bbp midlands - edition 44

Ed

ition

44

08000 807 809

[email protected]

www.bbpmedia.co.uk

Birmingham Business Post

.tax of language the speak We So you don’t have to.

WWW.BALLARDSCA.COM TEL . 01905 794504

Ballard | Dale | Syree | WatsonYour Award Winning Tax Partner

32469 QPD_HorseWorld 01/04/2014 14:29 Page 1

C O N T E N T SComputerworld Business Solutions 4

Cyber Security Review 5

FSC Investment Services Ltd 6

Workplace Pensions 7

Greenbridge Supply Chain Programme 8

Sources of Business Funding 9

ART (Aston Reinvestment Trust) 10

J S Associates 12

Linkline Transport 12

Training your team 13

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental 14

Fleet Management for the Modern World 15

Trust My Garage 16

SLD Transport Ltd 18

Ash & Lacy 19

Midlands Business Awards 2014 23

ECA 24

How to protect your big idea 27

Presscare UK 28

Parkes Machine Tools 30

Discus Systems 33

Millson Engineering 34

Stately Fabrications 34

1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 35

Solid State PLC 36

Ilmor Engineering Ltd 38

Regalty Estates 40

The Developing Role of Facilities Management 41

Hoods Carpet & Flooring 42

Virtual Aerospace 44

Marksman Leisure 44

The Grey Pound 45

Belgrade Theatre Coventry 46

Protecting Your Business 49

BBP Business Directory 50

Welcome to Edition 44 of the BirminghamBusiness Post, the magazine for the Midlandsbusiness community, packed with news, tips andstories from across the region.

In this edition we look at how to protect your ideaor process, and continue our features on sourcesof funding for business and auto enrolment. Wecover the Midlands Business Awards and BevJames highlights the importance of ongoingtraining in successful organisations.

We examine the importance of the Grey Pound tothe economy, the role of effective facilitiesmanagement and some of the newer toolsavailable to get the best from your fleet.

In our next edition we will continue to look atsources of funding for business including grants(held back from this edition.) Bev James will offermore tips and advice. We will also look at cloudtechnology, apprenticeships, vehicle security andthe importance of export.

BBP Media11 Canalside Office Complex,Lowesmoor Wharf,Worcester WR1 2RR

Tel: 08000 807 809Fax: 01905 726 467E: [email protected]: www.bbpmedia.co.uk

Publisher: PIL (Europe) LimitedPrint & Design: Heron Press UK

ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDReproduction in whole or part prohibited withoutpermission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictorialmedia for this publication are sent at owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PIL (Europe) Limited or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorialsubmissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope.

DISCLAIMERWhilst every effort has been made to ensure that advertsand articles appear correctly, PIL (Europe) Limited cannotaccept responsibility for any loss or damage causeddirectly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarilythose of its publisher or editor.

Birmingham Edition 44 Contents_Layout 1 25/04/2014 13:30 Page 1

Protect where you connectAs the advancement in technology continues,unfortunately so does the advancement in Cybercrime.More and more sophisticated threats are being developedand in order to stop cyber-criminals, we must fight backwith the latest in security technology.

Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) are an IT supportcompany with a growing concern for the security ofbusinesses’ IT infrastructure and intellectual property. Manybusinesses are still lacking adequate protection from cyberthreats and need to start to consider implementing moreprominent defences to ensure their valuable data andinformation is secure. CBS provide many businesses withvarious defences against security threats. One thing that CBSstress is that one layer of defence is not enough, a businesswill need multiple layers of protection to keep threats to aminimum. For this reason CBS provide multiple defencesystems such as Anti-Virus and Anti-malware software,enterprise level firewalls with endless configuration capabilitiesand backup solutions to allow disaster recovery.

Watchguard is aleading supplier ofenterprise levelfirewalls to businessesall over the globe.

They also provide a range of security devices targeted at SME’s.As a Watchguard secure partner CBS can provide these leadingfirewalls along with the guidance and support that is sometimesneeded to help blast through any jargon. Although morecommonly known as a “firewall” Watchguard devices offer acomplete solution. UTM or Unified Threat Management is theevolution of a traditional firewall into a product that is able to

perform multiple securityfunctions from one singleappliance. These includegateway anti-virus and anti-spam, content filtering andon-appliance reporting.

Data is captured andturned into securityintelligence,

automatically analysed and displayed in a database so it can beviewed in real-time. This data can then be used to track trafficacross the network, view reports of traffic and monitor threatsto your network. This tool helps businesses monitor their trafficand ensures they aren’t putting themselves in danger.Unfortunately for businesses, their employees are usually theweakest link in terms of security breaches and who can blamethem with the countless spam and phishing attempts that aresent out every day. Even an experienced employee could becaught out at some stage by cybercrime. Make sure that theserisks are reduced to a minimum by monitoring traffic data andensuring employees aren’t on websites they shouldn’t be.Proper filtering reduces the chance of somebody getting caughtout by a dangerous email and when viruses do strike, anti-virusand malware solutions are in place.

As the amount of cybercrime increases so does the need for allthe protection you can get. The news stories don’t lie, moreand more examples of businesses being hit by cybercrime arepublished every week. Large corporations may have theresources to bounce back but with such an easy target as anSME can your business afford to be unprepared?

For a free security appraisal or moreinformation, please contact Computerworld

Business Solutions.

W: www.cbs.cc/firewalls/T: 0121 643 5362

E: [email protected]

atchGuardR

Hosting


4

There’s a war going on in cyber

space. The bad guys are after not just

your money; they want your

information, even your identity. The

good guys are lining up to ensure that

you and your data are safe.

And you can do your bit. Whether as an

individual or as a business there’s some

basic steps to take to stop the thieves

getting their digital hands on some of the

£27bn per annum that cyber crime is

estimated to cost the UK.

The figures are daunting. According to a

recent government report:

• Of the £27bn, £9.2bn comes from IP

theft from UK businesses. The

estimated economic cost of cyber

crime to UK citizens is £3.1bn per

annum, involving identity theft, online

scams, scareware and fake anti-virus

software.

• In the last year alone, 93% of large

corporations and three quarters of

small businesses are believed to have

had a cyber breach.

• A study by the Federation of Small

Businesses (FSB) and the Home Office

found that 41% of FSB members fell

victim to cyber crime in the last 12

months at an average cost of £4,000

per business. The most common threat

was virus infections, with 20% affected.

So that’s the bad news, but the big fight

back is going on. Last autumn Security

Minister James Brokenshire launched the

first phase of a £4million information

security awareness drive, designed to

educate businesses and consumers about

rising hacker threats.

It accompanied other established

information initiatives, such as Get Safe

Online, part of the government’s National

Cyber Security Programme.

So what can you, as an individual, do to

protect yourself?

Sensible precautions include installing a

firewall, regularly patching or updating

software and using legitimate anti-virus

software. It’s also possible to take out

specialist insurance against the impact of

identity theft.

When purchasing online, check the site

uses a secure server. This means the

address starts with https instead of http,

and you'll see a padlock symbol at the

bottom of your browser. If you double

click the padlock, it should reveal a digital

certificate that confirms that the website is

what it says it is.

Of course, no bank or card issuer will

email asking for personal and financial

details online so report and then delete

any message like this. Likewise delete

emails from unknown sources without

opening or clicking on attachments.

Much of this holds true for businesses

who are now advised to make information

security part of their normal business risk

management procedures, thus

establishing set processes, expertise and

a culture of readiness all aimed at

countering the cyber crime threat.

By achieving certain information security

standards, a business can also

demonstrate to customers that it has

taken steps to protect itself and their

digital information.

ISO/IEC 27001 is said to offer a good

basis for cyber security but needs

reinforcing by practices to protect against

cyber attacks, such as PAS 555:2013

which broadens the scope of processes

beyond the technical to people,

incorporating behaviour and physical

security, as well as strategies for

governance, leadership and culture.

There’s also further detailed strategic

advice from CESG, the information

security division of GCHQ, the Centre for

the Protection of the National

Infrastructure (CPNI) and the Department

for Business Innovation and Skills and the

CSI.The FSB has a checklist worth

following to protect a business.

• Implement a combination of security

protection solutions (anti-virus, anti-

spam, firewall etc).

• Regular security updates on all

software and devices.

• Implement a resilient password policy.

• Secure your wireless network.

• Implement clear and concise

procedures for email, internet and

mobile devices.

• Train staff in good security practices

and consider employee background

checks.

• Implement and test backup plans,

information disposal and disaster

recovery procedures.

• Carry out regular security risk

assessments to identify important

information and systems.

• Carry out regular security testing on

the business website.

• Check provider credentials and

contracts when using cloud services.

For those who feel barely able to add an

attachment to an email before sending,

this may seem like a somewhat daunting

list but there is help in the form of

information assurance advisors (IA) and

consultancies, many of which provide

comprehensive courses to help protect a

business from the cyber crime.

Look out for IA professionals are CESG

certified and members of the CESG Listed

Advisor Scheme (CLAS).

Of course, there’s no catch-all solution.

The cyber criminals are constantly finding

new ways to access systems. However,

those who take the time and effort to

make themselves and their customers as

secure as possible, only position

themselves far more favorably in a hostile

online environment.

Cyber SecurityReview

32483 1_Transport Warehousing 31/01/2014 19:21 Page 1

5

There are a number of options that could, if appropriate,potentially reduce your family’s Inheritance Tax bill. Writea will, look into exemptions, considers gifts, think aboutlife assurance and consider trusts. By establishing atrust, you could protect your assets for futuregenerations and protect your family business, in additionto offering charitable and other social benefits. This way,family wealth may be managed privately andindependently, providing continuity while helping familymembers enjoy financial benefits across generations.Most importantly, such structures may be established inaccordance with your individual needs and wishes.

An initial discussion with one of our advisors at FSCInvestment Services Ltd will not cost you anything andwill help you to make an informed decision on the bestway to preserve your wealth and pass on the wealth youhave created. If you would like to discuss the services wehave to offer please call our Wolverhampton office on01902 422333. For further information please look at ourwebsite www.fscinvestments.co.uk and [email protected].

Call

01902 422333Email

[email protected]

www.fscinvestments.co.ukFSC Investment Services Limited is authorised

and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Effective Inheritance Tax planning could save your beneficiariesthousands of pounds, maybe even hundreds of thousands,depending on the size of your estate.

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is the tax payable on your estate when you die if thevalue of your estate exceeds a certain amount. IHT is currently paid onamounts above £325,000 (£650,000 for married couples and registeredcivil partnerships) for the current 2013/14 tax year, at a rate of 40 percent. If the value of your estate, including your home and certain giftsmade in the previous seven years, exceeds the Inheritance Tax threshold,tax will be due on the balance at 40 per cent.

Without proper Inheritance Tax planning, many people could end upleaving a substantial tax liability on their death, considerably reducing thevalue of the estate passing to their chosen beneficiaries. Your estateincludes everything owned in your name, the share of anything ownedjointly, gifts from which you keep back some benefit, such as propertiesgiven to children and assets held in some trusts from which you receivean income. Against this total value is set everything that you owed, suchas any outstanding mortgages or loans, unpaid bills and costs incurredduring your lifetime for which bills have not been received, as well asfuneral expenses.

Inheritance Tax Planning

Frank Cochran

32523 QPD_FSC Investments Services Ltd QPD 1pg 10/03/2014 10:08 Page 1

6

So are “you in?” You may have seen the Governmentadverts on Pension Auto Enrolment and wonderedhow it could possibly affect your business. Well it willeventually affect every business in the country thatemploys staff, no matter how small, so eventually youwill have to say “I’m in”. Over the next few months wewill look at the key aspects of Auto Enrolment andwhat it means to you the employer.

With an estimated seven million people in the UK currentlynot saving enough for their retirement, the last Governmentdecided that action had to be taken and introducedlegislation that would make employers and their employeescontribute to their retirement through workplace pensions.

With an aging population, we as a Country will simply notbe able to afford even the meagre pension and benefitspayments that are currently paid to our current retirees.Auto Enrolment will replace the current earnings relatedaddition to pensions and allow the Government to move toa new flat rate pension scheme in 2016.

Between now and 2018 there will be approximately 1.5million businesses that will need to Auto Enrol. Eachbusiness will be allocated a “Staging Date” that is the dateby which they must be ready to start Auto Enrolmentprocedures and deductions. The largest employers havealready staged and businesses with between 50 and 249employees, around 38,000, are staging during the course ofthe next year. Those with between 30 and 50 employees willneed to stage during the summer and autumn of 2015. Bythe time the smallest employers are required to stage in2016 and 2017 numbers staging will be in excess of100,000 per month.

The Pension Regulator will notify each business around 12to 18 months before their staging Date. If you want to findout now rather than waiting, finding your Staging Date isstraight forward, you need your PAYE reference and detailsof the number of employees on the payroll at 1 April 2012.

There is a calculator on the Pension Regulator website, oryou may be able to obtain a more detailed report includingsome of the employer duties via a financial adviser.

The work necessary to reach Staging is not at all easy.There are 33 separate pension responsibilities that eachemployer will need to comply with leading up to Staging. Arecent independent report, prepared by the Centre forEconomics and Business Research, has calculated that thecost of implementation in the South West will range from£6,900 for the smallest companies up to £17,400 for largercompanies. Some of the responsibilities will be able to behandled by the employer, but for many professional supportand advice will be essential.

All employers, even those with one employee, are obliged toprovide pension provision for their employees. There is nominimum as there was with Stakeholder access. Eachemployer will also be forced to accept additional costs.Initially, employer contributions can be a minimum of 1% butthese will rise to 3% by October 2018.

Also there will be additional on-going compliance tasks, forsmaller entities these will undoubtedly need to beoutsourced to a payroll bureau. There is a need to plan forthese additional costs. Again the Centre for Economics andBusiness Research computed the time required toundertake these tasks. Their findings show that on-goingcompliance will take up around 40% of the time required toreach Staging every year.

It is hoped that software providers will help reduce the timeinput by providing what is being called “Middleware” i.e. thesoftware that goes in between the payroll software and theproviding information to the pension providers. Earlyindications are that Middleware will ensure a timely andcompliant reporting system that will ensure the correct formis produced at the correct time and in the correct manner.Needless to say there will be a cost to operate suchsoftware. At present the major payroll providers are claimingthey have suitable Middleware although care should betaken with such claims.

Next month we will look at the Staging Process in more detailincluding how to assess employees into three key categoriesand the preparation required to move toward Staging.

Authors Credit to:

Ian D Gillard FCA FCCA DipPFS AIPW, Director of R D Owen & Co, Chartered Accountants

Workplace Pensions

11598 1pg.e$S_Carford Group 26/03/2014 09:09 Page 1

7

Birmingham City Council has £90 million of programmefunding available designed to help businesses in theregion develop and provide employment, among whichthe Greenbridge Supply Chain Programme (GBSCP)helps SME supply chain companies develop, grow anddiversify their businesses within the green sector in theWest Midlands.

The Green Bridge Supply Chain Programme has secured another£15m in the latest tranche of funding available to SMEs in thelocal enterprise partnership areas of Greater Birmingham &Solihull, Black Country, Coventry & Warwickshire, the Marches,Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent and Worcestershire, part fundedthrough the Government’s European Regional Development Fund(ERDF) and managed by Birmingham City Council.

Round 7 of the competition has unallocated funding of £3mfrom the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and £15m from theEuropean Regional Development Fund.

Both programmes are delivered in partnership with the 6 LocalEnterprise Partnerships across the West Midlands Region.

To date, across both funding streams, 176 applications have beenapproved, equating to £84m of total project costs, and forecastsof almost 1,900 new jobs with over 1,000 jobs safeguarded.

