★★★★ BUSINESS Survive Start Thrive ECHO Tough laptops for tough challenges ‘We don’t let anyone walk out orange’ PAGES 2&3 PAGES 4&5 COUNCIL ‘FAILING CITY’S BUSINESSES’ A LIVERPOOL business leadership coach says the city council has lost direction and is failing the region’s firms. Former Royal & Sun Alliance director and founder of Liverpool International Coaching Academy, John Haynes, last month delivered a leadership development course to civic leaders in Mombasa, Kenya. He posed six key questions from Harvard Business School’s Growth Matrix which gauge how business friendly a city region is, and said Liverpool is weak on several, such as “do we have dynamic political and entrepreneurial leaders who promote free enterprise and unite the city with an exciting vision?”, or “are the public and private sectors united in this?” and “is the city using its economic and political powers to the maximum to attract new investment and business?” Mr Haynes quoted IBM president T J Watson, who said: “It’s all right to fail, as long as you are failing in a forward direction.” He said: “I believe after 30 years of studying and practising leadership, our own city leaders are not failing in a forward direction and have stopped learning from past mistakes. “Author Ambrose Bierce said: ‘The sure sign of insanity is to do the same things and expect different results’. “Our city leaders are acting the same way Bierce predicted and still expecting different results. “When was the last time you heard them say, ‘I made a mistake, I am sorry, I was wrong?’ In my humble opinion they have stopped learning, growing and developing their true skills of leadership. This city and country must demand, and should expect, only the very best people in office. “They seem to have moved from playing in non-league football to premier football without changing their thinking, behaviour, or skills. Unfortunately, they are still habitually saying, doing and playing the same old non-league game.” Max Steinberg, Liverpool Vision chief executive, said: “As a city which, in partnership with the private sector, has established an ‘embassy’ in London the evidence for this would seem to be weak.” Leadership guru says city lacks enterprise spirit Pair put their shirt on success THE movie business has inspired two Liverpool film fans to set up a T-shirt venture with a difference. Uber Torso creates designs based on fictional brands that feature within films, such as Blade Runner’s The Tyrell Corporation, or Quint’s Deep Sea Fishing, from Jaws, that only fellow film buffs will spot. David Metcalfe and Barry Hodgson design the logos and are shipping T-shirts all over the world, including one to the chief creature artist on recent blockbuster Avatar, who unsurprisingly chose the film’s RDA design. A selection of Uber Torso T-shirts is to be showcased in the city’s Picturehouse at FACT on Wood Street. GETTING SHIRTY: David Metcalfe (left) and Barry Hodgson model a couple of designs from their Uber Torso range ● FREE one-to-one advice for a number of businesses will be available, funded by Liverpool city council, at the latest Old Swan Business Association breakfast meeting next Wednesday at the Red House pub. Speakers include Phil Linley, from regeneration body Liverpool Vision, who will talk about apprenticeships and available funding. To book, call Paul Aberdein on 0151-228 7730, or email pa@ bartlettsos.co.uk ● EMIRATES, the Dubai-based airline, is holding a recruitment day next Thursday for first officers to join its expanding flight deck crew. The airline, which employs 352 UK pilots, is holding recruitment sessions at the Manchester Crowne Plaza, Manchester Airport. To apply, visit www.emiratesgroup careers.com ● RECRUITMENT and training agency Acorn has promoted Olwen Kilgannon, from Widnes, to branch manager for its Runcorn office. Christian Ash, previously a branch manager for Preston and Runcorn, has been promoted to regional manager overseeing all four branches in the north of England and north Wales. ● SEFTON Park’s St Hilda’s C of E school is appealing for businesses to help with an activity week in March, leading up to International Women’s Day on March 8. As well as celebrating women’s achievements, it wants to raise awareness among female pupils of opportunities in traditionally male- oriented industries. Contact Joanne Poole on 0151-733 2709 or at [email protected]● HELEN MacInnes has joined data8, the Ellesmere Port-based data enrichment specialist, as account manager to support its ambitious expansion plans. by NEIL HODGSON Industry Reporter
Transcript
★★★★
BUSINESS SurviveStart
ThriveECH
O
Toughlaptops fortoughchallenges
‘Wedon’t letanyonewalkoutorange’
PAGES2&3 PAGES4&5
COUNCIL‘FAILINGCITY’SBUSINESSES’A LIVERPOOL business leadershipcoach says the city council has lostdirection and is failing the region’sfirms.
Former Royal & Sun Alliancedirector and founder of LiverpoolInternational Coaching Academy, JohnHaynes, last month delivered aleadership development course to civicleaders in Mombasa, Kenya.
He posed six key questions fromHarvard Business School’s GrowthMatrix which gauge how businessfriendly a city region is, and said
Liverpool is weak on several, such as“do we have dynamic political andentrepreneurial leaders who promotefree enterprise and unite the city withan exciting vision?”, or “are the publicand private sectors united in this?” and“is the city using its economic andpolitical powers to the maximum to
attract new investment and business?”Mr Haynes quoted IBM president T J
Watson, who said: “It’s all right to fail,as long as you are failing in a forwarddirection.”
He said: “I believe after 30 years ofstudying and practising leadership,our own city leaders are not failingin a forward direction and havestopped learning from pastmistakes.
“Author Ambrose Bierce said: ‘Thesure sign of insanity is to do the samethings and expect different results’.
“Our city leaders are acting the sameway Bierce predicted and still expectingdifferent results.
