bbp midlands - edition 46

Ed

ition

46

08000 807 809

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Birmingham Business Post

Ed

ition

46

great200leaders is helping businesses in the GreaterBirmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnershiparea to transform their leadership skills, developexcellence in people and to increase productivity andbusiness performance.

great200leaders is a personal performance and businessgrowth scheme, which has been created by Birmingham CityCouncil as part of the Business Development Programme(BDP). Business leaders who have been through theprogramme have gone on to become influencers within theirindustries, benefitting greatly their respective companies.

The 12-month initiative is aimed at 200 ambitious businessowners and directors. great200leaders is a programme ofinspirational speakers, high calibre coaching and stimulatingevents with a top peer group of like-minded business people.

Amongst the reasons businesses look for leadership coachingand mentoring is to succession plan. It could be that abusiness is looking to develop key directors, to get more out ofunderperforming teams or develop new strategies for reachingand attracting customers. Some businesses may be seekingexternal help to solve business critical issues such asrecruitment, finance or HR.

Based in Hockley, UNITY, aleading manufacturer ofquality wedding bands,has been boosted by BDP.Match funding through theproject, together withassistance from a

coaching and mentoring scheme, has helped UNITY grow tosupply products to retailers across the UK and Europe.

Director Simon Cox, who formed the business in 1989, saidcoaching through the BDP’s great200leaders scheme hadhelped the business exploit new opportunities by incorporatingadvice and experience from mentors.

W E D D I N G B A N D S

He said: “Reputation is everything for a company such as ours,and whilst we have great talent in our team in terms of productdevelopment, it’s sometimes the business development whichneeds attention too. The great200leaders scheme means we’vebeen able to implement an action plan that has directly helpedus grow our business and our ambitions. With the help of thecoaches, we have been able to invest the BDP grant into thebusiness and structure UNITY in a way that will afford usmaximum exposure to our target markets next year.”

great200leaders is offering 200 business owners or managersmore than 100 hours of support through personal coaching,access to leading experts, peer group based workshops andthought provoking seminars delivered by the most progressiveof business thinkers.

The scheme comprises ten full-day workshops with inspirationaland challenging keynote speakers. great200leaders is forambitious leaders; those who want to stand out and to buildsomething that’s significant.

The scheme is part funded by the European RegionalDevelopment Fund (ERDF), and each participant has tocontribute one third of the cost. There is funding availableallowing some businesses to access the great200leadersprogramme for £1,000 rather than the regular cost of £2,000(plus VAT) subject to eligibility.

great200leaders scheme is a part of the Business DevelopmentProgramme (BDP), funded through the European RegionalDevelopment Fund, and will run until June 2015. Businessesacross Birmingham, Solihull, Cannock, East Staffordshire,Tamworth, Lichfield, Redditch, Bromsgrove and Wyre Forrestcan still apply.

To find out more details about these programmes, visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/bdp

and www.winningmoves.com/g200l

Follow us@WinningMovesLtd

THE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Over 100 hours of support to develop yourself as a Great Leader

32732 QPD_HorseWorld 28/05/2014 14:29 Page 1

C O N T E N T SElse Solicitors 4

CB, Chartered Accountants 5

Redbourne Wealth Management 6

Maximising your assets 7

LBF 8

YesGrowth 9

FundingStore.com 10

Choosing a Telecoms System for your Business 11

Connexis 12

Vivo 13

FSC Investments Services Ltd 14

Workplace Pensions 15

Pure Staff 16

Effective Recruitment 17

Encore Personnel 18

Green Recruitment Solutions 20

How to Motivate Your Team 21

Pitch Consultants 22

Fuel Recruitment 24

Keeping your Unoccupied Buildings Secure 25

Hanley Trade Frames 26

Joseph Ash Galvanizing 27

Trademagic 28

George Dyke Forgemasters 30

Industrial Washing Machines Limited 32

CMA Moldform 34

MG Motor UK 35

Just Tyres 36

DJA Auto International 38

NFT 39

Contraload 40

Kite Packaging 41

Midlands Technology Centre 42

Conferences 43

FIrst4venues 44

De Vere Venues Colmore Gate 45

The Brampton Halt 46

Moor Hall Hotel & Spa 48

BBP Business Directory 50

Welcome to edition 46 of the Birmingham BusinessPost, the free magazine for the Midlands businesscommunity, packed with news, tips and storiesfrom across the region.

In this edition we continue our series on AutoEnrolment, and Telecoms. Our Business Financesection covers some of the pros and cons of AssetFinance, while a major Recruitment feature and anarticle from Bev James with advice on Motivatingyour Team looks at staffing concerns. We are alsoopening the box on Conferences with advice onstaging your event as the first of a three edition run.

Next month we will be continuing our sections onAuto Enrolment, Telecoms and Business Finance,in particular takeovers and Managements BuyOuts, supplemented by a great article from BevJames on When to Sell Your Business.Conferences will cover the end of year “Big Event”,we will also be considering the issues confrontingbusinesses who want to be “Green”.

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 46 Contents_Layout 1 07/07/2014 13:25 Page 1

Else Solicitors is an award-winning lawfirm working with commercial and privateclients across the Midlands and the UK.

Our focus is on establishing a clear understanding of clients’priorities and ensuring that we are able to introduce cost-effective processes and solutions to meet those needs.

Else Solicitors has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 2003,and now employs some 30 staff across its two offices inBirmingham and Burton on Trent.

Over recent years we have recruited a number ofexcellent solicitors with specialist skills in areas including debtrecovery, dispute resolution and commercial property.

We have more than 50 years experience in credit managementand legal debt recovery, including more than 30 yearsexperience at senior level, dealing with secured and unsecuredlending and debt in the business world.

Our knowledge and experience means that we understand theneeds of finance directors and credit managers in companies ofall sizes and across all sectors of business and industry.

A great strength of our debt recovery service is a secure onlinefacility that allows you to have complete transparency to thework we carry out on your behalf. Our online system isavailable at any time of the day or night and you can see allletters sent and received by us and your customers, as well asrecords of all telephone calls made and received. There is thefacility for you to instruct us online and raise any queries. Youcan also download a report giving a comprehensive breakdownof your outstanding balance, e.g. original debt, interest,compensation, costs and disbursements.

We recognise the importance of our client’s relationships withtheir customers and so we will always be firm but fair andcourteous in all the work we undertake on your behalf, sowherever possible you retain your customer’s business.

Even a business with a thorough and robust system formonitoring cash flow and chasing overdue invoices may stillneed to resort to legal action to recover debts. We are happy tolook at potential cases without obligation or cost to you andgive you an honest assessment of the likely outcome.

For more information in relation to our debtrecovery services, please contact our Head of

Debt Recovery, Rachel Greenway on 01283 526202

or email [email protected]

0800 999 3573elselaw.co.uk

LEGAL SOLUTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

DOES BEING OWED CASH WIND YOU UP?ELSE SOLICITORS HAVE MORE THAN 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN CREDIT MANAGEMENT & LEGAL DEBT RECOVERY

MAKING THE DEBTOR PAY!

REF:

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Rachel Greenway

WHO ELSE CAN GIVE YOU ANAWARD-WINNING SERVICE?


4

Technical innovation and accountancy may not appear tobe natural companions, but the latest developments incloud technology are being used by the profession to helpsmall-to-medium sized enterprises (SME’s) achieve growthand profitability.

A recent survey of the manufacturing, professional services andwholesale & distribution sectors, reported that the UK SME’scould be losing out on as much as £3.7 million as a result ofpoor internal systems.

Almost a quarter (23%) of SMEmanufacturers admitted to havingforgotten to invoice for goods orservices at least once. Amongthese, around 41% of manufacturersconfessed to not invoicing for a jobworth between £1,000 and £5,000,while 12% admitted to havingforgotten to invoice for a job worthmore than £10,000.

The implication for the UK’s 4.8million SME’s is that they arecollectively out of pocket by asmuch as £3.7 billion.

‘Being fully in control of your finances is clearly vital to betterbusiness decision making’ said John Painter, Managing Partnerat CB, Chartered Accountants, ‘and cloud accounting could bethe answer.s

Online accounting, using the cloud, means small businessowners can stay connected to their data anytime, anywhere,and from any device, and the software is scalable, cost-effective and easy to use.

In the cloud, there’s no need to install and run applications overa desktop computer. Instead, you pay for the software bymonthly subscription.

CB, Chartered Accountants have partnered with market-leadersXero, to provide cloud accounting solutions to local SME’s.

Xero is based on the principle that small businesses are highlysensitive to shifts in their balance sheet and cashflow. Their

ability to monitor financial performance in real-time and planahead is crucial.

John said, ‘The number of clients requesting a cloud basedsolution continues to grow, and it is no exaggeration to say, it isthis client demand, which is changing the face of theaccounting industry ‘We have a number of clients on boardwith the Xero system, that system works and our clients like it.’

If you would like further information on how cloudaccounting could transform your business please

contact John Painter on 01905 454854 or email [email protected]

Is your accountant’s head in the clouds?

There are many problems with traditionalaccounting software such as:

• Data in the system not being up-to-date

• Software only working on one computer orbeing too expensive to upgrade

• Expensive and slow customer support

• Costly and complicated back

At its core Xero is an easy-to-use butpowerful online accounting platform designedfrom the ground up for the cloud, not adaptedfrom desktop software. It provides a growingfamily of connected solutions:

• Client accounting for small business available anywhere, at any time and onmobile devices

• Accountant tools for management reportingand final accounts production

• Personal financial management

John Painter


5

Establishing a financialplanning business just as thefinancial crisis began to bitewas, one could say, eventful.But expanding and becominga multi award-winningbusiness through that samefinancial crisis could not be abetter testament toRedbourne WealthManagement’s quality.

Having just been named Lifeand Pensions Firm of the Year2014 by the Financial TimesGroup’s FT Adviser, theBromsgrove financial planningspecialists is firmly placed tocontinue advising businessowners and directors acrossthe country.

“Launching just as theeconomic downturn took holdin 2008 was a huge challenge,”acknowledges ManagingDirector Gordon Hay.

“But we worked very hardwith our clients to reassurethem their funds wereprotected which we feel hasbeen reflected in the year onyear growth of our business.

Building on the numerousnominations and awards of thelast five years Redbournefinished 2013 on a high afterbeing named one of the UK’sTop 100 Financial Planners byfinancial publishers Citywire,and its greatest success to date- the title from the FT Group.

“The award was based on atechnical analysis of ourbusiness and our adoption ofclear, fair and easy tounderstand services andcharges for our clients,”reveals Gordon. “In winningwe beat competition from anumber of substantially largerfirms throughout the UK.”

“While most financial plannerspromote themselves aspension or investment

specialists the Redbourneapproach is to work withclients through every year ofgrowing their businesses, fromprotecting the business planand keeping costs low duringtheir start-up phase, designingtax efficient profit extractionfor the business owners andthen advising on the taximplications of exit, retirementand estate planning.

The latest award victorywasn’t the only excitingelement to early 2014.

The year began withRedbourne opening its thirdoffice in Stratford-upon-Avon,where it is now focussing ongrowing new relationships byworking closely with localsolicitors and accountants.

In total, the companymanages over £130m ofclients assets across itsoffices, the first and secondbeing located in Bromsgroveand Shrewsbury.

“We only work with clients where we can demonstrate theadded value of our services, which is why over 90% of our newclients are referred to us,” says Gordon.

“When they become a Redbourne client, we seek to build along term working partnership in which we look to engage withdifferent generations of a family group and business colleagues.

“Our highly qualified and passionate team, members of whichhave worked together for nearly 10 years, all believe the key tofinancial planning is building a relationship with clients built onmutual respect, honesty and fairness.

“We invest heavily in their training, development andprofessional qualifications and believe this, combined with ourenviable reputation, demonstrates clients can rely on our adviceto guide them.”

For further information about Redbourne WealthManagement, go to www.redbournewm.com

Alternatively email [email protected] or telephone 01527 888 990 (Bromsgrove)


6

Businesses nowadays don’t comewithout tangible assets - defined asanything that has a long-term physicalexistence or is acquired for use in theoperations of the business and is notfor sale to customers, such asequipment, machinery, plant, property.

As the business grows, so does itsassets. Often through the growth process,the older assets or under-used assetsmay begin to take a lower priority overnewer and larger assets used by thebusiness.

Assets may be acquired and used tosecure loans, debts and other repaymentobligations. Some assets are more liquidand used to create investment returns.Cash may be invested intobonds and other bankablesecurities and the businessmay utilise the returns andretain the capital on its accounts.

Often cash strapped, asset richcompanies will need to financenew equipment, for example,plant and machineryin order to expand orfulfil a particularorder. But while amanufacturingcompany may needa whole host ofequipment,somebody elsemight want a fleet ofcars, or even aircraft, thenagain perhaps there is aproperty that needs purchasing?

Where is the money to come from?Considerable sums may berequired and not just by start-upfirms. Those looking to expand,plant and machinery users and hirecompanies needing to regularly upgradetheir assets, or keep up to date with newinnovations, will have to find the funds todo this from somewhere.

And that’s where asset finance can help,being increasingly seen as an alternativeto the traditional bank loan or overdraft ascompanies borrow against their assets, forexample property, plant, stock, accounts

receivable, to fund capital purchases orease cash flow problems.

The borrower provides a security interestin the assets to the lender. This differsfrom traditional financing methods such asissuing debt or equity securities as thecompany simply pledges some of itsassets in return for a loan.

This type of financing is typically used forshort-term borrowing or working capital.Companies using asset financingcommonly pledge their accountsreceivable, but the use of inventory assetsis becoming more frequent, and is aparticularly attractive option for those firmswhich experience seasonal sales cycles.

You canborrow money

against a wholerange of your company's

assets, including property, inventory orequipment. The amount you can borrowwill depend on the value of the asset, butthis can be an effective way of raisingcash for working capital or investment.

Business funding for equipment orproperty is available through a range of

leasing deals and commercial mortgages- if you're looking to buy or re-mortgagebusiness premises, you might considertalking to a Commercial Finance Broker.They will provide independent advice andtake you through the options available toyou as well as dealing direct with thelender on your behalf.

