LOUISE HEWETT 18 CHAMBER NEWS 19 VINTAGE YEAR 20 OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITIES 24

Business NewsWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2008 – SUCCESS STORIES

In association with

A BROMYARD aluminiumextrusion company hasbeen awarded a top inter-national environmentalstandard.

Holden Aluminium Tech-nologies (HAT) has grownto become one of the lead-ing companies in the UK toprovide the manufacturingsector with innovativetechnological develop-ments in the fabricationand forming of aluminiumextrusion.

HAT, led by its qualitymanager Dean Lewis,implemented a number ofinitiatives to achieve ISO14001, which is now regard-ed as the main internation-al environmental standard.

ISO 14001 sets out themethod for implementingan effective environmentalmanagement system, whichenables an organisation toreduce its environmentalimpact while also reducingcosts.

At a time when business-es are looking to provideenvironmentally soundproducts and services thisstandard offers answers.

Mr Lewis said: “Every-body at HAT workedtogether to implement thechanges. We have soundsystems in place for theremoval of waste from thesite and we now recycle alot more.

“Everything from paper,packaging, shrink wrapand coffee cups find theirway into specific recyclingbins. We also recycle ourraw materials such as offcuts of aluminium. Toachieve the standard wealso spruced up the insideand outside of the build-

ings. Not only do thesechanges help to create abetter and safer workingenvironment for all, theyalso help to reduce wastageand ultimately our costs.”

The company services arange of industries,although primarily auto-motive, transport, elec-tronic and construction.

Its products can be foundas vital components inAston Martin, BMW, Lotusand Morgan cars, railwayrolling stock includingChannel tunnel trains,BT’s electronic exchanges,London Underground esca-lators, the Hong KongRailway, GCHQ at Chelt-enham, Gloucestershire,and many other structuresand buildings worldwide.

The company is alsoinvolved in providing tech-nology for the manufactur-ing of medical equipment.

Richard Williams, man-aging director of HoldenAluminium, said: “We areabsolutely delighted thatwe have been awarded thisstandard.

“As a company we arenow increasingly moreinvolved in helping toimprove the environment,from manufacturing com-ponent parts to build light-weight chassis cars whichreduce CO2 emissions aswell as providing compo-nents to build environmen-tally friendly delivery vehi-cles such as the Modecrange, through to the sim-ple recycling of everydaywaste products.”

Recycling our wasteto use elsewhere hasearned us an award

BY MIKE PRYCE01905 742247mp@worcesternews.co.uk

HoldenAluminiumTechnologiesqualitymanagerDean Lewisholds thecertificate.Clockwisefrom bottomright,workersRoseHornsby,DebbieHorner,Fidel Rippland SteveHorner.

Call Graham Rew or Julian Gaskellon 01905 854067

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For newspaper sales and promotions ring Worcester 74221218 Worcester News, Wednesday, February 20, 2008

BUSINESSTALKINGLOUISE HEWETT

WE know thatcommunication is ofutmost importancein every organisationand at all levels.

In customer services we need tohave the skill to identify theimmediate and pressing needs of ourcustomers and then satisfy – orhopefully exceed – those needsaccordingly. Understanding whatmotivates individuals is the first stepto being able to manage themeffectively. In sales, the ability tobuild instantaneous rapport withpotential customers comes naturallyto high performers, but these skillsand techniques can be acquired orimproved through a method knownas neuro linguistic programming(NLP). There is nothing new aboutthis process. It has been incorporatedwithin training and developmentstrategies for some time and formspart of coaching, sales training,leadership and development, teambuilding and personal development

programmes. Building rapport is thecornerstone of persuasion andinfluence. Outstanding sales peoplehave a belief that everyone they meetwill be interesting. They expect tohave rapport with anyone with whomthey come into contact and are superalert to tuning into a person’spatterns of moving, body languageand tone of voice.

NLP helps us to develop these skills.Getting on someone’s wavelength –by matching and mirroring their

physiology – people unconsciouslybegin to identify with each other.

Understanding whether a personprefers to communicate in a visual,auditory or a kinaesthetic – touchyfeely – way enables us to put ourpoint across in a method they willappreciate.

A visual person will want to see thepresentation clearly in front of him;an auditory person will want to hearit. According to a recent report NLPis a way of modelling the best andreproducing that talent.

What most people do not realise isthat the excellence they have in someareas can be mapped across intoother areas. Improving the naturalabilities of our people must be goodfor business.

“A visual person will wantto see the presentationclearly in front of himand an an auditory personwill want to hear it”

BUSINESS NEWS

GARY Thomas continuesto grow his businesswith the support of newbanking partners theRoyal Bank of Scotland

(RBS) in Worcester.The entrepreneur is the managing

director of Wellpak (UK) Limited aprivately-owned company whichspecialises in the supply anddistribution of the finest fresh fruitproduce to all sectors within theUK and European markets.

Established in 1995, the companytoday operates from a modernpurpose-built distribution centrebased at the Vale Business Park inEvesham.

Mr Thomas said: “I have big andexciting plans for the company. Weare currently benefiting from anincrease in healthy eating by theUK consumer and as such we haveseen a sustained period of demandfor the supply of fresh fruit andproducts not simply limited to theUK market but also further a fieldinto international markets.

“As a business that supplies a

wide variety of customers webenefit from our central locationand the links we have to the majorroad networks in the country. Theessence of our business is that wesupply only the best produce fromselected suppliers from more than40 different countries and as suchthat is only a unique selling point ifwe can get it quickly to ourcustomers.”