“When was the last time you heardthem say, ‘I made a mistake, I am sorry,
I was wrong?’ In my humble opinionthey have stopped learning, growingand developing their true skills ofleadership. This city and country mustdemand, and should expect, only thevery best people in office.
“They seem to have moved fromplaying in non-league football topremier football without changingtheir thinking, behaviour, or skills.Unfortunately, they are still habituallysaying, doing and playing the same oldnon-league game.”
Max Steinberg, Liverpool Visionchief executive, said: “As a city which,in partnership with the private sector,has established an ‘embassy’ in Londonthe evidence for this would seem to beweak.”
Leadershipgurusays city lacksenterprise spirit
PairputtheirshirtonsuccessTHE movie business hasinspired two Liverpoolfilm fans to set up aT-shirt venture with adifference.
Uber Torso createsdesigns based on fictionalbrands that featurewithin films, such asBlade Runner’s TheTyrell Corporation, orQuint’s Deep SeaFishing, from Jaws, thatonly fellow film buffs willspot.
David Metcalfe andBarry Hodgson designthe logos and areshipping T-shirts all overthe world, including oneto the chief creatureartist on recentblockbuster Avatar, whounsurprisingly chose thefilm’s RDA design.
A selection of UberTorso T-shirts is to beshowcased in the city’sPicturehouse at FACTon Wood Street. GETTING SHIRTY: David Metcalfe (left) and Barry Hodgson model a couple of designs from their Uber Torso range
● FREE one-to-oneadvice for a number
of businesses will beavailable, funded byLiverpool city council, atthe latest Old SwanBusiness Associationbreakfast meeting nextWednesday at the RedHouse pub. Speakersinclude Phil Linley, fromregeneration bodyLiverpool Vision, whowill talk aboutapprenticeships andavailable funding. Tobook, call Paul Aberdeinon 0151-228 7730, or emailpa@ bartlettsos.co.uk
● EMIRATES, theDubai-based airline,
is holding a recruitmentday next Thursday forfirst officers to join itsexpanding flight deckcrew. The airline, whichemploys 352 UK pilots, isholding recruitmentsessions at theManchester CrownePlaza, ManchesterAirport. To apply, visitwww.emiratesgroupcareers.com
● RECRUITMENTand training agency
Acorn has promotedOlwen Kilgannon, fromWidnes, to branchmanager for its Runcornoffice. Christian Ash,previously a branchmanager for Preston andRuncorn, has beenpromoted to regionalmanager overseeing allfour branches in thenorth of England andnorth Wales.
● SEFTON Park’s StHilda’s C of E school
is appealing forbusinesses to help withan activity week inMarch, leading up toInternational Women’sDay on March 8. As wellas celebrating women’sachievements, it wantsto raise awarenessamong female pupils ofopportunities intraditionally male-oriented industries.Contact Joanne Poole on0151-733 2709 or [email protected]
● HELEN MacInneshas joined data8,
the Ellesmere Port-baseddata enrichmentspecialist, as accountmanager to support itsambitious expansionplans.
byNEIL HODGSONIndustry Reporter
NEWS Wednesday, February 16, 20112 ★★★★
Stressed?Harassed?Phone‘999’foragoodpampering
BUSINESSSMALL
of the Week
Neil Hodgson discovers a‘me time’ oasis where clientsfeel instantly at home
FREE HELPFOR FIRMSTO PREPARECRISIS PLANA FREE guide on howsmall firms can plan tocope with a disasterhas been launched byinsurance group Aviva.
In a recent survey, itfound only 28% ofsmall firms have abusiness continuityplan in place.
According to theFederation of SmallBusinesses, 80% ofcompanies affected bya major incident closewithin 18 months and90% that lose datafrom a disaster areforced to shut withintwo years.
Aviva commercialproduct managerDavid Bruce said:“Given the currenteconomic climate, it’sunderstandable thatbusiness owners arefocusing on the day-to-day aspects of theirbusiness. But thatdoesn’t mean theyshould take their eyeoff the businessplanning side of things.
“A disaster or crisiscan strike a business atany time and failing toplan for such an eventcan undo years ofgood work and hardtrading in an instant.
“If the worst doeshappen, then having abusiness continuityplan in place may bethe differencebetween your businessrecovering or failing.”
A continuity plantemplate for smallfirms can help themrespond to anyunforeseen crisis.
Business ContinuityPlanning for SmallBusiness is free todownload at https://help.aviva.co.uk/risksolutions/business-continuity/BCP_004
FREELANCERS’UNCERTAINTYFREELANCE andcontract workers inthe north west admitto feelings ofuncertainty for thecoming year, claims aJanuary survey by theChester-basedBrookson EnterpriseFreelance Fair.
It says 51% now feeluncertain, comparedwith 76% who feltthings were gettingbetter in the lastsurvey in November.
The business hasorganised a freelancefair in Liverpool onMarch 16 at LiverpoolInnovation Park.
BUSINESS
WHEN Nicola Harrisqualified as a beauticianin the mid-1990s, beautyand spa treatments wereconsidered the exclusive
reserve of affluent Londoners.But what a difference a few years
make – Liverpool’s culturalcredentials are now beyond reproach,even to mean-spirited doubters southof Watford, and Nicola’s stylishAllerton spa is the talk of the celebritypages in style bibles like OK for herpamper days and full range of “feel-good” treatments that even northernoiks can now aspire to.