The latest funding round consisted of two streams, theEuropean Regional Development Funded GBSCP assists start-up businesses and existing SMEs based in the West Midlandsregion, looking for grants of between £10k up to £100k. Thisfund supports investment in equipment and improvements insystems or processes/ relocation & expansion into new

premises/ market development/new productdevelopment/business consultancy, coaching & mentoring.ERDF funding is available until June 2015.

Existing West Midlands SMEs can apply to the Regional GrowthFunded GBSCP for grants of over £100k up to £1million. Thisfund has £3m to be allocated in Round 7, for the purchase ofcapital equipment/improvements in systems &processes/relocation and expansion into new premises/newproduct or new market development/development ofmanagement & staff capability.

Full details of the programme are available onwww.birmingham.gov.uk/greenbridge

Birmingham City Council has also recently launched theBusiness Innovation Programme www.birmingham.gov.uk/bip a£9 million package of support, part funded by the EuropeanRegional Development Fund to stimulate innovation withinSMEs and to encourage and enable existing businesses toinvest for the future, to lever private sector investment, createnew and safeguard existing jobs.

The programme offers grant based financial assistance of £10k -£30k to support existing SMEs based in the West MidlandsRegion, which have been trading for 6 months or more and areready to undertake investment in innovative production processes.This must lead to new products, which are 'close to market'.

Each application will be required to demonstrate viability, need, jobcreation, sustainability and new investment being linked directly tothe creation of new jobs and safeguarding of existing jobs.

Further help for SME’s based in the Greater Birmingham &Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area is available from the£8m Business Development Programme, launched to supportexisting small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with grantsof £10k - £15k

This part funded ERDF programme is designed to help morethan 400 qualifying existing SMEs to implement their growthand expansion plans, and has received £3.9m from theEuropean Regional Development Fund, more details can befound at www.birmingham.gov.uk/bdp

32637 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 07/04/2014 10:00 Page 1

8

There is plenty ofmoney availablefor SMEsAt first sight that might seem acontroversial statement, with the highstreet banks still adopting a very cautiouspolicy, hemmed about with very strictlending criteria, but its true!

Factoring and invoice discounting play arole in keeping cash flow moving, andsave companies the trouble of chasinglate payers and the associated risks ofalienating customers but can beexpensive and complex, and don’tactually generate fresh funds.

Asset financing, using balance sheetassets (such as accounts receivable,short-term investments or inventory) toobtain a loan or borrow money can beuseful for short term borrowing or workingcapital. Companies using asset financingcommonly pledge their accountsreceivable, but the use of inventory assetsis becoming more frequent.

There are also many new sources offinance which continue to appear andgrow in importance.

So where to start looking for fresh funds?Although there is a plethora of advice onthe internet, this is constantly changing asthe funds from one source run low andother providers step forward.

The Government has just announced aconsultation after the budget to improvesignposting especially from banks who areunable to help fully small businesses withtheir funding needs.

A secondary problem, which industryprofessionals see as a major obstacle formany applicants is the most effectivepresentation of their proposal.

Help is at hand! It is the business of thosein the financial profession to know aboutthe different types of funding available,what may be most suitable for yourbusiness, and how to present yourproposal to give you the best chance ofsuccess.

As we discussed last month there aremultiple schemes many part funded bycentral government where SME’s can gethelp and advice. For unbiased help andadvice, go to www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder to see what’s onoffer in your area orwww.betterbusinessfinance.co.uk. Theseinclude long established CommunityDevelopment Finance Institutions such asART and BCRS in the West Midlandswhich provide additional sources offinance up to £100.000 where a bank hasbeen unable to assist fully.

A new alternative funding website has alsobeen developed which includes peerlenders and crowd funders atwww.alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk

Many applicants consider Peer lendingand Crowd funding, literally hundreds ofcompanies offer loans and investmentopportunities for varying applications. Oneof the earliest, Zopa was founded in 2005and targeted consumer finance and hasgrown to be rated as ‘Most TrustedPersonal Loan Provider’ in the MoneywiseCustomer Awards for the past 4 years.

The internet is the driving force behind thegrowth of peer lending and crowdfunding.The largest business lenders are FundingCircle and Tamworth based Thin Cats.

Funding Circle is an online marketplacewhich helps businesses find low costloans quickly. The model has worked sowell that local councils, universities andeven the Government have joined privateinvestors to lend money to UKbusinesses.

Each loan is funded through on onlineauction. Investors place their bid bydeciding how much they want to lend andat what interest rate. Then the businessmakes equal monthly repaymentsincluding the interest.

On a similar principle but for experiencedinvestors only, Peer to Peer lendingproviders Thin Cats take out much of theguess work by using “sponsors”,experienced industry professionals, whoserole is to vet the individual applicant andto help them prepare their proposal,demonstrating credit worthiness and theability to repay the debt, prior to the on-line auction.

By directly connecting people who wantto invest money with vetted, establishedbusinesses who want to borrow money,peer lending and crowdfunding eliminatesthe cost and complexity of the bankingworld.

Platforms such as SellaBand andKickstarter link new artists, designers, andproject initiators with committedsupporters. CrowdCube helps those whowant to invest small amounts and acquireshares directly in start-up companies;Seedrs on the other hand pools the fundsto invest in new businesses, as anominated agent.

Another alternative finance solution whichprovides short term, unsecured finance, tobusinesses, available as needed without along drawn out application processholding up the transaction, and nocharges outside those of actually usingthe facility, is offered by companies suchas Trade River by means of a pre-approved revolving facility that can beused to finance trade with multiplesuppliers. Payments and administrationare paperless and transparent via a secureonline platform.

Sources ofBusiness Funding

For more suggestions visit the government’s finance finder for more information on what is available

www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder

32626 1pg_Transport Warehousing 24/04/2014 15:34 Page 1

9

ART (Aston Reinvestment Trust) is a specialist businesslender designed to support West Midlands businesseswhich the banks either can’t help at all, or have alreadyhelped as much as they can.

ART offers realistic interest rates, flexible terms and a personalapproach to assessing loan applications. The lending teamunderstands businesses and offers advice on access tofinance, recommending other sources where appropriate. Infact, ART often lends alongside the banks and other fundersand investors as part of a finance package. Increasingly this isbecoming the most common way for businesses to meet theirfinancial needs.

So, if you are looking for between £10,000 and £100,000 foryour business, and have a viable plan for repaying a loan, ARTcan help.

BUSINESS LOANS

ART“We lend for any business purpose, including to supportcashflow,” says Steve Walker, Chief Executive of ART. “Our remitis to assist businesses and, in particular, to help borrowerscreate or protect jobs. We have a small, experienced, team ofloan managers who are interested in helping them to succeed.”

More Money than Ever to Lend

ART has doubled the amount of funds it has available to lend inthe coming year. “We are needed more now than at any time inour 16 year history,” explains Steve Walker. “The banks weremoving away from smaller loans even before the credit crunch.Since then they have become more conservative in their lendingpractices, making alternative and additional sources of financeessential to support the UK economy. The size of loan we offeris what is commonly needed.”

Applying for a Loan from ART

Applying for a loan from ART is straightforward – start with aphone call to discuss your requirements and request anapplication form, or download one from ART’s website. Onceyou have supplied all the information required your applicationwill be assessed by one of the lending team and you will beinvited to a meeting. ART aims to provide an answer within 21working days from receipt of all the necessary information.Funds are provided quickly after that. ART has been able toprovide money even more speedily when businesses haveneeded it in a hurry. Repayment terms can be from 6 months to7 years and there is no penalty for early repayment.

A Growing Lending Team

Graham Donaldson is the latest recruit to join the lending team, tosupport ART’s growth plans. He brings with him over 30 yearsexperience of business lending, and has specialised in developingand maintaining customer relationships. Understanding andsupporting applicants and borrowers is central to ART’s way ofworking and its loan managers make personal judgements aboutlending based on individual circumstances.

Commenting on his appointment Graham says: “I have joinedART at an interesting time. The demand for alternative andadditional sources of business finance is growing, as the bankshave become more conservative and specific in the types ofbusiness they are looking to support. ART has an excellenttrack record of helping businesses in almost every marketsector to start up, grow, diversify and survive unexpectedchallenges. I’m looking forward to helping the team lend arecord amount in the year ahead.”

If You Can’t Get Help from a Bank...ART is There For You

The ART lending team :(L-R) Andy King, Martin Edmonds, Steve Walker

and Graham Donaldson.

BUSINESS LOANS

ART

32491 DPS 1_HorseWorld 03/03/2014 09:47 Page 1

10

ART Borrowers

Since it started, in 1997, ART has helped over 700 businesses toset up, survive cashflow problems, grow or diversify, supportingover 5,500 jobs in the process. Whether it is a short term loan tohelp during exceptional circumstances, or a longer term loan tohelp with business efficiency, growth or diversification, clientsappreciate that ART is there to support them.

Henshaw Manufacturing

When a leaking roof, a machine in need of repair and a clientgoing into administration put a squeeze on cashflow, RogerWeeks turned to ART for a loan to see the company through.

“It’s good to know that a lender like ART exists for those trickytimes when something exceptional happens.” Roger Weeks,MD, Henshaw Manufacturing

KPM-Marine

Losing one major customer is challenging, losing two withoutwarning threatens disaster. A series of loans from ART enabledspecialist engineering company KPM to diversify and find newmarkets for its products.

“It would be true to say that without ART we wouldn’t be heretoday. Apart from myself and my business partner John Key,the ART team have been the only people consistently behindthe business over more than a decade. They have provided asafety net as we have steered through challenging times andchanging market circumstances, providing money, often atshort notice, when we needed it.” Jules Morgan, Joint MD,KPM Marine

ART Business LoansMojito Events

Mark Hodgkinson and Scott McComiskie had ambitious plansfor their business from the outset and used a loan from ART tobuy and fit out premium mobile cocktail bars in different styles.

“We had so many ideas and wanted to get moving on themstraight away. ART was understanding and supportive of ourplans for expansion.” Mark Hodgkinson, Joint MD, Mojito Events

Reynolds Technology

Having borrowed from ART before, Keith Noronha had nohesitation in asking for a loan to help the company move tomore efficient premises.

“In spite of having a good financial record, we did not fit thecriteria for the banks. ART is less restrictive in its lendingassessments and very fair.” Keith Noronha, MD, Reynolds Cycles

Horgans

A loan from ART gave Elaine Halliwell the chance to realise herdream of buying the business she had been working in for 13 years.

“ART gave me so much more than just the money, they gaveme the confidence to go ahead.” Elaine Halliwell, Owner,Horgans Sandwich Bar

For more information about a loan from ART visit www.reinvest.co.uk

or call 0121 359 2444

32491 DPS 1_HorseWorld 03/03/2014 09:47 Page 2

11

J S Associates are a well established independentmortgage broker who provide expert advice with asimple, fast and hassle free service across all propertysectors; including residential, commercial, Buy to Let,together with a range of ancillary insurance services.Now in its 11th year, a winning combination of marketknowledge and experience has helped the company togrow successfully.

Their expertise is focused on providing the right mortgage tosuit individual circumstances, whether that be for the SelfEmployed, medium to high net worth individuals, or even firsttime and professional landlords with large portfolios; thecompany welcomes and frequently deals with all client types.

Jasvinder Saimbi, MD,explained how his fully-qualified advisers aim tomake the whole process offinding and applying for amortgage as easy, stressfree and cost effective aspossible. They thoroughly

search the entire marketto identify whichlenders offer the most

competitive terms foryou. Combined with a

superior personal service,their clients express high levels

of satisfaction with their mortgage deals, and continue to staywith the company from an initial purchase through to multipleproperty ownership.

J S Associates will expand this year and take on extra staff as aresult of the recent recovery in the housing market. Mr. Saimbiattributes their continued success as an impartial mortgagebroker and adviser to their extensive market experience andwelcoming personal service.

For mortgage advise and deals please contact J S Associates on: 0121 236 2983 or email [email protected]

J. S. Associates is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

J.S. Associates

Sethi & SethiCHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS

& REGISTERED AUDITORS

143 SANDON ROAD, EDGBASTION, BIRMINGHAM B17 8HA

Tel: 0121 4291718 - Fax: 0121 4297374

Sethi & Sethi congratulate J S Associateson their achievements to date

Our services include:Accountancy and Auditing

Personal and Corporate TaxPayroll and VATSelf assessment

Management Consultancy

A new look for a new year, Northampton based logisticscompany, Linkline Transport launched their new web site atthe end of last year as part of a general brand refresh for 2014.

Linkline Transport understand the vital part transportation andlogistics play in the smooth and efficient running of any companyparticularly those involved in trade with Europe and across the widerUK, and offer a wide range of services to suit every client.

Whatever your transportation requirements Linkline can help, with anextensive range of vehicles from small vans to 44 tonne lorries,including flat bed trailers and a range of truck mounted forklifts fromMoffett, there is no job too big, too awkward or too small.

Whether it’s a local run or a long-haul, an unexpected urgent deliveryor a scheduled contract, their professional team of drivers and staffwill be there every step of the way. Their membership of the Fortecpallet network has enabled Linkline to open up its transport portfolio

and offer an even wider range of services, from next day, economyto international deliveries.

Linkline Logistics pride themselves on being able to offer a solutionfor all aspects of transport. Their dedicated specialist transport teamhave many years experience and are always prepared to take onevery challenge you offer them.

Please feel free to get in touch to discuss any requirements you mayhave, by visiting the new website linklinetransport.com

or telephoning on 01933 229444

Specialising in light and heavy commercial vehicle repair for over 30 years.

The services you would expect from a main dealer, but with a personal touch.

Proud to be supporting Linkline Transport

APR Engineering Ltd (Northampton), Lower Farm Road, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6XF

Tel: 01604 642248 Web: www.aprengineering.com

Logistics Dedicated to DeliverLogistics Dedicated to Deliver

TM

32553 and 32412 busi trans_HorseWorld 25/04/2014 09:53 Page 1

12

During difficult financial times in business the budget fortraining is often one of the first things to be cut. Can youimagine a sports team taking the same action?

If you are committed to winning in business then investing inyour team is essential to success. When I work with smallcompanies I often hear business owners say “we don’t have atraining budget”. I ask “Do you have a marketing budget?” andthe answer is always “of course”.

Marketing is about generating awareness of a product orservice, creating a constant flow of customers to our door orwebsite is seen as the key to success, however, manycompanies miss the obvious. Getting people to know aboutyour company is one thing but converting them and retainingtheir custom is another.

A dis-engaged, badly trained employee can damage yourcompany reputation and cause you to lose valuable customerswithout even knowing it. A committed, motivated, highly trainedemployee can generate additional customers and repeatbusiness by demonstrating their expertise and delivering ontheir promise to customers.

Customer loyalty is directly linked to employee loyalty. Manycompanies spend a fortune on loyalty schemes and incentivesbut the personal touch from an able and motivated employeecan do more to keep your customers than any reward card.

If you have a training budget, spend is wisely and don’t justinvest in training for trainings sake; training is only as good asthe future it gives you.

In my opinion, coaching should be linked to training whereverpossible as very often people leave training courses, put themanual on the shelf and continue as they did before. Coachinghelps maximize the benefits of training and helps to ensure thatthe investment in acquiring knowledge and new skills is put into

action. For every training session there should be an individualor team coaching session to ensure implementation, follow upand follow through.

No matter how important training may be, some smallcompanies just can’t afford it. Whilst you may not be able toinvest in external training you can still develop your team within.

What knowledge or skills do you have that your team wouldbenefit from learning? Within any company individuals oftenshine in different aspects of the job. Breaking down the job roleand seeing who the shining star in each area is can help identifypeople in your company who can share their knowledge withothers. Having said that; be aware that your top performersmight not have the skills to train.

Mentoring your own team or having your team mentor eachother in different aspects of their job role can be an efficient wayto bring everyone up to the same level.

Promotion without training can be disastrous. I have seen manyhigh performing sales people promoted to sales managers withno leadership training and the business owner is left wonderingwhat went wrong. They lose their best sales person and theteam is totally de-motivated because they have a leader thathas never been taught to lead. The skills of a sales person andsales manager are very different.