Mr Thomas began his bankingrelationship with RBS in 2007 whenit provided his company with afunding package which allowedhim to purchase the shares of hisfellow company founder RichardGeorge and take sole ownership ofthe firm, as well as providingworking capital facilities to support

the ongoing day-to-day operationsof Wellpak.

Mr Thomas said: “The ability topurchase Richard’s shares was toogood an opportunity for myself towalk away from having put somuch of myself into the success ofthe company.

“Now I have full ownership ofWellpak there are a number ofideas I want to put into practicewhich I believe will continue thegrowth pattern of the company andprovide additional opportunities infresh markets for the company andour staff.

“I look upon the last 13 years asonly the beginning. We haveestablished contracts with some ofthe country’s leading food retailersand our aim is to continue to growthe business in a measured fashion,but seeking out and exploitingopportunities as and when theyarise.

“With this new financial backingfrom RBS, I feel confident in ourability as a company to continue togrow our market share in both

domestic and internationalmarkets.”

Ian Williams, manager forcommercial banking at RBS inWorcester, led the bank’s deal teamon the transaction and he alsomanages the ongoing bankingrelationship with Wellpak.

He said: “Wellpak is a localsuccess story and Mr Thomas isvery much evidence of theentrepreneurial business spirit thatis alive within the county.

“Having bought out Mr George,he is leading the business in adynamic fashion and he has thebacking of his staff, who are anintegral part of the company’ssuccess.

“The ability to move quickly is akey to successful business and wehope that by taking the time tounderstand Mr Thomas’s strategywe have put in place funding thatnot only meets the currentrequirements of the company, butis flexible enough to grow with thebusiness as it develops in thefuture.”

When GGaarryy TThhoommaass wanted to expand his business he found a sympathetic ear with his commercial bank

Entrepreneur has boughtinto his company’s future

Get on trackat workshopLOCAL firms can find out how theLondon 2012 Games can work for theirbusiness, at a free workshop onThursday, February 28. It is beingorganised by the Chamber of CommerceHerefordshire and Worcestershire and isto be held at the Pear Tree Inn andCountry Hotel at Smite, near Worcester.

Prepare for 2012, led by the chamber inassociation with West Midlands BusinessCouncil and Advantage West Midlands,will inform firms about the opportunitiesto be had from the games that could boosta company’s bottom line.

The workshop will start at 1pm with abuffet lunch, followed by the workshopitself.

FOR MORE NEWS FROM THE CHAMBER OFCOMMERCE SEE OPPOSITE PAGE.FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THEOLYMPIC OPPORTUNTIES TURN TO PAGE 24.

Lyn Burkett, project leader, with Donna Watkins, Business Link West Midlands contact centre manager.

Online boost for success of firmsA NEW scheme looking to boostthe technological performance ofWorcestershire has beenlaunched with the aim of helping200 businesses in the first year.

Business Link West Midlandshas designed an innovative newwebsite (www.businesslinkwm.co.uk/tapintoit) that will engagewith companies that want tomake the most of IT in theiroperations, whether it be in salesand marketing, productivity or inwinning new business.

The project comes on the backof recent research which showsthat the main barriers of entryremain lack of time, cost andthat some firms see IT as anunnecessary expense.

Lyn Burkett, project leader anda main driving force behind theinitiative, said: “Technology isabsolutely crucial and touchesevery sector imaginable. With

this in mind, we wanted to helplocal companies make the mostof IT by offering them initialinformation, expert guidance andin-depth assistance whenembracing this area.

“The website will act as thefirst point of entry into thisworld of support and will giveinformation and opportunitiesfor anyone looking to exploit IT.”

The website, which is beingfunded by Advantage WestMidlands, went live at thebeginning of February and hasalready received 500 hits fromcompanies. At the heart of theoffer is a focus on marketing andhow IT can play a key role inmonitoring the behaviour ofcustomers and in communicatingoffers quicker and more effectively.

There is also a concerted lookat how technology can makebusinesses more efficient by

introducing new systems,programmes and managing keycontacts through a centraldatabase.

Mr Burkett said: “The third andfinal area is growth and ensuringthat firms are delivering theright product to the right marketat the right price. Simpleaccounting packages can helpthem assess performance, anonline presence can drum upnew business and office systemscan help staff to communicateand share information.”

Business Link West Midlands isexpecting to help more then70,000 businesses and individualsthinking of starting a companyand providing intensive supportto a further 16,000 by 2010.

For more details call 0845 1131234 or visitwww.businesslinkwm. co.uk/tapintoit

Are you a visual or an auditory person?

If you are looking to relocate and areinterested in commercial properties inWorcestershire, then check out our on-linedatabase – or telephone us on 01905 766375 and we’ll do it for you.Worcestershire’s Property Service is operated by WorcestershireCounty Council on behalf of Worcestershire Partnership.

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For classified advertising ring Worcester 748300 Wednesday, February 20, 2008, Worcester News 19CHAMBER NEWS

Boss’s fact-findingtour shows issuesfacing local firms

ELGAR Foods Ltd of TenburyWells, and Malvern-basedDytecna, played host to thedirector general of the BritishChambers of Commerce when hevisited Worcestershire to findout more about the issues facingbusinesses in the region.

David Frost spent a day withMike Ashton, chief executive ofthe Chamber of CommerceHerefordshire andWorcestershire, making amorning visit to Elgar Foods, thefruit preparation experts basedat the Tenbury Business Park.

There, Mr Frost met JohnTaylor, general manager of thefirm.

Mr Taylor said: “It’s importantthat our businesses can get avoice in to Westminster and thechambers of commerce, and MrFrost, in particular, offers us away to do that.

“It was a great opportunity forus to be able to show Mr Frostaround our premises, tell himabout the company and discussthe challenges that we are facingas a business in the coming year.