Nicola left school 18 years ago andstudied beauty at St Helens College.She recalled: “There werehairdressing colleges, but no beautycolleges in Liverpool at the time.”
Working conditions were also a lotmore strict: “You had to have GCSE inbiology to do beauty then. And even incollege you had to wear a white dress,white tights and have your hair tiedback. It was just like being a nurse.”
Nicola’s ambition on qualifying wasto work on cruise ships: “Thereweren’t that many salons or spasaround – beauty was moreLondon-based.”
But she got her big break in theindustry by joining one of the firstsalons to open in Liverpool whenFrench group Clarins of Parisestablished a site in Woolton: “It wasvery elite.”
Nicola spent five years at Clarinsbuilding up a specialism in facialtreatments and massage beforestriking out on her own.
Initially, she offered a mobileservice, but after another five yearsshe invested in her first salon, Rouge,in Wavertree’s Picton Road, offering afull range of beauty treatments.
A further five or six years later shebecame aware of an Allerton propertythat she was certain had the makingsof the perfect spa.
Nine Mather Avenue was availableas rented accommodation but hadbeen empty for a couple of years. Itsappeal was instant, including itsdistinctive phone number.
Nicola said: “It was the old firemaster’s house and I wanted the999 phone number (724 4999).”
Nicola eventually secured a longlease in September 2009 and, afterrestoration and extension work,opened her dream spa last June.
She said: “It was unique – therewasn’t anywhere in Liverpoolsomeone could go and spend the dayand relax and be pampered, unless itwas in an hotel.
“Even in Rouge, when a client cameout of a treatment there was nowhere
to relax apart from reception. If you’rerelaxed after a massage you need halfan hour to enjoy the experience youhave just had.”
The scale of the project led to Nicolaforming a new joint business venturewith a long-term client, and newinvestor, Margaret Harry.
“She believed in me,” said Nicola.“Margaret lets me get on with runningthe salon and she looks after theadministration side. We completelyrenovated the property and extended it
to turn it from a house into a spa.Now, everyone walks in and says, ‘Iwant this as my house’.”
Nicola said the house’s Georgiantheme was perfect for her venture: “Alot of spas tend to go down the Thai ororiental route, but we didn’t want it tobe too feminine because we have mencoming in for treatment and didn’twant to put them off with ‘girly’things.”
Despite the ravages of the recessionon disposable incomes Nicola said
“me’ time” was still high on people’sagendas. “People go for spa treatmentson holiday but never think of doing itback home, but now more and moreare doing it,” she said.
“We have seen a big growth inmen taking spa treatments. Facialsare uni- sex. They brighten andtighten the skin up. Men love it forthe races.”
Treatments now are moresophisticated than the early days oftans and eyelashes. But Nicola arguesthey need not cost the earth.
Even a pamper package, including afacial, back massage and hands andnails treatment, starts from £45.
“People think it is really expensivebut it is not because we can tailor ourservice to clients,” said Nicola.
She, or one of her six staff, willassess a client’s skin type on their firstvisit: “We will then tailor thetreatment to their skin type.
£1mboost forRuncornfuel cellpioneerACALEnergyRUNCORN’S ACAL Energyhas won a £1m award to helpaccelerate polymer fuel celltechnology.
It has secured theinvestment from the CarbonTrust after winning acompetition to drive use ofalternative fuel systems.
The Carbon Trust saidACAL’s technology is close to
making hydrogen fuel cellcars a mass-market reality,contributing to the creation ofa global industry estimated tobe worth more than £180bn by2050.
The technology could makefuel cell cars the lowestcarbon vehicle available andalso potentially cheaper to runthan plug-in hybrids or
battery-only electric vehicles.Amanda Lyne, ACAL vice
president strategic businessdevelopment and chair ofLiverpool City Region’s LowCarbon Economy Committee,said: “In these tougheconomic times, the promiseof green growth is not justgood news; it’s a life line formany organisations.
“With the support oforganisations such as theCarbon Trust, the north westhas the key ingredients tothrive in the low carboneconomy. We hope to see manyother local businesses join usin ensuring the future of thenorth west’s economicgrowth.”
Carbon Trust research has
also revealed that north westbusiness leaders are the mostoptimistic in the UK aboutgreen growth, with 79%saying that be the percentageof UK jobs accounted for bythe green economy willincrease, while 77% predictthat the percentage of UKexports accounted for by thegreen economy will increase.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 NEWS 3★★★★
TIME RIGHTFOR MOVETO EXPORTYORKSHIRE Bank hasbacked moves by thegovernment toencourage moreexport opportunities,particularly for smallfirms.
A White Paper ontrade aims to involvefirms of all sizes inexport markets.
Brian Colquhoun,regional director forYorkshire Bank, saidincreased support forbusinesses looking tobranch out abroadcould only be a goodthing given thecurrent economicconditions.
“What is importantto remember, though,is that the exportmarket is not just forbig business, it canalso offeropportunities forsmaller operators too.
“While there will bechallenges ahead formany businesses, therelative strength of thepound and the highdemand for UKproducts abroad couldmean opportunitiesfor growth start tomaterialise for strongbusinesses.
“The UK iscurrently the world’ssixth largest exporter.
HAPPY CUSTOMER: NicolaHarris says plenty of people want‘me time’ at her Allerton spa
HANDS ON: Nicola Harris opened her eponymous spa in June
“Today, more people areaware of products. But thetreatment they want mightnot be right for their skintype.
