County Business Publishing Volume 29 Number 10 September 2011 SWINDON BUSINESS NEWS 01793 615393 www.swindon-business.net [email protected] Global cycle: Business life cycle: Packaging firm In a class of their own Indispensible advice helps out in association with Special 4-page guide to the triathlete Withy King independent school sector Pages 7-10 Page 3 Page 6 News Brief All change at Swindon station and iconic building
Job scheme reaches target
Plan 500, the innovative Swindon scheme set up to create 500 work- related opportunities for local young people, has reached its target ahead of schedule. Work has begun on Swindon station’s £1.85m forecourt revamp. Meanwhile healthcare supplies company Vygon has The project, launched last year by Forward Swindon and Swindon moved into the landmark former Motorola building. See stories, pages 13 and 14 Strategic Economic Partnership in response to the sharp rise in youth unemployment in the town, has helped 503 young people. It is now being replicated in other cities across Answers sought over Digital City the UK. • Mentoring help for young people. Swindon Borough Council is facing make it viable. of experience in the IT and Economic Partnership. See P5. tough questions over the failure of Critics claim the communications sector. Mr Hunt was Swindon Council leader Rod Digital City, the company it helped set plug should have voluntarily made bankrupt in March Bluh believes some parts of Digital The end for ‘Women’s fiction’ up to provide wi-fi for the town in an then been pulled with debts of more than £1m which City can be salvaged. However ambitious project headed by local on the project – are unconnected with Digital City. opposition councillors have called for Swindon-based retailer WH Smith businessman Rikki Hunt. and the council He has since left the company and his the resignation, along with that of is to stop using the term ‘women’s The council lent the fledgling funding returned. also stood down from his role as councillor Gary Perkins, a council- fiction’ on bookshelf signs in all its business more than £400,000 – But the scheme chairman of the Swindon Strategic appointed director of Digital City. 1,000-plus stores after two female money critics say it will never continued, despite customers complained to its chief recover. signs that it was executive. Appealing by letter to The Digital City scheme had the running out of Rikki Hunt Kate Swann as a “successful lofty ambition of providing accessible cash. Mr Hunt’s woman”, the pair said they were wi-fi for every resident and business involvement also raised concerns in “deeply offended by the unncessary in the town. It then expected to sell its some quarters. The former boss of practice” which made they feel they business model to other local Swindon-based Burmah Castrol’s were living in the 1940s. authorities, recouping funding to fuels business and one-time chairman repay the council loan. of Swindon Town Football Club was Interest in Patheon plant However, a trial in Highworth seen as an unlikely partner for the failed to gain enough customers to council-backed project given his lack Contract drugs firm Patheon’s Swindon manufacturing plant could be taken over after the Canadian group’s Honda engineers are quietly third-quarter losses widened to $3.2m (£2m) mainly due to rising costs. The firm said it is fielding indications of confident for low-noise Civic interest for the Covingham plant, Honda is promising much-improved every detail of the design, build and which makes sterile and high-potency dynamics and a higher-quality interior aerodynamics and tested the car in products. For full story visit for the new, Swindon-built ninth- Europe to tune it to suit the varying www.swindon-business.net generation Civic – thanks to engineers road conditions. They used Honda’s at its plant in the town. anechoic (echo-free) chamber in its Coming next month... The car made its debut at the research and development facility in Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this Swindon to fine-tune the cabin Swindon Business News continues month and will go on sale in the UK insulation. its series of features on exporting on October 1. One of the results of the work in next month with a look at the nuts More than 20,000 miles of testing the anechoic chamber was to modify and bolts of trading overseas. We also has been carried out on British roads the design and construction of the roof kick off the Christmas season with a to try to improve ride comfort. lining, and how it interacts with the comprehensive round up of corporate Honda’s Swindon engineers bodywork. events and commercial opportunities, concentrated a huge amount of time The result, says Honda, is the most analyse the latest trends in office and effort improving ride quality and aerodynamic car in its class, with a interiors and name the movers and handling of the Civic. claimed drag coefficient of 0.27. shakers in the local legal sector with The development team sharpened See In Gear, page 15 our authoritative law review of 2011. For more information contact 01793 615393.
The new Honda Civic, unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show People
• Jackie Waller has management software.The product is purpose- been made an designed and tested for HR managers and associate at Swindon recruitment agencies. Interview Coordinator law firm, Charles Lucas saves time and costs by streamlining the & Marshall. Jackie has recruitment and applicant tracking process and worked in residential is used on a pay-as-you-go basis. With an conveyancing for more extensive commercial and communications 26 Wood Street, Swindon than 20 years, dealing background, Stuart, a chartered marketer, will Wiltshire SN1 4AB with all aspects of be responsible for building brand awareness of residential property law. this new product, which is available on a 60-day Telephone: 01793 615393 She has a strong IT Jackie Waller free-trial basis. Anita Lowe and her team background and has worked extensively on the Fax: 01793 610553 development of case management systems for • Simon Moore, one of • Anita Lowe, chief executive of Venues Event Email: [email protected] various legal teams, including residential the region’s leading Management, which was acquired by Expotel in property and remortgaging systems for one of bankers, has joined Web: www.swindon-business.net November 2010, will now be heading Expotel’s the UK’s biggest lenders. accountants and venue-finding and event management services business advisers Editor: Robert Buckland division. Anita will bridge the gap between • Monahans’ recent Grant Thornton as a Expotel’s four sites in the North of England and Production Editor: Owen Fishwick growth has continued senior consultant, one Scotland and Venues Event Management, based with a key appointment. of two top-level Administrator: Jackie Hall in Swindon. Expotel and Venues Event Elsa Littlewood has appointments made by Management placed a combined number of Sales Executive: Claudia Carr joined as a senior the firm as it embarks Simon Moore more than 40,000 meetings and conferences manager within their on a new phase of worldwide in 2010. Anita said: “This move is part Controlled circulation: In excess of thriving private client growth in the South West. Simon joins from of the integration of Venues Event Management tax division. Elsa has Barclays Corporate where he was chairman and 8,000 copies per month and Expotel and is intended to bring together the relocated from Deloitte managing director in Wales and the South West. © Copyright 2011 group’s events teams to more effectively function in Edinburgh, where Meanwhile James Morter, a director in the audit Published by County Business Publishing Ltd. as one team. “The events side of Expotel’s she worked as a tax team, becomes a partner in Grant Thornton’s Printed by Acorn Press Elsa Littlewood business has grown significantly since the senior manager, Bristol office. Grant Thornton senior practice acquisition and it makes sense for there to be a advising a wide portfolio of private clients. She leader in the South West, Nigel Morrison, said: County Business Publishing also publishes a range single point of responsibility for this. I am looking of business leads newsletters: Swindon Business has also worked in Jersey and London for an “These appointments mark a watershed for our Newsletter; Bristol Business Newsletter; and South forward enormously to working with the 20-strong independent trusts and tax advisory firm. practice as we enter a period for which we have West Business Media, as well as Estates West team, together with Venues Event Management’s Bulletin, a property deals newsletter. set ourselves some ambitious growth targets. If you are interested in receiving a free sample 94 staff, to help continue to grow Expotel’s please call 01793 615393. • www.interviewcoordinator.com the Swindon- We are an ambitious firm and will be creative in strong client relationships and reputation as a SWINDON BUSINESS NEWS based recruitment management website, has terms of generating opportunities in a market leading provider of venue finding and events BRISTOL BUSINESS NEWS appointed Stuart Collins as PR manager to which will remain challenging for the management.” BATH BUSINESS NEWS expand the promotion of its online interview foreseeable future. COUNTY BUSINESS PUBLISHING Events Contacts
Event: Domestic Violence and Abuse – Event: Growth Club Event: Becoming a Director Forward Swindon Bristol Airport What employers need to know When: Friday September 30, 9am- When: September 23 01793 429250 0871 334 4344 When: November 21 from 10a m 4:30pm Where: Farnsby St, Swindon Where:Steam Museum, Where: Alexandra House, Contact: GWE Business West Swindon Council Churchward Wroughton www.businesslink.co.uk/events 08458 505066 01793 445500 Contact: David Latham at Contact: Nigel Scott on 07917 [email protected]. 602848 or email: • Event: Managing Discipline and Business Link Wiltshire Council uk [email protected] Grievance 0845 600 9966 0300 456 0100 When: 6 September, 9:30am-1pm Event: GW Business Breakfast Event: Employment Law Question Time Where: Acas, Bristol SSEP Chamber of Commerce 01793 429259 01753 870500 When: September 21, 7:30am-9am When: Thursday 13 October Contact: [email protected] Where: Steam Museum, 6.00pm Fast Forward Train2Gain Churchward Where: Swindon Marriott • Send your events to Swindon 0808 178 3657 0845 600 9006 Contact: Lisa Badger at Contact: 01793 433571 or email: Business News @ info-swindon- [email protected] david.latham@richmondfellowship. business.net First Great Western Visit Wiltshire org.uk 08457 000 125 0845 602 7323