“Our raw material costs haveincreased up to 30 per cent, butwith the supermarkets refusingto take on that added cost, we arefacing increasing marginpressure in 2008.

“Rising fuel costs alsosubstantially add to thispressure in terms of our logisticsand for Mr Frost to take thatmessage in to Government is apowerful thing for a companynestling in the Worcestershirecountryside.

“In the meantime, we continueto innovate, with several newproducts in the pipeline, all ofwhich are developed with theultimate in technology andresearch to ensure we offer foodsolutions to manufacturers withFairTrade, organic and clean-label ingredients, but withoutcompromising on the flavour,colour and texture for which ourproducts are renowned.

“We pride ourselves on thesefactors – all of which areincreasingly important to aconsumer base that knows morethan ever about food thanks tomedia and the growingpopularity of television cookingprogrammes.”

Mr Frost spent his lunchtimenetworking with businessleaders from Worcestershire andHerefordshire at the Chamber ofCommerce head office, beforeheading to Malvern to meet withthe team at Dytecna.

Keith Mowbray, head ofbusiness development, and CliveWheawall, chief executive ofdefence systems, met thedirector general, giving him abreakdown of the currentoperation, along with the historyof the company, which has beenproviding innovative support

solutions to the defence andcommercial industries for morethan 60 years.

The company covers a broadbreadth of employment with arange of very diverse expertise,and the synergy betweendepartments ensures thatDytecna can provide a completeand tailored solution to thehighest spec for any project.

Responding to a change in thestyle of warfare has been one ofthe most significant challengesof recent years, and one whichhas meant rolling developmentand innovation to respond to avery different kind of threat.

Mr Mowbray said: “The supportof the chamber has certainlyassisted in the company growthover the past few years. Theadvice and efforts of Linda Smithand the export services team hasenabled Dytecna to win businessin the US, Australia and Europe.

“Dytecna is now seen as one ofthe UK’s leading engineeringorganisations in respect ofvehicle and communicationsinstallation. The growth has alsoprovided significant employmentopportunities and we expect this

to continue over the next fewyears as the order bookcontinues to grow.”

Mike Ashton, chief executive ofChamber of CommerceHerefordshire andWorcestershire, said: “What wehave here are two fantasticcompanies, threading corevalues throughout a localisedlabour force and yet facing veryreal business concerns due torising costs across the board.

“As a chamber we work closelywith the British Chambers ofCommerce (BCC), giving usanother direct route in toGovernment, where Mr Frostreally can be the voice ofbusiness throughout the UK.This was his second visit toWorcestershire andHerefordshire in six months.He’s seen first-hand the effects ofthe flooding in our region andnow the effect that rising costscan have on businesses in morerural areas. We will continue towork closely with the BCC toensure the views and concerns ofbusinesses on our patch areheard and proactively voiced inGovernment.”

David Frost, right, pictured with John Taylor of Elgar Foods at Tenbury.

PERHAPS you’re on track to become abusiness leader in your company, or youare an ambitious individual who islooking to progress and develop yourcareer.

Or maybe you are already a businessleader and in that capacity you see anumber of decision-makers lower in thecompany who could be meeting andnetworking with fellow professionals onthe same level.

The Chamber of CommerceHerefordshire and Worcestershire has setup a new network for exactly those people– the Business Leaders of the Future.

The launch event of the new networkinggroup will take place on Thursday, March13, at the Worcester Whitehouse Hotel inFiregate Street. The evning will begin at5pm.

Succession planning is vital for anybusiness, and this networking group aimsto address that gap to ensure thatnetworks are in place for future businessonce the current generation of businessleaders moves on.

For more information about BusinessLeaders for the Future, or to register yourinterest in attending, please contact

Helen King at the Chamber of CommerceHerefordshire and Worcestershire on 0845641 1641.

Networking group hasits eyes on new leaders

Don’t miss awards deadlineREMEMBER that the entry deadline forthe Chamber Awards 2008 is Wednesday,March 19.

The chamber has received a steadystream of entries for what is alreadypromising to be a fantastic evening ofcelebration of business acrossWorcestershire and Herefordshire, butthe deadline is earlier this year and thechamber is keen to ensure all companies

are on track with their award entries.Log on to www.hwchamberawards.com

for all the information you need to knowabout the Chamber Awards Nightincluding how to enter, the awardscriteria and booking your seats at theceremony.

If you have any questions at all aboutthe Chamber Awards 2008 please contactNaomi Rusher on 0845 641 1523.

From left,KeithMowbray ofDytecna inMalvern,DavidFrost,directorgeneral ofthe BritishChambersofCommerce,and LindaSmith ofthe localchamber ofcommerce.

Chamber TrainingCourses for March Book now!

0845 641 1614Email: training@hwchamber.co.uk

www.hwchamber.co.ukAll training courses are held at our

training rooms: Severn House, PrescottDrive, Warndon Business Park,

Worcester, WR4 9NE (unless otherwise stated)

Please quote: training/wen/03.08with any correspondence

Call now to book your place or for information on any of our training courses and facilities

Introduction to Manual Handling (1/2 day course) ...5 MarchIntroduction to Risk Assessment.....................................6 MarchManaging Communication Effectively...........................6 MarchAdvanced Microsoft Excel ................................................7 MarchDealing with Difficult People.........................................13 MarchTelesales Techniques........................................................18 March

Full-day courses cost £144+VAT Members, £180+VAT Non MembersHalf-day courses cost £72+VAT Members, £90+VAT Non Members

The key aims of the network are to:Provide an opportunity for decision-makers lower down the company tonetwork independently and promotethe business.Offer a platform for personaldevelopment, where delegates canlearn skills needed for the future.Organise events with motivational andeducational speakers to give attendeesadvice and inspiration for planningtheir career progression.Provide a forum in which to meet newpeople. There are various youngprofessional-type networks inexistence but these tend to beindustry specific. Business Leaders ofthe Future gives members the chanceto mix and do business with peopleand potential customers from acrossall sectors of industry.

