Newbury Weekly News Thursday, September9,2021 27

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT LEGALE ADVICE THE INTERVIEW TO YOUR AVERAGE NETWORKING GROUP? JulieeTaylor Dom Robinson Friendly Gardnd er Leader,page28 Restaurant Renaissant,page29 Supportive Not-for-profit NEWBURY BUSINESS GROUP Join us at Donnington Grove every Friday Newbury Business [email protected] at the heart of your community Today Date: 9.9.2021 Distributed with the Newbury Weekly News MFG bought by Air IT Sponsored by Sulhamstead firm joins group hoping to be best managed service provider in UK

SULHAMSTEAD-BASED IT Air IT has added MFG and IN- firmMFG UK has been bought FINITY to its portfolio as part of by managed service provider ambitious plans to further expand Air IT. across the UK and become the MSP MFG was launched in 2008 and of choice for SMEs nationally. provides managed IT, cyber se- As aresult of these acquisitions, curity and communications solu- Air IT has increased its headcount tions. to 270 staff–morethan 200 of It has won several awards –in- whom performdirect service-re- cluding a NewburyWeeklyNews lated roles –and boosted its ex- Best in Business award –and is a isting presence both in the South partner of Microsoft, Dell and Dat- East and the Midlands. to. Air IT chief executive John Air IT was impressed with its Whitty said: “We are thrilled to organic year-on-year growth and have found two more outstanding excellent reputation with its cli- teams to join the Air IT Group, ents, demonstrated by their cus- which has allowed us to further ex- tomer loyalty. pand our footprint and introduce MFG managing director Mark skilful, like-minded colleagues to Flinders said: “At MFG, we have the team. admired Air IT and followed their “Both MFG and INFINITY are journey with close interest over very similar to us in terms of their the years. service maturity, product set, cli- “As acompany, they have great ent type and, most importantly, people and values which in turn culture –weare confident that delivers agreat service, currently they will be agreat fit for Air IT ranked in the top three MSPs in andlook forward to the contribu- the UK. tion we know they will add. “Joining with the Air IT Group “Our aim is to be the go-to MSP helps us in several ways. andMSSP for SMEs across the UK, “Our management team can grow further, our people will have delivering alocal service on ana- more support and opportunities to tional scale and welcoming excep- extend their skills and experience, tional talent to the group will help and our clients will benefit from us achieve this.” the ever-growing services and Providing legal expertise for technologies that formpartofthe “ MFG are very similar to us every aspect of your business and new digital way of working. MFG managing director Mark Flinders in terms of their service “The team are excited to be part personal life for over 100 years. of the Air IT Group and looking and Uttoxeter-based INFINITY IT managed service provider has ac- maturity, product set, forward to working closely with Solutions Limited on September quired two businesses simultane- the other regions to make the 2, for undisclosed sums. Backed by ously –the first pair last October, client type and, most group the best in the UK.” August Equity since January 2020, the second in December and the importantly, culture Business and Company Services Air IT bought both MFG UK this marks the fourth time the IT third in March. Employment Law Family &Mediation Litigation Disputes &Resolution Property CEDAR GOLD AWARDED D E N T A L C A R E Roy D Patel & Colleagues Wills, Trusts, Probate &Taxation ALL ASPECTS OF DENTISTRY Commended by the British Dental Association Bradley Moore House Practice of the Year Award 2013 3 Bath Road, Thatcham Telephone: Berkshire, RG18 3AG Tel: 01635 580858 01635 867979 MONDAY - FRIDAY 7. 30am - 8.00pm Need employment advice? www.horseylightly.com SATURDAY 8.00am - 1.00pm Andrew EganAssociates 2West Mills, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 5HG SPECIALIST CARE PROVIDED BY... Employment Solicitors For advice on all employment matters including Redundancy, Unfair dismissal, Settlement Agreements, contact:

M: +44 (0)7904 391756 E: [email protected]

T: +44 (0)1635 890560 W: www.andreweganassociates.co.uk Roy Patel Gursharan Minhas Jacob D’Souza Specialist Consultant & Specialist Consultant & Specialist in Prosthodontics in Orthodontics. in Implants & Oral Surgery The Netqubate Business Centre, 72-73 Bartholomew Street, www.cedardental.co.uk Newbury,BerkshireRG14 5DU 28 Thursday, September9,2021 NewburyWeeklyNews Legal Question Time WBTC graduation ceremony is back at Arlington Arts What could flexible and hybrid WEST Berkshire Training Consortium’s graduation ceremony finally returns next month at Arlington Arts Centre afteratwo- year postponement due to working mean for your business? Covid-19. WBTC will celebrate its students completing their ap- FLEXIBLE working policies and procedures giving employees achance to easy to get carried away prenticeships in avariety of arrangements include part- Flexible/hybrid working move back to the workplace as with the possibilities of areas, including accountan- time working, flexitime policies are recommended to and when requested, as well flexible and hybrid working cy, business administration, and job-sharing, writes Julie accommodate both statutory as areviewperiod in which arrangements. It is important customer service, teaching, Taylor from Gardner Leader. requirements and other changes can be reverted if not for employers to consider the plumbing, IT, engineering An increasingly popular arrangements specific to the working as well as planned. full practicalities. and many more. WBTC managing director flexible working trend is that business. Effective policies Changing terms and It is therefore, worth bearing Matt Garvey said: “I would of ‘hybrid’ working, which and procedures can help to conditions in mind the following: like to congratulate our ap- affords an employee the right ensure requests are dealt with Where flexible working n Suitable roles and type of to workbothinthe workplace in acoherentand uniform prenticeship graduates and requests are agreed, this workthat could be performed recognise the resilience they and at aremote location, such manner. The requests can be may constitute achange in outside of the workplace, as their home. Employees refused, but for limited and have shown over adifficult 18 Julie Taylor an employee’s employment including confidentiality months. have aright to request legitimate business reasons, contract. Therefore, an considerations flexible working, and requests provide further information such as customer demand or “This makes their achieve- employer will need to ensure n Performance management, ments even more special. are becoming increasingly to help their case ability to re-distribute the that the terms of the contract common as we move to the work. Any flexible working learning anddevelopment of “I would also like to thank n The employee is invited are varied accordingly. staff our sponsors of the event, ‘new normal’ post-pandemic. to ameeting to consider the policy will need to include the statutory scheme at least, but Discrimination n Cybersecurity, especially who have made this all pos- Flexible working requests request (and be accompanied considerations sible.” by acolleague if requested) can also include provisions with regard to confidentiality, Eligible employees (those for those who fall outside of Arefusal to allow flexible or tech infrastructure and data Sponsors include Bench- with 26 weeks continuous n The request is considered the formal right to request. hybrid working could amount sharing mark, Celeros, James Cowp- service) have astatutory right on an individual basis er Kreston, Bayer, Newbury Employers can also consider to indirect discrimination in n Thelong-termimplications; to request flexible working n That the final decision is certain circumstances. For News Ltd, EJBC Chartered once every 12 months. implementing aspecific employees may be difficult to Accountants, HR Dept, Dove- communicated clearly and hybrid working policy, example, the requirement for persuade back to aworkplace Requests must be dealt with without undue delay and in adisabled person to be in the tail Group and Apple Print reasonably and within three covering hybrid working on a environment, therefore any and Creative. writing. discretionary basis, without workplace may disadvantage decisions need to be made months from the date it was them. Additionally, employers The WBTC graduation made. Employers who receive Employers should also be the need for aformal request carefully and in line with the ceremony takes place on aware that requests to work to be made. This simpler need to ensure part-time business’s ambitions. arequest should ensure: workers are not treated less Wednesday, October 6, at Ar- flexibly –especially from approach could limit the n Including atimescale for lington Arts Centre in New- n It is acknowledged in home –can be made on an amount of statutory flexible favourably than full-time ones writing with comparable roles. regular reviews, making bury. informal basis. It is important working requests made. it clear the reasons why For free advice about of- n All relevant eligibility that employers also treat It may also be worth Practicalities of flexible changes may be requested if fering apprenticeships email criteria are considered these requests reasonably. including areciprocal ‘opt and hybrid working the new working patternis [email protected] or call n The employee is invited to Flexible/hybrid working out’ clause for arrangements, For an employee, it is unsuccessful. (01635) 35975. Outstanding workers nominated for Newbury BID prize giveaway

