Ed

ition

49

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Birmingham Business Post

Choosing and managing your own investments isn't rocketscience but it does take time and dedication. So while many ofus start out enthusiastically, life often gets in the way, or werealise we’re not sufficiently interested to give our investmentsthe attention they need.

If any of this rings true, Tilney Bestinvest has a simple solution.Let them manage your investments for you.

They offer a range of tailored investment management solutionswhether you have £500, £50,000 or more than £250,000 toinvest and are equipped to access a range of investmentstrategies designed to meet your goals; leaving you to get onwith your life, safe in the knowledge that their Chief InvestmentOfficer and award-winning team is looking after your investments

For those with more complex financial needs, they offer anindividual financial planning service.

To find out how Tilney Bestinvest can help you achieve yourfinancial goals, please contact them on 03330 145 416 or emailinfo@tilneybestinvest.co.uk or visit tilneybestinvest.co.uk

Tilney Bestinvest is a leading UK investment and financialplanning firm that builds on a heritage of more than 180 years.They look after more than £9 billion of assets on behalf of ourclients and pride themselves on offering the very highest levelsof professional client service with transparent, competitivepricing across the entire range of solutions. They have anetwork of offices across the UK and combine award-winningresearch and expertise to provide a personalised service toclients whatever their investments needs.

Registered office: 6 Chesterfield Gardens, Mayfair, W1J 5BQIssued by Bestinvest (Brokers) Limited

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The value of investments, and the income derived from them,can go down as well as up and you can get back less than youoriginally invested. If you are in doubt as to the suitability of aninvestment then you should seek professional advice. Pastperformance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

The Tilney Bestinvest Group of Companies comprises the firmsBestinvest (Brokers) Ltd (Reg. No. 2830297), Tilney InvestmentManagement (Reg. No. 02010520), Bestinvest (Consultants)Ltd (Reg. No. 1550116) and HW Financial Services Ltd (Reg.No. 02030706) all of which are authorised and regulated by theFinancial Conduct Authority.

About Tilney Bestinvest

Have a question or need some help with

your account? Get in touch today

03330 145 416www.tilneybestinvest.co.uk

info@tilneybestinvest.co.uk

IS IT TIME TO HAVEYOUR INVESTMENTSMANAGED?

Important information

32779 QPD_HorseWorld 17/09/2014 16:49 Page 1

C O N T E N T SJust Cashflow 4

Sources of Business Funding 5

Debt Guard 6

Debt Recovery 7

Intercity Telecom 8

Choosing a Telecoms System for your Business 9

Outhouse-UK 10

The Benefits of Virtual Office 11

Ashfield & Mansfield 13

Eazi Virtual Solutions 14

SWDirect 15

Oosha 16

Does every cloud have a silver lining? 17

Accumulus Accounting 18

Taking a positive approach to redundancy 19

Sills MacLaren Britton 21

CIPP 22

Auto Enrolment - The Pensions Regulator 23

Burnt Tree Refrigerental 24

Fleet Management Technology 25

Sutton Park Group 26

Covase 27

Autotech Performance 28

Telford Motors 30

The LMS-Patriot Project 32

Calderhead Refrigerated Transport 36

Skills Training UK 38

The Engineering Skills Gap 39

Joseph Ash Galvanizing 40

Avensys UK 41

Warren 42

JB Engineering 43

Pennine Prostamp 44

NDLT Corby 45

Commercial Property - to Buy or Not to Buy 47

GJS Dillon 48

Centrick Property 50

Anderson Green 52

Else Solicitors 53

Arthur Marsh 54

P&R Morson 55

Mann & Co. Solicitors 56

Sasie 57

Welcome to edition 49 of the Birmingham Business

Post, the free magazine for the Midlands business

community, packed with news, tips and stories

from across the region.

In this edition we continue our series on Auto

Enrolment, Fleet Management and Telecoms. We

have a large feature on all aspects of Commercial

Property, our Technology section looks at Cloud

Computing and the Benefits of the Virtual Office, in

Business Finance we consider Debt Recovery and

alternative sources of Business Finance.

In another of her insightful articles Bev James will

look at the Positive Aspects of Redundancy.

In our next edition, the last before Christmas, we

will give some advice on the issues confronting

Start- up Businesses, the Construction Skills Gap,

Warehousing and Team Building and Events.

We will continue our series on Auto Enrolment,

Technology for Business and Fleet Management.

BBP Media

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directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily

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Birmingham Edition 49 Contents_Layout 1 09/11/2014 20:02 Page 1

v

justcashflow.comor call 0121 418 2760

justcashflowuk

T

Just Cash Flow PLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Just Loans Group, is a specialist lender offering flexible cash solutions to growing UK businesses whereby they can borrow between £20k and £500k for a few days, a few weeks or a few months. Specifically lending to Limited Companies or LLPs, funding isin the form of a credit facility that automatically renews as the cash is repaid – it works like a bank overdraftMost growing companies suffer growing pains. These can come in the form of finding sufficient funds to pay for stock and work in progress, or the costs of marketing a new product or service and occasionally a debtor who is a slow or non-payer which may cause difficulty paying staff wages.All or any of these cause plans to be delayed. The benefits of a Just Cash Flow facility include providing Director’s with peace of mind leaving them free to concentrate on their business, almost immediate availability of funds, clear and transparent charges and maximum flexibility. Their highly experienced Board and senior management team have started, grown and developed many businesses over a number of years and bring their expertise to the support of their customer’s business, looking at potential cash flow, talking things through with the customer, and undertaking the usual underwriting checks before making a decision. John Davies, Marketing Director, is enthusiastic about their offering, saying “We are unique in that we will look at the business and provide a tailored credit facility based on its activities. The customer would receive immediate cash to boost their business, without having to make a long-term commitment. The process of receiving funding is very straightforward and the cash can be used for just about anything and everything within the business.”Training and Advice Services Ltd, a work experience and placement provider turned to Just Cash Flow for funding for the mobilisation cost of new contracts worth over £4 million and working capital towards running costs, as the new contracts started and developed.

TASL is a relatively new, and dynamic company that also provides, accredited training in areas such as employability skills, customer service etc., with new programmes and services being developed, all the time.Thanks to the funding from Just Cash Flow the company is growing rapidly, with turnover rising from £100K per year to between £800K- £2 million per year while also expanding its team of 30 experienced staff. Graham Gordon, Managing Director of TASL commented on the service and application process from Just Cash Flow, saying, “It was clear, fair, quick and efficient. Staff were extremely helpful and showed a very good understanding of what our business was about and what we were trying to do.”He concluded that, “The service provided, was overall, very impressive”.Just Cash Flow was launched in March this year and is growing steadily. After passing £1 million in lending this June, in August they accelerated through the £3 million milestone in what is usually a quiet month for the industry.Their broker network of around 70 + brokers is also growing and developing. Just Cash Flow understands that theirs is a fast growing and very competitive market place and the key challenge is ensuring that businesses out there, who are looking for cash, know that there are alternative ways of getting finance to help them grow and develop.They are pleased to be one of the headline sponsors at the Financial Professional Show in November where they will be exhibiting and talking to potential customers about their various cash flow solutions to suit a business needs. Their head office in London has regional offices in Scotland, South Wales and The Midlands.e

Just Cashflow is funding new and growing UK Businesses.

J

v

The vexed question of where SMEs can turn for short term finance is answered.