“Some people think themost expensive cream willwork wonders for them, but itdoesn’t work like that. Their skinmight be dry and they just need agood exfoliation, and a £30 cream willwork just as well as a £110 cream.”
However, Nicola has the full rangeof exclusive treatments for anyone inneed of some serious pampering,including Elemis and Guinot, as wellas Rodial, a favourite with Londoncelebs which includes a snake serumthat acts “like botox in a bottle”.
An essential part of pampering is agreat customer experience, and Nicolasays she succeeds on that score: “Mostof my clients have been with me sinceI was 16. One moved to Portsmouthand still came back for treatments.”
Although the new venture has beenopen less than a year she said businessis brisk: “Even in the December snowwe kept everything going.”
She believes there will always be ademand for beauty and relaxation, butsome things, such as tans, neverchange, although she reveals: “Spraytans are going back to manual tansbecause they are more moisturising.”
And she says there are alternativesto the “one tan fits all” school ofthought: “We have a whole range tosuit skin type. We wouldn’t let anyonewalk out orange because they wouldjust stop the traffic.”
GLOOMY VIEWSOF BANK LOANSSMALL FIRMS arereluctant to apply forbank loans, says astudy by financialresearch companyCharterhouse.
Over the past yearonly a third ofbusinesses with aturnover of less than£1bn have soughtsome form of financefrom the banks.
CharterhouseResearch directorMark Dennis said:“We believe there is ablanket perceptionthat banks are notlending, particularlyamong start-ups andsmaller firms.
“Yet our study alsoshows that the banksare indeed lending,with the majority ofapplications in 2010being granted in full,so there is a mismatchbetween reality andperception.”
Do you wantto be our Business
of the Week?Contact Neil
Hodgson 0151 4722451 or emailneil.hodgson
@liverpool.com
NEWS Wednesday, February 16, 20114 ★★★★
BUSINESS
COMPANY bosses often sharethe characteristics of theirproducts and the managingdirector of JLT MobileComputers is no exception.
The Runcorn-based firm sellsrugged computers that can be usedin almost any environment, fromthe Arctic to the desert, in rain, hailor shine.
Mark Muslek has the sameapproach to work – “you get on withit”, he says.
His products allow other peopleto do just that, whether that’s DavidAttenborough filming in hot andhumid climates or a forklift truckdriver out in the rain.
Mark has now been in charge atSwedish-owned JLT’s UK divisionfor three years.
“We sell rugged computers. Thereare pros and cons – it’s a specialistproduct, but it is expensive,” hesaid. “But if you have to have one,you have to have one.
“You can’t put a normal laptopin a military vehicle or in aforklift truck in the rain or in acold store at minus 30 degrees – anormal PC wouldn’t even boot.
“That’s why we weren’t too badlyaffected by the recession.”
Mark is leading JLT’s Asianexpansion strategy, in part becauseof the strength of the Runcornoperation and also because of theUK’s trading links with many of thetarget markets.
He said: “What they have askedme to do – because we are stable inthe UK and the team I have got canalmost manage without me – is tolook at other areas, the Middle Eastand the Far East, because they aremarkets we are not in.
“Culturally, commercially, andbecause of issues like language, itwas felt it was easier if I did it.
“They don’t have a recession overthere, so that’s what we have startedto do for the last six months.
“Unfortunately the deals take awhile to come to fruition on bothsides. The international deals dotake a lot more time to set up.
“We are in negotiations withmaster distributors in severalplaces, we are looking at theEmirates and others.”
However JLT has announced apartnership with Apoorva ITSolutions, in Hyderabad, India, andthe potential of the internationalmarkets clearly excites Mark.
“The business as a whole islooking to grow 100% this yearbecause of the internationalmarket,” he said.
“I think the Middle East and FarEast opportunities are interestingbecause there are new challenges.
“We have to work differently to fitin with that – I think that’sinteresting.
“But it’s not a junket – it’s
airport, taxi, hotel, office, hotel.”His international trips are the
latest experiences in Mark’s 30-yearcareer in IT. After a short flirtationwith a degree in metallurgy andchemistry which lasted a term, hebecame a civil servant at the InlandRevenue in Hatfield.
He returned to the north west
and, deciding he wanted to be aprogrammer, picked up the phonebook and called large, localcompanies.
Mark said: “Norweb said theywere recruiting that day. I went inthat afternoon in motorcycleleathers and helmet in my hand andwalked out with a job.”
He carried on writingapplications for a couple of otherfirms before setting up a softwarebusiness.
Mark said: “One of the problems Ihave with real jobs is I get veryfrustrated with static organisations.An advantages of running your ownbusiness is it is up to you.
“What makes an entrepreneurdifferent to other people is whenthey have a good idea, they goand do it.
“I never thought of it as provingmyself – the fact that it happened towork is, I am absolutely sure, a lot
to do with luck. Everyone makesmistakes and hopefully you survivethe mistakes you do make.”
He sold his share of the softwarebusiness to start selling IBM clones.Eight years later the £3.5m-turnoverbusiness was sold to itsmanagement, and Mark moved backto writing bespoke software.
He then moved from beingemployer to employee, as thecommercial manager of a couple ofsmall IT firms, before arriving atThe Heath Business Park inRuncorn to work for CMC, a JLTdistributor.
Aruggedapproachisprovingsuccessfulfor ITboss
INTERVIEWBIGAlex Turner talksto Mark Muslek,managing directorof Runcorn’s JLTMobile Computers
SWITCHED ON: MarkMuslek is leading theAsian expansionstrategy at JLT MobileComputers
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 NEWS 5★★★★
The plan was for Mark to workwith the managing director, whowould then step aside after sixmonths into the role of technicaldirector.