NEWBURY Business Im- dressing, Leanne has been ex- provement District (BID) cellent at managing the salon has given away 30 tickets –hardly needing to lean on me to this weekend’s Newbury at all. Real Ale Festival to deserv- “She has taken away the ing local workers. burden of sorting out many Last month, the BID reached things from me and managed out to firms in Newbury town to keep the salon running centre, asking them to nomi- well under very difficult cir- nate outstanding members of cumstances. All that whilst stafftowin apairoftickets to working afull column of her the hugely-popular beer festi- clients. val, of which it is akey spon- “She has been amazing, and sor. Icannotthank her enough.” It received more than 30 Ripples director Dianne nominations for the prize Garnett nominated office giveaway from an array of manager Amanda Day, say- businesses across all sectors, ing: “She is an absolute star including office-based organi- within our business and has sations, hospitality, retail and Newbury BID chief executive been with us through thick hair and beauty. Melissa Hughes andthin. All nominations were en- “We recently had quite a Delivering peace of mind to the tered into aprize draw and centre team leader John Web- nasty flood in the showroom winners were generated at ber, saying: “Since the pan- anduptothe mantle she Newbury community for 125 years. random to make the competi- demic, John has gone above jumped, beginning with roll- tion as fair as possible. and beyond to support both ing up her sleeves and grab- The winners are: Blues his own team and colleagues bing buckets, to calling insur- Smoke House, Jean throughout the business to anceand allowing us at the Marc-Bidegain; bstFitness, help them overcome awide fronttoget back to selling as Free 30 minute initial consultation available for: Milena Skrodzka; Grape Tree, variety of both business and soon as possible. •Making or updating aWill Izzy; Hamptons, Deborah personal challenges. “She is lovely to have Giacobbi; Jack Wills, Kaya “We run a24-hour interna- around which makes coming •Lasting Powers of Attorney Huszarik; MAXX Design, Ste- tional business, and he makes into workapleasure.” phen Cripps; Newbury Town himself available at all times Newbury BID chief execu- •Divorce or separation Council, Elisa Mullen; Out- and at any hour to other staff tive Melissa Hughes said: “It’s •Child agreements &Child Care arrangements source International Limited, members, customers and part- been adelight seeing all of John Webber; Pizza Express, ners. the entries come in and areal •Financial arrangements Joe; Ripples, Amanda Day; “He has shown his true col- pleasure reading through the •Pre-and post-nuptial agreements Roderick Anthony, Leanne ours and is avery valuable as- nominations. Fayers Hallin; Shoe Zone, set to the business, for which “I feel so proud of the New- •Cohabitation JK; TaxAssist Accountants, we are very grateful.” bury business community for Julie Moore; We Buy, Nathan Roderick Anthony Hair- pulling through such an awful White Hart House, Market Place, Newbury RG14 5BA Holland; Willow and Blooms, dressing director Anthony time, and we’re pleased we’re Naomi Carolan. Griffins nominated manager able to reward some of the 01635 508080 |gardner-leader.co.uk Outsource International andstylist Leanne Fayers Hal- members of staffwho have managing director Martin lin, saying: “Through the last played their part in helping Trumper nominated service year of an awful time in hair- their business pull through.” NewburyWeeklyNews Thursday, September9,2021 29 ‘It will be the dining space that the food and service deserve’ Former-Blackbird owner outlines the vision for his new Bagnor restaurant

ANEW fine dining service deserve.” illustrations and recipes. restaurant serving classic Mr Robinson said Restaurant “People can expect the same French cuisine will open in The Interview: Renaisant would serve “the bold flavours and classic West Berkshire tomorrow Restaurant Renaissant same classic French food that technique. It won’t be (Friday). people know and love”. modernist or fussy. It will just Restaurant Renaissant owner and head chef “There won’t be any massive be nice produce in amuch has been created by surprises,” he said. more refined environment.” Dom Robinson, who was Dom Robinson talks During lockdown, Mr previously owner and head “It’s amenuthat’s very close to my heart. Classical French Robinson set up an outdoor chef at The Blackbird at to NewburyBusiness dining restaurant called Pizza Bagnor. cuisine is what Ido, it’s what Today’s DAN COOPER Iloveand where my passion Paloma,which allowed people The new restaurant will open is. to meet friends outside while in the same building as The indoor hospitality was closed. Blackbird and Mr Robinson “I do aslightly more modern It has been serving affordable promised that “people can interpretation of classic “ It’samenuthat’svery pizzas and cold beers outside expect the same bold flavours dishes. Alot of people are trying to innovate, but Idon’t and classic technique”. closetomyheart. and has proved extremely want or need to innovate. I popular. However, he said it would be Classical French cuisine just want to cook the food I Mr Robinson will keep Pizza a“muchmore comfortable is what Ido, it’swhat love really well.” environment and amuch Paloma goingasan“alpine Mr Robinson, who has spoken nicer place to eat”. Ilove and where my ski-type restaurant with openly about his battle with outdoor lighting and log The name Renaissant passion is alcoholism and addiction, burners”. comes from the past tense of said he was in amuch better Renaissance, which means To find out more about restaurant has undergone headspace now and would to be reborn–something Mr “certainly be cooking with Restaurant Renaissant, visit acomplete refurbishment, Robinson said was “very apt”. less ego”. www.restaurantrenaissant. with new flooring, toilets and com Restaurant Renaissant owner Dom Robinson Ref: 35-1721 Mr Robinson said: “Before, a paint. His book, BorntoCook, lot of people came and loved will also be published in the food, but they didn’t like “It’s actually aproper November and is now the environment. standalone restaurant now,” available to pre order. said Mr Robinson. “ “I loved it, but perhaps Iwas The book, Mr Robinson kidding myself trying to serve “It will be amuch nicer said, is: “All of my story, fine dining food in ashabby environment for people to everything I’ve done, where chic environment and 80s eat in and much more suited Icame from, alot about my music blaring out.” for occasions and business addictions and all the reasons The beer pumps behind the dinners than The Blackbird. why Istarted cooking fell in bar have now been done away “I feel it will be the dining love with it.” with and the inside of the space that the food and It also features his

Renaissant arestaurantby Dom Robinson

Opening September 10th. Now taking bookings. 01635 581232 [email protected] www.restaurantrenaissant.com Bagnor, BerkshireRG20 8AQ