When it comes to raising capital againstassets, conventional banking facilitiesoffered from high street and mainstreambanks can often utilise the more liquidassets and a greater Loan to Value ratiocan be achieved. Liquid assets such asbonds and property can also be used tomaximise returns where they are notalready encumbered. Whilst these assetsmay already produce monthly or annual

returns, the capital held within theseassets may still be regarded as

‘stagnant’ as the capital is simplysitting there. It is possible totap this equity (without risk)

to produce enhancedreturns up to 12% grossper annum in addition to

(and not affecting)existing returns

However, when itcomes to the longer-

term, less liquid assetsand of course exotic

assets, many businesseswould struggle convincing aconventional bank to grant

credit facilities using these ascollateral. That does not mean

that they cannot be utilised.Assets falling into these categoriescan be used through the creationof bespoke financial structures tocreate cash flow, raise capital and

enhance balance sheets.

One of the main disadvantages of usingasset finance, however, is the costsincurred and their effects on overall profitlevels, so before taking any step in thisdirection, careful evaluation from acommercial finance broker, or specialistfinancial advisor should be undertaken tosee if it is the right kind of financing foryour business needs.

Maximisingyour assets

32756_11586_Transport Warehousing 04/07/2014 12:54 Page 1

7

LBF are celebrating 21 years of assistingbusinesses realise their potential. Established in1993 by Debby Lockett, the company nowtransacts over £3 million of business every year.

Does your business need new plant or equipment to expand,fulfil a new contract or simply maintain the existing order book,but doesn’t have any room in the budget? Relax, LBF will havethe answer.

Debby explained, “LBF provide lease and hire purchase financefor SME’s throughout the UK. Working with both equipmentsuppliers and direct with businesses, we provide finance formost assets from plant, machinery and vehicles to IT andsoftware and even unusual assets like tote boxes andcontamination units to name but a few.

“Many of the suppliers and customers currently using LBF havebeen with us from the beginning, a testament to theprofessionalism and levels of service we provide. Ourphilosophy is do everything we promise, never make promiseswe can’t keep and always have a positive can do attitude”.

LBF operates as an independent finance brokerage and hasestablished relationships with a number of the major financehouses enabling them to source the right deal for each of theirclients. The last 20 years have been somewhat of a roller coasterride, particularly in the financial sector. In 2008 when lendingrestrictions began to tighten, LBF took a leap of faith and decidedto support its customer base by providing its own finance bookand to date has funded over 400 lease transactions.

Leasing has now become a valuable alternative source offunding as banks are often still reticent to lend to somebusinesses. Where previously a company would approach theirbank to finance new investments many now look at leasing astheir first option.

Leasing is a tax efficient method of acquiring the equipment yourbusiness needs and paying for it over its useful working life whileleaving your capital intact. It makes sound commercial sense,after all you don’t pay your staffs salaries three years in advance!

A Finance Lease allows the customer to choose the equipment,which the finance company then buys on their behalf andagrees to lease it back to them for a fixed monthly/quarterlycost. The term will depend on the customer’s cash flow orfuture budget requirements.

LBF is able to source finance for a diverse section ofbusinesses, from new starts to multinationals, for periods of 1year up to 6 depending on the asset type.

2014 is already looking to be good year for LBF with the levelof enquiries up from this time last year. Businesses are feelingmuch more confident about the economy and many are nowlooking to invest in new technology.

For more information, and to find out how to get theequipment your company needs, please contact LBF

either by phone on

0845 060 1111/0121 2121114 or email [email protected]

www.lbf.uk.comLease & Business Finance Limited

Leasemaster House, 106 Carver StreetBirmingham B1 3AP

Debby Lockett


8

It’s complicated these days out there for SMEsneeding funding, while most business people maybe experts in their individual field the multiplicity offunding sources leaves most of us feeling baffled.

FundingStore.com is the UK’s largest business fundingwebsite that matches SMEs and Entrepreneurs seekingfunding, finance investment or advice with the mostappropriate funder, lender, investor or adviser, in the businessfunding market place.

FundingStore was set up in 2010 by Chartered AccountantNick Montague, to provide this service to UK SMEs because,previously, there was no service which provided a whole-of-market choice with guidance and signposting.

He said, “After 20 + years of advising clients as a CharteredAccountant, I set up FundingStore because I realised howcomplicated and confusing the world of funding can be for abusiness, especially when it isn't something they do everyday. In recent years, this has become even more complexand, ironically, the internet has made things even more of amystery for some.

“We are here to help you find the advice and funding youneed to make your business succeed. Our team havedecades of experience working with businesses across awide range of sectors throughout the UK”.

Des Hughes, Business Development Manager atFundingStore, illustrated the breadth of their operations witha case study of a gravel pit owner.

The pit owner knew everything there is to know about gravelbut, when it came to raising £750,000 to buy out his retiringbusiness partner, was stumped when it came to generatingthat kind of money.

Des was able to show the client that his regularconsignments to a major contractor meant invoicediscounting was a viable solution. But the FundingStoreservice didn’t stop there.

Des was also able to solve the pit owner’s ambitions to investin more plant by using Asset Financing against his existingequipment, along with property finance on the estimatedtonnage still available from the land.

Then, Des highlighted a number of further uses for the siteonce the gravel was exhausted, coming up with a list ofsuggestions to maximise the asset’s potential; exit a muchmore cheerful and optimistic client with a viable forwardfunding plan.

FundingStore is a brilliant resource, not just to find a loan,there are plenty of sites for that, but to find the right type offunding for your business and to give you the help and advicethat will keep your business on the road to success.

Nick Montague is very proud to have been able to help agreat many businesses that, without FundingStore, could nothave made it.

FundingStore has recently launched an exciting new product,BusinessStore, an online marketplace for SME service andproduct providers that will put you, your business and yourproducts or services in front of thousands of SME owners andstart-up businesses, and for an introductory period it’s free!

fundingstore.comFind people and finance that work for your business

R

Contact FundingStore on 01565 756141 or visit the website

www.fundingstore.com

Nick Montague


10

It’s the era of the Smartphone - buthow smart are we when it comes tochoosing a phone system for thebusiness?

Considering the range and equipment outthere, it seems we need to be prettysmart. And that can be daunting foranyone looking to install new telecoms,especially as the need to get it right canbe critical to the success of a business.

Whether the communication is internal,connecting staff to each other, or external,keeping connected with customersexisting and potential, get the set-upwrong and a whole host of problems canresult which, at best could hinder workand at worst, lose business.

So where to start? Here’s a basicchecklist.

• Budget - what can you afford andhow will you pay it?

• Users - how many? Is it just acouple of people or hundreds?

• On the line - do you haveexisting telephone lines andcabling?

• Features - modern phonesystems come with handyextras, i.e. call forwarding,voice mail, diversion, which doyou require?

• Support & Maintenance - needconsidering if you want to keep thelines of communication flowing.

If the new telecoms are going into an office,don’t forget to ensure the usual extrabusiness equipment is all systems go -such as routers, switchers, fax or voicemailmachines. This has a critical bearing on thebudget as the size of the new system isdirectly related to what equipment needs tobe bought and how much.

Now you’ve been through the checklistand you’re ready to dial up your localtelecoms system supplier - but wait. Doyou want KSU, PBX or VoIP?

Pardon? Well, don’t panic. These are justshorthand for the three main kinds ofbusiness phone systems.

PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange,making it a dedicated telephone exchangefor just one company. They’re at theirmost efficient when they have more than50 extensions - they can even handle upto thousands - so tend to be used bylarge firms.

They not only connect internal phones butcan make external connections. A PBX wasthe standard system in the days when theswitchboard operator was king (or moretypically queen), but over time systemshave shrunk and become increasinglycomputerised. In fact the lines are nowblurred when defining the differencesbetween a PBX and the next system, KSU.

A KeySystem Unit

(also knownas key

telephonesystem or key

phone system) isaimed at a smaller number

of users, no more than 50, and relies onindividuals to select an outside line ratherthan doing it automatically as a PBX does.

For even smaller workforces - no morethan 10, there’s the KSU-Less TelephoneSystem which is generally pretty similar infunctionality but doesn’t have so manytechnical bells and whistles. Current KSUsystems have a central hub that providesinternal calling, but the KSU-less systemdoesn’t although every phone can takeand transfer calls.

Then there’s VoIP, very much the productof the internet age. A Voice over InternetProtocol system uses techno-wizardry totransform the voice into internettransmissible data, thus rendering themore traditional telephone networksunnecessary.

Only requiring a broadband connection,the money conscious may welcome theidea of significantly cheaper phone calls.However, it’s worth remembering thatinvesting in this system means investing inan appropriate VoIP telephone withEthernet or USB connection and that notall customers may have similar.

Adaptors that facilitate the use oftouch-tone phones through an ITnetwork and phone software, suchas Skype installed on a computer,will also be needed but VoIP couldreally come into its own for thebusinesses whose manyemployees are constantly on the

road and communicate via mobile.

So those are the systems most in use bybusinesses today, although it’s worthacknowledging the ever present mobile.Some do opt for Hand Held Systems thatrely on Smartphones enable users to sendemail and other documents alongside themore normal phone features - but thatcan prove a costly option.

There’s no real quick fix when it comes toinstalling a new telephone system and,thanks to a staggering amount oftechnical jargon that surrounds thesubject, the job is positively bewildering.

But there are many specialists in theregion who can not only demystify thetopic, but by contacting them they canget right to the heart of your specificrequirement and ensure the telephonesystem that’s installed is the right one foryour needs.

It really is good to talk.

Choosing a Telecoms System

for your Business

32748_11850_Transport Warehousing 04/07/2014 13:27 Page 1

11

That’s the question many small and midsize businessesface. Employees are mobile and or working from home.So are clients. Today’s office can be a kitchen counter oran airline seat. Mobile devices reign supreme.

The workforce, the entire working world is fractured, fluid, andmoving at a relentless, furiously fast pace.

Communicate like never before. Respond immediately. Shareinformation, anytime, anywhere, via any device. You’ll have thepower of a unified communications system that connectseveryone, your people, your customers, your partners.

Modern telecommunications give access to a world ofinterlinked computer controlled technology and while we do stillcommunicate by telephone, email, texts and social media havebecome very much part of our pattern of communications,while the increasing use of personal devices such assmartphones and working away from base, at home, and onthe move can raise serious questions of data security.

Businesses either need to take the time to come to grips withall the new technology or enlist the aid of a specialist.

Founded in 1998, Connexis is one of the leadingtelecommunication companies in the West Midlands and aimsto provide solutions for small to medium sized enterpriseslooking to take advantage of the latest in voice and dataproductivity tools.

Connexis are at the forefront of telecommunication technologyand will be able to advise on the most suitable systems andinstallations for the requirements of your business now and inthe future.

With a team of fully qualified and trained engineers, Connexisdelivers a comprehensive range of services and maintains a‘cradle to grave’ philosophy, aiming to guide its clients throughthe often confusing jargon and bewildering array of technologies.

Starting from initial consultations, they endeavour to fullyinclude clients in the development of solutions, guaranteeing a‘tailor made’ system built around their operating needs andseamlessly integrating telephony and computer systems tomaximise productivity benefits. In addition to developing thesystem, sourcing and installing the equipment, Connexisprovides training for operators and access to ‘round the clock’technical support from a dedicated help desk.

Telephone systems can be single or multi-site for both homeand mobile workers, maintaining better control of your data,

integrating your telephone and computer systems includingsmart phone connectivity and voice recording

They are able to advise and install data networks, local andwide area, including high speed broadband and fibre internet,ridding you and your team of the frustrations of slow internetspeeds and sluggish searches.

They can also provide IP Surveillance - on and off site CCTV; alllinked to your telephone and computer systems.

As accredited re-sellers for a number of major telecomsmanufacturers, Connexis supplies systems to companies inboth the public and private sector, and is able to provide an all-inclusive service, from an initial consultation and solutiondevelopment stage, right through to equipment procurement,installation and on-going technical support.

For more information or to arrange an initialconsultation please visit the website

www.connexis.co.uk or telephone 01952 528000

Getting YouConnectedGetting YouConnected

Connexis provide complete telecommunication solutions for business including:.Telephone Systems - single or multi site with home & mobile workers..Data Networks - local & wide area including high speed broadband& Fibre Internet.Telephone & Computer integration - Including Smart Phone connectivity & Voice Recording.IP Surveillance - on & o�-site CCTV

Pure Networks provides connectivity solutions for business including:.Telephone lines & calls.Internet including ADSL, FTTC, EFM & Fibre Ethernet.Geographic number portability.Non-geographic numbers

Backed by our team of fully qualified & trained engineers, we can o�er a comprehensive support service to clients including dedicated help desk,sta� training & tailored technical support.

Call 01952 528000 for a copy of our company brochure or to arrange for a ‘no obligation’assesment of your telecom needs or visit our website on www.connexis.co.uk

Will you keep up with thespeed of business ?


12

Vivo understands that the constantly evolving range of telecomsservices, overlaid with plenty of acronyms and jargon, is oftenconfusing. Many decision makers simply don’t have the time orthe knowledge to decide which services would be the mostsuitable for their current, and most importantly, future needs.

Vivo offers independent advice to help businesses navigatethrough the maze of suppliers and services in the telecomsmarket, including virtual or hosted telephony.

In recent years there has been a marked change to the waymany organisations run their telephone services, replacing on-site phone systems with a service hosted at a remote location,hence the terms 'hosted' or “cloud” telephony. The service isdelivered to your premises over broadband, leased lines, orexisting networks you may have in place.

So in practice, why would a business reviewing their telecomsconsider moving to a hosted service? The benefits arenumerous, and just some of the key points to consider include:

Andy Andreou, Vivo Sales Director, is passionate about thebenefits the hosted approach can bring to your business. Hesaid, “The real proof is the enthusiastic feedback from ourcustomers, who range from a three man operation to companiesemploying thousands of staff, who have recognised the ease ofuse, flexibility and cost benefits of hosted phone services.”

Find out more and contact Vivo on:Tel: 0800 046 9460Email: [email protected]

Buy 2 phones get the 3rd

FREE

Meet VivoIf you’re looking for a new phone system, give the dog a phone for business pedigree hosted telephony.