Mark said: “Just before the sixmonths was up, JLT decided theywanted an arm in England, andrather than start from scratch theybought CMC.
“Fortunately everything elsewent according to plan. I still gotwhat I was hoping for andexpecting, albeit with a differentowner.
“You just get on with it.”FORKLIFT: Mark Muslek says JLT’s computers are designed for heavy use
ON SITE: A JLT computer in use in Runcorn
LAWIT’S THE
Q I HAVE readthat someorganisations
are making staffwork on the day ofthe royal wedding. Asit is a bank holiday,are they not obligedto allow staff timeoff ?
A IN SHORT, nothey are not.Businesses are
only really obliged tohonour their contractsof employment, so theissue of time off for theroyal wedding dependsentirely on how thesehave been written.
Particularly, thequestion is whether ornot companies includepublic holidays withinthe annual leaveentitlement of staff.Under the WorkingTime Regulations,which comply withEuropean law, allworkers are entitled toa minimum of 28 daysor 5.6 weeks of annualleave, which mayinclude the usual eightpublic holidays.Part-time workers areentitled to the same,but pro rata to the timethat they work.
While someemployers choose toexpress this in theircontracts as being 20days holiday plus theeight bank holidays,more are stating thatall workers get 28 daysleave, including bankholidays, or simplyexpressing this as 5.6weeks.
Those who give staff20 days plus bankholidays, withoutfurther definition, willthis year have to giveworkers 29 days off, asApril 29 is an officialbank holiday. But thosewho include publicholidays within theannual leaveentitlement face asimple choice: give staffthe day off out ofgoodwill; close downthe business on April29 but take it out ofworkers’ holidayentitlement; or keepcalm and carry on.
Now here’s thesurprising thing. At notime since bankholidays wereintroduced in 1871 hasthere been a statutoryright for employees totake a bank or public
holiday off work.The entitlement to do
so is governed solely byan employee’s contractof employment.
A considerablenumber of businessesclose on publicholidays, but equallymany do not, becauseof the very nature ofthose businesses, ietransport, hospitals,nursing and carehomes, utilitycompanies andmanufacturers whichrely on continuousproduction, to namebut a few.
That is not to saythat these workers loseout, by law they shouldnot, but dependingupon their contractsand as long as theyreceive the statutoryminimum of 28 paidday’s holiday perannum, they shouldtake their time off onanother day, if theyhave had to work on apublic holiday.
From the royalcouple’s point of view,having a springwedding is ideal – theircelebrations will beshared by millions, notonly in the UK, but alsoacross the world, and isexpected to lift all ourspirits after amiserable winter andthe prospect of ever-tightening belts.
From an employer’sperspective, though, itcould not come at aworse time, virtuallyimmediately afterEaster and just beforethe May Day holiday,so, in an 11 day period,there are only threeproduction days.
Not good whenemployers are trying tobalance the books andbeing urged to step upproduction and/orproductivity in everysphere of businessacross the UK.
This column wasbrought to you byPeter Mooney, head ofconsultancy atemployment lawspecialist ELAS,Employment LawAdvisory Services.For more informationcall the ELAS adviceteam on 0161-7852000, or send anemail to [email protected]
with
NEWS Wednesday, February 16, 20116 ★★★★
BUSINESS
Entry Details
Position:
Company:
Contact number:
Your name:
Address:
Email:
Contact number:
Address:
Email:
If you are nominating someone else please alsocomplete the following
Name of company/individual youare nominating:
Postcode:
Trinity Mirror group companies would like to keep you informed ofnew and exciting offers and promotions. Please tick here if you wouldprefer not to be contacted. Your details will not be passed to third parties.
Postcode:
Please tick the category or categories you areentering (you can enter more than one)
Start-up Environmental Award
Liverpool City Council Environmental Enterprise Award
Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Innovation & Technology Award
Carbon Champion Award
Sustainability Award
The Mersey Forest Corporate Responsibility Award
Personal Achievement Award
Environmental & Health Project Award
Neighbourhood Improvement Project Award
Sustainable School of the Year Award
Community Project Award
Environmental Champion Award
A MESSAGEFROM THEMERSEYFOREST
WE ARE delighted tosupport theMerseysideEnvironment Awards.
With over eightmillion new treescreating newcommunity woodlandsacross Cheshire andMerseyside, TheMersey Forest istransforming thelandscape andsupporting our localeconomy.
For example, wehave worked withpartners and the localcommunity to createthe brand new MabLane CommunityWoodland in WestDerby. An under-used,water-logged site hasbeen transformed intoa long lastingcommunity asset forall to enjoy, with greengym sessions takingplace to help peoplekeep fit and be part oftheir local woodland.
The Mersey Forest isalso great for business,setting the scene forinvestment bytransforming areas ofderelict land to createan attractive backdropfor visitors and newinvestment.
We work withpartners from theprivate, voluntary andpublic sectors. To getinvolved, pleasecontact us at [email protected] orcall 01925 816217.
TheMerseyForestCorporateResponsibilityAward
Awardsgreenforgo
ENTRIES are open for thefirst It’s Our WorldMerseyside EnvironmentAwards.
The 2011 awards,supported by sponsorGroundwork, recogniseand celebrate the work ofcommunity groups andpublic and private sectorbodies which arecontributing to makingMerseyside a greener placeto live in.