32993 Advertorial 2_HorseWorld 09/11/2014 12:49 Page 1

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At first sight that might seem acontroversial statement, with the highstreet banks still adopting a verycautious policy, hemmed about with verystrict lending criteria, but its true!

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

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

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

So where to startlooking for freshfunds?

Although there is aplethora of advice onthe internet, this isconstantly changing as

the funds fromone source runlow and otherproviders stepforward.

A Governmentconsultation

concluded thatthere was a need toimprove signposting

to alternativesourcesespeciallyfrom banks

who are unable to help fully small businesseswith their funding needs.

Industry professionals consider that formany applicants the major obstacle is themost effective presentation of theirproposal. There is, fortunately, plenty of helpat hand. It is the business of those in thefinancial profession to know about thedifferent types of funding available, whatmay be most suitable for your business,and how to present your proposal to giveyou the best chance of success.

As we have highlighted previously thereare multiple schemes, many part fundedby central government where SME’s canget help and advice. For unbiased helpand advice, go to www.gov.uk/business-finance-support-finder to see what’s onoffer in your area orwww.betterbusinessfinance.co.uk. These include long establishedCommunity Development FinanceInstitutions such as ART and BCRS inthe West Midlands which provideadditional sources of finance up to£100.000 where a bank has been unableto assist fully.

A new alternative funding website has alsobeen developed which includes peerlenders and crowd funders atwww.alternativebusinessfunding.co.uk.Manyapplicants turn to Peer to Peer Lending andCrowd Funding, literally hundreds ofcompanies offer loans and investmentopportunities for varying applications. Oneof the earliest, Zopa was founded in 2005and targeted consumer finance. Zopa wasrated as 'Most Trusted Personal LoanProvider' in the Moneywise CustomerAwards for the past 4 years.

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

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

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

On a similar principle but for experiencedinvestors only, Peer to Peer lending providersThin Cats take out much of the guess workby using “sponsors”, experienced industryprofessionals, whose role is to vet theindividual applicant and to help them preparetheir proposal, demonstrating creditworthiness and the ability to repay the debt,prior to the on-line auction.

By directly connecting people who want toinvest money with vetted, establishedbusinesses who want to borrow money, peerlending and crowdfunding eliminates thecost and complexity of the banking world.

Platforms such as SellaBand andKickstarter link new artists, designers, andproject initiators with committed supporters.CrowdCube helps those who want to investsmall amounts and acquire shares directlyin start-up companies; Seedrs on the otherhand pools the funds to invest in newbusinesses, as a nominated agent.

Another alternative finance solution whichprovides short term, unsecured finance, tobusinesses, available as needed without along drawn out application process holdingup the transaction, and no charges outsidethose of actually using the facility, is offeredby companies such as Trade River bymeans of a pre-approved revolving facilitythat can be used to finance trade withmultiple suppliers. Payments andadministration are paperless andtransparent via a secure online platform.

The key points to remember are that anyapplicant for any loan must becreditworthy, the project must be viable,the application must be properly prepared,and professional unbiased advice isessential to navigate the maze ofinformation and advice out there.

Sources ofBusiness Funding

There is plenty of money available for SMEs

32997 1pg_Transport Warehousing 05/11/2014 12:47 Page 1

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D e b t C o l l e c t i o n S o l i c i t o r s F o r B u s i n e s s

D E B T G U A R D

Legal action can improve cash flow andimprove credit control for small businesses

Entrepreneurial dreams across Birmingham are coming true,thanks to life-changing assistance from Birmingham CityCouncil’s Enterprise Catalyst Business Support Initiative.

Smaller companies and sole traders, especially, can finddifficulties in collecting outstanding monies from debtors, andneed help and advice in setting up a professional proactivesystem of debt recovery to ensure they are taken seriously.

SMEs have traditionally been poorly served by solicitors when itcomes to debt recovery services. This is because manysolicitors tend to focus on just offering larger, more high margincompanies this services, leaving many smaller businesses in aperilous position. As a consequence, many of these small firmsdo not use the legal recovery route or are frightened ofincurring collection fees, and don’t maximise their recovery.

Debt Guard Solicitors is apurpose built solution forsmall businesses, offering ahassle-free and inexpensivesolution from just £2. Bysending late payingcustomers an official DebtGuard Solicitors LetterBefore Action, in the vastmajority of cases this willsucceed in promptingpayment within just oneweek, providing a positiveand proactive method tobring in monies owed.

Unlike most of their law firmcounterparts, Debt Guard

also don’t care how many debts a business has. It will happilytake instruction on just one debt if that is all a business wantsto load and will not charge any registration or set up fees,which is particularly appealing to the smallest businesses andsole traders that operate on tight margins.

Legal recovery has been proved to be the most cost effectiveway to recover business debt. For instance, it is little knownthat Government legislation enables late payment interest up to8% and a compensation fee to be added to late invoices,meaning extra money can be recouped from debtors. This canact as a vital spur for the “professional non-payer” to refrainfrom future late payment, knowing that decisive action will betaken against them.

For example, if a debtor owes £8,000 and is 100 days late in payingtheir invoice, it works out that you are legally entitled to charge£187.55 in additional interest fees plus a £70 one off compensationfee. This means an extra sum of £262.55 can be claimed from thedebtor, which is on top of the £8,000 invoice amount.

Mark Burgess, Chief Operating Officer explained how thesystem works: “Debt Guard is a simple online system that iscontrolled through a web portal. Once you have registered ittakes less than a minute to load new debts and send asolicitors' letter, which will work to recover debt in the majorityof instances. These normally cost just £2 + VAT, and there areno commissions or registration fees to pay in addition to theletter cost.

“The portal also allows the processing of court claims, countycourt judgments and enforcement action for those debtors thatrefuse to pay on the back of a letter. However, there is ofcourse no obligation to take additional action and we allow foryou to remain in control of the process at all times to ensurecustomers are being managed how you like.”

Taking legal action against a customer is something that shouldnot be entered into lightly, but in reality is often a necessity ifcalls for payment are continually ignored. Using a law firm suchas Debt Guard Solicitors, rather than a debt collection agency,is the modern way to recover commercial debt and boost yourbusinesses’ cash flow.

www.debtguard.co.uk customerservices@debtguard.com

Follow uson

FREE OFFER: To take advantage of up to 5 free solicitorsletters to chase down late payment register

at www.debtguard.co.uk and input the tracking code post6222

Mark Burgess

32976 Advertorial_HorseWorld 25/09/2014 16:26 Page 1

6

The golden rule in business is to collect

money owed to you faster than you have

to pay out money you owe to others.

Most businesses experience some problems

getting paid on time by their customers, but

good credit control systems are the golden

key to minimising such problems.

In any type of business, situations in which

your clients fail to pay the money owed to

you can cause serious cash flow issues,

leading not just to financial woes but in

extreme cases to the failure of your business.

Your chances of recovery are directly linked

to the age of the debt. The longer the debt

goes unpaid, the less chance you have of

recovering it. Many businesses avoid or

delay prompt debt collection for two main

reasons. First, they find the process of

chasing debtors unpleasant, and fear to

alienate valued customers. Second,

businesses (especially new

businesses) often become so

involved in daily business

activities that debt collection is put

on the backburner, or simply

neglected in the hope that people

will eventually pay.

The best way to avoid debtor

problems is to

establish efficient

systems and follow

set procedures. Your

routine credit control

should include a

series of steps to

chase payments as

soon as they

become overdue – sending

reminders, phoning the

customer and so on.