Themed party nights to be held at Liquid Swindon-based Chordiem is now presenting Swindon’s newest corporate Christmas party experience. The firm which has been organising innovative corporate events for more than 10 years, is promoting Downtown Chicago - themed party nights at Liquid club in Swindon this December. Director Jon Hewlett says these parties will be very different from Liquid’s normal club nights. “We are targeting the corporate market and changing the venue with a Downtown Chicago theme and fully-themed catering, cocktails and live entertainment, including a superb chill-out lounge with free play gaming tables and dancing till 3am.” For more information call Chordiem on 01793 887 632. www.chordiem.com/services/chordie ms-corporate-christmas-party-nights- 2011 September 2011 Page 3 Business News Alliance Pharma GWP packages up the ideal solution When triathlete Dan Brunton was selected to represent Great Britain at the on takeover trail ITU Triathlon World Championships, his first concern was how to get his top-of- the-range time trial bike to the event, which is being held in Beijing. as profits edge up Unlike standard road race bicycles, time trial bikes are more complicated in Alliance Pharma, the Chippenham- place last November 2010 to fund their design and can not simply be based speciality pharmaceutical acquisitions. broken down and transported in a group, has expanded its portfolio by The takeover was announced at paying £2.4m to acquire the UK standard bike case. the same time as Alliance’s results for What was needed was a specially- marketing rights to six products from the six months to June 30, which designed case that would protect the Beacon Pharmaceuticals. showed pre-tax profits up by £1m to In the year to April 30 the products £7m on the equivalent period last year bike and also withstand traveling across had total sales of approximately £2m on sales also up by £1m at £24.4m. the globe. Dan approached Cricklade- and gross margin of £900,000, mainly Stripping out slowing sales of its based packaging specialists GWP from severe acne treatment Rizuderm Deltacortril gastro-resistant tablets, Group to see if it could help - and the (isotretinoin) which fits in well with underlying sales growth was 29 per answer was yes. Alliance’s dermatology business. cent. As well as specialist corrugated, Alliance chief executive John Mr Dawson added: “Alliance's coatings and conductive arms, GWP Dawson said: “This acquisition is results for the first half of 2011 have also has a specialist protective immediately earnings enhancing and inevitably been impacted by the packaging business, which can design is a valuable addition to our slowdown in Deltacortril sales. But and manufacture flight and aluminum dermatology portfolio. We continue to more importantly, they also confirm cases for specific objects. evaluate further acquisition that the Deltacortril profits that we Dan worked with GWP Protective to opportunities to complement our have enjoyed during the past two design and create a bespoke box organic growth.” years have been put to good use.” suitable for a time trial bike. GWP Alliance is funding the cash Shareholders will receive an delivered a well-engineered, sturdy case acquisition by drawing a loan from the interim dividend up 47 per cent to that was strong enough to protect the £20m revolving credit facility put in 0.25p a share. bike, yet light enough to fit the flying criteria of leading airlines. E-ticket to ride Vacuum pioneer GWP Group managing director David Pedley, said: “We are used to designing for bus passengers sets up in Devizes and manufacturing flight cases for a Swindon bus passengers have given Oped, the German medical range of goods from bespoke items to Thamesdown Transport’s electronic equipment firm behind the surgical equipment and oil rig drill bits to fares system the thumbs up, with revolutionary vacuum splint, has set engine components. 20,000 smartcards issued since they up its UK base in Devizes. “Dan’s request was certainly a first for was introduced in 2006 – half of those The office, on the town’s Hopton us but we are delighted with the outcome since the beginning of this year when Park, joins the firm’s overseas and hope that this will allow us to break the old magnetic cards were operations in Switzerland, Australia into a new market.” withdrawn. and the US. It will market the firm’s Pictured: Dan Brunton and bike The smartcard system allows revolutionary orthopaedic rehabilitation passengers to pay as they go products in the UK. electronically using SmartFare, The company’s founders, avoiding the need to find the correct professor Peter Habermeyer and Wiltshire change. The smartcard can be topped Andreas Hassler, invented the up with credit and can also be used to vacuum split – now its flagship golfer on the hold a TravelPass, making it more product – to replace the traditional convenient and more secure than the plaster cast in treating a range of road to success magnetic cards. injuries. Oped, based in Bavaria, Thamesdown managing director sells its pioneering products to more Mercedes-Benz of Swindon has swung Paul Jenkins said: “To have reached than 1,000 hospitals, clinics and into action to put a local golfer on the this milestone is great news, medical retailers. Each year some road to a successful sporting career. particularly as the number of people 60,000 patients are treated with its The retailer is supporting Bowood holding our smartcards has doubled in VACOped vacuum splint for bone Golf & Country Club’s Sam Matton, just eight months.” fractures or torn ligaments. who has just completed his first season on the PGA Europro Tour. After flourishing at amateur level, where he represented England as a member of the under 21 and 'A' squads and won one national title, six county titles and six open titles, the 23-year- old moved up to the professional circuit at the start of the year for his debut campaign – the highlight to date being a fifth place finish at Wensum Valley in Norfolk. “I’m really enjoying the chance to make a career from the sport I’ve played since the age of 12 and I’m happy with my first season’s progress,” said Sam. Now my focus is to qualify to play on the main European Tour and to do this I must undertake the Qualifying School in October. “To have the backing of such a prestigious company as Mercedes- Benz of Swindon is fantastic and I’m grateful for the support that they are giving me, especially with the economic climate as it is.” In Gear, page 15 Page 4 September 2011 Business News Inspiring thinking for High growth fast-growing businesses for high street shopfitting firm Swindon-based shopfitting and hardware specialist EPOS Partners has defied the current economic climate and achieved a new high with 50 per cent year-on-year growth as sales for its products soar. EPOS, which released a guide to setting up a shop for start-up retailers earlier this year, has increased its product range to further help new retailers. equipment is important. With the retail industry as it is, EPOS e-commerce manager Jennie Knight said: “It’s retailers need to ensure they are fully prepared to take on clear that the recession has changed the face of retail the tough problems that may arise and need to have the right dramatically, with household names such as Woolworths measures in place. With our full range of offerings we are disappearing from the high street after surviving for almost enabling retailers to choose hardware at a price that suits 100 years. It has shown us that nothing can be taken for them in the quantity they need. I fully believe that our Ambitious local firms with strong potential for growth are invited to join granted when it comes to trading and that even the strongest success and growth is down to the fact that we understand a series of programmes being run by Business Link to further boost brand names and cult followings won’t protect a retailer our customers and know the kind of products that they need their performance. from the reality of closure. to survive.” Business Link spokesperson Andy Reeve explains: “Intelligent and “We know how critical the early stages can be in the To celebrate its recent successes, EPOS is revamping well-structured, these workshops help businesses achieve a step success of a new store and why choosing the right its website to improve customer service. change in their development. They provide the fuel that high growth businesses need to really take off.” Crucial time for employers seminar Threadneedle sews up investment deal The Strategic Leadership Programme is designed for senior executives of small and medium-sized businesses facing change, Three top employment lawyers Threadneedle, the Swindon-based investment business, looking at new opportunities or wanting to review their leadership will give expert advice to an has secured a deal to manage the £8.5bn investment approach and discover the skills needed to improve their performance. audience of managers and business portfolio of LV=, the former Liverpool Victoria insurance There are three half-day modules covering leading change, leading as people at a free event at the group. an individual and employee engagement. Swindon Marriott on Thursday Adding these assets to Threadneedle’s existing • 14, 21, 28 September at the Park House Conference Centre in October 13, between 6pm – business will push up its assets under management from Swindon 7.30pm. £69bn to £77bn. Financial terms have not been disclosed • 6, 13, 20 October at Stanton Manor Hotel, near Chippenham Organised by Swindon Mindful but all of Bournemouth-based LV= Asset Management’s A second programme called Right People, Right Results, will help Employer Network and supported 79 staff will transfer to Threadneedle. The fund business owners identify the right people to achieve their business by Swindon Business News, management group said it will now review the business objectives. Delivered over a day and a half, this programme covers two Swindon Chamber of Commerce but would not be drawn on possible redundancies. modules: Recruitment and Progression – which helps identify and and other business groups, the LV= said it had struggled to build scale in asset develop the right people to enable Question Time will feature panellists Kerrie Hunt of management. Following a review it had “concluded that the business to meet its objectives Thrings (pictured), Malcolm Gregory of Withy King and member interests are best served by focusing on the fast and grow, and Performance Paul Archer of Lemon&Co. growing general insurance and life businesses”. Management, which will help business owners establish best practice in appraising, reviewing and Rural expertise takes developing their people. • 14 and 15 September at the root at Old Mill Brook Madison Hotel in Swindon Mr Reeve added: “Bringing Accountants together small groups of With their office in Melksham 18 entrepreneurs, these courses are months old, accountants and financial compelling to attend – and are also planners Old Mill are now well useful in building your networks of established as part of the Wiltshire like-minded local business business community. leaders.” Old Mill has almost 1,000 local Contact Business Link on 0845 clients and partner Andrew Moore 600 9966 for further information. attributes this success to the firm’s unique approach to business. “We do not fit the traditional image of stiff- collared accountants only interested in New business for IT recruiter helping the government to collect its tax. We want to actively help our clients Vector Resourcing’s South West specialist skills around senior support to be as tax efficient as possible and office, based in Malmesbury, has and for technology implementation help them to grow their businesses.” expanded its resource team to projects. One key area that Old Mill manage and grow its extensive Vector also recently helped a specialises in is rural business. database of South West-based Bristol-based FTSE-250 company “It is difficult to define what a rural candidates - exclusive to Vector - which had been looking for a business is,” says Andrew. “Yes, we are covering a wide range of skills. permanent Oracle Business Suite well known for looking after many The firm, which specialises in consultant for four years. Vector local farmers and agricultural supply providing a high-quality, targeted and placed one within two weeks. businesses. Some of our biggest clients professional IT recruitment service to Vector's growing reputation in the are the food producers who utilise the companies, opened the South West South West for providing a local produce. We look after farm office in 2008 and has since gone professional and efficient service is shops, food service businesses and from strength to strength. mirrored by established practices retailers who sell their produce on. New business this year has been from its head office in East Sussex, “More than this we look after gained in a wide range of sectors which has been serving other parts of numerous small businesses in the including public, finance and the UK and Europe market towns and villages of the county engineering, with recent successes since 1997. – and we have a strong input into many including working with a wealth tourist businesses. management organisation in “In Wiltshire the rural economy is Gloucestershire to supplement its standing the strains of the recession core permanent team with well and Old Mill is delighted to be part infrastructure contractors, offering of that rural business scene.”