If you are involved inprojects helping with thesustainable developmentof Merseyside, then wewant to hear from you.
ECHO editor AlistairMachray said: “We wantyou to honour the peopleand organisations whohave helped to makeMerseyside a greener placeto live in. It does not matterhow big or small. Every
little bit helps and we wantto hear all about it.”
The awards are free toenter and are in twocategories: private andpublic sector; andcommunity.
Categories includestart-up environmentalaward; innovation andtechnology award andpersonal achievementaward for the public andprivate sectors, andneighbourhoodimprovement; andenvironmental championin the community awards.
Entries must relate tothe period January 2010 toMarch 2011. Nominationsmust have a Merseysideaddress. Closing date forentries is March 18. Visitwww.liverpoolecho.co.uk/environmentawards forentry forms.
Sustainabilityaward
CLEAN-UP: We all need to do our bit to help
● THIS awardrecognises anorganisation thatcan demonstratethat it operatesresponsiblytowards theenvironment, thecommunity, itsemployees and itsstakeholders.
Perhaps youhave recentlyadopted an ethical
business modelthat you can showis having a positiveimpact on yourbusiness and thecommunity or theenvironment.
As ever, yourefforts mustexceed the legalobligations andmust proveinspirational toother businesses.
● ARE you marked out by excellencein sustainability? Have you thought upinspiring ways of doing things?
This award is for organisations,including companies, local authoritiesand primary care trusts, that lead theway in sustainability. Applicantsshould be able to demonstrate theimplementation of excellentsustainability practices that are goodfor business, good for the economyand good for the environment.
They may have adopted leadinggreen procurement procedures orschemes to encourage employees toembrace sustainable living.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 NEWS 7★★★★
MONEYMATTERS
with NICKY BURRIDGE,personal finance correspondent
Advertising Feature
Follow in the heavyfootsteps of a knight
TODAY Valletta, Malta’scommercial andfinancial centre, is aUNESCO World Heritagesite.
It is nothing short of anopen-air museum, with Baroquearchitecture, that over the yearshas welcomed emperors, headsof state, artists and poets.
However, until the Knights ofSt John arrived in Malta in the16th century, only a small watchtower was to be found on thestrip of land that lies betweentwo naturalharbours whereValletta nowstands.
Grand MasterLa Valette of theKnights of StJohn, the hero ofthe Great Siegeof 1565, realised if the Order wasto maintain its hold on Malta, ithad to provide adequatedefences. And so he drew up aplan for a fortress city to bebuilt where nothing but thesmall watch tower stood.
The new city was to be calledValletta, in honour of the manwho envisioned it.
As Valletta grew, people fromall parts of the island flocked tolive within its fortifications, andin the ensuing years, theaustere style of the originalstructures gave way to the morelavish palaces and churcheswith their graceful facades andrich sculptural motifs.
Today Valletta is one ofMalta’s main tourist attractions.You’ll find the majestic StJohn’s Co-Cathedral, theimposing bastions and a
treasure of priceless paintings,such as Caravaggio’s TheBeheading of St John (1608). Youcan see theatre in English, hearconcerts by leading operasingers; and on April 29-30 youcan see the ninth edition ofthe Malta InternationalFireworks Festival.
Malta’s Grand Harbour isoften described as the mostbeautiful in the Mediterranean,so no matter what the time ofyear, with or without fireworks,sit down and marvel at the view
from one of themany bars andrestaurantsscattered aroundthe streets builtfor a knight’sheavy tread.
In Valletta,there is as much
to see as both the eye andimagination can take in.
Try heading down to thewaterfront when the sun goesdown; you’ll find warehousesand facades by the Cruise ShipTerminals that have beenartfully renovated and are nowhome to fashionable bars,restaurants, clubs and shops,with large outdoor seating areasfacing onto the harbour for anight-time ambience to matchthe day’s glory. And of coursebustling Sliema is a short rideaway.
A unique history; stunningarchitecture; layers of culture;eye-watering views; monthlytemperatures ranging from15ºC to 31ºC, and all in thesmallest capital in the EU,where it’s easy and stress-freeto get around.
Malta
FOR your holiday to Maltalog on to:www.chevron.co.ukwww.mercury-direct.co.ukwww.maltadirect.com
SHIPPING FIRM’SGREEN GRANTSSHIPPING giantWallenius WilhelmsenLogistics (WWL),which has a big base inLiverpool, will award$100,000 in greentechnology grants thisyear.
WWL wants tominimise itsenvironmental impactat Liverpool, where ithas terminal andprocessing facilitiesand other ports.
The Orcelle Grantsscheme is aimed atentrepreneursworking on zero-emissions technologiesfor shipping and portlogistics.
WWL has alsoexpanded theeligibility criteria forthe awards to includealternative energysources and energy-efficient technologiesfor commercialshipping operations.
TOURISTSGIVEBEATLESBOOSTALBERT Dock tourist attractionThe Beatles Story is generatinghundreds of thousands of poundsfor the city’s overseas visitorincome in a carefully targetedmarketing drive.
The venture, owned bytransport authority Merseytravel,has announced the loan of itsBeatles Hidden Gallery exhibitionto the Beatlemania exhibition inthe Czech Republic.
It is part of an internationaldrive to raise awareness andvisitor numbers, which includeslinks with US tourism agencies,
travel operators and the training ofChinese tour guides in Shanghaias part of the city’s World Expoinitiative last year.