It is important to take a diplomatic but

firm approach. Discuss the situation

with your customer, and try to

resolve any problems so that you

can reach an agreement.

If this fails to get a satisfactory response, it

may help to involve more senior people in

the customer organisation. For example,

you could send copies of your

correspondence to the finance director;

depending on the circumstances, the

finance director might then instruct his

subordinates to make payment.

Explain what steps you intend to take to

recover the debt, letting the customer know

before you start any legal proceedings.

There is no point in demanding immediate

payment in full if the customer simply cannot

pay. Negotiating part payment and

rescheduling the debt - confirmed in writing -

can at least help you recover some of the

money you are owed, and improves the

chances of maintaining a good relationship if

the customer's problems are only temporary.

You will stand a better chance of recovering

the debt if the customer wants to continue

doing business with you in the future, either

because you have built a good relationship

over time or because it will be difficult,

expensive or disruptive for them to find an

alternative supplier.

Your negotiating position will also be stronger

if you have ensured that the transaction was

covered by clear terms and conditions.

Bear in mind, however, that customers who

do not pay their debts may not be as

valuable as you thought! Good customers

will usually appreciate their suppliers

adopting firm credit control.

However, there are occasions when a

customer cannot, or will not, pay. To avoid

a bad debt, you may need to use a third

party or take legal action to recover the

money you are owed.

There are established debt recovery

procedures available for attempting to

secure the money you are owed that will

not necessitate going to court. Statutory

demands in particular are an absolutely vital

part of your toolbox when it comes to

making it clear that you will not tolerate a

failure to repay money owed to you.

Using a solicitor can be a cost effective way

of recovering debts. Many firms of solicitors

try to negotiate payment or resolve any

dispute amicably, before resorting to

the courts. Often the customer will

pay up straight away (or in

instalments) once they hear

from a solicitor. If your own

solicitor does not specialise

in debt recovery

themselves, you can use

the Law Society's online

solicitor database to

find a solicitor in your

area offering debt

recovery services.

While it is a last resort,

significant sums of debt

owed by particularly

intransigent debtors may

force your hand and require

you to take them to court to

recover the money. But before

taking a debtor to court, it is

important to consider whether or

not it is worth it – if the debt is

small or they are genuinely unable

to pay, you may find that it costs you

more than it is worth.

You want to be sure that you have a

reasonable chance of recovering the debt,

and that it will justify the expense and effort

of pursuing it.

Debt Recovery

12010_Transport Warehousing 15/10/2014 12:07 Page 1

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Dave Reynolds, Intercity Telecom’s UnifiedCommunications Specialist, works with a lot ofbusinesses helping them to improve theirtelecommunications and believes that implementingunified communications is of huge value. But dobusinesses understand its true potential?

“I spend of a lot of my time talking to business owners and ITDirectors about communications and I always ask the samequestion; what does unified communications mean to you?”explains Dave. “The more common answers I get are that itenables desk phone voicemail messages to be emailed to amobile phone, that it facilitates calls to be routed to anotherdevice, or that it allows users to sit at any phone in their officeand use their extension. What these answers tell me is that the fullpotential of unified communications is still misunderstood, with itmeaning different things to different people” Dave points out.

“So what does unified communications really mean forbusinesses? All of the above answers form elements of thesolution, but in reality it provides a whole lot more. Unified

communications make it easier to discuss, educate, share,swap and collaborate with each other, suppliers, partners andmost importantly customers” explains Dave, “57% of workersare said to get frustrated when they can’t reach a businesscontact, so it’s extremely important that a unifiedcommunications service is flexible and allows each departmentto work how they want, where they want, using whatevertechnology is available, essentially unifying the communicationsexperience internally as well as externally.” He continues.

“Integrating unified communications into an organisation cancome with its challenges” highlights Dave, “Each platform hasits own unique features and deployment considerations whichIT departments must research carefully and consider theirmigration plans, skill set requirements and cultural challenges inorder to gain the full benefit of being unified.” Advises Dave.

“Some of the benefits are obvious, such as reduced costs,easier to manage and less cables to deal with, for example.However it’s the less tangible benefits that will really transformyour business. Huge time savings and less downtime means amore productive workforce and a connected team meansbetter customer services and client satisfaction. After all, if youdon’t stay in touch with your customers, your competitors will.”Dave concludes.

Understanding the true potentialof unified communications

Dave Reynolds

For more information please visitwww.intercity-uk.com email sales@intercity-uk.com or call 0121 643 7373

Follow us on...

@Intercity_UK

32931 QPD_HorseWorld 29/10/2014 10:09 Page 1

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It’s the era of the Smartphone - but howsmart are we when it comes to choosinga phone system for the business?

Considering the range and equipment outthere, it seems we need to be pretty smart.And that can be daunting for anyone lookingto install new telecoms, especially as theneed to get it right can be critical to thesuccess of a business.

Whether the communication is internal,connecting staff to each other, or external,keeping connected with customers existingand potential, get the set-up wrong and awhole host of problems can result which, atbest could hinder work and at worst, losebusiness.

So where to start? Here’s a basic checklist.

• Budget - what can you afford and howwill you pay it?

• Users - how many? Is it just a couple ofpeople or hundreds?

• On the line - do you have existingtelephone lines and cabling?

• Features - modern phone systems comewith handy extras, i.e. call forwarding,voice mail, diversion, which do yourequire?

• Support & Maintenance - needconsidering if you want to keep the linesof communication flowing.

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

Now you’ve been throughthe checklist and you’reready to dial up yourlocal telecoms systemsupplier - but wait. Doyou want KSU, PBXor VoIP?

Pardon? Well, don’tpanic. These arejust shorthandfor the threemain kinds ofbusinessphone 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 PBXwas the standard system in the dayswhen the switchboard operator was king(or more typically queen), but over timesystems have shrunk and becomeincreasingly computerised. In fact the linesare now blurred when defining thedifferences between a PBX and the nextsystem, KSU.

A Key System Unit (also known as keytelephone system or key phone system) isaimed at a smaller number of users, nomore than 50, and relies on individuals toselect an outside line rather than doing itautomatically 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 product ofthe internet age. A Voice over InternetProtocol system uses techno-wizardry totransform the voice into internettransmissible data, thus rendering the moretraditional telephone networks unnecessary.

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 of touch-tonephones through an IT network and phonesoftware, such as Skype installed on acomputer, will also be needed but VoIP couldreally come into its own for the businesseswhose many employees are constantly onthe 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 to enable users tosend email and other documentsalongside the more normal phone features- but that can prove a costly option.

There’s no real quick fix when it comes toinstalling a new telephone system and,thanks to a staggering amount of technicaljargon that surrounds the subject, the

job is positively bewildering.

But there are many specialists inthe region who can not onlydemystify the topic, but bycontacting them they canget right to the heart ofyour specific requirementand ensure thetelephone system that’s

installed is the rightone for your needs.

It really is goodto talk.

Choosing a Telecoms Systemfor your Business

33085_Transport Warehousing 06/11/2014 13:57 Page 1

9

“We will always listen and ask the right questions to identifywhat you need to unlock the potential in your business, thenwe do what’s needed to help you get there.

“Often that’s admin support, sometimes it’s organising thingsand other times all a customer might need is to bounce ideasoff someone.”

