The Official Magazine of Somerset Chamber of Commerce
December 2019 / January 2020 Skills and training 6 | T LEVELS FEATURE
10 | SOMERSET BUSINESS AWARDS All the winners and photo gallery from 2019 awards 22 | SOMERSET ENERGY INNOVATION CENTRE Spotlight on the SEIC 34 | BUSINESS NEWS Latest from the Bank of England’s South West Agent 2 OUR TOWN CHAMBERS
Affiliate Town Chambers & Business Associations
Axbridge Chamber of Commerce Shepton Mallet & District Chamber T: 01934 733078 | E: [email protected] T: 01749 681413 | E: [email protected] | www.shepton.biz www.axbridgechamber.co.uk Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce T: 07530 042627 | E: [email protected] T: 01278 228004 | E: [email protected] www.somervalleychamber.com www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk Street Chamber of Commerce Bruton Chamber of Commerce T: 07552 170725 | E: [email protected] T: 01749 813291 | E: [email protected] www.brutonchamber.org Taunton Chamber of Commerce T: 01823 230898 | E: [email protected] Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade & Commerce www.taunton-chamber.co.uk T: 01278 238959 | E: [email protected] www.burnhamonseachamber.org Watchet Chamber of Trade T: 07836 239 932 | www.wacet.co.uk Business Exmoor T: 01643 851895 | E: [email protected] Wellington Business Association www.businessexmoor.co.uk T: 07761 485657 | E: [email protected] www.wellingtonchamber.co.uk Cheddar Chamber of Commerce & Industry T: 01934 741792 | E: [email protected] Wells Chamber of Commerce T: 01749 685236 | E: [email protected] Frome Chamber of Commerce www.wellschamberofcommerce.co.uk T: 01749 342255 | E: [email protected] www.fromechamber.com Weston-super-Mare Chamber T: 07850 363249 | E: [email protected] Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce www.westonchamber.org.uk T: 01458 835678 | E: [email protected] www.glastonburychamber.co.uk Wincanton Chamber of Commerce T: 01963 34327 | E: [email protected] Ilminster Chamber of Commerce www.wincantonchamber.co.uk T: 01460 52506 | E: [email protected] www.ilminsterchamber.org.uk Wiveliscombe & 10 Parish Business Group T: 01984 684777 | E: [email protected] | www.10pbg.co.uk Levels’ Best Community Interest Company T: 01935 851280 | E: [email protected] Yeovil Chamber of Commerce www.levelsbest.co.uk T: 01935 804999 | E: [email protected] www.yeovilchamber.org
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CONTENTS
First word 4 Feature – T Levels 6-7 Barclays investment 9 Somerset Business Awards 10-13 Business Partner news 14-15 Upcoming events 16-17 New members 18-19 Hinkley update 20-21 SEIC feature 22 Chamber news 24-25 6 | FEATURE: T LEVELS #WellConnected 26-27 Member news 28-33 Business news 34-35
10 | SOMERSET BUSINESS 14 | BUSINESS PARTNER AWARDS NEWS Disclaimer
The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, any database or any part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the 26 | #WELLCONNECTED 28 | MEMBER NEWS prior written permission of the publisher. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, Somerset Chamber do not accept any responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains.
Somerset Chamber of Commerce We are social Equity House Blackbrook Park Avenue Blackbrook Business Park @chambersomerset Taunton, Somerset TA1 2PX
Editorial and advertising: @somersetchamber
E: [email protected] T: 01823 444924 Printers: Character Graphics, Somerset Find us on LinkedIn Design by: Thoroughbred Design & Print, Somerset 4 Get in touch FIRST Marketing and PR Annelise Cowie WORD PR & Communications Executive T: 01823 444924 | M: 07702 537630 E: [email protected] Welcome to the December/January edition of Somerset Voice magazine. I’m pleased to tell you it’s the first edition to be posted in environmentally-friendly, fully compostable, poly wrap rather than plastic. Membership Despite the expected seasonal retail peak in the run-up to Christmas and the inevitable January sales, there are still too many businesses telling me they Ritchie Cridge face challenges. The food manufacturing sector says traditional demand is Membership Manager there, but they are struggling to find both seasonal and long-term workers, T: 01823 444924 | M: 07706 292143 which isn’t good. E: [email protected]
However, there is good news from around the county from other manufacturing organisations, whether it’s planning approval for growth and Jenn Chidley-Sanders investment, or new customers providing orders. Member Engagement and Policy Manager T: 01823 444924 | M: 07872 063039 The feedback I’ve had from our 15th and most successful Somerset Business E: [email protected] Awards to date has been incredible. We’ve got a round-up and gallery on pages 10-13. Our feature this month is on skills and training, specifically the new T Level qualifications, which are intended to further bridge the gap between education Alistair Tudor and business. Our Business Partner, Weston College, explains more pages 6-7. Operations Manager T: 01823 444924 | M: 07912 054195 Barclays is planning to invest in a rural pilot scheme across Taunton Deane E: [email protected] to boost the local economy and more information can be found on page 9. Our Business Partners have also been busy and you can catch up with their news on pages 14-15, including one of our longest-standing members, Events Clarke Willmott, joining as our latest Business Partner.
Hinkley Point C continues to be a hive of activity and there’s an update on Loren Gray pages 20-21 and a closer look at what’s on offer at the Somerset Energy Events Manager Innovation Centre on page 22. Donna Kehoe, the Bank of England’s South West T: 01823 444924 | M: 07821 950379 Agent, says the Bank believes there will be increased growth by the end of E: [email protected] 2022 – more on page 34.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our magazine – please keep sending us your Brooke Gilbertson good news as it’s always great to share the achievements of our Members and Events Co-ordinator Business Partners. T: 01823 444924 E: [email protected]
Stephen Henagulph Hinkley Supply Chain CHIEF EXECUTIVE Sam Evans Hinkley Supply Chain Project Lead T: 01823 443425 | M: 07525 809274 E: [email protected]
OUR BUSINESS PARTNERS Natalie Beacham Hinkley Supply Chain Business Advisor Contact us to find out what benefits T: 01823 443425 | M: 07519 116916 Somerset Chamber Business Partners receive. E: [email protected] Alan Windsor T: 01823 444924 E: [email protected] Business Reporting & Information Officer T: 01823 443425 E: [email protected]
General Enquiries Kayleigh Gibbs Senior Administrator T: 01823 444924
E: [email protected] First
Get in touch First 6
FEATURE
Skills and Training
T Levels – the biggest shake-up in education for decades
In 2018 the Government announced there was What are T Levels? going to be a revolution in technical education, T Levels have been shaped by employers and benefit from with the introduction of T Levels. The first three the unique insights of industry leaders. The qualification is equivalent to three A Levels, and brings classroom learning T Levels start in September 2020 at selected and an extended industry placement together. 80% of the schools and colleges in England. learner’s time will be in the classroom and 20% on a 45-day placement with an employer to give them the knowledge and skills companies look for. Weston College will be at the forefront of The two year course allows learners to become more this revolution by delivering the new Digital accustomed to working life and gain the knowledge and experience to get straight into employment, an T Level. Here the college explains more apprenticeship or higher education. about this education revolution. Weston College’s first T Level will be in digital and will develop learner’s skills in software development, digital business, data and digital analysis, digital environments, emerging technology and security.
The Government will roll out more T Levels in the following years until all 25 are available, covering everything from agriculture to catering and engineering to science.
How are they different to apprenticeships?
T Levels will be based on the same high standards as apprenticeships, designed by employers and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Apprenticeships are different in that they are typically 80% on-the-job training and 20% in the classroom learning, and are more suited to students who know what occupation they see themselves working in, want to earn a wage and are ready to enter the workforce.
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 7 FEATURE
Why should my business offer an industry placement to a T Level learner?
Weston College has been successfully offering industry placements over several years.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, said:
“Industry placements allow employers to identify and nurture their future talent. They are a great tool for employers to discover an early talent pipeline for their next generation of workforce.
“Also these placements can help to develop existing staff’s mentoring and management skills whilst improving recruitment sources for jobs, in a challenging recruitment marketplace.”
This is a view echoed by Adam Sharpe, CEO of Taunton based payment solutions company Cardstream who said:
“We are always looking for avenues to bring new talent into the team. Industry placements have allowed us to discover skilled individuals that have a flair for the industry - we have offered jobs to learners on completion of their studies and they are now running their own teams within our business.”
