BUSINESS Better together. Working together, achieving more.

focusOfficial Magazine of Chamber of Commerce Spring 2019 Serious Skills Focus on developing skills at both ends of the business spectrum

Global Success Peli BioThermal’s global expansion continues to gather pace in 2019

Connect. Global. Voice. Discover more at www.chamber-business.com Welcome Welcome to the first edition of Focus for 2019

While I promised myself I wouldn’t mention the dreaded B-word, it’s something that’s impossible to avoid. So, let’s make this as brief as possible.

The preceding months have been fraught with political infighting, frustrating showmanship, and a lack of clarity surrounding our trading relationships with the EU. Brexit, in all its glory, is threatening business sentiment and, as a result, current investment and employment plans.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) – with your input – has been working tirelessly on behalf of its members to influence the Government into providing clear and honest answers to our practical questions; those needed to plan and prepare for any of the potential eventualities. However, at the time of writing this, it seems we’re no closer to finding out which outcome that might BUSINESS be and what that will look like. Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has strived to provide members with useful and applicable information. If you haven’t already downloaded our resources, you will find our Business Brexit Checklist and Risk Register at focus www.chamber-business.com/documents. Official Magazine of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Now that’s out of the way, we can get back to the primary focus of CHAMBER this magazine: skills. Our most recent quarterly economic survey highlighted a rise in labour shortages within the UK. Plus, businesses in the process of recruiting report difficulties FOREIGN EXCHANGE Our Partners in the finding the right staff with adequate skillsets. People and skills are the most important asset for any business. Attracting and retaining the right talent is a shared Saving Chamber members challenge among our members and this can significantly impact business growth. money on international payments Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is currently looking to revamp their business manifesto for 2019 and I welcome The British Chambers of Commerce has partnered with exchange experts, your views on how skills shortages are impacting your Editor company’s growth prospects. Together, we can put this at moneycorp, to provide exclusive foreign exchange solutions to chamber members. Paula Devine the heart of a manifesto for Bedfordshire and endeavour to Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce build a brighter future for all businesses of Bedfordshire. Call your regional moneycorp representative or your local chamber for a no-obligation [email protected] free currency health check to see how you can start saving today. Design and Print Justin Richardson JNB Publishing Ltd Chief Executive 01582 416171 www.jnbpublishing.co.uk Key Offering Exclusive Member Package © Copyright 2019 Competitive exchange rates Free foreign exchange health check Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Hart House Business Centre, You will speak to your own dedicated Low transfer fees – Fixed at £5 for Kimpton Road, Luton, focuscontent Bedfordshire LU2 0LB account manager Chamber members, compared with 01582 522448 4 CHAMBER NEWS 14 BUSINESS ADVICE Words you should £20-£40 typically charged by the banks Business Focus is an open forum for The latest news and updates What’s in a Word: Fast online money transfers 24/7 be using when it comes to involving, members of the Chamber. Your news, inspiring and empowering those Straightforward account open to views, features and other items for 7 ECONOMIC REPORT Your funds are safe and secure in client Our quarterly financial report review around you instantly have access to buy/sell over possible inclusion are most welcome. segregated accounts 30 currencies online. Views in Business Focus are not necessarily those 9 CHAMBER EVENTS 15 MEMBER NEWS of the Chamber, the publishers, their staff or Connect with other Chamber Bedfordshire Chamber members share Tailored products to suit your needs. associates. members and local businesses their news and developments While every care has been taken in compiling this publication, and the statements contained herin 11 BUSINESS COMMENT 19 NEW MEMBERS are believed to be correct, the publishers and Skills – the Real Deal: Incentives, New businesses that have joined the promoters will not accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. reproduction of any part of this initiatives and motivations to Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce publication without express permission from the consider when looking to increase publishers is strictly prohibited. the skills base of your workers. 20 MEMBER PROFILES Get in touch today Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and the Learn more about our members publishers make no recommendation in respect 12 BUSINESS FEATURE +44 (0)203 823 0526 of any of the advertisers and no recommendation Global Success: Peli BioThermal’s 22 BUSINESS INTERVIEW may be implied by way of the presence of their Get to know Jon Newsham, Owner of advertisement. global expansion continues in 2019 [email protected] Dunore Consultancy www.moneycorp.com/chamberfx Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 03 Voice Better together. Working together, Chamber News achieving more.

The Chairman’s View Mental health in the workplace - a parity of esteem Mental health illness costs UK What would you say to someone It is well documented that men with As I write this we are barely two months away from businesses an estimated £34.9 suffering in silence and anxious mental health issues are less likely Brexit. Our politicians continue to stand on their billion every year, and around 15.8 about approaching their employer/ to seek help than women, how can principles and/or seek to make selfish political capital million days of UK sickness absence boss regarding a mental health we address this in the workplace? were caused by mental health issues issue? Natasha: If you talk to the charity (often at the same time), whilst business and the rest in 2016. CALM, who were specifically of the country i.e. those who are actually going to have Dawn: Find out what support created to support men with their to live in this mess, still have no idea what to plan for. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) networks are available through your mental health, they’ll tell you that is a community interest employers. Many organisations have men are less likely to book an Whilst businesses are doing what they can to prepare for the company established in 2009. Employer assistant programmes, appointment with, for example, a uncertainty (setting up EU-based subsidiaries, for example), The mutual goal among and your Human resources therapist, so the key is to bring the it is difficult for many to justify spending meaningful sums on campaigners and MHFA instructors department should be able to support to them. something that may/should not happen. Restoration playwright is to introduce a parity of esteem, offer support and guidance. Other Jeremy Brockis and poet William Congreve said: “Uncertainty and expectation and elevate Mental Health First aid sources of support may also include If you would like to enquire about Chairman of Bedfordshire are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing.” Frankly, I wish to the same status and importance ACAS for work-related issues or MHFA training in your workplace, Chamber of Commerce life was more insipid! as physical first aid, with a focus on concerns, the Samaritans, MIND and please visit Edu-c8’s website, or also creating a culture of openness MHFA England websites all have call 0330 333 9244. The business environment continues to be mixed. Many are and wellbeing. excellent resources and information. clearly waiting to see what happens to our relationship with the Seek professional support through EU before making meaningful investment. The announcement We spoke with Dawn Miller your G.P. by Scapa UK of the closure of its plants in and Luton Donkin a MHFA instructor and is clearly unwelcome news for both the workforce and the local director of Edu-c8 Mental Health & What advice would you give to economy. On the other hand, November 2018 (the latest date Wellbeing along with mental health employers themselves in terms of “The business for which figures are available) saw 32.54 million people at work campaigner and activist, Natasha taking care of their own mental environment continues in the United Kingdom, more than ever before. The employment Devon MBE to try and better wellbeing? rate is at a record high, in excess of 75%. The unemployment understand the political and social to be mixed. Many rate is only just over 4%. This is great news, even if it does mean positioning of the mental health Dawn: It’s about getting that home that wage pressures are increasing and many businesses are within our society. and work-life balance. We all lead are clearly waiting to suffering from the skills shortage, a problem that Bedfordshire’s very busy, stressful and competitive see what happens to proximity to London only exacerbates. Such a situation does not How can we help small businesses lives. Take time out for yourself seem likely to change in the near future, regardless of Brexit, and with limited finances offer mental through regular exercise, reduce our relationship with some businesses may finally be forced to invest more to maintain health training? should it be caffeine intake as it can act as a the EU before making competiveness. government funded? stimulant, have a balanced diet, live life mindfully, connect with meaningful investment.” There has also been some great news recently from the aviation Natasha: I should state that the law people, set and have goals to industry. In Bedford, Hybrid Air Vehicles have been given a lift change we are calling for only asks look forward to. Remember (sorry, couldn’t resist the pun) with the go-ahead to move to for parity. Very small businesses a good employer who looks production of a commercial aircraft. In addition, the three year do not legally have to have any after there workforce will £160 million upgrade at London Luton airport has now been members of staff trained in medical have a workforce that officially opened, the increased capacity allows Luton to welcome first aid and similarly, there’d be no will look after them! 18 million passengers by 2020. It is the fastest-growing London obligation for mental health first airport and Luton Borough Council plans further expansions in aid. The cost of the course is per a bid to attract up to 38 million passengers annually by 2050. delegate and the idea is you have a The new £225 million DART rail link is scheduled to open in 2021, certain ratio of first aiders to staff - which will greatly assist with the expansion. therefore the smaller the business, the lower the cost. Life goes on, despite the Brexit chaos, as it must do. We cannot stand back and do nothing, even if our politicians prefer to ignore their responsibility to keep the country going.

