uk

The new west stand will have 11,000 seatsincluding over 1400 corporate seats

Ashton Gate Stadium starting to make a realimpact on the South Bristol skyline

18 Corporate boxes already sold outfor the 2016/17 season

12700_HorseWorld 01/02/2016 13:14 Page 1

40

SATURDAY 21 MAY

A SUMMER OF RACING AND LIVE MUSIC

RESTAURANT PACKAGE

PARTY PACKAGE

SILVER PACKAGE

PRIVATE HOSPITALITY PACKAGE

Reserved table for the duration of the evening

Admission ticket

Glass of Prosecco on arrival

Raceday programme

Four-course set menu

Evening snack (Only available with Simply Red)

Raceday programme

Private Hospitality box overlooking the finishing line, parade ring, winning

enclosure and stage for the evening

Admission ticket

Raceday programme

Two-course menu

Private bar facilities to have as a credit or cash bar

Private Hospitality box overlooking the finishing line, parade ring, winning

enclosure and stage for the evening

Admission ticket

Raceday programme

Glass of Bucks Fizz on arrival

Three-course buffet menu

Private bar facilities to have as a credit or cash bar

Private Hospitality box overlooking the finishing line, parade ring, winning

enclosure and stage for the evening

Hospitality admission ticket

Champagne and canapés on arrival

Half bottle of wine

Four-course menu (choose from a plated menu or fork buffet)

Evening snack • Raceday programme

Cash or credit bar facilities (minimum of £200 bar spend for a cash bar)

WILL YOUNG WINDOW TABLE

£139

WILL YOUNG NON-WINDOW TABLE

£129

WILL YOUNG

£109WILL YOUNG

£129SIMPLY RED

£199

SIMPLY RED WINDOW TABLE

£149

SIMPLY RED NON-WINDOW TABLE

£139

FRIDAY 10 JUNE

Terms & conditions apply. For full terms and conditions please visit our website. Chepstow Racecourse encourages responsible gambling. www.gambleaware.co.uk.

ChepstowRacecourse Chepstow_Racing ChepstowRacecourse

chepstow-racecourse.co.uk 01291 622260

11:50

12796 1pg_Feature Template 10/02/2016 12:51 Page 1

41

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

Maximum Event Space Capacity: 264

Email: paris.spokes@marriotthotels.com

Telephone: 0117 925 5100

Where dreams come true; The perfect event you havealways imagined

The Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel has what it takes to transformyour ideas into an event to remember; with their MeetingsImagined service the only limit is your imagination.

Their website www.meetingsimagined.com by Marriott, has ahost of tips, ideas and suggestions, many of which you may nothave ever have thought of to get the most out of your event.

Yes, “get the most out of your event”. You need to identify whatthe purpose of the event is, not just a jolly for everyone, but ateam building exercise, a learning event, the introduction of newpeople, new product launch or a new process, or simply theopportunity to praise and reward individuals or the whole team.

Every meeting has a purpose. Find yours to create a moreimpactful and inspired meeting.

The expert team will sit down with you and help you establishyour goals and come up with tips and inspirational ideas. Theweb site is full of suggestions to fire your imagination and whenit comes to Christmas, Weddings or even a small conference,trust them to help you plan the ultimate event.

Marriott Hotels are known for the quality and style of theircatering and accommodation. In the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotelyou will find a range of flexibly sized accommodation to suitwhatever type and style of event you wish to stage from asimple board meeting for a few like-minded individuals to a fullon company do themed and inspired by those clever folk atMeetings Imagined.

Service is the Marriott’s watchword, and as your arrangementsproceed you may choose to use Red Coat Direct, an app thatallows you to manage event details, make real-time requestsand connect with their staff - from the palm of your hand.

Food, glorious food, the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel chefsproduce inspired choices, from doughnuts, fresh croissants,fruit and lashings of hot tea and coffee for your breakfastseminar, to a delightful range of patisserie and gourmetsandwiches to complete your afternoon meeting, through to thecomplete gourmet experience including personalised menus,candlelight and perfectly chosen wines to complement eachdish. Wherever your imagination leads, trust the ‘Royal’ chefsto exceed your expectations.

