issue6

In this issue:

• Corporate Opportunitiesby Rob Mitchell (p9)

• NBM Open Exhibition17th March 2010 (p10)

• How to Look & Feel Goodby Gary Hill (p15)

• Employment Law updatesby Verne Lake (p19)

• FREE Landlord Seminar24th Feb 2010 (p20)

• Consider Conferencing by Anita Potten (p25)

• The Knowledge Centre by Tom Ross (p27)

• Various NBM ReaderOffers (p29,30,31&32)

Issue 06/2009 December/January

NEW BUSINESSMATTERSYo u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s t o b u s i n e s s j o u r n a l

NEW BUSINESS MATTERS December/January

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com Page 1

Contents03 ACCOUNTANCY

05 BANKING

06 CAR CARE

07 E-NEWSLETTERS

09 EVENT OFFER

11 EXHIBITION

12 FINANCE

13 FREIGHT

14 FITNESS OFFER

16 FSB MATTERS

17 MEDIA

19 LEGAL

20 LETTINGS

21 LIGHTING

22 RECOVERY

23 STORAGE

25 TELECOMS

27 TRAINING

28 ADVERT SECTION

30 COOKERY OFFER

29 PHOTOGRAPHY OFFER

30 WINE OFFER

31 SLIMMING OFFER

31 HOTEL OFFER

32 PRINTING OFFER

Editor’s Note

For many retailers this time of yearwill be full of high expectationbased on a hopeful upsurge in

Christmas spend. For most otherbusinesses Christmas can be a poormonth due to the normal festiveholiday, where companies close down

before Christmas and do not open again until the New Year,which makes it a short month for order intake.

Depending on which category of business you are in thiscould have a positive or negative effect on your cash flow,but I trust you have all planned for this difficult period well inadvance. This will then allow you to truly enjoy a great startto the New Year, which I honestly believe will be a great yearfor many forward thinking companies.

There are signs that the economy overall is improving andI am of the opinion that we should promote ourselves atevery opportunity. To that end New Business Matters canhelp you with magazine and website advertising, as wellas regular networking and mini-exhibition meetings andour open exhibitions, which you can read more about onpage 11 of this issue.

I suppose the first rule of business is to stay in business and tothat end I wish every single one of our readers ‘SeasonsGreetings’ with all the very best of health and happiness toyou all for the coming year. If we can add in a sprinkling ofprosperity too then that would not go a miss, so whatever youare doing over Christmas, please enjoy!

Peter Westwood

To enjoy exclusive rights within NEW BUSINESS MATTERS,

by being the only company advertisingin your trade or profession, please

contact Peter Westwood on 01202 233580

or [email protected]

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580 Page 3

ACCOUNTANCY MATTERS December/January

BANKING MATTERS December/January


What are you thinking? Six of hearts? That big Christmas cardyou’ve just bought? An important

business card you’ve lost recently but really need?The card you were offered for a large purchasebut which resulted in a missed sales opportunitybecause you don’t accept card payments for yourgoods and services?

Boost business by accepting card paymentsToday, people expect to be able to pay for almosteverything using their debit and credit cards solet’s look at the benefits for you:

• Increased turnover and profit - if your customersfind it easy to pay, they could be more likely tobuy. Accepting payment by cards could helpincrease your sales and profit

• Security - reduce the need to handle andtransport cash

• Improved cashflow - payment goes straight intoyour account making procedures faster andmuch more simple for your business

• Flexibility - card payment processing gives youthe ability to handle multiple currencies

• Peace of mind - chip and PIN gives you addedprotection against fraud

Choice of robust payment solutions

There’s a range of card payment solutionsavailable to meet the needs of your business,whether you take payments in person, online oron-the-go.

There are countertop dial up terminals forbusinesses managing payments at a till as well asinternet-enabled terminals that speed uptransaction times and eliminate the costs of adedicated phone line.

Simple portable terminals tend to be used in thehospitality market but there are also mobilewireless terminals available which are portableGPRS-enabled solutions suitable for businessestrading from various places and allowing you totake payment anytime, anywhere.

E-commerce software is also available as theperfect option for taking payments securely onlineor over the phone.

Have you thought of Electronic Gift Cards?

One great way of attracting new business is byway of Electronic Gift Cards.

Since any monetary value loaded on the cards isn’trealised unless it’s used, you have a cost-effective,targeted programme with the following benefits:

• New customers - gift cards given by loyalcustomers entice friends and families to sampleyour business

• Increase sales & profits - most card recipientsspend more than the value of their card andthere’s no cash back required. When used formerchandise returns, the value stays on the cardand never leaves the store

• Repeat business -stored value cards are great forregular customers, enabling them toconveniently use a prepaid balance forrecurring services

• Popular with customers - Gift cards areconsistently one of the top gifts during thefestive season. They also attract new customersand boost sales all year long

For more information about accepting cardpayments or about Electronic Gift Cards,Santander is pleased to announce its recentalliance with Elavon Merchant Services, one ofthe largest providers of credit and debit cardprocessing in the world.

Your local contact for Elavon is Patrick Domineyand he can be contacted via Tim Noakes atAbbey Business Banking.

So, looking at your business, now ask yourself:

• What are your key challenges regardingbanking and cards?

• Going forward 12 months, what could yourbusiness and banking look like?

Contact Tim Noakes and make an appointment tosee how Abbey Business Banking may be able tohelp save or make your business money.

Tim Noakes, Relationship Manager Abbey Business Banking

E: [email protected]: 07903 849495

Think of a card...