Dom Robinson pictured during the refurbishment of the former Blackbird pub last month Ref: 35-1721 30 Thursday, September9,2021 NewburyWeeklyNews RBFRS backs Mortgage applications for Business Safety Week self-employed or contractor THIS week, Royal Berk- shire Fire and Rescue Ser- vice (RBFRS) is supporting theNational Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Business Newbury Building Society with five ways to prepare Safety Week. Business Safety Week urg- es local businesses that have RECENT research by Al- cation if you are self-employed has been maintained over reopened their doors not to dermore Bank revealed or acontractor: time. overlook fire safety and en- self-employed workers in 1. Evidence of two to It’s also important to show sure it remains atop priority. the UK are pessimistic three years of accounts: astrong pipeline of upcoming Throughout the week, RB- about their home buying Lenders will typically ask work. FRSwill be reminding busi- chances, writes Luke Pum- to look at two to three years’ 4. Review and improve nesses of their fire safety mell from Newbury Build- worth of accounts. your credit profile: Checking responsibilities so that they ing Society. Since Covid-19, it is also im- your credit profile is an impor- comply with legislation to It seems the pandemic has portant to show your business tant step especially if you have keep both premises and occu- intensified their difficulties in has recovered to pre-pandemic had credit commitments in pants safe from fire. getting afootonthe housing levels and be able to explain to the past and it can be aworth- As many of the businesses ladder. alender what Covid-19 busi- while process to check all old that had to close or change However, there are ways. ness incentives you took, in- commitments are up to date. their ways of working during Many specialist mortgage cluding amounts repayable. There are several ways to the Covid-19 pandemic have lenders have lending options 2. Get your paperworkin boost your credit profile. now reopened, RBFRS is en- which can provide aroute order: You will need to pro- Simple steps such as reg- couraging all business own- to homeownership for the vide the relevant documenta- istering on the electoral roll, ers and responsible persons self-employed. tion to prove your income. paying offdebts and meeting (RPs) to take steps to ensure Unlike many high street Making sure you know regular payments will over their premises are fire safe. banks, specialist lenders can which documents lenders will time make adifference. These steps include review- dig into the detail to under- ask of you and having them to See our guide at www.new- ing the Fire Risk Assessment stand the income streams and hand will save time and help bury.co.uk/news-knowledge/ to reflect any changes made investigate the mortgage op- speed up the process. blog/10-tips-improve-your- in response to the pandemic, portunities available. See our Tax Guide at www. credit-score/ training staff, and checking Our top tip is that you need newbury.co.uk/filer/shar- 5. Save alarger deposit: and maintaining fire equip- to be well prepared before ing/1619639586/4234/ which Having alargerdeposit will ment. It is also vital that any making an application. explains what lenders will typ- improve your chances of se- Covid-19 secure measures Make sure you prepare the ically ask to see to prove your curing amortgage and could Luke Pummell still in place do not compro- documents and information income. enable you to buy at ahigher your deposit. Call: (01635) 555700 mise fire safety. the lender will need to give 3. Evidence asteady price and provide you with a Free business safety advice your mortgage application its stream of work: To prove better mortgage product. You could utilise restrict- Visit: www.newbury.co.uk is available on the RBFRS best chance of success. you’re areliable borrower, it’s Review your expenditure ed access savings accounts to Safety at Workwebsite page Here are five ways to pre- important to demonstrate a and see where you can afford benefit from amorefavourable Luke Pummell https://www.rbfrs.co.uk/ pare for your mortgage appli- steady stream of workwhich to cut back and put towards interest rate. Direct sales manager your-safety/safety-at-work/ T-up to TLevelsat Newbury College ACHIEVE OVER the last year, New- bury Collegehas been pre- paring for TLevels and YOUR exploring the benefits that they can bring to business- es in the region. TLevelswill run alongside DEGREE and feed into the well-estab- lished Apprenticeship pro- el is a45-day industry place- youhave. vision that Newbury College ment. During the 2021/2022 aca- and UCN offers to local busi- TLevelsare part of the Gov- demic year, they will be work- LOCALLY nesses, developing the skills ernment’s plan to align tech- ing with employers to trial the and training needed for a nical qualifications to have an 45-day placement model and better informed, perfectly equivalent status to A-levels. have been aligning the cur- matched workforce for your The industry placements riculum to prepare students University Centre Newbury (UCN) offers an extensiverange of higher education organisation. give you aunique opportunity for the adoption of the new T opportunities so that youcan achieveyour degree locally. This growing provision to develop new talent and get Level provision for 2022. aligns with the Government’s young people work-ready. To getinvolved with this blueprint for apost-16 educa- From September 2022, New- please email the employer en- n Study up to postgraduatedegree levelwith nationally recognised tion that ensures everyone bury College will deliver T gagement team on EETeam@ qualifications from our university partners and awarding bodies. can gain the skills they need Levels in construction, busi- live.newbury-college.ac.uk to progress in acareer, at any ness and administration and Your business needs and stage of their life. digital. the successful development of n Save on expensivetuition fees* and the cost of relocation. TLevelsand Apprentice- Benefits to your business their students are at the heart ships are vital in establishing Industry placements help of everything they do. the right skills at the right your organisation: Newbury College and UCN n Fast-track your career progression with hands-on, vocational learning time and employers are being n Find solutions for entry-lev- value your ongoing support developed in partnership with employers. encouraged to take acentral el skills shortage and partnerships in which role in designing these techni- n Develop future talent for you provide sector-specific cal courses. your business guidancethat shapes the cur- About TLevels n Capitalise on new ideas and riculum and support in de- APPLYNOW ucn.ac.uk TLevels are anew two-year fresh perspectives veloping students with talks, qualification for 16- to 19-year- n Identify apprentice poten- mentoring, workexperience, olds. Designed with employ- tial for further training and TLevel placements and em- ers, each TLevel is equivalent development ployment of apprentices. to three A-levels and helps Stepping up to the T To speak about furthering young people develop the Thestrategic vision of New- future talent opportunities or knowledge, attitude and prac- buryCollege and UCN ensures developing existing staffwith *When studied as part of an apprenticeship. tical skills needed to thrive in that the training delivered any aspects of their provision the workplace. is directly aligned with the email business@newbury-col- At theheart of each TLev- skills needed for the job roles lege.ac.uk NewburyWeeklyNews Thursday, September9,2021 31 Custom and practice in employment contracts

