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Issue OnePlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
ISSUE EIGHT • SUMMER 2015
DIRECT MAILTime for a summer campaignPage 13
SUMMER SECURITYTimely anti-crime advice from Jon SpellenPage 15
VALUATION The John Wright columnPage 16
Raising a glassBig finals on the cards for the Inspire-backed food and drink awards. Page 12
Social responsibilityHousing association gets charitable in its own community. Page 8
Pete Winkelman MK Dons chief is lauded by business community. Pages 18-19
MAIN FEATURE
IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO INSPIRE YOUR BUSINESS
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Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
LETS Hub in Luton (p4)
Hire smart or manage tough (p6)
HGV speed limits (p9)
Food and drink awards (p12)
News round-up (p17, 34 and 35)
Women in business (p30)
welcome
In this issue
Find us on Big Local App
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6
30
THERE CAN BE FEW PEOPLE IN BUSINESS WHO HAVE HAD SUCH A HUGE IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ECONOMY THAN PETE WINKELMAN.
Almost a force of nature, Winkelman has been the figurehead of a successful campaign to take Championship football to Milton Keynes.
More than that, he has helped create hundreds of jobs on a new retail park close to stadium:mk by piecing together deals that have seen multi-million pound investments into the new city.
Winkelman himself pins his inspiration 30 years ago to watching his young son play football and wondering why Milton Keynes did not have its own league club.
If anyone is proof that you can bring dreams to life, it is Pete Winkelman. The business community in MK agrees, giving him a lifetime achievement award, which you can read all about in this week’s centre page feature.
IF YOU HAVE AN INSPIRING STORY TO TELL, GET IN TOUCH WITH INSPIRE. EMAIL INSPIRE@COMMUNITYCOMMUNICATIONS.CO.UK
Here, at Inspire we appreciate all the people who make it possible. Bartham printers, publisher Mostaque Koyes, designer Heather Ellis, our fabulous readers and growing band of advertisers, the receptionists who take copies in business centres and hotels and our distributors.
All vital cogs who make it possible for Inspire’s wheel to turn.
Thank you for reading the magazine and being a part of #TeamInspire.
Follow us on Twitter @inspirebizmag or email me inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk
Thousands of people around the world are also looking at all the editions of the magazine online at issuu.com/inspirebizmag
For copies of the magazine for your reception or to receive a top-up supply, email inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER@INSPIREBIZMAG
Publisher:Community Communications, 12 Alexandra Avenue, Luton Beds, LU3 1HG
Editor:David Tooleyinspire@communitycommunications.co.uk
Advertising: Mostaque Koyesmostaque@communitycommunications.co.uk
Kyle Ellis kyle@communitycommunications.co.uk
Design:Heather Ellisheather@communitycommunications.co.uk
Printed by:Bartham Groupwww.barthamgroup.com
DisclaimerAny views expressed in Inspire Business Magazine are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.No part of the magazine should be copied or distributed without the prior consent of the publisher and remains the property of the publisher.
we arelistening
We want to hear from you: perhaps your expertise would be of help to others, or our advertising opportunities are perfect for you or you simply
want to give us some feedback.
inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk
We’re listening.
welcome
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Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
employment
A holistic approach to unemployment
85. That’s the average number of applications per graduate vacancies in the UK. In 2013, more than 1,700 people applied for 8 positions at a Costa coffee in Nottingham.
With the application/vacancy ratio so lopsided, job-hunters have to stand out from the crowd. Based in Britannia House in Luton, a new initiative aims to provide job-hunters with the support, training and development opportunities needed to stand out in a saturated market: The labour market.
Iron ore is plentiful but it’s the ingots employers want; and just like ore, people have diverse and complex needs when it comes to employment.
The LETS Hub - standing for Luton Employability Training Skills Hub - offers everything from a full IT suite with internet access and printing facilities to unlimited phone access, employment advisers and specialise mentors. Hand in hand with this is regular workshops, mock interviews and “progression into work” courses.
Recent LETS Hub learner, Reece Miller, described his time with the Hub as filling him with confidence, and advises any job-hunters to look into the Hub.
LETS Hub’s vision is an open partnership with local and public sector organisations and businesses, to meet shared objectives of increasing employment, raising skill levels and promoting educational and development opportunities.
The objective is simple: Fitting people into employment.
The LETS FairAs we already know, the labour market is saturated. After some time with
the LETS Hub, a job-hunter is armed with an array of tools to take on the world of employment. But so much is out there, it can still be difficult to find the right space to fit into. This is where the LETS Fair enters the fray.
Hundreds of potential employers, gathered in one place, eager to advise and answer the questions of well-trained job-hunters ready to transition into employment. A talent rich environment for recruiting businesses and vacancy rich environment for job-hunters, the LETS fair is a catalytic and reactive event in hundreds of lives.
The next LETS Fair is pegged for September, with a date soon to follow. The organisers look forwards to seeing you there!
The LETS Hub could be thought of as something only for the job-seekers. But for businesses seeking new talent, it is more useful now than ever before. The LETS Hub is thriving, with more job-hunters than ever before filled to the brim with knowledge and skills, and the confidence to apply all they have learned in a new role. By going to the LETS Hub, employers can guarantee themselves the “Ready-For-Work” employees that they need, primed and ready for specialisation in their fields.
If you’re an employer who would like to work with the Hub, either by offering expertise or vacancies, or you’re a job-hunter yourself, get in touch! The LETS Hub is in Suite 2E(i) in Britannia House, on Leagrave Road in Luton, LU3 1RJ. You can reach the Hub via the office number: 01582 34 34 54, or via mobile on: 07795 117 593.
KYLE ELLIS LOOKS AT AN EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE IN LUTON THAT AIMS TO
HELP JOB-HUNTERS STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD
The LETS Hub
T R A N S F O R M I N G L I V E S I N L U T O N
Need support searching for a job?
Need help creating your CV?
Looking for training opportunities?
Don’t know where to start?
S u i t e 2 E ( i ) B r i t a n n i a H o u s e L e a g r a v e R o a d L u t o n L U 3 1 R J
Te l : 0 1 5 8 2 3 4 3 4 5 4 i n f o @ l e t s f a i r . c o . u k w w w . l e t s f a i r . c o . u k
Contact us at the Luton Employability Training Skills Hub Tel: 01582 343 454
Signposting to local jobs, volunteering, work placement and apprenticeship opportunities
Access to specialist IAG advisers and national careers services
Access to mentors, self employment coaching, personal mentoring and in-work placement support
Access to fully functional IT suite – computers with internet access and printers to provide a range of online support to job seekers.
Access to CV/interview skills workshops, recruitment workshops, apprenticeships workshops, ‘Back to work’ inspirational talks, and enterprise/business start-up workshops.
What we offer...
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Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
skills
Business Bootcamps to help new companies grow
SEMLEP’s Velocity business support programme is funding and organising three two day Business Bootcamps for owners of businesses which have been trading for less than 18 months.
These ‘Bootcamps’, designed to help
fledging companies equip themselves with
the skills, tools and confidence to grow, are
taking place in May, June and July at the
Milton Keynes College Bletchley Campus
and are open to new businesses based in the
South East Midlands.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:Owners of new businesses who have been
trading for less than 18 months and feel their
company should really be performing better
than it is.
You will learn how to:
• Plan, finance and sustain your business
• Enhance your personal effectiveness
• Sell yourself effectively to funders,
customers and staff
• Make the most of digital marketing and
social media
• Become a perfect employer
VENUE AND DATES:To participate in this free programme, you
will need to attend a two-day workshop,
each running from 9am to 5pm, at the
Bletchley Campus of Milton Keynes College
on one of the following dates:
• 26th–27th May 2015
• 29th -30th June 2015
• 13th -14th July 2015
You will receive ongoing support from a
Velocity business adviser to put into practice
what you learn in the workshops and will be
expected to do at least 30 hours of self-study
over the course of two to four weeks.
TO ATTEND YOU MUST:• Have fewer than 250 staff
• Be based in one of the following local
authority areas: Aylesbury Vale, Bedford,
Central Bedfordshire, Cherwell, Corby,
Daventry, Kettering, Luton, Milton Keynes,
Northampton or South Northamptonshire
• Have been trading (i.e. have sales under its
belt) and for fewer than 18 months
• Be aged 19 or over.
To find out more call 0300 01234 35 or
email enquiries@VelocityBusinessSupport.com
A SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG FIRMS IN BEDFORDSHIRE,
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE AND MILTON KEYNES IS HOLDING
TWO-DAY EVENTS
© javiindy /Fotolia
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Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
hr
Hire smart or manage toughAccording to The Economist,
unsuccessful hiring is “the single biggest problem in business today.” The Harvard Business Review corroborates that, stating that up to 80% of employee turnover is due to bad hiring decisions.
Have you ever made a decision to hire
someone whom you later determined was
not the right fit for your organisation or for
that role?
If so, relax… we’ve all been there. As with
any learning experience, the key is to ensure
you don’t make the same mistake over and
over again.
Think about it, who delivers the most
polished, slickest interview? Is it a candidate
that does a lot of interviews? A true winner
may only do three or four in their lives.
Perhaps you have the perfect CV and
accompanying letter, where did they get the
time? Would a nailed on 100% winner in
their existing role, have the disposable time
to research every detail about you on the
internet prior to meeting? Its unlikely.
The University of Michigan researched
how well our traditional CV & Interview
process increases our chances of a successful
hire. Guess what? It’s only delivering a
14% likelihood of success. Put that into
perspective, the odds of winning a hand at
Blackjack in Vegas are better at around 40%.
A marginal improvement over tossing a coin!
If you have several people to see, it delivers
a paltry 2% chance of selecting the BEST
candidate from the mix.
Those are staggering numbers, to say
the least. So how can you prevent such a
painful expense from occurring within your
company? Here are a few words of advice in
order to hire winners:
• Hiring is too important to leave to chance.
Use assessments.
• Know exactly what you want AND what
they will add to your existing team.
Forgetting how they fit in could be
devastating.
• Recognise top people may use different
variables. Talking about ideas thoughts
and opinions as they may not have had
the time to do research.
• Nervous or clumsy in an interview could
be because they just don’t do any.
• Winners drop out if you are
unprofessional, time is important and they
look to move from top job to top job
• Best people rarely have the exact mix of
skills you need but will have other traits
which they can’t show on a CV. You will
need to look for them.
• Hiring is NOT selling. Ask good questions
to get them to discover they want to join
your company.
• Take emotions out of the process. We like
people who are most like ourselves. So get
a variety of people ‘types’ into the process
• Slow down! If we hire after two interviews
at say 75mins each, that’s less time than
we spend booking a family holiday!