12742 AP_BBP Template 27/01/2016 14:34 Page 1

42

Both Go Ape Forest ofDean and Margam are astones throw from Bristol.Whatever name you give it – bonding, teambuilding,camaraderie – we strive to inspire and connect yourteam. One of the main reasons why companiesbook team building trips is to improve communication among theirtribe. Go Ape definitely ticks that box. Up in the trees, your tribe willbe communicating with one another almost constantly – whether it’sa pep talk at the start of the course, giving one another the all clearto clamber up the ropes, or sharing advice on how to tackle one ofour trickiest obstacles (like our stirrups).

Go Ape is all about good honest fun, it encourages friendshipsand improves teamwork – and best of all, it’s all happens in astunning forest away from it all. Unlike cringe-worthy team-building activities, our kind of team-building is what we like tocall ‘organic’; it happens naturally as you help each otherduring your adventure. 

Whizzing through the trees on our zip wires andexploring the forest floor on our Segways(Forest Segways only available at Forest ofDean) is a sure-fire way of injecting a bit of

spirit into team-building. This kind of team building establishesa strong sense of trust, motivation and rapport. All tribes leaveus with huge grins across their faces and that, to us, meanswe’ve succeeded in our mission. 

Go Ape Corporate Events have been running for a number ofyears at our 29 Go Ape locations – our customers tell usthey’re the best. Swinging through the canopy, wiping out atthe bottom of zip wires and going on an adventure bringspeople together like nothing else we’ve ever seen. It reallydoes.  We put together a package that works around whatyou need and when you need it. Obviously, this all focusesaround a forest adventure, but if you want meeting roomfacilities, three square meals, and more, we can make all thathappen too.

Get in touch with our Go Ape Corporate Events Team to getyour tribe in the trees. You can rely on our friendly teamto guarantee you a day out you’ll never forget.

So, what are you waiting for? Book a team buildingday with them today.

For further information or to book, visit www.goape.co.uk

or telephone 0845 643 9281

12734_HorseWorld 27/01/2016 13:33 Page 1

43

When the meeting place is right, a day spent withcolleagues away from the office can achieve as much ofweeks together in the workplace.

That’s why Ashton Court Mansion in Bristol is proving such asuccessful corporate host.

The expert events team believes that a conference is more thana meeting of people - location, planning and communicationare critical to every event, this magnificent building and groundshave gained a proud reputation for hosting some of the mostprestigious corporate events in the area.

A Grade I-listed mansion set in a Grade II registered landscapecomprising 850 acres of woodland and grassland, AshtonCourt Mansion offers versatile space indoors and out in aunique setting. This combined with impressive value for moneyand a wealth of experience delivers exceptional events.

At Ashton Court Mansion, the events team knows that everyoccasion is different, that no two conferences or black tiedinners are the same. That’s why the friendly and professionalevents team is on constant hand to offer support right from theplanning stages through to the conclusion.

Whether organisers are looking for package or bespokeoptions, attention to detail is all, meaning Ashton CourtMansion’ can bring a remarkable list of features to every event.

Its day delegate rates, for example, are particularly impressive.At just £35 per person and covering 15 to 200 people, thepackage features:

• Tea, coffee and orange juice with Danish pastries on arrival.

• Refreshments and fresh fruit platter mid-morning.

• Two-course finger buffet lunch.

• Refreshments and fresh fruit platter mid-afternoon.

• Room hire.

• Free onsite parking.

• Mineral water, cordials and sweets.

• Screen, flipchart, pads and pens.

• Dedicated Events Manager.

“We offer a range of rooms to suit different needs,” addsAshton Court’s Jodi Bryce.

“Our large Music Room, with its spectacular views of the city, canaccommodate up to 200 people for a presentation or there’s ourmodern beamed Hayloft, perfect for seminars and workshops.

“Meanwhile our traditional panelled lounges are ideal for thesmaller meeting and conference to break-out rooms forobjectives and brain storming.

“We can provide exclusive grounds for team building andoutdoor activities and pursuits, from duck herding to Wacky

Races. The sunnysouth and west lawnsat Ashton Court aresuperb outdoorspaces for companyfamily fun days and awhole range ofcorporate events.

