That’s Show Business

Islandusiness

October

2011

Company Profile Cheetah Marine

Spotlight Design, Print, Photography

The Interview Belinda Walters

President’s Foreword

In this Issue...

October 2011 01

02 News Our round of business news

07 Business Awards The Chamber Awards for Excellence

09 Experts View From AFX

11 The Interview Barbara Walters of the CLA

23Chamber News Events, New Members and Member’s View

28And Finally News you may have missed and our Guest Column

12 Company Profile Cheetah Marine

16 Feature That’s Show Business

20 Spotlight Design, Print, Photography

Island Business Magazine Published by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry

Editor Kevin Wilson kevin.wilson@iwchamber.co.uk

Managing Editor Zoe Stroud zoe.stroud@iwchamber.co.uk

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Island Business magazine the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or up to date. The publisher and it’s employees and contractors have used to their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication but make no warranty of any kind, expressed

or implied, with regard to the information supplied. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent those of the IW Chamber of Commerce. The IW Chamber of Commerce and it’s employees and contractors shall not be liable in the vent of incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of, the providing of the information offered here.

Certified as FSC mixed sources - ideal when an environmentally friendly paper is required.

Island Business magazine is printed by Crossprint, an ISO 9001 registered printer based on the Isle of Wight.

Design Aaron Rudd Creative www.aaronrudd.co.uk

Advertising Sales Mary Colis islandbusinessmagazine@gmail.com

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport Isle of Wight, PO30 2AA

Tel. 01983 520 777 chamber@iwchamber.co.uk

I ’ve been caught (metaphorically) short this month – I just missed the deadline for submitting my foreword for this October edition and am now

scrabbling to put something together that makes sense!

The Bestival marked, for many, the end of the ‘summer’ season on the Island and it is noticeable how the pace of life has dropped down a notch or two in recent weeks. At the same time, the days are getting shorter and the weather is much more variable. However, this does make the Island very attractive to visitors who enjoy the quieter aspect of life here and extending the traditional season to promoting us as a year-round destination seems to have been pretty successful.

The Island Core Strategy is up for public examination by the Planning Inspector and the outcome of this will be eagerly anticipated. I know from my experience of sitting on many different committees and bodies (probably too many!!) that there is a complete range of opinions about the future development of our island. These can range from blatant ‘nimbyism’ to those who would be happy to see the population / housing / traffic etc. increase to levels that would not have been previously considered. I know that, somewhere in between those extreme views, there is a middle way which offers sustainable development with enough jobs

for our population and, just as importantly, the services and infrastructure to support everything. Whether our future is tourism / industry / Eco-Island / the grey pound or anything else, it is (in my humble opinion) vital that we don’t kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

Following on from the AGM, I will be continuing in my role as President for a further year, before handing over to the current Vice President. I feel passionately that new people bring new energy and ideas, and I hope that our Chamber will continue to attract younger entrepreneurs to get involved, and strengthen what is already one of the foremost Chambers of Commerce in the country.

Traditionally, I always try and end with a report on the home front, so very briefly – Mrs.P has weathered the first six months in her tea room and loves being in business, the classic ‘bike racing has been sparse but enjoyable, boating and fishing have been practically non-existent, dogs are lovable but drive us mad!

Until the next time (which I will properly prepare for!) take care of yourselves and those around you.

Steve PorterPRESIDENT, ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOURISM AND INDUSTRy

02 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

NEWS

October 2011 03

NEWS

A unique drilling rig based on deep sea oil technology is now being used to deliver geothermal energy to the Island

cost of £1.4 million, creating 30 new walk ashore berths for residents, and 50 for visitors, but maintaining the total number of berths at around 500.

Future phases include removing the current crane and building a new one, with other work, to create a bigger boat storage area, then installing more walk ashore pontoon berths.

Chris said the harbour attracts 18,000 overnight boat visitors a year, and 5,000 day visit boats. It also owns the ferry facilities

used by Wightlink, which generates £800,000 a year in income based on a percentage fee per car and passenger.

“As a Trust port, we are required to be commercial, and to do so by involving the community,” Chris said. “Our customers wanted the walk ashore facilities, and despite the investment, we only put

our prices up in January by less than the Retail Price Index. Our strategic aim is to operate in a way that reduces our reliance on income from the car ferry.

“The main concern locally was that we were changing the character of the harbour, but since we have completed the work, we have had great feedback.

For more information, including a report of the yarmouth Coastal Defence Working Group, go to www.yarmouth-harbour.co.uk

Sea levels are predicted to rise by around one metre by the end of this century, and if nothing is done, the harbour will be submerged, and

yarmouth will become an island.

The cost of bolstering the harbour breakwater alone is estimated at £5 million – at today’s prices. And that is without the cost of higher quay walls, ferry terminal and pier.

Harbour Chief Executive and Harbour Master Chris Lisher says most scientists agree that sea levels will rise, and some are predicting more than a metre. Best estimates in the shorter term are that levels will rise by around 30 cms by 2050.

“We are a Trust port,” he said, “but we have to stand on our own two feet, re-investing profit into improvements. Our aim is to make this harbour the top yachting destination on the south coast.

“The Government does not give us any money, and so if we want support to improve our flood defences, we will have to bid for it.”

The problem may seem a long way away, but the Harbour Commission is working with others on the yarmouth Coastal Defence Working Group to prepare for the worst.

Meanwhile, it has just completed the first phase of its development programme at a

imPressive Lottery numbersThe Isle of Wight Lottery continues to make a difference to the local economy.Latest figures show that more than 1,400 people have won cash totalling £1.3 million since the Lottery was launched around 10 years ago.

And 65 interest free loans worth almost £450,000 have been awarded to Island businesses to help them establish or develop.

This support to businesses has created more than 900 jobs, and another 160 have been safeguarded through the Lottery’s start up business courses.

Meanwhile, new subscribers are signing up to the Lottery after a series of special promotions, and organisers are promising some extra prizes in the run up to Christmas.

For more news and to sign up, go to www.isleofwightlottery.com

Harbour’s sink or swim challengeyarmouth Harbour’s £2.5 million development is in full swing – but there is a much bigger challenge on the horizon.

Chris Lisher at Yarmouth Harbour

Steve McLoughlin, of Core Resource, said: “We drilled through a layer of flint rock without even knowing it was there. It really is a phenomenal machine, and we have also used it at Newclose Cricket Ground, where we are discussing a ground source heat pump installation.

“We believe that as the cost of energy keeps going up, the Island is well placed to take advantage of the heat that is being produced under the ground. We estimate that around 8,000 houses on the Isle of Wight are not connected to a gas supply, which means they are at the moment dependent upon very expensive energy.”

Core Resource, based at Westridge Business Park, Ryde, launched its services to the business community last month, and says the response is encouraging.

“It’s a relatively new thing, and we were keen to be the first, so we accept that it will take some time for everyone to realise the potential.

“We can hire the drill to heat pump installers, or we can be the lead contractor,” Steve said. “It makes sense for housing communities, or businesses on an industrial park, to make a collective agreement for an installation. We are working with a group of people who live on a single street in Wootton, for example.”

For more information, go to www.coresource.co.uk

driLL couLd be the hoLe soLution

A new company – Core Resource – acquired the drill from Canada and claim it is the world’s best, capable of drilling quicker through any terrain.

The drill was tested on land above the Undercliffe at Niton, where it produced a core sample 95 metres long which is being analysed by the British Geological Survey before a decision is made on the work necessary to stabilise the land there.

Lars Lippuner, Jon Ely, Dr Paola Tinti and Daryl Pride

make a wiLL serviceThe Earl Mountbatten Hospice has arranged with a panel of Island solicitors to waive £100 of their usual fees for making a will during October. To take advantage of the offer, all you have to do is to make a donation of £50 to the Hospice for a single will.