Focus on the Rural Economy An in-depth analysis of the strengths, challenges and opportunities of doing business in rural locations, including the drive towards sustainable business models and the importance of powerful broadband. Call 01793 615393 for more information, email [email protected] or go to www.swindon-business.net September 2011 Page 5 Business News Avon Rubber wins major Mentoring help for young Charity on the US defence contract menu at GW • Wiltshire-based Avon Rubber’s protection division has landed a multi-million dollar contract with the US people provided by Plan 500 business breakfast government to supply filters for use in gas masks it has already sold to Washington. Swindon’s Plan 500 scheme, which helps young They usually have between one and five An Army Major awarded the Under the three-year contract, which is worth people into the workplace, is promoting its sessions with their mentor, who they meet at George Cross for Bravery and a around $38m (£23.4m), Avon will deliver an unspecified mentoring service. least once a month. The kind of support a solicitor who had to be dramatically number of its M61 filters to the US Department of This time of year can be tough for school mentor will offer depends on the specific needs rescued from Mount Kilimanjaro Defense. These will be fitted to Avon-made M50 and college leavers having to make big career of the individual, but for example, activity might will be talking about a charity close respirators used by US combat troops. decisions if they either have not been successful include: to their hearts at a forthcoming event Melksham-based Avon expects to complete an in securing a university place, or don’t know • Developing different CVs aimed at specific in Swindon. initial order worth $11m (£6.8m) in this financial year. where to start to enter the job market. sectors, such as retail and administration; Major Peter Norton GC, one of The filters will be made at Avon’s plant in Cadillac, Lisa Smart, Forward Swindon’s Plan 500 writing cover letters, coaching prior to only 23 servicemen or women to be Michigan, and so-called IDIQ (indefinite delivery, Project Manager said: “We have local interviews, and de-briefing afterwards. awarded the George Cross since the indefinite quantity) contract. Avon invested in additional businessmen and women who are fully-trained • Work experience within a particular sector, Second World War, and Chris Kane, capacity at the plant last year. mentors ready to offer support and advice to with support from the mentor to see if it matches a partner in the corporate dispute Chief executive Peter Slabbert said: “We are seeing young people, and we are looking forward to the expectations of the young person. resolution team at Withy King growing demand for consumable filters as increasing hearing from them. Plan 500 mentors give • Signposting to other organisations who Solicitors in Swindon, will discuss numbers of Avon mask systems are supplied and highly focused, bespoke support to individuals, may offer further skills development their experiences and the importance issued to the troops in the field. As the sole source which is provided completely free.” The business mentoring scheme includes a of Help for Heroes at the next Great supplier of this unique conformal filter, we believe this Lisa can be contacted at Forward Swindon raft of activities which can lead young people Western Business Breakfast. growth will continue.” on 01793 612276, or visit the Plan 500 website into a career path they can develop and enjoy. It The event is at STEAM on at www.forwardswindon.co.uk/plan500 for helps them make informed choices about the September 21 from 7.30am to 9am. more information. sectors they wish to approach for work, building To book visit www.gwbb.co.uk. Or Government must do more to Candidates for the mentoring scheme have confidence and professionalism with the support contact Lisa Badger at support UK firms, says Dyson to be 18-24 years of age, and looking for work. of a local business expert. [email protected]. • Pioneering household appliance firm Dyson has called on the Government to do more to help the Wincanton shifts focus back to UK as it UK’s innovative businesses as it reported rising annual sales and profits. Chief executive Martin McCourt said the Malmesbury-based business’s success could be pulls out of Europe with £64m disposal repeated by other UK firms if the Government was more supportive. “We are consistently doing whatever we can to pressure the Government and offer more incentives to encourage businesses like ours to invest in ideas,” he said. “When you invest in ideas it is a risky business. We just need to offer some relief, better tax credits, and give companies some kind of incentive. That’s the key to keeping manufacturing businesses successful on the world stage.” Dyson’s operating profits rose by 8 per cent last year to £206m on sales up 15 per cent to £770m. Sales up for Latchways • Latchways, the Devizes-based safety equipment firm has continued to grow in European markets making up for lower sales in the weak UK incanton, the Chippenham-based distribution group, has pension deficit. The disposal is subject to anti-trust clearance and construction industry. offloaded all its mainland European interests to German the approval of Wincanton shareholders. Proceeds of the sale will Trading had been robust between April 1 and Wrival Rhenus in a €74m (£64.2m) cash deal, allowing it to be used to reduce group debt. August 9 with revenues ahead of the same period concentrate on developing its UK business. Wincanton chief executive Eric Born said: “The sale of our last year, the firm said in a stock market update. Wincanton had built up the European operation to include 38 remaining businesses in Mainland Europe to Rhenus will enable us New innovative products will be launched later distribution depots across Germany and 30 in France. The German to focus on developing our leading position in the UK market, where this year, which the firm expects to generate operation included a major intermodal (road, rail and river) base in we have greater scale and see significant potential for profitable significant revenues. the North-Rhine area of Germany. In total the business employs growth. “We continue to invest in our sales and around 3,000 people. “Rhenus has a strong reputation in the European market and the operational infrastructure, to support the increasing The business made an operating profit of approximately €4.1m addition of these businesses to its portfolio will build on its leading penetration of our existing product range, the launch on revenues of around €558m in the 12 months to March 31. Gross position in intermodal services and contract logistics.” of new products, and our growth in export markets,” assets were approximately €181m. Rhenus is one of Europe’s leading logistics groups employing the firm said. Rhenus is paying €44m with an additional €30m to pay off the 18,000 people at more than 290 locations worldwide. Healthy growth for SW manufacturers South West manufacturers have parts of the region’s manufacturing confidence in check for the next achieved healthy growth figures sector are forecasting tougher times quarter. despite the increasingly fragile nature ahead, particularly with the global EEF regional director Paul Knight, of the wider economic recovery. economic slowdown hitting export said: “Manufacturers have bucked The upbeat picture emerges from a markets. other recent negative indicators, major survey by EEF, the Some manufacturers, including holding out hope that the recovery has manufacturers’ organisation, and metals and electronics businesses, not yet run out of steam. accountants BDO. It shows 45 per cent received weaker orders over the past “However, conditions have moved of the region’s manufacturing firms three months with concerns about the on from the broad-based recovery of taking part in the survey reporting corresponding impact on output over the past 18 months to a more mixed higher output and 41 per cent saying the next three months. picture – for example, the percentage they achieved higher total new orders The balance between caution and of south west companies reporting over the past three months. optimism also appears to have shifted growing order books in the past three However, as the economic outlook for small companies, with less months fell from 61 per cent to 41 per has become more uncertain, some visibility around future orders keeping cent. Page 6 September 2011 Business Life Cycle in association with Withy King
John Taylerson, founder of Malmesbury Syrups, offers the Sink or swim - getting the basics right following advice to new businesses, based on his own early experiences: etting started in business is one thing. Growing contracts in place provides peace of mind for all • Ensure some flexibility in the lease should you a profitable, sustainable business is quite parties, demonstrates your professionalism and plan to downsize or expand. CASH: This is our biggest Ganother – particularly during these challenging inspires confidence. It’s better to get the fundamentals challenge. We’ve learnt to times. in place up front than deal with disputes and other People manage it by understanding the Swindon Business News and Withy King, one of issues which could have a devastating impact on your gross margin for every product the region’s leading commercial law firms, have business further down the line.” Most businesses need additional staff as they and every customer. This is the teamed up to develop a series of Business Life Cycle grow. Malcolm Gregory, head of the employment key to profitability. features and seminars to help owner-managers weigh Business premises team at Withy King, urges employers to think long- up their options and make the right decisions at vital term. stages in their company’s development. Your premises are an essential asset of your “Issuing terms and conditions of employment FINANCE: Our bank has been very In the first of the series, Withy King advises business. Peter Foskett, a partner in Withy King’s within eight weeks of taking on an employee is a legal supportive because we’ve always owner-managers who