WHAT’S INVOLVED

THE corporate team at leadinglaw firm Harrison Clark LLP iscelebrating a record year fortransactions and deliveries.

In terms of transactions, 2007saw the firm complete more than50 deals worth a total value ofmore than £145 million.

The transactions ranged fromsales and acquisitions of smallowner-managed businesses rightthrough to fund-raising andacquisitive work for largerclients including internationaland public companies.

As for the deliveries, three ofthe team found the time tobecome proud mothers duringthe year.

Corporate partner IngerWoolhouse said: “It has been agreat year both in the number ofdeals we completed in that timeand also the quality of thetransactions on which we arebeing asked to advise.

“Given that the departmentonly started six years ago, thegrowth has been exceptional.The corporate team at HarrisonClark is not only the largest inWorcester but also one of theleading teams in the region.

“A large number of ourtransactions come out of London,where we are seen as a topquality, excellent valuealternative to the major andother city firms.

“Having said that, however, werecognise the importance ofmaintaining local links andcontinue to have a strongposition within the localbusiness community.

“We have a strong team of 10corporate transactional feeearners and were therefore ableto accommodate the parentalrequests of those members of theteam on maternity leave withoutdifficulty.

“I am equally glad to say thatthey have all now returned towork in the department.”

In reviewing the year ahead,

head of corporate Rod Thomassaid: “Recent events have meantthat we are entering into a newand potentially uncertain periodfor corporate transactional work.

“There is much talk of apotential recession but currently

corporate activity remainsbuoyant. It will only be after thechanges in capital gains taxlegislation in April this year thata true understanding of themarket place will becomeapparent.”

For newspaper sales and promotions ring Worcester 74221220 Worcester News, Wednesday, February 20, 2008

British Small Business Champions (BSBC) 2008 invitesentries from established, thriving businesses that arewell run and highly regarded by customers and staff toenter BSBC 2008. Businesses must have been trading forat least five years* and employ no more than 50 staff.

Additionally, and new for 2008, two further categories:● BSBC Young Entrepreneur 2008, who must be 21years or younger at the date of entering.● BSBC Most Promising Young Business 2008, whichmust have been established in 2006 or later.

Closing date for entries is 28th March 2008.

* Not applicable to ‘Young Entrepreneur’ and‘Most Promising Young Business’ categories.

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BUSINESS NEWS|SUCCESS STORIES

Clockwise from left, Clare Emery, Alison Scott and Arpinder Dhillontoast a vintage year in which they helped to deliver more than 50deals worth a total value of £145 million and also became mums.

Lawyers raise a glassto a vintage year andbeing proud mothers

Weaver picks upfurther awardsTWO projects by Bromsgroveconstruction company Weaver plc havebeen recognised for outstanding workby Staffordshire district buildingcontrol departments at its 2007 Built inQuality awards.

Winner in the commercial categoryunder £1 million was a new loading bayand retail extension for Aldi Stores inChurch Street, Lichfield. Highlycommended was Weaver’s £1.8 milliondesign and build project for Fresh SpaceDevelopments of 31 apartments at FourWynds, Cannock Road, Heath Hayes.

Steve Hudson, general managerdirector at Weaver, said: “It’s a greatboost to morale to receive awards suchas these, which recognise the quality ofmanagement and workmanship carriedout by our team.”

Weaver has previously received Builtin Quality Awards from WychavonDistrict Council and two from MalvernHills District Council and BirminghamCity Council.

For classified advertising ring Worcester 748300 Wednesday, February 20, 2008, Worcester News 21

THOMAS ValeConstruction has beenat the heart ofregeneratingcommunities for more

than a century and today itremains at the cutting edge ofmajor urban renewal projects.

Established in 1869, thecompany continues to bring far-reaching economic andsustainable benefits toneighbourhoods by employingmore than 600 local people onprojects. This has resulted in astaggering £160 million spendbeing put back into the areas inwhich the company operates.

The company, which is based inStourport-on-Severn, is a leadingprovider of construction servicesand operates from other keyregional centres in Birmingham,Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent,Leicester, Nottingham, Matlockand Reading.

The company has announcedrecord levels of orders for 2008,already securing a forwardworkload in the region of £½billion for the next three to four-year period. It has recentlysecured various multi-millionpound partnerships with publicsector clients and significant five-year frameworks for blue-chipprivate sector clients as well asone off schemes across theMidlands and the south.

The work is split across new-build housing, housing

regeneration, education, interiors,infrastructure and piling andindustrial and commercial projects.

An impressive 80 per cent of thegroup business over the next fiveyears is being secured on long-term partnerships ensuring asolid foundation for the futuredevelopment. The variouspartnerships include majorawards from Birmingham CityCouncil, Staffordshire CountyCouncil, Wyre Forest CommunityHousing Group, West MerciaHousing Group, WolverhamptonHomes and Sandwell Homes.

Tony Hyde, managing director,said: “We set fairly ambitioustargets to achieve a five-yearstrategy of £200 million turnover,

at this present moment in time,we are three years ahead of ourcurrent schedule and moreimportantly we have securedprojects and developed existingrelationships with clients forfuture works, which is anexcellent result.”

Thomas Vale Construction hasbeen named Building magazine’sContractor of the Year seventimes in 11 years, as well as beingawarded the covetedConstruction News’ judges’Supreme Award in 2007.