CAR CARE MATTERS December/January

Page 6 To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

At ooops! we have been having funand obtaining real pleasure fromrestoring and re-juvenating classic and

vintage cars, so much so, that we now have a Face book Page dedicated to this:www.facebook/ooopsnet/vintage

Please sign up and become a member of ourcommunity.

We take great pleasure in this type of workand are proud to make manifest our skills;this is what we do with your classic andvintage car:

The ooops! processStripping:

Attention to detail, every nut, bolt, screw &clip is recorded so that they are all put backin exactly the same position.

Prepping:

All surfaces to be painted are “sanded” backas far as necessary, like everything else in life“preparation” is 80% of the finished job.

Priming:

All areas to be painted are primed, the car isthen “baked” we then “flat” the primed areasready to be painted.

Painting:

Most vehicles today have a base coat, oftena pearlescent or metallic, this is “waterbased” environmentally friendly and is airdried. We have the latest environmentallyfriendly special “water based” paints forclassic and vintage cars that have beenperfected this year, to keep to the truecolours of the specific bygone era.

We have one of best spray booths in Dorsetwhere the total volume of air changes 6 times per minute. After the base coat is “airdried” a top coat “lacquer” is applied and“baked off” this creates the protection thatgives your paintwork resilience, longevity & clarity.

Detailing:

After coming out of “intensive care” thespray booth, your car is “detailed” a qualitycheck is carried out by the technician andthen an extra one by the “shift manager”.

To view all photographs of the above processplease visit our website www.oops.net/restoration

Please also visit our compliment page for a selection of happy clients!www.ooops.net/testimonies

Classic and vintage car restorationBy Paul Booker MD of ooops.net limited

The 1938 Jaguar SS


E-NEWSLETTER MATTERS December/January

With businesses recognising that e-newsletters are the most effective andcost-effective method of marketing

available, it is still amazing how wrong peopleget it. We all recognise that if we printed abrochure then screwed it up and drew all over itbefore posting, the response we would getwould be nil, so why do people send out e-newsletters without checking if it will bereceived by every platform available?

With the business market for mobile media beingnearly 50% of the business community, it isimperative that any communication should be readby the various versions of Blackberry, iPhone andMicrosoft Windows Mobile phones, because if youdon’t check that it does then you might as wellscrew up the communication and put it in the wastepaper bin and save yourself time.

But how can you avoid this? We at greenmessageelectronically check each newsletter before it issent on every platform available, including thevarious different e-mail clients, webmail browsersand computer Operating Systems, to ensure themessage gets through, which is why we get sucha high response rate.

Having overcome the various platforms the nextprocess is to check for spam words; every wordin the English language has a spam rating and ifyou create a document with too high a rating,your e-newsletter will be stopped at the internetservice provider’s doors before it’s left yourprovider, so failure to check before hitting thebutton could involve you being blacklisted andyour e-mail account being cut off.

If you need help with your e-newsletter campaignthen give David a call on 01202 802205 or [email protected]

The platform you arrive oncould be your last!

By David Dean from greenmessage

Special Conference OfferFor all bookings made before 31 January 2010

Day Delegate Package at £20.00 + VAT per person(Offer valid subject to availability)

Black Label Events is bringing you a Special Conference Offer for a Day Delegate Package at AFC Bournemouth, Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF.

This offer includes a main meeting room between 8.30am and 5.30pm, three servings of tea, coffee and biscuits, a soup and sandwich lunch, a flipchart and a screen.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS AND OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE FROM BLACKLABEL EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT: JO GIBBS, EVENT SALES CO-ORDINATOR ON 01202 726395 OR BY EMAIL [email protected]

EVENT MATTERS December/January


AFC Bournemouth, alsoknown as the Cherries,is a family and

corporate friendly football cluboffering a range of excitingcorporate opportunities. Thecatering is now run in houseunder the brand name of BlackLabel Events which enables fargreater flexibility. Black LabelEvents at AFC Bournemouthcan accommodate any eventand all group sizes from ameeting for 2 to a party for 400guests or complete venue hire

The Cherries play at Dean CourtStadium at Kings Park inBournemouth which is one ofthe most unique and versatilevenues in Dorset, offering someof the best equipped conferencefacilities and hospitality suites atunbeatable rates.

The Stadium boasts seven mainsuites and 13 smaller rooms forexclusive hire that can be usedfor social occasions orcorporate events, where guestscan enjoy magnificent views ofthe pitch and stadium. DeanCourt provides an ideal venuefor breakfast meetings,exhibitions, product launches,banquets, conferences,weddings and Christmas parties.

AFC Bournemouth currentlyplays in Coca Cola FootballLeague 2 and has had a

magnificent start to the newseason and increasingattendances. Football is apowerful vehicle which engageswith the community andreaches people of all ages andsocial backgrounds. Businessesbenefit from a number ofexciting matchday packagesand the opportunity to use theClub to reach a captiveaudience both at the Stadiumand across the widercommunity.

Companies can access a rangeof unique commercial rightswith sponsorship at the Cherriesthat can raise an organisation’sprofile and help to connect withthe community and otherbusiness people. Packagesrange from individual MatchdaySponsorship to Stadium NamingRights which give a business thechance to associate itself withone of the biggest and mostrecognised brands in Dorset -AFC Bournemouth.