When considering investing in training, take time to choose theright training to fill the knowledge or skill gap within yourbusiness. Make sure any training is followed up and followedthrough with coaching to maximize the return on yourinvestment.

Take time to consider how you or your team can train andmentor each other as a cost effective and team buildingexercise. Remember it’s your front line team that directlyimpacts the bottom line of your business so neglect them atyour peril.

Bev James is a business mentor, best-selling author of DO IT! or DITCH IT, CEO of the Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loanswww.bevjames.com @Bev_James

You can explore DISC further by downloading Bev’s freebusiness App DO IT! OR DITCH IT, with access to a DISCprofile questionnaire and a free DISC guide.

CEO of The Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans

Bev JamesTraining your team

Unnecessary expense or essential to your success?

Bev James

32546 1pg_CD Engineering 07/04/2014 12:03 Page 1

13

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental iscommitted to providing itscustomers with the mostcomprehensive and flexibleservice possible. Whether youneed a car for one day or afleet of trucks for five years wewill tailor a package aroundyour business. We’re unique inour industry as the onlycompany which can offer andsupport the full range ofproduct terms from leasing andcontract hire to daily rentalacross the full range of ourfleet and through each of our21 UK locations.

It’s not only our products that evolve,the Burnt Tree Group has also seensome big changes over the last fewyears. We put our first foot over theScottish border in 2012 with theopening of our Glasgow branch; inaddition we relocated several sites tobigger and better premises includingour Wigan branch, the first of ournew supersites. This year we alsoopened a new site in Southamptonand will shortly announce therelocation of our Leeds branch whichwill see it become the secondsupersite in the north but it doesn’tstop there with further plans recentlyannounced for a further six locationsover the next three years.

In September 2013 Burnt Tree VehicleRental announced the launch of‘Refrigerental’, a brand-new dedicatedtemperature controlled vehicle rentaloperation which is available throughthe company’s 21 depots in England,Scotland and Wales.

All the refrigerated vans and trucks inthe Refrigerental fleet are brand-newmodels, covering vehicle sizes fromsmall vans up to 26tonne rigids.Richard Metcalfe CEO said, “We havecarefully chosen a comprehensiverange of vehicle types and models togive customers the optimum choice

of vehicles covering the majority oftemperature controlled applications fromchill to heavy chill and deep frozen.Refrigerental vans and trucks are availablewith a choice of single and multi-temperature refrigeration systems, and eachvehicle features Silent refrigeration kits,making them ideal for typical noise sensitiveurban deliveries.” As part of the Refrigerentallaunch from Burnt Tree, the company hasalso launched a dedicated temperaturecontrolled vehicle rental websitewww.refrigerental.co.uk from which users ofthe site can obtain a comprehensive vehicleselection guide that outlines the featuresand benefits of the range.

This Spring also witnessed the launch ofFleetForce®, a brand new intelligent fleetmanagement system that gives users auniquely detailed insight into the status oftheir fleet. Available through both itsContract Hire and Vehicle Hire divisions,Burnt Tree’s new FleetForce programmeprovides the best-in-class fleet managementsuite of services, covering all operatingplatforms from PC, tablet and smartphones, enabling customers to benefit fromthe latest, up to date real-time fleetinformation, whilst on the move and awayfrom the office.

Designed for small, medium and large fleetsalike, FleetForce from Burnt Tree embracesall aspects of daily transport officerequirements, management and legislativedisciplines including fleet service andmaintenance, fleet compliance, drivermanagement, vehicle management andaccident management.

Should you require any further informationabout Burnt Tree products please contact

the Birmingham branch on 0121 544 3202 or visit us online www.burnt-tree.co.uk

The Burnt Tree Team

Much more than a Vehicle Rental Company...

Everything you need and more from a vehicle provider...

With over 16,000 vehicles from 21 UK locations we

have a range of products to suit every business

whatever the size of your fleet.

With over 30 year’s contract hire experience

we are dedicated to providing innovative

transport and logistical solutions.

With our fresh approach to temperature controlled vehicle rental we have the most modern and balanced

range of vans and trucks available

You can choose from a fleet of over 300 vehicles ranging

from single wheelchair vehicles right through to 17 seat coach built accessible

minibuseswww.burnt-tree.co.uk www.burnt-tree.co.uk/contract-hire www.refrigerental.co.uk www.accessibleminibus.co.uk

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental84 - 90 Brades RoadOldburyB69 2EP

T: 0121 544 3202 21 UK locations...

VEHICLE RENTAL CONTRACT HIRE REFRIGERENTAL ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE RENTAL

www.burnt-tree.co.uk

VEHICLE RENTAL

p

ACCESSIBLEVEHICLE RENTA


14

Increasingly, software savvy, IT literate,fleet decision-makers are waking up tothe fact that today’s hi-tech vehiclemanagement systems can seamlesslyinteract with other internal and externalsoftware to dramatically improveoperating effectiveness and efficiency.

Ever-evolving sophisticated web-basedsoftware developments mean that fleetoperators no longer need to manually inputevery item of information, from a driver’sname to a car’s number plate and from afuel purchase to a vehicle service.

Hours spent on form filling are now beingput to more efficient use.

Such techno-awareness couldn’t be morecritical at a time when the revenues of the$9billion global fleet management industryare expected to triple within the five years.

UK-based trafficsafe.org reported onfindings from market research company ABIResearch.

Market penetration in the commercial freightsegment is already high, said the company,which has forecast that the main drivers forthe extended growth out to 2018 are basedon four key elements:

1 Many HGV manufacturers are offeringfleet management systems that are pre-installed during vehicle manufacturing as aresult of OEM partnerships. Majormanufacturers like IVECO, DAF, Scania andVolvo already offer such a package but thenumber of truck suppliers providing built-infleet management is expected to grow.

2 Some fleet management system suppliersare focusing on specialist segments orsmaller fleets, creating markets wherecompanies would not otherwise considerfleet management as an option.

3 New and emerging markets will come onstream including Russia, South America andAsian countries.

4 An increased level of knowledge of thebenefits of fleet management within themarket especially in such areas as improvedroad safety and better fuel consumption isdriving additional demand and enabling fleetmanagement vendors to consolidate onexisting markets.

With such a major upturn in the fleetmanagement industry forecast, operators willnot be able to afford to spend time in the‘Dark Ages’ entering every single detailrelating to a company fleet.

Jason Francis, Managing Director of fleetsoftware and occupational road safety expertJaama says increasing numbers of fleetdecision-makers understand the importanceof choosing technology that can fullyintegrate with systems operated by externalsuppliers and other company departments,such as HR, payroll and finance, and whichcan also be accessed by drivers.

“Until only a few years ago, they still had tomanually enter virtually every single piece offleet relevant information,” he says. “Not onlywas this time-consuming andadministratively cumbersome, it could beprone to mistakes. Additionally, the way datawas stored meant that it was difficult to

monitor, measure and compare and contrastthe performance of individual drivers andvehicles effectively. Today’s computersoftware is able to seamlessly populatesystems in real time, ensuring up-to-the-minute accurate management information.”

Data and information feeds from contracthire and leasing suppliers, daily rentalcompanies, fuel management operators,fast-fit organisations and residual valuesuppliers, for example, can now update fleetmanagement systems, along withinformation supplied by drivers - mileages,expense claims and working hours - andinformation from other departments on, forexample, new starters, employee promotionsand changes in driver circumstances.

Says James: “The technology is nowavailable and today’s forward-thinking fleetoperators can use it to their advantage. Inturn the management information they cansupply to their bosses on every facet offleet functionality has never been moredetailed or more accurate.

For those fleet managers who fear theadvance of technology would leave themwithout a job, James advises: “This is farfrom the truth as the technology revolutionenables fleet decision-makers to be far morestrategic in their job and less process-driven.”

He also has plenty of reassurance overfears that the volume of data available andreports generated by super-efficientsoftware could prove unmanageable.

“It is true that data available to fleetoperators has increased by a factor of 50 inthe last decade and will continue toincrease,” he acknowledges. “However,they can decide what they want to monitorand measure by exception and cancustomise the software to meet their ownindividual requirements.”

So decide what would benefit your company,from simple GPS tracking to sophisticatedreal time feedback, do your research, andstart saving both time and money!

Fleet Managementfor the Modern World


15

less than the recent Warranty Direct Annual Labour Ratessurvey demonstrated for franchise garages; a national averageof £75.

Quality of workAlthough independent garages cost a significant amount lessthan main dealers there is no compromise on the level ofexpertise and parts. All Trust My Garage members have accessto the same level of technical information and quality parts.Training is also no different and most independent garages traintheir staff to the same levels as main dealers.

No car is a challengeTrust My Garage members are specialists in all makes andmodels and work to very high standards continuing to achievekey industry standards set by Trust My Garage.

Off the back of Small Business Saturday which tookplace on December 10, countrywide independent garagescheme Trust My Garage is urging local businesses toadd their local independent garage to their supplier lists.

Just as Small Business Saturday voiced the message to buylocal and support your nearest independent businesses,independent garages can also offer a great service tosurrounding businesses as a key link in the local community.

There are a number of reasons why motorists should get theircar serviced at their local independent garage, rather than amain dealership. It’s a common misconception that a service atan independent garage will void the warranty on a vehicle, butEU law now states that drivers are no longer legally required togo to an authorised dealership for quality service and repairwork. Taking your brand new car to an independent garage willnot invalidate your warranty as long as the garage services thevehicle according to the manufacturer’s schedule using partswhich are of “equivalent quality”.

PriceThe Independent Garage Association recently polled over 2,000of its members on their labour rates and concluded thatindependent garages ‘continue to offer motorists the very bestvalue for money.’ Figures from the poll show that the averagelabour cost is slightly over £40 for independent garages, much

Why you should support your local independent garage this winter

32446 2pg_HorseWorld 27/03/2014 15:08 Page 1

16

A more personal serviceIndependent garages are renowned for their customer serviceand their customer retention levels. The only way they cansucceed is if they leave motorists feeling satisfied once havingwork done on their car, so they’ll often go that extra mile thatmain dealers can’t.

How do I support my local Trust My Garage Member?To support your nearest Trust My Garage member and takeadvantage of quality service at an affordable price, simply logonto www.trustmygarage.co.uk and type in your postcode tosee a list of Trust My Garage members in your area. Membersof Trust My Garage are true professionals – local independentbusinesses which are part of your community. Trust My Garageis the truly independent scheme for independent garages.

About Trust My GarageTRUST MY GARAGE (TMG) is a scheme developed forindependent garages by the Independent Garage Association(IGA) to recognise the high standards of independent garagesthroughout the UK.

For more information visitwww.trustmygarage.co.uk

WN Sales & EngineeringVW, Audi, SEAT and Skoda Servicing

Station Garage, Dudley Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 1HR

Proud to be part of the Trust My Garage Scheme

01384 76971 | www.vwaudiservicing.com

WESTHEATH

ONIONSCARSLTD

GARAGE

West Heath Garage is dedicated to providing an excellent value service for all

makes and models of vehicle.

Part of

Proud to be a member of the Trust My Garage Scheme

21 Alvechurch Road, West Heath, Birmingham, B31 3JW

www.onionscars.co.uk

[email protected]

0121 477 2626

Proud members of the Trust My Garage Scheme

MOT & Service from £69

8 Fordrough, Haymills, Birmingham B25 8DL0121 766 6254

SP SimnettWe try harder

Pleased to be part of theTrust My Garage Scheme

www.spsimnett.co.uk

For experienced and knowledgablecar mechanics call us today on

01384 882 221 or 07775 700 196


17

A family run haulage business based in WestBromwich, this is a company that others not only trustfor special deliveries, it’s where every delivery isspecial.

Whether it’s a job requiring just a pickup or one needing anarctic, flatbed, or curtain sided vehicle or even a trailerextension stretching to 18 meters. SLD Transport can help.

With the ability to offer full and part load consignments, sameday deliveries and contract hire, as well as a collect and deliverservice from anywhere in the country, MD Steve Dale is proudof his firm’s ability to provide every haulage solution.

“We have the knowledge and the experience to run an entiretransport department for a client and take away any problemsencountered in managing that part of the business,” he says.

It’s that ability and all-round logistical expertise that has seenSLD forge some extremely successful partnerships with someof the region’s foremost companies.

For example, its close working relationship with Ash and LacyBuilding Systems has en-dured for 17 years while other prestigiousclients have included Travis Perkins, CCF and Baylis Automotive.

In the meantime, 2014 looks set to be shaping up nicely ascurrent negotiations pave the way for contracts with a host ofnew businesses.

“For transport solutions across the UK, we aim to be your firstand only port of call,” says Steve.

“We are proud to be members of the Road HaulageAssociation, which means we know customers can be assuredthat we offer only the highest quality service.

“With more than 50 years of experience in the haulage industry,we hold the necessary knowledge and experience require toget your goods from A to B quickly and safely and on time.”

Part of that quality assurance comes from SLD Transport’scontinuous investment in new vehicles, resulting in few delaysdue to vehicle breakdown.

Not only are they all highly maintained, each is fitted with atracker, meaning that the exact location of a client’s load canbe logged at any time. As additional assurance, the fully uni-formed drivers carry mobile phones.

“Together they make a conscientious team which is fullycommitted to all our customers,” promises Steve.

“With a network of national subcontractors, we will always havethe solution to your distri-bution needs,” promises Steve.

“We pride ourselves on service and ability to deliver, whatever yourrequirement. Please get in touch we look forward to the challenge.”

For further information,Tel: 0121 524 8403

Email: [email protected]

Bromford Works, Bromford LaneWest Bromwich B70 7JJ

SLD Transport Ltd

SATISFACTION by the lorryload that’s the promise from SLD Transport Ltd

Such commitment is a reflection of thecompany’s mission statement which is:

• To be the first choice.

• To transport goods to the highest possiblestandards.

• To have a team that is professional at alltimes.


18

Established in 1864 and one of the oldest companies inthe Midlands, the name Ash & Lacy is synonymous withproduct innovation and high standards of engineering, In2014 Ash & Lacy reaches a key milestone by celebratingits 150th trading year.

Ash & Lacy has grown into a company with an annual turnoverin excess of £25 million, gaining a hatful of award-winningprojects annually.

A range of innovative products has ensured that the companyhas stayed at the forefront of their market sector.

In 1989 Ash & Lacy Building Products Ltd was formed with thelaunch of the AshFix range of fasteners and accessories. Thesame year also saw the launch of Ash & Lacy’s AshJacksystem, the UK's first over-roof conversion system togetherwith AshGrid, the first spacer support system for built-up metalroofing and cladding systems. Since their launch, theseproducts have maintained a market-leading position throughcontinuous research and development and supported byextensive site and laboratory testing procedures.

Continuing to build on this success and demonstrating theirmanufacturing and metal fabrication skills, the companyintroduced the AshTech rainscreen cladding system in 2000and their standing seam roofing system, AshZip in 2003.

These systems are supported with an extremely comprehensiverange of architectural fabrications, flashing and accessoriesfrom the renowned AshFab range, available through thenational distribution network and supported by strategicallypositioned branches in Glasgow and London complimenting theWest Bromwich headquarters.

With the success of this national distribution network and continuedorganic growth of the AshFab business, both the Glasgow andLondon branches were moved to larger, modern sites.

In July 2011, Ash & Lacy Building Systems was bought byJonathan Evans. Jonathan and his team not only brought withthem a successful track record and extensive knowledge of theindustry, but also a new vision for Ash & Lacy’s future, ofmanufacturing excellence and unique engineering solutionsthrough the introduction of new products.

Ash & Lacy and their customers immediately saw the positiveeffects and benefits from the acquisition and the company wasto soon benefit from what was to be the largest capitalinvestment in the company’s history. This investment was notonly a major step forward in their supply capability, but alsocreated a number of jobs in its local community.