It is much easier and straightforward for a family to deal with a person’s estate if they have left a will and the person’s wishes are set out clearly and simply. If you die without a will then it can be a long, drawn out affair which can be hard to cope with, at a time when relatives are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one.

A valid, up to date will is the best way to make sure that your wishes are carried out after your death, and to ensure that the money you’ve worked hard for all your life actually goes to the people you choose.

To find out more contact Hospice Fundraising on 528989.

UKSA looks to expandUKSA is aiming to double the number of disadvantaged young people it works with over the next four years.And the organisation, which supported more than 7,000 in 2010, has marked its 25th anniversary by announcing the structural changes it needs to achieve the target.

Sales Director Daryl Pride has been appointed Development Director in charge of growth through careers training, marketing and fund-raising, and Operations Director Ben Willows becomes Chief Operating Officer.

Former training manager Lars Lippuner has been appointed Marketing Manager, and will

oversee product development as the charity looks to introduce new and improved training programmes, educational courses and early intervention programmes for disadvantaged young people.

Dr Paola Tinti has also joined UKSA from the Oxford Centre for Buddhist Studies as fund-raising co-ordinator.

Chief Executive, Jon Ely said: “UKSA needs to have the right infrastructure in place to be able to meet the demand for vocational training and learning environments that will help jobless and disadvantaged young people into work and careers.”

Free forumsWeb design and online business development company we3create is hosting free search engine optimisation (SEO) forums for members of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.

They are to be held on 19 and 26 October, and 2 November at the Meeting Room, Innovation Centre, St Cross Business Park, Newport.

The forums aim to give an introduction to SEO best practice for websites, social media marketing, and online advertising. www.we3create.com

NEWS

04 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight October 2011 05

NEWS

The company recently moved into bigger premises in Sandown, and has won contracts with Good Energy and the Met Office, for private label clothing, among others.

The contracts have created three new jobs: an apprenticeship in customer service for Luke Davis; the post of Bespoke and Custom Clothing Manager for Jack Elton-Walters; and a position in PR for Emma Harris.

Jack, who was a previously unemployed graduate, had been considering leaving the Island. He said: “I graduated this year from Reading with a 2:1 in Geography, a degree that heightened my environmental concerns. I thought I’d be unable to find a full-time job on the Island, so was looking at leaving at the end of the summer to seek ‘graduate level’ employment elsewhere in the UK.

Grow Wight

GoWight has passed the magic 1,000 mark!

The site – a showcase for the Island – now has more than 1,000 listings, including accommodation,

attractions, food and drink, shopping, and events … and it is growing every day.

Visitors can also use a new download area, giving access to the Accommodation Guide, Summer and Winter pocket guides, maps of the Isle of Wight, and timetables for travelling to and from the Isle of Wight.

There will shortly be the facility to add favourite accommodations, attractions, events to visitors’ own personal area which will be secured with a login and password. Potential visitors can then return at any time to their itinerary/shortlist, make changes, and either print off the details or save them for the future.

For more information go to www.gowight.com

new Pension ruLes exPLainedThe impact of new legislation on pensions will be explained at a free event for Island businesses next month.

The changes to pension regulations will affect every employer in the UK, and come into effect in a year’s time.

The Pension Act 2008 introduces the requirement for Automatic Enrolment, which takes effect from October next year.

Steve Oxenham, Managing Director of the Cowes-based Auto-Enrolment solutions firm, (AE)IOW, said the changes will affect any business that employs staff, even if it is just one person.

‘The employer duties associated with this new law will be complicated, time consuming and potentially costly, and are likely to be a major challenge, particularly for small and medium sized businesses,” he said.

(AE)IOW are hosting a free working lunch event at the Cowes yacht Haven on Wednesday 30 November. For an invitation call 01983 210046.

jamie takes FLyteA £30,000 barn conversion at Rookley could be the first step towards the creation of a mini-Pinewood Studios for the Island.

Jamie Griffin, head of Flyte Creative Media and Studios, opened the new studio after years of working from home at Brighstone, and said he wanted it to become the UK’s studio of choice.

“It started when I was doing recording for bands, and then they started wanting video, too. We can do anything and everything here,” he said. “We have rehearsal space and recording for bands; photography, film, audio, and web design.”

Flyte’s varied workload includes corporate videos for Stella Artois, live sound for a Chesney Hawkes concert, a viral ad for Star Wars movies coming out on Blu-ray, and audio for a children’s story.

Jamie said he chose Rookley after running the Flyte Big Weekend music event at the nearby Chequers Inn. “I discovered there was an unused barn, and it all fell into place,” he said. “It’s the perfect place to be creative.”

Keeping talent on the IslandThe continued growth of eco clothing company Rapanui has created Island jobs for new graduates.

“Since starting at Rapanui, I have worked with several Island businesses, most notably The West Bay Club, yarmouth; Dan’s Kitchen, St Helens; Cater Wight, Sandown; The Garlic Farm, Newchurch. As well as these, I have been working with non-Isle of Wight based companies, such as Bestival, Environ and The Marine Conservation Society.”

Luke said: “I was unemployed for just under eight months when the opportunity to work for Rapanui arose. It was a lifeline, as mainland work was starting to look like my only option.

It’s great working for a company that has such great prospects. I hope this apprenticeship is only the start for me here.”

Emma graduated with a 2:1 in Fashion Promotion, and was planning to seek work in London because the prospects on the Island were limited.

She said: “I joined Rapanui as an intern and over the last few months have been given increasing responsibilities, and taken on an in house PR role. I have had several articles published online and recently been asked to pen a piece for The Independent.

“Rapanui has been a great opportunity for me and is a brand I really believe in. I hope my career will continue to grow alongside the company.”

Michelle Warner, Sales and Marketing Director of Cowes Week, said: “We were delighted to work closely with our new title sponsor, Aberdeen Asset Management, on what proved to be a vintage Cowes Week.

“This year’s event will be remembered as one of the liveliest and most spectacular regattas of recent years, blessed by superb racing conditions which provided some great spectating. The highlights ashore included the Red Arrows, the event’s first-ever Family Day, Ladies Day, the world’s first Sail-In Cinema courtesy of Talisker, and of course the traditional fireworks display.

“We saw thousands of people travelling to Cowes from across the Island and the mainland to enjoy the event’s special festival atmosphere.

“And, as part of the Family Day celebrations, we provided Island visitor attractions with a free opportunity to use the Day as a platform to promote their attraction on Cowes Parade, and encourage visitors to Cowes Week back to visit them at another time.

“A small number took advantage of the offer, and we are hoping that more businesses will be interested in the offer next year. We would certainly like to hear from any Island business that would like to take the opportunity.”

Rod Ainge Chairman of Cowes Business Association & owner of Eegons of Cowes, in the High Street, said local businesses felt that this year’s event was ‘a huge leap forward’.

He said the sponsorship by Aberdeen Asset Management was a great package, and that event organisers had worked hard to keep local businesses and organisations informed and informed.

Rod said: “The event is vital to the town and to the Island economy. Through Cowes Week, Cowes is kept constantly in the world’s shop window, and it is essential the whole Island stays focused on the many benefits it brings to us all.”

Picture Credit: Rick Tomlinson/Cowes Week Limited

882BOATS ENTERED

100,000OVER

VISITORS

8,000COMPETITORS

Cowes Week call to get on boardCowes Week organisers and local businesses say they are pleased with the success of this year’s event – and called on more Island businesses to get involved.

cow

es w

eek

2011

in n

umbe

rs

06 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

SALES SUPPORT SERVICE

TOUCH SCREEN EPOS SOLUTIONSFOR YOUR BUSINESS

A Panasonic EPOS Systems Provider

t: 01983 533888e: sales@wrssystems.co.ukw: www.wrssystems.co.uk

Contact us for a free consultation

WRS Systems provide innovative and cost effectiveEPOS systems tailored to meet your own requirements.