There are already so many expenses
involved in making a hire. Be sure to exhaust
all of your resources before making a final
decision because you will find that most
of your initial hiring costs are a fraction of
what you will pay later if you hire the wrong
person. Then of course you have to manage
them!
Excerpts and examples are taken from
“Hiring Winners” part of the Sandler
Training, Management & Leadership portfolio
and assessment tools.
CHRIS DAVIES MD OF SANDLER TRAINING® FOR THIS REGION LOOKS AT THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCCESSFUL HIRING AND LAYS OUT SOME STRATEGIES TO GET IT RIGHT
FREE Business Supportfor ambitious businesses in the South East Midlands
Funding Business Advisers Website Helpdesk Networking Events
Call us on
0300 01234 35Or visit
www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com
Giving you the skills to help grow your business
@VelocityGrowth #WhatYouKnow
facebook.com/VelocityBusinessSupport
linkedin.com/company/velocity-business-support
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Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
FREE Business Supportfor ambitious businesses in the South East Midlands
Funding Business Advisers Website Helpdesk Networking Events
Call us on
0300 01234 35Or visit
www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com
Giving you the skills to help grow your business
@VelocityGrowth #WhatYouKnow
facebook.com/VelocityBusinessSupport
linkedin.com/company/velocity-business-support
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Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
charity
Giving something backAs a charitable entity Mary
Seacole Housing Association (MSHA) relies heavily on the support of local businesses to keep running its front line services for young people.
MSHA also realises that it has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to the Community of Luton and as such on May 2 MSHA held a Community Fun Day in Brantwood Road Park, Luton across the road from its Luton head office to “give something back to the community.”
Elaine Cruise. MSHA’s Training & Events Manager explained why they felt the need to do this.
“MSHA held a conference in 2013 which highlighted the importance of CSR and how invaluable it is to voluntary and charitable organisation like MSHA”.
“At that point the management team at MSHA decided that whilst it is fundamental to the service for MSHA to receive; we must also “give something back”. This then lead to the idea of MSHA hosting a ‘Community Fun Day’ for the people of Luton.”
The Fun Day was organised to offer free activities for children, with the aim of providing families a fun day with minimal cost.
“The Dallow Ward which is the area that houses our head office building is an economically deprived area so we thought a Community Fun Day would help to bring the community together”.
“The Community Fun Day is for all the family and there’ll be so much to see and enjoy. MSHA we want to encourage lots of people to bring their children and enjoy the free activities, as well as the scrumptious food and ice cream that will be on sale.
“MSHA intends to provide lots of free activities, which will include bouncy castles, inflatables, face painting and much more to ensure a fun filled day for all the family. MSHA say they may not be able to guarantee the weather but we can guarantee a great afternoon out.”
The fun day is supported not only by MSHA but other organisations including Tesco, Diverse FM, Pictons, A-Plan and Luton Borough Council’s Your Say, Your Way. MSHA partners with two European organisations, Infinite Opportunities Association of Sofia, Bulgaria and CREES of Buzau Romania.
Three visitors from Bulgaria will be attending the Community Fun Day providing children with an opportunity to learn how to make toys out of recycled materials such as plastic and cardboard.
MSHA, which is registered as a Friendly Society, provides supported accommodation in six premises for young single homeless people aged between 16 and 35
MSHA organise a charity fund-raising ball annually, and this year it will be held on 14th November 2015.
The charity ball last year helped to highlighted the personal stories of two clients who spoke about their experience of MSHA, some of the reasons why they became homeless, how this made them feel and some of the choices that they made as a result of their dilemma.
MSHA was founded in 1986 by Cllr Desline Stewart MBE, in reaction to the increasing number of homeless young people in Luton.
Her work was influenced by the caring nature of a nurse called Mary Seacole; who cared for the needs of dying solders during the Crimean War.
To enquire about tickets for the annual ball; email Training & Events Manager – Elaine Cruise email ecruise.maryseacole@btconnect.com for further details.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IS IMPORTANT FOR A CHARITABLE ENTITY, TOO... INSPIRE FINDS OUT WHY
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Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Up to speedOn 6 April 2015, the
government increased the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) in England and Wales.
The decision to increase the speed limit for
HGVs was made in an effort to modernise
the outdated, nearly 50-year-old previous
regulation to better reflect the capabilities and
responsibilities of the vehicles.
The new speed limits are as follows:
• For HGVs weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and travelling on a single
carriageway, the speed limit will increase from 40 to 50 mph, removing the
20 mph difference between HGV and car speed limits
• For HGVs weighing more than 7.5 tonnes and travelling on a dual
carriageway, the speed limit will increase from 50 to 60 mph
• Speed limits in Scotland remain unaffected
• European speed limit requirements remain unchanged at 56 mph
WHY DID THE GOVERNMENT RAISE THE SPEED LIMITS?The government is confident that increasing HGV speed limits will benefit
everyone travelling on carriageways. The government predicts that allowing
HGVs to travel at the same speed as other motorists will curb congestion on
single carriageways and reduce the number of drivers performing dangerous
overtaking.
Safety is not the only predicted benefit of the reform. The increased speed of
HGVs is estimated to save the haulage industry more than £15 million and raise
an additional £2 million for the government in fuel duty.
WHY DO SOME OPPOSE THE SPEED LIMIT INCREASE?Critics’ main concern with increasing the speed limit is the heightened risk
to cyclists and other motorists. Their unease stems from findings included
within the government’s impact assessment of the changes, which indicate
that increasing HGV speed limits could actually produce additional vehicular
accidents. The greater amount of turbulence created by speeding HGVs is of
particular worry.
However, the government has responded to these concerns by citing that the
increased speed of HGVs will reduce the need for other motorists to overtake
the vehicles, subsequently reducing the likelihood of related vehicular collisions.
By bringing vehicle speed limits closer together, the government hopes people
will be less tempted to overtake HGVs when they should not.
HOW WILL THE CHANGE BENEFIT BUSINESSES?Road haulage firms across the United Kingdom are likely to welcome the
change as they are projected to receive the greatest amount of benefits from
the increase.
Beyond the £15 million that industry will receive in annual time savings, the
government’s impact assessment also estimates that HGV operators will save
an additional £2.5 million in vehicle operating costs by being able to make
deliveries more quickly. The increased delivery speed will have the added effect
of boosting competition among haulage firms.
CAN A-PLAN MANAGE YOUR FLEET POLICY?We currently manage a full range of fleet policies for cars and vans.
For more information on upcoming legislation that affects your
business, contact Martin Blower at A-Plan Commercial Luton on 01582
733757 or martin.blower@aplan.co.uk
insurance
HGV SPEED LIMITS HAVE BEEN RAISED IN ENGLAND AND WALES. MARTIN BLOWER OF A-PLAN INSURANCE TAKES A LOOK AT THE DEBATE
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Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Cyber Security alert!Are you set up to fend off the threat of ransomware? Annette White, sales and marketing director of PC Help Centre outlines the threat and details solutions
The team at PC Help Centre are issuing a warning to everyone to “back up your data” to an external drive or to the cloud after a ransomware attack left one of their customers with a potentially disastrous data wipe out situation on their RAID system.
PC Help Centre was able to recover much
of the company’s lost data but only after
three weeks’ work on a RAID 5 recovery
which stretched across four sites.
A ransomware attack comes when a
computer system is hijacked and literally
held to ransom by scammers. It happens
when malicious code is downloaded into a
computer system. This can come from an
email and can be very difficult to spot or
even from an attack that is browser based.
The malicious code then seizes control of the computer files, which
are then encrypted. The scammer then demands payment in exchange
for a decryption key using the threat of the data being wiped out.
Ransom demands can vary dramatically up to hundreds or thousands
of pounds. They can also include trying to embarrass people using
tactics like displaying adult images.
Annette White, sales and marketing director of PC Help Centre, in
High Street South, Dunstable, said: “All our customer’s files ended up
being ‘encrypted’ and “deleted” in the attack.
“This was a very serious attack and it took us a huge amount of time
to recover it.
“It is best for businesses to have their data backed up than having
the expense of data recovery services. Losing data is a nightmare as
it can be anything from customer records to company information,
anything that is kept on a computer file.”
But Annette also warned that the backed up data must also be
secured against attack.
“Cyber security is absolutely essential,” she said. “Cases of
ransomware are increasing and are something to be very alert to.”
Systems can be protected against ransomware by using firewalls,
up to date antivirus software and antispyware, as well as keeping
software up to date with the latest patches and pop-up blockers.
Annette added: “It is also vital to back up not only your personal
computer files very regularly but also system files.”
How to contact PC Help Centre:140 High Street South, Dunstable LU6 3HRPhone:01582 672606E: sales@pchelpcentre.com
Small Business lookingfor Computer Support?‘Try a local Computer Surgeon®’Try a FREE 5 mins online diagnosis on anyServer / Desktop / Laptop (T&C’s apply)CALL 01582 690692
Visit our store at: 140 High Street South, Dunstable, Beds, LU6 3HRTel: 01582 672606 • sales@pchelpcentre.comVisit our website at: www.pchelpcentre.com
Bill Watts - Renault Trucks UK LtdIT Manager
Find us at:
Other Services:• Repairs & Upgrades• Networking• Data Recovery Experts• Virus Removal• Onsite Visits
computing
11
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Are you an unwitting victim of the new pension rules?
I am writing this article a day after this year’s Budget. One of the announcements by the Chancellor was that the Lifetime Allowance for pensions is going to be reduced from £1.25m to £1m with effect from 6 April 2016.
So what is the significance of this announcement to you? Well if you
have a large pension, public or private, especially if you are a higher
earner and/or have been a member of a pension scheme for many
years, you may well be affected by this rule change.
CalculationIf you have a money purchase pension it is simply the value of your
pension fund which is used to make the calculation. If you are a
member of a final salary pension scheme the calculation is 20 times
your annual pension as of the date you take it plus the tax free lump
sum.
Even if you have been in receipt of a pension since before 6 April
2006 the calculation is 25 times your annual pension excluding the
tax free cash lump sum and applies from age 75. Final salary pension
schemes aren’t generally affected by this rule.
If your pension value exceeds the Lifetime Allowance then you
will be taxed at a rate of 25% on the income and 55% on the tax
free cash lump sum! You are taxed on the excess above the Lifetime
Allowance.
These rules are truly penal and many people will become unwitting
victims of this tax charge.
Is it too late to do something about these rule changes in order to
avoid the tax. Well in most cases it isn’t too late. There are strategies
you can use to avoid or reduce your tax even if you think you could be
affected. So if you think you could be affected do get in touch with
us!