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13

What this is showing is that whilst the Budget Announcementhas thrown Annuities into the firing line, it will very much be downto the individual priorities, requirements and appetite for risk ofeach client as to the route taken. It needs to be understood thatthere is risk with each and every route taken. Dying too early withan annuity will mean that you have not received the full value,investment risk could see your lifestyle at threat, Living too longwould put pressure on your fund and finally Inflation is a risk toeveryone with rising costs of living, especially in that people areliving longer now than say 25 years ago.

The chancellor is correct in that everyone should have advice,be it guided or tailored, on their retirement options. This isessential in allowing you to see all available options, to thenmake an informed choice as to the route appropriate for you.

Accessing solutions will need to be through face-to-face adviceand so we have established a dedicated client solution called‘Your Pension Choices’ that will advise clients on their route tomaximising what they want from their pension fund.

We are at the forefront of understanding the changes and helpingclients maximise access to their fund, tax-efficiently with certaintyover benefits on death whilst at the same time seeing that clientfunds are managed to maximise gains and minimise risk.

We are here to help you understand how to make themost of these changes, Please call us on:

01902 422333or email: [email protected] arrange your pension consultation.

Your Pension Choices is a trading style of PersonalPension Limited which is an appointed representative ofFSC Investments Services Ltd. Personal Pension limited

is registered under FCA number 621424.

As the dust is settling from the 2014 Budgetannouncement over Pensions Reform there are still anumber of questions that remain unanswered. Will this bethe death of the Annuity? What happens when I reach 75?What will the tax rate on Death be? Some of thosequestions are still subject to the consultation period and Isuspect we will start to hear whispers soon as to theanswers. However, some of the questions are merelyinitial reactions to the news.

A number ofinsurancecompanies areciting redundanciesand drops inbusiness of 50%.However, I believe itis a very boldstatement to claimthat we are going towitness the death ofthe annuity. Forthose individualswho do not have anappetite forinvestment risk oreven the level offunds to make it acost effective routelooking at

alternatives may find either an Annuity or a Fixed Term Annuitystill the best option.

Those with medium size pots may find that a combination of anAnnuity and/or Drawing an income directly from your Pension apotential solution and those with larger pots may find that fullflexibility is the answer.

Certainly, for those with Medium and Larger pension pots theadded flexibility when making their retirement decisions will bewelcome. However, with that added flexibility must come addedresponsibility. Just because you are able to withdraw all yourmoney out of your pension doesn’t mean that you should. Notleaving sufficient money for older age or conversely not daringto spend funds when they are actually available and thereforehaving an unnecessarily poor retirement are both outcomes tobe avoided.

Your Pension choicesWhat are your priorities?

SOLUTIONS:. Flexible Drawdown. Standard/Enhanced

Anuity. ‘Hybrid’ of the two?

Wants controlover levelsof income

Death Benefits are important

Happy to considerinvestment risk

. May have ‘other income’ or part time earnings and wishes to use pension fund to supplement lifestyle

. Wants spouse to have choices in the event of death. Doesn’t want an Annuity provider to ‘profit’ on death. Would like the residue of fund to go to family

. Can cope with variable fund value whilst income is drawn. Understands and has experience of investing in asset-backed investments. Investments will grow more than Cash/Gi�s

Steve Bennett

32525 QPD_FSC Investments Services Ltd QPD 1pg 26/06/2014 09:55 Page 1

14

Welcome to the third of my AutoEnrolment articles. Today we will lookat the processes required movingtowards the Staging Date in moredetail. The process can be split intosix basic stages encompassing 33new legal duties and responsibilities.

Stage 1 is to ensure an outline of therequirements and objectives of AutoEnrolment is understood by the employer.During this stage it is imperative for theemployer to understand the preciseStaging Date, the three categories ofemployee, eligible, non-eligible andentitled, and the rules applying to them. Itwill then be necessary to draft a plan ofthe project and agree responsibilities foraction accordingly.

Stage 2 will be to collect necessary dataon each employee and assess the statusof each in the three categories above.Once this information has been obtainedmodels of likely costs can be computedand considered so that financial planningof the project can be considered withinexisting budgets and constraints. Formost businesses this will be anunwelcome additional cost, particularly aswe are coming out of recession. It isessential to determine how theseadditional costs will be funded. It will really

come down to a combination of threeoptions, increase sales and grossmargins, reduce costs and overheads, oraccept lower profits.

Stage 3 is a review of your existingsystems and consideration of the optionsrequired in order to achieve futureeffective delivery of the project. You willrely heavily on your payroll software andsystems to perform a lot of theadministrative tasks associated with autoenrolment. At an early stage in theplanning you should be checking to makesure that your software will be able tocope with the changes and the newprocesses that will be performed. Thisalso applies to any other software thatcould be affected by the changes.

Stage 4 is a consideration of the pensionfund and provider to run your AutoEnrolment. At this stage you may needsupport from a financial adviser. Whilstthere are six insurers currently in themarketplace offering Auto Enrolmentfriendly group personal pension schemes,each has its own criteria for selection As aconsequence a lot will depend on thenumber of employees, their average payrates and how transient the workforce isin general as to whether they will offerterms.

As an alternative there are currently threemain Master Trust providers and a numberof smaller providers coming to the marketas well. A Master Trust is one largepension trust that multiple employers can

join. All of the funds of all workers in everybusiness are combined and invested in asmall number of different funds. The ideabeing that this will drive downmanagement costs. The default provideris the Government backed NationalEmployment Savings Trust (NEST). If noother provider is left available to you,NEST must take your scheme. As analternative there are People’s Pension, runby the Building and Civil EngineeringHoliday Schemes Management Limitedand NOW Pensions owned by a Danishcompany ATP who have been running asimilar scheme in Denmark for manyyears.

Stage 5 will deal with communication ofthe project to the employees ensuring thatall documentation is compliant and fit forpurpose. The work done at stage 3 aboveshould help in ensuring this works well.This is where Middleware will help.Middleware is software that sits inbetween your payroll software and thepension provider. Middleware will ensurethe correct assessments of staff are madeon a regular basis, the correct pensiondeductions are made and moreimportantly it will ensure the correctdocuments are sent to each relevantemployee at the correct time and in thecorrect legal format. It will also maintain arecord of all these actions, something thatis vital should the Pensions Regulatorwish to check. When choosingMiddleware be sure that it will actuallyundertake all of these tasks. You do notwant an add-on that is just a series oftemplates requiring you to understand all250 plus pages of Pension Regulatorguidance.

Stage 6 is the final implementation of theproject. This will occur on the StagingDate when everything goes live, althoughyou may postpone actually makingpension deductions, more on this nexttime.

Next month we will look at the on-goingroutine processes in more detail includingcommunications, opting out and in andpostponement.

Authors Credit to:

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

Workplace Pensions

11600 and 32742_Carford Group 27/05/2014 09:56 Page 1

15

Its all go at Pure Staff the specialist Driving and Industrialrecruitment specialists, with the opening of a new branchat Lowesmoor Wharf Worcester.

Last year, it generated a turnover of £8 million but is confidentthat its new branch in Worcester, which complements itsexisting branches in central Birmingham and Bilston, will helppropel its turnover to over £11 million.

The Worcester branch will service clients across Worcester,Hereford, Redditch, Bromsgrove, Droitwich Spa, Kidderminsterand Evesham and is part of a strategy to open two newbranches a year, building to 25 branches.

David Whitehouse, Joint MD, who met his co director JohnSutton while working in recruitment in the mid 2000’s,explained to us that the Worcester branch will be headed up by2 recruitment consultants who have successful recruitmentexperience of working in the area, and whose local knowledgewill prove invaluable. Initially the branch will house 4 consultantsand an administrator, bringing the company roll to 26 rising to34 by the end of the year.

Pure Staff are constantly looking to recruit experienced andtrainee consultants who have the drive and ambition to furthertheir careers within an expanding company.

Their 5 key values, Quality, Reliability, Flexibility, Honesty andValue for Money, have been fundamental to their success, andhave led to well established relationships with many of theirclients, who while they predominantly recruit temporary staff,will also occasionally call on them to fill a permanent position.

They have in excess of 100 active clients, one of whom is so largethat the individual contract manager is based on site filling over100 posts a day from basic production workers to HGV drivers.

There is a constant demand for experienced well qualified HGVdrivers and the company have in excess of 70 drivers outworking at any one time. It is important to clients that driversare experienced, not newly qualified, and often request liability

insurance which is only available to drivers who have beenqualified for over two years and have 6 months experience onthat type of vehicle.

So the search is always on, more drivers, more warehousestaff, more production line workers, more consultants, justmore, reliable, competent folk, Pure Staff has the jobs.

Charity work is also important to Pure Staff with Joint MD DavidWhitehouse completing Lands End to John O’groats by bike inSeptember 2012 and the 2014 London Marathon all to raisemoney for Acorns Children’s Hospice, during this time theyhave also organised various charity events.

In breaking news, John Sutton and David Whitehouse aredelighted that their success has been recognised by beingshortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the MidlandsBusiness Awards. Now been announced as confirmed finalists

For more information please visit the website www.purestaff.co.uk

or phone your nearest branch:

Birmingham 0121 237 4840 Bilston 01902 401530Worcester 01905 20547

arcbpo services ltd.

o r o plete c ce ervice ol tio s rovider

ro d to be s pporti Pure Staff

Payroll and Invoicing

01270 750408

arc o co

4 ig o n and ac ir 11 1

John Sutton & David Whitehouse

32618 1pg_HorseWorld 19/05/2014 12:42 Page 1

16

One of the biggest decisions an ownermanager will have to take is whether totake on new people or develop the skillsof those who already within the ranks.

Effective recruitment alongside thedevelopment of existing staff is crucial tothe success of any organisation. It takestime and care but organisations that get itright are able to retain their valuedemployees and develop their companyculture successfully.

You need to sit down and decide thedemands of the post you want to fill. Youneed to be clear in your mind how muchtime and effort will be needed to get thejob done properly.

Once you haveestablished the jobdescription, givecareful thought as tohow the role maydevelop, do youwant just wantsomeone who is ableto do the job, or areyou looking forsomeone capable ofgrowth within yourorganisation?

It could be that the parameters of the newrole have still to be established and theremay not be any need to take on someonenew yet, but, and it is a big but, if you asksomeone who already works for you totake on extra responsibility, be sure theycan cope and that you are not placingunreasonable demands on a valuedmember of your team. It is not fair onanyone to give them too much work andthen get annoyed when they fail to hittheir targets.

If a member of your team does havenatural talent, aptitude and enthusiasm forthe role then that can be a real bonus butit also raises further questions and issues.Can you afford to replace the individual intheir existing role and help them create anew career path within your company?Also is the contribution they already maketo the business too valuable to lose?

If you do decide to go down the route ofbringing in someone new then it cancause disruption and unrest within yourexisting team. People may feel that theyare being overlooked and it is importantto explain why you made the decision.The key thing is to let people know thatyou made the decision for the good ofthe company. Be open and honest butstick to your guns, remember the mainpriority is always about moving thebusiness forward.

The services of a good recruitmentagency can be invaluable, the bestagencies are not just looking to place“bums on seats” but take great care toplace the right person in the role usingtheir research tools, experience andcontacts. They will look at your companyand culture in depth and take intoconsideration all aspects of the role andhow it and any appointee would fit withinyour organisation.

When you are considering a newappointee careful thought needs to

be given to the pervadingculture within yourorganisation, whatsort of person islikely to “fit in”, it isimportant that anynew appointee is insympathy with theethos and aims ofyour company. Doesthe applicant for therole have thenecessary interest andskills? When it comesto social media for

example, people need to be able to writeand be interested in the subject. Trying tofit a square peg in a round hole is alwaysgoing to be a mistake.

Try to keep an open mind, someone whomay appear a bit of a wild card, not theconventional profile, older, younger adifferent sex may be one of the bestplacements you ever make!

Don’t be pressurised into making a quickdecision, this appointment, at whateverlevel is important to the future success ofyour organisation. Managers often spendall the necessary time on senior posts buttake insufficient care with more junior orshopfloor roles, apprentices for examplecan be trained up to be exactly what anorganisation requires and develop into themanagers of the future, never forgetwhere the productivity engine for yourorganisation lies.

EffectiveRecruitment

32586 1pg_Transport Warehousing 11/03/2014 11:38 Page 1

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The subsequent years brought further success with Encoreachieving Best Company to Work For at the RecruitmentInternational Awards in 2009, 2 stars in the Best CompanyAccreditation Standard and winners of the Success ThroughPeople category at the Leicestershire Business Awards in 2012.The company finished 2013 by winning Best Company to WorkFor at the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP)Recruitment and Employers’ Confederation (REC) awards. Atthe same ceremony, Operations Director Ray Metcalfe, won thecoverted Business Manager of the Year award.

Having built the company on the core values of being customerfocussed and always looking for innovative ways of working,Encore have grown to 8 office locations, including Birmingham,offering staffing solutions across the industrial, driving, technicaland energy sectors, placing thousands of temporary andpermanent workers each week from a network of 21 divisions.

Encore Personnel has experienced rapid business growthand has won a host of prestigious industry awards alongthe way since their inception in 2001.

During their first 5 years the Leicester based companyexpanded its operations, opening new offices in Nottingham,Coventry, Telford, as well as increasing their divisions to covertechnical and driving recruitment together with onsite managedservices. This rapid growth lead to Encore entering theprestigious Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100 in2006. They were the 23rd fastest growing company in the UK,achieving the accolade after a rise in revenues of 117% to£10.2m over the previous three years. After announcing a 20%

increase in turnover for 2013 Encore has plans forfurther growth in 2014 and they are currently ontrack to increase turnover by 40% to £42million. So the future is looking bright and

busy for Encore.

“The company always setout to be innovative” says

Greg Latham, ManagingDirector “and to create a strong

enthusiastic team of people whichis fundamental to our business

success, whether it’s working in the office,out on-site with clients or supporting the

company’s numerous charity events.”pkfcooperparry.com

We’re delighted to advise Encore.