It is setting an example to otherlocal businesses that all it takesfor sustainable business growth ispassion and a realisation ofpotential.

A record level of ordersfor construction company

BUSINESS NEWS|SUCCESS STORIES

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Thomas Vale Construction receives more awards. Back, from left,Bill Munn, actor Rob Brydon, Richard O’Connor and Tony Hyde. Front,from left, Carol Appleton, Sarah Cowap, Aimee Hyde and Sarah Grove

Can your company bein for a rebate fromoverpayment of VAT?COUNTY businesses couldreceive rebates for VAToverpayments stretching backyears, thanks to a House of Lordsruling in favour of the taxpayer.

This means businesses mightbe able to claim back VATaccounted for or incurred from1973 to 1996/7 on a range ofincome streams or businesscosts.

The ruling relates to a movemade by Her Majesty’s Customs& Excise (HMRC) in 1996, when itintroduced a three-year timelimit in which a business couldmake a claim for overpaid VAT.

A few months later, this limitwas extended to back claims forinput tax which is the VATincurred by a business on itscosts. However, HMRC did notallow a transition period,effectively cutting off abusiness’s right to a rebatewithout it first warning themabout the change. HMRC couldnow face payouts that will runinto millions of pounds.

Angela Taylor, associatedirector at Worcester-basedRabjohns LLP, said this waslong-awaited and very welcome

news for Worcestershirebusinesses.

She said: “The list is by nomeans exhaustive, but the rulingwill affect VAT on things asdiverse as staff entertainmentand parties, hotels, charities,cultural facilities or events andmileage claims, particularly forlarge fleets.

“There has been a great deal oflitigation around this issue foryears, but this decision clarifiesit once and for all.”

HMRC now faces the bill for the

late-claimed VAT and interestthat will exceed £100 million,especially if interest is paid on acompound basis.

There is still time forbusinesses to make or resubmitclaims for VAT overpaid prior toDecember 4, 1996, or under-claimed prior to May 1, 1997.

However, a six-month guillotineis likely to be introduced for anynew claims relating to thoseperiods. so businesses areadvised to move fast to submittheir applications.

For moreinformationabout rebatesfor VAToverpaymentsdcontact AngelaTaylor, left, atRabjohns on01905 732100or e-mail her atat@rabjohns.co.uk

www.thomasvale.com

Local People,Local Jobs,

Working with You

Housing - Regeneration - Design & Build- Maintenance - PilingRefurbishment - Partnering Interiors - High Security - Training

SSuupprreemmee AAwwaarrdd && CCoonnttrraaccttoorr ooff tthhee YYeeaarr2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2003 - 2001 - 1999 - 1997

Email: info@thurs"elds.co.ukWebsite: www.thurs"elds.co.uk

Worcester Of"ce: 42 Foregate Street, Worcester WR1 1EFTelephone: 01905 730450 Facsimile: 01905 730499

Thurs"elds - Reputation Through Business Excellence

Kidderminster Of"ce: 14 & 27 Church Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 2ATTelephone: 01562 820575 Facsimile: 01562 512496

Stourport Of"ce: The Old Inspector’s House, York Street, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 9EETelephone: 01299 827517 Facsimile: 01299 878070

Take advice from a winning team!Our commercial team can offer youexpert advice when it matters most.Call us today for an informal chat on01562 820 575 (no obligation)

Just kicked off withyour business?

For newspaper sales and promotions ring Worcester 74221222 Worcester News, Wednesday, February 20, 2008 BUSINESS NEWS|SUCCESS STORIES

RESEARCH by BarclaysCommercial Bank, whichcoincides with thepublication of a recent CBIClimate Change Task

Force report, has found that owner-managers of the UK’s mid-sizecompanies are confident of theirability to manage pressures to gogreen.

Just 11 per cent say the need todemonstrate that they areenvironmentally responsiblerepresents a threat to theirorganisation, with 31 per cent seeingthe growing green agenda as a pureopportunity for their business.

As the CBI reports that UKbusinesses stand poised to take upthe challenge of going green,Barclays Commercial’s researchsuggests the link betweensustainability and commercialsuccess is becoming clearer to UKmid-size businesses.

The realisation is filtering throughthat being seen to act moreresponsibly when it comes to theenvironment can help win newdeals, create high value productsand services and build enthusiasmamong employees.

Developing more sustainable

business practices and reducingenvironmental impact should be apriority for all businesses. Thebottom line benefits of operatingmore responsibly are becomingclearer by the day.

What is less clear is howbusinesses make their greenaspirations a priority and a reality.The CBI’s Climate Change Taskforcefindings will assist this process bysparking welcome debate andproviding much needed guidance toUK businesses so that we continueto thrive and meet whateverchallenges of sustainability lieahead.

The research shows that mid-sizedcompanies see it as less of a threatthan their larger counterparts.

However, it also revealed that mid-sized businesses are only justbeginning to understand theoperational and cost implications ofreducing their impact on theenvironment.

More than half (52 per cent) admitthat they are concerned by thepotential for increased compliance,but encouragingly 47 per cent do notfeel they will need to invest in newbusiness assets to keep pace withnew environmental regulations.

Mid-sized companies are alsomindful of the potential reputationaldamage that may accompany beinglabelled a ‘green offender’, althoughthis is a far greater worry for largecorporates – 50 per cent, comparedwith 22 per cent of mid-sized

businesses. Barclays CommercialBank provides relationship bankingto 151,000 larger and mediumbusiness customers in the UK (£1million to £1 billion turnover).