As a special offer to Inspire readers we are offering a free PENSION
review worth £470 to the first 25 people who contact us before 10th
June 2015. Qualifying conditions apply.
We offer a superb cup of coffee too!
pensions
FREE PENSION REVIEW
WORTH £470
Available to the first 25 Inspire magazine readers to contact us before the 10th June
2015.
Subject to qualifying conditions.
Call us to find out more.
Tel: 01908 523740 Email: wealth@wealthandtax.co.uk Web: www.wealthandtax.co.uk/seminars
TONY BYRNE, ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNERS OUTLINES THE REDUCTION IN THE LIFETIME ALLOWANCE FOR PENSIONS AND WHAT IT
COULD MEAN FOR YOU
Tony Byrne, Chartered and Certified Financial Planner, author of Wealth Magic, Financial Planning Director, Wealth And Tax Management
12
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
We will soon find out who the winners are in the Inspire-sponsored Best Newcomer category in a new set of food and drink awards covering Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.
The finals of the food and drink awards will be held at venues in the three counties in early June. See the advert below for more details on venues.
David Tooley, Inspire’s editor said: “The Best Newcomer category is what Inspire is all about; new businesses starting up and shaking up the market.
“They are the new kids on the block who spotted a gap in the market and are making a real difference in their community.”
The finals are being held as part of unique showcase events designed to put independent businesses together with local suppliers.
The incredible showcase will give finalists in categories as varied as Best Independent Butcher and Best Artisan Bakery the chance to meet suppliers, providers and producers of quality
food and drink.
For more details on the showcase phone 01908 542 720 or email damian@eventsandpr.co.uk.
The picture above was taken at Horwood House Hotel, near Milton Keynes. The hotel will be the venue for the Buckinghamshire Food and Drink Awards ceremony and the showcase opportunity.
WINNERS OF INSPIRE-BACKED FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS TO BE
ANNOUNCED IN JUNE
awards
On the cusp
We have a fantastic way that can get you in front of the decision makers in a social and
positive environment.
If you produce/provide/supply quality food or drink to the wet and dry trade
We have the BEST:
At ourBEDS, BUCKS and HERTS Food and Drink Awards 2015
Do you supply to the FOOD & DRINK industry?
Find out more, speak to Karen or Damian now as showcase spaces are very limited
Showcase from just £95 + vat
Sponsorship packages are also available Contact us on:
01908 542 720 or email: damian@eventsandpr.co.uk
SHOWCASE OPPORTUNITY
3 hours in front of the best owners and managers from the restaurant and bar trade will attend the PRESTIGIOUS GRAND FINALS at the following fabulous venues:
• BUCKS - Horwood House Hotel, 1st June from 12 - 2pm
• HERTS - Shendish Manor, 8th June from 12 - 2pm
• BEDS - Luton Hoo Conservatory, 15th June from 12 - 2pm
You can choose 1, 2 or 3 events to showcase your products
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO OFFER SAMPLES TO THE ATTENDEES
13
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Direct mail is about making direct contact with potential clients. Is it really working?
YES! Just think about your own letterbox; it’s not full only of requests
from charities to sponsor them, right?
In the B2B world, direct mail is still considered one of the most
powerful marketing campaign tools, and one that successful
companies use to their huge advantage.
The main advantages of direct mail are that it is perfectly targeted,
and most importantly, it is very cost-effective.
TARGETINGDirect mail is highly targeted. It allows you to carefully pick and
choose prospective customers based on a variety of factors, such as
demographics (age, position, sex), geographic location (local, within
100 mile radius, county) and company size (number of employees,
turnover).
Whatever product or service you are offering, direct marketing
enables you to directly communicate with only those people who will
find your offering most suitable for them.
FULL CONTROL Once you have identified your audience, it is entirely up to you as to
what you put into the envelope.
If you are an event organiser, you will most likely know already
what materials will be most appealing to, say, a business association
organising an anniversary gala, or a nursery looking for unique
birthday parties and so on.
Bearing in mind your prospective clients, even if there are just a
handful of them, makes it so much easier to personalise your posted
brochure.
COST-EFFECTIVENESSMost entrepreneurs reach for the calculator when they are offered a
direct mail opportunity.
Their first thought is usually, “It’s going to cost an arm and a leg to
post 450 A5 letters, each weighing 25 grams.”
But if you’re savvy and do a bit of shopping around, you can likely
find a very good deal.
Bulk mail products actually work out relatively cheap, particularly if
you establish a regular, long-term relationship with a direct mail service
provider.
Direct marketing is a great tool that can help you market your
business, gain new clients and increase turnover.
It’s targeted, personalised and cost-effective. It is also easy to analyse
and tweak your campaign so that it meets its full potential for helping
you and your business.
So, next time you’re thinking about or looking for new marketing
strategies, bear in mind that sending out a letter can raise more
interest than any other advertising campaign method.
You can contact Anna by calling 01908 307114 or alternatively,
visit the website www.colossal-print.co.uk
ANNA BIELECKA, MARKETING MANAGER AT COLOSSAL PRINT TELLS US WHY DIRECT
MAIL IS SUCH A POWERFUL TOOL YOU CAN EASILY EMPLOY AS YOUR SUMMER
MARKETING CAMPAIGN
marketing
Make it direct!
BUSINESS ISBOOMING!Make sure you’re part of it.Advertise with Inspire.
inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk
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Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Charlotte and Elizabeth: Apprentices Made Simple
At Working Solutions Recruitment we recognise the need to put more emphasis on Apprenticeships within our range of recruitment services, so much so that we are in the process of rolling out a new sister company “Apprentices Made Simple” to complement our existing services.
We want to offer the full recruitment services, and encourage companies to take advantage of the wonderful experience that an apprentice can offer your company.
From choosing the right candidate, the training and the managing of the process – we do all of this for you.
We have two apprentices ourselves. Charlotte has just finished her apprenticeship in Recruitment Consultancy, and we were very proud when she was asked to speak at the FSB conference in Birmingham in March to share her experience of completing her apprenticeship. Charlotte has now been asked to be an Ambassador for Skills Funding.
Elizabeth has just started her Marketing Apprenticeship and is already exceeding our expectations.
We can therefore highly recommend and endorse apprenticeships to all of our clients.
APPRENTICESHIPS: UPSKILLING THE STAFF OF THE FUTURE!
Apprenticeships are paid jobs that incorporate on and off the job training. An apprentice will qualify with a nationally recognised qualification on completion of their contract.
The government pays a proportion of the training costs for apprentices, depending on their age. The apprentice’s employer will normally cover any remaining training costs.
The government contributes: • 100% of the training costs if the
apprentice is aged 16-18. • 50% of the training costs if the
apprentice is aged 19-24. • Up to 50% of the training costs if the
apprentice is aged over 25.
The apprentice will be paid at least the minimum wage during their placement with you, and must work with experienced staff, learn job-specific skills. They must also study for a work-based qualification during their working week. But don’t worry… we’ll talk you through the whole process.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS
Did you know…• In February 2014 a national newspaper
reported that “the lack of apprenticeships is holding back the UK economy. Just 6.6% of people aged 16 to 24 were in training schemes in the UK”
• In 2014 the most popular apprenticeships were; health and social care, business administration, management, hospitality, customer service, retail, construction, engineering and hairdressing.
• Since 2010, there have been over 2 million apprenticeship starts in England
• Apprenticeships are available in over 170 industries including aerospace, fashion, broadcast media and finance – with 1500 job roles available.
• Women now take up 55% of apprenticeships.• 100 years ago the most common
apprenticeship was dressmaking, followed by engineering
• 90% of apprentices stay in employment after finishing their apprenticeship
• 71% of apprentices stay with the same employer
• More than 850,000 people have been earning and learning on an apprenticeship in 2013 to 2014
• There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice, or start an apprenticeship
FACTS ABOUT EMPLOYERS• 1,000 businesses are now involved in
designing the new apprenticeship standards – the first new apprenticeships due to be delivered in 2015
• The government invested 1.5bn in apprenticeships in 2013 to 2014.
• Businesses report an average increase in productivity by £214 a week when they hire apprentices.
• If you’re a small business, you may get a £1500 grant to help cover the cost of starting a new apprentice aged 16 to 24 years old.
We work with our clients to manage the full Apprenticeship Service for you.
We advertise the vacancy, sources candidates and interview each candidate. We then supply the client with a short-list of candidates to interview.
Once the placement has been made, we then work with the client, apprentice and the training providers to tailor their specific training programme – we’d like to think that this apprentice is your star employee of the future.
Through the ATA model we offer a choice of payroll options for our clients. You can either employ the apprentice directly, or we can employ the apprentice and charge a monthly management fee (thereby we take on the employment risk).
It really is that simple!
IN A BRAND NEW COLUMN WORKING SOLUTIONS RECRUITMENT
ENCOURAGES COMPANIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE THAT AN APPRENTICE
CAN OFFER YOUR COMPANY
Apprenticesmade simple
apprecticeships
15
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Summer is finallyround the corner!
security
JON SPELLEN OF DYNO LOCKS AND ALARMS GIVES SOME TIMELY SECURITY ADVICE AS THE WEATHER WARMS UP
It feels like a lifetime since we last wore flip flops, but it’s finally round the corner – that summer feeling with long days in the sunshine (or that’s the hope anyway!).
Burglary rates can sometimes increase this
time of year with people away on holidays, or
windows being left open for opportunist theft.
So with this in mind we wanted to ensure that
everyone had some key tips for summer home
security….
1. DON’T LEAVE WINDOWS AND DOORS OPEN THAT ARE OUT OF VIEW
This is an open invite to opportunist theft
and remember insurances may be void if
there is no actual break in.
2. RELAXING AT THE BACK OF THE GARDEN, BUT WHO’S KEEPING AN EYE ON THE FRONT OF YOUR HOUSE?
Maybe an investment in a WIFI IP camera you can view from your
iPhone like Watchbot (see www.thesecurestore.co.uk )
3. KEEP KEYS AND VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT
Don’t make your house a shop window
4. PUT AWAY THOSE GARDENING TOOLS
Don’t make their job easy, your tools could be exactly what they
need to gain entry.
5. IF AWAY KEEP THEM GUESSING
A timer switch can be perfect
when away to switch on lights
at night and give the impression
someone is home
6. BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR
Maybe ask a neighbour to pop
in at night and close curtains,
move post and generally check
on the house, this can be a great
deterrent.
7. WINDOW LOCKS
These are a great and in-
expensive addition to windows
for added protection
8. MARK YOUR POSSESSIONS Smart water is available from your local police which can be used
for marking your possessions should the worst happen
We want to ensure everyone has a great, safe summer, so help these
tips come in handy. But if ever in doubt call in an expert.