Over and over again

As the region’s No.1 adviser to £5m+ privately

owned businesses, we wish Encore continued

growth and success

To see how we can help your business, contact

Kevin Harris at [email protected]

Front Row (L-R) The founding Directors of Encore,Chris Hockey, Greg Latham and Ian Briers.

Back Row (L-R) Pete Taylor, Operations Director,Ray Metcalfe, Operations Director, Tina Hercock, Financial Director.

superior staffing solutions

TM


18

“The Company’s founding principles of‘Success through excellence in

recruitment practice, staffdevelopment, retention andinnovation’ have played animportant part in the growth ofEncore,” said Greg. “Our vastexperience ensures we selectand supply quality candidates to

create lasting relationships. Ourcandidates enjoy excellent benefits packages

and our clients benefit from motivated, skilled people and bestindustry practice.”

As the specialist insurance broker of choice to the Recruitment industry, we would be delighted to offer you a comprehensive review of your insurance arrangements.

Call the team on 0161 245 1215

[email protected]

www.jelfgroup.com/recruitment

Jelf Manson is a trading name of Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd (Reg No. 0837227) and Jelf Wellbeing Ltd (Reg No. 2647586) which are part of Jelf Group plc and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Registered address: Hillside Court, Bowling Hill, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol BS37 6JX (Registered in England and Wales). Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA. JIB162.05.14

Excep�onal

Proud to provide bespoke insurance services to Encore Personnel

superior staffing solutions

TM

For more information please visit the website www.encorepersonnel.co.ukor telephone 0121 643 6305

2nd Floor 5 Lower Temple StreetBirminghamB2 4JD


19

Irfan Lohiya doesn’t do things by halves. The last year hasseen him become a first time dad AND give birth to his ownbrand new business.

Both may have given him a few sleepless nights but there’s nodoubt that, they’re both growing in spectacular fashion and causefor celebration.

“As Green Recruitment Solutions I made my first placement inAugust and have consistently delivered revenue every month, whichis not bad going considering my hectic home life!” he grins.

“I hired my first employee last January and plan to hire again very soon.”

For Irfan recruitment is less a business, more part of his DNA and anatural extension of his commitment to the Green Agenda.

That’s why, after a career working for some of the world’s leadingand largest ‘recruitment power houses’, he formed his company tospecialise in working with national and international industries whichhave a similar commitment.

“At Green Recruitment Solutions we genuinely care about the worldwe live in and through the mandates we accept and people weplace, we aspire to make the world a better place,” he says.

Based in Church Street, Nuneaton, the company’s client baseincludes waste management businesses, environmentalconsultancies, EPC contractors, process contractors, engineeringfirms, energy and utility companies, renewables developers,Government entities, finance and investment houses.

Whatever the challenge, be it a requirement to headhunt a new CEOfor a FTSE 100 company, recruit an entire team for a new project orsimply recruit a temporary/ permanent replacement for a recentleaver, Irfan understands each individual need exactly and takespride in the company’s ability to deliver.

“We tailor our solutions to every assignment and offer a professional,honest and ethical service, that brings unrivalled integrity, simplifiedprocesses with increased efficiency, and services with far more focusand quality,” he says.

The approach is certainly achieving results with Green RecruitmentSolutions quickly becoming a Preferred Supplier for many of theworld’s leading and most desirable employers. Similarly, a ‘trustedpartner’ for many SME companies that require expert levelprofessional recruitment support within the niche industries thatGreen Recruitment Solutions operate within.

“I anticipated to achieve my current portfolio of major accountswithin two to three years and so was particularly impressed to havewon these accounts within my first 12 months. This year I plan todouble my portfolio and also my turnover.

“Whilst Green Recruitment Solutions may be the ‘new kid on theblock’, no doubt my personal industry reputation has been a majordriver behind the success of the business so far.”

For further information about the company and its services,including current vacancies, go to www.greenrs.co.ukAlternatively telephone 02476 106 206/ 07580 170 406

or email [email protected]

Give a member of the team a call on

01943 850 111or send an email to:

[email protected]

We are one of the UK’s most successful property investment and development companies,mainly specialising in the acquisition and management of large industrial premises.Prospect Estates Limited endeavours to develop its buildings into smaller a�ordable self-containedunits to sustain the growth of local businessesin each specific area.

Prospect Estates Limited are proud to support Green Recruitment Solutionswishing them all the best for the future.

Property tailored to your exact requirements.

Sourcing quality talent for green futures

Energy from Waste & Anaerobic Digestion Environment & SustainabilityWaste Management & RecyclingRenewable Energy

& Biomass

Recruitment Experts.Always selecting the right match.

A Recruitment Partner

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Green Recruitment Solutions

Not just any Green Recruitment

Company.

32713 1PG (2)_HorseWorld 21/05/2014 11:53 Page 1

20

member publically, and they will walk through fire for you.Others may prefer less public praise.

• Read the pressure gauge: Workplace stress and burnoutare major costs to businesses and individuals, and canseverely affect motivation. Fortunately, they can be avoidable.Talking to your team regularly to stay tuned into their stresslevels. I use a scale of 1-10 with them as a quick way tomonitor their current needs. Levels 1 means ‘I am not underpressure’ and level 10 means “I am feeling totallyoverwhelmed”.

Resolve an existing crisis of motivation:

• Examine under-performance with consideration:Understand the reasons of the underperformance, and use thethree ‘R’s: Remotivate, Retrain or Replace. Ineffectiveremediation of poor performance without due considerationcan damage the possibility for resolution of a motivationproblem. This will avoid a blame culture, which can furtherdamage the motivation of the whole team.

• Increase your self-awareness in times of pressure: Doyou know how you come across or act under pressure?Whatever our leadership style, we subconsciously adapt ourbehaviour, to prioritise immediate business needs over teammotivation. Fortunately, it is possible to predict how yourbehaviour might change according to your current DISCleadership style. For example, dominant personality types maytend to take a more direct approach to a problem, which mayclash with the motivational needs of others; self-awareness willminimise the effect your behaviour will have on the motivationof your team.

People are complex. Yet, you have control over the environment inwhich your people can thrive. Ensure that you know whichenvironment will move the business forward.

At the core of any business, there are the people - your mostimportant asset. Knowing how to motivate them is critical forsuccess. Equip yourself with tools to prepare for, maintain andimprove motivation for optimised performance.

Motivate your team from the outset:

• Understand and appreciate the differences in people:People are different, they are also predictably different. As abusiness mentor and DISC Master Trainer, I use DISC, thepersonality profiling technique, to understand people.

Out of extensive research, Psychologist Dr. Marston’sdiscovered four core personality groupings: D (Drive), I(Influence), S (Steadiness), and C (Compliance). The purposeis to gain an insight into the way different personality typestend to behave.

Bev James

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

Bev JamesHow to Motivate Your Team

D-styleDominantDirect

DemandingDecisive

Determined

D styles are task focused

I-styleInspirationalInfluentialInteractiveImpulsive

Interested (inpeople)

I styles arepeople focused

S-styleSteady Stable

SupportiveSensitive Status Quo

S styles arepeople focused

C-styleCautiousCalculatingCompetentCompliant

Contemplative

C styles are task focused

As a Master Trainer in DISC profiling, I have seen time again when Irun my training courses how much people can use DISC totransform motivation and performance in their company.

• Hire with motivation in mind: The reality is that mostpeople won’t change their personality to suit a job; they willchange the job to suit their personality. Although it is crucialfirst and foremost that any team member has the rightskillset for the job, it can also be useful to inform yourrecruitment based on personality types, and how they will bemotivated within the team. The question that you have toask yourself is: what personality type will suit the role andcomplement the existing team?

Maintain motivation and momentum:• Keep everyone on track: Sports men and women maintain

momentum in training with a clear, motivational target: to comeout on top. Essentially, the business world is no different. It isessential for each individual to have a clear goal that contributesto the whole team’s success. A defined goal clearly illustrates thepath ahead, and so is an essential tool to motivate your team.

• Make people feel valued: this may seem like one of the mostevident approaches to motivational techniques for managers.However, from experience this is scarcely implementedeffectively. Say thank you when it is due and know the rightway to say it by using DISC profiling: praise a High I-Style team

32673 - 11768_CD Engineering 04/07/2014 10:49 Page 1

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Recruitment for Marketing, PR, Digital and Creative

h

r

The expansion also opens up the opportunity to take on two newrecruiters who share their vision, at what is clearly an exciting timefor this innovative, forward looking company. They are looking forindividuals with passion and resilience and the ability to nurturelong term relationships, who have a clear new business drive andtotal commitment to delivering outstanding service.

Establishing enduring client and candidate relationships are keyto their approach. This is based on a consultative, quality drivenfocus, rather than the traditional volume driven approach thatoften mars the recruitment industry’s reputation.

The company has a strong policy of investing not just in its ownpeople through a continuous development program, but alsoback into the industry and has strong ties with many industrybodies including the CIPR (Chartered Institute of RecruitmentProfessionals), regularly advising on industry trends, coaching oninterview best practice and sitting on thought leadership panels.

Perhaps one of the initiatives of which they are most proud isthe B-Hive Scheme; a not for profit scheme they set up in 2009to identify the best emerging marketing, PR, digital and creativestudents in the region, and to showcase the outstandingagencies and brands the area has to offer.

B-Hive sees students competing across five categories - PR,marketing, advertising, digital and graphic design – with over600 weeks of paid placements having been awarded to date,and many burgeoning careers launched.

This focus on service, partnership and investment in talent hasseen them voted Marketing Recruitment Consultancy of theYear for three years running at the MiAwards, an accoladevalued particularly highly as it’s voted for by senior marketersand creatives.

A recruitment consultancy as innovative and creative as theindustry it serves, Pitch Consultants have offices in Birminghamand Manchester and are growing at an exciting rate.

For more information pleasevisit their website

www.pitchconsultants.co.ukTel: 0121 270 4080

Email: [email protected]

Pitch Consultants, the innovative recruitment consultancywhich specialises in the creative sector, includingmarketing, PR and digital, has recently moved intostunning new offices on the 6th floor of One CornwallStreet in the thriving centre of Birmingham’s businessdistrict.

Their new offices reflect not only their growth ambitions, butalso their commitment to investment in their team and providinga first class working environment.

Co-directors, Rob Markwell and Ollie Purdom, have bothspecialised within the marketing sector for over a decade andhave always maintained a vision that challenges the traditionalrecruitment model, with a close partnership with the sector theyrecruit for at the core of their approach. They are rightly proud oftheir new premises and the opportunities the extra space offersfor industry seminars, client meetings and planned expansion.

Their client base spans major global brands, SMEs, creativeagencies and start-ups, for whom they source exceptionaltalent at all levels from MDs and Marketing Directors, to PRManagers, Designers and Digital Marketers. Whether recruitingkey individuals, entire teams for new start-ups, or strengtheningthe marketing arm of large corporations, Pitch exhibits anenviable record of success.

Rob Markwell attributes their success to “Sticking to ourfounding principles. The entire team has a passion for thesector and a determination to work collaboratively with clientsand candidates, which has seen us develop a reputation basedon strong ethics, outstanding service and an innate ability tospot the very best talent.”

Marketing Recruitment Consultancyof the year 2011, 2012 & 2013

32736 DPS_HorseWorld 02/06/2014 13:59 Page 1

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We’re hiringHaving moved into brand new offices on Cornwall Street, we are now looking to grow the team by appointing an experienced Consultant and a Resourcer to join our busy team.

Whether it’s with clients, candidates or colleagues, we believe long term relationships are crucial to success. That’s why we provide clearly defined criteria for developing your career within the business.

There are no politics or waiting for others to be promoted; our aim is to reward hard work and success, and to retain and develop the very best talent in the industry. On top of the usual on the job training, you’ll have access to monthly external training and coaching giving you all the tools necessary to excel at your job.

To find out more about working for Pitch and to apply please visit pitchconsultants.co.uk/join-the-pitch-team or email [email protected]

Pitch Consultants Ltd – Midlands 6th Floor, One Cornwall Street, Birmingham, B3 2DX

0121 270 40 80

[email protected]

Pitch Consultants Ltd – North Peter House, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 5AN

0161 870 60 74

pitchconsultants.co.uk

Marketing Recruitment Consultancy of the Year 2011, 2012 and 2013

32736 DPS_HorseWorld 02/06/2014 13:59 Page 2

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In the fast-moving world of IT the need to recruit qualityprofessionals is equally fast-moving. And that’s why manyorganisations turn to Fuel Recruitment when they need tostep on the gas.

A specialist in IT, Telecoms, Broadcast and Engineeringrecruitment, the Warwickshire agency is vastly experienced inproviding professionals across many industry sectorsthroughout the UK, and fully understands the demands of itsclients in these fast-paced industries.

From its Leamington Spa HQ and London offices it offersContract, Interim and Permanent recruitment services as wellas Executive Search to organisations ranging from FTSE 100 toniche specialists. It also provides Recruitment ProcessOutsourcing and Managed Service Provision through its tradingdivision, Pivot RPO.

“We tailor every solution to each client’s business needs,” saysManaging Director Mark Esom.

“We strive to stand out from the competition by creating apositive culture which has moved away from a ‘hard sell’ and ismore people-focused.

“Operating with good ethics and high standards should neverbe taken for granted, which is why we are proud to be acorporate member of the Recruitment and EmploymentConfederation (REC) and therefore bound by the Code ofProfessional Practice.”

With a turnover of over £20m, a permanent staff of 32,partnerships with more than 70 clients in the last year and over400 contractors working on its behalf at any one time, Fuel canalso be proud of its strong position as the nation’s recovery fromone of the harshest economic periods in living memory continues.

“The last five years have been extremely challenging for allrecruitment businesses,” acknowledges Mark. “For many, therecession demanded a focus on simply keeping afloat, let aloneplanning for future growth.

“However, Fuel has grown aggressively during this tough time, whichhas provided us with a great platform to continue our expansion.

“As hiring forecasts increase, we are focusing on developing ourcore markets further and handling the skill shortages in technicalmarkets that are expected to grow as demand increases.

“We are also continually recruiting great individuals onto theteam to help us achieve our goals.”