Steph is joined by a team of nine – a mixture of Executive PAs,Secretaries, Marketing Assistants, Bookkeepers and ProjectManagers, all carefully recruited nationwide for their proventrack record in business admin, award-winning expertise andoutstanding service levels.

Outhouse-UK offers more than just admin support, however. Itcan run an entire back office, providing valuable help andadvice on all aspects of business administration, from typing toproject management, sales and marketing.

A lengthy, but not exhaustive list of services includes the fulland extensive admin/PA role duties such as phone answering,Infusionsoft support, diary management and reminder service,copy typing/digital transcription, party arrangements,holiday/travel booking and setting up efficiency boostingsystems and software, as well as the roles and duties offinance assistant, sales assistant, project management (eventand travel planning, venue location and booking) and marketingassistant (including social media management, direct mail,email marketing CRM and database management andwebsite/blog updates).

The company’s record in helping others rocket has seen itsown success soar. The client base, which has trebled in the lastyear, is continuing to grow and there are plans to expand theteam, along with the range of Executive PA services.

And there’s more awards too. Last year Steph became the firstand only UK winner of the international Janet JordanAchievement Award from the Alliance of Virtual Assistants. Thehonour goes to a VA established for less than five years whichhas achieved an outstanding level of success and for its effortsto promote and further the industry.

More recently, Outhouse-UK was a finalist for the second yearrunning in the Best Business Enabler category of the NationalEntrepreneur Awards 2014 held in Birmingham.

“We specialise in providing executive assistants to forward-thinking entrepreneurs with plans for big growth,” says Steph.“We provide a right-hand man - or woman - who will dowhatever it takes to help get plans and ideas off the ground sobusinesses grow and succeed.”

To see Outhouse-UK’s full range of services, visitwww.outhouse-uk.com To make an enquiry call 01527 908801

or email office@outhouse-uk.com

Outhouse-UK powerhouse Steph Middleton-Foster is notonly a virtual office star, she’s a real one too.

Affectionately named‘supergalactic’ when herstratospheric businesstalents earned her aEntrepreneur of the Monthaward from her localEntrepreneurs Circle andthe Pitman Training YoungAchiever title in itsSuperAchiever awards,Steph has since had a realstar located out in space’sSupergalactic Plane, namedafter her.

For sparkling Steph theawards, and they’re not theonly glittering prizes in theOuthouse-UK trophycabinet, reflect her

supernova passion and commitment to helping other SMEsreach for the stars.

She left her role as a project assistant in 2010 to start as afreelance PA. But what begin with a parental-supplied £50start-up fund, a gifted laptop and donated desk and chair in aspare bedroom is now an outstanding vibrant Virtual Assistant(VA) service, providing support for small business across thethe UK.

“I’ve always known that I’m extremely good at my job, but evenI was not prepared for how stratospherically it would grow,”Steph smiles.

“Business greworganically and ourbiggest source of newclients is still, mainly,word of mouth.”

Redditch basedOuthouse-UK nowsupports more than 50businesses in areas

ranging from marketing, through to sales and finance on a ‘payas you go basis’.

“This enables SMEs to benefit from top quality PA support,without the associated overheads,” says Steph. “By savingthem time and space we give them breathing room to focus ongrowth and success and maximise their potential.

“We’re the first choice for small businesses and entrepreneurswho are looking for top quality PA, secretarial and marketingsupport, without the associated hassle of employing an assistant.

33009 Advertorial_HorseWorld 20/10/2014 12:53 Page 1

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With the rise of the cloud, the most recenttechnological innovation, the possibility ofharnessing the skills and knowledge of theonline global population to power yourbusiness, exists like never before.

Today, the virtual office may be based upin the internet ether of the cloud, but itspresence in the working world isincreasingly as solid as any bricks andmortar building.

It’s only until recently that the image ofworking - ‘going to work’ - has beeninextricably linked to a physical place. Andthat definitely remains the case. There arestill many reasons why a company has aspecific premises, including the vital needof face-to-face contact and to be visiblewhen managing people.

But as technology has enabled us toconnect across the globe like neverbefore, it’s also given rise to the virtualoffice phenomenon, bringing thebenefits of a serviced officeenvironment but withoutthe cost of rentingphysical space or gettingbogged down withmortgages or leasingcontracts.

Arriving with the virtualoffice is the virtual assistant- someone with all the skills andexpertise to fulfil the traditional of in-houseadministrator, secretary or personalassistant.

Business client and assistant rarely, if evermeet. All the communication is via thephone or electronically with the workbeing delivered via the cloud or email.

By only paying for the services it requires- a report here, a letter there - a businessconsequently receives flexible and cost-effective office support without having topay for employing a full-time member ofstaff, hiring a temp or training new orinexperienced people.

It also frees up the business owner fromthe usual HR concerns such as taxes,benefits and potential legal issues or evensick pay. These are the concern of thevirtual office provider, not user.

Of course, anything that involves savingcosts is likely to attract interest, butthere’s so many other advantages tomaintaining a virtual office.

All that’s needed is an internet connectionfor staff to stay in touch. That meanspeople can be on the move meetingclients and generating new contracts, andyet still work full time in ‘the office’.

While there’s nothing wrong with running anonline shopping empire from your laptop onthe kitchen table, it’s not necessarily thebest place to meet new suppliers.

Virtual office space brings all thenecessary amenities a business needs tocreate an effective and professionalimpression. A serviced office environmentcan also include conference rooms andtechnology such as video conferencing forall-important meetings.

SMEs and start-ups also gain aprestigious address - many virtual officeservices start with ‘address only’packages giving address and mailforwarding services - receptionist and callhandling services, yet all without thephysical space.

Everything needed, in fact, to run asuccessful business. For many, thesavings made from not paying outsubstantial rental costs are reinvestedback into a company, helping it to growstill further.

However, the virtual office phenomenon isnot just providing a solution for smallcompanies and start-ups - it’s alsoworking for large, often multi-nationalorganisations who find it a financiallyviable alternative to maintain aprofessional presence, maybe several,across the country in individual premises.

Not just across the country either, a virtualoffice can give a business an international

profile without itsdirectors having toreach for the passports once.And those withcustomers around theworld can still providean all-day service thanks

to virtual office staffworking remotely, easily

side-stepping different time zones.

Those, meanwhile who are onlyjust starting to dip their toes intoforeign markets are finding virtualoffices abroad are a perfect way

of helping them test a market before takinga full blown plunge.

The benefits of the virtual office are manyand they work for all businesses of allsizes. We will always need our bricks andmortar buildings and the humancommunities that make up the workingworld, but in the 21st century, global,digital age, the virtual office offersentrepreneurs a professional future that’sripe with possibility.

The Benefits ofVirtual Office

Who would have thought, twenty, thirty years ago as wefumbled our way around the online world that was beginningto open up in staggering proportion that the virtual officewould become tangible reality?

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Eazi Virtual Solutions is in the business of making the virtualoffice world easy.

The company provides more than 400 customers with a host of virtualsolutions to meet the modern-day communications/administrationrequirements of the 21st century business.

And in a fast-paced, constantly expanding, high-tech environment, EaziVirtual Solutions is expanding too. Earlier this year it added auto billingits already extensive list of services.

Proud to be one of the cheapest providers inthe UK, the company has got every businessneed covered.

What began in 2008 as a company onlyproviding non geographical telephonenumbers, such as 0844, 0845 & 0871, to soletraders, it quickly grew to offeringgeographical telephone numbers for all areacodes in the UK.