Mental health campaigner and activist, Natasha Devon MBE

04 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 05 Voice Better together. Working together, Chamber News achieving more. Quarterly Economic Survey Report

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Economic There was a decline in UK sales and forward Survey (QES) forms part of the British Chamber of orders that was in line with the national results Commerce’s national survey and is the principal business - underlying the impact current levels of survey in the UK. Its results are closely watched by both uncertainty are having on a stalling economy. the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee and the Treasury. The data reveals a timely and accurate snapshot Overseas sales and export orders saw for the economic climate for businesses in Bedfordshire and improvements with 87% seeing sales improve beyond. or remain constant compared to 84% in the previous quarter. Our latest results have been published and the outcome for Q4 2018 indicates a subdued economic landscape with business confidence remaining in line with the previous Local investment intentions for plant and quarter. 55% of respondents believe turnover will increase machinery and cashflow improved in the quarter over the next 12 months with 45% expecting their profits to bucking the national trend. improve.

UK Export Finance The Bottom Line To see the report in full please visit www.chamber-business.com Big squeeze on firms UK Export Finance’s mission is to ensure that no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance. from recruitment, prices

Last year they worked alongside over 70 private lenders and credit insurers, providing and cashflow £2.5bn of government-backed support across 75 countries – at absolutely no cost to the Responding to the results, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British taxpayer. In addition to the private sector, they also work closely with the Department of Chambers of Commerce, said: International Trade, the Treasury and British embassies and consulates around the world. “The UK economy is in stasis. While it’s not contracting, it’s not growing robustly either. Throughout much of 2018, UK businesses were subjected to UKEF support could help you to: a barrage of political noise and drama, so it’s no surprise to see firms report muted domestic demand and investment. In this new year, the government must demonstrate that it is ready to act to turbo-charge business confidence.

Win Contacts Fulfil Orders Get Paid “With little clarity on the trading conditions they’ll face in just two months’ Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the by offering overseas by giving you access by offering insurance time, companies are understandably holding back on spending and making British Chambers of Commerce buyers attractive to working capital, so against non-payment big decisions about their futures. The government’s absolute priority now long-term financing you can take on more or cancellation where must be to provide clarity on conditions in the near term and avoid a messy and disorderly Brexit. Business communities won’t forgive politicians who options. contracts and increase the private market allow this to happen, by default or otherwise. your turnover. can’t. “Brexit is hoovering up all of government’s attention and resources, but it’s far from the only cause of uncertainty. Given the magnitude of the recruitment difficulties faced by firms clear across the UK, business concerns To check if you could be eligible for UKEF support, about the government’s recent blueprint for future immigration rules must be taken seriously – and companies must be able to access skills at all levels visit www.great.gov.uk/get-finance for a free consultation. without heavy costs or bureaucracy.”

06 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 07 Connect

Chamber Events

You’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with other Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce members and local businesses at any of our upcoming events in 2019. With such a variety you’re bound to find an event that suits your schedule and provides your business with ways to develop even further.

Connect Over Coffee Thursday 9th May, 9.15am – 11am Marsh Farm Futures, Luton Free of Charge

The Chamber invites you to our informal Coffee Morning. This event will give you the chance to explore the various services available to your business through your membership and to network with other new and existing members. Your membership can benefit your Business is done whole business – why not bring Business is done colleagues with you?