Advertising opportunities at theClub include direct marketing,print, online and broadcast via‘Cherry TV’ which is shown onTV screens around the Stadiumon Matchdays. The Clubproduces an official MatchdayProgramme which is sold to upto 3,000 supporters and acirculation of up to 9,000 eachmatch. AFC Bournemouth’s

Official Club Websitewww.afcb.co.uk topped over55,000 unique users in July thisyear and offers business partnersa number of advertising andpromotional activities.

Matchday Hospitality at AFCBournemouth is very popularamongst supporters andbusinesses alike. The modernvenue offers the perfect locationto entertain clients, friends orfamily on Matchdays in either theTop Floor Restaurant or anExecutive Box, which offerpanoramic views of the Stadium.

One of the Club’s mainobjectives is to make a positiveimpact in the local community.AFC Bournemouth’s CommunitySports Trust reaches over100,000 children and familiesacross Dorset, offering footballand educational linked projects.Business partners havebenefited and hit corporatesocial responsibility objectivesfrom supporting projectsfocusing on social inclusion,healthy living campaigns anddisability programmes.

For more information pleasecontact one of the Black LabelEvents sales team on 01202 726395.

Black Label Events, AFCBournemouth, Dean Court,Bournemouth, BH7 7AF.

Corporate Opportunities? By Rob Mitchell - Commercial Manager, Black Label Events

Open ExhibitionWednesday 17th March 2010

(Starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm)

AFC Bournemouth Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF

FREE to all Business VisitorsSimply send an email to [email protected] or telephone 01202 233580

to register your details and gain FREE entry into this business to business exhibition.

Minute Networking Sessions £5 + VatTwo or three ‘Minute Networking’ sessions will be held throughout the day.

Seminars (Interesting and Informative) £5 + VatTwo or three Seminars giving tips and advice will be held throughout the day.

Standard or Premier Exhibitor PackagesStandard (1500mm) = £125 plus Vat - Premier (3000mm) = £195 plus Vat.

Includes one or two small tables, buffet lunch with refreshments & one parking space.

The idea of our Open Exhibition is to get as many local businesspeople as possible in front of each other in just one day, so if

you are looking for ‘new business’ then it’s well worth attending!

For further information please telephone 01202 233580 or send an email to [email protected]

New Business Matters UK Limited, Spacemaker House,518 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth BH11 8PT

NEW BUSINESSMATTERSYo u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s t o b u s i n e s s j o u r n a l


EXHIBITION MATTERS December/January

New Business Matters UK Limited, based

in Spacemaker House at 518

Wallisdown Road in Bournemouth, held

their first ever business to business Open

Exhibition at AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday

14th October and with 158 people turning up it

has been hailed as a business success!

Visitors had 57 exhibitor stands to explore

covering 36 different business sectors and in

addition they had the option of joining in one of

the hour long Minute Networking Sessions held

throughout the day, all designed to bring as many

local business people together in just one day.

Tim Noakes, Manager with Abbey Business

Banking, said “The exhibition and networking

sessions were well positioned and professionally

run and I'm delighted with the additional contacts

and interest Abbey Business Banking gained,

which otherwise may not have materialised.” Tim

added, “I'm sure other exhibitors and attendees to

the networking sessions will have found the same

benefits in their marketplace.”

Feedback forms were sent out and lots of positive

comments were received. Such as requests for

larger stand spaces, to supply small tables, start

later and finish earlier and to have Seminars as

well as the Minute Networking sessions, all of

which has been taken on board and will be

incorporated into their Open Exhibitions in the

future.

Due to the success of their first ever Open

Exhibition New Business Matters are now

planning to hold two more during 2010, with one

planned in the Spring on Wednesday 17th March

and the other in the Autumn on Wednesday 15th

September, starting at 9am and finishing at 5pm.

Peter Westwood, Director of New Business

Matters, said “We are trying to build a unique

local business club that offers tips and advice on

various business issues including help with how

to get new business! To this end we can help with

our bi-monthly magazine, website advert,

networking and mini-exhibition meetings and our

open exhibitions.”

New Business Matters is a local business to business

journal that offers its advertisers the unique

opportunity of being the only company of its trade

or profession in the magazine. It is distributed to

over 3000 businesses in the local conurbation and

surrounding towns every other month. If you want

your business to be a success you should consider

the marketing opportunity offered with their

Member, Associate and Partner Packages

If you are interested in exhibiting at the next Open

Exhibition on Wednesday 17th March 2010 or you

want to attend one of the Seminars or Minute

Networking sessions, then please contact the New

Business Matters Sales Team on 01202 233580 or

send an email to [email protected]

A Business Success!!!By Peter Westwood, New Business Matters UK Limited

FINANCE MATTERS December/January


In America 80% of all Business Finance is sourcedthrough Independent Business Finance Brokers, butin Great Britain the figure is only 20%.

So what are the advantages?

• They provide tailored financing solutions withunmatched personal service

• They work with dozens of lenders for nearly anytype of credit situation

• They select the right financing solutions to suityour Business needs

• They allow you to focus on running your Business,not talking to Banks and Lenders

How do they operate?

• They give ‘free’ initial consultation to determineyour financing needs

• They prepare your application and package yourloan request

• They select the best funding source available foryour transaction

• They act as the liaison point between you and thelender to expedite funding and save you time –

leaving you free to do what you are best at, whichis run your Business

Hear are some areas that a Business Finance Brokerspecialises in:

• Business Loans (Every Business needs money togrow!)

• Working Capital Loans

• Asset Backed Loans

• Cash-flow solutions include Invoice Finance, suchas Factoring and Confidential Invoice Discounting,which is the fastest way to inject cash into yourBusiness.