And the expansion continued, with the companygoing on to offer virtual offices in Nottingham andPeterborough - with further locations beingplanned - virtual assistants and PO box hire withmail forwarding and scanning services to largeorganisations from all over the world.

So for those requiring a presence in eitherNottingham or Peterborough, Eazi Virtual Solution canensure they have a location, a local STD codetelephone number as well as virtual assistants on hand to takecalls via its telephone answering services.

“Both our virtualoffices are inprestigioussettings,” says MDSam Horne.

“Our Nottinghamlocation is in FriarLane, right in theheart of the cityoverlooking thewater fountainsand nearby townhall. It’s also onthe same road as

the 13th century castle gatehouse and drawbridge.

“Alternatively you could have a virtual presence inPeterborough, a stone’s throw from the spectacularGuild Hall and overlooking the Cathedral Square and12th century cathedral Norman arch and gates and amajority of our cost effective services are available fromboth.”

eazi virtualAll your virtual business needseazi

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It is exciting times for SWDirect, the well-regarded IT supportcompany. Dedicated to supporting and advising companies on allareas of their IT systems, they are increasing their Cloud hostingfacilities.

Established in 2001 the company has been offering a superb supportpackage for their customers of a specially developed Online SupportService and fully featured remote backup solutions for some time whilestill providing the option of traditional onsite support when required.

In 2005 they took the major decision to move into Cloud computing;defined as internet-based computing in which large groups of remoteservers are networked to allow centralized data storage, and onlineaccess to computer services or resources.

The technology was very new then, but very much the coming thing inthe IT world; although at this stage awareness of its benefits was limitedamong the business community.

In these early times, a motley crew of providers large and small werestarting to deliver a slew of cloud-based services, from full-blownapplications to storage services to spam filtering; but with awareness solimited, it was difficult for many companies to know who they could trustto host their precious data securely.

SWDirect have found themselves in an enviable position, as an establishedprovider of IT support they are trusted by their customers for their provenexperience and their capability to deploy multifaceted IT Solutions.

They have the necessary skills across multiple products andtechnologies with the expertise to design, deploy and manage networksolutions for small and medium businesses.

For their customers old and new therefore, they havebecome the natural choice to provide Cloud hostingservices. SWDirect are offering private Cloud basedsystem hosting; customers host their entire system withthem and they provide and maintain it for a singlemonthly cost.

Simon Duly, Director, is very excited by the potential ofCloud technology for his company. They have recentlymade major investments in a new hosting platformgiving them the capacity to take on new customers,whilst also moving to a state of the art purpose built N4data centre.

Simon says, “Couple our I.T Support services with one ofour Server Hosting Packages on the Cloud and you havea full Disaster Recovery / I.T Support solution from onecompany. We are dedicated to securing your valuabledata in our purpose built data centre which boasts highlevels of security and business class connectivity.”

SWDirect are growing by making their IT expertise andservices directly available to their customers in apackage of services tailored to each client’s particularneeds, able to grow with them as they expand.

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

or telephone 0845 838 2172

SWDirect LtdMidlands Technology CentreBroadlandsWolverhampton Business ParkWV10 6TA

Disaster RecoveryData RecoveryReliable & Secure Backup

Providing UK Based Private CloudsSWDIRECT IT

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Want to move or migrate part of your organisation to “TheCloud” or just understand the benefits of the technology foryour business? Then speak to the friendly and approachableteam at Oosha, who will use their expertise to guide youthrough the various options on the table.

Although many business owners and decision makers are becomingmore tech savvy, ‘The Cloud’ is still very much a confusing concept forsome. Companies may think that they should migrate all or part of theirbusiness to the ‘Cloud’ whilst some may already believe theyunderstand the benefits behind moving. However the actual process ofmoving in whole or part is still a puzzle to many.

A recent survey suggests that 78% of UK businesses already use at least1 cloud service meaning the buying phase has now shifted from ‘if’ to‘how’. Whilst the question of ‘how’ remains, the question of ‘why’ has welland truly been answered for most UK businesses. The increased securityand scalability of IT cloud services allows businesses to simply ‘flex up’ or‘flex down’ their IT requirements as and when their business demands.

Utilising the ‘Cloud’ allows businesses to pay for the IT services on a permonth per user basis. This ‘pay monthly’ method allows forward-thinking UK businesses to shift from CAPEX to OPEX costs andeffectively rent their IT services in the same way that they would a car,removing those often brutal up-front costs.

It also ensures that for businesses utilising the cloud they benefit from ITservices that are constantly updated so that even after the usual 3-5year IT buying cycle their service(s) are as good as new. Put simply,

businesses now understand that they either get with the‘Cloud’ or get left behind.

Oosha, as an IT company who pride themselves ongiving open and honest consultancy, are working toassist companies by providing information on theiroptions and the best possible routes to ‘The Cloud’ foreach unique business.

In order to help companies digest the benefits ofmoving to the Cloud, Oosha are currently offering a free‘Cloud Readiness’ assessment to any business whorequires some expertise, help or assistance.

In early 2014 the company went through a completerebrand moving to a £10m+ facility containing a highlyadvanced data centre that is one of a kind in terms ofthe technology and the security that surrounds it. Thisdata centre is their second and now primary datacentre within the Midlands and has dramaticallychanged the quality and availability of the cloud andhosting services that Oosha provide.

Having their own private data centres enable Oosha tooffer a wide range of services including Private Cloudsolutions, Cloud Backup, Hosted Desktop, HostedEmail and Office 365 as well as offering other cloudbased services on a ‘pay monthly’ subscription such asDisaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS).

Acquiring the government built facility was 2 years inthe making but now that the process is complete itsignificantly shifts their place in the IT market, makingthem one of the biggest cloud and data centre serviceproviders to businesses outside of London.

Over the next 12-18 months Oosha expects toexperience huge growth as it expands its new cloud,hosting and connectivity services whilst recognising thetiming for Midlands businesses to consider moving to‘The Cloud’ has never been better.

Get with the Cloud or Get left behind

Time for a chat?Call us on: 0845 1234 766or email us on: sales@oosha.co.uk

www.oosha.co.uk Join us on..

Oosha are a Midlands based IT solutions provider who o�er a broad range of IT services and solutions to businesses across the region including IT Support, Network Solutions, Cloud Services, Connectivity, Communications and Hosting.

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Back in the 1960s Mick Jagger wasalready shouting “hey, you get off ofmy cloud”. But even he couldn’tpredict the 21st century digitalrevolution that is transforming globalmarket places.

Rather than getting off, more and more ofus are getting on. Global informationspecialist IHS Technology believesworldwide spending on Cloudinfrastructure and services will hit just over£140billion by 2017,and, according tonew research from BT Business andBritish Chambers of Commerce (BCC),60% of UK small and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs) are already usingCloud-based applications.

In a nutshell, using the Cloud meanscomputing based on the internet. Nowthere’s no need work in a program fromsoftware installed onto the computer itselfor a server within a company building.Instead you can access the sameapplications through the internet.Wherever and on whatever you have forinternet access.

Emails via free services such as Yahoo!Mail and Gmail, backup and filesharing are the most obviousactivities but things once thepreserve of big companieswith big budgets are alsowithin reach of smallerorganisations,

Customer relationship managementsystems which store client informationand track when contact’s made, forexample, can be costly and time-consuming. By accessing a Cloud-basedservice, however, only an internet log-in isrequired. Installing and setting up yourown entire system is unnecessary. It’s asimilar case with finding a network server.These, too, can be expensive but insteadof buying one, companies can now rentand access via the web. It’s managed byanother company and businesses just payto use it.