have recently started a business commercial property team, has the following advice: obligation. There are no exceptions to this, even for put forward a sensible business or are in the early years of trading. • Before you negotiate the lease, understand the the most fledgling of businesses,” explained Malcolm. plan. Even if we tear it up and options open to you. The Leasing Code “You may feel you cannot afford the time and rewrite it every quarter, at least we Customer and supplier relationships (www.leasingbusinesspremises.co.uk) is a useful expense of drawing up contracts and a staff handbook can show them sensible forecasts starting point. early on but our experience shows you will benefit and contingency plans. Building strong relationships with customers and • When negotiating the lease, calculate the cost from having clearly defined contractual terms. suppliers is at the heart of every business, but not at of complying with your obligations. How does the Formalising established working practices into PREMISES: Finding the right any cost, warns Withy King corporate partner Alex landlord expect the premises to be returned at the end documents can be time consuming and employees can premises on affordable, flexible Pyatt. of the lease and do you have to take down any changes be resistant to changes introduced some way into their “If customers or suppliers default on payments or you have made? You can find a simple costings sheet employment. But get the basics right from the start terms was difficult. Perseverance deliveries, disregard your payment terms or simply at : and your business will benefit in the long run.” paid off and we eventually found don’t provide the quality or service you were http://www.withyking.co.uk/cms/document/Cost_of_ Withy King has a wealth of experience a landlord willing to be sensible. expecting, your business can very quickly run into occupation.pdf. working with companies at all stages in the difficulties. • Before you sign the lease, understand the corporate life cycle. For further information, CONTRACTS: These must be able to “It is essential that you invest time in developing liabilities you are taking on. It may be helpful to take contact Malcolm Gregory, Alex Pyatt or Peter flex in line with sales; volume is key robust terms and conditions which set the parameters advice from someone who deals with leases all the Foskett on 01793 536526 or visit to our profitability. for your customer and supplier relationships. Having time. www.withyking.co.uk
MENTORS: Experienced From left: business practitioners who act as Alex Pyatt, mentors have a lot to offer. Malcolm Gregory and TECHNOLOGY: I believe it is Peter Foskett important to re-invest in the business. We recently replaced our old equipment with new kit which uses pulsed white light technology rather than heat, which is far more energy efficient and even improves on the flavour of our syrups. We’re now getting invitations to talk to STARTING IN BUSINESS SEMINAR: SINK OR SWIM – GETTING THE BASICS RIGHT retailers who like what we do. Property, Employment and Corporate partners from Withy King will provide practical advice and guidance to INNOVATION: Never stop owner-managers in their first years of trading. There will be an opportunity to network after the presentations inventing. The free seminar is at the National Self Build Centre, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon on Wednesday, October 19, from 4-6pm. To book a place, email [email protected] or phone Anna Arakcheeva on 01225 352833 Business Life Cycle case study: Malmesbury Syrups
The UK’s only artisan manufacturer of Selfridges, Waitrose and John Lewis. flavoured syrups for coffees and But it wasn’t all plain sailing. “The cooking was established in 2007 by recession hit us hard and there were John Taylerson, a former marketing moments when my blood ran cold,” director at Milk Link. Based in Oaksey, said John. “In 2008 one of our largest Malmesbury Syrups produces an customers went into administration and extensive range of flavours, including retailers no longer wanted to carry too amaretto, fine vanilla and even a many lines or too much stock. Our Christmas pudding flavour. product turned out to be very “I’ve been involved with food and recession-sensitive and we were forced drink all my life, from milking cows on to find new channels fast.” the farm where I grew up to working in John realised the internet offered a processing, packaging , marketing and relatively low-risk opportunity to build everything in between,” said John. “I the brand and generate income. “By always wanted to run my own business offering our products online, we were but the world doesn’t need any more able to learn very quickly what our cheese-makers, so I knew I’d have to customers wanted. And positive work hard to come up with something customer reviews drive sales. Online different. I learned that demand for has helped generate cash at a time flavoured coffees was rising but all the when retailers weren’t spending. But it’s syrups packaged and sold in the UK by no means a panacea. Distribution is are manufactured abroad. I wanted to a huge challenge. It’s expensive and be the first to produce them here –with we found it difficult to find a reliable natural ingredients and to a very high distributer.” John Taylerson, standard.” John is constantly reinventing his founder of Within the first 12 months, products and his business model to Malmesbury Syrups Malmesbury Syrups could be found in give his customers reasons to come
Swindon Bath Marlborough 01793 536526 01225 425731 01672 514781 Independent Schools Special 4 page feature Education remains priority despite economic downturn ith household budgets being squeezed, many boarders. However, 164,105 pupils at ISC schools - 33.2 families are finding the investment they had per cent of the total - receive help with their fees. The Wplanned in their child’s education is coming under majority of these pupils – 138,975 - receive scholarships or pressure. bursaries from their school, the combined value of which School fees, excluding nurseries, increased by an amounts to more than £660m a year. More than 80 per cent average of 4.5 per cent in 2011, according to latest figures of total fee assistance comes directly from the schools from the Independent Schools Council (ISC). themselves. However, this was the second-lowest fee increase since While independent schools continue to invest in new 1994, and compares with a rise of 5.3 per cent in the CPI capital projects - during 2009/10, schools spent £640.9m, education component in the year to January 2011. or £1,265 per pupil, - they have cut back on expenditure by Some two thirds of a school’s costs are comprised of an average of 11.1 per cent year-on-year. King Edward’s School: staff salaries with teaching staff costs as a percentage of net Boarding schools spent £78.1m on new or refurbished fees equal to 53 per cent in 2009. boarding accommodation (£1,147 per boarder). The But while independent schools have had to adapt to this remainder of the money was split between £285.8m on new investing in quality learning new environment in a number of ways, the demand for buildings, £153.2m on improvements to buildings, £56mon education outside the state sector continues. equipment and £54.2m on information technology. ing Edward’s School is one of many pupils competing at both The UK independent sector as a whole educates around Of course, it is academic achievement that is paramount the top academic independent regional and national levels. 628,000 children in approximately 2,600 schools. to most parents and ISC schools maintain low pupil-teacher Kday schools in the UK for girls The school is also renowned for The is more than seven per cent of the total number of ratios to ensure that they cover a very broad curriculum. and boys aged three to 18 years. This its excellent facilities in science and schoolchildren in England, with the figure rising to more Overall ISC A-Level examination results showed that success has been achieved through technology, sport, music, drama and than 18 per cent of pupils over the age of 16. in 2010, some 51.5 per cent of entries were awarded at least the highest standards in teaching, the the arts. King Edward’s School The average fee per term at an ISC school for an A grade, with 17.2 per cent of entries awarded the A* quality and dedication of the school’s continues to invest in a quality 2010/2011 was £4,290,with costs ranging from an average grade. At GCSE, 60.2 per cent of entries were awarded staff and the individual guidance learning environment; new garden of £3,655 for a day school to an average of £8,384 for either an A* or an A. given to its pupils to realise their full level reception rooms, a new ICT potential. suite and library have been completed The school provides a stimulating at the Pre-Prep, a new design and learning environment where children technology suite, ICT room, two new are encouraged to strive for classrooms and drama and excellence and to acquire a lifelong performance space were added at the passion for knowledge, discovery and Junior School and at the Senior adventure. There is a broad and School, a state-of-the-art academic dynamic curriculum and a large range centre for science, geography, modern of extra-curricular activities to foreign languages and IT and a stylish interest and enrich the lives of all sixth form learning and social centre. pupils. This is underpinned by “We look forward to welcoming ‘outstanding’ pastoral care. you to our open events which will Pupils achieve success in many provide an opportunity to meet our areas. The strength of music in the welcoming teachers and talk to school is reflected in the excellent pupils, see our excellent facilities and levels of public performances, the find out how we can give your child considerable success in examinations the best start in life. Quite a number and the regularity with which pupils of pupils attend King Edward’s gather honours at regional music School who come from the Wiltshire, festivals. The school has an South Gloucestershire and Swindon outstanding dramatic tradition, with area travelling to school by bus and two or more major productions a year, train.” an art and photography department Contact St Edward’s School which is a centre of excellence and a registrar on 01225 464313 or visit: tradition of sporting success, with www.kesbath.com