Andrew Egan Associates Employment Solicitors answers legal questions

SOMETIMES an employees which suggests the employer a) The language used is very notcontractual and therefore will argue that what their felt asense of legal obligation important. For example, notlegally binding. employer considers to be to provide that benefit. referring to ‘ex-gratia’ f) Ideally, do not put details payments rather than adiscretionary benefit Atribunal or court will ask about discretionary benefits ‘entitlements’ shows that the is or has, in fact, become whether the circumstances in astaffhandbook. If employer does not consider it abinding termoftheir demonstrate that the parties awritten policy exists, employment contract, is legally required to provide ensure that access to the intended the termtoform the benefit but is choosing through custom and policy is limited to HR and part of their contract? to do so. Using words such practice over time. higher management. If a Can they be taken to have as ‘aim’ or ‘policy’ or ‘aspire’ discretionary policy is set Ihave recently had two accepted that the practice has rather than ‘shall receive’ or cases where this was argued attained contractual status? ‘a guaranteed payment’. out in astaffhandbook or in relation to abonus publicly available elsewhere, payment in one case, and in In the 2013 case of Park b) Make communications make sure that it is clearly another case, an enhanced Cakes vShumba &Ors, about any policy and control designated as non-contractual redundancy payment. which concerned adisputed to the larger or whole and make sure it is clear that entitlement to an enhanced workforce, and manage these Employees usually argue that it is indicative only and not redundancy payment, the communications. intended to confer any legal an implied contractual term Court of Appeal raised a has arisen through custom c) In aredundancy situation, rights. number of questions to and practice over time, but where the employee g) Anypolicywording should be considered in these they also need to show that asks for details of their clearly state that the employer circumstances: it must be areasonable, termination package, be hasanelement of flexibility, notorious and certain termof On how many occasions, and careful to differentiate so that such benefitsmay not between the statutory and their employment. over how long aperiod, has be paid in every situation contractual elements, and the the benefit in question been or may be discontinued The termmust be fair, not discretionary elements of the paid? altogether at the employer’s changeable, well established package on offer. over aperiod of time, must Is the benefit always the discretion. d) Do not automatically be known to employees, same? pay discretionary benefits For advice on this topic or and it should be clear and How far is the enhanced without considering the employment contracts and unambiguous. benefit publicised? circumstances and specific terms generally, please As well as being well How are the terms described? sign-off. Also, document n Call Andrew on 07904 391756 established, it must be well or (01635) 890560 Is the position ambiguous? and save notes of your known to the workforce consideration and reasons for n Email Andrew@ What can employer do to so that employees have adecision to pay or not pay andreweganassociates.co.uk Andrew Egan areasonable expectation be protected? the benefit or benefits. of receiving the benefit, Some of the following e) All benefits paid should for example, if details are measures, if adopted, may be accompanied by standard published in astaffhandbook. assist an employer to argue wording clearly stating that Secondly, the employer must that abenefit is discretionary any payment made is at the have behaved in such away and not contractual: employer’sdiscretion and is Let’smake ‘soon’ Thames Waterand Thames happen today Valley Police get military gold

THAMES Water and shape the future of the water to all those in our armed forc- Thames Valley Police have industry, they get the chance es communities.” received the highest honour to workfor abusiness that Thames Water and Thames for their commitment to will respect and support them Valley Police were two of 140 recruiting and supporting every step of the way in their organisations to receive gold, ex-servicemen, women and new career.” taking the total number to 493. reservists. Thames Valley Police has Others include NHS trusts, Britain’s biggest water com- also been awarded the Minis- financial services, hotels, pany is now an Armed Forces try of Defence’s Employer Rec- charities, law firms, football Covenant Gold Award holder ognition Scheme Gold Award clubs and museums. Nearly 50 for its military recruitment for showing outstanding sup- per cent are asmall or medi- strategy, which includes at- port for the Armed Forces um-sized enterprise and 72 per tending careers fairs and hold- community. cent are private companies, ing CV writing workshops and The force signed the Armed demonstrating the wide range mock interviews. Forces Covenant in 2018. of organisations offering sup- Military personnel often Detective Chief Inspector port to the military communi- have skills relevant to the wa- Stuart Bosley, of Thames Val- ty regardless of size, sector or ter industry, from engineer- ley Police’s Major Crime Unit, location. ing and incident management led the force’s award submis- Defence minister Leo Do- to leadership and logistics. sion. cherty said: “I would like to More than 100 roles have He said: “As someone from thank all the organisations been offered to military per- amilitary background myself, who have proven their sup- sonnel by Thames Water in the demonstrating support for our port for the defence communi- past five years, taking the to- armed forces communities is ty during such unprecedented tal number employed to more really important and Iamex- and challenging times. than 300 from a7,000-strong tremely pleased that our work “The vast range of those workforce. and practices have been recog- recognised this year demon- Talk to us aboutthe affordable housingoptions available Thames Water’s director nised as gold standard.” strates how employing the of HR Lynne Graham said: The force employs approxi- armed forces community to you. Book an appointmentonlinetoday. “We’re proud and honoured to mately 30 officers and staffre- makes atruly positive impact have been named gold award servists and continues to work for all employers, regardless winners. in partnership with anumber of size, sector or location.” YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSEDIFYOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. “Building adiverse work- of military resettlement or- To win gold, organisations force is key to our success, ganisations to promote polic- must provide 10 extra paid and former military person- ing careers to those that have days leave for reservists and Call: 01635 555700 |Visit:www.newbury.co.uk nel often have the skills we’re served and their families. have supportive HR policies looking for, from logistics and Deputy Chief Constable in place for veterans, reserves Newbury Building Societyisauthorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authorityand the Prudential Regulation Authority(Financial Services Register number 206077). English Lawapplies and we willcommunicate with youin leadership to engineering and Jason Hogg said: “Thames and Cadet Force adult volun- English. We areparticipants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have acomplaints procedurewhich we willprovide on request. Most Newbury incident management. Valley Police is proud of this teers, as well as spouses and complaints that we cannot resolvecan be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 8401 Building Society “Not only do we get high-cal- recognition, reflecting the re- partners of those serving in ibre recruits who can help us spect and support we provide the armed forces. 32 Thursday, September9,2021 NewburyWeeklyNews Athena casts its net even wider ‘Pop up’ taster networking events for businesswomen

WILL you be spreading nesses and spread their nets your net wider in National wider. Fishing Month? “This is at the heart of my The West Berks Athena Net- Athena groups.” workislaunching two new There are currently four ‘Pop in and Meet Up’ taster Athena groups running in events for female business- West Berkshire, with mem- women and owners across bers from awide range of West Berkshire, to allow wom- industry sectors such as life- en in business the opportuni- style, legal and retail and busi- ty to experience aless formal nesses of all sizes from sole Athena meeting. traders and entrepreneurs to These events will take place larger organisations. on Tuesday, September 21 and “With the analogy of the Tuesday, October 26, online be- ‘net’,’’ said Mrs Snowdon, tween 11am and noon. “it is true to say that by be- Designed specifically for ing part of an Athena group, businesswomen who are inter- membershave made more ested in widening their profes- contacts, received referrals, O2 data helps plan smarter West Berks sional networkand the bene- found support and exchanged fits to them and their business, numerous ideas, helping them andtheir businesses to blos- ANONYMISED data from Thames Valley Berkshire Live movement data collected from the meet-ups are expected to som and grow. the O2 mobile phone net- Lab trials are investigating anonymised, aggregated O2 be well attended. “I am always amazed at the workisbeing used as part how technology could trans- mobile connections with an- Visitorswillhavethechance energy and expertise in my of aseries of new govern- formlocal places and improve onymised information from to speak to some existing Ath- Caroline Snowdon groups.” ment-funded trials to help the way people live and work othersources,including air ena members as well as other Each meet-up will last an Berkshire local authorities, in the county. quality sensors and cameras visiting businesswomen. to kickstart abusiness,” said hour. Tickets are free and can including West Berkshire, Theproject includes five mounted on refuse trucks. In addition, they will hear Athena regional director Car- be booked for both meet ups by plan improvements to air from aguest speaker at each trials that will use technology Virgin Media O2 director of oline Snowdon. visiting https://www.trybook- quality, public health, road event, the first, Louise Pen- to help shape future improve- market development Sergio “When speaking to women ing.co.uk/BEPL surfaces, traffic flow and gilley,will be presenting on mentstoissues like potholes, Budkin said: “We are particu- in business locally, Iamoften Feel free to drop Mrs Snow- energy infrastructure. traffic congestion, pollution larly proud to be apartofthe September 21 on ‘How to learn communication techniques told how they would like to don an email for further infor- Funded by the Department andother health risks. Thames Valley Berkshire Live that will result in you winning access more support and ide- mation, caroline.snowdon@ for Transport through the In amodel set to help lo- Lab –looking at the potential more clients’. as in aprofessionalsetting theathenanetwork.com £22.9m Adept Smart Places cal authorities plan smart- of tech to map out the smarter “September is the ideal time to help them grow their busi- Live Labs Programme, the er towns, the trials combine towns of the future.”