• Integrated Web Store EPOS Solutions• Real Time Stock and Sales Information• Multi Site Control• Seven Day a Week Support• Integrated Chip and Pin

Crossprint advert

Business Awards for ExcellenceFriday 25 November 2011

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Presents Sponsored by:

7.00pm - 12.30am // Cowes Yacht Haven

4 Course Gourmet Meal // Includes Table Wine

Top Class Entertainment

Dress: Black Tie

Tickets: £55 + VAT each

£500 + VAT per table of 10

Call now to book your tickets on 01983 520777

or email us chamber@iwchamber.co.uk

08 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

NEWS NEWS

October 2011 09

Award winningLocal legal company Glanvilles have been awarded the Law Society’s new international practice management standard, Lexcel.

As well as acting as a seal of approval on the company’s professional standards, Lexcel also helps provide a framework within which to further increase efficiency.

Glanvilles CEO, Jeremy Weeks, said: “To achieve the award has taken a considerable amount of time and commitment from us all. We aim to pass on the benefits of our success to our individual and business clients.”

The firm has also become one of the first in the country to gain membership of the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS).

For more information, send a message to j.weeks@glanvilles.co.uk.

reguLation changesTwo changes to the law that have an impact on businesses took effect from 1 October.

The National Minimum Wage rates increased as follows:

• The main rate for workers aged 21 and over went up to £6.08

• The 18 to 20 rate increased to £4.98

• The 16 to 17 rate for workers above school leaving age but under 18 increased to £3.68

• The apprentice rate, for apprentices under 19 or 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship went up to £2.60

At the same time, the Agency Workers Regulations came into force, giving agency workers the entitlement to the same basic employment and working conditions as if they had been recruited directly, when they complete a qualifying period of 12 weeks in the same job.

Nigel and Jane Bennett pictured at Furrlongs in Newport – one of the few Island roads to be resurfaced using their company’s road waste polymer.

river imProvementsWork is continuing on the Medina river enhancement scheme, with the action concentrated around St George’s Approach, close to the St George’s Way roundabout in Newport.

The project includes protecting a submerged archaeological feature and improving the river and bankside near the biggest weir on the river close to Matalan.

Work completed so far includes the addition of riverside plants to provide habitat diversity, refuge and food for a variety of species, and to protect against the erosion of the river’s banks.

The project is being delivered by Natural Enterprise through funding secured from SITA Trust, and is supported by Newport Parish Council, Barratt Homes and the Environment Agency.

Professor Gioia Pescetto (pictured) has taken the helm as the new Dean of Portsmouth Business School. She worked as an economist at San Paolo Bank in London, and has taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in economics and finance.

Professor Pescetto said: “I look forward to continuing to progress the university’s strong record of business education and research. By extending our collaboration with business and academic partners, and with the wider community, I believe we are best placed to turn challenges into opportunities.

“I am committed to developing graduates who can operate in the increasingly complex world of business. We will work with companies to develop graduates who are responsible and global citizens, and who aspire to create real and lasting social value.”

Professor Pescetto joins the Business School from Canterbury Christ Church University where she was Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management.

New head at business school

An aggregates business with more than 60 years under its belt has launched a new product it believes could be the answer to the Island’s Roads PFI prayers.H J Bennett, based in Bembridge, is marketing a polymer which will enable road foundations to be recycled and laid back as a base for new roads.

The new product, Eco-Base, avoids the need for expensive landfill, or transportation costs for treatment on the mainland, and it can also safely deal with the potentially hazardous coal tar waste that was used in the construction of miles of Island roads.

Nigel Bennett, who has run the family business since his father died in 1990, said the product could save £40 million on the PFI budget.

“It means there’s no need to import stone and aggregate from the mainland, and no need to dump waste aggregate into landfill, which is very expensive,” he said. “The product is environment friendly, and we can work with the PFI contractor to recycle all the road waste at our plant at St George’s Down Quarry, so it can be used again.”

Nigel said: “Island roads are very, very old,” he said. “The base structure has been there for a long time and that is the cause of many of the existing problems with the road surfaces.”

recycLedroads

Experts View: Useful Website AnalyticsThere are now many different ways to monitor how well your website is doing, but are they really any different from the old website counters? The monitors collect a lot of information, but do you benefit from it other than knowing how many times people have viewed your site?

If your car has a flat tyre, do you think changing its colour would help? What about replacing the exhaust? Many businesses unknowingly approach a website in this way. This way of thinking leads to unnecessary changes and dissatisfaction, but you can avoid this by better understanding website statistics.

aPPrentices: easy does itThe Government says it is making it easier for employers to take on large numbers of apprentices.

Firms that contract directly with the Government to train apprentices will benefit from simplified payment, reporting and assessment requirements. They will also receive better guidance to help them manage the recruitment, training and assessment of apprentices more efficiently and cost effectively.

Measures include:

• A pilot for over 20 large employers who have volunteered to trial “payment by outcomes” which will eliminate a number of data returns and audit requirements.

• Providing an online plain-English toolkit for employers that clearly explains the end-to-end processes employers need to undertake for apprenticeships.

• Streamlining contracting arrangements.

• A commitment to no “in year” changes to contracting arrangements.

• A more proportionate approach to audit and inspection - reducing preparation time for employers.

• Greater use of electronic information, thus reducing paperwork.

• A more streamlined certification process.

Collecting the right information means you will be able to make more informed choices. The following list is a good place to start:

• How many visitors do you have on a four weekly basis?

• How long on average does a user spend on your site?

• What percentage of your visitors leave your site without taking a look around?

• How many other websites link to you?

• Do you have clear goals and know how many are completed?

• What are the top search phrases that people find your site by?

• Where do visitors originate from?

The information suggested above will allow you to get an idea of how your site is performing. But you can delve deeper.

you could find out what pages are your most popular, and perhaps discover that a lot of your users are leaving at a specific page.

If you are not getting enough business from your site, consulting your website statistics will allow you to find that simple typo which has made your product more expensive - rather than changing that green you don’t like.

Anthony Luxton, CEO, AFX Design Ltd 0207 193 1064 www.afxdesign.com

The Interview:Getting to grips with the law of the landKEVIN WILSON MEETS BELINDA WALTERS

The Isle of Wight is famous for its landscape. But while the views may be beautiful, the outlook for landowners is not always so peaceful.Belinda Walters – the Island’s new Regional Director of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) – has been unearthing some of the issues that face the land owning community since she took up the post four months ago.

And, as a former commercial lawyer working for BskyB in London, she admits: “It has been quite a learning curve.”

She has certainly taken the reins at an interesting time. The Localism Bill is likely to become law within the next few months, and one of its central themes is giving communities the right to designate an area of land for community use.

Belinda, who lives in Brook, said: “Landowners are anxious about this, because many of them have given access to their land in past for many reasons … for example, the village cricket pitch; and the Localism Bill may well make them feel more constrained in the future.”

But that is by no means all. The National Planning Framework is being billed by some as paving the way for ‘concreting the countryside’.

Belinda believes it is by no means as clear cut as that. “The framework introduces a presumption in favour of development, but it needs to be economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. And, if that is the case, the CLA is very much in

favour. For too long, for example, farms all over the country have been trying to diversify but have been thwarted by planning regulations. We hope the framework might help to change this.

“It is interesting that the CLA covers such a wide range of activity, and I am really enjoying meeting new people, and getting to grips with some of the issues being faced here and on the mainland.

“Basically, we are here to protect the landowner’s interests in the face of Government and European legislation, including the Common Agricultural Policy reforms, and we do achieve some signifi cant wins on our members behalf.”

One recent example was the CLA’s pressure to postpone the requirement for licensing of all septic tanks, to allow time for more consultation.