“Whatever theoccasion, it is our aimthat every element ofyour meeting will be asuccess; fromseamlesscommunication andplanning, through tofantastic food andservice expertise onthe day.”

To find out moreabout Ashton CourtMansion’s day ratepackages and fullrange of corporateprovision, go to

www.ashtoncourtmansion.co.uk or to discuss your eventdetails contact the sales team on 0117 963348 or emailacm.events@bristol.gov.uk

Photo Credit: www.norsworthyweddings.com

Photo Credit: www.norsworthyweddings.com

12739_HorseWorld 28/01/2016 09:41 Page 1

44

This work began in 1925 when Dorothy andLeonard Elmhirst purchased the neglected 14thcentury estate, restored the buildings and set up ahost of farming, forestry and educational projects.

The estate became a magnet for artists,economists, horticulturists and social reformers,such as: Jacqueline du Pré, Daniel Barenboim,Arthur Rubinstein, Igor Stravinsky, BenjaminBritten, Ravi Shankar, Paul Robeson, HG Wellsand Simon Rattle.

It was here, too that Herbert Morrison penned thepost-war Labour manifesto and the Arts Councilwas conceived.

Today conference organisers and delegates areamong more than 800,000 visitors from acrossthe world who come to Dartington for events,courses, team building and festivals and whoenjoy its 14th century Barn cinema, shops,restaurant and gardens.

With such spectacular facilities, the Hall is one ofDevon’s top wedding venues too, offering fivelicensed ceremony rooms, including outdoorceremony space, and banqueting for up to 144guests in the magnificent Great Hall.

To find out more about Dartington Hall’s conferenceand event facilities and its other activities, visitwww.dartingtonhall.com

Alternatively emailbookings@dartingtonhall.com or telephone01803 847147 (conferences and events) or01803 847145 (weddings).

Those seeking an inspirational venue in South Devon for theircorporate event or function need look no further than Dartington Hall.

This spectacular estate, with its origins in the 14th century, has been stimulatingsome of the world’s leading creatives and thinkers for decades and is now theperfect setting for inspiring business brains into innovative action.

Comprising a stunning variety of ancient and modern buildings and the largestmedieval manor house in the West of England set within a 1,200 acre estate, GradeI-listed Dartington Hall offers excellent facilities and a range of comfortable, well-equipped rooms to accommodate every size of corporate gathering.

Located in the stunning South Hams region, this unique location is easilyaccessible and within driving reach of Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth, while its4* accommodation, located around a medieval Courtyard, offers heritage andcomfort for those extending their visit for more than one day.

Dartington Hall is proud to offer:

• 12 first-class meeting rooms for groups of 6 to 220, all with naturaldaylight and complimentary Wi-Fi.

• 50 well-appointed bedrooms.

• Multi-media equipment and internet connection in every room.

• A dedicated suite for conference organisers.

• Personal conference team and full technical support.

• Award-winning food served in private dining rooms or the restaurant. The Two-Rosette White Hart Bar and Restaurant focusses on offering locally sourced food, and value for money and offers great dining in atmospheric surroundings

• Choice of day delegate and 24-hour residential packages.

An independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a socialenterprise, The Dartington Hall Trust reinvests the profits from its commercialenterprises into its charitable programmes which are aimed at stimulating newthinking and action to help develop a more sustainable, just and enriching world.

MeetINspiredgs

INspirational * INdividual * INnovative * INventive * INtegrity

12741_HorseWorld 01/02/2016 10:38 Page 1

45

Make your workplace more fruitful, and harvest thebenefits of happier staff

If an army marches on itsstomach, in the world ofbusiness, keeping your‘troops’ satisfied andstocked up with dailyessentials such as fruit,coffee, tea and milk canmake a real difference tomorale, and therefore,productivity.

But instead of having to find the time to keep running to the shopyourself to keep pace with your team’s needs, why not letFruitdrop take care of them all?

With its head office in Bristol, Fruitdrop was set up in 2007 byBen Thompson. He had spent more than a decade working forbig accountancy firms, but admits: “My move from bean counterto banana counter was somewhat unplanned.”