And for all those documents that needediting: once office suites were the mostfrequently used pieces of software butfiles could only be edited on a computerwhere they were installed and they were

often expensive. Thanks to the Cloud, it’snow possible to log in and work ondocuments, spreadsheets and much morefrom anywhere.

Cloud, as anyone with their finger on thekeyboard button will be aware, is definitelythe place where it’s all at and, despite itsfloating around for 10 years; it’s only nowthat we’re seeing signs of how it affectsworking practices.

Not least through the attitudes of ayounger digital savvy multi-deviceoperating generation, brought up with anever-open window on the world-wideweb.Not for them sitting at the samedesk, 40 hours a week, month in, monthout. Some are even predicting that thosewho remain office-bound all week willbecome as “outdated as the landline andfax machine”.

Not sure? Well look at how the workplacereally is changing, the BT Business andBritish Chambers of Commerce survey toexamine how UK SMEs use and benefitfrom technology, revealed that more than86% per cent had one or more staffmembers who regularly worked from

home. Almost half had staff working awayfrom the office at least once a week, while28% had someone working remotelyevery day.

Of those interviewed, 43% believedCloud-based applications were a criticalelement of effective flexible working, withmore than half suggesting that remoteaccess to company data was essential.

And yet, it’s not all sunshine. There arestorm clouds about.

A survey from UK-leading businesstechnology magazine Computing foundthat the Cloud was not necessarily a one-size-fits-all solution for SMEs, which, itpointed out, can have very specialisedneeds and may be better served bydedicated staff in-house.

And then there are always the securityfears. How safe is your data up on thatCloud?

Trend Micro, a global leader in Cloudsecurity argues that data securitystandards are likely to be higher in aprovider’s environment than in yourown business, especially if thatprovider has ISO and other keyindustry standard accreditations. Italso maintains that Cloud providershave greater physical and financial

resources to withstand data securitythreats to their infrastructure, but pointsout that the onus is on you to check whereyour data is stored and what securitymeasures your provider has in place.

Whatever the concerns, Cloud is certainly here to stay. Dr. Adam Marshall,executive director of policy, BritishChambers of Commerce, says: “Flexible and remote working are crucialfor companies across Britain, and Cloud-based files and applications make thispossible. Businesses are working in newand different ways, but easy access toinformation and communication tools areabsolutely essential. Everything suggeststhat businesses dependence on the Cloud is growing, and will continue toincrease in future.”

Does every cloudhave a silver lining?

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Accumulus Accounting is not so much a business with itshead in the clouds, more a company that’s harnessed thepower of the cloud to get ahead in business.

Having calculated that the sky’s the limit when it comes tocloud technology opportunities, the company has embracedthe concept and is soaring.

Says Managing Director Tom Hurst: “Three years ago, werecognised the benefits of cloud technology, specifically theXero accounting package, and how we could use them tochange the way we and our clients do business.

“No longer are invoices posted to us to be manually entered onthe accounts package. We do everything in the cloud and areconstantly looking to improve our systems and develop ways toimprove our service.”

Based in the East Midlands, the company delivers the full rangeof services: general accountancy and bookkeeping,management accounts, business advice and consultancy,payroll, VAT and tax.

With over twenty years in accountancy and business behindthem, the Directors formed Accumulus Accounting with aparticular focus on cloud accounting, and has a client baseranging from sole-traders to large limited companies across theUK.

“The migration from the old ways to cloud-based accountingwas an easy decision for us, much like when accountants hadto embrace spreadsheets over the old ledger book systems,”says Tom.

“The cloud has allowed us to improve our own systems,making us more efficient and reducing our own paperwork. Weare now able to pass those cost-savings on to our clients,offering a better service than ever for very competitive fees.”

It was, he acknowledges, a challenge to bring people to seethe benefits of cloud accountancy and to alleviate fears oversecurity issues.

“But in the same way that people came to accept e-commerceafter initial concerns, so have people come to embrace thecloud, which can only be a good thing,” he adds.

And the cloud is proving to have a real silver lining. Havingdeveloped their own bespoke finance management andreporting software for the Hospitality sector, AccumulusAccounting is now looking to invest further in software for theLicensed Trade sector.

The company is also rolling out the latest phase of its software,which allows clients to log in and submit their information,which is then approved and imported directly into Xero.

And it’s just green-lighted the next phase of software, which willfurther improve its systems and the client experience, givingthem real-time access to their financial information.

So there’s much to anticipate - but it’s not all about the latesttechnology.

Tom acknowledges that the company’s growth in the last twoyears is cause for celebration but its greatest success is, headds, that it’s been achieved while adhering to the same valueswhich have sustained them in business for the last twenty.

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In the recent economic climate many people have been facedwith the reality of redundancy. Companies large and smallhave found themselves in difficult situations, having to maketough decisions with regard to workforce numbers or maybehaving to close the business altogether, leading to job loses.

The armed forces may once have been seen as virtually immuneto job cuts but in recent times has also been hit hard. With manyservice people cast adrift after dedicating the majority of their lifeto training in a particular discipline.

Anyone who has been through the process or is close to someonewho has will know that the impact of job loss can be far reachingand the consequences often hard hitting.

There has been an increase in companies hiring coaches tosupport employees through this process; along with a measurableincrease in individuals independently seeking a coach to rethinkand regroup in times of enforced change. Career coaches helppeople to face the challenge of redundancy and maintain a senseof control over the situation.

Confidence and self-esteem can also be badly affected. This is adouble-edged sword as a lack of confidence and self-esteem in ajob seekers market only makes the situation worse and in extremecases can lead to anxiety and depression. Many people find thecoaching process refreshing as it can often create a sense ofexcitement whilst exploring future possibilities and career options.

A significant number of people fall into jobs but don’t actuallychoose their career path and redundancy can be the perfect timeto take stock and consider what you really want to do.

Some people decide to take control of their own destiny and setup their own business. 2013 saw 526,446

inew businesses started

in the UK alone, a record number which is only set to increaseagain in 2014. Some of these new businesses have been startedby people who decided that if they couldn’t find a job they wouldcreate one for themselves.

Ten steps to taking control and staying on track.

1. Once you have been informed that your job is redundant; takeaction sooner rather then later. Many people keep their head inthe sand for as long as possible and very often the writing is onthe wall long before notice is given.

2. Stay positive and keep doing a great job until the very last day.There is a difference between an average, good and greatreference, which could make the difference in future interviews.

3. Consider all options available to you including retraining andup-skilling. Ask yourself ‘what could be good about this’?Keep an open mind and come up with at least three things.

4. Don’t take it personally. Confidence levels are more at risk if youdo – remember; it was the job that was made redundant not you.

5. Take time to take stock. Make a list of the things you lovedabout your job and a list of the things that you disliked. Look atyour list and consider what you would like to repeat in a newrole and what you would like to avoid.

6. Besides money, what did the job give you? Maybe it wassatisfaction, being part of a team, the ability to make adifference or flexible working hours? Creating this list will helpyou to identify the values that are important to you andknowing what’s important can help you to identify priorities forfuture roles.

7. One of my favourite books is ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ byViktor E. Frankl

iiwho as an Auschwitz concentration camp

inmate during World War II as a trained psychologist he wasuniquely able to observe why some people coped and whysome didn’t “When we are not longer able to change asituation, we are challenged to change ourselves”.