It’s a long way away from her work as a commercial lawyer, but Belinda says the job has come at the right time.

“We moved here a number of years ago, and I now live and work in a rural area,” she said. “It is true that it is only by living and working in the countryside that you appreciate how diff erent it is from urban life, and I’d like to think my experience in both environments will be of use.

“There is certainly no shortage of issues to discuss. Farmers with sheep, for example, have to ship them to the mainland to be slaughtered, then ferry them back here for distribution to the local market.

“In addition, there is no incinerator here, so fallen stock also has to be ferried across to the mainland for disposal.”

For more information about the work of the Country Land and Business Association, go to www.cla.org.uk

October 2011 11

“It is true that it is only by living and working in the countryside

that you appreciate how diff erent it is from urban life...”

I n t e g r a t e d P u b l i s h i n g f o r t h e D i g i t a l A g e

Call TKZ Media to find out more 01983 245505

Solent Handbook & DirectoryThe No. 1 Handbook for sailors & boaters in the Solent

www.SolentHandbook.comIncorporating Cowes Online

The Solent’s authentic sailing news website

Cowes iZone Screens NetworkA unique opportunity to get your message in front of sailing’s elite

Large Screen Event AdvertisingFor ultimate impact, at the heart of the action, at major yachting events

MAKE A BIGGER SPLASHPowerful Media for the Solent & Marine Market

Pho

to: P

aul W

yeth

9958 - TKZ Banner A4.qxd:Layout 1 26/9/11 10:11 Page 1

It’s all a far cry from the early days.

Sean said: “The key was to get the twin hull design right. When we built our fi rst boat, we found it was a lot easier to launch than a wooden boat. Then we discovered that there was nothing quite like it in the market, and the word soon spread.

“Other working fi shermen came to look and wanted one of their own, and before long we were building boats on a farm above Ventnor.”

As business continued to grow, Cheetah Marine bought premises at Ventnor Industrial Estate, which are still used to produce the mouldings for the unique hull confi guration which Sean designed.

The problem in those days was that each boat then had to be transported to Cowes and back for sea trials and modifi cation, which was proving expensive and time consuming.

Now, the whole operation is back where it belongs – right next to the beach at Ventnor, where Cheetah Marine also manages Ventnor Haven, and runs leisure cruises.

Lucy Strevens studied ocean sciences and joined the company eight years ago, bringing with her experience of survey boats.

She said the range of uses for the boat was growing every year. “We have sold them to the fi shing industry, of course,” she said. “But they are also very popular with people living on small islands who need a boat that can stand up to the worst conditions.

“We recently sold one to Sierra Leone as a high speed taxi boat between the airport and the capital; to the police for use as a diving boat; the Environment Agency; and hydrographic survey boats for which we have designed a special fi n to ensure stability while measurements are being taken.

“I think that’s the beauty of it. We can truly say our boats are bespoke – one customer wanted one designed so he could drive his 4x4 straight onto the deck – and it’s exciting to see how popular they are becoming. We are

getting a lot of interest in Holland and Belgium, and the European business is certainly starting to build up.”

“Customer involvement is the key thing for us; from setting out the initial specifi cation, through to the fi t out stage. It is not unusual for our customers to visit half a dozen times during the build.”

Nadim Sadek is an example of the bespoke side of the business. He owns the island of Inishturkbeg, off the west coast of Ireland. He now owns two Cheetah Marine boats, the latest of which is an 11.2 metre vessel equipped with two 350hp engines, a fl y bridge, large cabin and protected aft deck.

Cheetah original 1: The launch of the original from

Shanklin in 1989. This was the prototype and the

mould was taken from this hull in 1990 after local

fi shermen expressed an interest.

Sean Strevens took time out from fi shing for crab and lobster to design and build a prototype catamaran that would be perfectly adapted to his working environment.

Twenty-two years later, Sean has little time for fi shing any more. He’s too busy building versions of the same boat for an increasingly enthusiastic queue of customers all over the UK and beyond.

With his wife Lucy, and father Keith, he’s still at Ventnor – the diff erence is that they now run Cheetah Marine from new premises at the harbour that cost more than £500,000.

Last year, the company built 28 boats, each costing between £20,000 and about £200,000.

One of their latest customers is disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE, who wanted a purpose built powerboat he could operate solely from his wheelchair. ‘Wetwheels’ is a nine metre Cheetah Catamaran with a side-opening door, a raised helming position and various wheelchair tie-down points, and state of the art Raymarine electronics.

Geoff said; “I’ve owned powerboats of various sizes for the past ten years. I still love sailing but if it’s one thing I’ve noticed in my 20 years involvement with disabled sailing, it’s the getting afl oat which gives the enjoyment, and sailing does not have exclusivity on that. There are countless opportunities for disabled people to go sailing, but very few to get out on a powerboat, have a whizz around the harbour or go to fi shing, and to come ashore dry without the normal rigmarole associated with the end of a sailing trip.”

Sean, Managing Director of Cheetah Marine, said: “We have built many wheelchair accessible Cheetahs but ‘Wetwheels’ is the largest we have designed to be driven by the wheelchair user.”

The Cat That Got The Cream

KEVIN WILSON FINDS THAT CHEETAH MARINE HAS COME A LONG WAY, WITHOuT MOVING FAR FROM HOME

COMPANY PROFILE COMPANY PROFILE

Continued on page 14

The basic idea was to design a fi shing boat that was light enough to push and pull up Ventnor Beach, strong enough to run ashore in high seas and at speed, and stable enough to cope with the lively seas out in the English Channel.

12 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight October 2011 17October 2011 13

Lucy and Sean Stravens

Cheetah original: The original Cheetah working

from the beach at Ventnor in 1991. This photo

demonstrates the boats capabilities to work from

the beach in a large swell

9m Belgium: A recent 9m Cheetah sent to a fi sherman in Belgium

The Cat That Got The Cream

COMPANY PROFILE

“ We can truly say our boats are bespoke – one customer wanted one designed so he could drive his 4x4 straight onto the deck – and it’s exciting to see how popular they are becoming.”

14 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight October 2011 15

Richard Watts

He said: “We needed a larger boat for longer journeys, bigger seas and voyages to more remote locations, with groups of up to 20 people. Now we’ve got a hull which eats up the harsh and choppy waters of the Atlantic on the West Coast of Ireland, giving great comfort and reassurance.”

The Strevens family believe that feeling of reassurance is vital to the success of Cheetah Marine.

As if sea trials in the English Channel were not enough, the company recently carried out a spectacular drop test to prove the vessel’s stability under full flood.

Almost five tonnes of water was dropped onto the smallest Cheetah in one deluge. The hull was forced down into the water, but the sealed buoyancy tanks pushed the boat back to the surface immediately, and all the water had drained away through the two aft scuppers in just over two minutes.

Sean’s original concept has certainly proved its stability.

cheetah marine in thirty seconds

• THE ORIGINAL 6.2M CHEETAH WAS DESIGNED, BuILT AND FISHED FROM THE BEACH AT VENTNOR BY SEAN STREVENS IN THE LATE 1980S.

• THE FIRST CHEETAH WENT INTO PRODuCTION IN 1991.

• MORE THAN 150 COMMERCIAL FISHING CHEETAHS ARE IN OPERATION IN THE uK.

• EACH CATAMARAN IS FITTED WITH SYMMETRICAL PLANING HuLLS.

• MORE THAN 45 VERSIONS OF THE 7.9 M CHEETAH HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND BuILT.

• A 10.2M CHEETAH WAS DELIVERED TO A CuSTOMER IN GERMANY IN A FIVE DAY VOYAGE, WITH AVERAGE FuEL CONSuMPTION OF 1.9 LITRES PER MILE.