King Edwards has an outstanding reputation for drama and sport (top), and it’s music department Independent Schools
SCHOOL FACTS rm leavers from ercentage of sixth-fo What is the p n? 91.5% e to higher educatio ISC schools continu
om the A-level entries fr r half How many of e top A Ove s in 2010 received th independent school e? grad Over ls Independent Schoo How much does the 0m wards pupils’ fees? £55 Council contribute to
ISI gives St Margaret’s, Calne an excellent Report “Pupils’ achievement is outstanding across a wide range of activities,” according to the interim inspection report of St Margaret’s Preparatory School in Calne, recently carried out by the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate (ISI). The report acknowledged that “attainment is judged to be high in relation to age-related expectations”. It also remarked on how “the pupils’ successes are due, in large measure, to the strong teaching, their positive attitudes, and the excellent relationships” and that “meticulous attention is paid to detail with nothing left to chance”. The inspection recognised that “pupils’ progress is supported by an excellent and wide-ranging curriculum” and that “the well-structured programme of personal, social and health education benefits their personal development”. When referring to teachers, the inspectors commented that “teachers’ planning is detailed” and that “teaching Pupils at St Margaret’s Preparatory with a copy of the ISI Report stimulates the pupils’ interest and takes place in an atmosphere of mutual respect”. very apparent from reading the report is the excellent Margaret’s has now introduced a mini-bus service. To find out The Early Years Foundation Stage was also inspected and relationship between the children and their teachers, as well as more about this service or the school, visit the school’s Open the report concluded that “the overall effectiveness and quality the mutual respect that permeates throughout school. All these Morning at 9.30am on Thursday October 13. Call 01249 of the provision is outstanding”. aspects of the children’s education are of paramount importance 857379 to register or visit www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk. St Karen Cordon, headmistress of St Margaret’s, said: “I am if they are to maximize their potential.” Margaret's Preparatory School, Calne is an independent day very pleased with the outcome of the report – what becomes For families working or living in the Marlborough area, St school for boys and girls aged 3-11 years. Focus on A comprehensive online guide to th
and colleges in the West of Englan
Bath, Bristol and Gloucestershire
This indispensable guide offers ed
the Independent and State sectors
themselves to the area’s business
executives, entrepreneurs and bus
Launch date: January 2012
Available through:
Swindon Business News
Bristol Business News
Bath Business News
Contact Claudia Carr on 01793 Headmaster Neil Shaw with two of his pupils Rose Hill Westonbirt School welcomes excellent SATs results Rose Hill Westonbirt School is wish all the pupils the very best of delighted following excellent SATs luck for the next stage of their results this year, which included: education at senior school.” • 92 per cent of pupils After an emotional yet celebratory achieving Level 5 Reading Speech and Prize Giving day on July • 100 per cent of pupils 8, which welcomed the Reverend achieving Level 4 English Philip Dixon, former Chaplain of • 58 per cent of pupils Westonbirt School as guest speaker, achieving Level 5 English the Year 6 pupils travelled in style on Headmaster Neil Shaw was a vintage open-deck bus for their final justifiably proud of the former Year 6 lunch together as a class. pupils, commenting: “I am delighted All former Year 6 pupils gained for the pupils who have worked entry into senior schools of their tremendously hard to achieve these choice, including Westonbirt School, excellent SATs results. The results Bath Royal High, Wycliffe, demonstrate both the pupils’ Warminster, Tudor Hall and top dedication and the high quality of grammar schools Stroud High and teaching at Rose Hill Westonbirt. I Pates. Girls at Westonbirt School cheer their exam results success Westonbirt celebrates outstanding results Westonbirt School is celebrating this summer following awarded three As and an A* to read aeronautical engineering outstanding GCSE and A Level results. at Imperial College London and Angela Yeung who gained Local girls were among the top achievers, including two As and a B to read law at Warwick University. former head girl Ashley White of Old Sodbury, Bristol, who It was a similar story with the excellent GCSE results, received an excellent four A*s in chemistry, history, maths with 100 per cent A* and A grades in chemistry, physics, and further maths at A Level to secure her place to read music and Spanish and 100 per cent A* - B grades awarded politics, philosophy and economics at St. John’s College, in biology, Latin, PE and textiles. Oxford. The outstanding results come shortly after Westonbirt Emily Clare of Tetbury, Gloucestershire, gained three As School received a superb inspection report from the to read geography at Birmingham University and Katharine Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, confirming that “girls’ Curry of Norton, near Malmesbury, was awarded A*, A and overall achievement at Westonbirt School is excellent, a B and goes on to read biology at Exeter University. Superb academically, in their community service and in their results were also achieved by Yvonne Chen who was outstanding personal development”. Education he leading schools, academies
nd, including Wiltshire, Swindon,
ducational establishments in both
s a unique opportunity to promote
audience including senior
siness owners.
615393 for further information Business Education Independent Schools Retail Skills Academy opens its 50th outlet in Swindon Swindon is the location for the training and bespoke programmes. National Skills Academy for Since launching in 2009, the Retail's 50th skills shops. network has gone from strength to The venue, in McArthurGlen’s strength with skills shops in all Swindon Designer Outlet, will four nations and in many major provide training for the retail towns and cities. As well as sector and offer a range of Swindon, skills shops will open this programmes to suit individual and month in Cambridge, Canterbury employer needs. and Hastings. Skills shops are located across National Skills Academy for the UK offering information and Retail head Jane Rexworthy said: advice on training opportunities to “This is a huge achievement for the retailers of all sizes, their organisation. Each of our skills employees or those seeking to get shops provides a valuable service into the sector, including pre- to their area’s residents and employment courses, businesses, where often retail is key apprenticeships, management to the local economy.” Leading the way on training In a tough and uncertain environment, leadership is more important than ever in giving your company the competitive edge Developed for senior managers and accredited by the UK’s largest management awarding body CMI Business First are now able to offer: • Level 7 Award in strategic management and leadership: designed for directors and senior managers, this qualification will build on the managerial skills and knowledge that you already have and give you a greater understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in strategic management. This The Royal High School, Bath qualification can be tailored to suit your professional needs For more information on this qualification and other areas of executive education contact the Business First team on 01793 498404 or via email at: All-round, all-girls education at Royal High [email protected] he Royal High School, Bath is Dougall. “This is anchored not only in fast becoming an independent the outstanding examination results Tschool of choice for boarding that our girls routinely achieve but and day girls aged three to 18. also in the places they take up with Recognised for outstanding results, it confidence at leading UK and focuses on individual care and value overseas universities. achievement beyond the classroom, “Culturally cosmopolitan and inspiring girls to make the most of vibrant, Bath is the perfect place for their unique talents and become the girls to live, study, have fun, make very best that they can be. friends, enjoy life and develop a This all-through, all-round, all- global perspective in education. girls education from nursery to sixth Belonging to the Girls’ Day School form college, develops the confidence, Trust (GDST) affords us excellent capabilities and character needed to economies of scale and able to offer underpin success at university, an exceptional value, independent throughout careers and in achieving education. Our academic standards are aspirations in every aspect of life. “We among the highest in the country and have been specialists in girls’ yet our fees are among the lowest.” education since 1864 and we have a Scholarships and bursaries are passionate belief in the pre-eminence available at Years seven and 12. To of what we offer for girls and young find out more contact our registrar on women,” says the head, Rebecca 01225 313877.
GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS Our girls can be anything they want to be, because here they are free to be themselves. They are equally at home brandishing blow torches and rowing for gold, as they are re-living Shakespeare and unravelling algebraic equations. Our passionate belief in the pre-eminence of what we offer is rooted in the levels of courtesy, collegiality, confidence and an unselfconscious mantra of ‘getting stuck in’ that our girls demonstrate here, at university, throughout their careers and in achieving aspirations in every aspect of life. We would love to see you at our Open Day. Saturday November 5th 10am - 12 noon. Please contact us to arrange a private visit.