So why not take advantage and call us now on 01582 519910 to
book. Alternatively if you have any questions about any of the security
measures we have suggested please do not hesitate to contact me on
01582 519910 or email jon@dynoalarm.co.uk
Be safe people.
16
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Valuing your businessOne of the most common
reasons for valuing a business is for sale purposes.
However, valuations are also sought for
other reasons, including:
• on gifts or sales of shares
• on the death of a shareholder or business
partner
• when certain transactions in take place,
for example, purchase of own shares by a
company.
Share valuations may also be required:
• under shareholders’ or other agreements
• in disputes between shareholders or
partners
• for financial settlements in divorce
• in insolvency and/or bankruptcy matters.
While there is a ready-made market and
market price for the owners of listed public
limited company shares, this is not the case
for smaller, private businesses. This can create
practical problems.
MethodsVarious valuation methods have developed
over the years and include:
• Earnings multiples: these are commonly
used to value businesses with an
established, profitable history. A difficulty
with this method for private businesses is
in establishing an appropriate multiple.
• Discounted cashflow: this is generally
appropriate for cash-generating, mature,
stable businesses and those with good
long-term prospects. It is a more technical
method which depends heavily on the
assumptions made about long-term
business conditions.
• Asset based: this type of valuation method
is most suited to businesses with a
significant amount of tangible assets, for
example, a property owning business.
• Industry rules of thumb: Where buying
and selling a business is common, certain
industry-wide rules of thumb may develop.
For example, the number of outlets for an
estate agency business or recurring fees
for an accountancy practice.
• There are a number of other factors
to be considered during the valuation
process. These may help to greatly
enhance, or unfortunately reduce, the
value of a business depending upon their
significance. These include:
• Growth potential: Good growth potential
is a key attribute of a valuable business
and as such this is very attractive to
potential buyers.
• External factors: External factors such as
the state of the economy in general, as
well as the particular market in which the
business operates can affect valuations.
• Intangible assets: Business valuations may
need to consider the effect of intangible
assets as they can be a significant factor.
These in many cases will not appear on
a balance sheet but are nevertheless
fundamental to the value of the business,
and include the strength of a brand or
goodwill that may have developed, a
licence held, or the strength of customer
relationships.
With any of these matters, it is important
to remember that valuing a business is not a
precise science.
In the end, any price established by the
methods described above will be a matter for
negotiation.
Ultimately, when the time for sale comes, a
business is worth what someone is prepared
to pay for it at that point in time.
We at Stoten Gillam would be pleased to discuss how we can help value your business, as well as help you develop an exit strategy to maximise the value of your business.
We can be contacted on 01582 608601 or at john.wright@stotengillam.co.uk
finance Page kindly sponsored by Telephone: 01582 608601
JOHN WRIGHT OF STOTEN GILLAM IN DUNSTABLE DETAILS THE REASONS FOR VALUING A BUSINESS
The railway bridge in Buckingham Road in Bletchley will be upgraded with state-of-the-art LED lighting in (late) summer 2015.
These improvements are part of the
multi-million pound regeneration project for
Bletchley called ‘Fixing the Links’. This project
includes a number of initiatives to improve
the pedestrian links between public transport
services in Bletchley and the town centre.
The new East-West Rail link will bring more
visitors and commuters to and from Bletchley
Station.
The lights should last around 20 years before
being replaced.
Cllr Rob Middleton, Cabinet Member for
Resources and Commercialism at Milton
Keynes Council said: “Over recent decades,
Bletchley Town Centre has seen little
investment, meaning today it is a shadow
of its former proud self. I’m determined to
reverse this decline, and begin the area’s
revival. New bright lighting for the underside
of the railway bridge is an important first
step in improving the area for residents and
businesses alike.
“In the coming months, further
announcements will be made about the wider
multi pound programme of improvements
to Bletchley Town Centre’s transport and
pedestrian links. The goal, encouraging more
people to visit Bletchley high street, spending
in the local shops, and supporting the high
street’s long overdue revival.”
The council submitted a successful funding
bid for the project via the SEMLEP Strategic
Economic Plan process. This secured
government funding of £1.5 million as part of
the Growth Deal announcement made in July
2014. The council will also be matching this
investment with funding of £2m.
Backing Bletchley
17
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
hrfinance
Companies are signing up for the Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival on Sunday, June 21.
One of the entrants is Technip, a global engineering and construction company for the oil and gas industry with around 400 staff based at Witan Gate, Milton Keynes.
Daniel Weeks, Principal Materials Engineer, at Technip said: “We have re-entered this year because last year was so much fun! We found the dragon boat festival to be an incredible opportunity to bring together a wide range of
employees from many disciplines, raising money in the process.”
Money raised from the day will go to Age UK Milton Keynes.
Other companies signed up are Fossil Group UK, EDW Technology Ltd, Calverton Finance Ltd, Makita (UK) Ltd, Computacenter and SMC Pneumatics (U.K.) Limited.
There is also set to be a memorial flypast from a Spitfire!
For further information and an entry form visit: www.dragonboatfestivals.co.uk/miltonkeynes or call Gable Events on 01780 470 718.
The Incuba and Central Bedfordshire College have been awarded funding from the European Regional development Fund to support small local companies to develop and thrive and have put together a comprehensive package of courses that businesses can access from home or the office.
There are more than 100 training courses to choose from including web design, office software, social media marketing, bookkeeping, safeguarding children, sales and marketing, management and many, many more.
Central Bedfordshire College is working with partner brands like Cisco to provide free specialist ICT training or Lynda, a leading specialist provider of on-line business training based in the USA.
There is no catch to this offer, your business just needs to complete a registration form and when the organisers have confirmed you are eligible for the funding you will be sent a link to our online portal and login details (one log-in per company) and then you will be able to go ahead with as many CPD courses as you like! You will have access to the portal until the end of June – so lots of time to learn.
To find out more about the available courses and to receive a registration form please contact the Incuba Team on 01582 343810 or email incubaprojects@centralbeds.ac.uk Don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop your business for FREE!
A Dunstable company will be opening its Show Garden for a charity event on Sunday, May 17.
Garden Care Services in Whipsnade Road features a waterfall, lake and cave as well as a woodland walkway at its base, which will be used for an open garden event.
The Open Garden will raise funds for Luton charity Level Trust.
To book tickets in advance contact Jane Malcolm at Level Trust by email at jane.malcolm@leveltrust.org or 01582 797347
Businesses in Milton Keynes have reported strong overseas trade in the first part of 2015, according to Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).
The findings of the regular independent business survey in Q1 of 2015 contains responses from 63 businesses, employing 2,617 people across the Milton Keynes area.
In the newsDragon boats Online
courses
in the news 17
Open garden Quarterly survey
18
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
The boy Don goodPete Winkelman famously wanted league football
so much that he bought a club and relocated it from Wimbledon to Milton Keynes. Recently the club, MK Dons, has won a place in the second tier of English football by securing automatic promotion to the Championship.
The record producer turned property developer was inspired to take
league football to the burgeoning new town by watching the on-field
exploits of his young son and wondering why Milton Keynes did not have
a league club of his own.
There was a standing ovation as Pete’s name was read out as the
recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Milton Keynes Business
Achievement Awards.
The MK BAA Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Barclays, is given
to an individual or organisation that makes an outstanding contribution
to the business community, raising the profile of their own sector, organisation and that of Milton Keynes in a positive way.
He told guests at DoubleTree by Hilton hotel at Stadiummk that he was stunned to have been chosen and said building a football team, the stadium and the developments they brought was the result of Milton Keynes people working in partnership with each other. “That is what makes us special,” he said.
JokedHe said he felt ‘a bit of a fraud’ as last year’s choice, Christian Horner and
the Red Bull team had won F1 world championships – “and we can’t get out of the ‘Third Division’!”, he joked.
Pete, a regular speaker at business events in the new city, moved to Milton Keynes in 1993 and established Great Linford Manor as one of Europe’s leading residential recording studios following a successful career in the music industry in London.
He has also worked long and hard with the public and private sectors, to develop a landmark multi-purpose sports and spectators events complex and brand new retail park.
inspiration
MK DONS CHAIRMAN PETE WINKELMAN WAS GIVEN A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT A RECENT CEREMONY. INSPIRE TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT HE HAS DONE
19
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
All WinnersThe Bletchley Park Trust,
the home of the wartime codebreakers, won the Business of the Year sponsored by The Open University.
Judging panel chairman Sir John Southby
said The Bletchley Park Trust, which also
won the Leisure & Entertainment Award
and which has gone from being threatened
with demolition to become an international
heritage site, was ‘exciting, dynamic and
innovative’.
Impressed“We were most impressed with their
strategy, development and constant
improvement.
:Their tenacity to move forward has meant
their great success is a triumph, recognised
within the Milton Keynes area and beyond,”
he said.
Earlier, almost 600 guests heard journalist
Kate Adie announce the winners of the MK
BAA award categories, who were:
• g2 Energy - Environmental, sponsored by
PJ Care
• The Parks Trust - Community Impact,
sponsored by Destination MK
• Worldwide Logistics & Distribution -
Logistics & Distribution, sponsored by
Howes Percival
• Shoosmiths LLP - Professional Practice,
sponsored by Keens Shay Keens
• Formula Fast Indoor Karting - New
Business, sponsored by MK Council
• Giovanni’s Downtown Gelato -
Independent Retailer, sponsored by
thecentre:mk
• Bletchley Park Trust - Leisure &
Entertainment, sponsored by MK Dons/
Arena MK
• Bistro Live - Hospitality, sponsored by MK
College
• FSG Property Services - Private Business,
sponsored by PwC
• White Leopard - Design & Creativity,
sponsored by Freeths
• DR Studios - Innovation & Technology,
sponsored by Nifty Lift
Pete’sDate LineJUNE 2003: Wimbledon FC went into administration and was bought by Pete Winkelman.
SEPTEMBER 2003: Wimbledon FC plays its first game in MK at the National Hockey Stadium.
JULY 18 2007: The 22,000 seater, stadium mk in Denbigh hosted its first game
NOVEMBER 29, 2007: stadiummk officially opened by the Queen as part of the new city’s 40th birthday celebrations.
2008: The Dons win the League 2 championship and the Football League Trophy
2009: MK bid to become a Candidate Host City in England’s 2018 World Cup Bid.
MAY 2013: the organisers of the Rugby World Cup 2015 announced that they had selected this stadium to be one of thirteen to host the tournament.
JUNE 2013: he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Open University.
2015: MK will host three Rugby World Cup games later this year.