St Columba's High School - Gourock

Thomas Ferens Academy - Hull

Sandwell College - West Bromwich

32532 3pgs_HorseWorld 26/03/2014 10:05 Page 1

19

One of Ash & Lacy’s first major investments under newmanagement focused on introducing a state of the artproduction facility for its AshGrid bar and bracket system.Through their desire for continuous improvement in quality, costreduction and customer satisfaction, investment in newmachinery has allowed them to optimise manufacturing processefficiency, ultimately ensuring quality control and improvingproduct availability and flexibility.

To further widen their internal material processing capabilitiesand reduce their reliance on the external supply chain Ash &Lacy made further capital investment in 2013. An “Off Coil”processing facility and several new sets of machinery nowmeans that material utilisation is maximised, and all AshFixproducts are now assembled in-house ensuring continualimprovement in lead time, cost reduction and quality control.These investments have also created local jobs.

2014 holds further exciting capital investments which includefactory process standardisation and new manufacturing facilitiesthat will again be a record-breaking investment for the company.

This high level of investment has already reaped its rewards, asthe company continues to go from strength to strength withtheir products featuring in award winning projects throughoutthe UK.

In a year of stunning achievements, July 2013 saw thecompany proud to announce that The Thomas FerensAcademy in Kingston Upon Hull, featuring AshTech, had wonthe Vertical Cladding/ Rainscreen Category in the 2013 NFRCRoofing Awards.

AshTech has been used to absolutely stunning effect at thisnew state-of-the-art school.

W ar lig to pporLa B l g

a iexpa i f b

Johnathan Dudleyr w

0121 543 1900

Find out more about us at

www.croweclarkwhitehill.co.uk

At Isomach we provide a press toolmaking, roll tool and CNC machining service to UK and European customers within the automotive, aerospace, medical, energy and marine industry sectors.

Press Toolmaking and Rollforming Machinery

CNC Machining and Wire Erosion

Mechanical Design Consultancy

Tel: 01384 443279 Fax: 01384 [email protected] www.isomach.com

To find out more about Isomach contact us now!

“We are proud to support Ash & Lacy wishing them all the best for the future”

Electrical contractors and engineers specialising in Domestic, Commercial and

Industrial Installations, fire and Intruder alarms.

Congratulations to Ash & Lacy on 150 years in business. All the best for the next 150!

www.a-lec.com - 01827 284609

Southwater Cinema - Telford


20

The £24.5 million complex has been designed to be eco-friendly and distinctive, and visitors to Thomas Ferens areimmediately struck by the tremendously innovative multi-coloured facades.

In another stunning achievement, last summer the companycompleted their largest AshJack lightweight over-roof systemconversion to date, at a Dairy Crest production facility in the NorthWest, where approximately 20,000m2 of AshJack was specified.

October 2013 saw more exciting news for the companythrough its success in two categories of the NFRC’s ScottishRoofing Contractor of the Year Awards 2013. Ash & Lacy won‘The Supply Chain Award’ for work at St. Columba's HighSchool in Gourock, installed by WG Walker Limited, and DavidLivingstone Memorial Primary School in Blantyre, installed byCladding Services Limited, along with winning the ‘WallCladding & Rainscreen Category’ for WG Walker.

Works on this site truly maximised Ash & Lacy’s full productrange, including new roof coverings of AshZip standing seamthroughout, AshTech ACM rainscreen cladding and theintroduction of one of the first Ash & Lacy AshWall steel framingsystems used. Other products included the AshFlow rainwatersystem, AshFab external fabrications and AshFix stainless steelfasteners throughout the project.

The striking new seven-storey, 25,000m2 state-of-the-artcentral campus building at Sandwell College in Spon Lane,West Bromwich was a flagship project for Ash & Lacy todemonstrate its engineering know-how to achieve distinctivewaveform roofs with a U-value of 0.20 W/m2K. The projectfeatured BBA approved AshZip standing seam roof system instucco-embossed aluminium along with full height halters andAshGrid spacer supports.

Century Software is a leading independent supplier of Sage 200 Software Products. Our expertise includes accounting,

manufacturing and customer relationship management applications, together with providing bespoke software enhancements to give

our clients a competitive edge.

We are very proud to be supporting Ash & Lacy’s continued growth.

Visit www.centurysoftware.co.uk orcall us on 0121 557 2300


Continuing the success already into 2014, Ash & Lacy haverecently debuted their AshTech DucoSun new ventilation andsolar shading system as part of a joint venture with Belgiancompany, Duco, at a site local to their Head office, in Telford’sforthcoming Southwater town centre development.

Their high profile presence in the UK is matched by significantexport projects including the Hong Kong Convention andExhibition Centre, the National Hospital in Accra, Ghana,distribution centres in Moscow, Cyprus and Hungary and alsothe Dublin Port Tunnel.

For more information please visit theirwebsite at www.ashandlacy.com

or telephone 0121 525 1444


21

1761

Services & Products

ASD Dudley | Windmill Works | Peartree Lane | Dudley DY2 0UY

t: 08450 342 105 | f: 08450 342 106 | [email protected]

Tube Laser | Water Jet | Flat Bed laser

ASD metal services are the largest independent multi metal stockholder & distributor in the UK

-Tube Laser-Water Jet-Flat Bed Laser

ASD Dudley, who are one of the nationwide network of branches that make up ASD metal services, offer a wide range of products and services such as:

Up to 70% of manufacturing time and up to 50% of the costs of processing can be saved compared to more traditional methods of processing profiles.

The branch also specialises in a range of products, especially ERW Tube, Aluminium Extrusion, 55HX, Stainless Long Products, as well as Stainless and Aluminium flat products.

Contact us today to arrange your no obligation quotation or to book a demonstration:

32522 QPD 1pg_HorseWorld 27/03/2014 13:46 Page 1

22

BBP MediaCongratulates the Winners

In the biggest and best event yet,Midlands companies came togetherfrom across the region to honour thewinners of the Midlands BusinessAwards 2014.

The glittering event, sponsored by WMG,and now in its eighth year, was held at theHilton Metropole Hotel on Friday 28thFebruary. The awards are organised by HarjSandher of UK Special Events andcelebrate innovation, success and theimportance of wealth creation and wealthcreators in the Midlands.

The awards were presented by RTS Beston Screen Personality winner 2013/14,Lucy Kite, from ITV Central.

Sir John Peace, Chairman of BurberryGroup plc, Chairman of Standard Charteredand Chairman of Experian plc was awardedthe award for Lifetime Contribution toMidlands’ Business, joining such luminariesas Lord Digby Jones, ProfessorBattachayyra, John Eagan, Sir JohnBurgess and Geoffrey Robinson MP whohave received the Lifetime Award inprevious years.

Midlands Business Club of the year,sponsored by Manley CharteredAccountants, went to Mansfield 2020 forproviding business support, networkingevents, job vacancies and businessopportunities in Mansfield.

Midlands Business Person of the Year,sponsored by BBP Media was awarded toAli Kurji for his work with the Heart ofEngland Co-operative Society.

Midlands Corporate Commitment to theCommunity, sponsored by UK SpecialEvents went to BHSF Ltd. who providesaffordable health insurance for individuals,employees and intermediaries. Employeehealth and wellbeing benefits and HRsupport services

Northampton University carried off MidlandsEnterprising University of the Year,sponsored by 24.7 TV.

Suleman Sacranie of 99p Shopper, the firstdiscount store selling goods online at 99p,was recognised as Midlands Entrepreneurof the Year sponsored by E2Exchange.

Midlands Exporter of the Year (over 1 millionturnover) sponsored by East End, went toUltraseal International, the global leader inproviding casting impregnation equipmentand impregnation sealant as a solution tothe universal problem of porosity incastings, powered metal components, andelectronic components.

Midlands Exporter of the Year (up to 1million turnover) and also sponsored byEast End went to Nottinghamshire basedHall-Fast Industrial Supplies.

A very popular choice for MidlandsInnovation of the Year sponsored by LightMedia Digital was an absolutely thrilled,Koolmill Systems for their new method ofmilling rice.

Coventry University was delighted to achievethe award of Midlands’ Innovative Universityof the Year sponsored by 24.7 TV.

Nexus Creative sponsored both categoriesfor The Midlands’ Manufacturer of the Yearwith Pailton Engineering picking up the over 1million turnover category, and Whale Ale, anindependent Real Ale Brewery, achieving theup to 1 million award.

Midlands Service Provider of the Year (over 1million turnover) sponsored by HiltonMetropole went to Aesthetic Events Staff Ltd.

The award for Midlands Service Provider ofthe Year (up to 1 million turnover), alsosponsored by Hilton Metropole, was receivedby a delighted Ali Baylav, of CavendishLettings Ltd.

In his second trip to the podium of theevening, a thrilled Ed Coyte the MD andfounder of Whale Ale was awarded MidlandsYoung Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsoredby Jigsaw.

Harj Sandher is also to be congratulated; theevent was thoroughly enjoyed by all, withplenty of time for old friends and businesscontacts to meet up, and new contacts to bemade, along with entertainment, good food,and good wine and good company. TheMidlands Business Awards provides anunrivalled networking opportunity for theMidlands business community

There is already keen interest in nextyear’s event; nominations for the 9thMidlands Business Awards will open from1st April 2014.

Sir John Peace with Harj Sandher

Midlands Business Awards 2014

32640 1pg 2_HorseWorld 07/04/2014 12:36 Page 1

23

Electrical Contractors, ECA have been providing excellentelectrical services to a wide range of industries for over30 years. The company was founded in 1962 and at thattime was primarily involved in industrial installations,maintenance and repairs.

Since 1976 the present management has encouragedexpansion in their core markets while diversifying into thecommercial sector to include, Hotels, Industrial Units, OfficeBuildings, Schools, Casinos, bars and restaurants.

The company are proud to have continued to grow throughoutthe recent turbulent economic times through natural expansion,by recommendation, and by offering a complete design,installation and maintenance service throughout the UK.

The company’s individual and collective services are offered aspart of their controlled expansion; however the philosophy of

the company remains unchanged in that the service offeredfrom the smallest repair call out to the larger contracts is bestsummed up by borrowing the phrase, “Big enough to cope,small enough to care”.

Their motto of "repeat business is the best business" hasserved the company well and continues to be their watchwordin providing a service backed by extensive experience Theirdedication to achieving the highest possible standards hasbeen recognised by the award of BS5750 part 2 for qualityassurance, and their membership of the NICEIC since 1965.

As you would expect from an electrical company at the top ofits field, they use the most up to date software for estimatingand design. ECA can fully design electrical and mechanicalservices using the latest Amtech, Heavacomp and AutoCadLTsoftware utilising their experienced in-house design engineers.

King Edwards School - Birmingham

West Midlands Fire - Headquarters - Birmingham


24

ECA’s in house manufacturing service is further evidence oftheir commitment to customer service. Manufacturing in househelps to speed up installation times on site, with less labour onsite, whilst their strict quality control procedure ensures that allproducts leaving their workshops are in perfect order.

Recent projects have included works on various Hotels forHilton, Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn and Ibis.Construction consisting of making wiring looms for thebedrooms, pre-making fuse boards, pre-making maindistribution panel equipment, pre-wiring heaters and pre-wiringlighting fittings, and in the case of the 171 bedroomedTravelodge in Glasgow, a complete electrical installation,including LV switchgear, mains and sub mains distribution,lighting, emergency lighting, small power, fire alarms and powersupplies for the heating and ventilation.

Anglo Holt, one of the UK’s leading design and build companieshave a long association with ECA. Currently they havecommissioned ECA to carry out a full design and electrical

installation on a wide range of hotel projects along with the newHenkel office at Wood Lane Hemel Hempstead, comprisingdistribution, lighting, emergency lighting, small power and firealarm system.

ECA were pleased to be involved in a ground breaking projectat Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 2 for Dave Ford Associatesworking with Yo! Sushi, where for the first time ever at Yo!Sushi, airline passengers will be able to pre-order their foodonline before they arrive, ensuring their order will be ready fortakeaway as soon as they come through security. The worksnecessitated a complete electrical installation to be carried outincluding distribution, lighting, emergency lighting, small power,fire alarms and power supplies for the kitchen.

For the Olympics in 2012, ECA were selected to provide all theElectrical services to the retail concessions at venuesthroughout the UK, including the Olympic stadium.

Member 2013

Services include:

• HV Mains, Transformers, Generators and switchgear.

• Lighting and emergency lighting installations.

• External lighting installations.

• Small power installations.

• Mains & Sub Main installationsincorporating LV switchgear.

• Nurse Call systems.

• Fire alarm systems.

• Intruder alarm systems.

• Door Access Control systems.

• Panic Alarm systems.

• CCTV systems.

• Induction Loop systems.

• Voice and Data installations.

• Lightning Protection systems.

• TV / Aerial systems.

• Public Address systems.

• Uninterrupted Power Supplies - standbypower supply systems.

• LPHW heating and ventilation.

• Air conditioning and comfort cooling

• Maintenance works.

• Testing & certification.

THE UK’S LEADINGElectrical Wholesale Network

WITH ALMOST TWICE AS MANYDistribution outlets as our nearest competitor

THE POWER TO SUPPLYAll your electrical products

Tel: 0121 329 3488 www.cef.co.uk

Unit 34 Norris Way, Riland Road Industrial EstateSutton Cold�eld B75 7BB

E-mail: [email protected]

factors

city

electricalE

F

City Electrical FactorsSutton Coldfield Branchare proud to support ECA


25

ECA win a considerable amount of work from National EndUser clients, who require a high level of customer service, anddetailed design input. This includes clients such as GentingCasinos, PHS, PCL Transport, West Midland Fire Service, SanCarlo and BT.

Projects at ECA vary from very small repairs and maintenancewith a 24-hour call out service carried out by the specialprojects division up to fast track installations valued at up to£2m. All works are carried out by the company’s directlyemployed and high skilled electricians.

As part of ECA’s desire to provide their clients with the bestpossible service, they have developed an additional companycalled Ashford ECO systems http://e-c-a.co.uk/ashfieldeco/ toprovide the very latest solutions for the growing demand forrenewable energy.

Ashfield ECO Systems Ltd is listed members of the RenewableEnergy Association Limited (REAL) Assurance scheme. Theyfollow the REAL Assurance scheme consumer code whichcontributes to a high standard of service. They are also listedon the MCS certified installer register. The MicrogenerationCertification Scheme (MCS) is an internationally recognisedquality assurance scheme, supported by the Department ofEnergy and Climate Change. MCS certifies microgenerationtechnologies used to produce electricity and heat fromrenewable sources.

Our team give a complete dedicated service includingconsultation, design, installation and maintenance for allaspects of renewable energy including:

• Photovoltaics.• Rainwater Harvesting.• Geothermal Heating.• Solar Thermal Energy.• Wind Turbine Systems.

It will easily be understood that ECA will bring their experience,expertise and professionalism to whatever project, large orsmall, conventional or challenging that needs undertaking. ECAElectrical Contractors have the skills and the workforce toexceed your expectations.

For further information pleasevisit their website www.e-c-a.co.ukor telephone 0121 785 4100

Edmundson Electrical Birmingham are proud sponsors of The Edmundson ECA Apprentice of the Year. We continue to support this scheme and are extremely proud to do so.

www.edmundson-electrical.co.uk 0121 244 4000

Smart SystemsSpecialists in lighting and �re alarm requirements. Following 12 years of growth we are pleased to reveal many new products which have been launched to meet the needs of an ever changing market place.

Smart Systems UK LtdOur main areas of expertise are:

Fire alarm equipment and systems

Nurse call systems

Emergency lighting

Emergency conversions and dimming upgrades

LED lighting and bespoke solutions

Lighting control gear and spares

Products and services are available via a network of electrical wholesalers, manufacturing and distribution is carried out in Coventry, West Midlands.