• Commercial Property Loans

• Business Expansion Loans

• Equipment Financing – Leasing and regulatedcredit finance (HP)

• Government backed Business Loans

With all these features, advantages and benefits you cansee why lots of people use an Independent FinanceBroker such as Henley Business Finance. For furtherinformation contact David Chalcraft on 01929 422210or email [email protected]

Why use an independent business finance broker? By David Chalcraft, Henley Business Finance

• Commercial Mortgages • Invoice Discount/Factoring• Vehicle Leasing • Business Loans • Hire Purchase• Working Capital • Property Development Finance

Visit our website and use our flow chart to discover our extensive range of business finance solutions

Tel: 01929 422210

email: [email protected]

www.henleybusinessfinance.com

FREIGHT MATTERS December/January


T. Lewisham LtdPO Box 5391, Ebblake Industrial Estate, VERWOOD, UK, BH31 6ZX

Tel: 01725 517066 • Mobile: 07980 382049 • Skype: transworldgb • Fax: 08717301941Email: [email protected] • www.transworldgb.com

INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING,SHIPPING AND HAULAGE / COURIERS

• International Removals• Pet Relocation• Domestic and International Couriers• Freight Forwarder• Overseas Shipping• Full Packing Service• Department for Transport Approved

Aviation Security Validation Assessment

“On time, On cost, and to your Total Satisfaction”Contact us Now – you’ll profit from the experience!

T. Lewisham is a fiercely independentinternational freight forwarder and haulagecourier company, offering an enormous rangeof International Air Freight, Shipping, RoadMovement and Forward Services in the UK and around the world.

Our knowledge and experience gained over35 years in international freight forwarding,has enabled us to stay at the forefront of thespecialised haulage / courier and shippingindustry.

Do you have heavy, large, or multipleshipments to go into the heart of Europe? Ifso why not utilise their Barge System? It isextremely efficient and, more to the point,great value for money. We have severalclients who love it!

The European mainland has developed thesystem over many decades into a fantasticway to move goods around, a wonderfulinfrastructure that just keeps on improving.

How different to us here in the UK who , manymoons ago , had such a system in place butwhich was left to deteriorate and rot to thepoint where modern civilisation filled it in , orbuilt on it, or simply left it as an eyesore.

Well what goes around comes around, as they

say, and now it is a very "green" thing to do –it always was! Take a typical UK cargo barge,which is capable of carrying say 300 tonnes –how many trucks would that replace?

Some small parts of our canal system are nowbusier than ever with freight traffic, let alonepleasure craft, and the move now is toreinstate and open as many derelict wharvesas possible that lie dormant on our network.The problem now is that developers have beenallowed to site residential properties canal-side and so the NIMBY attitude takes over andthe wharves won't get the planning permissionthey require!

A far cry from the European network but we alllive in hope! For professional advice andassistance give Andy a call on 07980 382049.

Sending Freight by Barge? By Andy Fletcher from Transworld GB


FITNESS MATTERS December/January

Even though the UK marketis reportedly on the up, weare still deep in a

recession. Figures suggest thatthe public is prioritising theirexpenditure; people arerestricting non-essentialpurchases and focusing on theessentials. Leading up to thefestive period it is reported that1 in 3 shoppers will hold backon Christmas shopping this year,with the biggest cuts comingfrom electrical and householdgoods. With the ever increasingimage conscious nation, sales inhealth and beauty products arepredicted to be the leasteffected, with the publicwanting to look and feel goodover the Christmas period.

The Leisure Database Companyshowed a 1% increase in gymmembership on a like-for-likebasis, from 2008 to 2009, witha market increase from £108million to £3.7 Billion. The FIA(Fitness Industry Association)suggested that during arecession more people areconcerned about keeping fit and

healthy. Exercise promotes afeel good factor, reducing stressand tension. Businesses are alsostarting to appreciate theimportance of exercise. Ahealthy workforce improvesmorale, productivity andreduces absenteeism.

It is apparent that gymmembership is an essential inthe eyes of the British public,but what about PersonalTraining?

Personal Training plays a majorrole in any Health and FitnessClub, although it is a servicethat is often misinterpreted andmisunderstood.

Personal Training at EsportaDorset is an experience ratherthan a product. It takes youfrom where you are to whereyou want to be; safely andeffectively. Members of theDorset club don’t buy 1 hourexercise sessions; they investtheir time, effort, money andtrust in a member of ourexperienced and highlyqualified team to achieveresults. Members who invest inour Personal Trainingexperience achieve their resultsquicker, prevent or rehabilitateinjuries, enjoy their workouts,break through plateaus, andmost importantly carry on

coming back. Our membersachieve results and keep them!

The general consensus is thatPersonal Training is only for richfit people. At Esporta Dorset,Personal Training is foreveryone! Our clients rangefrom 16 year olds to 76 yearolds, GP referrals tointernational athletes, companydirectors training 6 days perweek to students having a PTboost once per month. Wepride ourselves on having nobarriers when it comes to ourmembers experiencing PersonalTraining.

Whether you are a keen gymgoer or a couch potato thinkingabout signing up, and youconsider Personal Training aluxury or a necessity; theevidence is there to support thatPersonal Training is anexperience that you cannotafford to miss.

If you want more informationabout Esporta and PersonalTraining in Dorset, pleasecontact us on 01202 642614 orfeel free to drop us an email [email protected].