2015: Completion of the new cinema and restaurant complex which brings IMAX cinema to the area for the first time, sealing the Stadium site’s reputation as a destination point in its own right
MAY 2015: The MK Dons win automatic promotion to the Championship.
inspiration
20
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Driving force British cars and vans are
being made with more British sourced components as the UK automotive industry’s renaissance continues apace, research reveals.
The new Luton built Vauxhall Vivaro van
is an example of the recent upturn in local
supply.
The latest model, which started production
last year, contains more than twice the
number of British sourced components at
40% than its predecessor’s 16%.
This means an extra £600 million will be
spent with British suppliers, allowing local
companies to expand – and in some cases it
has saved whole factories.
Overall figures from an Automotive Council
report show that domestic component
makers sold 19% more products to UK
vehicle producers last year than in 2013.
RenaissanceThe figures are an important step in the
right direction for the UK automotive supply
base. Currently around one third of the
components in a UK-built car are domestically
sourced, compared to more than 90% in the
mid-1970s.
However, vehicle manufacturing in the
UK is undergoing a renaissance – British
car production has increased by more than
50% since 2009 – and this is creating new
opportunities for domestic suppliers.
Vince Cable, the then Business Secretary
said: “Our automotive industry has seen
a resurgence in recent years and that
success means work of some £1 billion has
returned to the UK. This is testament to the
strength and capability of our supply chain
manufacturers and will no doubt lead to new
jobs and further growth.
“This has not happened by accident but
is the result of government and industry
working together through the Automotive
Council to strengthen our supply chain –
meaning an increasing number of parts
made in this country are contained in vehicles
rolling off UK production lines.”
Mike Matthews, of plastics supplier Nifco
UK Ltd, said: “There is a renewed optimism
and confidence in the UK automotive
industry and this is reflected in our future
projected growth.
Strategy“Our order book is full for the next 5 years
and we have a clear strategy to grow the
business into a £75 million company by 2016
and £100 million by 2018. We are moving
our offer on, working closer than ever with
our customers to develop products that help
them to innovate.”
Much of this success can be attributed to
UK Trade and Investment’s (UKTI) Automotive
Investment Organisation (AIO), which was set
up in 2013 to bring more foreign investment
into the UK automotive sector. Since its
inception, AIO has secured or created more
than 10,000 jobs, and delivered more than
£768 million investment into the UK supply
chain.
AIO Chief Executive Joe Greenwell said:
“This is fantastic news for UK automotive.
As well as showing that the UK continues
to grow as a serious global automotive
destination, it demonstrates the dramatic
power of foreign investment, which has
helped to revitalise the UK supply chain and
secure critical jobs and growth for the UK.
“We at UKTI will continue to work hard
with our partners to address the growing
opportunity identified in the report.”
SuccessChief Executive of The Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Mike
Hawes said: “A strong domestic supply
chain is critical to the success of the UK
automotive sector. We want British suppliers
to capitalise on the renaissance in UK vehicle
manufacturing, and these figures show that
positive strides are already being made.”
The report, Growing the Automotive Supply
Chain – The Opportunity Ahead, identifies a
further £4 billion per year opportunity for UK
automotive suppliers to expand their business
in the coming years.
manufacturing
NEW RESEARCH REVEALS THAT BRITISH CARS ARE BEING MADE WITH MORE BRITISH SOURCED COMPONENTS
© antonmatveev - Fotolia
21
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
food and drink
Appetite for growthNew research unveiled by the South East Midlands Local
Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) during the organisation’s recent ‘Appetite For Growth’ session revealed that the food and drink manufacturing industry across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cherwell is worth £5.8billion per year.
That figure is growing year-on-year, with a wide range of established global brands based locally and an increasing number of small start-ups making the most of the South East Midlands distribution network and manufacturing expertise to help grow their business.
Leading players in the industry have now agreed to team up with SEMLEP to help develop a growth strategy for the food and drink sector, with proposals in place for potential mentoring schemes, knowledge sharing and further business support.
Daniel Charles Mouawad, chief executive of SEMLEP, said: “The South East Midlands is one of the most vibrant economies in the country and we want to continue that growth. The food and drink industry is a huge growth area and we are committed to taking it forward.
“We want the rest of the UK and Europe to see what we are doing here and make sure that everyone is aware of the manufacturing expertise we have on our doorstep.”
The Appetite For Growth saw presentations from global brands such as Bedfordshire-based Unilever – who unveiled a new portable ‘My Cornetto’ ice cream machine – and successful start-ups such as the Incredible Bakery Company, a produce of allergen-free bread and cakes based in Northamptonshire.
AgreementA series of workshops were held to hear concerns of employers, agencies
and training providers, which resulted in a wide-ranging agreement for the industry to work closer together to address existing problems and grow the industry further in the future.
Valeria Mizuno-Turner of the Incredible Bakery Company said: “I relocated to this area because it is so much better for me to do business here than in London. It makes sense financially and the transport network is perfect. There is a lot to celebrate and by working together the industry can grow even further.”
StrengthenThe research commissioned by SEMLEP and carried out by the University
of Northampton revealed around 16,300 people are currently employed in the food and drink manufacturing sector across the South East Midlands.
SEMLEP has vowed to further strengthen its links with colleges and universities to help increase the number of apprenticeships available in the food and drink sector while further meetings will be arranged with industry leaders later this year.
Pictured, from left: Daniel Charles Mouawad of SEMLEP, Andy Sztehlo of Unilever, Keith Purdie of Colworth Park, Valeria Mizuno-Turner of the Incredible Bakery Company, Rachel Mallows of The Mallows Company and Victoria Dale of SEMLEP
Food and drink companies across the South East Midlands have pledged to join forces to help continue to grow the industry and establish the region as a national centre of excellence
22
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Volunteers with Milton Keynes community radio station Secklow Sounds have welcomed the news that they have been awarded a licence to broadcast on FM.
The award is the culmination of four years work by a total of over 70 volunteers who have maintained the service on the Internet, in preparation for this announcement.
The new FM status will enable Secklow Sounds to deliver a wider service to the community; with programmes produced and presented by local people and will include topical discussions, news, community features, interviews, promotion of local organisations and talent, plus mainstream and specialist music shows.
Ofcom’s Broadcast Licensing Committee said of Secklow Sounds FM application, “Secklow Sounds will also broadcast to Milton Keynes, although this service will cater specifically to the interests of its identified “communities of interest”: people who are disadvantaged; people from diverse backgrounds; the local music and arts scenes, and; the voluntary sector.
“The BLC was satisfied that the applicant had the relevant experience to maintain its proposed service for the duration of the licence, noting that the applicant has been broadcasting a similar type of service online since 2011.”
The BLC also took into consideration the applicant’s links to the community; for example, its relationships with local youth groups,
businesses, mental health and disability charities, and its proposed partnership with the University of Bedford. The BLC considered that these links will enable the applicant to deliver specific and identifiable social gain to Milton Keynesand to provide a service which caters to the tastes and interests of its target communities.
Secklow Sounds Managing Director, Mike Johnson, says, “This is great news for the people of Milton Keynes both in terms of programme provision and access to radio and training.
“Our success is evidence of the fact that people of varying backgrounds and abilities can work together for the good of all. I want to acknowledge our founding partners, Campbell Park Parish Council; where the project was conceived; Inter Action MK, our studio partner, MK Pulse Magazine, and the commitment of past and present volunteers who have helped to make the station what it is today.”
The bid team was led by Sales Director, Jim Cleland and included John MacDonald, Finance Director, and Managing Director, Mike Johnson.
There is still some ways to go until the frequency is allocated and FM transmissions begin but preparations have started in readiness for the switchover.
A recruitment drive for new volunteer presenters and administrators is also under way as well as a search for increased studio space.
The team has recently been joined by Inspire business magazine editor David Tooley, who presents a show called #MKBusinessBrunch from 11am-12noon on Wednesdays.
The station is committed to using its programmes, training, and other initiatives to deliver social gain and meet the needs of their “Communities of Interest” which are:DISADVANTAGED GROUPS
Offering volunteering and work experience opportunities for the unemployed and people with learning disabilities and difficulties.DIVERSITY
Inclusive programmes on faith, business, ethnicity, young people, local governance, and community organisations.EMERGING ARTS
Reflecting the arts in all its forms and providing a platform for local emerging talent across various disciplines.VOLUNTARY SECTOR
Profiling the work of local charities and community groups.
Visit www.secklowsounds.org and our on-demand programmes receive over 5,000 plays each month at www.spreaker.com/user/secklow-sounds
Secklow Sounds is looking for new volunteer presenters and administrators and those interested in being part of the future success of the station, should email volunteers@secklowsounds.org
The station is also looking for increased studio space and would like to hear from companies who could offer around 500 square feet of accommodation. Please contact Mike Johnson, mike@secklowsounds.org or call 07757 816316.
radio
On your wavelength
INSPIRE EDITOR DAVID TOOLEY IS ON BOARD AS A BUSINESS PRESENTER JUST AS COMMUNITY RADIO STATION SECKLOW SOUNDS IS AWARDED A FIVE-YEAR, FM COMMUNITY RADIO LICENCE BY OFCOM.
23
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Mums on a missioninspiration
A group of Milton Keynes mums have joined forces to create a cafe for parents and carers of 0-4 yr olds.
The Tots Cafe project needs at least £30,000 to get it off the ground
and is fundraising via the website www.gofundme.com/mktotscafe
Fundraising team member Sarah Chambers said: “I became pregnant
and it dawned on me when I was at home with the baby that there is
nowhere to go and sit and play.
“It’s isolating being at home all the time so it would be great to have
somewhere open from 9 to 5 where parents can take their young
children to have a hot drink and chat.
“We thought ‘instead of moaning about there being nothing’ we
would set out and get something going.”
There are an estimated 20,000 nought to four year olds in Milton
Keynes and Sarah believes that if just six per cent of that market
became involved it would be successful.
FriendsAs well as being somewhere where parents and carers could go
anytime during the day to meet friends and make new friends, The
Tots Cafe would be a hub for workshops and classes.
A Community Interest Company has been set up which is also
looking to provide employment for mums looking to gain experience,
training and confidence before returning to full time work.
Sarah said: “When you become a mum for the first time your whole
world changes, this can lead to feelings of insecurity, vunrability and
loneliness.
“Many mums find they no longer have anyone to talk to in the
daytime because family and friends work and the evenings when they
would have socialised with family and friends are now taken up with
babies routine.”
CommunityShe added: “Milton Keynes has a huge online community of
mums wanting to meet new mums but lacks a venue which is open
throughout the day where children are able to play securely on age
appropriate equipment, has food and drink available and comfortable
seating in a warm welcoming environment.”