• MORE THAN 300 CHEETAHS HAVE BEEN LAuNCHED – SO FAR...

Geothermal Drilling Specialists

Geothermal Boreholes Ground Source Heat Pump Installation Waterwell Borehole Installation Geological Surveys Piling

For further information please contact Core Resource 15 The Observatory Westridge Business Park Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1FX Tel: 01983 611732/611278 info@coresource.co.uk www.coresource.co.uk

www.cowesyachthaven.com

Vectis Yard, High Street, CowesIsle of Wight, United Kingdom, PO31 7BD

Tel: 01983 299975 Fax: 01983 200332Email: info@cowesyachthaven.com

Cowes Yacht Haven plays host to some of the most prestigious events in the boating calendar and our Events Centre now provides the ideal venue

for over 150 functions a year.

This unique and superb waterside location offers the flexibility to cater from 80 to 800 people, be it a seated corporate conference, concert,

or night of fun and entertainment.

The Events Centre can be partitioned and tailored to suit any occasion, ensuring even smaller affairs are still rich in atmosphere.

Offering a complete management service with full conference facilities and equipment, we’ve quickly gained a reputation for

exceeding expectations.

Call us today for a free tour and discover why.

The Events Venuewith a Difference

Scan for more information

16 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Event listings are full of performances of various kinds and for all tastes, and that’s not even taking into account the Festival and Bestival – two of the biggest and best live music events in the country.

Many of the Island’s attractions have also seen the potential of live performances to boost revenue, and this year has seen an even wider range of entertainment.

But, nationally, there are already signs that some of the smaller festivals are suff ering from falling income, and public sector spending cuts are making life even tougher for community theatres and other venues. So what’s happening behind the scenes on the Island?

Here, two big venues are already experiencing the eff ects of withdrawal of Council funding.

That’s Show Business KEVIN WILSON PuTS THE ISLAND’S

ENTERTAINMENTS SECTOR CENTRE STAGE

FEATuRE

From circuses to theatres, and pubs to palaces, the Isle of Wight is making a name as an entertainments hotspot.

October 2011 17

FEATuRE

“ The project has been a dream of mine since I fi rst came to the Island, and when the opportunity came, I just had to go for it.”

Robert Thompson

Ventnor Winter Gardens is now almost certain to be as a mixed facility, under the ownership of one of the most talented young chefs in the country, Robert Thompson.

With the backing of a mainland investor, and against a backdrop of local controversy, Robert is aiming to transform the venue at a cost of around £4 million, into a unique combination of entertainments, hotel, and two restaurants, one off ering fi ne dining.

But the delay in getting a fi nal delegated powers decision on the package he presented to the Council, means his hopes of opening up the auditorium and restaurants by next Summer now look like being dashed.

Robert said: “The project has been a dream of mine since I fi rst came to the Island, and when the opportunity came, I just had to go for it.

I know a minority of people are concerned about me being a young pushy chef, but all I want to do is to transform the Winter Gardens into a fantastic venue that can be enjoyed by local people as well as visitors.

“The plans include 28 hotel rooms, and two restaurants with a total of about 140 covers – one of which will be open all day. With those elements as part of the scheme, it means we can employ the top quality entertainments management staff we need to attract really good acts, which will in turn allow us the opportunity to provide space for amateur and community events, too.

“If I wanted just to make money, I’d be opening a restaurant in London and getting myself on television. But I’m here on the Island and want to build a long term relationship.

“One of my biggest issues with the Island is its seasonality, and I think Ventnor and the Island needs to off er more all year round. The Winter Gardens will be such a venue and I can’t wait to get started on it, but it obviously can’t survive on events alone.

“We have a long list of people on the Island who can see the potential and want to be involved. It will create around 40 jobs, and I would start tomorrow if I could. People need to understand that it has to be run on business lines, and the success of the business will support community use.

“I don’t think there will be anything like it in the UK – an entertainments venue with a Michelin star restaurant.”

The diffi cult balance between amateur and professional entertainment is also being played out at Shanklin Theatre.

Now being run by a trust, it employs just 3.5 people but relies on around 70 volunteers. One-off Council funding of £100,000 expires this year, and the theatre now has to stand on its own two feet.

Vic Farrow – who has years of experience, and a long list of contacts – has been drafted in as volunteer Bookings Manager to help the theatre attract the range of professional acts it needs to boost ticket sales. It was a challenge he was keen to accept.

“The theatre needed experience in getting the shows put on,” he said. “This is not something you can do by committee, and they have trusted me to get on with it. The hard part is off ering the variety of entertainment that will appeal to a broad range of people over a full year – something for everyone.”

The theatre has to earn around £100,000 a year to break even, but it’s not quite as simple as booking out the stage to famous names every night.

Vic, who is also Entertainments Secretary at Shanklin Conservative Club, said: “We are also a community facility, and we have to

achieve a balancing act to ensure that amateur companies can also be involved. The Island has probably the most talented amateur scene I have ever known, but the theatre has to pay its way, so the tension in my job comes from needing to generate income while still helping and encouraging amateur groups.”

At present, Shanklin Theatre estimates that between 15 and 20 per cent of its stage time is devoted to amateur productions.

“Every show we do is a gamble, I suppose,” said Vic. “But we are doing well, so far. The acid test comes at the end of the year when we get the full fi nancial picture.”

But the theatre is planning for the future, and will soon be installing new seating at a cost of around £90,000, which will increase capacity from 544 to 615. This in turn means the venue will be more likely to attract the bigger acts it needs, to generate the revenue it needs …

Meanwhile, in Newport, the Apollo Theatre is celebrating its 40th year as a ‘Little Theatre’ – basically, an amateur dramatic group that owns its own premises. The theatre has stuck to a formula of seven productions a year, and is entirely run by volunteers, but has recently opened up the stage for jazz nights as it too strives to generate revenue to maintain and improve the building and equipment, while also trying to cater for the demand in the amateur sector for stage time.

Many of the Island’s biggest attractions have also entered the entertainments sector, by organising or hosting events of their own. For example, Isle of Wight Steam Railway hosts several big events a year, and the Donkey Sanctuary is building up a following for its Faux Festival, which is made up of tribute bands.

Robert Thompson

Continued on page 18

Artist’s impression of the new Ventnor Winter Gardens

That’s Show Business

FEATuRE

18 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight October 2011 19

Osborne House, which is owned by English Heritage, is no exception. Its annual Last Night of the Osborne Proms draws the crowds, but many of the rooms at Queen Victoria’s former home can now be hired for wedding receptions, parties and celebrations, including the Victoria Hall and its Orangery, the stunning Indian-inspired Durbar Room, and the Duchess of Kent suite.

And in the summer, English Heritage says the grounds are the perfect setting for a range of events, including its own private beach.

For wedding receptions or other events, English Heritage even provides the services of a hospitality professional.

The Island is, of course, home to the iconic Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival, and unscientific research suggests that both these events are not only attracting new people to the Island, but they are also stimulating local talent of all kinds.

Chale Show installed a live music mini-arena this year, which provided another showcase for local bands, and many pubs around the Island now offer live music as a regular attraction.

Entertainment – whether amateur or professional - is an integral and important part of Island life, and it’s vital to the local economy, too.

w. www.we3create.com t. 01983 550 540

websites mobile websites e-commerce custom software online marketing branding social media search engine optimisation

Website need a push?

Lavish interiors fi lled with original artworks and antiques. Views over stunning terraces to the sea. Exclusive hire available 7 days a week for meetings, conferences, banqueting and balls starting at just £250 for a half day.

Special packages from November – January when Osborne House is festively decorated.