Meet the Neighbours better together. Wednesday 13th March, 12noon – 2pm Youbetter don’t have to run your together. business on your own The Sharnbrook Hotel, Sharnbrook You don’t have to run your business on your own Members Only: £17.00 + vat Business doesn’t recognise borders, which is why you should join us for a great event where you can promote your businesses to like-minded business people from neighbouring areas Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire. This is your opportunity to meet with up to 90 different Network With Your Neighbours business people in an informal atmosphere with speed- We’re dedicated to getting you exactly what you need to make your business fly. Wednesday 15th May, 4pm to 6pm We’re dedicated to getting you exactly what you need to make your business fly. type networking and a light lunch. Make sure you bring And while there are sure to be challenges ahead, your membership will give you plenty of business cards and be prepared for a fun and Jordan’s Mill, Broom And while there are sure to be challenges ahead, your membership will give you fast approach to networking. Maximum of 2 people per Members: £7.00 + vat access to a network that has a wealth of expertise and support to share. company. Non-members: £11.00 + vat access to a network that has a wealth of expertise and support to share. We have linked up with Cambridgeshire Chamber to give That’s really what Business Togetherness is about. you the chance to extend your networking horizons over That’s really what Business Togetherness is about. county boundaries. We know your time is precious, so this snappy and dynamic event is aimed at giving you • Raise Your Profile maximum impact with minimum time out of your business. • Raise Your Profile An effective way of generating new business leads, raising • Go Global your company profile and promoting your services • Go Global Connect Over Coffee or products. At this event you will also get to • Networking & Events Tuesday 26th March, 9.15am – 11am enjoy a homemade cream tea. • Networking & Events Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue, Dunstable Free of Charge Summer Members Reception Any business, any size, we know and understand the pressures and The Chamber invites you to our informal Coffee Morning. This Thursday 20th June, 5pm – 7pm event will give you the chance to explore the various services Forest Centre, Forest of Marston Vale available to your business through your membership and to ambitions your business has. Imagine what you could achieve being part network with other new and existing Free of Charge – Members Only members. Your membership can Anyof a business,local, national any andsize, international we know and business understand community. the pressures and benefit your whole business – Here comes Summer! And we would like to invite you to our why not bring colleagues with you? annual Members’ Summer Networking Reception. Grab the ambitions your business has. Imagine what you could achieve being part chance to make those all-important connections and enjoy Find out how we can help your business at www.chamber-business.com a hog roast with all the trimmings in beautiful surroundings. of a local, national and international business community. Your Chamber team will be on hand to make those important introductions and update you on current benefits and services. Find out how we can help your business Get in touch. www.chamberGet in touch. - business.com Phone us: 01582 522448 Email us: [email protected] Connect with Businesses and Raise Your Profile with Event Sponsorship Phone us: 01582 522448 Email us: [email protected] For full details on the sponsorship packages available in 2019 email [email protected] or call Paula on 01582 522316.

Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 09 Comment

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SKILLS: THE REAL DEAL The incentives, initiatives and motivations to consider when looking to increase the skills base of your workers.

Renewing and replenishing skills is an Buy-in and engagement are both pivotal swapping old ideas for new ones is a lot essential part of keeping your business to any skills awareness initiative, so more appealing than simply burdening relevant, forward-moving and evolving; interaction, communication and feedback staff with additional tasks to the ones but more than that, it actually makes the must be encouraged at every turn – only they have at present. job more appealing to those it benefits that way will you know the messages most – the employees. And yet, when you’re firing are being picked up on. Of course, let’s not be so naïve to scoot you ask a staff member their thoughts on over the one thing that motivates staff ‘skill training’, ‘behavioural analysis’ and And to make skill training efficient, the more than anything else. It’s not a day ‘maximising efficiencies’, you may see process must have an intention, a start at an outward-bound retreat completing their eyes quickly glaze over. point and a goal that you are looking to team-building exercises, it’s not even that hit. With those three parameters in place, human emotion of self-satisfaction - it’s The truth is, addressing skills, hosting staff will understand not only the need to money. Skilled trainers will say elevation training sessions and constructing enhance skills, but can themselves judge of skills is a natural part of retaining improvement plans will never get how they are doing. employment, and there shouldn’t be your team members rushing for their any need to incentivise beyond that; notepads and pens, but done well, the Consider humility too as part of what but some companies do put forward effect can be profound. you are trying to build. No-one likes to achievement-based targets based on the feel they are being talked down to, so if fulfilment of new skills initiatives, and the Whether you have decided to train in- you, as a manager, can introduce your buy-in to these ideas is, as you would house, or are using external expertise own objectives to improve upon, so expect, usually higher than reward- as a method to deliver a showcase of too should staff want to build their own removed skill training. new ideas and skills, the first step to skill-base. And by encouraging them to addressing the need for anything new train, support and assess each other, they If you’re keen to reward those who is to take your staff out of their usual will feel answerable to their work peers embrace new ideas best, perhaps look to environment. A training session should as well as themselves. Employers often zero- or low-cost methods. Offering extra be free of day-to-day work and other find it a fine line between the benefit of holiday time is an effective method, while distractions, and should only ever involve mentors and the feelings of resentment something as grand as a posh meal and staff directly at the centre of a new that can build when they feel they are night away in a hotel for your employee initiative. being judged by their equals – it’s for you and their partner is strongly incentivising, to assess the type of workforce you have yet may only set you back £200. Team-building days are the perfect any whether for skill elevation they would platform for a rapid rebuild of old skills be receptive to team-mates’ feedback. In truth, incentives are only one side or construction of new idea, since of the equation when it comes to the they place a fun element behind what, As for the learning and adoption of new responsibility we have as employers ultimately, is a serious project. skills, it’s fair to say in our formative to ensure we’re constantly seeking to school years, our development was improve the skills our staff possess. And in your opening address, it’s always never a ‘one size fits all’ operation; so nor Whether the expense is financial, time- worth reminding staff how valued they should it be when we are adults, either. based with a day out of the office, or are, referencing the positive impact of To emphasise that, each staff member even work-based in the sense of putting their current output. The phrase ‘flattery should have their own bespoke Personal in place a schedule of assessment where will get you everywhere’ was arguably Development Plan, with individual you will repeatedly revisit staff skill invented for business, as it’s relevant adjustments and improvements they are targets, the question is never ‘can you across every part of the process, from tasked to make. And allow employees the afford to?’, but rather, ‘can you afford those at the frontline of a product or time to adapt to new ideas by stripping not to?’. service, right through to the customer out excess, wastage or inefficiencies experience. And of course, flattery from their current workload. The idea of should always factor in confidence- building, empowerment and trust.

Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 11 Peli BioThermal’s Crēdo™ ProMed: Providing Vital Protection of Blood Products to Save Lives During Air Ambulance Trial

Peli BioThermal has operated in the county for over a decade and currently employs more than 100 workers at its Leighton Buzzard base providing a comprehensiveProblem range of single-use and reusable thermal packaging solutions, validated performance plus logistics and engineering consultation services. The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) operate three air ambulance helicopters, Servicewhich markets fly across including the pharmaceuticals,North-East, North biotechnology, Yorkshire and diagnostics/Cumbria regions in the UK. Relying on vaccines, medical devices, blood supplies, military and government, its innovativepublic products donations provide to operate, protection the service to keep provides pharma andpioneering bio products pre-hospital care at the scene at a controlledof accidents temperature and incidents, during rescuing transport hundreds locally and of severelyglobally asinjured or ill patients every year. products need to arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Variations in temperatureThe service can wanted destroy to vital introduce vaccines blood and plasmamedicines onto rendering an aircraft them during a five-month trial, useless.to increase survivability of patients in their care. In order to transport the plasma products

In termsaboard of famine aircraft, relief, the crisisemergency and conflict response zones, team being needed able to to supply ensure the blood plasma was Andrew Selous MP during a visit to Peli BioThermal product,stored often and ‘off transported the shelf’, atto thechallenging correct temperatureor remote locations, to ensure quickly it remained and intact and effective. with Ray Crane, Operations Director and Engineering Manager Karen Adams efficiently is critical in the preservation of life. Plasma provides vital clotting components to help blood clots to form and to stop bleeding. Peli BioThermal’sBefore the introduction exports are drivenof plasma, by the patients global wouldpharmaceutical be stabilised industry. using blood transfusions by It’s achieved sales revenue growth of 153% over the past three years with new productthe GNAAS groups air doctorintroduced aboard into the its UKhelicopter, manufacturing, and then including receive plasma on arrival at a Major Chronos™Trauma Advance, Centre. Crēdo™ Cube and CoolPall™ Vertos.