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Come and Celebrate Christmas 2021 in Style. Whether you want afestive night out with your friends or BOOK NOW an office Christmas party for you and your colleagues, The Newbury has apackage that is right for you. Forall Christmas party bookings in the last 2weeks of November,weare offering 10% off food! NewburyWeeklyNews Thursday, September9,2021 33 Ticketer helps roll Energy expert leading the out one of largest tap way for arenewable future on tap off schemes in Newbury-based Fidelity Energy championing green solutions, including EV charging points NEWBURY energy broker out as well as entice new cus- alscheck services. Fidelity Energy has been tomers and employees. With all the other compo- the country providing supportand as- “At our Newbury office we nents the pandemic brought, sistance to thousands of have installed our own brand- Fidelity Energy knew that at businesses all over the ed charging points to support the top of many businesses’ to- APARTNERSHIP between UK since it was founded our growing EV fleet and do lists would not be to check Hungerford-based Ticket- in 2014 and following the currently have the capability if their energy rates were cor- er, First Bus and Littlepay pandemic has been sup- to charge six EVs at no extra rect. has led to the implemen- porting local firms with cost to our employees.” Wholesale energy prices tationofone of the larg- their energy procurement Fidelity Energy has arange have reached unprecedented est tap on/tap off (TOTO) and management, along- of green solutions for busi- highs this year, with whole- schemes outside of Lon- side sourcing various re- nesses, including EV charg- sale gas prices being over 157 don. newable options. ing and 100-per-cent renewa- per cent more expensive than The First Leicester fleet The ParkStreet-based com- ble business energy rates. this time last year alone. launched 92 Tap Offreaders pany is championing amore Oneofits newest products Byrunning free bill valida- in June, which were installed sustainable future through in the bid to help reach the tions for new customers, the over afour-day period, and its green business energy tar- UK’s net-zerocarbon by 2050 energy expert noticed that FirstBus Potteries has intro- iffs, renewable solutions and goal isits new carbon man- many customers were not on duced 105 readers across its carbon management tools. agement tool, IPSUM. the most competitive rate af- fleet. Many businesses know It is aunique, automated ter renewing their energy con- TOTO is amulti-operator about ‘green’ energy, but not carbon footprint reporting tract. scheme developed by Tick- all are aware of how simple it solution that can provide de- Due to Fidelity Energy’s eter and Littlepay, atran- can be to become more envi- tailed insight into abusiness’ Fidelity Energy can charge six EV vehicles at its Park Street office large buying power and rela- sit-focused payment service ronmentally sustainable, as emissions output across its tionships with suppliers, it realising one of their main “Credit goes out to all our provider, that offers asimple well as monitor carbon out- entire organisation, with de- says nine times out of 10 it can way for passengers to pay for puts and take positive steps partmental, office, room and outgoings was powering their team members, who have beatthese initial quotes and travel by enabling them to to reduce their carbon foot- device level tracking. businesses. worked incredibly hard guarantee its customer is on tap on and tap offatthe start print. Soon all UK organisations “Even though we have had throughout the pandemic, the best available rates. and end of their journeys us- The team of energy experts will be legislated to report achallenging year, as have adapting to changes and still To findout more about any ing acontactless card. at Fidelity Energy workclose- their emissions, commit to almost all businesses around ensuring our customers re- of the products, services or for The Ticketer Tap Offread- ly with businesses to help and evidence areduction of the world, we made the an- ceived the best service and ad- afree energy review, call Fi- ers worktogether with Tick- them get abetter understand- their carbon each year and nual Thames Valley SME 100 vice possible.” delityEnergy on 08000 484800 eter Electronic Ticketing ing of how they can make a IPSUM enables businesses to Growth index, for the second Part of that advice is their or email info@fidelity-energy. Machines to enable aPay-As- big difference by adopting comply with regulations and consecutive year. free bill validation or renew- co.uk You-Go experience for pas- small changes and become produce mandatory carbon sengers, by simply tapping on part of the solution and not reports efficiently. when boarding and offwhen the problem. Mr Haw said: “We have exiting the bus. Managing director John seen more businesses com- ‘Don’t leave it too late to ask for help’ This new payment system Haw is also in the process of ing to us asking how they can brings substantial benefits making the company fleet play their part to help tackle CORPORATE insolvencies numbers have continued to costs from which they have for First Bus passengers. green. global warming. may have fallen slightly in rise now for three consecutive yet to see much benefit.” With tap on/tap offcontact- He said: “With the ban on “The green option is always July compared to June, but months, despite continued re- Mr Pavitt added: “With the less, combined with daily and new petrol and diesel cars or something we always aim to according to insolvency and strictions on creditor action opening up of the economy, champion first when quoting weekly fare capping, custom- vans from 2030, we decided to restructuring trade body such as winding up petitions consumer confidence report- our customers and we are ers can travel freely and are adopt the change earlier and R3 in the Southernand andhistorically low numbers edly at pre-pandemic levels, automatically only charged the company now has four keen to assist businesses to Thames Valley region, July of administrations and CVAs, and spending levels higher for the travel they make. EVs to our name, helping take the next step in enhanc- was also the third consecu- is potentially amuch more than they were in 2019, the If they make several trips make the members of staff ing their corporate image and tive month in which year- significant indicator for the future does look more opti- in aday, their fare will be who are field-based more en- reputation on environmental on-year corporate insolven- business community. mistic. capped at the daily ticket vironmentally sustainable. and sustainability issues. cy levels rose substantially. “Within the overall in- “Having said that, it will price; and those who travel “Currently, the charging “Asmore businesses take longer for the worse-hit demonstrate they are open to Responding to official statis- crease, we have seen, telling- several days per week pay infrastructure for EVs does sectors to recover from the afare capped at the weekly change, more will follow suit tics published by the Insolven- ly, acomparatively huge 70.4 not meet the demand as the pandemic and some will not ticket price. EV uptake has increased rap- and green really is the future. cy Service, R3 noted that the per cent increase in creditors’ be so confident that they can In addition, minimal driv- idly. “Despite the pandemic, our monthon-month fall in corpo- voluntary liquidations this recover at all once the Govern- er interaction will signifi- “We saw this as anew op- team at Fidelity Energy has rate insolvencies was aresult monthcompared to July 2020, ment support has gone. cantly reduce boarding times portunity in the market and continued to grow and we of ashort-term drop in com- which confirms that the fig- for passengers, ensuring that Fidelity Energy now can pro- have employed several new pulsory liquidations, credi- ures for May and June were “SMEs are the backbone of buses leave stops on time and vide and install bespoke elec- members over the past year. tors’ voluntary liquidations, no blip and that CVLs are the UK economy, but many in maintain punctuality. tric vehicle (EV) charging “This was partly due to administrations and company right back up to pre-pandemic the South and Thames Valley First Bus will also be able points for businesses, helping businesseshavingmore time voluntary arrangements but levels. have been badly affected by to gather information on them to support the EV roll- to assess their budgets and that the year-on-year rise con- “Voluntary liquidations the pandemic, some irretriev- travel patterns via the Tick- tinues to reflect the very real tend to be instigated by com- ably. eter system’s back office. impact which the pandemic pany management rather “Even with the economy Boarding and alighting has had –and continues to than creditors andthissug- growing again, patterns of information will enable im- ‘Plan for future this month’ have –upon the business com- gests thatanincreasing num- trade have shifted and it will provements to capacity man- munity. ber of directors have decided not be possible for every busi- agement services. AN insolvency expertis “It’s naturally very hard to Thestatistics for England to close their businesses after ness to returntothings pre- Ticketer international gen- urging Berkshire’s direc- acknowledge if your business andWales forJuly 2021, pub- spending well over ayear try- cisely the way they were be- fore the pandemic. eral manager and UK head of tors to make use of the fi- may be struggling but start- lished on August 17, showed ing to survive the pandemic. that corporate insolvencies “Whilst Government sup- “Some will adapt better sales Antonio Carmona said: nal month of the Govern- ing the conversation as ear- fell by9.3 per cent to 1,094 in port has continued to provide than others, and some will “We are continuously work- ment’s furlough scheme to ly as possible will mean you July 2021 compared to June’s alifeline for many business- need more help than others. ing hand in hand with our plan for the future. have more potential solutions figure of 1,206, but increased es whichwould otherwise “Most will have to deal care- customers to help simplify Mike Pavitt, past chairman open to you, and more time to ticketing, and now, by tap- by13.4 per cent compared to potentially have failed in an fully with some level of legacy of insolvency and restructur- make adecision about how ping on and offtheir contact- July 2020’s figure of 965. economic climate like this, debt resulting from the pan- ing trade body R3’s Southern you move forward.” less cards on buses, passen- Mike Pavitt, immediate past this July was still avery chal- demic, whether in the formof gerswill enjoy africtionless and Thames Valley region, is The most critical things chairman of insolvency and lenging month and business deferred rent, taxes, loans or payment experience at First calling on company directors directors need to be aware of restructuring trade body R3’s owners have known for some allofthese. Bus across Leicester and Pot- to use September to review are the recognised signs their Southernand Thames Valley time now that this support “The restructuring commu- teries. their businesses and to seek firms may be in distress, in- region, said: “The month-on- will shortly be withdrawn. nity is better placed than ever “We hope that it will con- advice about options open to cluding cashflow problems in monthfall in formal corpo- “The delay in lifting the to help organisations with tribute to bring more passen- them to address any financial terms of paying suppliers on rate insolvencies was not un- remaining trading restric- financial worries, but if direc- gersonboard as the industry issues they may face. time and/or triggering credi- expected. Formal insolvency tions will have hit footfall tors leave it too late to ask for recovers from Covid.” Mr Pavitt said: “Directors tor action.” numbers in past years have and spending predictions, help, they will have fewer res- Ticketer, based in Charn- will be expected to use this R3 has developed afree often fallen offsomewhatdur- meaning that ahugenumber cue or recovery options open ham Lane, is aleading public time to identify any ongoing guidewhich explains the re- ing holiday periods and away of Southernand Thames Val- to them. transport ticketing software financial issues their busi- structuring and insolvency from recurring triggers such ley businesses will now have “There is of course absolute- and systems provider, spe- ness may face after Govern- options that are available to as rentquarter and tax de- spent more than 15 months ly no shame at allinmanage- cialising in smart ticketing, ment support is withdrawn, firms experiencing distress. mands. under conditions that were ment seeking out support or contactless payments and da- and to explore their options To download acopy, visit “However, the fact that year- wildly different to normal, advice –and R3 members are ta-driven information. for resolving them. www.backtobusinessuk.com on-year corporate insolvency and have incurred reopening ideally placed to provide this.” 34 Thursday, September9,2021 NewburyWeeklyNews Progressive Technology prepares fortake-off of aerospace sector Fast-growing Hambridge Lane engineering firm rejoins trade body as aviation industry emerges from Covid