The idea took root (pardon the pun) during a spell as an internwith a bank in Sydney, Australia, where Ben “saw first-hand howworkplace fruit benefits both employee and employer.”

Those benefits include not just increased morale and a chance toget some proper nutrition while at work, but ultimately, a healthierworkforce which really appreciates having ready access to asupply of tasty snacks which can help fend off the temptation tofill up on less healthy alternatives.

“Research has shown that healthy employees can be up to 20%more productive than unhealthy ones,” Ben points out. “So ourservice provides an easy and effective way to help deliver theequivalent of an extra workday every week from thosehealthy employees.”

Alongside its selection of fresh fruit, businesses canalso order Nutriboxes for delivery direct fromFruitdrop. These small packages of snacks arespecially chosen for their healthy, gluten-free contentsso that they keep hunger levels low and ensure a highlevel of nutritional value – perfect for when your staffneed to stay on the ball, especially when you don’thave a supermarket nearby.

As a finishing touch to help keep your premises lookingcheerful, Fruitdrop can also provide selections of beautifulfresh flowers which make an attractive and colourfulcentrepiece for a reception area or meeting room.

You can choose from two fruit box options. Both theEssentials and Seasonal boxes contain 50 pieces of fruit, andprices start at £20 per box, with no extra charge for delivery.

As a rough guide, Fruitdroprecommends picking one boxper delivery for every 20 to 25employees. They’re happy totailor the boxes too, toaccount of your staff’sindividual preferences and tominimise wastage.

Deliveries in Bristol, Bath andsurrounding areas are usually carried outon Mondays and Wednesdays, and the company aims toensure that all orders arrive before 11am.

More than 3,000 clients are serviced weekly by 70 employees and afleet of more than 50 vans, while Fruitdrop now sells more than two

million bananas every year. Ifthey were laid end-to-end, thenumber of boxes Fruitdropdelivers each week wouldstretch the length of the CliftonSuspension Bridge (1,352 feet)nearly twice!

To be sure of yourrequirements and booking slot,give them a call today – with aspecial introductory discountavailable for a limited period asa ‘thank you’, and to give youthe chance to sample thebenefits for yourself.

www.fruitdrop.co.uk/bbp

Give Fruitbox a try today, and get 25% off the price ofyour first four weeks’ deliveries of fruit and Nutriboxes.Simply mention ‘BBP’ when you place your order to qualify forthis introductory offer. Order online at Fruitdrop.co.uk or by calling 0845 643 5301. Its staff are also onhand on this number to answer any questions, or to take details of any variations to standard fruit box orders.

12738_HorseWorld 03/02/2016 09:39 Page 1

46

The World Health Organisation tells usthat a healthy workplace is one whereworkers and managers work togetherto protect and promote the health,safety and wellbeing of workers andthe sustainability of the workplace.

In order to do that we have to consider notonly how the physical work environmentaffects health and safety, but also how thework organisation and workplace cultureaffects health and wellbeing, how peoplelook after their personal health and howworkplaces can help to improve the healthof workers, their families and othermembers of the community which theworkplace sustains.

Evidence shows that, when organisationsproactively improve their workingenvironments by organising work in waysthat promote health, all adverse health-related outcomes, including absence andinjuries, decrease, thus improvingproductivity, a strong case for taking fortaking action!

We’re all responsible for the lifestylechoices we make, but employers canmake healthy choices easier for their staff.A business culture of support andflexibility, healthy adaptations to theworkplace, and on-site wellbeing activitieswill all encourage your workforce to takepositive steps for healthy living.

Many larger companies outsource much ofthe responsibility by enlisting the help of aprofessional occupational health provider.Such companies will help with pre-employment screening, sickness absencemanagement, healthcare assessments ofthe workplace itself and deal with a raft ofgeneral concerns that a thoughtfulemployer will wish to address.

The general advice to take exercise and toeat healthily is advocated by healthprofessionals on all sides. Some relativelysimple steps, if you will forgive the pun, canbe taken within the working environment.