The college has developed a close partnership with IT firm Eloquent Technologies. Managing Director, David Ford has been so impressed with their industry placement learner that How can I find out more? he now pays him to work for the company two days a week: The Chamber will be hosting a T Levels workshop in “Our industry placement learner is such a productive partnership with Weston College at Somerset Chamber of member of our team that I now pay him because his work Commerce Offices on the 11 February. is of that high a standard – his development has been outstanding. You can hear first-hand how industry placements can help your business. To book onto this, please visit the events “The biggest constraint to growth is finding exceptional section on the Chamber website. talent. We found it difficult to recruit successfully using the traditional methods, so we focussed our efforts on Over the next few weeks, Somerset Chamber and Weston developing and nurturing young talent. College will be releasing videos on social media which further showcase the impact industry placements can have “This pathway has been far more effective, all of the learners on employers. we have offered opportunities to have stayed in the business. I am looking forward to finding and developing more special You can also get in touch with the team at Weston College, talent in partnership with Weston College.” email [email protected].
Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2020
Following a wonderful awards evening celebrating the best in careers inspiration and work-related learning in Somerset earlier this year, we are excited to announce that nominations and entries for the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2020 will open on Monday 13th January 2020.
Many high-quality entries were received for the 2019 Awards, highlighting great work across the county to help young people develop the skills that they need to succeed and for Milsted Langdon continue to demonstrate their commitment the local economy to prosper. to the next generation by supporting the Awards as headline sponsors for 2020. Co-founder and Chairman, Jonathan The Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards Langdon, will sit on the independent judging panel once again. 2020 are an opportunity to recognise the commitment and achievements of the businesses and education providers who For more information on the Somerset Education Business inspire young people about the world of work and the career Partnership Awards 2020, including how to enter or opportunities available in Somerset. nominate, visit www.somerset-ebp.co.uk/awards 8 ADVERTORIAL
Training for life and for work
By Rob Chilcott, Lead Trainer at Foundations Training This is the world when we train for engagement.
A few questions arise time and time again when it comes Training for engagement rather than purely for to training within a company. Firstly, what training, skills, functionality is having the mindset that better people knowledge and toolkit do I need to give my people? make better employees, and better employees ultimately Secondly, what is essential and what is ‘nice to have’? deliver more… both inside and outside of work. Obviously, there is a core need for a role to be carried out with basic Functional training needs have not changed much over efficiency but there is so much more to training than tick recent years. Most companies will run an induction boxes and training that truly invests in people means more programme designed to give their people the necessary engaged happier employees who are; knowledge and skills to carry out their specific roles. • 40% more productive But what about training your people beyond their basic job role? What if we trained them with skills and knowledge • 76 % better at meeting customer needs that they might not require for their day to day job but • 78% better at problem solving that develop them as people? Is this a ‘nice to have’ when budgets and time allow, or should this be given the same Recruitment spend drops due to increased retention levels, level of importance as the essential training? sick days are reduced and employees are 87% happier. Companies with high engagement are 40% more profitable To answer this, first imagine a world where your people over. turn up for work every day with purpose, energy and passion for what they do. Where opportunities were seen And when you look at it like that, investing in people is a instead of problems, and where challenges could be solved win-win for any business. by moving from problem to plan effortlessly with clear focus and goals. *All figures from CIPD and Gallop
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SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 9 FEATURE
Barclays launches Taunton Deane rural pilot to fuel growth
Barclays has launched a new economic support including a programme of workshops focused growth initiative for rural communities in on specific issues affecting businesses in rural economies including succession planning, business strategy and support Taunton Deane. through Brexit uncertainty. It will also run seminars on agri- tech led by the banks’ specialist industry team and promote women in agriculture. The bank will join forces with local leaders in the area across government, business and education to identify how to Launching the programme at Bradon Soft Fruit Farm in boost the local economy. This will include a landmark three- Isle Abbotts, near Taunton, Barclays UK Chairman Sir Ian year study, bespoke programmes and support to help local Cheshire (pictured with John Downes of Bradon Soft businesses to grow and give people the skills the area needs Fruit Farm), said: “Rural businesses and in particular the to thrive. agriculture sector have supported the UK economy for centuries and shown resilience, adapting through significant Taunton Deane is the bank’s third local economy pilot periods of change. location as part of its ongoing study into different types of communities. “During times of uncertainty it’s critical to ensure that investment opportunities for growth are not just the preserve With Barclays research revealing that only 49% of businesses of big cities, but that areas like Taunton Deane benefit too. in the region feel optimistic about the UK economy, the bank’s initiative seeks to shine a spotlight on regional growth “Working with the community here, our Thriving Local opportunities so that local communities can become an Economies programme seeks to boost skills and aspirations of engine room for job creation and the UK economy as a whole. young people, and encourage business and employment growth, which we believe will not only help the local area to prosper but Some 40% of businesses in Taunton believe there isn’t a make valuable contribution to the UK economy as a whole.” ready supply of qualified potential employees, 39% say that they can only find applicants with the right skills “some of The Taunton Deane rural pilot follows the launch of the first the time” and 59% believe that skills needed for employees pilot in Bury, Greater Manchester in September 2018 and have changed over the last year. Kilmarnock, Scotland in June this year. Barclays will work with one further pilot area in the five-year programme: a In response, LifeSkills created with Barclays will deliver coastal town, to gain a broad depth of understanding into training to Year 9 pupils in schools across Taunton Deane how each type of local economy can grow. to help meet the skills needs of local businesses including adaptability, communications and solution-orientated. The new commitments to Taunton Deane and rural communities like it, follows on from the launch of the bank’s It will centre on industries such as retail and agriculture, with ‘Brexit clinics’ specifically tailored for agriculture clients, the local labour market in mind. Additionally, the programme aimed at helping the farming community nationwide. will focus on attracting young people to consider the rural business sector in their local areas as part of their career path. The bank has also recently launched campaigns championing farmers on topics of diversification and creating a pipeline In addition, the Taunton Deane pilot will see the bank for future talent. introduce tailored support to help farmers and the rural business community. It is launching a package of business Find out more at Home.Barclays/Thriving-Local-Economies. 10 SOMERSET BUSINESS AWARDS
Celebrations for Somerset Business Awards 2019 winners
THE winners of the 2019 Somerset Business Awards were entered: “I am extremely proud of our county’s businesses; announced at a glittering black-tie event at the Winter we were all blown away by the quality of the entries and Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare. what Somerset’s businesses are achieving and producing.
Nearly 400 business people from across Somerset attended the “It was fantastic to be able to honour winners and finalists gala evening, which was organised by Somerset Chamber of from all corners of the county and from a wide range of Commerce and hosted by Somerset cricket legend Peter Trego. sectors and industries. Thank you to everyone who entered the awards and thank you to our judges and sponsors who The 2019 finalists came from continue to make these the biggest and best business awards all corners of the county, in Somerset.” from Bridgwater, Taunton, Frome, Axbridge, Evercreech, It was the 10th year main sponsor Albert Goodman had Edington, Wheddon Cross supported the awards and Managing Partner Richard and Wincanton, to Wellington, Bugler said it was an honour to be celebrating the very best Sparkford, Shepton Mallet, businesses in Somerset. Roadwater, Watchet, Weston- “Businesses are the lifeblood of this county. There is a lot super-Mare, Yeovil, Glastonbury, to be gloomy about at the moment, but despite all this the Congresbury and Highbridge. Somerset business community continues to do what it does This year was the 15th best,” Mr Bugler said. anniversary of the awards All the finalists were filmed by media students from Weston and Somerset Chamber Chief College who created short films about each business which Executive Stephen Henagulph were shown during the evening and will form part of the thanked everyone who had students’ studies.