The Tots Cafe is using GoFundMe as a crowd funding platform
where they hope to raise the minimum needed to set up and open
the doors. They are also looking to make contact with people able to
donate their services, money or products.
They are looking for people to provide classes in pregnancy yoga,
hypno birthing, music groups, baby signing, dance, drama and baby
massage.
Contact the The Tots Cafe via email: thetotscafe@gmail.com or the
website www.thetotscafe.co.uk
MUMS ARE GETTING TOGETHER IN MILTON KEYNES TO
FUNDRAISE TO CREATE A SOFT PLAY CAFE SUITED TO PARENTS AND CARERS OF 0-4 YR OLDS
Advertise yourvacancieswith Inspire
inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk
The Tots Cafe could look something like this © JackF – Fotolia
24
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
A new, modern and fresh national technology exhibition in Milton Keynes will be helping to put the city in front of a wider audience as a tech hub.
The MKEX Technology Exhibition will be a day of events, demonstrations and talks at stadium:mk on June 24, 2015, to be opened by MK Dons chairman, Pete Winkelman.
“This will be a true first for Milton Keynes and has the potential to transform the way people view the city,” said Peter Barnett, of the organising team.
Exciting“Milton Keynes is already carving a niche as
a world leader in smart technology and the internet of things – this expo will be bringing all the strands together in one exciting day.
“We’re confident it will set the standard for technology expos nationally.”
Peter, who runs sales and marketing company Sales Managed, which he set up five years ago, has been joined by Matt Cove, Managing Director of Events Managed, who is well known for his events work in the voluntary sector with organisations such as MK Dons SET, Milton Keynes City Orchestra and The Parks Trust.
MKEX is also partnering with Biztech, the technology forum in Milton Keynes and
SEMLEP, to bring in range of key speakers and technology workshops.
MKEX has developed out of the Milton Keynes Exhibition, which has a track record of success with local business expos in the city. The organisers were inspired by a new phase in the growth of Milton Keynes to sharpen the focus to technology.
There will be four exhibition zones appealing to distinct sectors. These will be for technology based companies, service providers to technology companies, companies using technologies to deliver services and digital marketing, software and online resources.
AwarenessPeter said: “Anyone looking to launch a
product or service or to achieve heightened awareness for what they do must be a part of MKEX Technology Exhibition.”
There are a range of exhibition packages designed to provide a range of options for exhibitors.
And with prices starting at just £245 + VAT there packages are an excellence investment in high profile marketing.
For more information, visit the website www.mkex.co.uk telephone 01908 900 908 or email info@mkex.co.uk
Follow the hashtag #MKEX on Twitter and follow @MKExhibition
Tech to the foreEXHIBITION HAS THE “POTENTIAL TO TRANSFORM THE WAY PEOPLE VIEW
THE CITY”, ACCORDING TO ITS ORGANISERS. INSPIRE TAKES A LOOK
exhibition
How do you
a whole
Maximise your reach and your budget. Get the attention of a wider audience and let your message be
heard loud and clear.
Inspire Business Magazine and Community Magazine.
Sometimes two reads are better than one.
www.communitycommunications.co.uk
25
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Cyber security is one of the biggest issues facing Milton Keynes businesses, with an array of threats that could derail them.
A Biztech / UCMK Ask the Expert gathering
on the subject of Cyber Security on May
14, aims to give people the information
they need to prevent them becoming cyber
victims.
Fredi Nonyelu, chairman of Biztech, said:
“Being online is absolutely vital to most
companies, both for communication and,
increasingly, for e-commerce.
“Despite being aware that there are cyber
security risks to their businesses, we know
that companies remain vulnerable to all kinds
of attacks. The cyber security industry around
the world is worth billions of pounds.”
The Biztech/UCMK Ask the Expert event will
be held in the early evening on May 14 at
University Campus Milton Keynes (UCMK), in
Avebury Boulevard, MK9 3HS.
ChallengesDr Paul Sant, Associate Dean, UCMK, said:
“As well as looking at the challenges from
a corporate security perspective we will also
look at the digital forensics and research
angles.
“People who attend this event can expect
to leave with a fully rounded view of the
issue.”
The Cyber Security Ask the Expert panel is
made up of:
Dr Gregory Epiphaniou, Cyber Security
Technical Consultant, QA Limited
Andrew Sheldon, Managing Director of
Evidence Talks.
Lee Barney – Head of Information Security
at Home Retail Group PLC
Tickets are £20 for non-members, £15 for
members and free of charge for students.
For ticket details, visit the shortened URL
http://goo.gl/tttC1S
Follow the hashtag #BiztechEvents and @MKBiztech on Twitter
local business
Photographs printed with the kind permission of www.amazing-mk.co.uk/Words/Prosper
Cyber Security is top of the agenda
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM BIZTECH IS ORGANISING A RANGE OF ASK THE EXPERT EVENTS, THE LATEST ON THE SUBJECT OF IT SECURITY
BY INSPIRE EDITOR DAVID TOOLEY @INSPIREBIZMAG
26
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
regeneration
A modern bus interchange is being built in Hemel Hempstead in a bid to bring more visitors into the town.
The access improvements, which also
include extending and moving the taxi
rank, are a key part of Dacorum Borough
Council’s Hemel Evolution regeneration
programme.
The taxi rank will move from its
current location on Marlowes to its new
permanent home on the freshly resurfaced
Waterhouse Street.
This puts it within easier reach of shoppers
along the main pedestrianised zone.
The new purpose-built Hemel Hempstead
Bus Interchange is intended to make access
to and from the town centre quicker and
easier.
Information
The facility in the centre of town will
include new shelters, lighting, seating
and green landscaping, while real-time
passenger information boards will provide
regular updates on arrivals. There will
also be two short stay drop-off spaces for
coach users with luggage and additional
public toilets next to a new Arriva ticket
office.
Patrick Sibley, General Manager for Arriva
Hemel Hempstead, says: “We welcome the
investment in Hemel Hempstead. The more
central location of the bus interchange will
allow quicker, easier access to the town.
New shelters and lighting will provide a
more pleasant place for passengers to
wait.
“We hope these improvements will
encourage more people to use public
transport and visit the town centre.”
Regeneration
Mark Gaynor, Director of Housing
and Regeneration at Dacorum Borough
Council, added: “As part of our Hemel
Evolution regeneration programme, we
want to make it easier for shoppers,
visitors and local residents to get to the
shops and the Jellicoe Water Gardens.”
For more information on our Hemel Evolution programme, visit: www.dacorum.gov.uk/hemelevolution
MAKING HEMEL
HEMPSTEAD’S BUS
AND TAXI STOPS MORE
ATTRACTIVE COULD
BRING MORE PEOPLE
INTO THE TOWN TO
SPEND MONEY WITH
LOCAL BUSINESSES
Transport of delights
27
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
A new interactive, online portal has been launched to showcase all that Central Bedfordshire has to offer new and existing businesses and provide an extensive package of support to aid growth and development.
Whether it is to enable a smooth relocation
or offer guidance through the steps to create
a business, the www.becentralbedfordshire.
co.uk website – an innovative public-private
partnership facilitated by Central Bedfordshire
Council – has been designed to harness the
benefits and possibilities of the location.
ValueWorld leading companies such as Amazon,
Nissan Technical Centre Europe, Lockheed
Martin, BE Aerospace and the national
Aerospace Technology Institute have already
discovered the value in Central Bedfordshire,
which has seen a 280 per cent increase in
inward investment successes in the past year
and around 400 new jobs through new and
expanding companies.
The expertise of Cranfield University and
Millbrook Proving Ground has shaped the area
into a leading centre for innovation with key
research and development centres connected by
an easily accessible road, rail and air network,
all within a fast and convenient distance to London.
The design-led, high quality website features a responsive and evolutive online commercial property search, allowing the wider business community to discover available properties, land holdings, plus current and future developments and regeneration projects, including those of the council.
InteractivityA top level search is available instantly to all
users, while further details and interactivity can be accessed via a free and simple initial registration.
An enquiry handling system will manage and monitor enquiries and be able to direct businesses to partner organisations and this added value aims to encourage businesses, intermediaries and partners to continue the Central Bedfordshire growth story, while celebrate its success stories.
ExcitingCllr Nigel Young, Executive Member for
Regeneration and Business, said: “We are in an exciting period for business and regeneration in Central Bedfordshire as there’s never been a time where we’ve had quite as much investment.
“Our new website is specifically aimed at promoting this as a way of life to new and existing organisations and showcasing a growth story that is really worth shouting about.
This website is designed to continue that outstanding achievement.”
Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Business at the Council, said: “The BeCentralBedfordshire.co.uk website is about moving from being responsive to the market to being far more enabling, in order to give business the right development and the right investment that we would like to see in this area and build on our strengths.
Connect“It will offer the wider business community
up-to-date information about existing activities, offers and a way to connect that to other parties.
“It is a starting point and our intention is that it will grow to have more interactive content, in terms of all active sites, property and development information.
Unique“While it is distinct from the Council, we are
in the unique position of increasingly making available to businesses the market intelligence that we as a local authority can gather, while also responding to new opportunities.
“Of course, inward investment is important but it is equally important that we focus and showcase the business partners that we have already got in the area, enabling those businesses to stay, expand and continue the developing growth story that is Central Bedfordshire.”
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE HAS SEEN A 280% INCREASE IN INWARD INVESTMENT SUCCESSES IN THE PAST YEAR AND IS OUT FOR MORE
business support
Inward investment
28
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
business support
Voted downBusinesses on the Middlefields
Industrial Estate have voted against plans to make the area a Business Improvement District (BID).
Following a ballot in March, only 42 per
cent of businesses on the Sandy industrial
estate, voted in favour of the area becoming
a Business Improvement District.
They make up 64 per cent of the rateable
value there.
In order for the BID to go ahead, 50 per
cent of the businesses who took part in the
ballot had to vote yes, and those businesses
needed to hold more than 50 per cent of
the rateable value of all those who had
voted.
The BID business plan was put together
by a steering group of 10 businesses
from across the estate, and had it been agreed it would have seen
businesses pay a levy on their rates to fund improvements to the
estate such as new directional signage and increased security.
Listened
Michael Tucker, managing director of Manor Concept Refrigeration
and chairman of the steering group, said that he was “disappointed”
that the business plan had been rejected. But he added: “Although
the result is not what we hoped for, the BID process enabled the
steering group to get to know many more of the people and
businesses located on the industrial estate.