Offering a choice of healthy snacks such asfruit, and fresh water or fruit juice, ratherthan just the usual vending machine fare ofhigh fat choc bars, crisps and fizzy pop, willbe appreciated by many. There are anumber of companies who will deliver freshfruit and wholesome freshly madesandwiches daily. There is a statutoryobligation on employers to provide freshdrinking water, but for those who don’t liketap water, replace some of the cans of popwith bottled water and fruit juices, orperhaps consider installing a water cooler.

There are lots of ways to build more activityinto the working day too, desk boundemployees in particular should take theopportunity to stand up and move aroundwhen possible, just standing up for shortperiods, perhaps while on the phone, is verybeneficial to the employee’s overall health.

Research indicates that remaining seated fortoo long is bad for your health, regardless ofhow much exercise you do otherwise.Excessive sitting has been linked with beingoverweight and obese, type 2 diabetes,some types of cancer, and premature death.

Prolonged sitting slows the metabolism,which affects the body's ability to regulateblood sugar, blood pressure and breakdown body fat.

A panel of leading experts who reviewed theevidence on sitting for the reportrecommended taking an active break fromsitting every 30 minutes. All-day movementis now seen as being just as important forthe maintenance of good health astraditional exercise.

A Call to Action

Walking meetings, taking advantage of anyopen spaces, or at the very least, opening afew windows, safety and our climate ofcourse permitting, are all simple affordablemeasures that can bring a host of benefits,not least because your workforce willrecognise that you care about their healthand well-being.

Other suggestions to encourage moremovement include making the stairwells moreattractive and using signage to encourage theuse of stairs rather than lifts, involvingemployees in organising a workplace activityprogramme, and encouraging supporteractivities and sports programmes in andoutside of the workplace, for ideas visitwww.bhf.org.uk/thinkfit

Another increasingly popular measure isencouraging employees to walk or cycle towork. Or you could make productivityrewards and incentives health related a fruitbasket rather than chocolates, a visit to aspa rather than a few bottles of wine, thereare plenty of ideas out there.

Some gyms offer corporate memberships;consider participating in an extendedscheme so that it is not just the privilegedfew that benefit, but the whole team. Or, fora real work out, quite literally, take your nextteam building event out of doors at one ofthe many centres offering carefully plannedoutdoor activities.

Of course not all your employees will beable to participate in every activity, due toage or disability, so choose yourprogrammes with care to allow for thebroadest participation possible, and getthose figures jumping!

12773 1pg_Layout 1 19/02/2016 11:41 Page 1

47

Companies are becomingincreasingly aware of thebenefits of OccupationalHealth to their bottom line,particularly in light of recentgovernment initiativesdesigned to encourage themanagement of sicknessabsence.

Industrial Medical and SafetyServices Ltd. (IMASS) wasestablished in 1994 to providecost effective OccupationalHealth services and Health andSafety consultancy to the publicand private sectors, with thephilosophy of providing holistic andintegrated solutions for clients. Theysupport a diverse range of clients in allindustry sectors, ranging in size from smalllocal companies to large national andgeographically dispersed organisations.

Different businesses will, evidently, have different requirements. From the outsetIMASS works with them to devise and implement a comprehensive range ofservices tailored to the individual business and their budget. One of the keyadvantages in working with IMASS is their flexibility and willingness to adapt theirservices to a business’s changing circumstances.

Stuart Mason, Business Development Manager explained that even within theconfines of a structured contract, the IMASS ethos is to work in partnership withclients throughout the contract lifespan and continually explore areas wheresavings can be made. Far from being business counter intuitive, this collaborativeapproach has enabled clients to alter service delivery without the need to re-tender,and ensured IMASS has maintained an excellent client retention rate.

He said “Even where client requirements remain static, we believe there are four areaswhere a flexible approach can provide efficiency benefits to any type of contract:

“Location of OH services - We are happy to investigate further locations eitherthrough the use of serviced offices or temporary clinics such as mobile units. Inaddition to working at our clients sites, IMASS’ regional team, led by Dr MartinEzan MFOM, operate from a number of locations within the Bristol area.

“Effective triage/full use of the multi-disciplinary team - Utilising a multi-disciplinaryteam can provide benefits in both outcome and cost. Effective triage shouldenable OH nurses, mental health nurses or counselling practitioners to undertake asignificant proportion of work usually undertaken by OH physicians.