Tel: 02476 364 400 Fax: 02476 364 477Email: [email protected] Web: www.smartsystemsuk.com

Smart Systems UK LtdOban Road, Longford

Coventry CV66 HHREGISTERED MEMBER


Commercial & Industrial

Solar PV

CCTV Installation

Door Access Systems

Testing & Inspection

Labour Solutions

Project Management

electrical contractors ltd


26

Today’s advanced economies live or dieby their ability to get smarter. Growthcomes not from competing on labourcosts, raw materials or access tocapital: our competitive edge dependson our capacity to innovate.

When that light bulb moment comes, theone that comes from finally actually gettingthat special idea, process or concept downon paper, or creating a working model, it isvery exciting.

However, that moment which often onlycomes after many hours, sometimes evenyears, of research and development is onlythe start.

The first thing you must do before takingyour idea to market is to get protection onyour product, having protection on youridea also adds credibility and will stoppeople reproducing your idea without priorpermission.

Every business will own some form ofintellectual property. It could be theartistic design, shape, technology orbrand of their product or process, butdo you know how to protect andexploit these intellectual assets?

Intellectual property includescopyright, patents, design and trademarks and must be something youhave created that’s unique. Intellectualproperty protection can provide theowner with a market monopoly thatcan prove a valuable asset.

You can’t protect an idea but you canoften protect what you do with it, eg. youcan’t protect an idea for a book but youcan protect the words you’ve written.

However the protection of intellectualproperty has become increasingly complexwith the majority of European states havingtheir own set of criteria. For a company orindividual to protect their invention can bevery expensive and time consuming.

So how can you protect your IP assets?First decide on what needs protecting, whatis important to others, not just you. Taketime to understand the basics of intellectualproperty protection, there are numerousweb sites on the subject, but the

government web sitewww.gov.uk/browse/business/intellectual-property is a useful resource.

Once you are confident that you have atleast a general understanding, contact aprofessional trademark and patent attorney.Establishing intellectual property rights canbe very protracted and stressful, and manyapplications for intellectual propertyprotection need support every step of theway. A professional trademark and patentattorney will be able to advise their clientson all aspects of intellectual property,including patents, trade marks andregistered designs in the UK, Europe andelsewhere.

They can represent clients before the UKand European patent offices and trademark offices thus enabling them to support

clients at every stage, from pre-filing advice,through filing, prosecution and grant, torenewal. They also work with overseaspatent and trademark attorneys to secureintellectual property protection elsewhere.

The process of standardising trademarksand designs across the European Union islargely complete, but after more than 40years of negotiation, the majority of the EUmember states have finally agreed to a“unitary European patent” which will mostlikely come into force in 2014.

Social Media and the internet have alsothrown up a new set of IP challenges andas their use becomes ever morewidespread. The IPO (Intellectual PropertyOffice) has recently published new guidancefor people who use, upload and link to

images and photos on the web -whether for business or personal use.

You can find this information onCopyright notice 2014.

Last year, IPO asked people totell them what areas of copyrightlaw they found confusing, so thatthey could publish practicalguidance, having reviewed therequests that have beenreceived, the IPO has nowpublished its first Copyrightnotice, covering use of imagesand photos on the internet.

Copyright notices aim to provideclear and non-technical guidance thatpeople can use with confidence.

With so many changes to the rules andregulations, the help of an experiencedpatent and trademark attorney has neverbeen more necessary.

So if you or your company has created ordesigned something you believe to beunique, contact a specialist straight awayfor commonsense advice on how to protectyour light bulb moment.

If you make it easy for others to steal yourideas, you can ultimately end up washingaway your own path to success.

How to protectyour big idea

Intellectual Property





Intell

ectu

al Pr

oper

ty




32641 1pg 2_Transport Warehousing 25/04/2014 12:25 Page 1

27

documentation was poor. Covpress turned to David Walls atPresscare to develop a solution.

Initially the job involved deciphering old diagrams and reviewingthe machines to see what could be re-used and culminated inthe need to completely re-design the control system and therewiring of both presses. Operational parameters affecting thereliability and usability of the presses needed to be monitoredand displayed in an easy to read format for the operator incompliance with standard EN693. The Pilz PNOZ multi m2pexpandable, software configurable, safety relay and associatedHMI screen was ideal for the purpose as it is a Type Approveddevice for such press applications and the software containspre-certified press safety application blocks.

The job for MiTek involved the upgrading of a 100T press usedfor manufacturing products for the roofing truss industry.Presscare’s experience was able to provide a cost effectiveelectrical upgrade that would allow the press to work as reliablyas new one, once again using the Pilz PNOZ multi m2p to formthe heart of the press control system.

Presscare are proud to be the UK Agent and EU TechnicalRepresentative for the SEYI press manufacturing group, based inTaiwan. David Walls, MD, explained “In this capacity, we strive toprovide a comprehensive service from initial advice on the correcttype of machine for your application through to installation,

Presscare UK Limited, the Walsall based engineeringcompany, which predominantly operates in the fields ofpower presses, coil handling equipment and automationsystems, is in high demand. Established in 2002 thecompany has continued to grow despite the generaldecline of the manufacturing industry which has seen manyof their competitor companies close down since 2008.

They offer a comprehensiverange of services to thesheet metal workingindustry including servicing,safety inspections, electricaland mechanical repairs andmodifications, preventativemaintenance programs,machine moving, installationand commissioning,guarding solutions, CEmarking, turnkey projectmanagement and generalconsultancy Theircustomers range from smallcompanies with one or twomachines up to multinational corporations or

their supply chains such as Toyota, Honda, BMW, Sony andPhillips among others.

Their highly experienced service teams range across all parts ofEurope and the UK, most notably Ireland, France, Belgium,Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the CzechRepublic, working with many of industry’s leading names.

One of Presscare’s primaryspecialities is the design andintegration of machine controland safety systems, rangingfrom minor guarding / safetyupgrades to completemachine rewires. Whether itis a modern multi presstransfer line or an old ringframe machine, they have thecapability to design,manufacture and integrate anew state-of the- art controland safety system to bringyour press shop equipmentinto line with the latest UK &EU safety standards.

Presscare’s engineers recently breathed new life into two 600tonne power presses for Covpress and into a 100 Tonne pressfor MiTek using Pilz PNOZ multi configurable safety relays withdiagnostic operator screens – improving press reliability, outputand operator usability and safety.

Covpress needed to overhaul two 35 year old coil fed 600Tpresses to meet increased demand for pressed parts largelyfrom the automotive industry. The challenge was considerable,given that both machines were already unreliable and that their

MACHINE CONTROL & SAFETY SPECIALISTS

HEAVY LIFTING, TRANSPORT AND MACHINERY INSTALLATION SPECIALISTS

The Slough Studley Warwickshire B80 7EN

General Haulage Heavy Haulage Installa ons Projects

01527 852 408 www.allelys.co.uk

Allelys Group


28

guarding and commissioning of all new SEYI presses, provisionof warranties, after sales technical support, breakdown callout &ongoing preventative maintenance schedules.”

Presscare have recently installed a new SEYI SNS1 200 pressfor HV Wooding, the well regarded precision engineeringcompany. With over forty years experience in the pressworkand tooling sector HV Wooding have mastered the processesrequired to meet their customers’ needs and produce work ofonly the highest standards.

When the time came to install a new machine as part of theexpansion, catering for their huge growth over recent years,who better to turn to than Presscare with their provenexpertise? David Walls recommended the SEYI SNS1 200press as being most suitable for their requirements; theinstallation of the press and the training of the operativesproceeded smoothly, and the machine is working well. The newpress was supplied with a servo roll feed unit, photoelectriclight curtain guarding and a full tool protection system. The lineis being used to produce a variety of different components,predominantly electrical laminations for use in the manufactureof electric motors.

SEYI presses are designed and built to the highest standards inorder to meet the toughest demands of the modern stampingroom floor. By continually evolving their press designs over thelast fifty years to implement the latest technological advancesand manufacturing techniques, SEYI has gained a globalreputation for excellence.

SEYI has recently launched a new line of single point anddouble point servo presses in Europe. Offered from 80T – 400T,they are equipped with the most up-to-date direct drive servo

motor and control technology, designed specifically for servoforming applications.

As the official SEYI distributor, Presscare carry an extensiverange of spare parts here in the UK.

For more information about their range of servicesplease visit their websitewww.presscare.co.uk

telephone on 0845 226 7617or email [email protected]

PO Box 3426Walsall WS3 4ZY

G. COX(OLDBURY) LTD

Don’t risk it, let us lift it!

Proud to be supporting Presscare UK

Wide range of Mobile Telescopic Cranes able to lift up to 80 Tons

146 Dudley Road East, Oldbury, West Midlands B69 3EB

Tel: 0121 552 4413 Fax: 0121 552 1883

Email: [email protected] www.coxsofoldbury.co.uk

Pilz Automation Technology u Corby NN18 8TJ01536 460766 u www.pilz.co.uk u [email protected]

Machine Safety Specialists ...

u Process & Automation Safety Control Productsu Machine Safety Consulting & Engineeringu Certifi ed Legislation & Application Training

This guy needs a muzzle, and so do your machines. We don’t stock muzzles but we can do:

Mill Guards Drill GuardsLathe Guards Safety FencingAcoustic EnclosuresSpecial Purpose Guards

t: 0121 585 8730 w: www.sponmech.co.uk

We are proud to support Presscare UK and wish them all the best for the future.

Call now for a freeno-obligation

quotation on all typesof commercial insuranceTel: 01384 390909

Proud to be supporting everyone at Presscare UK

BEST RATES FOR 2014

LOW COST

INSTALMENTS

AVAILABLE

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Commercial Insurance Specialists2 Hagley Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 1QG

Congratulations to PressCare on their collaboration with Pilz Automation Limited and for the continued expansion of their business.

Our team of qualified professionals provides PressCare with a complete tax, accounting and financial consultancy service as well

as practical and informed business advice.

For more information about the services we provide, or to make an appointment for an initial consultation, please contact:-

E R Grove & Co., Grove House, Coombs Wood Court, Steel Park Road, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 8BF

T: 0121 559 1071 E: [email protected] W: www.ergrove.co.uk


29

Those seeking specific brands know just who to contact, forParkes has become renowned as a specialist in:

• Bruderer high speed presses - manufactured in Switzerland.

• Bihler multislide forming machines- manufactured inGermany.

• Finzer multislide forming machines - manufactured inGermany

• Platarg transfer presses -manufactured in the UK

• Herlan horizontal impact extrusion presses - manufacturedin Germany.

• Hot brass forging presses - manufactured by Rovetta &Mecol in Italy.

• Hot brass forging presses - manufactured in the UK byWilkins & Mitchell.

• Rotary transfer machines by Diedesheim and Witzig & Frank.Manufactured in Germany, they are used in the finishmachining of brass components which are hot forged or cast.

Taking in machinery from different nations and selling it in fullworking condition to customers from not just the UK but northand south America, north and south Africa, Europe, the MiddleEast, India and Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia,Australia, New Zealand, Azerbaijan and China- Parkes MachineTools is, literally, a world away from the general used machinerydealer whose first warehouse used to be a mortuary.

The business was established in November 1944 by the late LVParkes as a general used machinery dealer in the Witton and Astonareas of Birmingham, where it remained for more than 58 years.

Known originally as Machinery Merchants, the first machinerywarehouse was in a former mortuary in River Street, Aston, andit’s second home was equally different.

With a history spanning 70 years, Parkes Machine Toolsknows more than a thing or two about supplyingspecialist used machinery.

From its specialist showroom and service centre in Berkeswell,near Coventry, the company operates on a truly global basis,buying and selling its specialised machinery across the world tocountries which have an established manufacturing base.

Meanwhile, back on UK turf there’s always a warm welcome tocustomers who visit its showrooms at Home Farm Courtyard,Meriden Road.

Here is where they can see a range of Bruderer high speedpresses and Bihler machines being carefully checked by theexpert Parkes engineers who will also be happy to organizedemonstrations of the refurbished models before acceptanceand shipment. Where necessary all spares parts are obtainedfrom the OEM’s in question.

PARKESMACHINE TOOLS LTDEst 1944



30

When it moved to the defunct Empire Cinema, in Witton Road,Aston, the building still had the film projectors and seats – thelatter the company later sold to a travelling circus for 2/6d each.

In the mid 1960s premises were purchased in Plume Street,Aston, and it was at this time when the business began tospecialise in buying and selling used power presses, movingaway from being a general machinery dealer buying and sellinggeneral Toolroom equipment and the like.

Most of the Plume Street property was let to other companiesand Parkes Machine Tools operated from a 24,000 sq ftwarehouse within the site that was equipped with overheadtravelling cranes in six bays; ideal for the now quicklyexpanding business.

Moving forward to 1984 and a more modern and spaciouswarehouse and office complex was acquired.

Situated in Wyrley Road, Witton, this new location was part ofthe former GKN Forging Division site developed by Sapcotesand was equipped with a single 25 ton capacity overheadtravelling crane in a single bay which was able to handle thebigger and heavier power presses then being bought and sold.

By now the much enlarged company was not only sellingequipment throughout the UK and Europe, it was alsoexporting to the former commonwealth countries such as SouthAfrica, Australia and New Zealand, India, Pakistan and Ceylon(now Sri Lanka).

“It was during these later years that we recognised that there wasa potential niche market for our present range of machines andover the years we moved more and more exclusively into thoseareas on a global basis,” says Managing Director Richard Parkes.

Specialists in International MachineryInstallations and Removals

Machinery Installations Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Services Transport Warehouse

JH Kemp specialises in International Machinery Installations, Warehousing and Removals.

We understand the needs of modern business, and provide our customers with quality cost-effective commercial solutions, commitment and expertise.

For more information about our services, please contactPhone 0121 327 3154 email [email protected]

www.jhkemp.co.uk409 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 8HJ

JH Kempare proud to support

Parkes Machine ToolsJH Kemp

Hayden Machinery

The Industry Leader for Used and Rebuilt Stamping Presses, and Feeding EquipmentModern machine tools, 50 ton crane capacity and skilled craftsmen turn used machinery into highly-efficient, economical power presses.

Hayden Machinery custom remanufactures, repairs and rebuilds all brands of stamping presses from 10 to 1,000 ton capacity. The availability of full service, custom control systems and ancillary equipment integration has made Hayden Machinery a leader in the used machinery business for over 50 years...

For more information about our servicescall 860-283-6261

email [email protected]

www.haydenmachinery.comHayden Machinery

71 River St., Thomaston CT 06787

Hayden Machinery are proud to support Parkes Machine Toolsand we would like to wish themall the best for a successful future!

Baker Tilly would like to congratulate Parkes on 70 years of Business

www.bakertilly.co.uk


31

“Because of the difficulties in sourcing that specialisedequipment in the UK we began to look farther afield in Europeand, in doing so, became one of a small group of dealers tosource and purchase equipment in Europe before the advent ofthe Common Market.”

While Parkes Machine Tools is proud of it’s sustained successespecially through the latest global recession and as you’dexpect a company no stranger to surviving tough times.

The years between 1944 and 2001 saw it fight through andsurvive periods of intense financial difficulty and in 2001 it wasdecided to sell the Birmingham warehouse and effectivelydownsize, creating a leaner and more competitive businesswithout a large warehouse to maintain with over 100 machinesin stock.

Transforming the business of surplus capital assetsIndustrial Assets: GoIndustry DoveBid / Government Liquidation | Energy Assets: Network International | Transportation Assets: TruckCenter.com

www.liquidityservices.com � +44 20 7098 3700

Congratulations to Parkes Machine Tools

on 70 years of outstanding service.

Jagpal Engineering Ltd specialise in Bruderer high speed presses with over

35 years experience

Tel: 07977432194 [email protected]

Jagpal Engineering Ltd congratulate and celebrate Parkes M/C Tools in their 70th year

in business and share in their success.