While there are many industry awards and Fuel Recruitment’splacing on the Fast Track to celebrate, it is this economictrend-bucking success that Mark believes is one of thecompany’s biggest achievements.

He declares: “Recruitment is an extremely competitive industryand I believe that to grow by 27% CAGR over the last fouryears through a deep and profound recession and come outthe other side with a strong balance sheet and a motivatedworkforce is something to hold up as a great success.”

For further information about Fuel Recruitment, its services andcurrent opportunities go to www.fuelrecruitment.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 01926 487487 or email [email protected]

recruitment

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32724 QPD 2_HorseWorld 21/05/2014 16:15 Page 1

24

Traditionalmethods ofsecurity, such asmanned guarding are veryexpensive, particularly inbuildings or estates that are alreadyin negative equity or revenue neutral. CCTV camerasalone can be targeted for criminal damage and don’t actuallyprevent crime, they simply record it.

Real time remote security monitoring for businesses andproperty owners is available which allows action to be takenwhile the attempted intrusion is taking place, which most oftenresults in criminals leaving the scene before doing any damage.This is possible through the use of advanced protectiontechnologies, wireless perimeter security cordons and audiovisual detection.

Criminal activity is only one of the risks that exist withunoccupied premises. If a building, either commercial orresidential, is unoccupied or untenanted for more than 30 daysit typically won't be covered under a standard property owner'sinsurance policy. Property owners have to consider their ownliability if there is an accident on their premises.

In the current climate, property owners cannot take an ad hocapproach to their security provisions. Evaluating protocols orinsurance policies after an incident has taken place isredundant. Property owners need to take the necessary stepsnow, to protect their property and ensure it is not targeted bycriminals or youths engaging in anti-social behaviour.

David Walsh, Group CEO ofNetwatch, a leading remotevisual surveillance company explains "The"eyes of the street" that typically act as adeterrent to criminals do not exist in emptypremises or estates, so the opportunity toengage in criminal activity is heightened.Vacant properties are often readily accessible, and criminals canengage in activity without detection”.

“Due to the economic downturn, there are ever increasingnumber of unoccupied buildings. We are now monitoring over60% more unoccupied premises than we were 5 years ago.Criminal activity increases in times of economic hardship, so it isfeasible to assume that we will continue to see increasedvandalism and theft from these premises over the next fewyears. It is critical that local authorities, building owners or otherrelevant bodies put appropriate systems in place now to stopthe degeneration of certain areas."

The nature of criminal activity ranges from the theft of materialsfrom completed units, to criminal damage, loitering and activityassociated with drug use. Leading industry professionals havealso detected a positive correlation between the lengths of timea premises lies empty and incidences of criminal behaviour.

A key problem with unoccupied buildings is a lack ofsurveillance, which allows anti-social behaviour to develop,undetected.

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Unoccupied buildings and ghost estates are becoming more and more prevalent inrecent times. Increasing along with these vacant buildingsis the anti-social behaviour taking place on suchsites. In order to tackle this growingtrend adequate securitymeasures need tobe put in place.

31939 1pg_CD Engineering 04/07/2014 13:54 Page 1

25

Hanley Trade Frames, the favourite manufacturer ofreplacement upvc windows, doors and conservatories inthe Hanley/Stoke area, has launched a sparkling newwebsite at www.hanleytrade.co.uk.

Easy to navigate with fullinformation about theirproducts and servicesthe bright new formatreflects the company’smodern outlook.

A family company thatwas established in 1996,

and now into the third generation, has grown to become thefirst choice supplier to both trade and the public acrossCheshire, Stoke, Staffordshire and Shropshire.

Hanley Trade Frameswork with installers on asupply only basis, a andoffer a complete madeto measure andinstallation service to thegeneral public.

They use the renowned British made 70mm Spectus Eliteprofiles formed by their highly experienced in-house craftsmen,using up to the minute technology, into top quality, beautifuland utterly reliable installations, in a range of colours andwoodgrain finishes.

Hanley Trade Frames are proud to offer EcoSpec, the latestenergy efficient offering from Spectus, just as smart and stylishas the best frames on the market, but greener by usingrecycled PVC-U materials in the heart of the frame profile.

EcoSpec products will meet exactly the same high performancecriteria that you expect from modern windows and conservatories.

Not just beautiful but safe and secure all their doors have stateof the art security features such as multi point hook locking andanti-bump pick and snap locks.

Whatever your requirements, trade or domestic contactthe experts, Hanley Trade Frames on 01782 201150

Contact us today 01952 283 344 www.spectus.co.uk#thinkred

to Hanley Trade Frames for 17 years in business from all at Spectus

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CONGRATULATIONS

T R A D E F R A M E S


26

A sparkling acquisition at the end of 2013 saw JosephAsh Galvanizing confirm its position at the forefront ofthe country’s steel finishing services industry.

The move, hailed as great news for customers by MD StevenHopkins, saw the Joseph Ash Group bring in the sales andlogistics operation of Arkinstall Galvanizing, to run from one ofits own sites in Brineton Street, Walsall.

Arkinstall vehicle fleet and drivers have been transferred toJoseph Ash Walsall while other staff joined the customerservice team.

“It all went through smoothlyand we are thrilled to haveadded further operations toour services,” says Steven.

“Joseph Ash Galvanizingcontinues to grow,organically and throughacquisitions, and is pleasedto be able to offer additionalsales and transportoperations to benefitexisting Arkinstall Tividalecustomers, as well as ours.

“The transfer of Arkinstall’s vehicle fleet, drivers and staff to ourcustomer services has ensured a seamless transition andsupported existing relationships and was a great way to end 2013.”

To anyone who knows Joseph Ash Galvanizing, ensuringcustomer requirements remained of high priority throughout theacquisition process comes as no surprise.

Customer care, twinned with technical expertise are the guidingprinciples which have steered Joseph Ash ever since theBirmingham chemist’s son founded the company in 1857.

In the last 150+ years it has developed into the UK industryleader it is today, offering hot dip galvanising – a chemicalprocess to protect steelwork against corrosion - spingalvanizing, shot blasting and powder coating.

Now with seven plants nationwide, Joseph Ash Galvanizingcustomer base spans large construction companies andfabricators to fencing and agricultural specifiers, governmentdepartments and metal sculpture artists.

Galvanizing at Joseph Ash plants adhere to the coatingsrequirements of BS EN ISO 1461:2009 and BS EN ISO 9000quality assurance specifications, and in addition, one of theplant has the enviable status as England’s only steel finisher togain approved galvanizer status from Akzo Nobel for one-stopshop services. It is also the only approved Akzo Nobel and IGPpaint applicator.

“We work to continually improve our in-house efficiencies andskills in order to remain competitive,” says Steven. “I rate ourwell-trained staff as one of our greatest business successesand feel extremely fortunate to have a committed and loyalworkforce, who are always prepared to go the extra mile andensure we are all singing from the same hymn sheet.

“Whether your project is large or small, we will thrive on thechallenge of delivering exactly what you need.”

For further information aboutJoseph Ash Galvanizing and its

services, visit www.josephash.co.ukTo make an enquiry email [email protected]

or call 01922 709982

Additional services include:• Collection and delivery.

• On-site storage facilities.

• Bundling, packing and export containerisation.

• A one-stop shop for shot blasting, galvanizing andpowder coating (at the Sittingbourne plant).

• A Technical Support Department with highly-qualifiedteam has a wealth of experience in the galvanizingindustry.

32717 QPD (2)_HorseWorld 23/05/2014 13:38 Page 1

27

“By maintaining in-house manufacture and quality control, wecan extend this attention to detail still further by offeringbespoke solutions, allowing customers to use our extensiveexperience and expertise in creating customised products,”adds Richard.

“We also manufacture bespoke products such as EdgeProtection Solutions. Whatever your budget we are happy tohelp so please do get in touch.”

It’s not just about supplying what the customer wants, it’s alsoensuring it’s delivered when the customer wants, andTrademagic is proud to be able to offer a range of transportsolutions to do just that.

The Walsall business has been manufacturing andsupplying everything required for the sector since 2006and is now renowned for not only the quality of productsand service but as a champion for British manufacturing.

Steering the company to greater and greater heights are SalesDirector Richard Hocknull and his wife, Operations DirectorAmy, both dedicated to ensuring the company partners withonly the very best British suppliers who are willing to helpTrademagic achieve its goals.

They are backed by an expert workforce, every one of which iswilling to go the extra mile for customers.

Based on the Firsteel Works, Trademagic uses state-of-the-artmachinery to produce and supply top-of-the-range, yet cost-effective, baseplates, post pallets, fitting bins, ladders, along withan ever-growing list of other products for the scaffolding industry.

Everything can be manufactured in a variety of finishes, withbranding opportunities also available, depending on thecustomer’s requirement.

TrademagicUnit B Firsteel WorksBrockhurst Crescent

Walsall WS5 4AX

The Trademagic team are the scaffolding superstars of the construction industry.

www.rapidfast.co.uk

Suppliers of all types of industrial fasteners to the defence, engineering,electronics and construction sectors.Materials include stainless and titanium as well as steel. If you have a fastener requirement,talk to us, we can help.

We are proud to support Trademagic and would like to wish them all the best for the future.

Quality fasteners at competitive prices

RAPID INDUSTRIAL FASTENERS LTD


28

Options include HGV lorries, the Palletways transport networkand courier deliveries and if it’s the order of an item in stock,the goal is to get it to any customer across the UK within threeworking days. There are also options for next day and varioustimed deliveries.

A member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce andthe Federation of Small Businesses, this ISO 9001 accreditedcompany began by manufacturing 500,000 scaffoldingbaseplates (all hand welded) in its first year .

It’s gone on to grow 40% year on year and, along with a hugerange of products, which is about to be expanded to includesteel cup lock and Kwikstage boards, today sells more than twomillion baseplates annually. Each one is manufactured using fullyautomated machinery and the investment in technologycontinues with the arrival of a robot welder due this year.

In all, a staggering 12 million baseplates have been delivered tothe scaffolding industry.

Now that’s Trademagic.

For further information about thecompany, it’s products and services

visit www.trade-magic.co.ukAlternatively, telephone 0121 270 8644

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A&J Welding Supplies LtdWelding Industry Together


29

A new website has been designed and now appears on theinternet, replacing the old one as part of improving itspromotion to the market place.

A collaboration effort with the UKTI has been started with anexport drive into the German market, to see what other Germancustomers George Dyke can supply.

The company’s focus now is on expanding its client range whilestill providing the standards and services their existingcustomers rely on. The new investment has enabled them tosupply a wider range of industries than ever before, as theyrealise the strength that comes from diversity.

In addition to expanding their UK client base George Dyke islooking overseas, exploring and winning new export opportunities.

In August theCompany will beexhibiting at the ONSevent in Stavangerwhich is primarily oiland gas.

The company are verypleased that due toincreased efficiencyand economies ofscale, that in common

with some other Midlands’ manufacturers, they are competingfor and winning business back from China and India.

They consider this as a growing trend, as markets come torealise that unit cost is only part of the equation, while quality,flexibility and convenience play very importantly into the costbenefit calculations that manufacturers have to consider.

They have some direct business in the USA at present and arelooking to expand more into this market. There are opportunitiesthat have already been identified and are being pursued.

The future is looking very bright for George Dyke ForgemastersLtd, between new and returning customers, and expanding exportsales all their efforts are starting to show an excellent return.

For more information visit the website www.george-dyke.co.uk

or telephone 0121 526 7138

George Dyke Forgemasters are still forging ahead with itsbusiness plans into 2014 and now that the majority ofnew plant has been installed in the factory, focus hasbeen shifted to improve the office environment and at thesame time increase its office space. This work has nowbeen completed and has created better facilities for ourstaff and customers.

Further investment has continued in the toolroom with the additionof a second Hurco cnc machining centre to keep pace with theextra new business and products the Company is enjoying.

The company which started making earth wearing parts in the1980’s for the Dowdeswell reversible ploughs, now supplies adiverse range of manufacturing sectors, from traditionalengineering, commercial vehicle engine parts, construction andagriculture, through to the highly specialised markets for petrochemical, oil and gas.

George Dyke now have the ability to forge aluminiumcomponents and have recently successfully supplied parts to anew client. This will open up new avenues for the Company inthis material.

Further new business tied in with 2 to 3 year contracts hasbeen won which has proved a good spread of products acrossthe entire range of hammers and presses.


30

The steel you need

At Dyfed Steels Midlands we take pride in being able to match a customer’s specification to the letter, no matter how complex and no matter what the urgency.

We are particularly pleased, therefore, to supply George Dyke with the steel they need.

Developing bespoke stockholding arrangements with customers like George Dyke distinguishes our service.

So we would like to say ‘thank you George Dyke’, we are delighted to play our part in your continued success.

Dyfed Steels Midlands, Cardale Street, Rowley Regis, West Midlands B65 0LY, England Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)121 559 8778 (sales) Fax: +44 (0)121 561 5007


31

Birmingham-based Industrial Washing Machines Limited(IWM) is celebrating achieving The Queen’s Award forEnterprise – International Trade 2014. IWM won theAward in recognition of its outstanding export growth andperformance in markets worldwide.

The prestigious awards are madeannually by HM The Queen, and

are only given for the highestlevels of excellencedemonstrated in each category.

IWM, established over 30years ago, is one of the UK’sleading developers andmanufacturers of washing and

sanitising equipment. In 2009, thecompany’s directors took the decision to make a majorinvestment in increasing its export market penetration in orderto open up new growth opportunities.

This investment, combined with IWM’s commitment tounderstanding and addressing the specific needs of users ineach of the markets it serves, has led to outstanding successin overseas markets, with the company’s export salesincreasing by more than 570% over a period of four years. TheQueen’s Award specifically recognises IWM’s exportachievements over the last three years, which have seen thecompany successfully penetrate markets that include the USA,Canada, Mexico, Australia, Republic of Ireland, Egypt, Thailand,South Africa, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Finland.

“Winning The Queen’s Award is a truly fantastic reward for theinward investment and tremendous effort those concerned at

IWM have put into developing andproducing machines to meet the needsof overseas customers” said Carl Hollier,

Offering a comprehensive blasting service to our customers

www.qualityblasting.com

We are a manufacturing solution to weld mark and paint removal, descaling and abrasive cleaning. We are also a design solution for wide ranging finishes on stainless steel and aluminium and wood distressing.