Nursery • Junior School • Senior School • Sixth Form College
Lansdown Road, Bath BA1 5SZ t: 01225 313877 e: [email protected] www.royalhighbath.gdst.net September 2011 Page 11 Finance Export Stand by for more buyouts in the Exporting is becoming South West, says Grant Thornton more of a viable option Times may be hard but the vast only three per cent foresee a fall in the resilience of privately held businesses. majority of private equity houses number of new investments. The In total our respondents are planning Reaching out to the international trade the challenges, is worth careful and expect the number of new buyouts to remaining 47 per cent anticipate no to invest at least £3.2bn in the UK in market as a means of fuelling thorough exploration. hold up in the coming months, change. the coming 12 months with nearly economic growth is becoming seen as “An important consideration for according to Grant Thornton's latest “Private equity funds with a good three-quarters expecting to invest more of a viable option by South West manufacturers is to assess if their Private Equity Barometer. The track record have no problems raising between £5m and £100m and about firms. products are suitable for overseas chartered accountants say, however, fresh equity for investments in the one in five investing more than This message emerges from the markets or if they will need to be that although there has been little UK. Moreover, debt is readily £100m.” latest Manufacturing Barometer adapted in any way, for example, in difficulty in funding new deals only a available for quality private equity Only 27 per cent of respondents to Survey by the Manufacturing terms of brand names, packaging, small proportion have been refinanced deals,” said Mark Naughton, the survey expect their ability to do Advisory Service in the South West regulations and compliance issues or recently. corporate finance director at Grant deals in the coming 12 months to be (MAS-SW), which is designed to in response to different consumer The quarterly survey of UK Thornton in the South West. stymied by difficulties in finding debt provide a snapshot of regional behaviour, demand and competitors. It private equity executives shows that “So far UK private equity has to support new investments while 73 manufacturing trends and an overview is also important to evaluate what half still expect the volume of year- coped well with the economic per cent do not. For the full story of the current economic climate and changes will need to be made to the on-year new investments to rise while uncertainty and is buoyed by the visit www. swindon-business.net sector issues, suggests that 79 per cent UK operation to service any overseas of respondents said that they have business.” considered selling overseas, Most of the support delivered by reinforcing key indicators from the MAS-SW is free or heavily subsidised The difficulties of financing mergers latest DHL/BCC Trade Confidence and Simon added: “One of the ways in Index, which have shown that UK which our Manufacturing Specialists export activity is continuing to grow are able to make a difference is by and acquisitions in the current climate and recover beyond recession and enabling directors to develop a clear point towards expansion. strategy for their business. Where ob Harman, corporate finance However, it is not clear how many export forms part of that strategy, we partner at Morris Owen Chartered businesses are export-ready as results will ensure a business has the right from the Barometer Survey indicate capacity and capabilities, processes RAccountants, has been advising that financial support and marketing and products to consider international the owners of small and medium-sized know-how remain two of the biggest markets. At this stage, our partners stumbling blocks to manufacturers. such as UK Trade and Investment, enterprises on the financing of Commenting on the significance Enterprise Europe Network in the acquisitions and mergers for many of the findings, Simon Howes, South West and the sector-specific managing director, MAS-SW, said: innovation networks (iNets) in the years. He acknowledges that it has “Export is one of many options South West, will be able to support always raised some interesting available to manufacturers and despite your next steps.” challenges but perhaps never more so than now... Free export seminar Just prior to the 2008 banking crisis many transactions were substantially financed by loan capital. Although every deal is different, in those ‘heady’ days, leveraged later in September funding of two or three times loan to equity capital was certainly not unusual. Since then banks and other third- Wiltshire businesses considering exporting or already trading party lending sources have become far more reticent to Rob Harman internationally but wishing to do more have an opportunity to attend a free extend to that level of leverage with a ratio of one to one, seminar later this month. or less, now being far more the norm. Entitled How to Set Up New Markets Overseas, the event takes place While generally accepted that raising funds in the by 20 per cent, just because because loan finance ratios on September 26 at Salisbury Racecourse in association with accountants current climate is more difficult, what is often missed is have dropped, can often create a valuation gap that cannot Francis Clark, NatWest and UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the the deflationary impact this reduction in leverage ratios be bridged; resulting in fewer completions and a Government’s export support organisations. has on the current value of businesses. slowdown in the market generally. Representatives from each will provide an insights into the By way of example; an investor seeking to achieve a The current financing realities bring into ever sharper fundamentals of overseas trade. five times multiple return on an equity investment over focus the absolute requirement to gain a good early stage Nick Field and Nicky Busst from UKTI will cover market selection and five years would be prepared to pay around 20 per cent understanding of the other side’s position. If this can be key routes to market, Craig Cotton and Lynda Russell from NatWest will more for the target business if he is able to leverage £2 of achieved, and the transaction approached with realism, discuss how to finance overseas trade and Stuart Rogers from Francis loan finance for every £1 of equity investment than he successful outcomes are still very achievable Clark will advise on international tax issues. would if he can only leverage on a £1 for £1 basis – proof notwithstanding lending levels. Nick Field, International Trade Adviser at UKTI South West, said: “This of the numbers are available on request! If you’re looking to expand your business through seminar is a great opportunity for local businesses that are either Of course the current business owner already has a acquisition or exit by disposal and feel a better considering their first steps into international trade or already have an fairly clear view of the value of the target business, understanding of these issues would help you then export strategy in place that they wish to develop further. irrespective of how the purchaser is intending to fund the contact Rob on 01793 603900 or at: “Attendees will hear from specialists from across banking, acquisition, so the potential acquirer’s valuation reducing [email protected] accountancy and international trade, as well as learn from a local company’s insight and experiences in overseas markets. The seminar, which takes place between 4pm and 6pm, is free so I’d encourage anyone considering international trade to get in touch now as places are limited.” Call 0845 6060 969 or email [email protected] for more information.
Swindon Business News continues its series of features on exporting next month with an overview of the nuts and bolts of international trade, including arranging export documentation, letters of credit etc and the tax implications of trading overseas. Call 01793 615393 for more information.
SWINDON BUSINESS NEWS Page 12 September 2011 Leisure Business News Utax gains a competitive advantage with innovative ‘solutions’ strategy
ll companies need to change and adapt if they are to succeed Ain tough times. But Utax UK has taken that a stage further by radically repositioning itself in its market to gain competitive advantage over its rivals. The fact that Utax, based at the Shrivenham 100 business park near Swindon, is in the fairly traditional office photocopier and printer market Historic transformation at has made its transformation all the more effective. The German-owned firm, like its rivals, built its business model around Shaun Wilkinson Weighbridge Brewhouse selling or leasing equipment, maintaining them under service Diners enjoying their meals at the Weighbridge Brewhouse, more than 20 years ago, usually builds new houses and contracts and supplying toner efficiently. We’ve saved some of our Swindon’s newest premier restaurant, would be hard pressed home extensions, so tackling a major renovation of an cartridges. customers 20 per cent off their to imagine what the historic building looked like just six historic building and fitting a polished stainless steel bar, This model worked until the printing costs. Some businesses spend months ago. kitchen, toilets and everything else needed for the £2m recession hit and the office equipment £10,000 a year just on toner cartridges That was when building contractor John Saunders was project was a new experience. market took a dive. so that’s a serious amount of money to called in by owners Anthony and Allyson Windle to help “The building was really just an empty shell when we Utax UK managing director save.” with their dream of converting the derelict 19th century first got in there,” he said. Some original features were Shaun Wilkinson, who joined the Part of Utax’s solution is to ban GWR weigh house into a contemporary bar, restaurant and retained, including a spiral staircase, while new ones were business in 2006, saw for himself the recycling bins next to photocopiers. brewery. added, including a wooden porch from a church in impact the economic slowdown had “They just encourage people to The couple, who own the award-winning Three Crowns Yorkshire. on the market – and realised that print or photocopy stuff they don't at Brinkworth, had a clear vision of how they wanted their The Windles wanted to engage as many local businesses something radical was needed. need. They throw it away in the new venture to look. But first John, whose business J as possible for the conversion work and, as well as John they “Sales weren’t good anyway and recycling bin and think they are Saunders was appointed as main contractor, had to brought in electrical contractors C J Electricals to fit the we had been losing out to our rivals,” saving money.” overcome a few problems. complex electrical system, which included CCTV, a state- he said. Shaun sees further growth for “The project had quite a few challenges, to put it of-the-art music system and fully-integrated ordering and “So we decided to reposition Utax. mildly,” he said. “For a start, the building had been left payment systems. ourselves as a solutions business “Our products are basically the derelict for a long time and had been broken into and At one time John had eight employees working with him rather than a photocopier business. same as what everyone else is selling vandalised. on the project and another 10 from other contractors fitting “The industry has always been run but we now offer something “We had to do a lot of work on it before we could even out the interior. Among the other Swindon area businesses along the lines of buy or lease. different,” he said. “And we are start to think about the interior fittings to turn it into a new was Elite Steel Fabrications, which designed and installed Nobody had looked at it from the constantly looking at how we can do restaurant and bar.” the Weighbridge Brewhouse’s microbrewery, which will point of view of working with the things better. John’s Brinkworth-based business, which he started produce three standard beers as well as seasonal ales. clients to minimise their costs and “Three years ago we had no IT move towards the paperless office by technical people working for us. Now looking at how they work.” we’ve got four who work with Utax introduced software to help customers on site .It puts us ahead of Local hotels its clients minimise their costs, our rivals. including giving them the choice of “We have also just invested gain strength printing out or making electronic £30,000 in new software. We are versions