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Albert Goodman Family Business Charity of the Year (sponsored by Private and Public Collaboration of the Year (sponsored by Albert Clarke Willmott): (sponsored by Wessex Reserve Goodman): Winner - Weston Hospicecare Ltd, Forces & Cadets Association): Winner - Shearwell Data Limited, Weston-super-Mare Winner - Somerset Activity Wheddon Cross The runners-up were: Arc, and Sports Partnership (SASP), The runners-up were: Briarwood Taunton and Somerset Community Wellington Products Ltd, Highbridge and Foundation, Shepton Mallet The runners-up were: Bridgwater & Sparks & Daughters, Taunton Taunton College, Bridgwater and Employer of the Year (sponsored by The Great Western Hotel, Taunton, Best Use of Technology (sponsored Elite Staffing Solutions): part of YMCA Dulverton Group by Porter Dodson): Winner - Singer Instruments, Winner - Clear-flow Ltd, Yeovil Roadwater Service Excellence (sponsored by The runners-up were: Orbital Media, The runners-up were: Brook Financial Management): Taunton and Somerdale International Lloyd and Whyte, Taunton and Winner - The Young Clinic t/a Limited, Wellington Netitude Ltd, Frome Christopher Young Opticians, Shepton Mallet Small Business of the Year Investing in Somerset (sponsored by The runners-up were: Netitude Ltd, (sponsored by TDA): Hinkley Point C): Frome and SDS Limited, Edington Winner - PVS Group Ltd, Bridgwater Winner - Melhuish & Saunders Ltd, The runners-up were: Race At Your Glastonbury Somerset Manufacturer and Pace Ltd, Taunton and Somerset The runners-up were: Doubletree by Producer Award (sponsored by Travel Company Ltd, Taunton Hilton Cadbury House, Congresbury Bibby Financial Services): and MMES 2012 Limited, Bridgwater Winner - Shearwell Data Limited, Medium Business of the Year Wheddon Cross (sponsored by BT): New Business of the Year Award The runners-up were: Hullabaloos Winner - Sycamore Process (sponsored by Teapot Creative): Lemonade Ltd, Axbridge and Engineering Limited, Sparkford Winner - Taunton Doctors Ltd, James Chocolates, Evercreech The runners-up were: Taunton PRM Waste Systems Ltd, The runners-up were: Race At Your Young Business Employee of Wellington and Somerdale Pace Ltd, Taunton and Sopha Limited, the Year (sponsored by Clarks International Limited, Wellington Highbridge International): Winner - Aimee-Jade Kingdon, Large Business of the Year Outstanding Achievement Quedam Shopping Centre, Yeovil (sponsored by PKF Francis Clark): (sponsored by Weston College): The runners-up were: Melissa Winner - Bridges Electrical Winner - Elliot’s Touch, Watchet Houldsworth, Bridgwater & Taunton Engineers Limited, Midsomer Norton The runners-up were: Digital Taunton, College, Bridgwater and Scott The runners-up were: Marston Foods Taunton and New Leaf Life Design, Bateman, Hippychick Ltd, Bridgwater Ltd, Frome and The Flavourworks, Bridgwater Wincanton
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 12 SOMERSET BUSINESS AWARDS
S Guests from PVS Ltd enjoy the night
T Main sponsors Albert Goodman T The casino after party
S Guests listen to the speeches S Richard Bugler of Albert Goodman, Stephen Henagulph of Somerset Chamber of Commerce and host Peter Trego
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 13 SOMERSET BUSINESS AWARDS
T Cheers to a fun awards evening! T Chris Loach of Lloyds Bank and Jon Air of Company Spaces
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BUSINESS PARTNER NEWS
Clarke Willmott becomes Somerset Chamber Business Partner
One of Somerset Chamber’s longest-standing members has become a Businesses Partner. Local solicitors Clarke Willmott have been long-term supporters of the Chamber and the Somerset Business Awards, sponsoring the popular Charity of The Year Award for the last six years.
Chris Thorne, Partner and Head of Taunton office, said: “We are delighted to enter into a new partnership with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, promoting business interests across and beyond our region. Providing an overarching voice for the business community throughout the county is increasingly important, ensuring that local w businesses are in prime position to take advantage of the many new opportunities which arise within Somerset.
As the leading law firm in the county it is fitting that we should support an organisation which helps advise, support and promote not only our business clients but many other Stephen Henagulph (left) and Chris Thorne. businesses throughout Somerset.”
Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber, Business Partners. They’ve always supported our activities said: “We’ve had a long relationship with the team at as a Chamber and their passion for supporting the Somerset Clarke Willmott and it’s great to be able welcome them as business.”
Strode College welcomes Historic England apprentices for training workshops
Focused Strode College hosted the first of several residential training workshops following the launch of a new nationwide higher-level apprenticeship programme in on your partnership with Historic England. It was a chance for students studying the apprenticeship business from all across the country to come together and share their learning experiences as well as gain new knowledge Specialist legal advice and support for businesses and individuals from the college’s History, Heritage and Archaeology Tutor, in the South West David Etheridge in the classroom. The training involves challenging assignments and Clarke Willmott LLP is a national firm extensive e-learning tasks that will supplement the of solicitors providing time the apprentices spend at work and, in the specific a broad range of legal workshop week, the concept has been based on pre- services for businesses history. and individuals. Founded in Taunton over 100 years Adrian Ash, Head of Higher Education at Strode College, ago, we are proud of our said: “After months of careful planning, it was great to strong roots in the South West. have the Historic England apprentices with us in Street. For more information contact The chance to share our archaeological expertise with a Chris Thorne, Partner on group of enthusiastic individuals from across the country 0345 209 1461 or has finally become a reality.” [email protected] Strode College was selected to act as a training provider for the national apprenticeship due to the long-established Great service... Great people... clarkewillmott.com success and unique quality of its BA (Hons) degree course in History, Heritage and Archaeology, which has seen Clarke Willmott LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registration number OC344818. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation many graduates gain employment in the heritage sector or Authority (SRA number 510689). progress to further study.
CW_Somerset Chamber of Commerce_133mm x 90mm_Ad_Nov19_v2.indd 1 19/11/2019 14:10 15 BUSINESS PARTNER NEWS
Albert Goodman invests in modern new premises in Taunton
Chartered accountants, tax consultants and financial planners Albert Goodman has relocated its 150+ Taunton employees to larger premises at Goodwood House on Blackbrook Park Avenue in Taunton to create a better working environment and to allow for ongoing growth and expansion.
Moving from Mary Street House in central Taunton, where Albert Goodman has been for over 30 years, the team is set to enjoy the benefits of being nearer the M5, allowing easier access for their clients and providing better links when travelling to other Albert Goodman offices across the South West.
Goodwood House offers a modern working environment and premises and needed to find a new home that meets our represents a long-term investment in the future of Albert current and future requirements. Goodwood House, fully Goodman as the firm strengthens its strategic position as refurbished to our requirements, is an environment that a top 50 accountancy firm in the UK. The new 17,500 sq. suits our modern way of working and will provide a fantastic ft. premises will almost double the space that Mary Street experience for our clients and staff. House offered and provide the capacity to attract new clients “We’re confident Blackbrook Business Park will serve us well and staff from across the region and beyond. as a location and puts us at the centre of the professional Richard Bugler, Managing Partner of Albert Goodman, said: services community in Taunton. We look forward to joining “Whilst we will take long-standing memories of growing the other like-minded firms here and continuing our commitment business from Mary Street House, we have outgrown these to a town that is a great place to do business.”
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 16 MEMBERS AREA
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday Wednesday Somerset Chamber 17 Business to Business 22 Christmas Coffee December Lunch, South January Morning Somerset
Somerset Chamber members are invited to join us for Our B2B lunches are one of the most popular in the a coffee and some festive treats at our office, a great Chamber events calendar. Guests are given multiple chance to catch up with the team before the end of opportunities to network with different people over a the year. We will also be supporting chamber charity delicious two course meal. If you are looking to meet member St Margaret’s Hospice and would be grateful like-minded professionals and raise the profile of your for any donations. business, then this is the event for you.
Time: 10.00 Time: 12.30 – 15.00 Venue: Somerset Chamber Offices, Taunton Venue: Hornsbury Mill, Chard Cost: Free to attend with optional charity donation Cost: £27 includes a 2-course meal and drinks reception
In support of In association with
Tuesday Friday The Possibilities of 21 Breakfast with Excel (Beginners’ January 31 Workshop) Somerset County January Council This half-day workshop, in association with SJM Training, is aimed at those using Excel for basic tasks Want to know the inside line on the Council’s Plans and want to develop their knowledge. Feel that you for 2020? Somerset Chamber of Commerce invite can create a simple spreadsheet but have realised you to attend our Annual Breakfast update with the that there’s a limit to your progress? Learn a variety Somerset County Council. Deputy Leader Cllr David of shortcuts, tips and time-saving techniques to assist Hall will update us on the Council’s current initiatives. with Excel functionality on a day to day basis. Time: 08.00 – 10.00 Venue Time: 09.00 – 13.00 Venue: The Holiday Inn, Taunton Venue: Somerset Chamber Offices, Taunton Cost: £19.00 Cost: £49 Members £79 Non-Members includes a buffet lunch In association with
In association with
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 17
*Prices are plus VAT unless otherwise stated
Please note due to high demand, some of these events may be fully booked by the time of printing.
Please note that all non-members are entitled to attend a maximum of two Chamber events. Should you wish to attend further events, you will be required to become a Somerset Chamber member.
Thursday Thursday
First Thursday Club Somerset 6 Manufacturing 6 Save the date for the beginning February February of 2020’s First Thursday Club Forum series. Aimed at businesses in the Construction and Property Industry, this monthly This Somerset Manufacturing Forum will bring meet will bring together like-minded individuals for together manufacturers of all sizes to share ideas relaxed networking over a buffet lunch. Join us to and network. With a panel of 4 informative speakers, meet new contacts, catch up with existing ones and you will hear about changes and trends effecting develop relationships within the sector on the first the sector, from addressing the educational and Thursday of each month. Pre-booking is required. skills challenges to working collaboratively to share knowledge and processes as well as develop Time: 12.00 – 14.00 relationships with others across the region. Venue: TBC Cost: £15.00 includes teas, coffees and buffet lunch Time: 08.30 – 12.00 Venue: Leonardo Helicopters, Yeovil Cost: £27.50 to include teas and coffees
Sponsored by In association with
Sponsor an event…
Thinking about your 2020 budget and want to know the best way to raise your business profile? Have you considered sponsoring one of our Chamber Events? Sponsorship starts from as little as £275 + VAT and provides multiple benefits, including:
• Profile raising to an audience of 6,000 local business contacts via Somerset Pulse • 3 months of promotion via social media, email communications and printed literature • Dedicated sponsor bio against the event on Chamber website (including logo and web link) • Opportunity to present to the audience at the event • 2 free delegate places • Co-branding at the event
Not sure if sponsorship is for you? We also have a pop-up banner scheme designed to raise the profile of your organisation. This scheme will allow your company to display one pop-up banner at selected Chamber Events, for just £50.