Do you want to look and feel good? By Gary Hill, Exercise & Lifestyle Supervisor,

Esporta Health & Racquets Club Dorset

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

FSB MATTERS December/January

MEDIA MATTERS December/January


Advertising can be acostly exercise, yet it isa necessity to most

businesses in one form oranother. Therefore, followingon from last issue where wediscussed the reasons whycompanies advertise, we nowmove on to the reasons why it isalso really important to makesure that your advert is going tohave the desired impact andthat it is going to reach the righttarget audience.

We use a simple analogy hereat Bournemouthtown which weapply to all of our adverts. Weuse BALLS!

• B is for Benefit Headline –what’s in it for you, theconsumer.

• A is for Appropriate Words –make sure your advertmatches the product to aneed.

• L is for Look At This –whether it’s a product imageor a radio advert, all advertsneed to draw in attentionwhether it be with a stunningimage or a catchy jingle.

• L is also for Let It Breathe –don’t over crowd your advert;give it white space and makesure that people can actuallysee your message clearly.

• S is for Spend With Us – alladvertising must have a callto action. What is the price?How to get in touch, be it byphone number, website orcontact forms. Whateveryour aim, advertising is onlyeffective if your message isclear and you have theappropriate contactinformation clearly visible inyour advertising.

On top of everything a goodadvert should also achieveInterest, Desire, Enthusiasm andAction.

For more information on how toachieve great adverts, contactus on 01202 431300.

What Makes A Good Advert? By Felicity Mead from Bournemouth Town

LEGAL MATTERS December/January


Are youawareof the

recentchanges in the law that mayplease employees but leave someemployers feeling under pressurein the current economic climate?

The main areas of change are:-

The National Minimum Wage

On 1st October 2009, theNational Minimum WageAmendment Regulations cameinto force and had the followingeffect on the National MinimumWage:-

• Adult rate (workers aged 22 and over) increased from£5.73 to £5.80 per hour;

• Development rate (workersaged 18 – 21) increased from£4.77 to £4.83 per hour;

• Youth rate (workers aged 16 - 17) increased from £3.53to £3.57 per hour.

The legislation has also barredemployers from arriving at theNational Minimum Wage byrecognising any tips, gratuities,service charges and covercharges paid through the payroll.

A Maximum ‘Week’s Pay’

From 1st October 2009, thestatutory ‘week’s pay’ increasedfrom £350.00 to £380.00 byvirtue of The Work and Families(Increase of Maximum Amount)Order 2009/1903. This will beof particular importance toemployers, as a ‘week’s pay’ isrelevant to the calculation of

both redundancy payments andTribunal awards.

The Data Protection Act

The Data Protection(Notification and NotificationFees (Amendment) Regulations2009/1677 ushered in a newfee structure for data controllers(i.e. processors of personal data)effective from 1st October2009. The new fee order is two-tiered as follows and replacesthe previous flat fee of £35.00:-

Tier 1 (for all those not fallingwithin Tier 2) - £35.00

Tier 2 - £500.00

Tier 2 is defined as

a. a business with an annualturnover of £25.9 million ormore and with over 250 ormore members of staff, butexcluding a charity or smalloccupational pensionscheme; or

b. a public authority with 250or more members of staff

In addition to paying the fees,all data controllers must beregistered with the InformationCommissioner.

The ACAS Code of Practice - 7 Months On

Since the introduction of the AcasCode of Practice in April thisyear, few cases have beendecided which consider theapplication of the code. The codeprovides very helpful guidance indealing with disputes, but thereare areas which could surprise

the unwary. Both employers andemployees are waiting until moredecisions emerge, shedding lighton the application of some of itsprincipal provisions.

Of particular concern will behow “unreasonable failure tofollow the Acas code” would beinterpreted and what factorswould be relevant. A Tribunal willbe able to increase or decreasean award by 25% if it decidesthat either party has unreasonablyfailed to follow the code.

There are some helpful guidesavailable to assist the parties indealing with disciplinary orgrievance issues. For example,the Acas Guide (Discipline andgrievances at work: The Acasguide), available on the Acaswebsite - www.acas.org.uk.However, employers shouldreview their procedures notonly to check that they are upto date, but also to help themdeal with these issues in a fairand effective way.

Employment Law is constantlychanging and many employersfind it difficult to keep up to speedwith new regulations. For furtherinformation on the latest changes,please contact the EmploymentLaw Department at DickinsonManser on 01202 673071.

Employment Law Update By Verne Lake, Dickinson Manser

Are you thinking of having a

lodger or are you thinking

about letting a furnished

room in your home, then

this is known as the Rent a

Room scheme and the

Inland Revenue supports such arrangements by

allowing a certain amount of rental income to be

tax free which is currently £4,250 a year tax-free.

A lodger can occupy a single room or an entire

floor of your home as you long as you the

Landlord reside in the property. However, the

scheme does not apply if your home is

converted into separate flats that you rent out.

A special separate agreement is needed and

not to be confused with an Assured Shorthold

Tenancy Agreement. The tenants cannot claim

the same rights, as they are sharing the

landlord's own home.

An inventory should still be prepared of the

furnishings or equipment included in the let.

So, if you are looking for extra income or have a

spare room going dusty then at MOVE ON

RENTALS we can help you with finding a

suitable professional lodger/s with full referencing

including a credit check. If you require any further

information please contact us 01202 711169.

Please note MOVE ON will be hosting

another free Seminar 24th February 2010.

See below for details.


LETTINGS MATTERS December/January

£4,250 extra income TAX FREEBy Sharon Moore from Move on Rentals

We’re well and truly into the SAD time of year.