“It has listened to their concerns and business objectives and hopes
to build upon these relationships in the future through developing
a business community which can do what they can on a voluntary
basis.”Disappointment
Central Bedfordshire Council worked with the steering group to
support the BID development, as well as funding the ballot, and the
authority’s Director of Regeneration and Business Jason Longhurst
said: “I can understand the disappointment of members of the
steering group who consulted extensively with other organisations on
the estate about their business plans.
Respect
“However, we must respect the outcome of the ballot and hopefully
businesses on the estate can build on the work that has been carried
out and the relationships that have been fostered to help improve the
area in other ways.”
Had the five-year BID business plan been agreed, Middlefields
would have been the first Business Improvement District in Central
Bedfordshire.
COMPANIES IN SANDY HAVE REJECTED PLANS FOR BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BUT THE PROCESS HAS BEEN POSITIVE
© Andrey Burmakin / Fotolia
We’ll help you leave a rather more lasting impression
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When that’s what you need, we’re the people to talk to. Always reliable, ever professional with the passion and expertise to deliver a more enduring product.
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Tel: 01582 573 471e-mail: info@barthamgroup.com
29
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Forum catalyst to revitalising townConstruction has started on a
new shared services hub called The Forum in Hemel Hempstead town centre.
It means the demolition of the town’s
Magistrate’s Court and library and the
construction of a new public services building
that brings together a range of partners,
including Dacorum Borough Council, the
police and voluntary services.
A residential scheme on this site has also
been given planning permission, which
includes a £41 million private investment in
200 new town centre flats (a third of which
will be classed as affordable). A private-
funded £17 million leisure scheme is also
planned on neighbouring Market Square.
Dacorum Borough Council reckons the
single modern, energy-efficient 70,000 sq ft
building will mean local residents will be able
to access better services from a single, central
location.
The new multi-purpose building will house
various voluntary groups, the police’s Safer
Neighbourhood Team, the registration
services, a state-of-the-art library and a café,
as well as our own services.
The Magistrate’s Court and library will be
the first buildings to be demolished. The
Forum opens to the public in early 2017, but
until then, the library is making a temporary
home in Hemel Hempstead Civic Centre.
Mark Gaynor, Corporate Director of
Housing and Regeneration at Dacorum
Borough Council, explained: “Moving in
together means that we can improve services,
achieve savings and encourage regeneration
all in one go.”
Dacorum Borough Council alone will save
around £300,000 in running costs each year
through the move. The inefficient existing
Civic Centre would have needed £5 million
to refurbish it, plus substantial on-going
investment.
PartnersThc council has engaged private sector
partners Endurance Estates and R G Carter to
deliver this next phase of its Hemel Evolution
town centre regeneration programme.
Tim Holmes, Director at Endurance Estates,
commented: “The Borough Council’s
proactive approach in coordinating this
scheme – linking together community
services, private housing and leisure
developments – is acting as a significant
catalyst to revitalize Hemel Hempstead’s town
centre.”
For more information visit: www.dacorum.gov.uk/hemelevolution
A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN HEMEL HEMPSTEAD IS RELEASING
MONEY FOR THE REGENERATION OF THE TOWN CENTRE
development
30
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Winning with women
An female-lead event catering company in Herfordshire has appeared in 22nd place in the Fortuna 50 list after achieving a remarkable 66% growth rate.
The Main Ingredient, in Potten End, near Berkhamsted, was launched
by Julie Anderson in 2002 who started off with a small charity lunch
for six guests.
A big win was when The Main Ingredient won the contract to run all
the events at The Royal County Of Berkshire Polo Club. It soon had to
move to its own home at Boxted Farm with offices and professional
kitchen where it still is now.
Achievement
Julie, also known as “Hoops”, and her business partner Flip Woods,
received a letter from the Prime Minister to congratulate them on the
achievement.
Fortuna 50 showcases the great variety of businesses that are run by
women in the UK, inspiring others to do the same.
The list is formulated from compound annual revenue growth using
the last three years of reported
Companies House data as of February 25. They are the fastest
growing small businesses in the UK with single or majority women
listed as founding directors, have experienced positive growth in each
year, and have reached £100,000 in turnover but not exceeded £5
million.
Matt Smith, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurs said:
“Entrepreneurial activity is undoubtedly rising in popularity, and this
list shows the breadth of sectors experiencing growth and job creation
across the UK.
These women are inspirational role models that will surely encourage a
greater number of people to start and grow a business.
Damian Kimmelman, CEO of DueDil said: “These remarkable
businesses have been identified from over 10 million UK companies
indexed in DueDil’s database.
“The data shows that there are many brilliant examples of women-led
firms across the country.
Diverse
“Hopefully the diverse variety of companies on this list will
demonstrate that there is no barrier to becoming a successful
entrepreneur and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of those on
the Fortuna 50.”
Yasmina Siadatan, Creative Director of the Start Up Loans Company
said: “There has clearly never been a better time to start a business in
Britain as a woman. Hopefully this survey will encourage even more
women to start their own businesses in 2015.
Proud
“We are proud at the Start Up Loans Company that a third of all our
lending has gone to women and we will continue to strive to make
2015 an even better year for women who want to start a business.”
Businesses appearing in the top 50 embrace a range of sectors,
including the law, property development, domicialliary care, nurseries,
housing, paint and decoration.
Other companies in the list include EC Care, a nursing and care
agency serving clients in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding
areas, with 93% growth.
Watford-based Ultimate Branding, provides promotional and
personalised items and was founded by Joanne Simmons. It has an
impressive 34% growth rate.
entrepreneur
BUSINESSES FROM THE
INSPIRE PATCH HAVE APPEARED IN
THE FORTUNA 50 LIST OF THE UK’S FASTEST
GROWING FEMALE-
LEAD SMALL BUSINESSES
31
Issue ThreePlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
agriculture
A Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ) is being set up to help food, drink and farming businesses to set up and expand in the Biggleswade and Ivel Valley area.
Central Bedfordshire Council has secured £50,000 of government
funding to aid Agri-food which is one of the key sectors in Central
Bedfordshire.
The aim of the FEZ is to make it easier for existing businesses to
expand and new ones to set up, attracting investment and boosting the
rural economy.
LinksThey will also forge closer links through the entire food chain, joining
up farmers, manufacturers, retailers and researchers, helping businesses
to realise the full value of our food and drink.
The FEZ, working with Cranfield University and other key partners,
will support the creation of 2,000 jobs and up to 30 new businesses
by 2020 in a new food and drink cluster.
It will be underpinned by a Local Development Order focused on
food and farming. This will be set up by the council to ensure that
planning processes are easier for agri-food businesses and their related
supply chains. The FEZ will be subject to public consultation.
FundingCentral Bedfordshire’s successful bid was one of six new FEZs across
England revealed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs today (25 March) and the council will receive the funding by
the end of next month.
Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Business at Central
Bedfordshire Council, said: “We are improving the support we give to
our key sectors, one of which is the agri-food sector. “The Ivel Valley
area is the ideal area to secure funding for a Food Enterprise Zone due
to the developing cluster of agri-food businesses there.
Opportunities“Jordans & Ryvita is a key anchor company on the Stratton Business
Park, plus there are the land development opportunities offered
through the coming three phases of the business park expansion,
65 farms in the area including Blunham’s chillies and a successful
Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) that has received
£1.6million of LEADER funding.
“Cranfield University’s own experimental farm is also close by in
Silsoe, and Cranfield are eager to be involved in establishing a centre
of excellence for Agrifood in the area.”
CollaborationAmong the advantages for businesses in a Food Enterprise Zone
are greater collaboration between food and farming businesses,
better links to research and education institutions helping to provide
innovation in the sector, improved services and support from
environmental health and planning teams, increased workforce
specialism and supply chain efficiencies and the fact that attracting
investment is easier.
Despite the successful bid, the council is keen to stress that this will
have no impact on businesses outside of the food, drink and farming
sector wishing to set up or expand in the area.
Enterprising food
A NEW FOOD ENTERPRISE
ZONE IS BEING SET UP TO
ENABLE FASTER GROWTH FOR
FOOD, DRINK AND FARMING
BUSINESSES IN BEDFORDSHIRE
32
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
Pubs, bars and other licensed premises in Dunstable and Houghton Regis are being offered another chance to prove that they are Best Bar None.
Following last year’s Best Bar None pilot
scheme, which saw Club Cookies, from
Dunstable, named as overall winner, the
awards event will be running again this year.
Best Bar None is being organised by the
Community Safety Partnership, which
includes Central Bedfordshire Council,
Bedfordshire Police and Bedfordshire Fire and
Rescue Service.
It is part of a national awards scheme
supported by the Home Office which has
been adopted by more than 100 towns and
cities nationwide since it was piloted in 2003.
Best Bar None aims to make towns and
cities great places to go for a night out by
making pubs and clubs even more welcoming
places for visitors.
By improving safety for customers and staff
through reducing binge drinking and alcohol-
related crime and disorder, and encouraging
licensees to work with enforcement agencies,
the scheme aims to boost improve the night-
time economy for everyone.
To qualify for Best Bar None accreditation,
businesses have to meet a number of
criteria set down by the Community Safety
Partnership.
Edd Clayson, owner of Grove Park-based
Club Cookies, will be speaking at the launch
event. He encouraged other businesses to get
involved in the awards scheme.
Ecstatic
He said: “We were ecstatic to be named
overall winner in last year’s Best Bar None
awards as it recognised the team and the
hard work they put in to making Club
Cookies what it is. They are the ones who
work to the high standards we set.
“Winning Best Bar None has helped us to
maintain our focus on keeping standards
high through all of our procedures.
Safety
“I am a big fan of the awards as they help
licensees to go the extra mile in promoting
safety for their customers, and would
encourage as many people as possible to
come along to the launch event.”
Neill Waring, Chief Inspector of Crime
Reduction and Community Safety at
Bedfordshire Police, was part of the judging
panel for last year’s awards.
Ch Insp Waring added: “Best Bar None is all
about getting licensed premises to work with
councils, police and the fire authority to put
Dunstable and Houghton Regis on the map
as great places for a safe night out.
Professionalism
“Everyone who got involved in last year’s
pilot event showed that they are working
really hard to do that, and as a judge I was
incredibly impressed by their professionalism.
“As well as improving safety for customers
and staff there is also the positive knock-on
effect that if more people want to go out in
Dunstable and Houghton Regis, it can only
have economic benefits for the pubs and
clubs there.”
For more information about Best Bar None
awards, visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.
uk/bestbarnone
Businesses were invited to a launch event on Wednesday, May 13, where they could find out more about the awards and get their entries in for this year’s scheme. It was to take place at HQ Sports Bar, in Grove Park, Dunstable, at 2.30pm and all licensed premises from Dunstable and Houghton Regis are welcome to attend.