Somerset Chamber host over 70 events a year, so there really is something for every business, no matter the size or sector. Want to get involved? Contact us to find out more… Email: [email protected] Phone: 01823 444924 18 MEMBERS AREA
Brookridge Timber Ltd New Members Manufacturing Based near Bridgwater, Brookridge Timber holds Welcome to our newest members ex-stock a comprehensive range of Plywoods, OSB, MDF, Carcassing Timber, Purlins, Fencing Materials, Joinery & of the Somerset Chamber. Cladding. A fully equipped mill & Treatment Plant enable us to deliver promptly throughout the South West.
Mark Penwill, 01823 680546 Acretree Independent Management Solutions [email protected] Business Consultancy www.brookridgetimber.co.uk We specialise in ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 27001:2013 Consultancy Services. Based in Somerset we help our customers achieve Digital Taunton and maintain certification. Our solutions improve Digital organisational efficiencies, compliance with international Digital Taunton is a community of individuals standards and compliance with legal requirements. and businesses which meet regularly to discuss developments, share knowledge and create a hub for the Rebecca Falwasser, 0800 861 1909 digital industry. It’s striving for a culture of collaboration [email protected] and innovation in Taunton and the surrounding areas. www.acretree.co.uk Shane Griffiths, 07912 556197 [email protected] AM Consulting www.digitaltaunton.uk Business Consultancy Experienced personal approach assisting small/medium sized businesses with in-house financial management, High Motive Ltd controls and direction. Comprehensive articulation of Construction communications professional management/business performance, aiding High Motive specialises in the provision of two-way radio senior management decision making. Accounting software systems, Setcom Bluetooth full duplex comms, DECT manipulation, lending applications, budgeting and liaising COM ll, and RPE. We are a RISQS audited company and with third parties including banks, auditors etc. all High Motive engineers carry sentinel cards (PTS). Andrew Martin, 0330 345 3080 Grant Lloyd, 02920 234691 [email protected] [email protected] www.andrewmartinconsulting.co.uk www.highmotive.co.uk
Berry’s Coaches (Taunton) Limited Garador Ltd Transport Manufacturing Berrys Coaches is a family run coach company serving Garador is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of the West Country since 1920. Providing day trips, private Up & Over garage doors. With a focus on continual hire and the Superfast service to London. Now able to investment and improvement in both production offer MOT testing for PCV & HGV. technology and product development, Garador is at the Rosie Boorman, 01823 331 356 forefront of modern garage door manufacturing. [email protected] Neil Discombe, 01935 443737 www.berryscoaches.co.uk [email protected] www.garador.co.uk
Brainwave Charity JFP Events Brainwave has been helping children with disabilities Events and Training achieve greater independence since 1982. Our team of We are a veteran ran Somerset based company providing qualified physio, occupational, learning development a prevention over cure approach to the wellbeing and and speech and language therapists help children reach effectiveness of your team. Combining traditional military their potential by developing a Therapy Programme leadership exercises and innovative methods we aim to tailored to their individual needs. instil camaraderie and a positive mindset.
Emma James, 01278 429 089 Jacob Patch, 07768 801377 [email protected] [email protected] www.brainwave.org.uk www.jfpevents.co.uk
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 19 MEMBERS AREA
Mayfair Franchise The Hamper Guys Business Consultancy Food and Drink Retail Mayfair Franchise is a complete franchise consultancy, The Hamper Guys are a corporate hamper and gift helping businesses and business owners make strategic and company creating unique products to meet your informed decisions for a successful future franchising. Our requirements. Branded items, graphically design and key service areas include Franchise System Development, professionally printed, can also be included. Contact us Help in Buying a Franchise and Help in Selling Franchises. for a discussion on how we can support your business.
Fahim Khan, 01305 234696 Clive Mallon, 07817 724009 [email protected] [email protected] www.mayfairfranchise.com www.thehamperguys.com
Nuffield Health Think! Design Associates Ltd Health and Wellbeing Creative Brand Agency Nuffield Health is proud to offer a variety of services Helping to transform brands through strategic thinking across Somerset, from private healthcare to health & and creative design. We partner with you to execute wellbeing gym services. We exist to build a healthier and manage your brand, creating a powerful asset that nation through outstanding day-to-day services and our helps to drive business growth. Let us be your brand Flagship programmes to support local communities. guardians.
Mandy Bridge, 01823 250667 Dora Aston, 01823 423212 [email protected] [email protected] www.nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/taunton www.thinkassociates.co.uk
PCN Computer Services Ltd Vicki-O.com ICT Business Consultancy We specialise in Small Business I.T Support and Services. 13 years’ Coaching experience working with individuals, From Managed I.T Support through to phone systems entrepreneurs and teams. I work with the unconscious PCN offers a full range of products and services tailored mind using powerful NLP, Psychology & hypnosis to fit your needs, whether there is just 1 of you or 100. techniques to get you unstuck, re-motivated and moving excitedly towards your goals and a life you love again. Richard Neale 01823 271342 Vicki Ostrowski, 07854 095048 [email protected] [email protected] www.pcncomputers.co.uk www.vicki-o.com
Rising Sun Careers Consultancy Ltd Vitality Recruitment Insurance For Small Businesses seeking to hire, Rising Sun Careers Vitality takes an active role in managing your own Consultancy provides the opportunity to outsource wellness, which can encourage long term healthy habits. individual Recruitment pain points such as CV screening, We offer award winning products and expert knowledge managing applications and collecting references, to our Financial Advisers. We are positively different. without the high price tag associated with Agencies. Vitality Head Office, 0345 601 0072 Anna Rogers, 07762 820034 www.vitality.co.uk [email protected] www.risingsuncareers.com Wells Cathedral Events and Conferencing Squire Biggs Wells Cathedral is part of all our history, packed with Commercial Solicitors different meanings for different people. The Cathedral We are business lawyers. All our lawyers are recognised preserves and opens up its matchless heritage and specialists in their fields: corporate, commercial, dispute meaningful work for diverse communities and future resolution, property and employment. All client work is generations, an iconic Somerset asset open for all. done at partner level. We love helping our business clients Nicholas Selman, 01749 832 214 through the ‘legals’. Expertly. Commercially. Pragmatically. [email protected] Grant Squire, 01823 479110 www.wellscathedral.org.uk [email protected] www.squirebiggs.co.uk
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 20
HINKLEY UPDATE
Rebrand for Somerset Larder
Somerset Larder was set up in 2014 by a group of South West food and drink producers to supply canteens and cafes for employees working on the construction of Hinkley Point C. It brought together some of the region’s best farmers, artisan food makers, drinks producers and bakers who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to again a foothold into the competitive contracts on offer.
Fast forward to now and the catering company employs 139 people, with some 20 local businesses now on board.
The idea was such a huge success that in early 2019 the company restructured from a not-for-profit consortium to a limited company, enabling it to focus on opportunities to supply different industries in the South West. As part of the restructure a new website and total revamp of our brand, which I hope you it was felt a brand refresh was needed, to raise the profile of will agree really brings to life our core concept of ‘nourishing the business and give it a more up to date and professional the community’.” dynamic.
Managing Director Steve Braithwaite said: “We had been flying under the radar for some time, but we knew we had a great concept which could be scaled up for other industries. The brand had become a little tired and outdated, so I asked a local design agency to come up with some new ideas. The result was A&P Falmouth is ‘Fit for Nuclear’
A&P Falmouth has been granted Fit For Nuclear (F4N) status by the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), as part of its diversification into the civil new build nuclear market.
The Fit For Nuclear (F4N) award is granted to companies which have benchmarked their performance against the standards demanded by the nuclear industry’s top tiers and driven business improvements through a tailored action plan.
Steve Jones, Managing Director of Operations and Site Director at A&P Falmouth, said: “The F4N process has allowed us to measure A&P Falmouth against the standards required to supply the nuclear industry in new build, operations and decommissioning.
“Over the last two years A&P Falmouth has undergone a series of rigorous and challenging quality and cultural assessments, invested heavily in staff training and infrastructure and embedded Nuclear safety culture into every aspect of our ethos and operations.”
Dave Cook, Sector Lead for Nuclear at A&P Falmouth, added: “Hinkley Point C will require large volumes of carbon steel fabrication for secondary steel support structures, walkways, gantries, pipe and electrical support systems – the same sort of structures we have been fabricating with traceable quality for clients in the renewable and defence industries for decades.