NEWBURY-BASED engi- neering company Progres- sive Technology Group has rejoined Farnborough Aer- ospace Consortium (FAC) as the sector readies itself for a relaunch post-Covid. FAC’s 22nd annual confer- ence is set for late November and many businesses are pre- paring for the event at which leading industry figures will speak. Progressive Technology Group had joined FACprior to the pandemic as part of its business development strategy and had seen rapid growth. After Covid struck, the com- pany adjusted its priorities, but is back on the runway and Progressive Technologies’ state-of-the-art factory in Hambridge Lane looking to progress its aero- space business. “It quickly became apromi- makeover and features an em- During the last 16 proper recovery. in the aerospace sector. Established in 1977, Progres- nent element of our aerospace bedded virtual factory tour. “ “Progressive Technology “There will be networking sive Technology has ahigh- outreach. “We have increased our ca- months our website has asuperb reputation, aston- opportunities and face-to-face ly-skilled workforce based in “Covid meant atemporary pacity with new machinery.” and corporate ishing facilities and is exactly meetings will do so much to astate-of-the-art facility in reassessment was necessary, FACchief executive David the type of business that will drive business and seal deals. Hambridge Lane with shifts Barnes said: “Progressive branding underwent but we have now returned to drive the recovery and help re- “If we worktogether as a running 24/7, 365 days ayear. the fold and anticipate FAC Technology typifies the resil- atotal makeover and build the country’s economy.” Business development man- helping us accelerate our de- ience and spirit of the aero- FACoperations manager sector, seek collaboration over ager Chris French-Drayton velopment within aerospace space,manufacturing and en- features an embedded Kim Yeomans said: “Our con- competition, we will recover said: “We joined the FACasit and aviation. gineering sector and its supply virtual factory tour ference is achance for mem- morequickly.” is the longest-established re- “During the last 16 months chain. bers and non-members to hear Take atourofProgressive gional aerospace trade associ- our website and corporate “The unprecedented effect to reassess and reorganise, but the latest intelligence and up- Technology’s site at https:// ation in the UK. branding underwent atotal of Covid meant everyone had we are now seeing signs of a dates from the biggest names youtu.be/YG1vyd5Q6Zg