But while Seasonal Affective Disorder may be

accepted more than it used to be, there’s still

uncertainty about how to deal with it.

Tiredness and depression during the winter can

come from not getting enough, or the right kind

of, sleep. We need the hormone melatonin to get

us to sleep. But melatonin is only created in

conditions of almost zero illumination. So if you

get up in the middle of the night for a pee and

turn on the loo light – then bang goes your

melatonin production. Even sleeping with a night-

light can be enough to stop it. So: number one –

turn all your lights off and learn to pee in the dark.

Of course, it would be too simple to say Work

when it’s Light and Sleep when it’s Dark, but

that’s just about it. Talk to your boss.

Winter is also notorious for the low levels of

natural light during the day, as we stumble

through the gloom of grey dismal days. Give

yourself a boost with one of those therapeutic

light-boxes, and spend as much time outside as

you can. It’s important that we take in as much

light as we can, so gather ye light beams where

ye may. However, if you feel that something’s not

right – speak to a medical professional. Cos it

might be something else doing the dirty on you!

For help and advice on lighting for your home or

business contact John on 01305 889256 or email

[email protected].

It’s a SAD Business? By John Bullock, Lighting Design


LIGHTING MATTERS December/January


RECOVERY MATTERS December/January

It has been a difficult year for lots ofcompanies in many ways and one obviousconsideration to make more profit is to cut

your overheads. With office space at apremium you need to utilise your space wiselyand perhaps it is time for that office clear out?

Not all records can be saved on disk andsometimes hard copies must be kept in somesectors for up to six years. The cost oftransferring data onto disk may be prohibitiveand an alternative may be to free up valuablespace in your office by storing off site in asecure storage facility.

Whether you require access to your files everyday or rarely, self storage is perfect for this and isa cost effective way of managing your paperwork.

Units are alarmedand accessibleseven days a week.Units can beracked out for easeof use and certainmembers of staffcan be included on the rental contract forsecurity.

Another option to consider could be to putunwanted records and excess furniture in storageuntil such time as the economic situationimproves and in the interim period down sizeyour office space by renting a smaller unit.

For further information on the benefits of selfstorage and the latest offers, you can contact theSpace Maker team on 01202 524242.

on self storage units


STORAGE MATTERS December/January

Is it time for that office clear out?

By Karl Fuller, Space Maker Self Storage


TELECOM MATTERS December/January

The Green IssueWith governments worldwide making everfurther reaching pledges of commitment toenvironmental issues, legislation will have anincreasing part to play in how your businessoperates

Don't wait till it’s too late, take the initiative todayto steer your organisation down the green path.Use ‘In Communications’ carbon saving calculatorto gain an insight into the environmental impactof holding a meeting and see for yourself thebenefits of letting the technology ease the strainon the planet

Reducing the Impact of Travel Whether its corporate policy or personalpreference, avoiding travel is high on everyone'sagenda, especially in today's congested world!

The benefit of holding your meetings remotely hasbeen obvious since long distance communicationsfirst became a reality.

The gap between holding a virtual meeting orgetting together in person is getting smaller. Startworking smart today!

Time SavingProject meeting finishes at 12:30am, due withcustomer at 2:00pm!

You know the project meetings going to over runand the customer is an hour away. You can't belate for the customer, but this is a key milestonereview! Conferencing can't put you in two placesat once, but it can make you more efficient.

Convenience and SpeedBusiness moves fast and priorities have to change!

When communication is critical and your speedof response is vital, conferencing allows you tobring people together far more quickly, simplyand effectively than traditional forms of meetings.Conferencing is a business lifeline

Reduced Capital ExpenditureIn today's climate, preserving cash is paramount!

Why tie up your valuable cash in assets, whenyou can use it better elsewhere? Use a hostedservice and keep the cash where it counts

ReliabilityForget the stresses of travel, meet virtually andno one gets stuck in traffic!

While we're on the subject, it's amazing howpeople's diaries free up when it doesn't take thema whole day to have a 2 hour meeting.

In summary whether they’re in the next room orhalf way around the world, you can meetINSTANTLY without leaving your desk.Participants simply dial in using their regularlandline or mobile phones.

Meetings held on the phone are cheaper, moreconvenient & greener than traditional meetings.

If you want to take advantage of conferencing andhave an impact upon your carbon footprint, butyou are not sure how to go about it, then pleasecontact the salesteam at TXInstallations (TXI) on01202 233550.

Why you shouldconsider

Conferencing?By Anita Potten, Director,

TX Installations

complete communications solutions

The Dale CarnegieCourse®A training process that improvescompany profitability by improvingemployee performance. Interactivesessions elicit full participation in thelearning process through practice andgroup discussion. As peopleexperience breakthrough training in“real life” situations, self-confidenceand productivity increase. Can betailored for groups interested inbecoming more productive teams.

Sales AdvantageThis cutting-edge programme trainssales professionals to buildrelationships that open more doorsand close more sales. Participantslearn concrete, practical sellingtechniques that help them establishrapport and create solutions. SalesAdvantage focuses on consultativeselling and examines the steps to sellcustomers based upon listening towhat they need. Sales Advantage’sproven method can be customisedand applied to any field.

Leadership Training forManagersThis highly concentrated programmefocuses on primary managementfunctions and communication skillsdevelopment. Enhances leadershipability, including motivating, fosteringcooperation, and building teamwork.Encourages short-term and long-termplanning and goal setting.