The company’sThe trial saw strong the GNAAScustomer carry base defrosted and excellent fresh customer frozen plasma focus hason board one of its aircraft for helpedthe contribute first time to(in its Mayongoing 2016) success because alongside scientific agile studies warehousing suggest up to 30% of trauma patients and production with a focus on quality throughout the organisation. Peli BioThermal’s Global The companywith severe is also bleeding the recipient are no oflonger two Queen’s able to formAwards blood for Enterprise: clots normally by the time they arrive service centre Internationalin the Emergency Trade in 2018 Department and Innovation (ED). in This 2017. meant when the patients arrive in ED, they are in a condition known as coagulopathy – whereby they haven’t been able to produce enough of Its European HQ in Bedfordshire has undergone significant investment and development.their own blood A successful clots to keep factory up reconfigurationwith the bleeding was and the so result the bleedingof a spirals out of control. £250,000 investment, which included the introduction of a new UK Service Success Centre,By newgiving and a morerelocated balanced automation transfusion, equipment using and equal product volumes focused of red blood cells and plasma, Karen Adams, Fiona Adams and Paul Terry assemblythe service cells. hoped to prevent this happening to its critically injured patients, ultimately As Peli BioThermal’s global expansion continues to gather pace, the Bedfordshire-based with Andrew Selous MP helping to save lives. business unveils plans to extend its worldwide network significantly in 2019 … Ray Crane, Operations Director, added: “We have a very strong safety culture at Peli BioThermal and this is always the first priority in everything we do. As one of the largest employers in Leighton Buzzard, Peli BioThermal continues to expand its global operations. With its award-winning, innovative “ThisSolution is reflected in the fact we’ve had zero reportable accidents over the temperature-controlled packaging solutions successfully serving the last 10 years, minor first aid requirements reducing year on year and an pharmaceutical and life sciences sector, the company continues its rapid overall excellent safety record given the rapid growth, recruitment and expansion, bringing benefits to Bedfordshire and beyond. shopPeli floor BioThermal changes oversupplied recent the years.” air ambulance The Crēdo™ ProMed product line, which crew with its high-performing Crēdo™ consists of three different sized bags, Fiona Adams, Director of Worldwide Finance – BioThermal Division, said: “At The company prides itself on buying from local companies where possible this site we design and manufacture a wide range of market leading single and focusProMed, on local utilised assembly, by emergency set up in respondersconjunction with providesits agents thermal and protection of vital use temperature-controlled shippers, which are used throughout the world distributorsand medical to help couriers reduce theglobally, need towhich ship playedproduct aroundpharmaceutical the world and products for up to 72 hours. by the largest pharmaceutical companies on the planet. encourages local labour content and flexibility of supply. a pivotal part throughout the recent trial. The patented Crēdo™ uses components, “We have invested money in creating one of the best thermal testing For moreThe GNAAS information utilised thesecontact thermal Peli bagsBioThermal such by telephone as TIC™ coolants on filled with phase laboratories in the industry, which means we can carry out extensive testing The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) 01525throughout 243770 theor visitpioneering www.pelibiothermal.com trial. change material and Vacuum Insulated of our products to industry or customer specific standards.” utilises Peli BioThermal products to protect blood products Panels (VIP) insulators. Due to these Peli BioThermal’s Crēdo™ ProMed is a In the past year there has been a number of significant business materials, Crēdo containers are qualified Peli BioThermal’s Paul Terry, Director of Sales EMEA robust, temperature controlled portable developments at Peli BioThermal, including the rapid expansion of its Crēdo™ with Fiona Adams, Director of Worldwide Finance – to consistently protect medical materials on Demand rental program and the company’s growing, global footprint of BioThermal Division at Buckingham Palace reception medical transport bag designed to ensure including blood, blood plasma and platelets network stations and drop points. for Queen’s Award winners protected blood, pharmaceuticals, tissues within two ranges (2° - 8°C and15° - 25°C) and other products remain intact. The ongoing developments benefit Peli BioThermal’s global customers, who for up to three days. represent eight of the top 10 pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide.

During 2018 Peli BioThermal increased its temperature-controlled container fleet size by 90%, while increasing its revenue by 90% and the latest developments see the Bedfordshire based company well positioned to further accelerate its growth in 2019.

The growing footprint of network stations and drop points are planned to exceed 100 sites by early 2019, representing a significant investment to support the continuing worldwide growth within the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry.

Fiona added: “Our Design and Quality Assurance teams ensure our products The Peli BioThermal team are kept at the forefront of what is a fast changing, dynamic industry. We and VIP guests celebrate have worked with the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce closely and the company’s second recognise their help and assistance to our business.” Delegates at Peli BioThermal’s Global Distributor successive Queen’s Award Conference tour facilities for Enterprise win

12 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 13 Advice Connect

WHAT’S IN Member News A WORD? How to spot the signs of poor financial management As a business owner, your company’s financial health is one of the most important priority focus areas you’ll need to keep in check. It’s important to review the efficiency of your business and detect possible A look at the words you should be cash leaks arising from situations that could result in declining profits for your business. However, there using when it comes to involving, is more to checking your financial stability than just looking at your bank balance. inspiring and empowering those around you in the workplace. Take a look at this 5 step review on how to recognise and remedy your company’s poor financial management:

1. Check the Company’s Current Liquidity As humans, our use of language and 2 Variety is the spice of life Be careful though – this is only true up to There are two good tests to perform to test the current the ability we have to adapt and change We can all reel off a list of ‘vanilla’ a point. Overuse and overfamiliarity can solvency of your business. One formula to use during the the way we speak – and often in a split- words. Their overuse across generations dilute the impact of a mission statement, test is taking the total amount of cash you have in the bank second – is, frankly, incredible. From has ripped any lasting inspirational just as repeated use of your favourite and dividing it by your monthly expenses. Once calculated, the very moment we learn to talk, our one-liner can rapidly speed up your power from them, and avoiding them the results will show the total number of months your positioning of language to audience and is, logically, avoiding seeming bland, transformation from Richard Branson to company should be able to operate for if your sales figures environment becomes a finely-honed, unenthusiastic and even insincere. Words David Brent. elegantly crafted skill that tests our such as ‘nice’, ‘big’, ‘little’, ‘good’, ‘bad’, were to reduce or if your clients stopped paying their intellect to the maximum. ‘happy’ and even ‘excellent’ and ‘great’, 6 Rename but remain invoices. The larger the number, the longer your business can be replaced with adjectives that offer There are countless examples of business will stay in operation. A good rule of thumb is to have at By the time we arrive at the workplace, energy, potential and dynamism. Try empowering staff by referring to them as least cover for 3 months of expense. The debt to assets ratio indicates the proportion of a our social interaction through language alternatives such as ‘congenial’, ‘colossal’, something other than ‘staff’. In the 1990s, company’s assets that are being financed with debt, rather is so refined that we might think we ‘microscopic’, ‘splendid’ and ‘abhorrent’, bin men began being called ‘sanitation The other is known as the quick ratio. Take your cash than equity. The ratio is used to determine the financial risk have perfected the art in its entirety. for starters. engineers’ or ‘waste management and debtors and divide by your current liabilities (trade of a business. Yet recent research from a leading professionals’; while John Lewis and creditors + taxes owed). A number less than one is a US business school revealed that an 3 Honesty is the best policy (usually) Waitrose employees are labelled warning of financial distress, whereas a figure >2 is a It’s tough to distinguish what acceptable ratios are, as with adaption of the language we use, so that We live in an era where we’ve become ‘partners’. While you need to be careful healthier place to be. most ratios, the lower they are usually the better, so long we were perhaps altering just 0.1% of our increasingly afraid to express how we not to remove the reality that someone vocabulary (one word in a thousand), really feel and, as a result, skirt around selling ad space will always be a sales as you are generating enough cash and profit to repay could have a positive impact that issues rather than tackling them head- executive, using language to add a layer 2. Keep an Eye on the Net Profit Margin capital and interest, then your ratio will improve over time. extends to anything up to a 10% increase on. And yet, if we use the correct words of authority, confidence or ambition to As your business revenue continues to grow, there is the in business revenue. when offering feedback, being careful to someone’s role could be seen as a smart chance of losing sight of your original KPI’s, which you 4. Review Your Accounts Receivable counterbalance criticism with praise, the move. initially set in place when you first started up. One of the If your company is encountering cash flow problems, That’s because so sensitive are we chances are we’ll much more quickly see key areas to focus on is profit margin. As your company you might want to conduct an audit on your accounts to the actions and words that others the outcome we – and that’s staff and 7 Open-ended questions starts to sell more products and services, hire more staff receivable. If you have clients who are continuously late bestow upon us – particularly in the work manager combined – require. Make sure the language you use always and spend more time with clients, your net profit margin in paying their bills, this could be severely impacting your environment – that even very subtle puts the premise back on your members assumptions will begin to change. You’ll need to ensure bottom line. The best way to rectify this is to have robust changes to how we address, and are 4 You’re having a laugh of staff to respond. Don’t offer simple your net profit margin is more than sufficient to pay addressed, can have a dramatic effect. They say humans respond and react to yes/no options – instead ask why, how, credit management & control policies which might include humour more than anything else. It’s just when, where, what and who. interest, invest in capital and pay a return to shareholders/ putting customers on stop or charging interest on overdue As business leaders, of course, the onus a shame then that humour works on so directors. client accounts. It would be best to speak with the client is on us to set the standard when it many different subjective levels – what 8 “It’s not me, it’s you” first, to help bring them up to speed on your payment comes to how language is used in the one person finds hilarious, another might Use great subtlety in emphasising the To calculate your company’s net profit margin, take your terms and conditions. office. While management styles vary, take grave offence to. The reality is you team ethos behind decisions that are net profit after all costs and divide it by your total revenue. and despite the fact different industries cannot please everyone, and a humorous made. The word ‘we’ is so powerful in The larger the net profit margin, the better the outcome 5. Assess the Sales Pipeline adopt varying levels of verbal etiquette, office is often a happy office, with most a team environment because it unites will be for your business financially. Healthy businesses any workplace can benefit from making Keeping track of your current sales leads, as well as the workers preferring to have characters everyone, removes hierarchy and implies often have net profit margins >10%. our use of language as efficient and present who can lift the mood with the collective responsibility. It’s true to say status of your sales pipeline, is a good indicator to help inspiring as possible. use of words. your strongest weapon for inspiring your diagnose whether or not your company is in a competent staff may be one of the smallest words in 3. Measure Your Debt Levels financial position. A pipeline full of cold and/or warm 1 Keeping up appearances 5 Catchphrases are catching the English vocabulary. As with your personal finances, there is a tipping point for leads or those that are in the early sales process indicate Email has made our business lives so There’s a reason most presenters, your business between acceptable and unacceptable debt. that you may not have enough business to sustain you easy when it comes to liaising with staff comedians, entertainers and, yes, In conclusion, when it comes to words, There are two specific ratios to measure: debt to equity throughout the rest of the year or further into the future. in different offices or even different businesspeople, have catchphrases – it’s nobody is expecting you to pull out a and debt to assets ratio. countries. And yet, the ease with which because it makes them memorable. thesaurus every time you’re asked your Find out if your business is showing signs of poor we can ‘do business’ without actually And if repetition in the way we work is opinion, but, very often, management is The debt to equity ratio shows the proportion of equity financial management by contacting one of our speaking does make our inboxes about finding innovative, creative and largely inevitable, so too does it become and debt a company is using to finance its assets and the experienced EFM Experts to discuss the opportunity of a the most profound roadblock to fitting that mantras, acronyms and the inspiring new ways to tackle the same extent to which shareholder’s equity can fulfill obligations free one to one consultation. Call 01582 516300 or email communication in modern business. The like can have a galvanising effect in old tasks… and the language we use is a to creditors in the event of a business decline. most inspiring words are always those returning minds to a point of clarity when big part of that. [email protected] delivered in person, so if a colleague is a sometimes work life becomes foggy. walking distance away, go for a stroll.