“Reducing Practitioner Down-time - Occupational Health resources are expensive,and IMASS always works with our clients to develop the most cost efficient deliverymodel to carry out routine Health Surveillance. In some cases this has required

planning surveillance around shift patternsand rotas to enable our client’s ownoperational commitments to be met.

“Using Alternative Methodologies - IMASShas a proven track record of embracingtechnological advances in the delivery ofOccupational Health. Our internallydeveloped and maintained Internet Portal,first introduced in 2001, has now grown toinclude our full range of services. Morelocalised use of technology has enhancedour services by the use of videoconferencing or text-based communicationsystems to ease access issues for thosewith disabilities.”

The IMASS Occupational Health Portal is aprime example of how IMASS adapts andchanges to meet the needs of their clients.It is an internet-based browser developedto facilitate communication, the transfer ofdata and the overall management of all theirOccupational Health activity.

Access is via a secure system allowingauthorised HR/managers instant access to‘real’ time information on Occupational Healthactivity and to send and receive informationincluding referrals and reports. Clients can beassured that all data is secure, the IMASSOnline Portal is accredited by the UKGovernment-backed and industry supported‘Cyber Essentials’ scheme.

IMASS is proud to have been awardedSafe, Effective, Quality Occupational HealthService (SEQOHS) accreditation in 2014.

For more information about their range ofservices or to arrange an informalpreliminary discussion, please visit their website www.imassgroup.com telephone01752 835900 or emailinfo@imassgroup.com

12752_HorseWorld 28/01/2016 14:07 Page 1

48

The team at Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre’s LeisureClub and Fitness suite are very excited about the £85,000refurbishment of their exercise equipment.

Already one of the city’s favourite leisure spots, available toguests and locals alike, the hotel’s Leisure Club has anexcellent range of cardiovascular equipment and free weights.The Club also boasts a swimming pool, steam room, saunaand Jacuzzi to relax and unwind after your workout.

Always ready to anticipate the needs of the visitors, the LeisureClub has now installed the latest interactive, state of the art LifeFitness equipment with integrated apps and internet connectivity.

The modern visitor expects to be able to maintain his or her fitnessprogramme wherever they may be in the world, be they a businessor leisure traveller, and the ability to connect to their personalisedfitness regime by means of their phone is a key benefit.

Guests can now enjoy a cardio workout with friends anywherearound the globe, and personalise their experience through theLFconnect software, or become immersed in an interactivefitness course.

An exerciser is instantly recognized when they connect to one ofthe dedicated consoles using the LFconnect app on an Apple orAndroid device. This provides real-time tracking and givesexercisers immediate access to their personalized workouts.

When the device is switched to landscape view the LFconnectapp automatically switches to an in-workout display thatincludes three distinct dials that show workout duration, speedand the user’s choice of heart rate, duration, distance,incline/level, distance climbed, Watts or calories.

The LFconnect app automatically syncs to the LFconnectwebsite, so exercisers can see their total workout progress inan easy-to-read chart. Exercisers can also create customworkouts online before accessing them on their app whenconnected to compatible consoles.

Alongside the fantastic facilities available at Bristol MarriottHotel City Centre’s Leisure Club you can also receive otherbenefits such as 20% off in their food and beverage outlets orreciprocal use of other Marriott Leisure clubs in the UK *Terms and Conditions apply.

Corporate rates are available and for more information or tomake a booking please visit,www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/brsdt-bristol-marriott-hotel-city-centre or call 0117 9294281.

Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre

Leisure Club ManagerEmail: helen.ferris@marriotthotels.comTelephone 0117 929 4281Address: Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre, 2 LowerCastle Street, BS1 3AD

12724 AP_BBP Template 28/01/2016 10:21 Page 1

49

It’s the season when everyone in the office is feelingunmotivated and run down. Waking up on a Mondaymorning with a cold or headache, the first inclination isto call or email in sick… so much so that sick days costthe UK economy £100bn in 2013-2014.

Employees in Bristol take more sick days than any other city inthe UK, according to the latest It Pays To Play research fromBrightHR. Whether Bristolians are generally less well, or moreinclined to pull sickies, was not clear, however most of the2,000 people polled blamed stress rather than physical illnessas the cause. Two thirds said a fun work environment wouldencourage them to be more productive and take less time off.