Customers are served by a networkof relationship and industry sectorspecialist managers who providelocal access to an extensive range ofproducts and services, as well asoffering business information andsupport. Customers are also offeredaccess to the products and expertiseof other businesses in the group,particularly Barclays Capital andBarclaycard. Barclays Asset andSales Finance – a specialist businesswithin Barclays Commercial Bank –provides customers with assetfinancing and leasing solutions.

Environmental responsibilityis paying dividends to firmsAAnnddyy BBiirrdd of Barclays commercial banking says mid-size companies are confident about the green agenda

Barclays Commercial Bank has teamed up with key partners to developthe following exclusive environmental proposition for its clients:

Barclays Capital’s award-winning expertise can help customers withcarbon emissions trading.

It works in partnership with the European Investment Bank to offer anexclusive cashback scheme to customers financing a wide range ofcapital expenditure projects.

The bank offers customers access to robust and cost-effectiveenvironmental liability insurance through Marsh, a leading insurancebroker and strategic risk adviser.

Businesses can go to www.barclayscommercial.com/environment forfurther guidance on environmental issues.

HOW THE BANK CAN HELPYOU

ANDREW Mence, Barclaysassistant commercial bankingmanager for Worcestershire, hasreceived a long service award for 25years service with the company.

He said: “It’s wonderful to berecognised by your employer fordoing something you enjoy.

“When I joined 25 years ago at theCardiff Docks branch, things werevery different. Paper ledgers werestill being used, customers wereoften frightened of their bankmanager and management wasdominated by men.

“Now the focus of our businessmodel is relationship managementto provide outstanding customerservice each and every time.Technology has also greatlyimproved the customer experienceand women hold many of the seniorpositions within Barclays.”

Andy Bird, Barclays commercialbanking area director forWorcestershire, said: “Andrew isvery committed to his customersand the community.

“This is a really important way ofrecognising his valued contributionand loyalty to the bank.”

Andrew looksback at his 25years’ service

Andy Bird,left, isBarclaysCommercialBankingareacorporatedirector forthe county.

Andrew Mence celebrates his award.

WORCESTERSHIRE-based eventorganisers Concordia Serviceshas landed the task ofmasterminding one of the biggestevenings in the Midlandsbusiness calendar.

Set to take place on May 1 atMillennium Point inBirmingham, the 2008 UK Trade& Investment awards willrecognise the success WestMidland businesses haveachieved in foreign marketsthrough the help of programmessuch as Passport to Export andtrade bodies such as theMidlands World Trade Forum.

Concordia, of Top BarnBusiness Centre, Holt Heath,near Worcester, has been handedthe responsibility of delivering

the best and most memorableawards evening to date.

Doug Mahoney, internationaltrade director for UKTI WestMidlands, said: “Hosting anentertaining awards event isnever easy.

“We were looking for acompany to deliver the 2008UKTI awards who had a proventrack record at planning andrunning important events andwho would ensure that thisyear’s awards would be a night toremember. Concordia hasdemonstrated, with events suchas the 2007 Herefordshire andWorcestershire Chamber ofCommerce Awards and therecent ESG Hereford TownCentre development project, that

it knows how to create the rightatmosphere and get the rightmessage across to all thoseattending.”

Concordia will be looking afterall aspects of the awards fromorganising the judging, handlingthe PR for the event and makingsure the night runs smoothly.

Christine Jones, chief executiveof Concordia, said: “This is ahuge vote of confidence for us.

“Concordia has been involvedin this year’s event right fromthe beginning and it has beenable to offer advice on thingssuch as award categories, guestspeakers and entertainment.

“We are really excited to beable to have been chosen to carryout this unique evening.”

Concordia’s rewarding task

From left,Barbara Lyons,executivedirector ofConcordia;Christine Jones,cheif executiveofficer, andLynne Fairburn,events manager.

Shrub Hill Industrial

Estate, Worcester

Terms: Licence

905 sq. ft., 220 sq. ft., 190 sq.ft., Offices

580 sq. ft., 703 sq.ft. Workshop + Small Office

277 sq. ft. Workshop

worcesternews.co.uk/newsFor classified advertising ring Worcester 748300 Wednesday, February 20, 2008, Worcester News 23

Business news RECOGNISABLY BETTER SERVICEWWW.HEWETT-RECRUITMENT.CO.UK

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

THE licensees running aWorcester pub are drinking tosuccess after just six monthsin the job.

Luke Charles-Short andRachel-Marie East, who man-age the Cap and Gown inUpper Tything, Worcester,have scooped the best newlicensee award from theirbrewery – the Oxfordshire-based Hook Norton.

Meanwhile, two Worces-tershire pubs – the Bell Inn atEckington, near Pershore andthe Vineyard, Evesham – havebeen shortlisted in the 2008Shine Awards, Punch Tav-erns’ national competition.

Mr Charles-Short and MissEast – the youngest tenants ofa Hook Norton pub – wentalong to a special awardsnight in Oxfordshire, wherethey were thrilled to discoverthey had scooped one of thetrophies.

Mr Charles-Short, aged 25,grew up in the trade. Hismother ran the New Inn atArley, near Bewdley, whileMiss East, aged 23, worked atO’Neill’s and Charleston inWorcester before taking onthe Cap and Gown. Theirefforts to make the pub amore popular local and createa sustainable solid businesshelped to make them frontrunners for the award.

Mr Charles-Short said: “Wehave completely redecorated

and it is now a traditional pubwith a modern feel.

“We have also tried to bringa bit of Worcester into the pubwith old pictures of the cityand promoting WorcesterWarriors. Local football andrugby teams use the pub andthere has also been anincrease in sales.”