• Private guided tours with champagne & canapés from £32 per person

• Atmospheric three course Christmas celebration dinners from £55 per person

Contact us for details:Osborne House & GardensEast Cowes, Isle of Wight PO32 6JX

Tel: 01983 203055www.english-heritage.org.uk/hospitality

IMPRESS YOUR GUESTSWITH BUSINESS EVENTS AT QUEEN VICTORIA’S EXQUISITE ISLAND HOME

0000_EH_Island-Business-Ad_130x180_v6.indd 1 21/09/2011 14:42

“ Every show we do is a gamble, I suppose, but we are doing well, so far. The acid test comes at the end of the year when we get the full financial picture.”

Vic Farrow

Osborne House

“ Local business leads and contacts tend to come via word of mouth or social media. I don’t have an aggressive marketing campaign or follow any of the well known blogging blueprints.”

Jason Swain

October 2011 21

Creating an Impact

THE ISLAND IS FAST BECOMING A CREATIVE HuB. KEVIN WILSON MEETS SOME OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HELPING TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

SPOTLIGHT

Island Business magazine wouldn’t exist without design, print and photography. And the output of these three professions is all around us in the form of other magazines, brochures, advertisements, websites, and promotional campaigns.

20 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Those in the business say the Isle of Wight is a magnet for creative people, drawn in by the Festival and Bestival, and attracted by the lifestyle, and that can only be good for a sector that relies on inspiration almost as much as perspiration...

Photographer Holly Jolliff e came back to the Island after years working in London, because she wanted to improve her quality of life.

She said: “I started photography when I was at Ryde High. They had a dark room there, and I think I was the only one interested in using it, so I had it all to myself. I went on to Bournemouth Art College, then a degree in editorial photography at Brighton. After that, I worked for several people as a photographer’s assistant in London for fi ve years, learning the ropes. So I had a long period of apprenticeship before I set up on my own.

Most of Holly’s work now is interiors shots for magazines, including Guardian Weekend, Ideal Home, and Coast, and about half her work is on the mainland.

Holly said: “There have been some tough times, but the last year has seen an increase in commissions, although my day rate hasn’t increased for ten years.

“The important thing for me is to try to broaden the spread of clients I work for. Photography is a very personal thing, and it has a lot in common with design, I think.”

That link is very much in the family: Holly’s father, Steve Jolliff e, owns Generator Graphics.

He said the last two years had been very tough, but things were picking up now. “Design and promotion activity is often the fi rst thing to go when times are hard,” he said. “But then organisations realise that raising awareness is a great way of fi ghting back against recession.

“I have always been interested in the arts, and one of my specialities is illustrations for children’s product ranges.

“Every job is a challenge, whether it is a fl ier for a small business or a corporate branding, and in graphic design it is vital to understand the pressure the client is under so you can deliver the right solution at the right price. It means that costing jobs is more an art than a science.

“My business is all about ideas. The application of the ideas can be very diff erent, depending on what is needed, but what really counts is the execution of the idea that will work in the market you are targeting.”

Steve Thearle has been through two revolutions during his 35 years in photography – the automation of camera focus and exposure, and the advent of digital. The eff ect of both was to open up photography to anyone who could aff ord a camera, but the demand for high quality professional photography is still there, he says.

Steve said: “I studied Fine Art at Portsmouth Art College, but was inspired by photography as an art form, and learned my craft at Guildford School of Photography, which was very much focussed on commercial photography to feed the London advertising industry. But I decided to get back to the Island, where I was born, partly because I didn’t want to spend half my working day sitting in traffi c.

“My father and I teamed up to open a 1,500 square foot studio space in Ryde. But by around the turn of the century, digital was taking over and the darkroom was made redundant. We sold the studio, and disposed of and recycled around one ton of negatives. Now, I work from my home offi ce and all I need is the cameras and a computer.

“The credit crunch two years ago had a big impact. It coincided with losing a customer that accounted for around one third of my income. I had to re-invent myself and I got through it by putting time and eff ort into upgrading my website. It paid off because I picked up several big national clients including the National Trust, Vauxhall and English Heritage.

“The market is defi nitely picking up again,” he said. “People are conscious of the need for quality photography and advertising, and that can only be good for all of us.”

Crossprint is embracing the challenge posed by the growing impact of digital print, and is about to embark on a a substantial investment in new digital equipment. It is also investing in bringing the customer interface bang up to date, with direct upload of artwork over the internet, and online ordering.

At the same time, the company is winning awards for its environment-friendly policies, including most recently the Print and Paper Monthly’s National Environmental Award for Best use of Recycled Paper.

The web is very much the focus for new outfi t, we3create. Sales and Marketing Director Ben Jayston said the company had over 25 years combined experience, and specialises in supporting businesses through all aspects of online business. Ben said they had already launched several local websites and are currently working on sites for a store in Shanklin, and a marine fuel technology company in Ryde.

It’s a vital element of professional life for Island photographer Jason Swain, who said: “Local business leads and contacts tend to come via word of mouth or social media. I don’t have an aggressive marketing campaign or follow any of the well known blogging blueprints, I try to just keep it real and share my new work as and when it happens. Posting something new every day keeps me fresh and creative and hopefully demonstrates diversity to potential clients.”

October 2011 21

SPOTLIGHT

Newport-based Pepper Creative say their clients are now more than ever appreciating the importance of an online presence, but they are also acutely aware of brand. Kirsty Evans said: “We are also fi nding that many of our projects are campaign-based, which is great because it allows us to work more in depth with our clients, and understand their market. Ultimately, all clients have the same objective, to make their brand more successful than their competitors, and working on campaigns allows us to co-ordinate all elements to ensure the client’s product/service receives the highest audience impact and participation.”

Pepper recently completed workshops for people aged 11-18 to educate them about what a brand is, its values, its elements and why certain brands are successful and others are not.

Kirsty said: “By the end, they were formulating their own creative brief from which we designed and created a new logo. It was an interesting project for us to be involved in, and very rewarding to see the knowledge they gained.”

Reaching out to, and enthusing, the next generation sounds like a good way of ensuring the sector’s sustainability.

Steve Thearle

Jason Swain

Steve & Holly Jolliff eCrossprint

winning awards

October 2011 21October 2011 23

CHAMBER NEWS

• Free Legal Advice Line: Chamber Advice Line is a free 24-hour telephone advice service, available every day of the year.

• Free Legal Expenses Insurance: Free Chamber Legal Expenses Insurance includes £50,000-worth of indemnity cover.

• Legal Expenses Insurance Enhanced Cover: This Policy can be purchased and covers areas such as restrictive covenants, debt recovery and contractual disputes. The excess applicable under the free membership benefit is automatically waived as well.

• Discounts on Tourism Marketing Publications: Chamber tourism members will receive discounts on advertising in tourism guides produced by the Chamber of Commerce and also on the Chamber’s tourism website www.gowight.com

• Debit and Credit Card reduced processing rates: The Chamber has negotiated competitive terms with Lloyds TSB Cardnet for processing

payments via Debit and Credit Cards, which includes a dedicated corporate account support team.

• Business to Business Member Discount Scheme: A scheme offered by fellow members, giving discounts on business related activities including van hire, website design, security services, Island travel discounts, and more.

• Chamber Connect Card: A free card giving access to business facilities, corporate hospitality events and local networking opportunities throughout the UK. It also provides discounted rates for access to executive UK and international airport lounges, hotel accommodation and restaurant meals.

• Discounted Tourism South East Membership: Isle of Wight Chamber members receive 20% discount on Tourism South East membership fees.

• Email Marketing Programme: An easy and effective way to get messages out to customers, clients or members, using high-impact emails.

Warning on Banks ReformTHE BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HAS WARNED THAT REFORMS TO THE BANKING SYSTEM MuST NOT DERAIL BuSINESS RECOVERY.

Commenting on the final report by the Independent Commission on Banking, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Reforms to the banking system proposed by the Vickers report must be considered in the wider context

of economic growth. The government must prioritise enterprise, wealth creation, growth and jobs - a strong, well-capitalised banking sector prepared to lend is vital to achieving this.