8. Be a person of action every day. Set yourself goals andobjectives to keep you keep moving forward. Keeping activealso means keeping yourself fit and healthy - exercise is greatfor the mind as well as the body.

9. Consider expanding your social circle online and offline, manyopportunities come from people not job-boards.

10.Count your blessings and remain grateful for the good things inyour life. Many people look back and see that redundancy wasactually the best thing that could have happened to them, akarmic kick so to speak. Stay positive and commit to turningyour setback into a comeback.

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

Bev JamesTaking a positive approach to redundancy

Bev James

i http://www.startupbritain.co/news/2014-01-26/new-figures-reveal-regional-entrepreneurial-hotspots

ii http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man's_Search_for_Meaning

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Design led MPD Creative Ltd create exhibition standsfor some of the top companies in the country.

Mark Powell believes that being first and foremost a designer, and

being able during the initial discussions with his clients to sketch

out a representation of how the stand would look, turning the

client’s ideas into reality before their eyes, because he has listened

carefully to what they want, is a key factor in his success.

Mark has 25 years’ experience

in designing successful

exhibition stands. After over 20

years of working with just a

handful of regular clients he

decided to concentrate on

dealing directly with exhibitors.

In the first year they hit their

growth target, and this year had

already exceeded the previous entire year’s turnover by June; a

fantastic achievement by any standard.

MPD Creative Ltd is owned and run by husband and wife team Mark

and Julie Powell. Mark oversees the design and project management

side and Julie runs new customer liaisons and marketing.

We are proud to support MPD Creative and wish them the very best of luck for the future.

For more information about our services please visit www.blowfishmedia.co.ukCall 024 7661 6111

LARGE FORMAT DIGITAL PRINTING

. PVC BANNERS

. POP UP DISPLAYS

. EXHIBITION GRAPHICS

. SITE HOARDINGS

Mark says, “Although most of our

work is bespoke designed custom

build exhibition stands, we cater for

all budgets and types of exhibition

stands and believe that what our

clients want is great stands,

personal service and value for

money – and that’s what we deliver.”

The company have produced a new eBook to help exhibitors

utilise nearly 30 years of stand design and management

experience, visit www.mpdcreative.co.uk to download, free of

charge, “9 Steps to Stress Free Exhibiting”.

Contact telephone 0800 046 9273 or email info@mpdcreative.co.uk

Kinetic Six named Most Promising New Business at the2014 Herefordshire and Worcestershire Business Awards.

The awards were presented at an annual dinner and ceremony

on 10th July, where the Kinetic Six team was also thrilled to be

finalists in the Excellence in Innovation category for its product

Kinetic Radio over Internet Protocol (KRIP).

The company was established by former UK Special Forces

Communicators Kevin Marriot and Shaun Leavy in 2012 and

provides innovative and discreet secure communications

products and services to clients operating in allied

government/military, private security, wildlife conservation and

humanitarian aid sectors.

From dynamic radio and satellite communications to GPS

tracking and asset management and technical and training,

Kinetic Six offers a full range of bespoke solutions.

“We are thrilled to have been named 2014’s Most Promising

New Business”, said Shaun Leavy, “Everyone who has worked

for us, from our earliest beginnings through to today, has put

their heart and soul into developing Kinetic Six into a successful

and innovative company.”

For more information please contact us on: info@kinderpocock.co.ukor visit: www.kinderpocock.co.uk

01432 273400Suite 9 Mortimer Trading Centre, Mortimer Road, Hereford HR4 9SP

Congratulations to Kinetic Six on winning "Most Promising New Business" at the Chamber Awards!

We are modern online accountants, providing real-time and relevant support at fixed prices. Kinder Pocock are Xero Gold Partners and Receipt Bank Silver Partners.

follow us @KinderPocock

Marriott and Leavy established the company with an ethos to

match that of the UK Special Forces they were formerly a part

of and very proud to have served.

Utilising their combined 24 years of operational experience,

together with intense passions for wildlife, they also work

closely with conservationists to develop specialised products

and services to aid in the fight against elephant and rhino

poaching in Africa.

Kinetic Six is currently focusing on extending that same high level

of dedicated protection to NGOs and humanitarian organisations

operating in conflict zones and other challenging environments.

www.kinetic6.co.uk Telephone: + 44 (0) 330 330 5624

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Stephen Britton – Head of Employment Law at SillsMacLaren Britton draws employers’ attention to holidaypay issues currently under appeal at the EmploymentAppeal Tribunal (EAT) as to whether UK rules oncalculation of statutory holiday pay should be amended inlight of EU case law to include overtime.

He writes, “The right to statutoryannual leave is provided within theWorking Time Regulations 1998,which is the UK’s domesticapplication of the EuropeanUnion’s Working Time Directive. Ithas been accepted law for someyears that only basic pay countedfor holiday pay and two Court ofAppeal decisions confirmed thatcommission paid as a result of

output or results would not count and neither would overtimewhich was not compulsory and guaranteed.

“A recent decision of the European Court (Lock v British Gas)has held that holiday pay should include commission asotherwise taking holiday would be dis-incentivised. There is nowa contradiction between the UK’s Working Time Regulations andEuropean case law. Employment Tribunals may well take theview that European case law should take precedence.

“If the element of uncertainty regarding the inclusion ofcommission within holiday pay was not enough, the question ofwhether a payment in respect of overtime should be includedwithin holiday pay is shortly to be determined by theEmployment Appeal Tribunal. There is a strong possibility thatthe decision will be an unhappy one for employers.

“If these developments were not enough for employers to worryabout, there is also a risk that employees may be able tocontend that previous shortfalls in holiday pay comprise aseries of deductions all the way back to when the WorkingTime Regulations came into force.

“Employers having to contend with back dated holiday payclaims is now a very real risk and they should take advice nowand consider starting to pay full holiday pay because this mightjust have the result of breaking the chain for potential claimsgoing back many years.”

Stephen Britton’s experience with some of the largestemployers in the country has given him an outstanding breadthof knowledge and understanding of employment issues

Sills MacLaren Britton is a city centre (Nottingham) law firmoffering a full range of private client and business services. Theywere formed in 2013 as the result of a merger, between twowell established practices, MacLaren Britton and Lincolnshirefirm Sills & Betteridge. The merged practice has 9 officesacross the East Midlands.

The merger enables the practice to offer a better and broaderrange of services with a particular emphasis on developing theircommercial client services, from the Nottingham office.

The practice are proud that through their combined expertisethat they are able to offer big city law but at regional prices,

Stephen Britton

The EAT’s decision could have financial implications for manybusinesses.

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Whenever we tell people that they should start planning earlythey give knowing nods. But the biggest issue we have toovercome is the definition of early! When we say plan early wemean that employers should begin their preparations around 18months before they are due to stage!

The list of reasons why planning should begin so far in advanceis lengthy, but the biggest reason is the capacity crunch. Beforeautomatic enrolment there were around 6,000 new pensionschemes per year. However, at the time when large numbers ofemployers will be staging we could be looking at around20,000 to 30,000 new schemes per month.

The CIPP’s Automatic Enrolment for Accountants seminars on29 October 2014 and 11 November 2014 will explore theseissues, and others, to providing food for thought andencourage discussion and sharing of best practice.

Employers have legal obligations under automaticenrolment that they may be blissfully unaware of.