The Bell Inn at Eckingtonhas been listed among the bestfood experience finalists andthe Vineyard at Evesham forthe best community experi-ence in the 2008 Shine Awards,Punch Taverns’ national com-petition. Punch’s operationsdirector Kevin George

explained: “More than 1000nominations have beenreceived from customers,employees and Punch’s busi-ness relationship managerswith 1086 pubs now visited bya mystery customer to assessthe pub on a range of criteria.”

The finalists from Eveshamand Eckington have beenshortlisted across four possi-ble categories – food, drink,customer and community.

Over the next few weeks,finalists will be visited byPunch’s regional operationsdirectors and operations man-agers, who will be meetingwith the licensees and sam-

pling the food, drink andatmosphere at each pub.Shortlisted pubs will thenattend an awards lunch onMarch 13 at Studley Castle,Warwickshire where four cat-egory finalists and an overallregional champion will beannounced.

Mr George said: “The ShineAwards are a perfect opportu-nity for Punch to say thankyou and reward those trulyexceptional licensees whodeliver fantastic customerexperiences everyday.

“They are the ones thatmake us passionate about ourpubs,” he added.

THE company that runsRegent residential carehome in Worcester – Heartof England Housing andCare – is celebrating withstaff after being awarded theInvestors In People award.

The home was one of ninewithin the company toreceive the award, whichmarks the dedication thecompany has to investing inthe people who work forthem.

Sandy Dixon, manager atthe School Road-basedhome, said: “We realise thatone of our most importantassets is the people whowork with us. It is their ded-ication and hard work thatenabled us to earn thisaward. I am extremelyproud of them all.

“By recognising the impor-tance of staff and valuingtheir contribution, the IIPaward will help everyone atthe home to develop theirpotential, gain greater jobsatisfaction and provide anexcellent service to resi-dents at Regent.”

BROMSGROVE-based PagoFruit Juices UK has reportedan excellent start to 2008 asthe surge towards healthy eat-ing and drinking sees its prod-ucts being snapped up.

More than five million bot-tles of Pago fruit juice – in its

14 different flavours – werebought in 2007 and managingdirector Tony Harwood is con-fident that 2008 will see a sig-nificant increase on this fig-ure, with some exciting devel-opments for the brand.

He said: “We’re a niche sup-

plier. You won’t find Pago onthe shelves in the majorsupermarkets just yet, butwho knows what might hap-pen with Pago in the next 12months.

“Our fruit juices have noartificial flavourings or

colourings and are approvedfor vegetarians.”

Not only is Pago releasingits top selling range of juicesin 330ml PET bottles, the firmis also making its productsavailable to a much broaderrange of suppliers – through

retail outlets including super-markets, independent retail-ers, garage forecourts, sportsclubs and vending options.

The new PET bottles addprotection from UV light,ensuring a nine-month shelflife.

BUSINESS owners have been urgedto seek professional advice followingproposed changes to the capitalgains and capital allowances regimes.

Worcestershire tax specialist char-tered accountants Ormerod Ruttersay despite lower interest rates, busi-nesses could be worse off when the

Chancellor introduces the changesafter April

Head of taxation services for theDroitwich company Dave Devon-shire said: “If anyone is planning sig-nificant capital expenditure over thenext few months we strongly recom-mend they seek professional guid-

ance. Timing could be critical tomaking the most of tax advantages.”

At present small companies canwrite off 50 per cent of qualifyingexpenditure on plant and equipmentagainst their taxable profits in theyear in which the purchases aremade.

The balance carried forward thenqualifies for a writing downallowance.

Medium-sized businesses arerestricted to a 40 per cent first yearallowance.

From April next year these firstyear allowances will be replaced

with a 100 per cent annual invest-ment allowance for capital purchas-es in any one year of up to £50,000.

The new changes also affect capitalgains tax, which will have seriousimplications for anyone thinking ofselling their business or disposing ofbusiness assets.

A NEW advice centre forcitizens of Poland and otherEastern European coun-tries has been opened inWorcester.

PEETAC – the Polish andEastern European Trans-lation and Advice Centre –is only a five minute walkfrom the city centre and aswell as translations andadvice, offers help with jobapplications and CVs.

Based in Global House inBlockhouse Close, just offFoundry Street, it aims tohelp new arrivals with anylanguage related problemthat can so often arise inthe early days in a newcountry.

PEETAC representativeKinga Rydzewska, who isfrom Poland, said: “I havefirst-hand experience ofhow important it is for anewcomer to have the rightprofessional support whenadjusting to their new lifein this country.

“One of the most vitalrequirements for any Polishor Eastern European personwanting to work in the UKis to have their qualifica-tions and other importantdocuments professionallytranslated and legalised.”

PEETAC has in-housespeakers of Polish andRussian and covers allother Eastern and CentralEuropean languages aswell.

It is open weekdays from9am to 5pm.

For more information call0800 0273 777 or visitwww.peetac.co.uk

Two younglicenseescelebratewinningtop awardPubs shortlisted in competitionBY CATHY ANSTEY01905 742256wenedit@worcesternews.co.uk

Fruit juice firm reports healthy start to year

Companies warned that they could be worse off

Luke Charles-Short and Rachel-Marie East, who won the bestnew licensee award. Picture by Jon Fuller-Rowell. 07309601

The Bell Inn at Eckington.

The Vineyard at Evesham.

Praise forthe staff ascare homegets award

Help for thepeople whohave arrivedfrom Poland

Left to right: Staff membersDean Harrison, HelenCollett, Chris Garfield andGeorgie Osmond standproudly next to the award.

All smiles: Larysa Spiers,Kinga Rydzewska andLesley Mikitczuk, staff atPEETAC make a toast tothe success of the centre.