“We cannot afford to see collateral damage among Britain’s SMEs as a consequence of banking reform. While there is

clearly a need to ensure our banking system is robust, we must ensure that new regulations, however desirable in principle, do not inadvertently derail the recovery or hinder businesses’ access to finance.

“The need for more competition in banking services, particularly for SMEs, has to be a major priority. The report also includes welcome recommendations on improving switching services for customers. If it is easier for businesses to switch between providers, banks will place a premium on good service to SME customers.”

Member BenefitChamber’s top notch benefitsSaving money and thinking smarter is always a good idea, and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry believes it has just about the best offers available to help any business.

Money-saving benefits available to the growing list of Island businesses that have signed up to membership include: For more information about all the benefits and services provided by the Island’s

Chamber, contact kerstine.andrews@iwchamber.co.uk

22 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

www.islandprintersiow.com

& DESIGN

PRINT

UNIQUE DIGITAL PRINTING

01983 566249Brochures

Leaflets

Business Cards

Stationery

Presentation Folders

NCR Invoice Pads

Banners

Sign Boards

Labels

Calendars

Posters

11 East StreetRyde

Isle of WightPO33 1JP

interiors exteriors products food travel people

Holly Jolliffe photography

07974 711551 www.hollyjolliffe.co.uk

des

ign:g

eneratorgraphics.co

.uk

Project5:Layout 1 19/9/11 20:38 Page 1

Nought to pasty in fi ve monthsNikki Hill and her family went from light bulb moment to new business in the space of fi ve months, and there is no sign of the pace slowing down.The Proper Pasty Company shop on High Street, Ryde, only opened in April, but the range of products on off er has already doubled – and there is more to come.

The light bulb moment came when Nikki and her husband Martin were in Winchester last November.

“I remember noticing a really nice smell,” said Nikki. “And we found it was coming from a Proper Pasty shop. Soon after, we were at the company head offi ce in Sheffi eld , tasting their products.

“We loved them, and were lucky enough to fi nd the right premises in our home town so we could set up our own shop under licence to the national company.”

The business is a real family aff air. Martin and Nikki’s daughter Christie and her boyfriend Chris Gibbs both work there full time.

Christie has now taken on the job of developing another strand to the business – supplying buff ets and platters for corporate events, using menus she has developed herself.

Nikki said: “We have moved quickly, because we don’t want to rest on our laurels. We are also branching out into catering for children’s parties, and serving hot baguettes using freshly carved meat.”

New Members

24 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight October 2011 25

Contact Kerstine to fi nd out more about Chamber membershipkerstine.andrews@iwchamber.co.uk

Tonino’s Italian RestaurantAntonio Roscino

Restaurant / Cafe

01983 298464

toninorestaurante@live.co.uk

www.toninosrestaurant.co.uk

8-9 Shooters Hill, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7BE

Italian Restaurant

MansellsConstruction/Building Consultants

01983 563668

www.constructingcommunities.com

Rink Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 1LP

From houses and hospitals to colleges and classrooms, the scope of Mansell’s building work can be summarised in just two words; constructing communities.

The George HotelJeremy Willcock

Hotels

01983 760331

rachel@thegeorge.co.uk

www.thegeorge.co.uk

Quay Street, yarmouth, Isle of Wight. PO41 OPE

Hotel, accommodation, restaurant, bar, conference/meeting facilities.

Silver Glades Caravan Park

Richard Thorne

Caravan Parks/Camping Sites

01983 760172

richard@silvergladesiow.co.uk

www.silvergladesiow.co.uk

Solent Road, Cranmore, Isle of Wight. PO41 0XZ

Static caravan park.

H J Bennett Ltd Nigel Bennett

Aggregate Processing

01983 873415

info@hjbennett.co.uk

www.hjbennett.co.uk

87-89 High Street, Bembridge, Isle of Wight. PO35 5SF

Primarily an aggregate company off ering: Recycling waste roadway materials, Processors and suppliers of natural and recycled aggregates, Road haulage, Plant hire, Demolition.

The Proper Pasty Company (IOW) LtdNikki Hill

Food/Drinks Wholesalers

01983 566700

properpastyiow@hotmail.co.uk

www.propercateringisleofwight.co.uk

168 High Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 2HW

Pasty bakery open 6 days a week from 8am. Serving freshly baked traditional cornish pasties. Hospitality breakfasts, business lunches, corporate platters, special occasions and weddings available. Catering van visits offi ces and industrial estates delivering freshly baked pastys to the workplace.

IsleofWightJobs.ComBrett White & Howard Fry

Employment Agencies

01983 613357

enquiries@isleofwightjobs.com

www.isleofwightjobs.com

Unit 7 Enterprise Court, Nicholson Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 1BD

Our focus is on delivering a local employment service empowering the island business community to eff ectively improve recruitment capabilities with a quick and easy, cost eff ective online tool. Connecting employers with job hunters both on and off the Island.

IOW Dental StudiosDr Jacques Gautier

Dental Services

01983 822220

rebeccagautier@gmail.com

www.dentistsisleofwight.co.uk

St James Clinic, 68a St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 1LQ

Dental/medical practices

PB FitnessPeter Bradley

Health and Fitness

07748487901

pbfi tness@live.co.uk

www.pbfi tness.org.uk

90 Place Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 7AE

A fun, friendly, customer approach to group exercise and personal training. My aim is to off er arrange of health, fi tness and exercise services in a time effi cient, unique and fun way.

We3create LtdBen Jayson

Website & Graphic Design

01983 550540

ben@we3create.com

www.we3create.com

Unit C1 Innovation Centre, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5WB

Web design and development. We3create is a full service web design agency off ering search engine optimisation, online advertising, social media marketing, ecommerce and mobile websites.

MWB ConsultancyMaren Wilmott-Borberg

Training Providers

01983 280390

maren@mwbconsultancy.com

www.mwbconsultancy.com

4 Granville House, Weston Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 7JE

Producing Excellence in Education, Commerce and Industry through Personal Development.

Dairy Cottage KitchenRachel Brown

Home Food Delivery

07968 172976

rachel@dairycottagekitchen.co.uk

www.dairycottagekitchen.co.uk

7 Green Street, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 2AN

Fresh Isle of Wight produce in the comfort of your own home. Dinner for two, family roast, workshops and events.

Martin, Chris, Christie and Nikki outside their shop in Ryde.

Members ViewVectis Radio Networking Evening, Riverside Centre, NewportAs a new member of the Chamber, I thought that I should attend as many networking meetings as possible, and so I went to the recent evening event at the Riverside Centre hosted by Vectis Radio.

I wanted to raise the profi le of my business locally, which is one of reasons why I joined the Chamber in the fi rst place. Also, as I spend a lot of my time reading town planning legislation, it was a good opportunity to get out of the offi ce and socialise.

The meeting was really well attended, so my initial worry about being the only one there was totally unfounded! I met some really friendly faces, and chatted to other members about how my business could help them. Not everyone realises they need the help of a chartered town planner, until the Council’s enforcement offi cer is knocking at the door!

At the meeting I met James McMorrough from Silent Disco UK, a company which provides an alternative to noisy parties. Their system consists of three radio transmitters and specially-made headphones which provide a choice of channels for each listener.

The equipment is available for hire from www.SilentDiscoUK.com. The company have currently 1000 pairs of headphones available for hire, catering for events from private parties to festivals.

Martha James MRTPIPrincipal ConsultantPlan Research07522 149 285

4 OctoberVentnor Towers Hotel. Murder, Mystery and Dinner7pm – 10.30pm

This event was a sell out last year so book early to come and experience an evening of entertainment. Places are limited.

An evening with a diff erence, which will create a lasting memory!

The evening will include a three course evening meal.