of documents – a counter- looking at ways we can keep costs intuitive measure for a firm that down on servicing our machines. It’s in June supplies photocopiers. important that we continue to invest. The hotel sector in Swindon continued “The previous model had been to “It’s also down to the people. We its recovery in June with all three main get people to print as much as have got a great team spirit here. We occupancy measures up in comparison possible,” said Shaun. spend a lot of time and money looking to the same month last year, latest The radical move has paid off and after our people. We take everybody figures from accountants and business Utax bounced back. Revenues grew out once a quarter as a company and advisers PKF show. by 34 per cent last year and so far this we have good incentives. We also The occupancy rate was up by 5.4 year are running 57 per cent ahead of invest in training – we have really per cent to 74.5 per cent and average this time last year. ramped up our training budget over room rates were up marginally from “I think the recession was a bit of last 18 months. £54.85 to £55.03, taking the overall a wake up call for our industry,” said “It’s a false economy not to do it. room yield an up by 5.8 per cent to Shaun. “It’s forced people to look at Our customers tell me that we’re £41. Neil Dimes, partner in charge of their costs. Businesses still need to better than our competitors so it PKF'S South West office, said: “This print but it’s a case doing it cost- appears to be paying off.” is good news for the Swindon hotel sector and is heartening to see another month of growth.” Vox packages up the PR solution for GWP Group Cricklade-based packaging experts designed and GWP Group has awarded public built a case that relations and marketing would support communications consultancy Vox a and protect his contract to deliver public relations bike, which activity to help raise the profile of the cannot be company. dismantled like The GWP Group specialises in a road bike, on creating innovative packaging. his journey Comprising four divisions – packaging, across the protective, conductive and coatings – globe. the company can design and Vox director manufacture all types of packaging Julie Margerum ranging from cardboard boxes and said: “We’re Julie Margerum electrostatic cartons to protective flight very pleased to cases and cases for delicate medical represent GWP, equipment. which is truly an exciting and GWP recently created a bespoke innovative company.” protective bike carrier for triathlete Dan To find out how Vox can help raise Brunton to transport his time trial bike your business’s profile call 01793 to the world championships in China. 511990 or email: Working closely with Dan, GWP [email protected]. September 2011 Page 13 Property
• Ambulance trust appoints GVA to handle property review We’ve been expecting you... Great Western Ambulance NHS Trust (GWAS) has appointed property advisors GVA to help it modernise ealthcare and medical device supplier the cost of hiring external training facilities. after Vygon founder Pierre Simonet, has its property estate. Vygon has completed its move to The massive operation to find a suitable effectively been turned by 90 degrees to meet Chippenham-based GWAS’s 30 sites are spread HSwindon’s iconic former Motorola site for Vygon to expand its UK operations Vygon’s needs. The firm supplies 4,500 across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of factory, with the French-owned company started three years ago and has been managed different product lines to 7,000 hospitals, England and range from state-of-the-art facilities to saying it will grow and develop in its new base. by Bristol firm Adapt Properties. Initially the clinics, distributors and patients in their own buildings nearing the end of their economic life. Vygon, which celebrates its 50th firm looked for a greenfield site to relocate its homes every month across the UK and The trust wants to develop a modern, flexible estate anniversary next year, spent £15m buying the Cirencester head office and two satellite Northern Ireland. Its products, which are more aligned to its clinical strategy for accident and 46-acre site at Groundwell and transforming warehouses at South Cerney. The company had manufactured in mainland Europe, include emergency and patient transport services. The Bristol the landmark building into its UK grown so quickly in the UK that some staff feeding equipment for patients and custom office of GVA is supporting it on three key projects over headquarters, with bespoke warehousing, state- were based in portable buildings. procedure packs for use in operating theatres. a three-year period. of-the-art offices and an international training When Adapt’s search hit on the Motorola Vygon began moving into the building in GVA director Gordon Isgrove said: “Our multi- centre. The building starred in the Bond movie site the company thought it ideal, given the the middle of June in a month-long exercise discipline approach will look at all aspects of the trust’s The World is not Enough as a Turkish oil huge potential for expansion. As Vygon UK that involving shifting 4,000 pallets of existing property portfolio to help us advise the trust on platform. managing director Les Davies says: “We have equipment, furniture and stock plus 100 staff. establishing an estate more suited to its current and Parts of the 250,000 sq ft building, which room to grow here for the next 20 to 30 years. The team behind the relocation and future needs.” had stood empty since Motorola ceased “We’d built a great team in Cirencester so refurbishment included Bristol architects GVA will be providing specialist advice in lease production in 2006, have been demolished, we didn't want to move far but we were Angus Meek, which adapted and remodelled negotiation, agency acquisition and disposal, planning, including three of its four warehouses, and operating on three sites and it just wasn't the original building design by London firm valuation, dilapidations and condition surveys. Vygon has built a new 60,000 sq ft warehouse practical.” Sheppard Robson, building work was carried GVA was recently ranked the number one supplier which at 12.5m high is more suited to its needs. Some 15 acres of land surplus to out by Barnwood Construction of Gloucester of services to the public sector nationally with a 44% It has also completely refurbished the requirements will be sold but the remainder of with 5 Consulting of Herefordshire as quantity market share, according to figures for 2010/11 from the existing office pod and converted some rooms the site is earmarked to meet Vygon’s surveyors and construction coordinator. Government Procurement Service. into training suites which will be used by expansion. 3Sphere of Cirencester redesigned the office Vygon staff from across the world – saving on The building, which has been renamed interior. • Industrial sale at Corsham Whitmarsh Lockhart has sold Unit One Leafield Industrial What’s the tube for? Estate, Corsham to a private company. The 32,500 sq ft building on a 1.76 acre site had previously been used for Motorola needed a large open, efficient and modern warehousing and manufacturing. The guide price was manufacturing space in the building so original £900,000 and the property was sold for an undisclosed architects Sheppard Robson came up with the sum. innovative idea of putting all the services such as power Paul Whitmarsh, partner in charge of the agency cables in a 300m-long steel tube on roof. department, said: “It is always a pleasure to dispose of an When Vygon bought the building they sought industrial/warehouse facility of this nature and see the permission to demolish the tube as the company is not building come back into life generating new jobs and manufacturing on the site. But Swindon Council revitalising the area. planners insisted the tube stay as it has become “Unit One had been empty for approximately 18 months landmark. and had undergone an extensive refurbishment.” Whitmarsh Lockhart acted on behalf of the Barnes Group. Some 74 metres has been lopped off as Vygon has taken down part of the building. But the rest of the tube • Unit sold at Ash and Birch Estate remains – even though now it is completely empty.
Acting on behalf of Rockspring Funds, Caisson Investment Management has sold Unit 23 Ash at the Ash and Surveying firm launched by experienced agent Birch Industrial Estate, Chartered surveyor Andrew Kilpatrick has receiving appointments from the president of He is joined in Kilpatrick & Co by Kembrey Park, to MMG launched Kilpatrick & Co, a Swindon-based the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Stephen Brickell, who specialises in Magdev, a specialist supplier of surveying firm specialising in commercial (RICS). commercial agency and has more than five permanent magnets. property consultancy. He is also a RICS-registered valuer and years’ experience of sales lettings and Unit 23 Ash is a detached Mr Kilpatrick has more than 25 years’ expert witness, joint author of The acquisitions in Swindon’s commercial warehouse facility of 11,601 sq experience of Swindon and surrounding Businessman’s Guide to Rating and a property market, and Conor McVie, who ft at the entrance to the estate. property markets and is a practicing member of the Compulsory Purchase specialises in property management, having It was available at a quoting arbitrator and independent expert, regularly Association. responsibility for a wide range of properties. price of £755,000. Alastair Andrews of joint Alastair Andrews agents Loveday and Loveday New Windmill Hill office for financial services firm said: “The units at the Ash and Birch Industrial Estate provide unrivalled accommodation in the Swindon Caerus Wealth, the advice firm set up by financial services veteran left to launch St James’s Place Capital in Cirencester. He returned to market. “The landscaped environment coupled with a Keith Carby, has moved into showpiece offices on Swindon’s Swindon with Openwork but quit two years ago. very approachable on-site management team makes flagship Windmill Hill business park. Fast-growing Caerus has ambitions to be a major player in the this the ideal location to expand a business. With The firm has taken a five-year lease agreement on Building 120 - wealth management advice industry and has been recruiting agents various other units ranging from 1,000 sq ft up to formerly known as Sigma and one of the iconic smoke-glassed from rivals since its launch last year. 14,000 sq ft still available, any companies seeking to offices on the park. The 2,260 sq ft office, which has a quoting rent is £16 per sq ft, was relocate should get in touch either with myself or joint agents Jones Lang LaSalle and Alder King.” Mr Carby has shaped some of the UK’s most successful financial let by joint agents Whitmarsh Lockhart and Hartnell Taylor Cook on advice firms including Swindon-based giant Allied Dunbar which he behalf of Windmill Hill owners St Martins Property Corporation. Page 14 September 2011 Property £1.85m train station forecourt upgrade on track to start ork is about to start on the project for the benefit of Swindon,” he long-awaited £1.85m upgrade said. “The result will be an impressive Wof Swindon railway station’s entry point into Swindon for business forecourt – a project seen as essential to visitors and residents. “ lifting the town’s image and an Forward Swindon has negotiated important part of the wider town centre finance for the scheme and will be redevelopment. overseeing the project. More than half The nine-month programme of the funding has come from central major improvements will give priority to Government with the remainder from pedestrians, safely separating them from Swindon Borough Council and Network traffic. Rail. There will be new passenger drop- Damian Poulter of main contractors off areas, a clearly-defined taxi rank with Britannia Construction said: “Being 15 spaces and a new bus lane and shelter. involved in this key regeneration project The whole area will be made more for Swindon is exciting for us. Over the attractive with granite paving, trees, next nine months we will be working to improved signs, lighting and seating. ensure minimum disruption and to keep The scheme also aims to overcome station users, local businesses and one of the key issues faced by visitors to stakeholders well informed of progress Swindon arriving by train – how to reach and access routes in and around the the town centre by foot. station.” As well as better signs, the design Patrick Hallgate, route managing will clearly indicate the route by director for Network Rail, added: “The continuing the forecourt’s