And Beatles Story said it isachieving impressive results.
After original Beatles drummerPete Best and his band officiallyopened Beatlemania more than 600
AlbertDockattraction’svisitor drive
byNEIL HODGSONIndustry Reporter
extra visitors from the CzechRepublic made the trip toLiverpool.
Involvement in a US LennonSeason reversed a downward trendin visitors from America, and amarketing drive with touroperators has resulted in fourmajor firms adding Liverpool totheir offering, with Globusbooking 40 groups in for the 2011season.
Beatles Story also recorded a60% rise in Chinese visitors lastyear, and latest figures show thatin January more than 600 Chinesetourists visited the attraction.
More promotional events areplanned for the USA later thisyear.
THE Governmentruns the risk offacing a pensionsmis-selling scandalif it fails tooverhaul the statepension alongsideits auto-enrolmentreforms, a pensionsgroup has warned.
The NationalAssociation ofPension Funds saidthere was a clearrisk under theproposed systemthat workers whowere automaticallyenrolled into theircompany pensionscheme could missout on means-testedbenefits as a resultof saving towardstheir retirement.
It is calling onthe Government toavoid the problemby simplifying thebasic state pension,so that it payseveryone around£140 a week, toremove the need formeans-testing.
From 2012, allworkers will beginto be automaticallyenrolled into theircompany pensionscheme, althoughthey will retain theright to opt out.
Individuals willcontribute 4% oftheir pay, with theircompany paying in3% and theGovernmenttopping this up with1%.If employers do
not have their ownpension scheme,people will beenrolled into theNationalEmploymentSavings Trust orNest.
But NAPFchairman LindsayTomlinson said:“Unless it tacklesthe means-testingtrap, theGovernment faces amajor mis-sellingscandal.
“This willmaterialise a fewyears down thetrack, when a largenumber of peoplediscover that beingauto-enrolled intoNest has merelyresulted in areduction inmeans-testedbenefits they wouldhave received ifthey had opted out.This is potentially abig problem that weare storing up.
“The desperatelyneededsimplification ofpensions has tostart with the statepension.”
LIFE’S FAB: Beatles Story boss Jerry Goldman
NEWS Wednesday, February 16, 20118 ★★★★
BUSINESS
GLOBALAIMFORNEWNETWORK
Women’sOrganisationoffers cashaid
Alexanderonamission forentrepreneurs
YOUNG ENTERPRISE: Alexander Jarvis, founder of Liverpool’s new networking organisation, Entrepreneur Club UK
YOUNG entrepreneur AlexanderJarvis leads by example.
Wirral-born Alexander, 19,founder of new networking groupEntrepreneur Club UK, ran achocolate retailing business atWoodchurch High School whichby his final year involved 15helpers – including two who nowwork on his accounts and website– and a van.
He also flew to a German paintmanufacturer on his owninitiative, aged 16, to strike asupply deal for his father’sasbestos treatment firm, cuttingout the Midlands-based middleman in the process.
Even at such an early stage in
his working life, he demonstratedthe traits of entrepreneurialtalent that saw him enrol twoyears ago in one of the first PeterJones Enterprise Academies.
The Dragons’ Den BBC TV starhad endorsed a London and aManchester venture, which nowextends to eight around the UK.
Alexander, was one of 44 youngpeople on the first programme,and said: “You can imagine thetestosterone and the ideasflowing.
“I am dyslexic and can’t thinkthe way other people do, so it wasgreat to be in that situation.”
He left with a diploma inenterprise and entrepreneurshipand seven months ago establishedhis networking venture, based inExchange Flags’ Horton House,which already boasts 93 businessand 75 individual members inLiverpool and Chester.
Revenues are derived frommembership fees ranging from£175 to £2,000, as well as adverts.
Alexander focuses on youngbusinesses and decision makerswhich he acknowledges, as a “newkid on the block”, could conflictwith Frank McKenna’sDowntown Liverpool in Business(DLiB) organisation. But he adds:“I’ve been a member of DLiB sinceI was 16 with my dad’s company. I
like what Frank does.”He describes his network as
“similar to the Chamber ofCommerce but privatised. Allprivate sector, no public sector orcharities.”
He added: “We want people whomake decisions, not people whothink ‘he’s a 19-year-old anddoesn’t know what he is doing’.”
Alexander, who is beingmentored by businessman andLib Dem councillor Gary Millar,said his immediate ambition is toextend the model across the northwest, with the aid of sponsorshipdeals. He is currently in talks withfood giant Kellogg’s.
Then he will look further afield:“I want to open up anEntrepreneur Club in Shanghaiand am talking with the LiverpoolChinese Business Association.”
A SUPPORT body forfemale entrepreneurs isoffering a £200 cash boostto help them set up inbusiness.
The Women’sOrganisation, formerlyTrain 2000, will make thepayment to women inLiverpool and Knowsleywhen they set up inbusiness.
The money can beused towards any start-upcosts, from marketingthrough to businessstationery.
Jackie Williams,enterprise director forthe group, said: “We aredelighted to be able tooffer the women ofLiverpool and Knowsleythis start-up grant.
“It will be extremelyhelpful to them in theinitial stages of businessstart-up when there areoften costs incurred.”
Apart from the £200grant, women will also beable to access a range offree services through TheWomen’s Organisation,such as one-to-onebusiness advice and a
variety of business-relatedcourses.
Business advisers canalso help women findfurther funding for theiryoung companies.