Customised CorporateSolutionsTraining customised for the specificrequirements of an organisation. Allprogrammes include a comprehensiveassessment of company needs,interviews with personnel at all levels,and an analysis of corporate missionstatements. Fast-paced trainingsessions hone communication skills,build teamwork, and encourage bettertime and stress management. Post-training reviews and evaluations helpensure long-term effectiveness.

High ImpactPresentationsIntensive training that concentrateson developing presentation skills.Participants learn methods forplanning and delivering effectivepresentations, as well as how torespond to questions from audiences,the media, and in impromptusituations. Presentations are videotaped for review and personalcoaching is provided during training.

Executive CoachingProgrammeA programme for developing greaterawareness of how executives andprofessionals are perceived, and waysto influence and improve thatperception. Participants focus on keyelements of creating, communicatingand maintaining a leadership image.

World Class CustomerServiceThis programme focuses on deliveringsuperior service that not only satisfiescustomers but also transforms theminto business partners. We equip youremployees with the ability to performtheir role of winning and retainingcustomers, to figure out customerpriorities and apply tested strategiesto foster enduring relationships.

High Performance TeamsThis programme turns talentedindividual players into highperforming team members. We offerbusiness people the techniques toimplement critical team processes,such as defining shared goals andclarifying individual responsibilities.

Dale Carnegie Training ®

6 Whittle Road Ferndown Industrial Estate

Dorset BH21 7RU

[email protected]


TRAINING MATTERS December/January

It’s the end of a tough year andwe wish everyone a good andwell deserved break and a

prosperous new year. We wouldalso like to offer every readersome free knowledge and tips sowe can all be more successfulnext year and put the barrage ofeconomic bad news behind us.

We can do this by giving youaccess to an on-line resourcelibrary that provides tools ofengagement, which will helpalign the hearts as well as theminds of employees with yourorganisational objectives.

Visit our website at:www.dalecarnegie.com/kcto gain access to our KnowledgeCentre for information about:

• Employee engagement.

• Leadership development.

• Sales effectiveness.

• Process improvement.

• Presentation effectiveness.

• Customer service.

• Access numerous tips to helpyou become more effective inthe workplace, view onlinevideos and Podcasts that havebeen developed to improveworkplace performance.

• Find engaging Ideas – ALeaders Guide to CreatingEmployee & Customer

Commitment this is a monthlynewsletter that focuses on thepeople’s side of business.

This year has certainly seensome changes, what affects doyou think this has had on ourteams? Is it not ourresponsibility to make sure ourpeople have the tools to copewith and grow after toughtimes?

Employees who have had towatch their colleagues andfriends being laid off, and thosewho fear they may be next, arelooking for help as their worldchanges. We have found thatthe people left behind afterlayoffs typically experience thefollowing four emotions thatmust be dealt with in order tomove on:

• The situation isn't fair.

• Anger at their company.

• Guilt.

• Fear that they will be next.

People need help in dealing withthese emotions so they cancontribute to the organisation,achieve peace of mind in theirjobs, and hope for the future.Here are some tips for reducingstress, staying focused, andstanding out after surviving layoffs.

• Talk, talk, talk. Don't allowyour emotions to fester.Instead, tell your story to atrusted friend, colleague, oryour HR department.

• Call upon your strengths. Drawon the qualities or strategies thathave helped you through timesof stress in the past.

• Socialise with positive peopleand avoid the rumour mill. Doyour part to keep morale up forthose remaining employees.

• Cooperate with the inevitable- don't worry about the past;instead, focus on the future.Take a proactive approach toyour future. Take actions thatwill make you feel in control.

• Set realistic goals, break theminto small steps, and start withthose steps. Start small andyou will be surprised by howeasy it is to finish.

• Step up to the plate andcreate opportunities foryourself. Volunteer often andbe willing to take on extratasks.

• Know your business prioritiesand contribute to those goalsand projects.

• Keep the lines ofcommunication open and goafter what you need. Seekinformation that will help youadd value.

• Demonstrate excellentcommunication, leadership,and presentation skills.

• Exceed expectations. Thinkoutside of the box, do morethan you promise.

Contact one of the sales team atDale Carnegie on 01202 892891to find out how we can we canhelp you with the funding andplanning of your future trainingneeds!

The Knowledge Centre!By Tom Ross, Dale Carnegie Training


Conflict can arise between individuals or groupsin any organisation however well managed.

Mediation processes provide an informal, acceptable andeffective means of complying with the ACAS Code ofPractice (and associated guidelines) introduced in April2009. The primary goal of mediation is to foster betterworking relationships through awareness andunderstanding. The function of the mediator is to gather information,clarify issues and jointly explore possibilities for thefuture in a way that is fair to all concerned.

THE MEDIATION PROCESS• Initial summary details taken - including a synopsis of

the issues to be resolved (for both parties)• Mediation guidance is sent to participants requesting

their agreement to use the process • Allocation of qualified mediator(s) and decision made

about appropriate venue• Mediation meeting takes place with the mediator(s); if

initial discussions have not taken place, this willusually include side meetings (caucuses) withindividuals whilst working towards a mutuallyacceptable solution

• Outcomes are summarised and documented and adate is set for a follow-up monitoring of the outcome.

Workplace Mediation

Mediation Dorset

Commercial and Workplace Mediation

Conflict Resolution Training

Mediation Skills Training

Call Dave Beeston on

01305 257717for a consultation

Email: [email protected]

www.mediationdorset.co.ukRegistered office: 22 High East Street, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1EZ

Registered charity 1123239


If you don’t send pictureswith your press releaseyou’re not making the most

of your PR campaign.