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SIGNS that former diesel drivers could be spear- heading tomorrow’s switch to electric vehicles (EVs) have been revealed by the online car super- market BuyaCar.co.uk. Analysts have identified a consistent trend during 2021 which sees EVs appearing to eat into the share of diesel searches. Tracking hundreds of thou- sands of searches in which site visitors actively specify afuel type, they detect an apparent drift from diesel in particular toward EVs, while interest in petrol cars is un- The interior mirror helps drivers to spot cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles that may be behind them The mirror has alive feed from acamera on the rear of the van changed. Historically, searches for EVs on BuyaCar.co.uk have been somewhat inconsistent ‘Smart mirror’ for van drivers and seemingly reactive to news headlines. For example, they spiked last year when Boris Johnson announced Ford innovation to help clearly see cyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles that are behind that the banning of new pet- roland diesel cars would be FORD is introducing a feed from acamera on the rear side streets. frequent drop-offs in cities, Ford last month announced brought forward by adecade. ‘smartmirror’ –ahigh-defi- of the van and features auto- “Providing our drivers with where they are more likely FORDLiive –anew connect- But soon after the head- nition screen that displays matic brightness control for maximum visibility –especial- to encounter those on bikes, ed uptime system designed to lines faded, so did the appar- apanoramic rear view for optimum visibility in daylight ly in urban areas where there e-scooters or on foot; vulnera- help maximise vehicle uptime. ent surge in searches for elec- Themirror, which will tric as afuel type. the driver of Transit and and at night. is so much to look out for –in- ble road users accounted for 70 However, the patternhas Transit Custom vans. The system offers afield of creases their confidence and is per cent of road accident fatal- cost close to £675, is available changed this year, revealing The full display interior view that is twice the width akey part of making journeys ities in Europe’s urban areas for Ford Transit and Transit consistent increases in driv- mirrorhelps drivers to spot of aconventional rear-view safer for them, and for other in 2019. Custom vans fitted with win- ers actively choosing electric cyclists, pedestrians and other mirror. This helps drivers to road users,” said Ford of Eu- Fitting the system may also dowless rear doors. Any Ford in searches –along with al- vehicles that may be behind be more aware of their sur- rope commercial vehicle after- improve uptime –the time dealer can order and fit the most precisely matching re- them, even when windowless roundings, for example, when sales director Owen Gregory. when commercial vehicles system, which is compatible ductions in diesel as achoice. rear doors or partitions are in approaching roundabouts, Ford’snew mirrorcould are working on the road –by with Transit vans built from Hybrid searches are also the way. changing lanes or checking be particularly beneficial reducing the need for costly 2014 and Transit Custom mod- increasing at asimilar rate. The display shows alive before merging or turning into for delivery drivers making accident damage repairs. els built from 2012. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles van SHARP’S stars in new sustainable podcast series AUTOS

VOLKSWAGEN Commer- cial Vehicles has loaned new online retail platform Hibana aCalifornia van to tour the UK and host apod- cast series focusing on ethi- cal and sustainable British brands. The Volkswagen California was used by the Hibana team to travel across the UK as they hosted the first series of Four Wheels and aFounder;apod- cast meeting the founders of innovative brands that sell via Hibana, with afocus on ethi- cal and sustainable practices. Hibana is anew retail plat- formthat celebrates the sto- ries behind the UK’s most inspiring independent brands Quality Vehicle Servicing and Repairs and their innovative products. The Volkswagen California Superior Quality at Independent Rates not only provided the ‘four wheels’ for the Hibana team to travel the 1,200 miles be- tween the different businesses that idea even further to really four. but also provided the ultimate shine alight on these wonder- Apull-out preparation table business space to host and fully storied brands, the pas- and rotating front seats cre- film the Four Wheels and a sionate people at their core, ates asociable and spacious Founder series. and what makes them who communal area. With space for four adults they are. Volkswagen Commercial to sit comfortably around “The support of Volkswa- Vehicles head of marketing, the pop-up table, the van was transformed into apop-upstu- gen Commercial Vehicles press and PR Kate Thompson dio, recording conversations with aloanofaluxury Cali- said: “We were delighted to be with the founders of five fasci- fornia van really helped make able to support Hibana’s first nating British brands. this all possible. series of Four Wheels and a Hibana co-founder Peter Da- “The California was the Founder. kin said: “We had the idea for perfect van for us as we toured “It is always interesting to Book your nextVehicle Service,MOT or Aircon Service today Hibana during the 2020 lock- the UK in comfort and gave hear more about independent down –when real life shop- us afun and transportable British businesses who have by calling us nowon01635551661 or visitour website at ping wasn’t possible –tohelp location to host and film each found innovative ways to keep sparkaconnection between episode.” purposeful, ethical and sus- conscious shoppers and small- The iconic California offers tainable practices at the heart er independent brands with an elevating roof, fully-fitted of their businesses. Sharp’s Autos, Unit 2, Bone Lane, inspiring stories to tell. kitchen including two gas “We look forward to hearing “With Four Wheels and a hobs, fridge and running tap, more in the future and contin- Newbury,Berkshire, RG14 5SH Founder,wewanted to take and space to comfortably sleep uing to workwith Hibana.” 36 Thursday, September9,2021 NewburyWeeklyNews We need more properties

QUINTONS Commercial Saddlers Court, The conditioned space to let. Property Agents is Broadway, Newbury. The property also includes 20 reporting adwindling Quintons is marketing for sale parking spaces. supply of property, Unit 12 Hambridge Lane, Newbury four retail units; numbers 1, 4, 112 Bartholomew Street, Aldermaston Road, Tadley especially small workshop 5and 6. units. Newbury. The property has potential to Due to abortive negotiations For those of you that have convert to residential subject space available, do not Quintons is marketing this to planning or upgrading and retail unit to include two hesitate to get in touch to reletting as retail space. see if Quintons can assist parking spaces. you in letting or selling your 19 The Broadway, The space totals 535 sq ft. Newbury. space. The nearby occupiers include New instructions during Quintons is instructed to Jones Robinson, The Dolphin 1Mill Court, Mill Lane, Newbury August included the market this retail space which public house, Tax Assist and 4Station Yard, Hungerford following: totals 393 sq ft. Pizza2Night. Unit 12 HambridgeLane, The property is available at a Storagespace near Newbury. rent of £8,500 per annum. Hungerford. Quintons is instructed Aldermaston Road, Tadley. Quintons is marketing to market a12,000 sq ft Quintons is instructed two storage buildings of warehouse with offices. to market this retail unit approximately 5,000 sq ft each. The space include two comprising 2,850 sq ft. loading doors, good lorry The property includes The buildings include loading Saddlers Court, The Broadway, Newbury access, ample parking and air forecourt parking for eight doors and are available at 112 Bartholomew Street, Newbury conditioned offices. cars. rents of £22,000 and £30,000 per annum respectively. 1Mill Court, Mill Lane, Lidl hasjust received Newbury. planning permission For full details or further information on any of the Quintons is instructed to opposite for anew supermarket. commercial properties market office space from 937 available for sale or to let sq ft to 1,932 sq ft. 4Station Yard,Hungerford. please look at the website Ground and first floor space Quintons is instructed to offer www.quintons.co.uk or available with six parking atwo-storey office building contact Shane Prater on 19 TheBroadway, Newbury spaces per floor. comprising 5,000 sq ft of air (01635) 551441. Storage space, near Hungerford

NEWBURY, RG14 1JN, NEWBURY, RG14 5SJ, NEWBURY, RG14 5SJ –FIRST NEWBURY, RG14 1DJ – OFFICE BUILDING –8,974 OFFICE –TOLET FLOOR OFFICES -TOLET, PRIME SHOP –TOLET, SQ. FT.TOLET 1,200 SQ. FT.First Floor,air 1,200 TO 2,400 SQ. FT.8parking 1,981 SQ. FT.Prominent Location to include 50 parking spaces, conditioned, 4parking spaces spaces, open plan space opposite Poundland £60,000 PER ANNUM YEARS 1&2