The initiative comes asThe Women’sOrganisation relocates toits new state-of-the-artcentre in the city’s BalticTriangle area.
It will provide supportfor women’s start-upbusinesses and small andmedium-sizedenterprises, includingincubation units for newand high growth venturesand an internationalresearch centre studyingwomen’s enterprise andwider economicdevelopment issues.
byNEIL HODGSONIndustry Reporter
Business to BusinessIndustrial Property
UNITS TO LET Bootle Area5,000−15,000 sqft. Flexibleterms 0151 486 0004
CommercialPremises
INDUSTRIAL UNITS To Let.South L’pool 500 to 4000 sqft,monthly tenancy, competitiverents. From £50pw Tel: 0151427 5051
LARGE SHOP & Office Pre-mises & smal l warehouse,kitchen, toilet etc. Secure yardpark ing, main rd Maghul l01695 423489
L13 Workshop & Yard to let.Various uses, all utilities £90pw0151 259 2729 or 07719352556
STORAGE TO LET 125 sqft£26.56pw 520 sqft £60pw0151 223 0036
WELLINGTON RD L15 Varietyof Industrial units available now0151 227 2875
L O W C O S T S T O R A G E130sqft, £50pm 0151 2634230 www.lockupgarages.net
L21 & L9 OFFICES/SHOPSand unit to let. More details07711 819835
L21, L4 Secure Units/offices fr£40pw 0792O 461551
MAGHULL Office space to rent.Negotiable. 07710 431718
SHOPS TO LET Very secure,elec shutters 07785 562496
Business For Sale
D E L I / S A N D W I C H B A RGeneral store & outside cater-ing business. Well est. L14 areaprominent main rd position£15,000 o.n.o. 07753 411916
N E W S A G E N T S &SANDWICH BAR Crosby. Busym a i n r d . L e a s e f o r s a l e£15,000. Tel: 07917 890807
BARBER SHOP good takings& opportunity. 07780 795649
HAIRDRESSERS Bootle, wellestablished 07540 261777
Business For Rent
OFF LICENCE double shop nrLFC £200pw 07575 712609
BusinessOpportunities
TAKEAWAY BUSINESS TOLET Prime location, St JohnsRd, L22. Recently refurbishedthroughout. All new equipmentinc Range, Pizza Oven, KebabCooker etc. Ingoing £2,000.Rent £250 per week Call: 01519209999/ 07900424441
2X BARBERS SHOPS TOLET Prime locations in Crosby/W a t e r l o o . E q u i p p e d w i t hbarbers chairs/ Mirrors/ Sta-tions etc. Rent £650pcmCall: 0151 920 9999 or 07900424 441
LATE NIGHT OFF LICENCETo let. Prime location, SouthRoad, L22. Requires fit−out.Alcohol trading times 10am−12midnight Call: 0151 9209999/07900424441
Taxis/Cab & Plate
DAVY LIVER TAXIS Requiremore full/part time private hireowner drivers. Company carsstill available Call Alan 0151708 7080 or 07795 417333
NEW E7 Liverpool cab & plate£270pw, 8K dep. Call Taxifixfor details. 0151 482 5101.Business users only
PRIVATE HIRE Drivers req’d,busy system, cheap weekly in-surance 0151 260 1010LIVERPOOL DAY/NIGHTCollars available 0151922 3626/ 07753 814014
FOR SALE City Cab & Plate,TX1, 12 months pass. Offers07544 855669
LPOOL CAB & PLATE for sale06 Reg Blue colour coded bestoffers 07973 977141
L I V E R P O O L C A B S &PLATES for sale 0151 9223626/ 07753 814014
BLUE LINE TAXISNew driverswanted urgently. Earn £500 −£800pw. Tel 0151 709 0101
51 CAB & City plate. 12mpass. Offers. 07725 720601
Tel 0151 546 5577Fax 0151 546 5588ACCREDITED WITHBS7412 & BS7950
KITCHEN & BEDROOMFITTINGS from a hinge to a fullkitchen/bedroom. 3D plans nowavailable. Showroom & TradeCounter at 3 Rockley Street,Kirkdale, L4 0151−207 0008.www.brosna.co.uk
TILE TRADE big discounts forregulars, 10ltr adhesive £6.99Homeright/ Proti le (BehindTaskers Aintree) 286 8286
BUSINESS TOBUSINESS
A-K TEL: 0151 472 2746L-Z TEL: 0151 472 2573
Appears everyday in your
BROUGHT TO YOU BY: TRINITY MIRROR NORTH WEST AND NORTH WALESIN CONJUNCTION WITH: OMEGA HOLIDAYS. ABTA V4782.SINGLE SUPPLEMENT APPLIES. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
from£219.95ppfor 3 days
For further information and a FREE brochure call:
0151 227 5987To make a booking call:
01524 511780OPENING TIMES: MON-FRI 8.30-19.30 SAT 8.45-15.30 SUN 10.00-15.00or visit: www.liverpool.reader.travel
readertravelholidays.com
Edinburgh TattooDeparting 5 August 2011
• A ticket with a face value of £35 for a 7.30pmSaturday evening performance of the2011 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.(Ticket upgrades are available at a supplement)
• 2 nights stay at the 3 star Holiday Inn hotel,Glasgow Airport
• Dinner on the Friday evening and full Scottish breakfaston the Saturday and Sunday mornings
• Free time in Edinburgh• Return coach travel from Liverpool, Southportand Birkenhead