There’s a strong commercial case for having a healthy andengaged workforce, especially for younger generations, coinedby experts as ‘Millenials’. Some 79% of 16 to 24 year olds saidfun at work was very important, with 44% admitting play atwork made them more productive. Speaking about the findings,and the growing demands for fun from younger employees, co-author, psychology professor, Cary Cooper, said: “Work is nolonger about getting the job done and then going home foryour fun – younger generations want to enjoy their work too.”

So why aren’t employers taking note? Of course no amount ofbelly laughs will ward off flu, however Mark Johnson, co-founder ofMojo Active – a Bristol-based outdoor activity centre specialising inteam building – says being “trusted to play” is key to a moremotivated, less stressed workforce: “If people are trusted to dotheir work, and at the same time feel empowered to have a laughwith their colleagues, a business will reap the benefits.”

A great deal of Mark’s experience has been in training Royal AirForce aircraft crew in stressful environments, so he knows howessential communication and trust are to building highperforming teams. His tried and tested military techniques andexercises can be adapted to develop team cohesion within thecommercial environment.

“As a small business ourselves, we appreciate that employershave strict budgets, which is why we offer a range of teambuilding packages at Mojo Active. Companies can choose froma management development session to multi-activity corporatedays or simply a one-off reward for a job well done.”

Mojo Active offers many different packages to improve teamdynamics. Their newest team initiative: “The Mojo AdventureChallenge”, puts teams of 12 through their paces as theycombine brain and muscle power to uncover the codes, findthe keys and complete the tasks to unlock different elementsand finish the course. Only by working together will teams beable to achieve the end goal, and the quickest teams will topthe Mojo Active leader board.

Shaking off sick days

MoJo Active is easily accessible from the M4/M5 at:Over Court Farm, Over Lane, Almondsbury,

Bristol BS32 4DF For directions, and more information,

please visit mojoactive.co.uk, call 01454 660075 or follow the latest news on Facebook or Twitter

20% off team building until March 2016

Mojo Active caters for small and large teams, from a 2-hour session to a whole day. Please quote “Bristol Business Post”

when booking to redeem your 20% discount.

Facilities include:• All weather, fully equipped venue

• 400m military assault course, high ropes course, rage buggies, blindfold 4x4 driving, archery

• The Mojo Adventure challenge for teams up to 12people

• Log cabin (up to 30 people) or marquee / tepees (to suit several hundred)

“The atmosphere in the office and out on site on Wednesdaywas buzzing. Everyone thought the venue, the organisationand the food was spot on and were all keen to do it again!”

David Wilson Homes

Assault

Course LowRopes

SummerParty

12775 AP_HorseWorld 11/02/2016 14:13 Page 1

50

Designed to minimise employee downtime & department disruption, New Leaf Health’s ‘15 minute health checks’ consist of a selection of tests including Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and BMI that help your employees establish their current health status.

Increase performance Reduce Absenteeism Improve MoraleThere are many statistics that support the fact that employees who feel valued and respected by their employers out perform those that don’t. It is also proven that employees who feel cared for by their employer are 27% more likely to stay with them for five years and more.

One of the biggest differences in absenteeism is between those employees who are not active and those who exercise. Non exercisers have a 46% greater absence rate than those who are active, just one exer-cise session per week can make all the difference.

Individual, team, department and company wide morale is vital for stability and growth within any company large or small. Simple achievements like a positive health check or one that helps employees focus on lifestyle changes are a real benefit individually and collectively.

‘15 minute health checks’ from the UK’s leading provider of Workplace Health & Wellbeing programmes

Visit our dedicated 15 minute health check website or call us today for more information

Friendly practitioners trained & experienced in delivering health related information in a non-threatening positive manner, chat through the results & provide information that empowers & inspires long lasting lifestyle changes.

T Powered by New Leaf Health

T: 01384 877784timgl@newleafhealth.co.uk

12789 AP_HorseWorld 10/02/2016 13:16 Page 1

51

T: 08000 807 809E: hello@bbpmedia.co.uk

www.bbpmedia.co.ukbbpMedia