10 All Saints Drive, Four Oaks, Birmingham, B74 4AG

JAGPALENGINEERING LIMITED

The company moved to the village of Berkswell and in just 10years found itself on the move once more as it had grown again.Although it stocked fewer machines, it found itself still in need oflarger premises and a newly built workshop/showroom for salesand stock servicing.

Although the changes down the years have been many, the onething that hasn’t altered is the dedication to providing a highquality service and one that will take the business into the future.

“We are committed to maintaining the very high standards of ourbusiness and our position in the market place,” says Richard.

To find out more about Parkes Machine Tools, telephone: 01676 530053

or email: [email protected] or visit: www.parkesmachinetools.co.uk


32

Businesses today rely on information technology andthe internet like never before, so it’s vital to havesomeone to rely on when it comes to ensuring all theIT requirements are covered.

That’s where Discus Systems comes in. The Solihull supportand services company has carved itself a niche across theregion for successfully supporting the computer needs of smallto medium sized organisations.

From installation, communications, networking, security,telephony, to onsite and remote support, the Discus experts havethe IT know how to help, and all at excellent value for money.

They’re not just interested in the hardware nuts and bolts,hence its comprehensive range of software services. All writtenin house, they include web analytics, namely its Insight Platformwhich has proved to be a huge success, content managementfor websites and spam filtering.

And with this side of the business continuing to grow alongsidethe successful core IT Support division, expectations are highfor a very good 2014.

For Terry Biddulph, who founded Discus originally to meet thedemand from small and medium sized firms in the Coleshill areaof Birmingham, there couldn’t be better evidence that hisphilosophy of providing a friendly and fast expert service at realvalue for money is working.

Well, that’s if you discount the constant growth since 1997which, in 2010, led to the company’s relocation to Hampton-in-Arden, Solihull and expansion to a staff of 11 covering acustomer base across Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, SuttonColdfield, Lichfield, Tamworth, Wolverhampton, Dudley,Bromsgrove and Redditch.

“Our customers, many of whom have been doing business withus for as long as I care to remember, value our commercialflexibility, high quality day to day support, expert project deliveryand well considered strategic advice,” says Terry.

“What matters to them is what matters to us; the provision of aresponsive service that represents excellent value for money.

“We constantly look for ways to save their costs withoutcompromising quality. To do this we have to keep abreast of arapidly changing technology and use our experience andjudgement of what is good and what is not.”

Alongside the businesses such as Parkes Machine Tools, whichhappily relies on Discus, there are also schools and academieswho put their IT trust in Terry and his team.

Apart from the cost implications, they also know that when theymake that first call, an expert engineer will, in most cases,answer the phone before the fifth ring and if a site visit isrequired, the Discus people will arrive on time, already fullybriefed with their individual requirements.

“We have an excellent system that enables the sharing ofknowledge, especially that of our customers' technology,systems and support history, between all our engineers,”explains Terry.

“That is why people are happy to deal with us. They trust in theadvice and guidance they receive.”

For more information about Discus and its support andsoftware services, visit www.discus.co.uk

Telephone 0800 880 3360 email [email protected]

Discus Systems Offices

Discus Systems Team

Follow us...


33

Millson Engineering is celebrating its 25th Anniversary inbusiness as an established and well known company witha reputation for delivering a range of quality products andservices to the Feedmilling Industry.

Millson was founded in 1989 by itspresent owner and Managing Director,

Tod Soloduchaprimarily to provide aRoll Assembly andDie refurbishmentservice to AnimalFeed Compounders.

From a modeststart thecompany has

grown from justsupplying components and component refurbishment to the saleand supply of brand new and used equipment plus service andinstallation work for customers right across the UK and Ireland.

The company not only supply and service machinery for feedmills but also for Biomass pelleting plants, specialising inrefurbishment and supplying of machinery to produce AnimalFeed, Biomass and Recycled material fuel pellets.

In 2008 Millson moved to their currentpremises in Kidderminster, an 8,000 plus sq ftpurpose built office and factory unit andcurrently employ 11 full time staff.They also have awarehouse/showroom with a largerange of used and refurbishedequipment for viewing.

As the need for renewable fuelsgathers pace they are activelyworking to develop fuel pellets fromwaste products such as RDF flock, waste timber and compost;taking Millson in a new direction and opening up a whole newcustomer base for the company.

The entire Millson team is committed to offering a professional,quality, and value for money service.

For more information visitwww.millsonengineering.com

or telephone 01562 823900

B & GGrinding and Fluting Services Ltd

Tel: 01384 241040 Fax: 01384 240050e-mail: [email protected]

Suppliers of New and Refurbished Rolls for All IndustriesA Quality Service for all your Turning, Boring and Milling Requirements

Now with Gearcutting Facilities.

We are proud to be a Quality supplier to MILLSON ENGINEERING LTD

A traditional family run business with traditional familyvalues; Stately Fabrications have been producing beautifulbespoke wrought iron gates, railings, and balconies forcustomers in the West Midlands, Warwickshire and acrossthe UK for over 26 years.

Established in 1987 thebusiness has grownsteadily, increasing turnoverby over 200%. MartynLloyd, MD, attributes theirsuccess to the care theytake over every orderensuring that allcommissions are completedon-time and to highstandards. They guaranteeall wrought ironwork andtheir quality assurance goeshand in hand with a fairprice and delivery andinstallation at your home orbusiness premises.

The company has an extensivecatalogue of wrought iron designs, butthey are happy to manufacture to yourown design, providing a unique endresult. Martyn can visit your home todiscuss a design and agree anaffordable bespoke quote for yourwrought ironwork.

Stately Fabrications is expanding intoconstruction fabrication and produces all types of commercial steel fabricationsup to 2 tonnes offering MIG TIG and ARC welding. Their service includes site welding and fabrication anderection; they can also facilitate powder coating and galvanizing.

For most commercial projects from one-off, to high volumeregular production of architectural metalwork, steel stairs andfire escapes, platforms, walkways, cat ladders, security grilles,

balustrades and mezzanine floors, palisade railings and storagecompounds in the West Midlands, Warwickshire and across the

UK call Stately Fabrications on 01788833962 or 07950242249

Crystal Business Services LtdChartered Accountants & Registered Auditors

264 Stoney Stanton RoadCoventry CV1 4FP

Tel: (024) 7652 5369Fax: (024) 7663 1690


Congratulations and best wishes to Martyn from all at Crystal!

32465 and 32442_HorseWorld 25/04/2014 09:46 Page 1

34

British industry, inventiveness andentrepreneurship are alive and wellaccording to a landmark researchreport commissioned by the LondonStock Exchange.

The report is a celebration of some of thefastest-growing and most dynamic smalland medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in theUK. As well as identifying 1,000 companies,the publication examines in detail theopportunities and challenges facing SMEsand looks at the sectors and trends that willshape the future of the UK economy.

The research paints a vibrant picture of theBritish economy, as well as dispellingcertain myths: manufacturing, for example,accounts for almost a fifth of the companieswithin the index. The UK’s technology is invery good health too, with 105 techbusinesses making the list of 1,000. Over100 sectors in total are represented; fromarchitecture and automotive, to venturecapital and wine, with companies fromacross every region of the UK.

Greater London accounts for 267companies out of the 1,000, with theremainder spread evenly across the country.South East England and North WestEngland are separated by just 18companies with a number of regional hubsbeing highlighted in the report.

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive, LondonStock Exchange Group said: “The UK hassome of the most inspiring growth businessesin the world. Our report showcases some ofthese fast-growing and dynamic companies;the type of companies we believe will helpfuel the long-term growth of the UK economy.Working with the Government and the widerfinancial community, we need to foster anecosystem that promotes the right type offunding for businesses at each stage of theirjourney, so that together, we can drive ourown prosperity.”

The report supported by Capita AssetServices, Cenkos Securities, HSBC,Octopus Investments and Workspace wascompiled and audited by GrowthIntelligence, a UK software companyspecialising in monitoring the real-timedata footprint of UK companies. To beconsidered for inclusion in the report,companies had to meet a range ofcriteria. These included being UK based,having a turnover of between £6-250million in the last 12 months and aminimum of three years in operation.Companies had to demonstrate not only apositive growth in revenue over the lastfour years, but also an increase inemployee numbers, workspace, contractwins or patent filings.

The report was supported by Capita AssetServices, Cenkos Securities, HSBC,Octopus Investments, and Workspace.

Dan Howlett, Head of CorporateBanking UK, HSBC said, “We are proudto be sponsoring this timely new researchfrom the London Stock Exchange, whichhighlights the key role of our mostenterprising and fastest-expanding SMEsand Mid-Market Enterprises MMEs. Theresearch showcases the talent andinnovation of the too often ‘forgottenarmy’ who are leading the economicrevival and inspiring the next generation ofbusiness entrepreneurs.”

Jim Durkin, Chief Executive Officer,Cenkos Securities plc agreed, saying,“Small and mid-sized companies are vitallyimportant to the UK economy. SMEsaccount for over half of UK private sectoremployment and turnover. Aggregatebank lending figures mask the turbulencethat companies have felt and the morefundamental truth that equity finance isoften the most appropriate structure tofinance growth. It is permanent capitalthat takes a long view.”

Justin Cooper,Chief Executive ofShareholder solutions, CapitaAsset Services: “When we heard aboutthe ‘1000 Companies To Inspire Britain’project we were immediately keen to getinvolved as much of our work is supportingsmall and medium sized businesses as theygrow. A sure sign that the British economyis recovering can be seen in the number ofnew IPOs particularly on AIM, highlightingboth the success of these companies andinvestors’ renewed confidence in them.”

Jamie Hopkins, Chief Executive Officerof Workspace Group, said that thereport’s conclusions agreed with theirown findings, saying “The report’sconclusions, combined with our own first-hand knowledge, suggest that it is time toidentify and celebrate a grouping of newand growing companies (or NGCs) thatshare the same characteristics and energyand are pulling away from the broad SMEpack. These companies and their dynamicleaders are having a significant impact onthe UK’s employment creation andeconomic growth.”

Guy Myles Co-founder and ManagingDirector of Octopus Investments:“Entrepreneurs and their talent forinnovation are at the heart of our economicprosperity. So not only should we feelinspired by the companies featured in thisreport, but we should also celebrate themany thousands of fledgling businessesplaying a critical role in driving growth intheir communities and the broader UKeconomy.

It is good to hear the successes and effortsof our SMEs celebrated, the “forgottenarmy” to quote Dan Howlett on whom thecountry’s future prosperity depends.

www.lseg.com/resources/1000-companies-inspire-britain

1000 COMPANIES TO INSPIRE BRITAIN

Media partner

Our sponsors

1000 Companies to

Inspire Britain

Media partner Our sponsors


35

It’s that global demand which has given the Group resilience, servingit well through the recent challenging economic environment.

But the 140 strongstaff’s hard work anddedication todelivering high qualityproducts and servicesis also behind thebusiness’s consistentgrowth over the lastfive years. Between2009 and 2013, salesrose from £12.5m to£31.5m - 250%.

Headquartered in Redditch, Worcestershire, the Solid StateGroup operates across four sites through two main divisions:Solid State Supplies and Steatite.

For some companies which operate in harshenvironments, ‘off the shelf’ electronic equipment justwon’t do. And that’s where the Solid State Group comes in.

This leading value added group of companies works closelywith clients in niche markets in oil and gas production, medical,construction, security, military and field maintenance, to providea range of design and manufacturing services that are so highlyspecialised that they’re not commonly available.

While the range may sound familiar: industrial/ruggedcomputing products, battery power solutions, antennae,microwave systems and electronic components, because theyare used in tough climates, they all stand up to the kind of wearand tear that off the shelf products do not.

From a single component the range goes through to hand heldoperating units, right up to a fully designed and manufacturedbespoke solution which may run an environmental processingplant or provide on site computing in an unforgiving environment.

And despite being a somewhat niche business, the Solid StateGroup has a client base that spans the globe with even UKgenerated orders going on to cross continents.

A service that’s made to measureEstablished in 1872, WH Ireland offers Wealth Management, Wealth Planning and Corporate Broking services.The Private Wealth arm can help you plan and advise you on ways you can meet your financial objectives.

Specialising in a range of services including:

• Discretionary Management• Advisory Managed• Execution Only

WH Ireland’s Corporate Broking division provides corporate finance, research, market making and fund raising capabilities to quoted small/midcap companies. We o�er a full NOMAD (Nominated Adviser) service to the majority of our corporate clients. We firmly believe that by placing our client needs at the centre of everything we do, WH Ireland is well placed to provide timely, bespoke and helpful advice to a diverse range of clients.

For more information please contactMike Coe on 0117 945 34704 Colston Avenue, Bristol | [email protected]

£2.5m Placingto fund acquisition of

2001 Electronic ComponentsLimted

by

WH IrelandNominated Advisor & Broker

We are proud

to support Solid State

A wholly owned subsidiary of WH Ireland Group, WH Ireland Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

FP135


36

The component side of the business is delivered through SolidState Supplies while Birmingham based, since 1938, Steatitehandles the computing and battery power solutions andantennae and microwave systems.

In the last 12 years the Group has completed no fewer thanseven acquisitions which have seen it establish a dominantmarket position and strong brand names in its specialist fields.The acquisitions bring with them increased employmentopportunities to the local area.

The most recent acquisition, the company’s first for itscomponents side, was only completed in December 2013 andthe priority is now to integrate the new business into the Group.

“Navigating a series of step changes in scale within thebusiness through carefully selected acquisitions represents oneof the Solid State Group’s biggest successes,” comments CEOGary Marsh.

“This has materially changedour prospects giventhat we are nownegotiating oncontractswhich wewould previouslynot have beenapproached on.

“Further acquisitions are astrategic objective where theproduct and cultural fit overlaps with an attractive price.”

To find out more about the Solid State Group, visit www.solidstateplc.com

www.sssltd.com and www.steatite.co.uk or email [email protected]

Follow us...


37

In 2003, Mercedes commenced a phased buy out to takecontrol of the F1 project, which they completed in 2005. In thesame year, Mario Illien, a Swiss who was one of the originalfounders of the business, and Roger Penske, a US businessman, and major car dealer, who has also been involved fromthe start, concluded a deal to purchase the Special Projectspart of the company along with the Ilmor name. As a result, thenew company, which is totally independent of Mercedes, isonce again known as Ilmor Engineering Ltd.

The re-born company has continued to build on its successfulhistory of designing, developing and manufacturing highperformance race engines for IndyCar which remains a corepart of their business today. Ilmor are currently enjoying a verysuccessful IndyCar partnership with Chevrolet, and werepleased to announce last December that the Ilmor ChevroletIndycar 2.2 litre V6 turbo engine had been voted NorthAmerican Race Engine of the year, and had secured theManufacturers Championship. This was payback for therelentless development against their competitor Honda.

Ilmor also provide consultancy services to other top automotivemarques, with particular reference to engineering excellenceand speed of manufacture.

Through their state-of-the-art facility and highly skilled teamthey are able to provide a wide range of engine related work,selling services from manufacturing engines from scratch,aerospace parts, short run prototyping and engineering anddevelopment consultancy. They provide services to industry ofall types, offering design, development and precisionengineering, to defence, aerospace, marine, and electronics,apart from racing and automotive. Ilmor are able to assist withany customer engine project and virtually any mechanicalengineering application.

Their Engineering team is currently involved in the developmentof a research engine for General Motors and a similar piece of

Celebrating 30 years of innovation and engineeringexcellence, Ilmor Engineering Ltd, a company born ofmanufacturing innovation, is a proudly independentBritish company specialising in high performanceautosport engineering.

Ilmor, founded in November 1984, is based in Northamptonshire,and has an illustrious history of designing and manufacturingengines for the IndyCar Series, F1 and MotoGP.