We are proud to support Industrial Washing Machines Ltdand wish them all the best for the future.

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32

Managing Director of IWM. “We’re confident that the prestigeassociated with the Award will give a further boost to oursuccess and will allow us to invest even more in productdevelopment and our manufacturing facilities to ensure acontinued expansion to our export drive around the globe”

IWM supplyhundreds ofcompaniesaround the worldwithin all areas ofthe foodproducing andprocessingindustry, the

pharmaceutical sector,numerous industrial / automotive

companies and, increasingly over recent years, the logistics /distribution industry has been using IWM’s range of highthroughput washing and drying systems for supermarketdistribution crates.

Turnover has increased year on year and although the companyare extremely proud of their export achievements IWM aredetermined not to lose sight of the opportunities that existwithin the UK marketplace and are determined to providesustained sales growth in both in the UK and export markets.

Carl Hollier comments, “Although we are putting enormouseffort into our export programme, we are always conscious thatwe must never lose focus on our home market. We have,therefore, also invested heavily in a new purpose built

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demonstration area at our main facility and we will be exhibitingat two major UK shows this year at the NEC in Birmingham.”

IWM has exciting plans for further growth throughout 2014 and will,in conjunction with its agency partners, be exhibiting in Chicago(USA), Dubai (UAE) and Melbourne (Australia). All of these exhibitionswill be supported by staff from IWM to ensure that company’sagents benefit from comprehensive support and assistance.

To find out more, visit www.indwash.co.ukAlternatively email [email protected] or telephone 0121 459 9511

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We operate a comprehensive fleet of trucks from 1 to 44 tonnes and are Licensed Waste Carriers. With over 40 years in the industry.

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33

Over 25 years ago high quality Scale Models started to beproduced in a very small facility in Birmingham andcontinues to this day.

The Scale Model Department grew and still produces highdefinition resin, metal and rubber parts for aircraft, trains, cars,tractors, ships and figures in a range of sizes from “T” scale upto ¼ scales. We also produce castings for the Games Industry,including Hawk Wargames and Military Models. These finequality parts are shipped to customers all over the world.

The skills required for the manufacture of collectable resinmodels which also includes high precision silicone moulds,metal casting and production of rubber components, openedup other industrial markets including Automotive, Medical,Aerospace and Electronics to name just a few. Initially, the formof Rapid Prototypes were produced mainly from two-partPolyurethane and Epoxy resins , and have now, over the years,been jointly developed to replicate many forms of injectionmoulding grades such as ABS. Components can be chromed,sprayed, silver or gold plated and metallised to supply thecustomer’s exact type of finish.

Now based at Spitfire Park in Birmingham with over 45,000square feet of Production Space with a growing workforce,CMA also has two other departments –

Rapid Prototypes/Low Volume Production andSpecialised Artwork

Today, CMA is using numerous two-part resin grades includinghigh impact resistant, flexible, rigid, high temperature resistantand self-coloured materials to replicate subsequent injectionmoulded parts for high volume production. By using highlydeveloped processes which include Reactive Injection Moulding

(RIM), Vacuum & Pressure casting, Rotocasting and Centrifugalmethods, we offer a service second to none for either rapidlysupplied prototypes or increasingly, Low Volume Productionruns. Castings range from just a few grams up to many kilosand from very small dimensional parts up to some that

are over 2½ metres in length. Typical mouldings includeautomotive parts such as Dashboards, Sills, Wheel arches,Door liners, Bumpers, Spoilers, Clear or coloured lenses andDoor Mirrors. For other markets, products include DisplayScreen Surrounds, Flexible Hoses, IPad supports, Protectivecovers, Production Jigs and Marine assemblies.

Another area of expertise for CMA is their skilful ability to ReverseEngineer components, typically automotive components no longeravailable or non-stocked spare parts. Also, in recent yearsnumerous mouldings and casting for Classic, Vintage andCollectors vehicles where parts until now, were unobtainable.Production of parts for the Automotive After-Market is alsoincreasing and has led to a full production team and increasedworkshop space to accommodate for this important area ofgrowth. Another area of substantial growth being the supply ofcomponent parts for World Rally Championship Team entrantsand other Motor Sport Cars and Motorbikes.

Apart from industrial applications, CMA also has a verySpecialist ART Department. Producing an extremely widerange of sculptures, trophies, encapsulated effects, interiordesigns including lighting, coffee/dining/bedside tables, exteriorsignage, bollards, statues, Public Commissions and numerousbespoke Limited Edition designs.

In addition, CMA supplies other market areas such asExhibition Displays, Films, Television and Theatres, Point-of-Sale items, Promotional gifts and many diverse Special Effects.


34

MG and Longbridge, two words to make the heartsof British sports car aficionados beat faster.

Celebrating 90 years of manufacturing stylish cars that areexciting and fun to drive, modern MGs are designed,engineered and undergoing final assembly at MG’s historichome in Longbridge, Birmingham. The Midland’s basedmanufacturer has also just been confirmed as the fastestgrowing brand in the UK.

The marque has driven triumphantly into the 21st century, withnew models and updated styling, thanks to substantialinvestment by its owners. The SAIC Motor Corporation of Chinaacquired the brand in 2008, bringing a new lease of life not justto the iconic marque but to the whole Longbridge area.

SAIC has bought two new MGs to the UK market, since 2008,the C/D segment MG6, launched in 2012 and, most recently,the MG3 supermini.

The MG6 GT fastback and Magnette models, benefit from theimpressive sporty handling to be expected from the marque,available in both petrol and diesel variants, all specificationsfeature exceptional high levels of equipment as standard;including Satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, cruisecontrol, leather steering wheel, front parking sensors, 18” alloywheels, rear parking camera, leather trim, Bluetooth, automaticheadlights, automatic windscreen wipers and electric heatedseats. The web site has full details www.mg.co.uk

Managers looking to upgrade and “green” their fleet will findthat the MG6 diesel variants have become a viable fleet optionfor the first time thanks to the reduction in C02 emissions andsome excellent leasing packages available from all MG retailers.

If this weren’t exciting enough, the MG6’s sporting credentialswere on display at the end of March in the Dunlop MSA BritishTouring Car Championship 2014, when MG took to the gridonce again with the successful MG6 GT model that hasconsistently fought at the front of the pack since a famous racewinning debut in 2012.

The MG3 supermini benefits from many of the attributes of theMG6; launched to UK customers in late 2013, the MG3 hasproduced an impressive spike in the company’s Q1 figures, ontop of boosting the company’s December figures to a recordlevel. Its success is not attributable to any one factor but a low4E insurance group, competitive pricing, improved residuals ofup to 61 percent, high levels of equipment available across therange as standard, as well as class leading interior and bootspace all contribute.

MG have announced pocket friendly PCP offers, from £99 amonth for MG3, and from £199 a month for MG6, as well as aQ2 package of offers on MG6 models, including a freespecification upgrade, worth up to £3000.

Please visit the web site

www.mg.co.uk for details, and to find your nearest dealership from

among the rapidly expanding network.


35

JUST TYRESNO HIDDEN EXTRAS

Just Tyres is anxious that customers are well informed andcompletely clear about how much the work will cost andexactly what work will be carried out. Their philosophy is tooperate in an open and honest fashion to ensure that yourpurchase will provide good service and good value at acompetitive price.

The name says it all, Just Tyres specialise in all thingstyre and wheel related, including wheel alignment, wheelrefurbishment and alloy wheels.

Just Tyres, which was established in 1990, are the UK’s leadingindependent tyre fitter and pride themselves on offering the bestservice in the industry; they are passionate about tyres and offergreat value to both private vehicle owners and fleet managers. As

members of the MajorFleet Dealer Networks,they are able to acceptwork from all the majorcontract hire, leasingand vehicle managementcompanies.

They currently have 38tyre fitting centresnationwide and areexpanding rapidly. Theyare very proud to begrowing when so manyother companies arefailing and attribute theirsuccess to being anindependent company,with carefully recruitedand experienced staffable to offer the bestunbiased advice as towhich tyres would bemost suitable for yourvehicle, and drivingpurposes. Each of theircentres offers you notonly expert knowledgebut a wide choice oftyre brands.

Who do car makers trust?

about the manufacturers’ choice.

askconti.co.uk


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The company realises that their success is based on the first rateservice they provide to their customers, so they carry out acontinuous programme of staff development and investment inpremises, while continuously reviewing the quality of the tyres theystock to ensure their prices remain competitive for customers.

Just Tyres is soconfident in thecompetitive nature oftheir pricing that theyoffer a lowest priceguarantee. If you canproduce a current andlocal (within 20 mileradius), advertisementor written quotation forthe tyre you bought at alower price within 7days of your purchase,Just Tyres guaranteesto refund the difference.This guarantee does notapply to internet basedoffers/quotes.

Ian Grant, ManagingDirector, explained, “Weare confident thatwhatever you arelooking for in your tyres,we will be able toprovide it, along withgreat value pricing andexcellent service. Webelieve in givingcustomers the bestservice in the industry,and that is why we havehappy and loyal

customers that keep coming back. We aim to not just meetyour need for tyres and Wheels but also make it a quick andsimple process”.

For more information and to find a centre nearyou please visit the websitewww.justtyres.co.uk

or if you are in the area drop in to see them atone of their centres, you are sure of a friendly

welcome.

CALL US TODAY ON

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37

For many enthusiasts their classic British sports car is theirpride and joy, and owners spend many hours caring for theirvehicles, but when something needs replacing, accessingtop quality spare parts can be fraught with difficulty.

Step forward DJA Auto International Ltd, established for over30 years, and the foremost manufacturer of classic sports cardiscs and drums in the world for vehicles such as JaguarXK150, E Types, MK9/10, Sunbeam Alpine / Tiger, Rapiers,MGA, MGB, MGC, TR3 - 4-5-6, Healey 3000, Stags, Spitfiresand more. If the car is a collectable they probably makecomponents, Brake Discs, Drums, or Cables for it.

Originally founded as a distributor of auto parts, DJA soonexpanded, manufacturing, brake discs and drums, controlcables and exhaust manifolds.

An extensive catalogue is available todownload from the web offering asuperb range of modern andclassic parts. Forget high prices,poor quality reproduction partsor dubious pre-used parts andindifferent service and buy new,purpose built components byDJA Auto International wherethey pride themselves both onthe quality of their classic andsports car parts and their firstclass service.

Proud to be a British companyserving the world widecommunity of classic British carowners, DJA Auto Internationalship components to whereverin the world they are neededwhether for a complete rebuild orjust the odd part.

DJA also manufacture Venetian Blind Open and Shut TiltControl Cables.

Email at [email protected] call on 01527 62940

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38

thinking aheadon. He said that their centre “will avoid food being transportedanywhere it doesn’t need to go.”

Two of the company’s imperatives are customer service andcare for the environment. By providing a single point of contactfor seamless logistics between port, warehousing, distributionand retailer, NFT aims to create value and efficiencies in thesupply chain whilst minimising food miles and reducing overallemissions, thus satisfying both criteria.

With over 30 years’ experience at the forefront of food logistics,NFT is firmly positioned as the UK market leader in chilleddistribution. Its complex primary logistics solutions cover thecomplete spectrum of the supply chain for food and drinkproducts, including chilled, ambient and frozen.

NFT aims to be the logistics partner of choice in the industryand develops tailored solutions to solve the needs of itscustomers’ supply chains. It provides solutions based onsuperior service at the most competitive price achievable.

For more information please visit the websitewww.nft.co.uk or telephone 0845 481 2645

Bringing fresh thinking into chilled food distribution, in anexciting move, NFT the UK’s leading provider of logisticssolutions for the food, retail and manufacturing sectors,is making a major investment into Multi TemperaturePortcentric logistics in the South East.

In April, NFT completed a deal with new private equity investorEmergeVest, injecting additional capital to enhance its specialistexpertise, systems and market access in the UK and overseas.

As part of thisinvestment, it announcedits expansion intoPortcentric logistics inthe South East. It will bedeveloping a state of theart, temperature-controlled handlingfacility located directlyalongside one of the

largest dockside facilities in Europe within 12-18 months.

The exact location will be announced at the end of August, butit will be strategically located to provide optimum inboundsolutions covering the ports of Dover/Folkestone, Purfleet,Tilbury and London Gateway.

As a premium food multi-temperature transhipmentplatform the facility willprovide over 20,000 palletsof Portcentric temperature-controlled storage anddistribution, and a crossdocking capability for deepchill, chilled and ambient

cargo. The optimised logistics will ensure a faster turnaroundfor containers from arrival thus reducing demurrage bills,improved pallet fill per delivery, improved container utilisation(no empty container mileage), and consequently decreasetransport costs and result in an improved carbon footprint.

Over £38bn worth of food is imported into the UK every year,much of which is chilled. With growing consumer demand forinternational foods and lower prices in supermarkets, plusretailer requirements for increased on-shelf availability, thisdevelopment is pivotal in meeting the needs of NFT’s majorclients such as ASDA, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer.

Dale Fiddy, Sales and Marketing Director, said that while the UKis likely to stay dependent on imported foods, reducing thenumber of miles each consignment actually travels will improvestandards and help the environment.

He explained that currently, food comes into the country is thenshipped to a central warehouse somewhere, before beingreloaded for transporting to another distribution point, and so

www.nft.co.uk

For immediate support with your UK and European logistics requirements call

+44 (0)1773 523523

Access a rapidly growing gateway into the UK market with NFT: Over 20,000 pallets of Portcentric temperature-controlled storage and distribution

A premium food multi-temperature transhipment platform

Cross docking capability for deep chill, chilled and ambient cargo

Import/Export temperature controlled consolidation

Faster turnaround time for containers from arrival

Eliminate/reduce container demurrage

Better container utilisation for shippers

Optimised total end-to-end logistics costs utilising NFT’s market leading networks

Lower transport costs – no empty container mileage

Lower carbon footprint for both sea and road freight

Improved pallet fill per delivery

– 26 pallets per standard box trailer vs. 21 pallets per standard 40’ container


39

Contraload has been serving the UK and the Europeanmarket for over 14 years, providing a pooling and rentalservice to manufacturers and businesses that have arequirement for plastic pallets, IBC Containers and DryBulk Containers, particularly in the Food, Packaging, RawMaterials, FMCG, Pharmaceutical, Industrial andIngredient Markets.