14 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 15 Connect Connect Member News

New ‘T Level’ qualifications with clear progression routes into university degrees and employment. As Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce As part of a broader education reform, the Department embraces and promotes local businesses in the region, for Education (DfE) had already piloted a T-Level hopefully more employers will be willing to take on qualifications which is aimed at helping students aged learners as a two-way cooperation. The T levels will need 16-19 to be work-ready. The very first T Level subjects at least 45 days in placements for each academic year. will be taught from September 2020 in more than 50 The college is well known for courses like Engineering, colleges and other education/training providers. This Catering, Childcare, Media, Photography, Science, means pupils who started Year 10 in September 2018 will Business Studies, Accountancy, Sports, Public Service, be the first to be able to study them. The first T Level Animal care and Hair & Beauty to name a few. subjects that can be studied will be digital, construction, education and childcare. The new course will provide In Dunstable, CBC is already preparing for the new the learners with the technical knowledge and practical courses in 2020. Since there are many small and skills so highly needed by industry. According to the medium-sized enterprises, we would like to work DfE, the multitude of qualifications is confusing and also with them to provide students with useful practical lack many practical skills. “The UK is facing a skills crisis experience, which are often overlooked. May be the of historic proportions, vital sectors of our economy are students are given a project to do for your companies as struggling to attract the talent that they need”. this will allow students to act on their own initiative and Families United Network Happy Anniversary Caraline develop their own way of working. Once the T levels are 25 years serving those living with an eating The economic recession of the early 2000s had left a completed the students can find employment in a skilled Families United Network (FUN) is a member-based disorder in Luton and Bedfordshire scar in the job market and some regional developments. occupation, degree level apprenticeships or higher level charity supporting children and young people living with additional needs or disabilities throughout Bedfordshire. This had resulted in many areas of deprivation, technical study, including higher education. (www.gov. Claire Jackson founded Caraline in February 1994 following We currently support 320 families and would like to unemployment and shortage of qualified personnel. In uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/ the death of her dear friend Caraline from an eating increase this to 400 families over the next 2 to 3 years but contrast, has taken on a pivotal role introduction-of-t-levels) disorder. Claire recognised a lack of support services and will need to increase our funding to do so. in providing a second chance to learners. FE colleges vowed she would pioneer a confidential counselling and provide opportunities and a lifeline support service for people living with an eating disorder. FUN started in 1997 when a group of parents got together to people from disadvantaged Although there is still a long way to go Claire has been recognised for all of her hard work when to discuss how little was available to them as a family. backgrounds to achieve qualifications for all providers to be fully prepared for she was the winner of the Social Care Hero award at the Families face many obstacles trying to lead a normal day and improve their lives. For example, T Levels, employers will be key to the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Awards in 2017. Central Bedfordshire College close working relationship with the local to day life with many mainstream activities not being suitable for their child’s needs. Every outing big or small (CBC) has always been part of a FE colleges. Small and medium-sized She started a helpline in memory of Caraline in the front must be forward planned to ensure accessibility and strong community in the region enterprises would always be able to room of her home in Luton and from there moved to a suitability for all concerned leaving many families feeling and work in collaboration with provide students with useful practical small office in Luton. In 1998 Caraline was awarded funding unable to go anywhere. universities and local businesses. experience which are often overlooked. to purchase the building where it is now based in Luton, Furthermore, CBC will work even from the National Lottery. Since then the charity has gone FUN is not just a children’s charity we are a vital service more closely with employers and www.centralbeds.ac.uk from strength to strength and now provides a range of Students from Central Bedfordshire College providing respite services, youth clubs, holiday clubs and other agencies to provide learners interventions and support, funded by the NHS Luton and on an Engineering project outings for our families. FUN HQ means that families have Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). somewhere to go. A safe environment designed for them where they can have fun without being judged, stared at We are always in need of individuals and organisations who or talked about. FUN HQ consists of an activity hall with are willing to fundraise for us to help improve and develop a ball pool and a bouncy castle, an ICT suite where our our services so please do contact us at admin@caraline. Bedfordshire law firm relocates to new offices young people can learn computer skills and a sensory com if you are interested in supporting our work. As our room for children with more complex needs. Machins Solicitors LLP, one of Luton’s most established law firms, has moved from its Victoria service expands, we are recruiting for new Trustees. We are currently looking to fill the following positions, Chair, Street office, to new offices on Dunstable Road, Luton. The relocation is a result of continued For our respite services we have a dedicated team of treasurer, marketing and fundraising. If you are committed growth over recent years increasing the staff based at the current office to over 75. The firm, support workers who can be allocated on a one to one to a cause and willing to give about 8-10 hours per month which began its life nearly 100 years ago, has grown to become one of Bedfordshire and basis to suit each individual child’s needs. The parents also why not send your CV to our Clinical Manager Claire Hertfordshire’s leading providers of legal services for businesses and individuals, with offices in benefit from this service too. The respite service gives Jackson - [email protected] and you will be invited to Luton, Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead. Mark Pelopida, Managing parents a chance to have some time to themselves and come and meet the team for an informal chat to see if our Partner, said of the move: “The relocation is an exciting development perhaps focus on spending special time with siblings for Machins. This office will allow us to provide an even higher level of Charity is the type of organisation you wish to support. service to our client base, both locally and nationally, as well as providing Are you able to support us? We are happy for help in Full details about the an improved working environment and more room for our business to any form whether it be a donation running a fundraiser Charity and the work it grow over the years to come. We are proud to be located at the heart of or perhaps volunteering in your spare time please go to does can be found on Luton and to be an integral part of the Luton business community.” www.familiesunitednetwork.org.uk for more details. our website at The new office address is 28 Dunstable Road, Luton LU1 1DY. For further information please www.caraline.com contact Machins Solicitors on 01582 514000 or visit www.machins.co.uk

16 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 17 Connect Connect Member News New Members

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to all New Members of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce. Members who have joined in the past three months are listed below. You can learn more about becoming a member and all of the associated Steering the way in times of change: What makes a good leader? benefits by calling us now on 01582 522448 or by emailing your enquiry to [email protected]