The Ilmor-Chevrolet 265A debuted at the 1986 Indianapolis 500with Team Penske, expanding to all three Team Penske drivers,Patrick Racing, and Newman/Haas Racing in 1987. MarioAndretti, driving for Newman/Haas, won the Long Beach GrandPrix, that year, the engine's first IndyCar victory, achieving thepole position for the 1987 Indianapolis 500.

In 1988 the engine was rebadged as the Chevy Indy V-8, and wonthe Indianapolis 500. Between 1988 and 1991, the engine won 64of 78 races. The Indycar championships were fast becoming a“one horse race”, as Ilmore pulled ahead of their competitors.

From developing IndyCar engines, in the early nineties Ilmorentered F1 with a V10 engine, initially with the Leyton Houseteam. This led to a partnership with Mercedes-Benz to powerF1 cars for both the Sauber and McLaren teams. The Ilmorengines went on to be hugely successful with McLaren, scoringseveral podiums in both 1995 and 1996, three wins in 1997,and back to back drivers championships in 1998 and 1999, aswell as the constructor's championship in 1998.


38

work for Boeing in Seattle, as well as various other smallerprojects. Ilmor self funded the development of a 5-stroke engine.

Steve Miller, MD, explained the thinking behind the revolutionary 5stroke concept. “Our objective with the 5-stroke engine is to developa gasoline engine with fuel consumption and emission levelscomparable to that of current diesel engines, without the seriousproblem of particulate and NOx emissions that plague diesels.

The simplest layout of the 5-stroke concept engine utilises twofired cylinders operating on a conventional 4-stroke cycle whichalternately exhaust into a central expansion cylinder, whereuponthe burnt gases perform further work. The low pressure cylinderdecouples the expansion and compression processes andenables the optimum expansion ratio to be selectedindependently of the compression ratio.

Running the concept engine has produced impressive fuelconsumption readings over a very wide operating range.

The company continues to grow steadily, taking on around 10new employees each year including one or two of each,graduate apprentices and craft apprentices, who are veryexcited to be selected to receive their training at a companywhich is so truly at the forefront of engineering innovation.

For more information please visit theirwebsite www.ilmor.co.uk

or telephone 01604 799100

130130 years

of providing legal services to the community

Specialists in law since 1884

enoch evans LLP Solicitors

Addison O’Hare

Enoch Evans LLP are delighted to be associated with

Experts in all aspects of Commercial Law, including:

St. Paul’s Chambers, 6-9 Hatherton Road, Walsall WS1 1XS

Tel: 01922 720333www.enochevans.co.uk

Suite B | Salt Warehouse | Canal Basin | Sowerby Bridge | HX6 2AG T 01422 317280 | F 01422 317288 | WWW.DOODSONBG.COM

Doodson Broking Group are

proud to be the trusted insurance advisors to Ilmor

Doodson Corporate & Doodson Broking Group are trading names of Arthur Doodson (Brokers) Limited.Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company Registration Number 790401.

C O R P O R A T E

A N I N T E G R O C O M P A N Y

Established in 1964 and now part of the Integro Group, Doodson Broking Group has developed to become one of the leading insurance brokers in the UK. With high levels of expertise and attention to individual needs we are confident in our ability to provide our clients with a comprehensive service, whatever your insurance needs.

If you would like a review of how we can help protect you against the risks you face then please call us.

Our services include:

Insurance Broking

Health & Safety


39

Ask Alan Williamson why his property managementcompany Regalty Estates stands out from thecompetition and his answer is very simple.

“Since day one we have specialised in recruiting the very bestpeople in each field, whether they legal experts, financemanagersor property managers, and brought them all underone roof,” he says.

Combined with an outstanding bespoke personal service - novoicemail messages here, there’s even trained property expertson standby to take out-of-hours customer calls - customerssoon find the Regalty difference makes all the difference.

Now the company,which works withleading housingdevelopers andresidents acrossManchester,Birmingham,Lancashire, theMidlands andStaffordshire, has a

third reason to not only stand out from the crowd but confirmits status as an industry leader.

It is about to submit itself to the testing regime of ARMA-Qstatus, the new self-regulatory “Gold Standard” from theAssociation of Residential Managing Agents, making it one ofthe early adopters of the industry leading standard.

“We are very proud of leading the industry in service andbecoming a standard bearer for the expectations ofleaseholders,” says Alan.

The year is shaping up very nicely indeed as Regalty Estatesforges ahead with plans for its 2015 launch of a new dimensionin luxury city living - specialising in renting clients’ propertiesalongside managing them.

After 15 years of successful trading, it’s growth Alan and histeam are more than ready for.

Not that the company, based in Congleton, Cheshire is anystranger to expansion.

Established in 1999, with just one small project, it now looks afterjust over 1,500 leaseholds, specialising in facilities management ofprivate blocks of apartments ranging from sustainable low costdevelopments to luxury city penthouse suites.

Its services cover surveying, construction, planning and legalwork including case preparation and litigation in the LeaseholdValuation Tribunals and fighting for leaseholders across the UK.

“Whilst others have a achieved faster growth, we prideourselves on high levels of customer retention,” says Alan.

“The vast majority have been with us for our whole 15 years oftrading. We’re very proud of this and have always been carefulto ensure that we have had the right balance of growth withoutlosing sight of our long-standing customers.

“We believe that after setting down our foundations and havingthe right people and the right infrastructure, we are ready forexpansion in 2015.”

As Regalty Estates looks forward to the future with confidence,it also delights in reflecting on its story so far.

“We are proud to be moving into our 16th year of serving thissector,” declares Alan.

“Many agents come and go but we believe this longstandingrelationship with the leasehold sector shows we are here for thelong run and ready to face the future challenges of improvedself-regulation as defined by ARMA’s new codes of conduct.”

To find out more about Regalty Estates services or to see how it can makea difference to where you live, visit www.regalty-estates.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 0845 456 4980 or email [email protected]

Ground & Garden ServicesGrass & Hedge CuttingPatios Laid & Cleaned

General Ground Maintenance

Proud to be supporting Regalty Estates

Phone 01543 321261Mobile 07890 270992

www.neatntidyproperty.co.uk

PARKSIDECLEANING SERVICES LTD

Proud to be associated withRegalty Estates

We provide a variety of cleaning services domestic, commercial, builders cleans and window cleaning.

Fully insured and uniformed staff.

For more information, please contact the team on:0161 301 5217

info@parksidecleaningservices.comwww.parksidecleaningservices.com

Company Registration: 8953537

Alan Williamson

Regalty Estates


40

Fifty years ago FacilitiesManagement, if it existed at all,might have involved one person inoveralls with a toolbox or anotherwielding a mop and bucket.

Today, it’s one of the fasting growingprofessions in the UK, with managersresponsible for many companies’ buildingsand services and their impact uponpeople and the workplace.

The European Committee forStandardisation’s definition of FacilitiesManagement, (FM), ratified by BSI BritishStandards and formally adopted by theBritish Institute for Facilities Management,is: “the integration of processes within anorganisation to maintain and develop theagreed services which support andimprove the effectiveness of its primaryactivities”.

In slightly plainer English, that means FMprofessionals have extensiveresponsibilities for providing, maintainingand developing a host of services thatsupport business.

Their roles can cover management ofareas such as: health and safety, riskmanagement, business continuity,procurement, sustainability, spaceplanning, energy, property and assetmanagement, as well as catering,cleaning, building maintenance,environmental services, security andreception.

At a corporate level, the sectorcontributes to the delivery of strategic andoperational objectives and on a day-today basis, effective FM provides a safeand efficient working environment, whichis essential to the performance of anybusiness.

With the UK market valued at a potential£106.3 billion in 2012, the sector hascome a long way from its early days in the1970s and ‘80s, which was when therequirement for the effective managementof combined resources and activities grewout of cost-cutting initiatives leading tooutsourced ‘non-core’ services.

It continued to grow with the furtherintegration of the planning andmanagement of ‘hard’ (e.g. building fabric)

and ‘soft’ (catering, cleaning, security,mailroom, and health and safety) servicesin bids to achieve better quality andeconomies of scale.

From 2013 through to 2017, according toa recent industry report, the UK FMmarket is anticipated to increase, withannual growth levels expected to fluctuatearound 2% in real terms.

Such predictions are welcome news forthe sector which recorded low levels ofchange after modest growth in 2011, littlechange in 2010, and a decline in 2009.

However, the continued trend towardsoutsourcing is expected to ensure futuregrowth opportunities for facilitiesmanagement companies, with bundledservices and integrated solutions, inparticular, showing the strongest growthpotential.

As we have moved further into the 21stcentury with its continuous changes inbusiness and technology and increasedemphasis on effective utilisation of allcorporate resources, FM has becomeestablished as a key business discipline.

Today’s facilities managers have extensiveresponsibilities for providing, maintainingand developing myriad services rangingfrom property strategy, spacemanagement and communicationsinfrastructure to building maintenance,administration and contract management.

The sector itself is also large andcomplicated, comprising a mix of in-housedepartments, specialist contractors, largemulti-service companies, and consortiadelivering the full range of design, build,finance and management.

Not surprisingly, FM requires a highdegree of professionalism but, get it right,and the benefits are many.

Among other things the best FM can:

• Deliver effective management of anorganisation’s assets.

• Enhance people skills within the sectorand offer many career options.

• Enable new working styles andprocesses – of key importance in thistechnology-powered age.

• Enhance and project an organisation’sidentity and image.

• Help the integration processesassociated with change, post-merger oracquisition.

• Deliver business continuity andworkforce protection in an era ofheightened security threats.

Organisations have always relied on a mixof functions and services to provide theessential support to their core businessoperations but as the businessenvironment has evolved into a fast-paced, ever-changing, multi-technologicalworld, FM has evolved and grown alongwith it and has now come of age.

Its practitioners require skill andknowledge and, as the sector definitioncontinues to expand to covermanagement of a wider and wider rangeof tangible assets, support services andpeople skills, it’s essential that thosepractitioners can provide support of theright quality and for the right cost.

Today’s facilities manager is a familiarface, performing a vital function in offices,retail centres, industrial buildings, schoolsand hospitals.

FM can be difficult to define in practicebut, essentially, it’s about overseeing noncore services, thus freeing businesses toconcentrate on what they do best.

The Developing Role of Facilities Management

32633 1 pg_Transport Warehousing 15/04/2014 11:44 Page 1

41

industry, customers rely on them to give advice on the productsmost suitable for their application. As Nick Hood says, “Hoodsare here to help ensure that you get the right flooring for the joband at the best price.”

Over time the company has built up a long and happyrelationship with hundreds of valued customers, bothcommercial and private. Their success comes as a result ofrepeat business, recommendations and referrals generated bythe consistently high quality products and services thecompany offers.

From residential flooring to commercial flooring, there is a hugechoice available, Hoods large two storey showroom is anAladdin’s cave of flooring options, but the friendlyknowledgeable team will be happy to guide your choice andmake suggestions based on the location and type of use.Flooring for a busy shop evidently needs to be able towithstand far heavier wear than one for your living room for

A Birmingham based, family business built on thetraditional values of providing excellent products and apersonal service, Hoods Carpet & Flooring has beensupplying and fitting carpets and flooring for over 75 years.

The company is run by NickHood, representing the thirdgeneration of the family to runthe business since its inceptionby Hilda Hood in 1939, whosevision was to provide first classflooring supply and fittingservices to the people andbusinesses of Birmingham.

Customers from acrossBirmingham appreciate the highlevels of service and expertisedelivered by Hoods. With awealth of experience in their

Hoods Carpet & Flooring Ltd


42

example. In some locations flooring needs to stand up to water,perhaps in a bathroom where a specialist type of carpet mightbe indicated, whereas in some other locations a washable floormay be more suitable.

Hoods supply and fit all types of carpets and hard flooringincluding solid and engineered wood flooring, Karndeandesigner flooring, Marmoleum tiles and rubber flooring.

Domestic flooring is one of Hoods’ special areas of expertise;but they have been called upon for the installation of commercialflooring, not just across Birmingham but as their fame hasspread, in locations as far afield as London and Dartmouth.

Their first class carpet fitters are all NICF qualified (NationalInstitute of Carpet and Floorlayers), and receive ongoing in housetraining and attend manufacturer training courses to ensureHoods’ high standards are maintained. Leading from the front,Nick Hood was even named NICF European Team FittingChampion and is a registered member of the Carpet Foundation.

Whatever your floorcovering needs, visit Hoods at 812 Alcester Road, South Birmingham, B14 5HH

give them a call on 0121 430 5289 or for more information visit the website

www.hoodsflooring.com and join their many satisfied customers, you’ll be glad

you did.

0121 561 5888

www.janser-uk.co.uk

Supplying machines & tools to the flooring industry nationwide

Congratulations to all at Hood’s!

www.janser-uk.co.ukwww.janser-uk.co.uk


43

The flights may remain firmly earthbound but the demandfor training sessions and gift experiences has seen thecompany behind them take off in a big way.

Virtual Aerospace is amazed at the popularity of its simulatedflight sessions. It’s turned the team into experienced diaryjugglers as they accommodate every request.

Based at SywellAerodrome,Northampton, and CAE,Gatwick, the companytook to the virtual skiesin 2010 and as a partnerof both Bristol GroundSchool, Europe’s largest

ATPL training company, and CAE (the world’s largest simulatorcompany), it is fast becoming one of the UK’s most costeffective and popular post ATPL training facilities.

The training fleet includes three FixedBase simulators and several FullFlight (Level D) A320 and Boeing 737 (800) and Boeing 737 Classicflight simulators.

The combination of professional courses and experiences,courses and gifts for the general public is proving a soarawaysuccess and, increasingly, Virtual Aerospace is becomingsought after by film, television and radio media and being usedfor magazine photo shoots and TV advertising.

Even as the company takes flight, the Virtual Aerospace crew are keeping their feet firmly on the ground by planning for the future.

This year they expectto launch anotherbranch in the southof the country andfocus on expandingthe professionalbusiness. They’realso looking to teamup more withcorporates to offercorporate days.

For more details, visit www.virtual-aerospace.com Alternatively telephone 01604 211336 or email [email protected]

Follow us...

Proud to be supporting Virtual Aerospace and congratulations on the award!

Call Elsby & Co for your free initial consultation on01604 678 470 or visit our website www.elsbyandco.co.uk

Marksman Leisure is a sureshot for providing fun activities.

A master at hitting the bullseye with all children aged 7 to 107through its various shooting pursuits: laser or real clay, outdoorand indoor laser tag, archery and much more, now the Hanburycompany is targeting the corporate market.

It’s an exciting return for the company since, MD MarkTreverton admits, the last few recessionary years rendered themarket ‘redundant’.

But no more. Marksman Leisureoffers activities at Oaklands, itsoutdoor pursuits centre atHanbury, Worcestershire, or atFarncombe Conference Centre,Red House Barn, BrockencoteHall and other West Midland orBirmingham venues.

He and his team are also happy to bring their brand of fun toany customer’s own site if more convenient.

Also braced to invest in new state of the art Laser Tag kitsystem and introduce archery to the children’s over eightsparties: 2014 is lining up to be very exciting indeed.

Recession aside, Marksman Leisure’spopularity with the private sector hasnever waned, especially the children’sparties and private clay shooting events.

“We offer the best and our packagesare tailor made according to yourinterests, group size, time available andbudget,” says Mark.

“Oaklands has woodland, covered shooting areas, a 40 seaterpavilion that serves light refreshments and if you cannot come to us,we will continue to travel across the UK to come to you.”

Visit www.marksmanleisure.co.uk, www.shooting4fun.co.uk,www.corporateshootingdays.co.uk or telephone 01527 575 141

Alternatively email [email protected]

Redhouse Barnstoke prior

Marksman Leisure are one of our favourite

suppliers and weare proud to be able

to support Markand his team.