Contraload is able to take away your hassle and headaches andcan supply, wash, deliver and collect pallets and containers tocarry your liquids, products and ingredients between your plantsand end customers or between your suppliers and your plants.This helps manage your logistics supply chain in a cost effectivemanner. They also reuse, recycle and remanufacture theirproducts. They are also sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Contraload offer a range of plastic pallets in both 800 mm x1200 mm and 1200 mm x 1000 mm sizes as well as 1000 litreIBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) for dry produce and liquids.About 85% of their movements are on pallets, the other 15%being made up of drums and bins.

Supply chainefficiencies andcost savings arecreated fromContraload’seffectivedeployment ofpooling, a form ofresourcemanagement thatrefers to efficiently

grouping together and deploying resources (in this case loadcarriers and transport) for the purposes of maximizingadvantage and/or minimizing risk to the users.

Rental and Trip Fee pooling is an established method ofreducing capital expenditure on pallets and containers andContraload are experts.

The use of Contraload Food Grade plastic pallets reduces therisk of wood contamination and gives you a strong sustainableplatform to store and move your materials between factories,suppliers and inter company. If you have concerns aboutcontamination in the supply chain in production zones and foodmanufacturing, Contraload use BRC accredited wash plants toensure your pallets and containers are fresh, clean andhygienic. If you are considering a change from wooden palletsto a more hygienic load carrier - call us 0121 2701007.

Contraload believes in developing strong relationships with theirclients, a policy that has resulted in an extensive client base ofover 650 customers and now ship to over 1500 end usersconnecting 27 countries. Contraload works with their strategictransport partners to deliver and collect products on a regularbasis, tracking all movements.

Pallets and containers are washed to ISO22000 standards afterevery trip unless specifically requested otherwise by the client andare inspected to ensure that they meet Contraload’s standards forcleanliness and structural integrity. Contraload partners in differentcountries also wash Contraload equipment to the highestcleansing standards, complying with HACCP related monitoring ofprocessing equipment, surfaces and water samples.

Andrew Wilson, Managing Director stated, “Contraload hasevolved from being a supplier of pooled pallets and containersto a real partner with our customers. We can come to yourplant and review all your inbound flows and do a full analysis ofwhere we can help you manage your supply chain and we areflexible, team driven and listen to our customers’ needs. It isthe people we have in our service team that make thedifference; please call to see how we can help you”.

Should you have requirements for moving materialsand had not thought about pooling and rental then

please call Contraload on 0121 270 1007email them at: [email protected]

Contraload Sustainable Supply Chain support with pooling pallets

and containers

Helping you carry the Load.

CLD Commercial TeamCathie Cudd, Andrew Wilson and Karen Archer


40

Bucking all the recent trends, Kite Packaging, a nationalcompany, has a steady record of significant growth andnow figures as a true regional and national success storyhaving just undergone a massive expansion of itsMidlands branch, Kite’s largest site in the UK.

The company, which was established in 2001, has 6 busybranches serving the whole of the UK, and a website,www.kitepackaging.co.uk introduced in 2004, to cater for on-line sales and enquiries.

The Midlands branch, which is Coventry based, recently boughtthe entire Trading Estate next door to its existing premises aspart of a £3.5 million investment programme, expanding itsproperty footprint from 69,000 sq ft to 179,000 sq ft, andbecoming landlords to the two existing tenants in the process.

The extra space has allowed them to recruit a whole new team- S3 (Specialist Services and Solutions) of highly experiencedengineers who have already launched several new products.

Building work began on Kite’s newest Midlands building inJanuary, and recently had its Grand Opening – the new sitehouses the Midlands Major Accounts division and KiteEnvironmental Solutions.

The online business has grown hugely over recent times andfocusses on providing a wide range of packaging supplies atcompetitive prices with prompt deliveries. They carry over2,500 stock products, use fully automated on-line creditaccounts and offer free standard delivery with the option toupgrade to a Next Day service.

Customers include individuals placing a one-off orders throughto businesses buying large quantities of standard product on aregular basis. Online is like every other part of Kite when itcomes to customer service; and the dedicated online team areon-hand to answer any queries you may have.

Kite’s Major Accounts business has also grown significantlyacross all the UK branches, and caters for customers whorequire something extra, and supplies bespoke packaging. Thisend of the market is higher spending with higher servicerequirements and is offered a full supply chain service.

Gavin Ashe, Managing Partner for Kite Packaging explainedthat for their Major Account customers “Kite offers a number ofsupply solutions including stock and serve, JIT, direct line feedand vendor managed packaging as well as service solutionsspecific to particular industries.

“Many of our Major Accounts are multi-site, with deliveryaddresses throughout the UK. This service is provided tobusinesses spending more than £30,000 a year on packaging.To support these customers, Kite has a dedicated team of KeyAccount Managers assisted by a team of highly experiencedPackaging Technologists”

Kite is an employee owned business which gives every memberof the team an interest in the success of the business and ashare of the benefits that come from giving great customerservice; and customer service and satisfaction is just whatKite’s success is founded upon.

For more information please call Kite’s friendly teamon: 0247 642 0065

or visit the website: www.kitepackaging.co.uk

Your UK Packaging Partners

Kite Chairman Bruce McInnes and Managing Partners at new building Grand Opening


41

Local businesses and national corporations alike arechoosing the new Midlands Technology Centre for theirmeetings and conferencing needs.

Since taking over the former Wolverhampton Fire ControlCentre in December, IT firm Oosha Ltd have transformed the£10million building into a thriving hub of business. Convenientlylocated just off Junction 2 of the M54, the high specificationvenue is ideal for companies of any size who are looking forexcellence in facilities and service.

Based at the Wolverhampton Business Park, the building isalso perfect for multi-day events. The centre is neighboured bya hotel, two pub/restaurants and a gym within the park itself,suitable for those making overnight stays.

The expansive 30,000 sq. ft. building has facilities across threefloors to accommodate for groups of all shapes and sizes.Groups as small as eight to ten or as large as sixty will findthemselves comfortable in one of the first floor rooms, while thetheatre-style main hall can play host to up to three hundred.

All rooms are fully equipped with laptops, white boards, plasmaTV’s and telecommunications. Interest in the centre from theeducation sector has seen sponsorship from school technologyproviders, supplying SMART Boards and interactive tables forteacher training and conferences. Sophisticated motion and

humidity sensors regulate the building’s temperature and lightsfor optimal comfort.

All on the premises are invited to use Bytes, the excellent in-house café, offering appetising hot and cold meals. Formeetings and conferences, Bytes can provide a delicious rangeof freshly prepared breakfasts, lunch buffets and afternoonteas, delivered straight to your room. In addition, all meetingrooms are supplied with tea and coffee throughout the day.

The centre and its ample carparking are secured by tripleperimeter fencing and CCTVsystems, while the state-of-the-art data centre issurrounded by the mostadvanced backup power

generators, UPS, and fire suppression systems.

The Midlands Technology Centre is unique amongstconferencing venues in that it features its own full time supportteam in Oosha, one of the Midlands’ leading IT infrastructureand hosting providers, who are located on-site. All of the roomshave a direct phone line to support at all times, who are happyto assist in any way they can.

Its M54 location makes the Midlands Technology Centre anunparalleled solution for businesses across the Midlands,Shropshire, and further afield. With up to a hundred delegatesvisiting the centre every day, the building is buzzing withactivity. With its exceptional facilities and convenient location,the centre is rapidly becoming the first choice venue forforward-looking companies of all sizes.

FACILITIES:• Large Main Hall for Conference events

• 14 additional suites to hire for meetings,training or workshops

• Variety of flexible seating arrangements

• All rooms furnished with interativewhiteboards, projectors, plasma etc.

• 10GB internet connection and WIFI

• Conference Call Facilities

• Laptops and IT equipment available for day hire

• 90 onsite car parking spaces

MIDLANDS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE,BROADLANDS, WOLVERHAMPTON,WEST MIDLANDS, WV10 6TB

CALL: 0845 1234 [email protected]


42

Careful planning is the key to asuccessful conference, that, and settingaside a realistic budget. Start in plentyof time as there are a lot of decisions tomake, and preferred venues are oftenbooked up well in advance.

Decide what the purpose of the event is,what you expect to achieve, who the eventis for, and is it private or public.

Private conferences are often held whenlarge companies need to get theiremployees together to either celebrate asuccess, start a new initiative, or to informabout new products and staff.

On the other a hand a public conference isone where it is up to the organisers of theconference to attract people to attend.Conferences that are free to attend areusually either government sponsored, tofacilitate some knowledge sharing, or to geta particular group of people together, as ina party conference, or they are paid for by acompany that has a product to promote,such as a new book launch.

In some cases a public conference will beheld purely to make money from the peoplepaying to attend. In this case there will be alot of focus on advertising and marketingthe conference to attract paying customers.

Then decide on the venue. The size andstyle will be determined by the number ofattendees expected and your budget. Thechoice of location needs to take intoaccount access, transport links, parking,and conference amenities such as lay out,screens, projectors, audio etc., cateringfacilities, health and safety issues, and the

season; for example it is no use booking anopen air event or one in a marquee in thedepths of winter, or a venue without airconditioning at the height of summer! Theassistance of a professional venue findersuch as First4Venues can be very helpfulwhen trying to choose the most appropriatelocation for your event.

There are a wealth of conference venuesout there from hotels to designatedconference centres of all sizes, some formalsome slightly more quirky such as a narrowboat, some suitable for a select fewdelegates, others vast, such as theInternational Convention Centre inBirmingham, or sizeable with added interestsuch as Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit,the choice is endless. Then companiessuch De Vere Venues have a wide choice ofvenues dedicated to business conferencesand events available.

Then there is the important question ofspeakers. Invite good speakers, boringspeakers will blight the whole event, checkby having a run through or a rehearsalbeforehand. Likewise with a celebrity, starquality is great but can be expensive andnot always good value, listen to them speakelsewhere first before making that kind ofinvestment. Speakers could be your friends,for your fees to be cheap, or renownedspeakers in their fields, for an effective andpurposeful conference.

Allow time for a question and answersession, to be managed and controlled bythe host.

Then, decide who is to act as host? Thehost plays a key role in holding the function

together. In a private conference one of thecompany directors may take on the role ofhost, otherwise it is often the person taskedwith organising the conference, again checkthat whoever is designated host iscomfortable speaking in public.

Create clear professional support materialthat makes clear the aims of the conference,the agenda, who the speakers are, and theirrelevant expertise, and a map for delegatesto find their way about the venue in theevent of the conference taking place inseparate locations within the venue.Invitations should contain not just the time,subject of the conference and its generallocation, but directions and local informationabout accommodation, if necessary.

Hosting a conference does take time andeffort. Preplanning and good organizationare the keys to success. There is as muchhelp as you need. For a short conferencewith a small audience, you might be able todo much of the work yourself, whereas alarger, more complex conference mayrequire assistance from experts, such as aprofessional conference planner, speakers’bureau representative, and a caterer.

Professional conference planners are oftenable, due to their network of contacts, tonegotiate very favourable rates, meaning thattaking advantage of their industry nous mayend up costing less than you might expect.

Once it is all over, take time to evaluate, didthe event achieve what you set out to do,how could it have been improved and whataspects worked best.

Happy conferencing!!

Conferences

32709 1pg_Transport Warehousing 04/07/2014 13:28 Page 1

43

Directors, Charlotte Booth and Wendy Burrowsunderstand the importance of finding the right venue foryour event and are committed to finding just the rightlocation, whether for a private board meeting, corporatehospitality or an annual conference.

A conference is a major event and should show your companyoff to its best advantage, whether it is an in house event forcompany employees or a more public affair for customers andbusiness associates, perhaps staged to launch a new productor service.

It is difficult to overestimate the critical importance of image, wetalk about location, location in connection with the propertymarket but it is just as true for your choice of conferencevenue. The venue for your conference makes a clear statementabout your company and its standing in your industry.

First4venues have over 20 years of experience within thecorporate, hotel, catering and leisure industry and will find justthe right venue for your event whether in the UK or overseas.Indeed, this year alone they have already held events in Paris,Istanbul, Budapest and Amsterdam.

They will be able to offer the perfect location for your eventfrom over 36,000 different venues on their database, fromhotels, conference centres and stately homes to sportsstadiums, theme parks and museums.

The team at First4venues are friendly, experienced andprofessional and having taken the time to establish yourobjectives, requirements and importantly, your budget. Theycan provide interesting suggestions, some of which may

surprise you at first and will all not only meet but exceed yourexpectations, to provide that extra WOW factor.

It is their industry knowledge that differentiates theirsuggestions, their team are familiar with the majority of thevenues they work with and have preferred venues that they canrecommend to you based on your objectives.

Wendy Burrows explained, “When sourcing venues we considerall aspects of your event from any specific requirements thatyou may have through to your budget needs. Our relationshipswith the venues enable us to negotiate the best rates andterms as well as added benefits to enhance your event.”

After all, establishing the venue is only a part of organising asuccessful event. First4venues can also provide a full eventmanagement service if required, covering all the administrationof your event. If it’s just help that you need with entertainment,such as after dinner speakers, team building activity organisersor other evening entertainment, First4venues can help here too.

They enjoy a challenge, so no matter how unusualyour event or location, give them a call

now on 0845 0099296 to discuss your requirementswith one of their friendly helpful team.

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44

De Vere Venues ColmoreGate, situated in the heartof Birmingham is one ofthe city’s premier businessspaces, comprising of twoprime floors of the strikingglass sky scraper, withuninterrupted views acrossthe bustling Colmorebusiness district.

Colmore Gate, which waslaunched by De Vere Venuesin 2012, provides 18 individualbright and airy meetingspaces, each flooded withnatural light, designed to fit awide variety of businessrequirements from largeconferences, with capacity for150 delegates, through toone-to-one training roomsand intimates spaces ideal forsmaller business meetings.