The question: ‘what makes a good AllenDay Recruitment Stepping Stones leader?’ is one that businesses and DUNSTABLE LUTON LUTON education experts have been attempting AllenDay is an independent, award We have approx. 3000 students Charity for vunerable women and to answer for many years, but no one winning, local recruitment agency studying a range of A Levels and children based in the heart of Dunstable. has yet hit on a consistently winning Vocational qualifications. All of our As a specialist provider of Clerical, students benefit greatly from employer Swarme Ltd formula. Sales, Customer Service and Retail engagement, work experience and LONDON SE13 professionals, our agency provides industry mentoring. Roughly 30% will On-line platform for short-term Throughout history, there have been high quality recruitment solution want to go into apprenticeships. placement/recruitment of care staff numerous models for strong, effective to businesses across Hertfordshire, The Businesses Community leadership, but the characteristics for Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Mini Map-Makers Limited success in each case have been radically BEDFORD Bedfordshire different, depending on the climate in BLS Computer Solutions Ltd Education Services for Primary, LUTON which they were needed. This makes LUTON Secondary and Further Education Business community for businesses sense – what worked for Napoleon Personal IT support to small and - all about the subject of Maps based or operating in Bedfordshire medium sized businesses and Cartography. Workshops and Bonaparte in battle may well not work The Chiltern School so well for the likes of Amazon CEO resources created by Mini Map-Makers Chill Your Beans for developing skills in Cartography DUNSTABLE and founder Jeff Bezos in today’s BIGGLESWADE and Map reading. All Resources are Special needs school - age 3 to 19 boardroom. Positive Psychology Practitioner. created by Alice Gadney, Director and The Chiltern School Courses in wellbeing for children and Cartographer. Main Clients are school, In a recent article on Business Because, adults. 1.2.1 coaching helping you live home education groups, social groups Special needs school - age 3 to 19 Professor Michael Dickmann, Professor your best life and holiday activities. of International Human Resource The Willow Tree Distilling Management at Cranfield School of In an interview earlier this year, Cranfield alumnus Kester Scrope (MBA 2001), Concept Personnel Mr Mulligans MILTON KEYNES Company Ltd Management, warns that the 21st Chief Executive Officer at leading executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, STEVENAGE described adapting to the fast pace of change as a challenge “everybody is Recruitment in creative, marketing, Fun leisure activity for all ages and ALCESTER century is going to be a particularly Gin Distillery based in Stanbridge, wrestling with”. digital + tech. Permanent and freelance. abilities, two themed crazy golf courses, testing time for leaders, as they attempt Bedfordshire. Selling to trade, off trade, to navigate challenges caused by rapid Covanta Energy Limited café and food facilities for families, groups and parties. at events, farmers markets and online. change in the political, technological and He advised leaders to put their faith in the teams around them, saying: “I LONDON SW1Y environmental spheres. think the pace of change is simply too quick for one person to be able to Develop, own and operate energy from Ozzlebox Ltd Theodore Global understand all its ramifications, so you have got to be a leader who is very waste facilities LUTON DUNSTABLE Professor Dickmann stresses the critical comfortable building a good team, and having a team you trust, will engage Inspiring creativity through beatbox Theodore Global Ltd are exporters of with and will empower. Because the idea that one person will be the fount of EDU-C8 Inspired Training British, natural branded non alcoholic role that education providers play in BEDFORD all knowledge and be able to flex quickly enough with these winds of change, Receptional beverages to the USA equipping future leaders with the skills Specialist training provider - Mental and tools they need to create agile I think is flawed.” FLITWICK health & wellbeing - Health & social care Award-winning digital marketing agency Tradelinens Ltd organisations that can adapt to this DAGNALL coming change. He said: “Leaders need Mr Scrope advised businesses to do away with ‘old’ ideas of powerful, strong, Essential Embroidery Restore Technology Textile manufacturer to be really clued up in order to identify rigid leadership in favour of more flexible, collaborative approaches. He said: Design Ltd BEDFORD the opportunities that new technology “The modern world requires much, much more flexibility: more willow trees DUNSTABLE Lifecycle IT Services - IT recycling and ZapHub (OBM3) BEDFORD is making available, and to seize those than oak trees. Because the winds of change are so strong and oak trees can Corporate clothing, uniform, workwear certified data destruction, other IT crack.” and PPE supplier related services - pre life to end of life Zaphub, the digital marketing and exploit them. They need to be assistant with the power to grow small pragmatic, motivational and focused, Recognising this situation, Cranfield’s new Master’s in Management and Essential Workwear Schoolreaders businesses online. Our team have spent creating agile organisations that can many years helping small businesses to Leadership, developed in partnership with Grant Thornton, aims to help DUNSTABLE BEDFORD react to that changing context.” High quality branded clothing for your Schoolreaders helps children’s literacy build reputations, develop their brands future leaders prepare themselves to face some of the challenges change workforce by recruiting volunteers to listen to and grow. We know marketing takes is likely to throw at them. The programme offers participants access to Professor Dickmann believes the path children read and match them to local time – time you don’t have when you’re to this skillset begins with a thorough psychometric instruments they can use to help develop their self-awareness, Fiscale Limited primary schools, for free. busy serving customers. So we decided understanding of oneself, one’s ability to influence others and understanding of their place in a team. HAVERHILL to combine our tech and marketing preferences and one’s ability to work R & D Tax Credit Advisers Silver7 Mapping Limited experience to bring affordable, reliable BEDFORD with and influence others in a changing Professor Dickmann is the course director, and says the aim of using Liberty Living digital marketing to people like you. environment. He explains: “You really psychometric tools is to encourage ongoing good practice: “We enable Silver7 Mapping is a Cartographic COVENTRY Services company delivering high need to identify your own strengths them to understand themselves, but we also use these tools so that they can Private student accommodation end Cartographic products and GIS and weaknesses, and how you can reflect on these insights, understand others better, and master a large range of leadership challenges,” he explained. Services within all types and sizes maximise those to be effective long- of businesses. We aim to help with term. This requires continuous insight Marketing, business analysis and Learn more about The Cranfield Management and Leadership MSc at and continuous learning.” resources through GIS and in house www.cranfield.ac.uk/som/mml or email [email protected] mapping products. We want you to show off your data on maps!

18 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 19 Connect Connect Member Profiles

Member Profiles are provided as part of membership to the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce. You can learn more about becoming a member, so you too can enjoy this and a host of other benefits, simply by calling us now on 01582 522448 or by emailing [email protected]

Chill Your Beans Essential Workwear Mini Map-Makers Silver7 Mapping Catherine Stacey Dean Walker Alice Gadney Alice Gadney www.chill-your-beans.co.uk 07470067531 07470067531 [email protected] Essential workwear supplies all types of branded and www.minimapmakers.co.uk www.silver7mapping.co.uk personalised workwear. We’ve been at the forefront [email protected] [email protected] Bringing the Science of Happiness to Life. Chill Your of corporate clothing for the past 20 years, where our dedicated service reliability, and creativity have Beans provides you with the skills to live your best Silver7 Mapping is a Cartographic Service company successfully promoted some of the world’s most Mini Map-Makers is all about life. From children to adults, personally and in work specialising in visualising hidden data geographically. In prestigious brands. #GettingChildrenMappingthrough a series of Schools or school we bring the science of happiness to life. and groups workshops and bespoke resources created other words, I make maps with lots of different types Practical, creative courses, 1:2:1 coaching, talks and by Captain Alice-an adventuring cartographer! Map of data within the company – financial, HR, customers, workshops from a positive psychology practitioner. reading is a vital human skill-it can save lives. Integrating competitors, historical information and imagery too. We all deserve a happy life. all curriculum subjects’ thorough maps for all children Maps help with planning, strategy and marketing – and educators in and out of school! instant imagery raises questions!