“At A&P Falmouth we have the skills, flexible workforce and experience to pursue these specialist fabrication projects, as well as the capacity and space required for projects of this scale. There are few businesses as well placed as ours to pursue this market.” 21 HINKLEY UPDATE
New apprentices at Hinkley Point C push total to more than 500
The new intake of apprentices at Hinkley Point C have started work in Somerset at HOST, a local business providing hotel quality accommodation for the thousands Case studies of workers now busy on site. The new apprentices will gain qualifications in a range of subjects including hospitality, accountancy, HR and catering.
Hinkley Point C has already helped to create over 8,500 jobs with thousands more to follow over the coming years. Today’s milestone shows the project is on track to create 1,000 apprenticeships during construction. The experience will be repeated for people in Suffolk and East Anglia at the proposed follow-on project at Sizewell C.
Lauren Withers, aged 23 from Bridgwater is part of the latest group and is studying accountancy.
She said: “I grew up in Bridgwater so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity on my doorstep to stay in the area and develop my career without having to move away. My previous job was at a local bank branch and now my apprenticeship will take my skills to the next level and help me progress into management accounting.” Bethany Sharkey, from Bridgwater is enjoying a career change as she completes her Lifting Technician Apprenticeship with one of Hinkley Point C’s main contract partners, Bylor.
As one of the sites newest recruits, Bethany was previously working in a dental laboratory in Bridgwater before getting a job on-site as a handywoman until moving into her apprenticeship. “I saw the tower cranes and realised I wanted to drive one,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be who I am without this apprenticeship and couldn’t imagine myself doing anything different. It’s incredible to be part of such a huge project and sometimes I can’t really grasp the scale of the development opportunities ahead of me. Who knows where the work will take me? Perhaps I’ll drive the biggest lifting crane in the world!”
Finn Cavanagh, from Wedmore a graduate The latest intake of apprentices is also benefitting from EDF of the Supported Energy’s award-winning support to many of its contractors Traineeship, is now via direct transfer of its apprenticeship levy. a Bylor General Storeman. It’s his Working with the National Apprenticeship Service, EDF first permanent role Energy is now able to use 25% of its apprenticeship levy after completing funds to help Hinkley Point C contractors like HOST create his training. Finn new apprenticeship programmes. said: “During the Chris Young, Education and Skills Delivery Manager, programme, we said: “I’m extremely proud of our commitment to reach practised skills like ambitious targets for the training of the next generation. teamwork problem solving and using There are still a huge range of opportunities that the initiative. I’ve learnt Hinkley Point C project through apprenticeships or our and developed a many routes into work and training. There is an option for whole range of skills everyone, no matter your previous background or skill-set.” working in the stores. There are many routes into training opportunities and I enjoy everything careers at Hinkley Point C. To find out more and discover about the job! the latest opportunities visit: www.edfenergy.com/ hpceducationandskills
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 22
SEIC
The Somerset Energy Innovation Centre: the business hub for low carbon energy in the South West
Rising out of the Parrett estuary plains, the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre is a hub for ambitious businesses seeking to drive down carbon emissions and deliver clean growth.
Inspiring innovation and collaboration
Since opening in 2016, a whole community of innovators and collaborators, from global operators like EDF Energy to technology trailblazers such as Stor Power and UK leaders like Ainscough, have made the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre their home. Into the mix the centre team deliver their years of supply chain know-how, utilising their energy and passion to connect partners and leverage business opportunities.
The result? Tenants and centre users benefit from a unique eco-system that helps them increase their capability and connects them with potential customers, business growth and innovation funding, and presents them with otherwise unknown opportunities.
Better, smarter, and more effective solutions
Nick Golding, Centre Director, said: “With our support, our tenants and centre users are finding better, smarter and more Nick added: “The Hinkley Supply Chain Team works with over effective solutions both in their business operations and 100 Tier 1 companies to find HPC opportunities for regional customer offer. businesses, and we work with the SMEs to boost their chances of winning work at HPC, helping them develop their “Pioneering innovative demand-side response (DSR) capabilities and meet the stringent requirements demanded solutions for small business sites, tenant GridIMP, for by the nuclear sector.” example, has seen their relationship with EDF Energy blossom into a commercial scale proof of concept project. More than just a [BREEAM Excellent] building They’re thinking big and challenging the status quo.” The state-of-the-art Somerset Energy Innovation Centre Securing Hinkley Point C opportunities was commissioned and funded by Somerset County Council. Helping South West companies access supply chain With EDF Energy supporting the Somerset Energy opportunities in the low carbon energy sector, the centre is Innovation Centre, there is a clear link with Hinkley Point C led by a consortium of partners: SWMAS, Business West and (HPC), Europe’s largest construction site. Also located at Somerset Chamber of Commerce. the centre, the Hinkley Supply Chain Team helps companies access nuclear opportunities. Be part of the low carbon energy cluster at Somerset Energy Innovation Centre. Email [email protected], visit www.somersetenergyinnovationcentre.co.uk, or telephone 01278 767000.
How to find the Somerset Energy Innovation Centre
Located five minutes from J23 of the M5, the centre is just 12 miles from Europe’s largest construction project, Hinkley Point C. The project represents a lifetime £40 billion investment and will supply up to 7% of the UK’s electricity demand. 23 MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP Out and About A snapshot from Somerset Chamber Chief Executive Stephen Henagulph’s diary. AA fleet breakdown keeping Chamber members on the move
Somerset Chamber membership comes with a host of benefits, from savings on healthcare plans and parcel deliveries to energy schemes and breakdown cover.
Recruitment specialist and S Tour of both sides of Bristol Chamber member Port, saw a car transporter off- Ashtree Resourcing loading thousands of cars and has been making also viewed the EDF Energy the most of their portage point which takes membership by using heavy supplies to Hinkley Point the AA fleet breakdown C, saving hundreds of lorry cover and last year movements on local roads. saved more than £400 W An access all areas guest of on their previous policy. Somerset County Council’s The company has two cars covered by the policy, which Highways Department for a tour offers Chamber members up to 67% off their business of the Nexus 25 Business Park breakdown cover. The discount is available to any member, site and the bigger Junction 25 whether they have a single commercial vehicle or a fleet of M5 improvements in Taunton. company vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Mark Walton, Director, of Ashtree Resourcing Ltd, said: “As I frequently travel across the UK to meet clients and candidates, breaking down is a real pain, but to be able to call on the AA and get a fast, reliable response to getting me back on the road is invaluable.
“Thankfully, all of my recovery experiences have been dealt with easily albeit non mechanical - locking the keys in the car rushing to a client meeting, running out of petrol on the motorway when I thought I knew better than the fuel gauge and, finally, removing a mouse’s nest from the air conditioning on my wife’s car!”
Mark set up Ashtree Resourcing Ltd in 2013 following a 20- year career at a senior level in a national recruitment business. S Attended the Bristol Steam Ship Owners Association as The company also deals with outplacement, runs assessment a guest of Hinkley Point C days and oversees key staff sourcing assignments and is a contractor Osprey Shipping member of the Hinkley Supply Chain. It has a loyal client base Ltd - the dinner was held of B2C and B2B sector businesses, more recently supplying onboard the SS Great Britain. central support staff, L&D, HR, admin, finance and health and safety, as well as sales and operations managers. W Met Arnold Wills and “As a new business to Somerset in 2015, joining the Chamber Nicholas Selman, the has immense in terms or raising my profile in the county. Director of Development, Meeting new people and getting new ideas has added value at Wells Cathedral and to my business,” said Mark. delighted to be welcoming More information about the exclusive deals and offers them as new members of available to our Members is available on our website at: Somerset Chamber. www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/membership/benefits-services/.
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 24
CHAMBER NEWS
Chamber Update
It’s the time of year when our social media feeds are full of businesses celebrating at awards ceremonies and it was great to be able to recognise some of the best businesses in our county at the Somerset Business Awards in October. You’ll have seen images from the night from page 10.
While these events take up a lot of our ‘bandwidth’ at the chamber we’ve still had a full programme of events for our members to enjoy. These have included a Business to Business Lunch at the superb Huntstile Organic Farm and our Business Partners dinner at The Bank in Taunton, as well as workshops on retaining and engaging your workforce with A2O People and on successfully managing change with Fox Developments.