With free WI-FI throughout,Colmore Gate also boasts thelatest audio visual equipment,including LCD screens andplasma TVs available acrossthe venue, providing theperfect location to host apresentation. Each fullyequipped meeting room iscapable of meeting the mostdemanding of businessrequests which is why DeVere Venues remains the UK’sNo1 provider of conference,meeting and event space.

De Vere Venues’ dedicatedteam of meeting and eventspecialists are committed toensuring each event held atColmore Gate runs smoothlyalways going the extra mile toensure each and everydelegate experiences the verybest of De Vere Venuesfamous hospitality during their

visit. This includes innovativeconcepts like the Verve Deli,an all new dining experiencewith a menu designed toenergise and motivatedelegates, including fresh andnutritious salads, wraps andfruit bowls, as well as freshlysqueezed juices andsmoothies. For those with asweeter tooth, homemadesnacks including freshflapjacks and popcorn areavailable to accompany a midmorning latte or refreshing cupof speciality tea.

De Vere Venues have alsorecently relaunched their multimillion pound loyalty scheme‘Showtime Rewards.’ Thescheme, which is exclusive toDe Vere Venues, offers onepoint for every pound spentacross the entire venueportfolio, including ColmoreGate. Points can be spent ina plethora of retailersnationwide, including Harrods,Selfridges and John Lewis.

The addition of a range of experience days as well as VirginHoliday vouchers means that bookers now have more choicethan ever before when it comes to redeeming their loyaltypoints. On top of all this, for every booking enquiry made,potential Colmore Gate clients receive two free cinema tickets,without even having had to secure the booking.

One of the most easily accessible business centres inBirmingham, Colmore Gate is just a short walk fromBirmingham Snow Hill station and Birmingham New Streetstation, with easy access from the M6 motorway and ampleparking via the adjacent NCP car park, which offers a specialistdelegate rate of £4.50 per day.

To find out more about De Vere Venues ColmoreGate, please visit:

http://www.deverevenues.co.uk/en/venues/colmore-gate/

Sky-high meetings from £35 per delegate!

*Terms and conditions apply, see website for details

For more information call

Or click

Call and quote BBP.


45

The Brampton Halt enjoys an idyllic setting overlooking aprivate lake with panoramic views of the Northamptonshirecountryside. It has been sensitively restored to offer the benefitsof a modern pub and restaurant whilst remaining totally inkeeping with its setting.

Gary told us, “The Brampton Halt is one of our premium pubs.We decided to completely refurbish the pub because it wasstarting to look tired and it needed a little bit of love injectinginto the décor.

“We invest in all our pubs every two to three years, but the Haltneeded a little bit more. It’s so successful and in this businessyou can’t just keep on taking, you’ve got to give somethingback to your customers.”

Gary, and his wife Vivienne, have chosen a look in keeping withthe period building and have seen vintage inspired wallpaperhung, brand new carpets laid and railway memorabilia displayed.

However, for some thechanges have taken awhile to get used to.

“Some of the regulars,who don’t like change,took a while to get onboard. But now theyprefer what we’ve done,”Gary said.

“Diners obviouslyapprove of therefurbishment as ourfood turnover keepsgrowing, which is greatto see that people arevoting with their feet.” In

high season Brampton Halt can expect over 3000 covers. ChefCuff Dibra has brought a fresh lease of life to the pub, creatinga menu that offers everything from traditional pub food to moreadventurous gastro dishes. But pride of place will always betaken by their award winning Sunday Roasts, ranked in the Top20 places for roasts in the Sunday Times.

As the summer continues, customers can enjoy a superb BBQplatter in the garden such as a mixed grill made up of prime

The Brampton Halt in the pretty Northamptonshire villageof Chapel Brampton, has undergone a completerefurbishment, but locals, regulars and newcomers canbe reassured that the Brampton’s famous hospitalityremains unchanged.

The pub takes its name from its setting on the Brampton ValleyWay, which is a historic railway line. Brampton Halt is part ofthe family owned McManus group of popular pubs, whichstretches across three counties.

The family have been in the hospitality industry for over 44years and know what their customers want - good food, well-kept ales and a wide range of wines. The family involvementstarted when Anne and Mick McManus grew the pub brandafter buying the Green Man in St James, Northampton.

Since then the McManus pub empire has grown to 19 pubs,stretching across Northamptonshire, Middlesex and Essex, thenin 1986 they handed the business over to their son, Gary, whois the Managing Director today.

The business is still very much family orientated, with Gary’sbrother Paul working as the Operations Director and theirchildren learning the trade from behind the bar.

BRAMPTON HALTTHE

A McManus Company Pub0 1 6 0 4 8 4 2 6 7 6


46

McManus Pub Co (The Brampton Halt)

Kingsthorpe Road, Northampton NN2 6HT

[email protected] or www.holdsworth-foods.co.uk

Supplier of chilled, frozen & ambient foodsto McManus Pub Co

YOUR PARTNER IN RESTAURATION

beef burger,German bratwurstsausage and piri-piri chicken. Fishlovers can enjoy averitable feast ofseafood, which isall cooked on theoutside grill,including seabass, salmon andking prawns

The wide choice ofwines and spirits,beers and RealAles (the Halt is aCasque Marquepub) coupled withthe great foodhave establishedthe pub as a greatoccasion location.The beautiful

setting and onsite marquee create a perfect wedding venue,with the private lake forming an ideal backdrop for those allimportant photographs.

Gary agreed saying “We have seen a boost in our wedding trade,as more and more people discover the beautiful surroundingsthat the pub is located in. We offer a full wedding planningservice and we are able to cater for all sorts of requirements.”

He continued, “This summer is likely to be our biggest yet aswe have been opening up our onsite marquee for the WorldCup. Groups or corporates have been given the opportunity tobook a VIP table, so they can watch all the England games instyle with waitress service and food, which is all included in theprice of the ticket.

Phil Dowson and Christian DaySaints rugby players.

The Brampton Halt was the chosen pub for some of the Saintsplayers to celebrate their momentous Premiership victoryrecently. Pictures were taken of them indulging in a sing songas part of the Halt’s outside open mic night. The customerscertainly enjoyed their rendition and were queuing up to buythem all drinks.

For more information drop in or give them a call on01604 713601 or follow them on

Twitter @McManus_Dine

Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton Northampton NN6 8BA

BRAMPTON HALTTHE


47

The Oak Room restaurant was once the dining room of SirEdward Ansell in the early 1900s and the room retains theelegance of a bygone age with its grand fireplace and oakpanelling - by day it has sweeping views across Moor Hall golfcourse, by night there is a cosy and intimate atmosphere, makingit perfect for a relaxed evening out or a special celebration.

Moor Hall’s culinary team is lead by Charlotte Foster whobegan cooking in a professional kitchen at 15 and has workedher way up to the position of Head Chef, as a result of hercontinued commitment to creating outstanding food from thebest of local produce. Charlotte leads her team with

An AA rosette has been awarded to one of the region’sfavourite hotels for its Oak Room restaurant.

For many people in the Midlands, BEST WESTERN PREMIERMoor Hall Hotel & Spa needs little introduction. Once home toone of Sutton Coldfield’s most famous sons, Bishop Vesey, inthe 16th century, this 4 star country house hotel has beenowned by the Webb family for over 50 years and during thattime it has developed into one of the region’s finest hotels.

With 82 bedrooms, 7conference rooms, animpressive banqueting suite, aLeisure Club & Spa and achoice of restaurants, Moor Hallcertainly ticks all the boxes withcustomers, whether they arestaying in the area for businessor just relaxing for a weekend.The hotel also has a very loyalfollowing among local peoplefor dining and it is the firstchoice for many when there’ssomething to celebrate. Thisyear the staff and directorshave their own reason tocelebrate after having been

awarded a prestigious AA rosette for culinary excellence fortheir Oak Room restaurant.

The long established AArosette schemerecognises excellentcooking across the UK,and a rosette is awardedto restaurants whichstand out in the localarea and serve foodprepared with care,understanding and skill,

using good quality ingredients. Of all the restaurants in the UKapprox 10% are of a standard which is worthy of one rosetteand the award reflects the consistent high quality of food andthe service offered by the team at Moor Hall.

We are proud to supply Wine to Moor Hall Hotel

For more information about any of our productsor services, please call:

01952 291129www.telfordwines.co.uk

[email protected]

Congratulations to The Oak Roomon the recent award of your Rosette. Best wishes for a successful 2014.

TELFORD

WINESEsta

blished

in 1

972


48

enthusiasm to create The Oak Room’s innovative modernBritish menu which offers something for every taste with simpleyet elegant dishes where quality local and seasonal ingredientsdo all the talking; along with the à la carte menu there is also afabulous tasting menu of 7 delicious courses which gives theChefs a real chance to excel. Highlights of the current modernBritish menu include ham hock terrine with crushed hazelnutsand cider apple jelly to start, duo of pork fillet and belly withbraised red cabbage and liquorice jus for main course andcherry brulée with amaretti biscuit for dessert.

Chief Executive, Angela Burns is justifiably proud of this latestaccolade for Moor Hall which will undoubtedly attract morepeople to stay at the hotel, maybe even just to sample thefood! “We are delighted to have received this importantaccolade which is a great tribute to the hard work andcommitment of our talented team, both in the kitchen and frontof house. The AA rosette puts Moor Hall firmly on the map interms of culinary excellence in the area and we know that ourguests are guaranteed a truly memorable dining experience.”

Moor Hall’s Oak Room restaurant offers an a la carte menuMonday to Saturday evenings and is also open for Sundaylunch. For more information visit www.moorhallhotel.co.uk.

Moor Hall Hotel & Spa Moor Hall Drive, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B75 6LN

Call: 0121 308 3751Email: [email protected]

Web: www.moorhallhotel.co.uk

Follow us...

Quality, reliable and fresh fruit & vegetables.

Keith Adams Produce Ltd

Proud to be supporting Moor Hall

01564 793707

Tudor Seafoods LtdSpecialist Seafood Suppliers to the Catering

Unit 21, Fish & Poultry Market,

Wholesale Market, Pershore Street, Birmingham B5 6UB

Tel: 0121 622 6181 (o�ce) Fax: 0121 666 6235

Proud to supportMoor Hall

T: 0121 622 7047E: [email protected]

31/34 Wholesale Market Precinct, Pershore Street, Birmingham B5 6UB

www.heartofengland2000.co.uk

catering throughout the central area

OF eNGLANDCATERING ButcherS

HEART

Heart of England Catering Butchers (2000) Limited is an established, vibrant business, providing high quality Meats, Poultry, Game and Charcuterie to the discerning caterer throughout the central area.

An experienced team of fully quali�ed butchers and a �eet of owned, refrigerated vans supply restaurants, hotels and caterers, for standards of excellence and exceptional service at competitive prices.

Heart of England Catering Butchers would relish the opportunity to become your preferred supplier.


49

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

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McManus Pub Co (The Brampton Halt)


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A McManus Company Pub0 1 6 0 4 8 4 2 6 7 6

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Joseph Ash Galvanizing Ltd


Moor Hall Hotel & Spa


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Direct Page Ed 46_Feature Template 07/07/2014 12:46 Page 1

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In the thriving centre of Birmingham, The Cube representsthe very best of contemporary urban development whilstpaying tribute to the city’s industrial heritage.

The iconic 25 storey building was designed by world renowned,Birmingham born, architect, Ken Shuttleworth, taking inspirationfrom Birmingham’s jewellery making tradition. Rich with light andprecious metal tones; intricate gold and bronze geometricshapes cover the exterior and glisten across the city skyline.

One of the city’s ‘must visit’ destinations, The Cube houses anexclusive mix of vibrant bars and restaurants, aspirationalapartments, a boutique hotel, skyline champagne bar, luxurygym and spa facilities, and the UK’s largest automated car park.

High profile names at this canalside location include MarcoPierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill located on the highestfloor of The Cube.

Diners can take in the stunning panoramic views of the citywhile enjoying delicious food and wine in a relaxing atmosphere.

Pre-dinner cocktails can be taken at the stylish restaurant baror ‘alfresco’ at the open rooftop terrace. Also part of the skylineexperience is the Laurent Perrier Champagne Bar just next tothe restaurant.

The Club and Spa offers state-of-the-art gym facilities andpampering spa treatments in a stylish environment.

Rodizio Rico is a restaurant providing a unique culinaryexperience; authentic Brazilian cuisine in a beautiful waterside

setting. An extensive selection of grilled meat is served directlyfrom the charcoal grill. Experienced passadors carve atindividual tables from skewers to the plate.

Bun & Bowl is a restaurant taking its inspiration from the bestof America by serving sumptuous burgers and delicious shrimp.The Bun & Bowl philosophy is to provide simple food preparedfrom the highest quality ingredients.

Shogun Teppanyaki, Japanese restaurant, specialises inTeppan-yaki, noodles and conveyor sushi to suit the mostdiscerning of palates. Experience pure theatre as your meal isprepared in front of your eyes.

Fine coffee house, Madeleine, brings a touch of French chic toBirmingham. Whether you’re catering for a corporate lunch,looking for a leisurely Sunday brunch, or need a lunchtimesnack, dine-in or take-away and discover this true gem of acoffee house for yourself.

Hotel Indigo on levels 23 and 24 is a chic and contemporaryfour-star boutique hotel. Whether staying at Hotel Indigo forbusiness or pleasure, guests can relax in style and experience thisluxury destination with panoramic views across the city’s skyline

Coming soon to The Cube, Master & Margarita is a luxuriousIndian restaurant and cocktail bar.

Perfectly situated in the heart of the city, The Cube is next toThe Mailbox and a few minutes’ walk from the conventioncentre, The Bullring, Brindleyplace and New Street Station.

For more information please visit the websitewww.thecube.co.uk or to enquire about inspirational retail, officeor residential space at The Cube, contact:

The Cube Management Centre196 Wharfside Street, Birmingham B1 1RN

Telephone: 0121 654 9400Email: [email protected]

Hotel Indigo

Rodizio Rico


08000 807 809

[email protected]

www.bbpmedia.co.uk

bbp midlands - edition 46

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