granite paving recent upgrade in the station by Network over the Station Road pedestrian Rail and the plans ahead for the station crossing and along to Wellington Street. forecourt will make a big difference for Ian Piper, of Forward Swindon, the the community and businesses that rely Council’s regeneration company which on the railway for thousands of journeys is leading the project, said the existing every day.” station area did not yet reflect the town’s The forecourt work comes ahead of important strategic location between Swindon town centre’s planned 17-acre, London and Bristol. flagship Union Square mixed-use “We are delighted to be driving this development. Westerngate welcomes two new tenants Two new tenants have taken space at Westerngate, developer Durngate’s 11-unit industrial/warehouse scheme on the Hillmead Enterprise Park. High-end kitchen provider Kitstone has acquired Unit 3 for its distribution and showroom facility after searching across Swindon for a suitable location. Westerngate was the only modern facility that fitted its brief which means it now has excellent access to M4 Junction 16. The other new tenant specialist providers of vending machines and vending Autobar, which has moved into Unit 4 . Autobar was also seeking a well-located modern facility close to Junction 16 and Unit 4 Westerngate provided the best solution. Ralph Wells at Whitmarsh Lockhart said: “It is good news to let two units in quick succession at Westerngate. “The recent market in this size sector has proved quite tough. However, we are able to offer a flexible deal structure and impressive deals that are very appealing to tenants. “With this mixture of competitive deals and high-quality accommodation, Westerngate continues to be one of the preferred locations for tenants looking for units between 10-25,000 sq ft on the west side of Swindon.” Whitmarsh Lockhart is joint agent for Westerngate with Cushman & Wakefield. September 2011 Page 15 In Gear New Honda Civic launched at Frankfurt Motor Show BMW wins sustainability award The new Honda Civic, launched at the Frankfurt • German car group BMW Motor Show features a distinctive new dynamic, has been named as the flowing exterior design which is complemented by a world’s most sustainable high quality interior finish. automobile manufacturer The designers of the new Civic wanted to keep for the seventh the sporty and advanced elements of the car’s consecutive year. character but tailor them to express the new model’s The group, which has more dynamic feel. its MINI pressing plant in Nearly all of the body components on the new Swindon, achieved top Civic have been redesigned with particular focus on slot in the ranking ride and handling, reduced CO2 emissions, design published by the SAM and interior quality, while retaining the class-leading Group for the Dow Jones cabin, boot space and practicality. Sustainability Indexes. Designed and developed specifically for the BMW is also the only automotive manufacturer to be listed European market, the new Civic will be offered as a in this family of indexes every year since it was established in five-door hatchback and will reach UK showrooms 1999. in early 2012. BMW chairman Dr Norbert Reithofer said: “The success of the BMW Group is built on a long-term approach and responsible action. Being ranked sector leader for the past E-campaign gets new Hyundai on the road seven years underscores our corporate strategy and approach. I would like to thank all of our company’s 95,000 employees ebley Beach, the Swindon Hyundai potential company car buyers, arrange and five years’ roadside assistance. whose day-to-day work makes this progress possible." dealer, is harnessing the power of test drives for them and gain useful Dominic said: “We are a forward- Sustainability is an integral part of the BMW’s corporate social media to back the launch of feedback. looking business and we are constantly strategy - it appointed the automotive industry’s first P environmental officer in 1973. Since then it has systematically the all-new Hyundai i40 Tourer to the All comments will be fed back to looking for new ways to engage with our fleet market. Hyundai with special rewards for those customers and potential customers. refined its concept of sustainability ad two years ago it firmly The car, which has just gone on sale, taking part such as a free valet, MOT “Social media is becoming more established corporate sustainability at group level. boasts a wealth of state-of-the-art voucher or labour on a service. important and we plan to be ahead of the technology and other benefits of a And those who are quick off the game with our campaign for the new i40 Swindon car dealership expands premium model but without the premium mark in arranging their test drive, there Tourer. It’s a very exciting car so we price tag – making it an ideal company is also a chance of winning Euro 2012 want to engage with businesses in an Swindon-based car dealer group Cambria Automobiles has vehicle. tickets. exciting way through this leading-edge added a Vauxhall franchise to its portfolio following the acquisition To launch the i40 Tourer to the Go to: campaign. of a dealership in Southampton. corporate market, Pebley Beach director http://events.linkedin.com/Hyundai/pub/ “We can offer discerning fleet The deal takes Cambria’s locations to 27 while the addition of Dominic Threlfall is teaming up with 763989 to register. managers - and their drivers - a complete Vauxhall brings the total number of new car franchises to 39, Swindon Business News and using social Call Pebley Beach on 01793 816800 package with the i40 Tourer. Whatever including Citroen, Seat and Jaguar dealerships in Swindon. media, including LinkedIn. to arrange a drive, fill out the feedback the size of their fleet, they can enjoy the The news follows the group’s pre-close trading statement Swindon Business News is to form, choose the free gift from above and benefits. which showed the group achieved another year of growth “broadly promote the car through a unique email be entered for the tickets. “From driving down the cost of in line with market expectations” despite a difficult market. campaign – ensuring that its marketing Every i40 Tourer incorporates high ownership and lowering the tax Cambria said it was on the lookout for further acquisitions and material is seen by senior company levels of equipment designed to help efficiency of our vehicles to improving intends to pursue more opportunities with Vauxhall. executives, entrepreneurs and business keep fleet drivers safe - ESP, 7 airbags, the on-the-road experience - our aim is The acquired business in Southampton has been loss making owners in the area. ABS, Brake Assist and Vehicle Stability that both companies and drivers benefit.” in recent years, and it is anticipated will dilute earnings in the short The campaign will tie in with eye- Management (VSM), Bluetooth with term while Cambria’s systems and processes are brought in. The catching online advertising on Swindon voice recognition - and reassured - with business was acquired on a net asset basis and no goodwill was Business News’ website – Hyundai’s Five Year Triple Care paid. www.swindon-business.net - and in the package, the i40 Tourer boasts an Cambria chief executive Mark Lavery said he was confident monthly publication. Dominic is also unlimited mileage warranty (not the Vauxhall dealership will return to profitability in the medium using LinkedIn to gain the attention of available for taxi or private hire usage) term.
To book a test drive contact us on 01793 816800
Pebley Beach Hyundai 01793 816800 West Swindon Motor Park, SWINDON, SN5 7SB www.pebleybeachhyundai.co.uk SWINDON BUSINESS NEWS Telephone: 01793 615393 www.swindon-business.net Business consortium hosts top Chinese delegation Unique event will alert Swindon firms to impact of domestic violence Business es are being urged to consider the impact that domestic violence and abuse is having on the wellbeing, mental health and, consequently, productivity of their staff. Expert advice on ways of handling this difficult subject for employers will be available at a free, one- off awareness session staged in Swindon in November. The event, called Domestic Violence and Abuse – What employers need to know, is the result of a link up between Swindon Community Safety Partnership and the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) along with the Swindon Mindful Employer Network which is managed locally by Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire. Speakers will include Neil Blacklock, a leading expert on domestic violence with the national charity Respect. The event, free to attend for employers and business people and which is supported by Swindon Business News, takes place at the Steam museum, Churchward, on November 21 from 10am. To book a place contact David Latham at [email protected] k The Chinese delegation with Mayor of Swindon Cllr Ray Balman, Jeremy Holt (rear), and Gavin Jones chief exec of the Council
igh ranking Chinese officials visiting delegation, led by the former Governor of owned Chinese art not previously seen by China trade event to be held Britain to learn about heritage Henan Province, visited Heelis, the National the public at Swindon Museum and Art Firms seeking business opportunities in China can Hconservation were the guests of the Trust headquarters at Churchward, before Gallery, which was sponsored by the gain first-hand advice from experts in international UK China Business Consortium at a lunch moving on to the restaurant in the former consortium. trade at a conference later this month. in one of Swindon’s most iconic industrial GWR works weighhouse, which later Mr Zhang returned to Swindon with the Speakers from UKTI, China-Britain Business buildings. became Archers brewery. Consultative Conference delegation and Council, Institute of Exports, Bristol China Consortium chairman Jeremy Holt The lunch was the second major event said he was delighted to be back in the Partnership and UWE will look at ways to expand welcomed members of the Chinese arranged by the UK China Business town so soon, and once again meet into the world’s second-largest economy. People’s Political Consultative Conference, Consortium since it was founded earlier members of the business community, The China Trade Conference, which takes place China’s equivalent of the Senate, to this summer. In June, the cultural attaché Swindon’s Mayor Councillor Ray Ballman, on September 29 at HSBC’s offices in Temple Quay, Swindon with a meal at the newly converted to the Chinese Embassy in London, Mr Li her consort and senior representatives of Bristol, is being staged by the Bristol branch of the Weighbridge Brewhouse. The Chinese Zhang, opened an exhibition of privately- Swindon Borough Council. Institute of Directors (IOD). Heathrow high-speed direct rail link could get back on track Swindon could get a direct high- The station at Heathrow, which speed rail link to Heathrow Airport could be built by 2021, would also under a scheme being considered by link to the planned HS2 London- the Government. Birmingham line – although its route Transport Secretary Philip is fiercely opposed by campaigners, Hammond, is understood to have which could delay the project. drafted fresh plans to build a spur Reports of the Healthrow link line from the Great Western main follow the recently announced £1bn line at Reading Station into the electrification of the Great Western airport, possibly straight to Terminal line between Bristol and London. 5. Councils in Bristol, Swindon and The £500m project, which has Cardiff – backed by the business been considered in the past but never community – lobbied hard for that given the green light, would allow plan to be brought forward after the trains operating on the main Cardiff- Government put it on hold. London line through Swindon to Some railway experts today said stop at Heathrow – achieving long- the Heathrow spur plan would more hoped ambitions for business leaders likely involve shuttle trains in the West for a direct connection to operating from Reading Station to one of the world’s busiest airports. Heathrow rather than direct services The plan could cut journey times from Swindon stopping there. to Heathrow by at least 30 minutes, However, the plan – in whatever according to reports. At present rail form it takes – will be welcomed by passengers must either travel to business leaders across the region. London Paddington then change and Philip Morton, director at take the Heathrow Express back to property firm DTZ in Bristol, said it the airport, or get off at Reading and would provide a welcome boost to catch a bus. the regional economy.