We’ve also started a new series of events for Somerset aimed specifically at the construction sector. The First Thursday Club is very well established in Bristol and Plymouth, connecting Grant Lloyd of High Motive said: “The first event was perfect those within the construction sector and developing from our point of view. Informal and straight to the point. All in relationships from architects and interior designers to Tier 1s all a big thumbs up from High Motive.” and subcontractors. The first four of the First Thursday Club Somerset events are sponsored by High Motive who provide Alistair Tudor advance radio and safety systems. Operations Manager
RAIL COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST FULL DUPLEX COMMUNICATIONS RESPIRATORY POWERED EQUIPMENT
RADIO SYSTEMS ONSITE ENGINEERS
• Tunnel Systems • Voice Recording • Marker Board to Marker Board Coverage • Shunting Radios • GSM-R-Hand Portables
Tel: 029 2023 4691 | Web: Highmotive.co.uk | Email: [email protected] 25 CHAMBER NEWS
Businesses urged to think global at BCC International Trade Summit
Somerset Chamber members from Cory Brothers, “There is a growing global trend of protectionism, trade BraunAbility UK, Track Systems, International Trade Matters disputes are on the rise and the multilateral business trading and Micron Bio-Systems were invited to attend the British system has come under some threat. Businesses report to us Chamber of Commerce’s (BCC) International Trade Summit that the cost of trading across borders is increasing.” in London. Gill Ainge of Micron Bio-Systems said she had found the Leading businesses from around the world were joined by summit of real value, particularly in her role as marketing High Commissioners, politicians and trade experts for the manager at the Bridgwater-based company. event which highlighted trading opportunities, policies and “Even as experienced global operators, we can always learn good practice across the global marketplace. from more and gain insight from others in the business Speaker after speaker highlighted the negative impact community,” she said. Brexit had had on their business – from taking up senior “My three key take-homes as a marketer - six core languages management time, to ploughing precious resources into risk is a good number for international website translations; there management and trying to protect supply chains. will continue to be opportunities to trade internationally, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said irrespective of what happens with Brexit; and, finally, ‘It while three years of Brexit uncertainty had taken its toll, is people that create trade not trade agreements’ – my other factors had also adversely impacted UK businesses: favourite quote from one of the speakers.” “Brexit isn’t the only headwind some of our businesses have been facing.
Somerset Chamber’s new Board
A new Chairman has taken over at the helm of Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s Board and will be joined by a host of new faces, representing businesses from across the county.
Businesswoman Helen Lacey, Managing Director of Red Berry Recruitment which has offices in Yeovil and Shepton Mallet, took over the chairmanship from outgoing Chairman Greg Saunders, Director of Stanhurst Consulting, Taunton, at Somerset Chamber’s Annual General Meeting.
The meeting, which was held at Somerset County Cricket Club, was attended by around 40 members who were given an update on the work of the Chamber over the last 12 months.
They were also asked to vote for new Board members and Emma Warren, Managing Director of Elite Staffing Solutions, Taunton, Jerome Timbrell, Director of C2 Safety, Highbridge and Lizzie Ginbey, Director of Teapot Creative, Hambridge, From left, David Woan, Emma Warren, Lizzie Ginbey, Suzanne Roper, were all appointed. Graeme Crosbie, Helen Lacey, Jerome Timbrell and Matt Ruddle. Not pictured, Nick Farrant. The Board also co-opted two affiliate members to represent local Town Chambers - Matt Ruddle, of Matt Ruddle Consulting to represent Bridgwater Chamber and David Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber, Woan, the President of Yeovil Chamber. said the Chamber had organised 97 events over the last 12 months, which had been held in 14 different towns and Ms Lacey said she was looking forward to the year ahead and attended by 2,717 people. thanked Mr Saunders for his support and hard work. She also thanked outgoing board members, including Matt Tudor, of “The passion our businesses have here in Somerset never Bridgwater and Taunton College, Nigel Pearce, of Taunton ceases to amaze me and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting out Chamber and Debbie Morris, of Concilium HR. to all corners of the county meeting people and finding out what makes their businesses tick. Mr Saunders congratulated local businesses which had been members of Somerset Chamber for ten years - BraunAbility “The Chamber is here to amplify their views and to lobby on UK, Cooper Associates, Porter Dodson, Positive Wealth their behalf on a local, regional and national level and we will Creation, Brook Financial, Character Graphics, Shepton Mallet continue to work hard to represent them at the highest levels Chamber of Commerce and Summerfield Developments. of Government through the British Chambers of Commerce.”
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 26
#WELL CONNECTED
Digital Trends and Tech and Innovation
S Jez Allman, Truespeed, Andrew Watson, Strode College, Steve Johnston, Kaiasm, Alistair Tudor, Somerset Chamber, S Andrew Watson, S Jez Allman, Truespeed. David Byford, Strode College, Stephen Ward, Clerksroom. Strode College. 27 #WELL CONNECTED
Simply Networking Chard TWEETS
@chambersomerset
Really interesting talk by Steve Johnston @KAIASMIC about S Elaine Street and Michelle Northover, S Laura Thompson C2 Safety, retail trading in the digital world Higos Insurance Services Ltd and Katrice Foggon and James Slipper, at brilliant @events_scoc Digital Trends Miranda Coleberd, Albert Goodman. One Step Recruitment and & Tech event #DigitalTransformation Georgina Martin, Boon Brown. #Somerset #Digital ADPR
Thank you @chambersomerset for hosting another great seminar yesterday, with Jenny Alford and Pippa Treavett from @ADPRLtdproviding useful tools on how to create a successful communications campaign- a really engaging and interesting few hours. AC Mole
B2B Lunch Bridgwater A new initiative we attended last Thursday by @chambersomerset ‘First Thursday Club’, aimed at businesses in the Construction & Property Industry. It was great to attend and catch up with @OrmeLtd @edfehinkleyc Melhuish & Saunders
Thank you to @chambersomerset for a fantastic evening celebrating all the fantastic and inspirational businesses in Somerset. S Buddy Love, The Flying Fish. It’s always a pleasure to be a sponsor. #SBA2019 Cetsat
Good luck to all the finalists at the @SomBizAwards tonights! We hope you all have an amazing evening #SBA2019 Red Berry Recruitment
@chambersomerset Thank you for all your hard work making the #SBA2019 awards evening such a S Hannah Freeland, Cooper Associates success! Special thanks to Brooke, Kayleigh, S Philippa Haynes, Insight 101 and and Geoff Robbins, Scan Film Loren and Jenn! Zoe Steer, Love Musgrove. or Store Limited. Taunton Doctors
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 28
MEMBER NEWS
New Chamber members help Red Bull charity honour trustees
‘National Trustees’ Week’ took place at the beginning of November and new Somerset Chamber members were on hand to help celebrate the great work that trustees do.
Wings for Life, Red Bull’s charity partner, is a not-for-profit Spinal Cord Research Foundation, with a mission to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Wings for Life commissioned The Hamper Guys to produce ‘thank you’ corporate hamper gifts for their set of eight trustees.
Using predominantly South West produce, the Hamper Guys created indulgent food and drink-filled wicker hampers, which were couriered across the UK, and even as far afield as Austria, to the trustees.
The design skills of fellow Chamber member Sally Maidment customers that offer their clients gifts. Feedback from the (Design Bean) were utilised to create a graphically-designed Wings for Life hamper recipients has been excellent. personalised ‘postcard’ insert, which was printed for the “This wasn’t the first time Wings for Life had required Hamper Guys by another Chamber member, Carly Press, and corporate gifts from The Hamper Guys. We’d previously included in each hamper. supplied them with luxury prizes to award at a charity clay Clive Mallon, of the Hamper Guys, said: “This personal pigeon shooting fundraiser; can you spot the famous face in touch is growing in popularity across our range of corporate the winning team (pictured)?”
The Old Mill Fund will bring together donations from the Old Mill launches new fund company with funds raised by teams in each of their offices across the South West to support small, local charities. The Financial experts Old Mill has launched a new strategic Fund will focus on three key areas: partnership with Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), • Building brighter futures: helping young people to build with a fund to support local charities across Somerset, skills, confidence and resilience to succeed at school and Wiltshire and Devon. beyond The Old Mill Fund was officially launched in October with • Reducing rural loneliness: supporting activities that presentations to staff by Development Director at SCF, Laura reduce loneliness and help to improve physical and Blake, at the firm’s four offices in Wells, Yeovil, Melksham mental health and Exeter. Board Member at Old Mill, Kevin Whitmarsh, also announced Old Mill’s partnership to around 100 influential • Strengthening communities: supporting projects that attendees at SCF’s Annual Celebration recently, which was bring people together and build strong, supportive generously sponsored by the firm. communities that help the most disadvantaged
Staff at Old Mill are also giving their time and expertise as volunteers at local charities, helping to upskill and strengthen the existing teams.
Kevin Whitmarsh said: “Supporting local causes and our charitable giving is really important to us at Old Mill. It’s more than just giving money to local charities, it’s about being able to give back and to help make an impact to the communities we live and work in. When we hear all the incredible stories from individuals, families and community groups that have benefited from these grants it reminds us of the importance of being able to contribute both as individuals and as a business.”