HIGHCLERE, RG20 9QZ – NEWBURY, RG14 1JN – NEWBURY, RG14 1AA – THATCHAM, RG18 3AN – WAREHOUSE WITH OFFICES OFFICES, TO LET, PRIME SHOP -TOLET, SHOP UNIT –TOLET. AND YARD, TO LET, 1,265 SQ. FT,5Parking spaces, 1,247 SQ. FT.Prominent Location 1,000 sq. ft. Busy Garden Centre 6,348 SQ. FT.0.9 Acre site, offices, gas heating, LED lighting, Town opposite Camp Hopson location, ampleparking mezzanine, loading door and parking. centre location

Follow us on Twitter at Specialists in lettings, sales, valuations, ShaneAtQuintons rent reviews, commercial energy performance certificates and lease WWW.QUINTONS.CO.UK renewals of Commercial Property. NewburyWeeklyNews Thursday, September9,2021 37

What’sOn-Calendar of Business Meetings and Events

listed. Restrictions and charges may apply for meetings beforeattending. Please contact the event organiser to book aplace

BuzzConnect BuzzConnect

Jack’O Newbury Digital Zoom Networking Meeting Details Friday 6:45 AM Every 1st, 2nd, 3rdThursday of the month 8:30am -10:00am Temporarily meeting online https://www.buzz-connect.co.uk/events (Chequers Hotel) 6-8 OxfordStreet Newbury NewburyBusiness Group BerkshireRG14 1JB Every Friday 7.30 am MICHAEL PAGLIAROLI ARCHITECTS Streatley Champions In the room at Donnington Grove Hotel www.mp-architectsltd.com Meeting Details Tuesday 6:45 AM Grove Road, Newbury,RG14 1UJ Temporarily meeting online Call: 01635 812006 New build homes, (Goring &Streatley Golf Club) Email: [email protected] outbuildings and interiors Visitors welcome, breakfast is on us, Rectory Road Streatley-On-Thames just contact us first to arrange. BerkshireRG8 9QA 01635 246177 Phone: 01491 873 229 Fore Business Golf &Business Networking offi[email protected] Regatta Bartholomew House, 38 London Road, Newbury, RG14 1JX Meeting Details Event Basingstoke &Newbury Group, Wednesday 6:45 AM SandfordSprings Golf Club Wednesday 10th February 2021 at 07:20am Temporarily meeting online Wednesday 10th March 2021 at 07:20am 2021 (Henley Rugby Club) Dry Leas Marlow Road Sonning Golf Club Finance Masterclasses Henley-on-Thames RG9 2JA Duffield Rd, Sonning on Thames, for Business Owners Phone: 01491 574499 Reading RG4 6GJ Thursday Wednesday 24th February 2021 at 09:30am Do youwantto….. Royal Windsor Wednesday 31st March 2021 at 09:30am Contact www.fore-business.com Make more money? Understand expenses? Meeting Details Friday 6:45 AM Learn howtosimplify your business finances? Temporarily meeting online Expand? Generate more sales? Get paid on time? Knowwhatyour accountant should be doing? (Royal Windsor Racecourse) Athena Network Maidenhead Road Windsor Thursday 9th Newbury West 7Oct: Tax&Finance BerkshireSL4 5EZ Speaker Rachel Edwards, Lionize Media, on Essentials choosing the right social media platforms for 14 Oct: Records &Cost Tour de Force your business Management Meeting Details Thursday 10:00 AM Friday 10th Hungerford 21 Oct: Pricing &Sales Temporarily meeting online Speaker Naomi Riches on Being impatiently 4Nov:CashFlow & (Thames Valley Science Park) patient. How to achieve your goals by being Getting Paid Gateway Building 1Collegiate Square patient. 11 Nov: Long Term Financial Decisions Reading BerkshireRG2 9LH Wednesday 15th Newbury Central Phone: 0118 3040662 Speaker Debbie Miles on how to create a 5 FREE interactive ZOOM workshops delivered business plan, set objectives and achieve them. Thursdays from 7.30-9.00pm Thursday 16th Newbury East Formore information &tobook your place email us at Newbury Connected [email protected] or visit Meeting Details Friday 10:00 AM Speaker Rachel Jensen on handy tips and advice for women to maximise their pension Temporarily meeting online www.therealbusinessclub.co.uk/ All meetings online from 12-2pm. Business-Owners-Finance-Training- (Chequers Hotel) Workshops 6-8 OxfordStreet Newbury In addition we have aSeptemberonline drop in meeting for visitors on 21st September BerkshireRG14 1JB from 11-12. 38 Thursday, September9,2021 NewburyWeeklyNews LEGAL ADVICE FOREVERY ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS AND PERSONAL LIFE

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KEVIN Prince has wide experience of farming and rural business in FARM BLOG: It’sacase of where Berkshire and across southernEngland as a director in the Adkin consultancy based near Wantage. His family also there’smuck, there’sconfusion… runadiversified farming operation with commercial lets, holiday cottages, and conditions which, experts 800 arable acres. say, are almost impossible for many farmers to comply with. While it will still be permissible to spread manure for crops beyond their immediate need this must not happen if there are any other options for disposing of it, or if the land in question is THE old saying goes that the sea. prone to run-off. where there’s muck there’s In the South, with our brass. Anyone who has driven pristine chalk streams that country lanes after heavy But for farmers this autumn, are agem of the natural world rain will have witnessed the it’s more acase of where found in few other places, mud that flows down gutters there’s too much muck there’s keeping the river waters pure as it washes from fields. aheadache brought on by is vital. confusion. It eventually ends up in So the rules are already tough drains or rivers. And when you have apile and are set to get tougher of manure or alagoon full with full implementation of It means that farmers can spread more organic material of slurry to deal with that the Farming Rules for Water than is strictly needed for the can be quite some headache, next year. especially if both are at, or nourishment of the crops at Manure spreading nearing, capacity. The snag is that it was their current stage. deemed not enough publicity It’s aproblem notlikely to The big ‘but’ is that nutrients The other snag seems to Oneofthe few crops that OSR. had been given to the rule applied to the crops must not be that while the changes needs early feeding is affect just farmers, either, changes coming into effect so So many farmers have as the water companies that exceed the total needed for the have been delayed, the rules oilseed rape (OSR), going in turned their backs on there has been arelaxation whole season. are still strict and open to the ground about now and rely on farmers spreading this autumn via the OSR, meaning they don’t their solid waste on the land interpretation. wanting aboost to get it out of Environment Agency (EA) So who in their right mind have acropthatneeds the will find that waste pile In effect, the Environment the ground. issuing regulatory position would want to overfeed now, nourishment. also mounting up as efforts risking run-offofsurplus Agency can still take action However OSR has become statement (RPS) 252. Now, perhaps, they might be are made to keep the water nutrients that will affect against farmers who get aproblem crop for other wishing they had stuck with coming through the taps But while the RPS guidance watercourse quality, when it wrong and farmers also reasons, largely to do with it. coming from pure sources in theory allows the they face not being able to have to prove they have no the ban on seed treatments and rivers from carrying too continued spreading of feed at atime when other other way of disposing of that affect bees while also At least they could hope much in the way of nitrates farmyard manure, slurry, poor conditions mean that the the problem, such as via discouraging cabbage stem cabbage stem flea beetle can’t and other chemicals, aload and digestate post-harvest, crops need aboost that they adigestate plant creating flea beetle, apest that can burrowintothe plants while that intensifies as they near it imposes anumber of can no longer receive? energy. devastate afield of emerging holding its nose.

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