Redhouse Barn, Shaw Lane,Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4BG

07875 142493

‘A very special rural venue’

32520 and 32539_HorseWorld 25/04/2014 09:37 Page 1

44

Any savvy business ignores the powerof the grey pound at its peril.

Not only are we living longer, we’re livinglivelier and today’s retirees are a world awayfrom those of just a few decades ago.

They’re working longer, they have moremoney to spend - which they are doing quitereadily due to the ongoing low interest rates.

What’s more, the grey pound has beencredited with helping to lift Britain out ofrecession.

Older folk hold 76% of the nation’s wealth,60% of the older population are owneroccupiers and these pretty discerning,canny customers aged 50 and aboveaccounted for 50% of consumer spending.

No wonder business analytics firm SAS andresearch agency Verdict have predicted thatthe grey pound is likely to be the mostlucrative one for retailers to chase.

Both research organisations are calling oncompanies to “re-think how they approachtechnology and customer service to caterfor this growing market”.

And its a message worth heeding by allthose advertisers and retailers who devotetheir energies to those between the ages of21 and 34 who are thought to have thelargest disposable incomes.

Developers are already starting to wake upto the potential of building homes tailored tothis specific market.

After all, with the number of over 60s setto reach 20 million by the 2030s, retiredpeople form the country’s fastest growingdemographic group which is creating newdemand for a particular type of housing.

It’s time, also, to ignore the ‘can’t teachan old dog new tricks’ theory. Shoppersaged 55 were seen to be key in drivingthe growth of online purchasing last yearand more and more IT firms are realisingthat their sector is not just for the young.

Take the average mobile phone which,many will agree, seems permanentlyattached to the average young person.

However Manchester’s Tangerine PR -highlighted the growing trend for firms tolaunch a mobile strategy with only ayoung, tech-savvy consumer in mind.

Steve Downes, managing director ofJuice Digital, the agency’s digital divisionsays: The simple fact is, a hugeproportion of the nation’s wealth is heldby people over 55. It will be quite a longtime before 15 and 16 year-olds becomeeconomically interesting to a lot ofbusinesses.”

You wouldn’t think the iPad would be aforce for driving change in this particulardemographic but it is - as the travelbusiness can testify.

Let’s start with the figures. One in fiveover 60s has, on average, at least threeholidays a year.

This age group then:

• Spends £5 billion per annum on daytrips to the countryside

• Is attracted to niche activities andexperiences linked to hobbies andinterests

• Represents 80% of the luxury travelmarket.

Combine this group of happy wanderers witha techno-savvy approach and the ease andconvenience of the iPad and you can start tounderstand why the age group also leadsthe way in looking and booking on-line.

Jonathan Bowers, communications directorfor Manchester hosting firm UKFast,comments: “There is a growing focus onthe grey pound due to the popularity of theiPad which has opened the tablet marketup to the more senior spender.

“The travel industry for one has realisedthat the collaborative experience of thetablet is excellent for decision making onholidays, and more businesses need todirect their strategy in this way towardsthe consumers with money to spend.”

So the silver pound could turn to gold formany as Britain’s economic recoverycontinues.

The baby-boomers’ key role in thatregeneration was claimed in a report lastFebruary by Saga, the financial services andleisure company for the over 50s, firmlyrebutting the idea that the age group wascreating a drag on the country’s economy.

Strategy director, Tim Pethick. commented:“People are living longer and have moreactive social and economic lives which ischanging how we think about ‘retirement’.

“As a consequence the over 50s havebecome, through their hard work, bigearners and even bigger spenders – todaythey account for some 76% of the UK’sfinancial wealth.

“Their confidence in the future has madethem willing to lift their spending faster thanother age groups and, in doing so theyhave helped drive the UK out of recession.”

The Grey Pound


45

In 2013 Joanna Reid celebrated 10 years as ExecutiveDirector of Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, where she hashelped re-establish the theatre, not only as one of theleading cultural venues in the city, but also as one of themost dynamic producing houses in the country and a keycontributor to the local economy.

Since joining the Belgrade adecade ago, Joanna hasworked in partnership withArtistic Director Hamish Glento oversee the £14millionrefurbishment of the theatreand the creation of the B2auditorium, increase audiencesand rejuvenate the fortunes ofthe once ailing venue, whichnow generates around£4.5million for the localeconomy every year.

She counts the theatre’srefurbishment as one of her greatest triumphs and says thateven 6 years later, it is still “breathtaking”, both outside and in.She is excited that visitors from around the country gain such agreat first impression which is sustained by the variedprogramme, which encourages them to return.

The Theatre has introduced a programme split into 5 mainstreams in order to broaden audiences, and Joanna says theaim is that while someone may come to the Belgrade for thefirst time to see a production aimed specifically at their interestgroup or ethnicity, they will enjoy the venue and the productionso much that they will come again.

In 2007 she led the expansion of the theatre’s income streamswith the introduction of an event and conferencing service, aDirectors’ Club, commercial theatre workshop programmes andthe creation of Belgrade Production Services, which makescostumes and sets for theatres around the country. Theseservices have earned an extra £499,000 for the theatre in thelast year and £1.49million since 2007.

The events and conferencing service was proud to host thenational conference for Coca Cola in April 2013; Joanna saidthat the theatre looked fabulous, with all the theatre’s largewindows turned into Coca Cola cans.

The Directors’ Club involves members of the local businesscommunity, encouraging them to see the theatre as a nontypical conference venue, and by means of discounts for groupstaff bookings for selected shows, special VIP events, and freeadvertising in the programmes and on their large plasma

Executive Director Joanna Reid boosts Belgrade during ten year tenure

BelgradeTheatreCoventry

Joanna Reid


46

screens, put the Belgrade not just at the heart of Coventry’snight life but of the business community too.

In recent years she has steered the theatre through adversityas, like many other theatres around the country, the Belgradehas received significant cuts to its funding. Despite this, thetheatre has managed to safeguard its cultural and educationaloffering, increase audiences figures and the number ofproductions it stages, and in the last year earn 56% of its ownincome, up from 30% five years ago.

Joanna is a keen advocate of protecting the environment andshe has used this passion to implement a robust environmentalpolicy for the Belgrade. This has resulted in a significantreduction in the theatre’s energy consumption and acommendation from the Carbon Trust.

Joanna said, “It is a great privilege and pleasure to lead thecracking team at the Belgrade. Everyone is working very hardto ensure that we can continue to produce and present an

exciting mix of entertaining and engaging live experiences allunder one roof, and safeguard our ground breaking Community& Education programme. We are really proud of the part thatwe play in helping to improve people’s quality of life and thepositive contribution we make to the city’s growing economy.There remain great challenges ahead, but we are in good shapeto respond to them.”

When we discussed future plans Joanna said that it was hardto predict the future with any certainty, other than the likelihoodof further government cuts to arts funding, and explained thatthe Arts Council grant has to be applied for again next year.She said that the team would carry on the positive programmethey have instituted and continue to reach out to wideraudiences, find ever more innovative uses for the building itself,and make every effort to raise funds; however she emphasisedthat grant funding is absolutely essential and that they needboth Coventry City Council and Arts Council grants working inpartnership to survive.

Contact our knowledgeable specialist team for a chatabout how we can help you.

15 Wellington Circus | Nottingham | NG1 5AJ

t: 0115 947 0032 f: 0115 948 3370 e: [email protected]

www.russellscanlan.com

Did you know?We have specialised in Insurance Broking and Risk Management for over 130 years….

Russell Scanlan are proud to supportBelgrade Theatre

“ “

We pride ourselves on offering a Quality, bespoke service that is tailored to each individual. We understand differing needs, building strong relationships with extra added Value.

Operating from offices in Nottingham and Leicester, we deliver professional, and trusted advice for our commercial and private clients, to help them to succeed.


47

Independent Theatre Council and as a Board Member of theTheatre Managers Association.

For more information about thetheatre and the forthcoming

programme of shows, events andworkshops please visit the

website www.belgrade.co.uk

The Belgrade is a registered charity and receives revenue fundingfrom Coventry City Council and Arts Council England as well asproject funding from these and other government sources.

Joanna made the move to the Belgrade from Dundee Rep Theatrewhere she played a key role in its transformation to an organisationunique in the UK and highly respected throughout Scotland.

During her time in Dundee she was lead manager on the £3.2million refurbishment of the theatre, implemented the New Waysof Working project, which resulted in the establishment ofScotland’s only ensemble company of actors and helpedestablish the theatre’s contemporary dance company, ScottishDance Theatre as Scotland’s principal contemporary dancecompany. She also oversaw the doubling of annual turnover,leaving the theatre with no deficits.

Prior to this she was General Manager of Actors TouringCompany in London. She has served as Chair of the

Honest, reliable advice, competitive fees and a tailor-made service throughout Coventry and Warwickshire.

Sales 02476 222123 Lettings 02476 613000

www.shortland-horne.co.uk


48

Metal and coppertheft is a hugeconcern for UKbusiness owners as recordhigh commodity prices haveled to an enormous rise in metaltheft across the UK in recent years. In most casesof metal theft the replacement cost is substantially higher thanthe cost of the stolen item, as thieves cause damage in theprocess of the theft, especially in the case of wiring theft whichcan leave rural businesses without telephones or internet forseveral days.

Prevention is key and industry professionals are urgingbusinesses to review their security procedures as a matter ofurgency.

Real-time remote security monitoring of businesses that canprevent crime before it happens is available. Directingoperations through remote CCTV and the use of advanceddetection techniques, enables monitoring and intervention assoon as a security cordon is breached, alerting the intruders tothe fact that they are being watched and that the police havebeen informed. This intervention is critical.

Traditional CCTV cameras provide a visual record of the incidentbut do not prevent the crime taking place. The ability ofIntervention Specialists to take action while the attemptedintrusion is taking place most often results in criminals leavingthe scene before doing any damage.

The Home Office estimates that crimecosts the British economymore than £60 billion peryear while a survey by theBritish Chamber ofCommerce found that 80%of businesses felt that crimewas a problem in their local area.

Crime can have a devastating effect on yourbusiness. There were over 9.2 million crimescommitted against businesses across avariety of sectors in the last year alone according to recentstatistics devised by the Home Office; it affects all sectors of theeconomy from manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation,storage, accommodation and even food services.

Theft is by far the most common type of crime experience bybusinesses accounting for 74% of all incidents. This translatesto a massive 6.8 million incidents and repeat victimisation iscommonplace.

David McCarthy, of Netwatch UK, a leading remote visualsurveillance company explains, “Opportunistic thieves aretargeting anything from small items that can be sold quickly, tofuel, scrap metal, copper and other valuable plant equipmentleft unsecured at business premises.

“Heavy Goods Vehicles have become a major target for thievesacross the UK. They can contain up to 1,000 litres of fuel, whichwould cost approximate £1,350 at the pump. Fuel is easy touse or sell and is difficult to track making it an extremelyattractive target.”

Protecting Your Business

netwatchcreating a fearless environment

No need for drastic security measures...

Netwatch has prevented over 35,000 crimes.

Contact Us: 0800 917 [email protected]

Security needs to be an integral part of your business strategy, according to leadingprotection specialists

31931 1pg_CD Engineering 27/05/2013 14:52 Page 1

49

Business DirectoryWould you like your company listed on this page for just £195 for 11 months?

Automotive

Business Services

Hospitality

Manufacturing

Property

Heron Press UK0121 457 [email protected]

D E S I G N : P R I N T : F I N I S H : M A I L

Hummingbird Marketing

0845 372 0064creations@hummingbirdmarketing.co.ukwww.hummingbirdmarketing.co.uk

Freedebt Recovery0800 032 [email protected]

Freedebt Recovery

Finance

Linkline Transport Ltd

01933 [email protected]

TM

Trust My Garage Scheme

020 7580 [email protected]

SLD Transport Ltd


SLD Transport Ltd

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental


Discus Systems plc


Computerworld Business Solutions

0121 643 [email protected]/firewallsx

Aston Reinvestment Trust (ART)


FINANCE FOR ENTERPRISE

ART

FSC Investment Services Ltd


JS Associates

0121 236 [email protected]. Associates

Birmingham City Council

0121 303 [email protected]/greenbridge

Belgrade Theatre

02476 553 055boxoffice@belgrade.co.ukwww.belgrade.co.ukBelgradeTheatreCoventry

Virtual Aerospace


Marksman LeisureMarksman Leisure

[email protected] 575 141

[email protected]

Summertime Leisure Ltd


Stately Fabrication


Millson Engineering


ASD Metal Services


Ilmor Engineering Ltd


Presscare UK


MACHINE CONTROL & SAFETY SPECIALISTS

Parkes Machine Tools


PARKESMACHINE TOOLS LTDEst 1944MACHINE TOOLS LMACHINE TOOLS LPPEst 1944Est 1944

TDTDARKESARKES

Parkes Machine Tools

www.parkesmachinetools.co.ukE t 1944Est 1944TD LTDTDMACHINE TOOLS LMACHINE TOOLS L LT

ARKESPARKESARKESPPARKESP LM LTD LTDT

PPAPARKESA [email protected] 530053

[email protected]

Ash & Lacy Building System Pvt LtdAsh & Lacy Building System Pvt Ltd

[email protected] 525 1444

Ash & Lacy Building System Pvt Ltd


ECA


Hoods Carpets & Flooring


Hoods Carpet & Flooring Ltd

Regalty Estates Ltd


Regalty Estates

Agility Fleet01527 571 [email protected]

Else Solicitors LLP0800 999 [email protected]

Worldwide Magazine Distribution Ltd0121 788 [email protected]

Lord Search & Selection0121 445 [email protected]

BDR Voice & Data Solutions Ltd0845 313 [email protected] Made Simple

Kennet Equipment Leasing01675 469 [email protected]

Trade & Export Finance Ltd0121 683 [email protected]

&TRADE EXPORTFINANCE LIMITED

delivering financial solutions

Mitchell Adam Financial Selection0121 616 [email protected]

Star City Birmingham 0121 270 [email protected]

Hall Brothers02476 612 [email protected]

HALLBROS

CONSTRUCTION-DEVELOPMENT-PROPERTY

Platinum Commercial Services01527 599 [email protected]

Direct Page Ed 44_Feature Template 25/04/2014 11:53 Page 1

50

5 years ago, James Miller had a great idea, to combinetwo popular activities into one and Laser Station &Twin Peaks was born, situated in the premier familyleisure destination of Star City in Birmingham.

The idea has really taken off, and those keen to confront analien invasion are responding to the call for all TroopCommanders to report to the Laser Station where they will beissued with the very latest laser packs and phasers, while thoselooking to challenge their climbing skills at an indoor climbingwall are joining family and friends at the popular venue.

So popular, that over the intervening 5 years the company have seizedthe opportunity to open other businesses across the UK includingmost recently a mini golf centre in Castleford, West Yorkshire.

Dave Hadley,MarketingManagerconcedes thatgetting themarketingstrategy andactivities justright for variouslocal areas canbe challenging,but the

company’s rapid expansion shows that they must be gettingsomething right, after all people love to have fun!

Talking of fun, Laser Station & Twin Peaks is an ideal group,team building or party venue, your party can join the other thrillseekers in the multi level centre, take advantage of their privateparty room, there are a range of packages available, or youmay opt for exclusive use of the Laser Arena. Just give theteam a ring on 0121 328 1235

For more information, opening times and pricesplease visit the websites www.laserstation.co.uk

www.climbbirmingham.co.uk

Follow us...

Great midweek savings on kidsbirthday parties/corporates & groups.

For more information visit our websitewww.laserstation.co.uk

Tel: 0121 328 1235


08000 807 809

[email protected]

www.bbpmedia.co.uk

bbp midlands - edition 44

Documents

ukbirmingham business

sources of business

midlands business awards

bbp business directory

birmingham edition

pil europe limitedprint

importance of ongoingtraining

fleet management