Groups wishing to apply for funding from The Old Mill Fund should apply through SCF’s Foundation Grants programme, which opens for applications quarterly. 29 MEMBER NEWS
Milsted Langdon raises more than £30,000 for charity in its 30th year
Charities across the South West and the UK are benefitting Charities to benefit from more than £30,000 of donations made by award- from the firm’s winning accountants Milsted Langdon following a year of fundraising include fundraising to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Lily Foundation, Cots for Tots, Musgrove Staff and Partners at the firm, which has offices in Bristol, Park Hospital, Dorothy Bath, Yeovil, Taunton and London, took part in various events House Hospice, Above to raise £1,000 for each year the firm has been in operation. and Beyond, Dorset Fundraising took place on an almost daily basis at their Mental Health Forum offices, including dress down days, cake sales, raffles and and Feeding Bristol. parties, but the team also took part in tougher challenges to Jonathan Langdon, the firm’s Founding Partner and help reach their fundraising target. Chairman, said: “It has been fantastic to see our team take Among those testing their limits were Forensic Partner, part in so many events for charity in the last year to help Roger Isaacs, who went potholing, Administrative Assistant, celebrate our 30th anniversary. Jackie Berry, who cycled from London to Paris and Carl “A huge thanks has to go to our team who took time out Powell and Mike Bagg who had their heads shaved. to partake in so many activities. There was a lot of bravery Staff also took part in the Taunton and Bristol half marathons, shown and I think this is best demonstrated in the amount while those brave enough experienced skydiving for the first we have managed to raise, which has exceeded our own time. expectations.
Thanks to all their efforts, the practice managed to beat its “I am delighted that this celebration of our history will help fundraising target – raising £35,000 in total. so many worthy causes for many years to come.”
Kenda named as Best Boss bibic chosen as charity of the year
Clarks Shoes, based in Street, has chosen bibic as its local charity of the year 2019-2020. bibic was up against five other local charities but managed to come top in the staff vote.
Each charity was asked to submit a one-page overview of the work the charity does along with some photographs to back-up the bid.
bibic is a small charity based in Langport Somerset providing help, advice and support for families who have children and young people aged from six months to 25 years with varying, developmental difficulties, physical and mental disabilities and additional needs. Kenda Macdonald, CEO and founder of Automation Ninjas, bibic changes family’s lives, empowers parents and children, was awarded a heart-warming honour at a glitzy event in provides a lifeline when local authorities can’t help, supports London. the whole family and gives understanding to children and The Best Business Women Awards celebrate great women parents. in the business community and was founded by multi-award General Fundraising and Marketing Officer Andy Hirst said: winning entrepreneur Debbie Gilbert in 1999. Debbie strongly “Applying for Clarks charity of the year was a great team believes in women business leaders and how important it is effort with every member of our small team of 12 adding to that they are recognised for their achievements. and fine tuning the bid. We are so pleased and excited to Kenda won ‘Best Boss 2019’ and was praised for her unique have been nominated and we can’t wait to be working with approach to flexible working, holiday entitlement and team the staff of Clarks to raise funds for us. development. He added: “There are so many ways they raise money for us. Part of her nomination said: “Kenda Macdonald is not just From baking cakes, skydiving, running marathons, climbing our boss, she’s our leader. Automation Ninjas is made up of a mountain, hosting a coffee morning, sponsoring a child, people who are devoted to their work and this doesn’t just signing up to our lottery or just making donations. happen, this is because the person at the helm is dedicated The choice is theirs, there are so many ways they to their employees.” can change lives forever.”
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 30 MEMBER NEWS
ADPR scoops Gold at the CIPR PRide Awards
ADPR is celebrating after winning both Gold and Silver ADPR impressed the judges with its team strategy, showing awards at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) outstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff. PRide Awards on Friday, 8 November. This was particularly demonstrated by the recent signing of the “Time of Change Employer Pledge”, ensuring that More than 190 PR professionals gathered at the Bristol employees facing mental health challenges feel supported. Marriott Hotel City Centre for the 2019 CIPR South of Judges said it was great to see how this strategy reflected in England and Channel Islands PRide Awards. the growing success of the agency, with increasing turnover ADPR won Gold for Outstanding Small PR Consultancy which year-on-year and excellent client retention. recognises the achievements, performance and excellent ADPR also picked up Silver in the Arts, Culture or Sport work over the past three years of a small consultancy. Campaign for its Serious Sailing, Serious Fun international campaign for the 2019 St Maarten Heineken Regatta.
Hot on the heels of the agency’s prestigious award wins, ADPR announced a raft of promotions and growth of the company.
Sophie Foyle has been promoted to Operations and Business Development Director, with responsibilities for growing the agency and ensuring the continued smooth running of the business.
Jenny Walford has stepped up to the role of Associate Director. This means Jenny will oversee all client activity and will lead the strategic direction of ADPR’s client account group.
Taking over as Account Director is Beki Sharman. In her new position, Beki will be responsible for the successful delivery of her client’s projects as well as managing the team.
Liberty Ash joined ADPR two years ago as an Account Executive and has been promoted to Account Manager and will now be responsible for managing the day-to-day activities for her clients as well as working closely with the media.
Businesses given preview of new £3.6 million venue
AROUND 40 representatives from local “We serve 200,000 lunches a year charities and businesses were given a but this much-needed redevelopment preview of Taunton School’s ambitious offers a fantastic facility for both the new £3.6 million kitchen and dining community and local businesses, as well room redevelopment. as our own students,” Ms Miller said.
They were also treated to a selection of The new dining hall can cater for 1,600 canapés made by the school’s in-house covers and seat up to 400 people catering team, led by head chef Lisa at any one time. It will be built using Richards, at the Champagne reception. sustainable materials and uses the latest lighting technology and energy-saving Nicola Miller, Taunton School’s Chief devices. Operations Officer, said the new facilities were both for the school and Nigel Pearce, President of Taunton the local community and she hoped Chamber of Commerce, (pictured with local organisations would use the venue Ms Miller) said the redevelopment for events throughout the year. offered local businesses an excellent venue for events and he welcomed the While the primary aim of the investment made by the school. redevelopment was to create a light, airy and relaxing environment for the Ms Miller said the school would school’s students, the new facilities will use income from businesses and also help the school to support funded-places for pupils organisations using the new facilities to help pay for the using income generated by hiring out the venue. education of pupils who had assisted-places at Taunton.
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 31 MEMBER NEWS
Taunton Fabrications scoops Atlas Safety Management’s Willmott Dixon award training goes digital
Atlas Safety Management Taunton Fabrications was delighted to collect the Growth has expanded and digitalised Award at Willmott Dixon’s South West Supply Chain Awards. its training offering in order to help clients meet essential Willmott Dixon is one of the UK’s largest construction health and safety needs. Atlas, which is based in Wellington, companies and Taunton Fabrications was nominated in both recently launched more than 30 fully accredited, online the Growth and Allsafe categories in the firm’s South West training courses, which can significantly reduce travel time Supply Chain Awards. and lost productivity for businesses.
Nominations were received from employees of Willmott Dixon “Employees completing accredited training courses can be a who had worked with suppliers and sub-contractors who they crucial part of achieving health and safety compliance for any felt deserved recognition for their outstanding work. business, across any sector,” said Atlas Managing Director, Oliver Beynon. Commenting on the award, Richard David of Willmott Dixon, said that Taunton Fabrications “excel in both “However, we recognised that coordinating training courses, providing eye catching centrepieces across many of our particularly for shift and remote workers, can be tricky major projects. They also provide positive publicity across and potentially result in a reduction of productivity. Atlas their communications strategy aiding us in advertising our identified digitalising health and safety training as an landmark schemes and ensuring a satisfied customer.” excellent solution to these challenges.
“Candidates can complete courses at their own pace - they can pause and restart at any point, allowing them to work around other work commitments. Naturally there are courses, such as manual handling, which necessitate practical elements and as a trusted ‘bricks and mortar’ training provider we are able to bridge these gaps,” he added.
Atlas Safety Management online courses are available now and can be booked by visiting www.atlas-sm.co.uk/ online-training/
WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY (AND SAFE) CHRISTMAS Here’s to a prosperous Taunton Fabrications’ Managing Director, Jason Rigby, New Year said: “We’re absolutely delighted to win this award. Company growth at Taunton Fabrications is not just based on improving efficiencies and developing partnerships with clients; but upskilling employees, looking at new technologies/processes, monitoring and taking action on all non-conformances. Atlas Safety Management Ltd. “This is led from director level, but always involves ideas/ Unit Z1 Westpark, Chelston, Wellington, Taunton, Somerset TA21 9AD suggestions put forward by our employees, which has led to a culture of improvement throughout every department. All 01823 299580 of this naturally leads to us being able to offer our clients an [email protected] improved service and, ultimately, an increase in business.” www.atlas-sm.co.uk 32 MEMBER NEWS
Royal visitor for Reminiscence Learning
Reminiscence Learning was honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex GCVO to Reminiscence Learning.