Diversity and Inclusion Fiscale Limited Motor Neurone Stepping Stones Luton Consultancy Katie Donno Disease Association Niki Toffis Victoria Dale www.fiscale.com Roger Widdecombe www.steppingstonesluton.org.uk 07973111512 [email protected] 01908 508398 [email protected] www.mndassociation.org A vulnerable women’s charity supporting women and Fiscale Ltd is a tax consultancy specialising in R&D [email protected] children who are experiencing the effects of Domestic Providing business led consultancy and training Tax Credits and UK Patent Box claims and advice. We Abuse. We provide one to one and group therapy help businesses who are producing new or improved including parenting courses, to enable women and solutions for employers to help them navigate the The MND Association provides care and support for products/services to claim valuable tax relief from children to overcome the trauma of their experiences complex landscape of discrimination law, develop more people with Motor Neurone Disease and their families HMRC. 100% success rate, “no win, no fee”. and transform them to live happier lives. We have inclusive people policies and practices and deliver and carers. We fund and promote MND Research and practical Diversity and Inclusion strategies that help an Ofsted ‘Good’ childcare centre on site, allowing Campaign to raise awareness of MND. Our vision is of a the women to bring their children in to be cared for their business grow and attract, develop and retain a World free of MND. We are very grateful for the support more diverse talent pool. whilst receiving support. Along with play and care, the of Mr Nick Kier and www.bedsboundarybash.co.uk and children receive snacks, and a hot meal. President of the Chamber of Commerce Rod Calvert.

Essential Embroidery Liberty Living Schoolreaders The Chiltern School Design Ltd Parmjit Dosanjh Anna Bunney Lisa Leonard Camilla Campbell 01234 924222 www.chiltern.beds.sch.uk Essential supply fully finished branded apparel www.libertyliving.co.uk/student-accommodation/bedford www.schoolreaders.org and promotional wear to the trade only. We pride [email protected] [email protected] The Chiltern School is an area special school located ourselves in maintaining our quality edge by continually in Houghton Regis and Dunstable which caters for upgrading our software and machinery, and maximising Liberty Living offers all-inclusive accommodation in Schoolreaders aims to improve children’s literacy by children with a range of special needs and disabilities the skills of our digitisers, graphic designers and from 2-19 years. We have high aspirations for young dedicated workforce. central locations across 19 major UK cities. We work recruiting volunteers to provide weekly reading support with hundreds of businesses each year including over to children in primary schools nationally, for free. The people; we believe that everyone has the potential 40 universities and colleges to provide high quality charity delivered over 250,000 reading sessions to for growth and aim to develop happy, confident and accommodation, facilities and a great service. With over children last year. Schoolreaders is funded entirely fulfilled young people. 23,000 en-suite rooms and studios, we cater to small through donations. Would you like to be a corporate or big groups and individuals. supporter? Contact [email protected]

20 | www.chamber-business.com Better together. Working together, achieving more. www.chamber-business.com | 21 Connect Join us Jon Newsham Owner, Dunore Consultancy Dunore Consultancy – striving to be the most respected partner in the energy consultancy sector

What inspired you to leave the corporate world What is your greatest achievement? and start Dunore Consultancy? It has to be setting up the business. I have a wife Quite simply, I had been working in the energy and family so I knew this was going to be a huge Help the Bounders complete their non-stop 150 mile relay run around the world sector for 18 years. At that time it was risk. I am exceptionally fortunate to have great boundary of Bedfordshire by running just the last leg and becoming a Final Legger. unregulated with lots of bad and indifferent support from my wife and immediate circle of practices. I felt I could make real headway into the friends and family. sector, using my experience and knowledge, so took the ‘leap of faith’ and started Dunore. I offer How do you plan on growing the business? Challenge yourself and enter our trail full transparency to my customers, unlike some I am looking to start video advertising as I believe other organisations who agree contracts over the people react more when they can actually see telephone. It can be quite a minefield out there someone talking about the product/service in this sector and sometimes people don’t really they have received. I also intend to attend 5 MILE CHARITY RUN know what they’re agreeing to. I am very clear in more networking events and to become more the way I want to work – full transparency and proactive with Bedfordshire Chamber. I’m around the beautiful Picts Hill House Estate, Turvey customer focussed. looking for organic growth. At the moment there is just me in the business but, in the future, I can Who are your competitors and what would you on Easter Saturday 20th April 2019 at 11.00 am say makes you stand out from the rest? see employing other people. The energy brokerage market is quite competitive Give me 3 words that describe you and there are many organisations and companies That’s a little difficult! But I would say honest, Raise money for the MNDA to help with their that provide a service. I had to be very clear likeable and charming. on what would set me apart and I feel that my incredible work to finallyBASH Motor Neurone Disease. openness and up-front attitude are my strengths. What do you do for fun/leisure? I provide a face to face service and never cold call You can see my company logo resembles a Then join in the celebrations and the party atmosphere at the end of the event. companies. The majority of my business comes horse and we do have a horse called Cloo. from referrals and networking. Personally I don’t ride but my wife does. I spend a lot of time in the stable yard - mucking out Tell me a little about how you market your Visit bedsboundarybash.co.uk services. Do you use Social Media and, if so, can be a great stress reliever! We also have two which platform works best for you. dogs and I enjoy taking them for long walks. My main other passion is golf. I’m part of a large As I mentioned previously, I do not cold call golfing network and have made some great companies so I had to think out my Marketing acquaintances. strategy carefully. I use LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, not in a ‘salesy’ way. I talk about what [email protected] we’re doing currently and how we have helped www.dunoreconsultancy.com people that can see the difference when their bills come in. I have also recently started to post testimonials on the website and am looking to contact existing customers for feedback to move things forward.

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The Treacle Factory, 2a Reginald Street, Luton, Bedfordshire LU2 7QZ