£17.00 per person + VAT (payment requested in advance)

12 OctoberAmazon World & Shared Earth Event3.30pm – 6pm

Come and celebrate Amazon World’ss 20th Anniversary along side ‘Shared Earth’ fair trading company.

This event will include the chance to look around the family attraction and browse through the wonderful Fair Trade products available in the Shared Earth store.

Refreshments will be provided and children are welcome.

Free to all Chamber members

27 OctoberThe Island Wine Company and Gracellie Hotel Event, Shanklin6.30pm – 8.30pm

A fantastic opportunity to come and see the newly owned and refurbished ‘Gracellie’ Hotel and Restaurant, while enjoying some fi ne wine tasting provided by The Island Wine Company.

A selection of snacks will be available for you to enjoy while you network.

Free to all members

2 NovemberProject ARGuS ‘ Protecting Against Terrorist Attack’

Chamber of Commerce Board Room, Newport.

Terrorist attacks in the UK are a real and serious danger. Crowded Places, including shopping centres, retail parks, may feature in the attack plans of terrorist organisations; as they are usually locations with limited protective security measures and therefore aff ords the potential for mass fatalities and casualties.

Project ARGUS is a National Counter Terrorism Security Offi ce (NaCTSO) initiative, exploring

ways to aid you in preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack.

It achieves this by taking business staff through a simulated terrorist attack. The simulation identifi es the measures to take for preventing, handling and recovering from a terrorist attack.

The event will last for about 2 hours, plus a tea/coff ee break.

The invitation is open to all Management/Supervisory/Team Leader level staff , including Security.

Three sessions available:-Session 1 - 09.30am - 12.30pmSession 2 - 13.30pm - 16.30pmSession 3 - 17.30pm - 20.30pm

Please call to reserve your space as places will be limited.

4 NovemberBusiness Breakfast Meeting, The William Coppin, Newport7.30am – 9am

An excellent networking opportunity to meet and present your business to other members while enjoying a full English breakfast.

Places limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

£5.00 per person

4 & 5 NovemberCharity performances of ‘Sins of the Past’

Apollo Theatre, Newport

Come and enjoy live theatre, and support a good cause at the same time!

A new drama (written by Island Business magazine editor Kevin Wilson) is being performed at the Apollo Theatre, Pyle Street, Newport, for two nights only – Friday and Saturday, 4 and 5 November, at 7.30pm.

Everything seems safe and comfortable when Heather moves in to McClaren’s residential home, but appearances can be deceptive …

Half the proceeds of ticket sales will be donated to Age Concern Isle of Wight.

Advance ticket bookings … send an email to khwilson@me.com with your name and contact details, and number of tickets required for which night. Tickets will be reserved on a fi rst come, fi rst served basis, and must be collected and paid for by 7PM on the night of each performance.

The Apollo bar will be open from around 6.45pm, during the 20 minute interval, and after the performance.

£6 per ticket

26 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Events

Check our online calendar at www.iwchamber.co.uk for details of all business events.

October 2011 27

We have a huge range of Tasty Cornish Pasties of the highest standard baked freshly every day in our shop in Ryde High Street

Open Monday-Saturday8am-5pm

Also offering Corporate Lunches, And Buffet Catering for any occasion

01983 566700www.propercateringisleofwight.co.uk

i t a l i a nr e s t a u r a n tp i z z e r i a

Friday 18th NovemberWINE TASTING DINNER

-’beauty In Diversity’4 Courses, 4 Wines - Booking Essential

a christmas full of character• Pre-Christmas parties 5 courses £22.50

• Christmas Day Lunch £55.00• New Year’s Eve Dinner A la Carte Menu

& specials boardOpening times:

Daily Cafe open all day 10 - 5pmLunch served 12 - 3.00pmDinner served 6 - 10.00pm

30 ST. THOMAS’ STREET, RYDE81 UNION STREET, RYDE

WINE TASTING DINNERWINE TASTING DINNER

And finallyONLINE BuSINESSGoogle has launched a pilot scheme in Liverpool, offering around 1,500 businesses one-to-one advice about building a website and maximising their search potential. If successful, the scheme will be rolled out around the UK.

Matt Brittin, managing director of Google UK, said small businesses with an internet presence were growing at four times the rate of those without a website, but that many of the companies that had not launched online were put off because they thought it was “too complex and complicated”.

BACK TO BASICS...Despite a seemingly endless conveyor belt of education strategies, it seems that employers are still desperate for high standards of literacy and numeracy, as well as customer service and communication skills.

It might help to explain why the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reports that recruitment demand for school leavers has fallen since last year. It says only 12 per cent of employers plan to hire 16 year-old school-leavers in the three months to September 2011. The number of employers planning to recruit school-leavers aged 17-18 and above has also fallen, to 25 per cent.

Meanwhile, a quarter of employers are planning to hire migrant workers in the third quarter of 2011, and almost one in ten say they would offshore jobs abroad.

MORE HELP FOR EXPORTERSIt seems that while exports are increasing, imports are rising even faster.

Many Island businesses have proved that exploration of overseas markets can be a great route to success.

But, as the British Chambers of Commerce points out: “The government must focus on backing small- and medium-sized firms in key areas such as trade finance, insurance and promotion. While a competitive exchange rate and low interest rates will help UK exporters, additional efforts are needed to ensure that UK businesses can compete on equitable terms with overseas businesses.”

SHORT AND SNAPPYReaders Digest has made a name for itself as being a fast and easy read. It seems it is carrying the short and snappy principle into the boardroom.

Far be it from us to comment on the fact that the company has just got rid of its third chief executive in five months.

Our Guest this monthHelen Carey of Vintage Vacations has that end of term feeling...As I write, the countdown to end of term begins!

I know most people have the back to school feeling that this time of year brings, but for us school is most defiantly out. For winter.

Even as someone hard-wired to be self employed, it is a slightly weird sensation to be going so against the flow, but I guess others with mainly seasonal businesses will be feeling the same: slightly tired and emotional or plain cream crackered? ready to party (a bit) when all your chums are hunkering down for the winter?

I used to feel this way on the run up to a summer holiday ... now Spring means a ‘sharpened pencils and a new exercise book’ state of mind, and Autumn means the panic buying of flip-flops in the last of the sales.

It’s been a good summer - no, it HAS! I’ve been standing in a field for most of it and every week has had at least a couple of reasonable days. I think.

Now we have some time to recharge our batteries, take stock, make plans and relax a bit.... and if we are lucky take a holiday* ourselves. *AKA research.

I might even muster up the enthusiasm for a spot of Autumnal-spring-cleaning back at the ranch.

It’s taken a while to get ourselves in gear with this back to front way of living, and it’s certainly easier for us with no school age children, but now we have got into a kind of routine, I really rather like the topsy-turvey lifestyle that our business has given us.

Our suitcases are only just being (vaguely) dusted down when everyone else’s are being stowed on top of the wardrobe, and even though we spend most of the Summer haring about like mad, boy do we have nice scenery to hare through.

Come late Autumn though and it does feel lovely to adopt a slightly more tortoise-like pace for a while…. especially if we have another of those stunning sunny Autumns. Keeping everything crossed for that, it more than makes up for eight day weeks when everyone else is having summer holidays.

Can I have a Pimms now?

For more information, go to www.vintagevacations.co.uk (Unless you are a seasonal business, in which case you may just prefer to lie down in a darkened room for a while…)

28 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Island Business is produced by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, and we want to hear from you if you have a story to tell. Send us a message... kevin.wilson@iwchamber.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ islandbusinessmagazine

EST. 1948

Our roads deserve a second lifeEco-Base, the highly economical – and environmentally sound – road base alternative from H.J. Bennett.

www.hjbennett.co.uk Telephone: 01983 873415 87-89 High Street, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5SF