The Countess of Wessex formally opened the new Respite Activity Sessions and unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit. The charity’s Respite Activity Sessions have a user-led programme including creative activities, activities of daily living, cognitive and memory stimulating activities and active music.
This innovative approach to day care, made possible thanks to funding from Somerset County Council, is available on Mondays and Fridays with whole or half day places, with homecooked lunch and refreshments, providing essential respite time for family carers The Countess also met some of the primary school children who had been taking part in the intergenerational dementia awareness Archie Project, which launched in central Wellington this September.
The Archie Project links primary school children with a care setting to raise awareness and understanding and ultimately reduce the fear and stigma often still associated with dementia.
This opportunity created a real sense of excitement for those who attend the sessions at Reminiscence Learning and provided the team with a real chance to celebrate the success of the charity.
Reminiscence Learning patron Angela Rippon CBE also took the opportunity to stop and chat with all who attended the day.
New dedicated Frome centre for SS&L
Somerset Skills & Learning (SS&L) has opened a dedicated new centre on Frome’s vibrant Palmer Street, part of the St Catherine’s Quarter.
The location of the new purpose-built centre will mean that SS&L will be located firmly in the heart of the community in which it serves. For the last 11 years it has been based at Frome Town Council’s Saxonvale site.
SS&L delivers a wide range of education services to young people and adults across Somerset, including training and development courses, apprenticeships, qualifications, community learning plus workshops and short courses.
They are a customer-focused organisation, working closely with Somerset communities, and are committed to changing people’s lives for the better. SS&L have 5 centres across Somerset, Frome being the newest addition since the opening of the Taunton Centre (Head Office) in March 2019. technology, which will enable our learners to have the best possible chance of succeeding.” Chief Executive of SS&L, Susie Simon-Norris, said: “Our investment in Frome’s new town centre location firmly SS&L has worked closely with Frome Town Council, and cements our commitment to training and adult education have been supported with a grant of £50,000 towards the in Frome and the surrounding area. The new centre boasts refurbishment costs. Frome Town Council have also rented three large training rooms, all equipped with the latest office and teaching spaces to SS&L over the summer months.
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 33 MEMBER NEWS
Charity sets its sights on local businesses
Somerset Sight is appealing for 100 businesses to donate £100 each to mark the 100th anniversary of the charity.
The centenary Somerset Sight 100 Club appeal will help to ensure the charity can continue to provide vital services across Somerset for many more years to come.
Holly Sutton, Fundraising and Development Officer, said:“We are really pleased to have launched this exciting appeal and hope that many businesses will take part. On the face of it, the appeal is very simple but it will have a massive impact, helping us raise £10,000 if we can find 100 businesses to support us.”
Somerset Sight has been working in the community with blind and visually impaired people and their families since 1919. Over 500 new people come to Somerset Sight each year for help, in addition to the existing 3,500 a year who are already supported by the charity.
“It takes great courage and determination to overcome the difficulties, adapt and adjust to limited sight. According to the RNIB, there are over 23,000 people living in Somerset who are blind or visually impaired,” said Holly.
Practical and emotional support is provided by Somerset Sight, free of charge, to help visually impaired people live a full and independent life.
Businesses which donate £100 to the appeal will automatically join Somerset Sight’s 100 Club and receive a package of support in return, including social media and website advertising, coverage in press releases, the opportunity to feature in an aerial photograph that will be permanently displayed at Somerset Sight plus a framed copy of the photograph.
More information about the Somerset Sight 100 Club is available from Holly on 01823 366147 or by emailing holly.sutton@ somersetsight.org.uk.
Blacksmiths create bespoke flowers for Chelsea Barracks
Exmoor-based craftsmen West Country Blacksmiths have produced more than 750 bespoke stainless steel flowers and 4,500 leaves for the prestigious Chelsea Barracks development in London.
The blacksmiths were awarded the unique opportunity to work in collaboration with London-based designer Tord Boontje to develop the designs and make the metalwork used to decorate the townhouse balustrades of the exclusive development.
Chelsea Barracks is a exclusive housing development built on the former army barrack which was brought by the Qatari Diar and is the most expensive piece of land purchased in British History. The properties of this exclusive development Chelsea Barracks to film the blacksmiths’ team at work for are due to range from £5.75 million. promotional materials and a documentary due in 2020. Each balcony of the development has a different Designer Tord Boontje said: “Nowadays, it’s not so common combination of twelve flowers – all commonly found in to find blacksmiths – and especially really good ones. West Britain. The flowers included wild roses, garden roses, winter Country Blacksmiths are an exciting and accomplished team roses, almond blossoms, carnations, peonies, cosmoses, of metalworkers operating out of a seventeenth century violets, anemones. forge in Somerset. A very energetic young team who are West Country Blacksmiths received high praise for a pleasure to work with. And they have a very nice way of the project and were pleased to welcome a team from interpreting my designs and making them into metal.” 34
BUSINESS NEWS
Bank of England forecasts increased growth by end of 2022
By Donna Kehoe, Bank of England Agent for the South West
@BoESouthWest
Just as election campaigning kicked-off, the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met to decide whether to change Bank Rate – our name for the official base rate.
The November meeting also gave the MPC an opportunity to update its forecast for economic growth and inflation to reflect the details of the Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration agreed with the EU. At its simplest, it means maintaining the value of the money The latest forecast shows growth picking up over the next in people’s pockets. few years, to a little over 2% by the end of 2022, as some of the Brexit uncertainties that have been facing businesses and From 20 February next year, that money will include a new households begin to diminish. polymer £20 note featuring the artist JMW Turner.
I know from speaking to businesses around the South West Turner was chosen by the Governor out of 590 eligible over recent months, a fall in uncertainty would certainly be individuals nominated by almost 30,000 members of the welcome. public.
The MPC also expects economic activity in the rest of the Polymer notes last longer than paper notes and stay in better world, which has been weighed down by trade tensions, to condition from day-to-day. stabilise – and hopefully begin to add to that momentum. The Turner £20 will join the Churchill £5 and the Austen £10. As spending in the economy rises, that in turn will put upward A new polymer £50 note, featuring Alan Turing, will follow in pressure on prices and help inflation – the target given to us 2021. by Parliament – to hit the 2% target. The paper £20 will be gradually withdrawn from circulation, Based on those forecasts, a modest tightening of monetary and the public will be given six months’ notice of its policy (higher interest rates) might be needed to keep inflation legal-tender status ending. from overshooting the target, although the MPC emphasised that any such tightening would be at a gradual pace and to a limited extent.
For the time being, the MPC judged that it was appropriate to keep Bank Rate on hold at 0.75%.
The Committee also noted that there were risks around its forecasts: growth in the rest of the world might not stabilise and recover; and Brexit uncertainty might not fall as expected.
In that case, monetary policy may need to be more supportive, to reinforce the expected recovery in the economy and make sure that inflation meets the target.
The MPC will continue to monitor the economy closely, to gauge which of those outcomes is unfolding.
Helped by our business contacts in the South West and the rest of the UK, the Bank’s Agents will ensure the MPC has the information it needs to make its decisions – and ultimately maintain low and stable inflation.
Low and stable inflation is important because it helps households and businesses plan their saving and spending decisions.
SOMERSET VOICE | THE MAGAZINE OF SOMERSET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 35 BUSINESS NEWS
Source: BAD News (Business Advisers News)
Rise in self-employment impacts Biggest drop in job vacancies in 10 on income tax collection years and employment also down
The amount of income tax being collected by HMRC is Figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal that falling due to an increase in the number of workers who are unemployment dropped by 23,000 to 1.31 million over the self-employed or working in the gig economy. According quarter, while there were 32.75 million people in work during to accountants Price Bailey, HMRC believes that a large the three-month period, down 58,000. The data also showed percentage of workers claiming to be self-employed are the biggest annual drop in the number of job vacancies in actually employees, and therefore £1.2 billion is lost in income nearly 10 years, with advertised positions falling by 18,000 tax each year. To counteract the fall in the amount of income to 800,000. tax collected, HMRC is extending the IR35 rules to include To read more, go to: businesses in the private sector from April 2020. https://www.recruiter.co.uk/news/2019/11/biggest-drop- Read more about the decrease at: job-vacancies-10-years-and-employment-also-down https://www.accountancydaily.co/ self-employment-erodes-income-tax-take Pub and bar company insolvencies EU plans overhaul of cross-border jump 13% in the last year VAT rules The number of insolvencies of pub and bar companies has jumped by 13% to 530 in the last year (to 30 September The EU is set to tighten VAT rules to improve fraud detection 2019) up from 470 the previous year. in cross-border e-commerce transactions and simplify To read more, go to: requirements for SMEs. https://www.uhy-uk.com/resources-publications/ To read more, go to: resources-by-service/turnaround-and-recovery/pub-and- https://www.accountancydaily.co/ bar-company-insolvencies-jump-13-to-530-in-the-last-year/ eu-plans-overhaul-cross-border-vat-rules
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