BusinessbriefingKeep up to date withthe latest local news

WorcesterNews.co.uk

24 Worcester News, Wednesday, February 20, 2008 For newspaper sales and promotions ring Worcester 742212BUSINESS NEWS|SUCCESS STORIES

THE July floods provedto be a verychallenging andtesting time for theCentinal Group with

thousands of pounds worth offurnishings and equipmenteither destroyed orcontaminated.

Group chairman Les Jenkinshad very high praise for theWorcester staff who worked sohard to clean up the site,enabling the company to beback in business within twoweeks after the floods.

Mr Jenkins said: “This was amarvellous achievement andreflects the service, quality andperformance of the group. Wewould like to thank all ourcustomers for their supportand kind assistance during thisdevastating period.

“All machinery, equipmentand stock have been replacedand the business is now up andrunning most successfully.”

The group consists of CEHS,MF and CES. Combined, thethree companies offer a totalengineering solution forbusiness, from design tomanufacturing, distribution toinstallation.

Established in 1982, it hasgrown to three sites located inWorcester, Oxford and Readingand employs 45 trained staff.

Of the group’s threedivisions, Central EngineeringServices has replaced allworkshop equipment and nowboasts the latest cnctechnology in Worcester.

MF Hydraulics, the Parker

Hannifin distributors for thearea, offers a brand new stockof hydraulic hoses, powerpacks, couplings, fittings andother related stock at its tradecounter. Central EngineeringHydraulic Services received ahuge boost just after the floodswith a £200,000 order fromBalfour Beatty, which iscarrying out contract work forNational Grid all over the UK,replacing electric pylons andcabling.

Managing director ChrisParkes said: “All in all, the lastfew months have been amemorable period for thegroup.”

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Life after the flooding

Company

Group chairman

Business type

Established

Telephone

Website

e-mail

Location

Centinel Group

Les Jenkins

Engineering and hydraulics

1982

01905 748569

www.cehsltd.co.uk

chs0999@aol.co.uk

174 Bromyard Road,St John’s,Worcester WR2 5EE

Machinery has been replaced.

ON Your Marks. Get Set. Go. Aseries of interactive workshops arebeing launched this month andWorcestershire companies are set tobe among the first to make the mostof more than £30 billion of publicsector opportunities.

The free Business Link WestMidlands-backed event, which willbe held at the Pear Tree Inn atSmite, between Worcester andDroitwich, on Thursday, February28, will provide specialised trainingfor small and medium-sizedbusinesses looking to takeadvantage of a host of potentialcontracts, including future sportingevents, transport infrastructure andregeneration projects across the UKand overseas.

At the top of the agenda will be theLondon 2012 Games and thepotential that undoubtedly exists forthe region to take its share of workin providing services or expertise tohelp build the landmark StratfordCity, London.

Janet Ferris, head of marketing

and communications for BusinessLink West Midlands, said: “Worcesterhas so many companies which canoffer unique experience andexpertise for both the Olympics andother major projects.

“However, many businesses feelthey have no chance of securing anyof these contracts or they get lost inthe complexities of the tenderingprocess. This is something theseprocurement workshops will solve.”

There will be a calendar of sevenevents held across the WestMidlands, with a further three sectorspecific seminars for construction,professional services and thesecurity industry.

The half-day sessions will providean overview of the opportunities setto be created by the London 2012Games and will develop into moreintensive training around processes,detailed procedures and the skills

needed to meet public sectorguidelines. Mrs Ferris said: “Thedevelopment work will include,among many other subjects,preparing for bidding and tendering,understanding EU and Governmentrules, identifying opportunitieswithin a timeframe to allow effectiveresponse, analysing tenderdocuments and finalising contracts.

“The workshops are only oneelement of the support we can offerand, following the event, ouradvisers can continue to offerimpartial advice and guidance onhelping businesses develop and be ina strong position to win newcontracts.

“We are also working with

Advantage West Midlands onpromoting the national websitewww.london2012.com/business,which will feature thousands ofLondon 2012 Games contractopportunities and a number ofindirect tenders that will be part ofthe ripple effect of the games.

“It will also allow smallerbusinesses to locate similarcompanies elsewhere in the UK tojoin forces with and bid jointly forlarger contracts which mightotherwise be out of their reach.”

Away from the Olympics andBusiness Link West Midlands isdetermined that this specialisedtraining will leave an importantlegacy for firms and open doors to

procurement for other public sectorcontracts. It has already workedwith many firms that have benefitedfrom being more pro-active in thisarea, including a company thatsupplied portable netting for theCricket World Cup 2007, an artistwho exhibited paintings at theRugby World Cup and a firm thathas replaced hundreds of tiles forthe London Underground.

As well as the event at Smite, therewill be another at Hedley Lodge,Hereford, on Thursday, February 27.

For further information about theworkshops and to reserve a place,contact the events team on 0121 4524218 or e-mail events@businesslinkwm.co.uk

Get on yourmarks for anOlympic-sizeopportunity

Olympic tendering opportunity: Bally Bhogal and Ian Wilson of Business Link West Midlands are urging localcompanies to get on their marks for 2012 and attend seminars to learn how to take full advantage of the games.

BY MIKE PRYCE01905 742247mp@worcesternews.co.uk

THREE DEPOTS ...WORCESTER, OXFORDand READING● Hydraulic Hoses● Hydraulic Repairs● CNC Precision

Machining● Parker Stores● Cable Joining

Manufacturers

Plant List3 Leadwell V40 cnc machining

centres

2 Leadwell V30 cnc machiningcentres

1 Leadwell T7 cnc lathe

1 Leadwell LTC 35 cnc lathe

1 Golden Sun 4th axis rotaryhead

1 Mazak slant turn 30 cnc lathe