CENTRAL BEDFORDSHIRE
COUNCIL IS USING AN
AWARDS SCHEME TO
MAKE TOWNS AND
CITIES GREAT PLACES
TO GO FOR A NIGHT
OUT BY MAKING PUBS
AND CLUBS EVEN MORE
WELCOMING PLACES
FOR VISITORS.
leisure
Raising a glass to the leisure economy
www.flickr.com/photos/transportgovuk - Licencehttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/
No changes made to the images Some friends take a drink on a bar. © pololia - Fotolia
33
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
Aylesbury Vale District Council has taken a step closer to setting up a trading company with the potential to develop new income streams for the authority.
Councillors have approved the establishment of a company wholly
owned by the authority to allow it to sell consultancy services
externally to non-public bodies.
The new company would initially focus on selling energy and
sustainability consultancy services to the private sector but could, in
the future, be extended to other services.
Potential
There is potential for the council to generate income in the energy
management market following recent law changes.
All businesses with a turnover of more than £39 million or employing
more than 250 staff now have to comply with the Energy Savings
Opportunities Scheme (ESOS), which involves an audit every four years
of energy and transport issues, or face a fine of up to £50,000.
Nearly 170 businesses in Buckinghamshire will require ESOS
certification.
The council is well placed to offer independent specialist advice to
these businesses following its successful efforts in reducing its own
carbon emissions.
The new company is part of a wider strategy to tackle central
government cuts. AVDC, like other local authorities across the
country, has faced unprecedented funding reductions over the past
five years, which have created significant pressures on budgets and
services.
Restructuring
Since 2010, the council has saved more than £10.5 million through
a number of measures and efficiencies, including restructuring senior
management, redesigning services and creating new income streams
such as the Local Development Order (LDO) for home extensions and
the paid-for garden waste collection service.
Determined
Andrew Grant, Chief Executive of AVDC, said: “Despite the
financial challenges the council is facing we are determined to remain
ambitious and visionary about the role public services play in our
district.
Projects
“The new consultancy firm is just one of a range of innovative
and fascinating projects we are pursuing in order to make up the
expected shortfall in our budget. In the current climate we must work
creatively to raise income if we are to maintain services within our
communities.”
aylesbury
THE NEW COMPANY IS PART OF A WIDER STRATEGY TO TACKLE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT CUTS BUT
WILL IT COMPETE WITH YOU?
Council going commercial
© David Rickardwww.flickr.com/photos/kingdavera
34
Summer 2015 Editorial and advertising enquiries: inspire@communitycommunications.co.uk | 07931 973967
34
Up to 30 energy installers in Milton Keynes have been offered funding to become PAS2030 certified.
Certification will allow gas engineers,
insulation and renewable energy installers
access to finance, cashback and grants for their
customers.
Installer support comes from the Government’s
Green Deal Communities programme and is
being delivered by Green Homes Together, a
council-backed community interest company
working with Milton Keynes and the National
Energy Foundation.
Gas Flo Heating, has been PAS 2030 (Green
Deal) certified since the beginning of the
scheme. They have worked with Green Deal
finance Providers and ECO partners to secure
grants and funding for their customers.
Shafaqat Hussain, owner of Gas Flo Heating, said: “PAS2030 certification has given me access to funds through Green Deal and the Energy Company Obligation, both of which have provided me with more prospects and work.”
As a Gas Safe installer, Mr Hussain found the process to become green deal certified straight forward. He said: “In terms of what was required, the certification process was quite simple, I work to a similar process on a day to day basis, having the right experience and qualifications has made the process much speedier.”
Asked whether he would recommend becoming PAS2030 certified to other installers, Mr Hussain said ‘It is worth investing in, I would definitely recommend it to other installers’.
To find out more about the process to certification visit: www.greenhomestogether.org.uk/green-homes-together-blog/installers-urged-to-take-advantage-of-the-home-improvement-fund
Childcare providers in Milton Keynes are taking part in a scheme which allows parents and carers of eligible two year olds to access up to 15 hours a week of free early education and childcare in a nursery, preschool or with a childminder.
Parents can find out if their two year old qualifies in just a few clicks through an online eligibility checker at www.timefortwos.com.
The system has been praised by the Department for Education as the first of its kind in the country. The system generates an email and a letter that parents can print off and take to a local childminder, nursery or preschool that is part of the Time for Twos scheme to take up their place. Milton Keynes has been named one of the top council’s in the eastern region for its success in placing two year olds into childcare and early education.
A joint trading standards service covering Buckinghamshire and Surrey aims to protect business and residents from scams and rip-offs.
A merger between Buckinghamshire and
Surrey Trading Standards took effect on April
1 with the aim of harnessing their collective
expertise to give consumers even stronger
safeguards and businesses an even better
service.
The two counties see similar crimes against
consumers and their trading standards teams
each boast specific strengths which will be
shared to better serve the public in both areas.
While Surrey has particular expertise in
tackling doorstep crime, protecting vulnerable
residents and working with businesses to help
them comply with regulations, Buckinghamshire
is noted for its food safety and authenticity,
and animal welfare work, as well as its success
in recruiting Community Champion volunteers
to be the eyes and ears of the service on the
ground.
Luton International Carnival will take place on Sunday, May 24 and run from 12noon – 6pm.
Hopeton Walker, chair of UKCCA Board,
is looking forward to the day: “One of the
highlights of the Luton calendar is the Luton
International Carnival, a fantastic event that
showcases what Luton has to offer – the artistic
flair, the community involvement and wealth of
talents and skills.
“It is one of the safest carnivals in the country,
a great day out for all the family.”
The event has been sponsored by London
Luton Airport, Arts Council England and Luton
Borough Council.
In the newsJoining forces
Carnival Capers
Energy booster
Childcare scheme
in the news
35
Issue EightPlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.
The way developers in Dacorum borough contribute towards local facilities and infrastructure should become simpler from July 1, when the Borough Council’s new Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) comes into effect.
Changes in government policy mean that
instead of S106 legal agreements currently
negotiated to ensure developers contribute to
community facilities and infrastructure, some
types of development will, from July 1, pay a set
charge called a CIL on each square metre of new
development.
The money will be spent on infrastructure and
facilities needed to support the development
of the local area – such as facilities to support
education, transport, open spaces, sports and
leisure, health, and social and community
buildings. 15% of the charge will be passed to
the town, parish or neighbourhood in which the
development is taking place, for them to spend
on proposals to support growth in the area.
James Doe, Assistant Director for Planning
and Regeneration at Dacorum Borough Council
said: “The Community Infrastructure Levy will
help balance the impact of development on our
communities, ensuring that there we have funds
to help provide the local facilities that residents
want and need without lengthy, complex legal
negotiations.
“We are lucky in Dacorum to have a buoyant
housing market and a strong local economy. Our
charging schedule has been carefully devised
to ensure there is appropriate investment in
the local community’s infrastructure whilst
supporting new development and growth in the
area.”
Based on development projections for
Dacorum the Community Infrastructure Levy
could provide around £23.5 million by 2031 to
invest in new facilities and infrastructure works
in the borough.
The charge will take effect for planning
permissions granted from July 1, so those
applying for planning permission from May 4
this year may be affected by the new charges.
Anyone thinking of applying for planning
permission from May 4 is advised to find out
how they may be affected as soon as possible.
Buckinghamshire County Council is putting the focus on value for money as a £25 million investment programme to improve roads begins, involving more than 200 separate schemes planned for the coming year.
Working through Transport for
Buckinghamshire, the Council has controls in
place to make sure roadworks deliver value for
money and compare favourably with levels and
standards being achieved nationally by other
councils.
However, this year the Council is going a
step further and subjecting £10 million of the
programme to even more stringent market
testing so that the best prices and standards can
be achieved for local council taxpayers.
The County Council’s Cabinet Member for
Transportation, Ruth Vigor-Hedderly said: “We
must remember this is public money and we
have a duty to make sure we spent it as wisely as
possible. This year we will be offering £10 million
of work to a wider potential market. This means
we can gain even more knowledge about the
current marketplace and what options we might
use for future roadworks. We are also arranging
additional monitoring of roadworks to make
sure work is delivered on time and to the quality
standards we set.
“This year, we will be delivering the largest road
surfacing programme since 2009 as we continue
the task of getting our roads back in shape.
The more we can stretch every penny of our
resources, the more we can do on the ground.
Full details of the countywide programme are
available at buckscc.gov.uk/transport or follow
TfB on Twitter @TfBalerts.
Bedford is preparing for its 13th Annual Kite Festival on June 6 and 7 in Russell Park.
The event, which is free to attend and open to
all, is hosted by Bedford Borough Council.
Each year, approximately 40,000 people gather
for the occasion which sees Russell Park jam-
packed with food stalls and entertainment.
Andy Pidgen, Events Manager at Bedford
Borough Council said: “This event grows in
momentum each time and it is now very well-
established. People have this in their diaries for
months in advance.”
The programme throughout the weekend will
feature kites never seen before in the U.K.
For more information on the Kite Festival
events visit http://www.bedfordevents.co.uk
Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park is continuing to take shape, with work to install key pieces of equipment underway.
The major element of work currently in
progress is the second installation phase of
equipment for the Advanced Thermal Treatment
(ATT) plant.
This work, which began in mid-March, will
take eight weeks and includes the delivery to
site and installation of components which will
comprise the ATT.
SpecialistWith some pieces of equipment weighing up
to 80 tonnes and measuring up to 4.7m wide,
this delivery and installation has required careful
planning and coordination including specialist
crane lifting operations.
Elsewhere on site, the construction of the
buildings which will house the Mechanical
Treatment and Anaerobic Digestion processes is
ongoing.
ProgressingThe majority of the steelwork for the
Mechanical Treatment building is complete,
with work progressing well to install cladding
to weatherproof the structure. Work in the
Anaerobic Digestion area is progressing as
planned.
Construction is due to be completed by
January 2016.
The facility will then go through commissioning
and testing periods before it is fully operational
in September 2016.
Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park will be
located on Dickens Road in Old Wolverton and
will use a combination of three state-of-the-art
technologies – Mechanical Treatment, Anaerobic
Digestion and Advanced Thermal Treatment to
treat ‘black sack’ waste collected from homes in
Milton Keynes.
RecyclableTogether, the technologies will increase the
amount of recyclable materials which are
removed from the waste, in turn cutting the
amount of rubbish sent to landfill to around
3%.
VolkerFitzpatrick is AmeyCespa’s construction
partner for Milton Keynes Waste Recovery Park,
and is carrying out the civil engineering and
building works.
Kite spectacular
Waste lines
Developers’ levy
Road investment
in the news