Releases with a photo have amuch better chance of beingpublished and the image helpsincrease the prominence from abrief mention in the businesssection to a possible featurearticle.

Try these tips:

• Always have current headshotsof everyone likely to bementioned in your pressreleases.

• Have a selection of naturalworking shots of your mainpeople with and without yourcompany branding.

• If your press release tells a storyreinforce this in your imageswith enough impact to grab theattention of both the Editor andthe readers.

• Headshots are useful and greatfor adding to a simple releasebut a feature picture can makethe story. We’ve had numerousoccasions where our image haspromoted a run of the mill storyto prominence including twoparagraph pieces taking up halfa page!

• Have a library of stock imagestaken of your business, shots ofyour premises, staff, processesand products – handy forreleases when you don’t havethe time for a specific shoot.

Professional images are one of themost effective and economicalways of reinforcing your brandand communicating with currentand potential clients – call us on01202 779604 to see how wecan help your business with yourown library of images from aslittle as £250!

Why you must send photoswith your press release

By Steve Cook, Seeker Photography


Templar Wines are a Bournemouth based onlinecompany offering a vast range of wines andChampagne to customers across the UK. Orders

can be placed online or over the phone with deliverydirect to homes or workplaces. All purchases arecovered by a full money back guarantee.

Their extensive range is personally selected with an eyeon restaurant quality wines not usually available in thesupermarkets. Prices start from as little as £3.85 a bottle.Over 45 Rioja’s are available along with a broad range ofFrench and Italian wines. The Wine Detective searchfacility promises to track down any wine that is desired,even if it is not advertised on the site.

Templar Wines can run bespoke wine tasting sessions forbusinesses as an ideal method of improving internal andcustomer relationships in a relaxed, informal and funatmosphere.

For more information on all of their services please visit www.templarwines.com -

alternatively please call 01202 300331 or send an email to [email protected]

Your local on-lineWine Company

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PRINTING MATTERS December/January


The printing process and theway in which individualprinted projects are

designed both have an impact onthe environment. However,there are many ways in whichthis impact can be reduced andthe printing industry itself hascome a long way over the pastcouple of decades in changingthe way it works to reduce itseffect on the environment,mainly through the use of newtechnologies that have becomeavailable.

As environmental concernsrightly impact on all ourpurchasing decisions, more andmore companies are looking forprinters with the right ‘green’credentials! So, if you areconcerned about the measuresyour printer has taken insupport of their environmentalimpact then you should checkthem out to see if theyrecognise and adopt certainprocedures in their productionmethods and in the materialsthey use to produce yourprinted matter.

For instance do they follow theguidelines laid down by theForestry Stewardship Council(FSC) in the selection ofrecommended papers andboards and do they use

cheaper, but moreharmful, solvents andinks? To helpdemonstrate you arecutting down on yourcarbon footprint, wefeel it is your duty to doas much as you can tolimit the damage to theenvironment. To this end wehave listed a few key areas thatyou should concentrate on.

1. Paper: The paper usedshould be 100% ChlorineFree and the pulp, used in itsproduction, is to be sourcedfrom well managed woodand sustainable forests. (Thismeans for every tree that isfelled a new one is planted).

2. Waste: All paper waste andoff-cuts are collected once aweek to be recycled forfuture usage.

3. Ink: The ink used shouldmainly be vegetable basedand not the more harmful oilbased variety.

4. Plates: All of the aluminiumscrap, which is the old andunusable printing plates,should be recycled at leastfour times a year. We are toldthat one of the biggestcustomers of buying thisscrap metal is Volkswagen!

If your printer cannot demonstratethat he is following these basicguidelines then you shouldseriously consider changing toone that can, such as AuthenticColour Print, who as your printmanagement provider guaranteeto manage your green concernsand to help you get the bestpossible results whilst saving youtime and money!

Your company can benefitdirectly from the activepromotion of its environmentalstance and Authentic Colourcan help you by advising andimplementing a green printmanagement strategy!

To arrange a FREE green printsurvey please call Peter on 01202 532277 or send an emailto [email protected]

Print it any colour aslong as it’s green?

By Peter Westwood, Authentic Colour Print Ltd

Low-Cost Printing(Full artwork, design & print service available)

Business cards 55x85mm

Gloss or Matt LaminatedPrinted both sides on 400gsm board

£80£65£65

500 only

£145£145

£125

£1655000 only

Card Flyers(2pp A6) 105 x 148mm

Printed both sides on 300gsm gloss board

£185

£195

£145

£125£125only

Tri-fold Leaflets(6pp DL) 210 x 99mm

Printed both sides on 170gsm gloss paper

£144250

£185

£195

£145

£125

£185£185£2585000 only

Gloss Leaflets(2pp A5) 210 x 148mm

Printed both sides on 170gsm gloss paper

£195

Stationery Saver Packs

£145

£125

Letterheads, Comp Slips& Business Cards

£185

£195£195£212250 of each item

LOTS MORE PRODUCTS• Brochures• Catalogues• Directories• Magazines

Professional assistancefor all your full colourdesign and printing needs.

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FOR A QUOTE ON YOUR DESIGN & PRINT TELEPHONE

01202 532277Spacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road, Bournemouth BH11 8PTEmail: [email protected] www.authenticcolour.co.uk

TO OBTAIN THESE PRICES PLACE YOUR ORDER BEFORE 31/01/2010

issue6

Documents

new business matters

boost business

category of business

rule of business

new year

free copy

card paymentstoday

otherbusinesses christmas