According to research undertaken by The Pensions Regulator,74% of the very smallest employers, those with less than 10employees, intend to ask their accountant to help them withautomatic enrolment. Yet that same research shows that onlyjust over a third of accountants intend acting on behalf of theirclients when it comes to the automatic enrolment obligations.

Why are we thinking about this now when businesses with lessthan 30 employees, won’t be affected by the automaticenrolment legislation for at least another year and many haveuntil 2017 to comply with the new pension regulations?

cipp.org.uk

32944 HPD_HorseWorld 29/10/2014 11:57 Page 1

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Welcome to the fifth of my Auto

Enrolment articles. Today we will look

at the role of the Pensions Regulator,

its ability to levy fines and the provider

options available to employers.

The Pensions Regulator was established in

the Pensions Act 2004. It is a non-

departmental public body and has four

primary objectives, to protect the benefits

of scheme members in work based

pensions, to reduce risk of situations arising

that could cause claims for compensation,

to promote and improve understanding of

work based pensions and to maximise

compliance with Auto Enrolment duties.

The Pensions Regulator is somewhat

different to other Government backed

bodies such as Companies House or H M

Revenue & Customs. It acts under four key

principles being proportionate, consistent,

transparent and targeted. Whilst the body

has real powers, in a meeting with one of

its officers it was made clear that they were

not looking to be a penalty driven body and

that wherever possible they would seek to

educate and encourage compliance. At this

stage they will have to be taken at that

word, but several commentators have

questioned whether, once all employers are

“In” the education and encouragement will

disappear and they will be forced to be self

financing with fines being their likely income

steam. Only time will tell.

Should education and encouragement not

work the Pensions Regulator does have

powers to issue penalties. Initially the first

step would be to issue a Compliance

Notice. This notice provides the employer

with a period of time to become compliant.

Should that fail then the first step is a fixed

regulatory penalty of £400. Thereafter it can

levy daily penalties for non compliance

starting at £50 per day for employers with

up to 4 employees, £500 per day for

employers with 5 to 49 employees, £2,500

per day for employers with 50 to 249

employees, £5,000 per day for employers

with 250 to 499 employees, and for

employers with more than 500 employees

the daily penalty is £10,000.

In addition to this there are fixed penalties

ranging from £1,000 up to £5,000 for cases

of Prohibited Recruitment. This was one of

the key safeguards mentioned in last

month’s article. So far there have been no

issues of penalty notices. At one stage

there were rumours of a large international

fashion chain possibly receiving a fine but

this has since been denied.

In theory, at least, employers have a

number of options when determining a

pension scheme suitable for Auto

Enrolment. There are currently six insurers

in the marketplace offering Group Personal

Pensions as a means of entry. However

employers with between 50 and 249

employees are currently staging and

despite the relatively large number of

employees to work with, obtaining terms

has been extremely difficult. With limited

capacity the insurers have become very

picky and are either not offering terms at all

or are offering terms but only starting at

higher minimum contributions than required

by law. As we move to smaller entities next

Spring it is highly likely that none of the

insurers will be taking on new business.

This will leave the vast majority of

employers with only being able to consider

the three main Master Trust arrangements.

Master Trusts are a single point of entry for

multiple employers so rather than having

their employer’s Group Personal Pension

Scheme employees will be placed in a large

pot with thousands of other employees.

The principle Master Trust is National

Employment Savings Trust (NEST). This is

the default fund set up by Government to

ensure that all employees can be auto

enrolled into a pension scheme. It is

mandated to accept any employer no

matter how small.

In addition there are two other main Master

Trust providers, NOW Pensions is a

company set up by a Danish company ADT.

This company has been successfully running

a similar type scheme in Denmark since the

late 1940s. The other alternative is People’s

Pension run by BC&E who have run similar

schemes in the building and construction

industry. Both of these alternatives are more

commercially based so are definitely worth

consideration. They are both currently

claiming to be geared up for the tsunami of

small companies staging between 2016,

and 2018. Time will tell as to whether they

too will effectively remove themselves from

the market.

Next month will be the last article which will

be a round up of the key points covered

over the past few months.

Authors Credit to:

Ian D Gillard FCA FCCA DipPFS AIPW,

director of R D Owen & Co, Chartered

Accountants.

Auto EnrolmentThe Pensions Regulator

11843 1pg_Carford Group 15/10/2014 11:50 Page 1

23

Coinciding with the completionof its first year in business,Burnt Tree’s RefrigerentalDivision was nominated for, andsuccessfully won, the ‘Rentaland Contract Hire Company ofthe Year’ Award at the recent2014 TCS&D Awards event,held at the National MotorcycleMuseum in Warwickshire.

In front of a packed audiencerepresenting the temperaturecontrolled storage and distributionsector of the road transport industry,Burnt Tree Refrigerental wassuccessful in fighting off thecompetition to win this inauguralaward for the first time.

According to the event judges,“Despite only being recent entrantsinto the temperature controlledvehicle rental sector, Burnt TreeRefrigerental has clearly got it right,judging by the large number of theircustomers who nominated them fortheir attention to detail and excellentcustomer service.”

Mark Howell from Burnt TreeRefrigerental said, “The last 12months has been really busy for thewhole business, non-stop from themoment we went live withRefrigerental. We felt that there wasdefinitely big potential for a freshapproach to temperature controlledvehicle rental and contract hire andto receive this accolade at the end ofour first year is absolutely incredible.It certainly vindicates the originalthinking behind the development ofthe Refrigerental brand.”

Using Burnt Tree’s experiencedapproach to effective customer

service, we have been able to apply the same successful culture within the Refrigerentalbusiness, making our no nonsense approach to business really popular with customers,”added Mark Howell.

Full details about Refrigerental, Burnt Tree’s dedicated temperature controlled vehicle rentaloperation, can be viewed on its website www.refrigerental.co.uk from which visitors to thesite can obtain a fully comprehensive vehicle selection guide that outlines the completerange of vehicles available.

Refrigerental

R

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

With over 16,000 vehicles from 21 UK locations we

have a range of products to suit every business

whatever the size of your fleet.

With over 30 year’s contract hire experience

we are dedicated to providing innovative

transport and logistical solutions.

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

range of vans and trucks available

You can choose from a fleet of over 300 vehicles ranging

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

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

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental84 - 90 Brades RoadOldburyB69 2EP

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VEHICLE RENTAL CONTRACT HIRE REFRIGERENTAL ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE RENTAL

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VEHICLE RENTAL

p

ACCESSIBLEVEHICLE RENTA

Burnt Tree Refrigerental wins major industry award in its first year of trading…

Look who’s renting today

DIBS Distribution

“Until we started looking for a replacement vehicle, we had never really associated BurntTree with refrigerated trucks. However, with Burnt Tree’s recent move into temperaturecontrolled vehicles, together with the input from their experienced sales team, we decidedto switch our transport fleet provider to Burnt Tree on this occasion.

Although it is early days within the five-year deal, we are extremely pleased with thesupport we have from Burnt Tree and their detailed approach to our business is first class.”

Toby Payne, Transport Director, DIBS Distribution Ltd

Blunham Dairy

“For several years now, we have used an alternative vehicle supplier for our transport fleetrequirements, however, following Burnt Tree’s recent move into temperature controlledvehicle rental, we decided to run with their Refrigerental business for the first time for theseeight new vehicles.”

Stephen Armiger, Transport Manager, Blunham Dairy

32851 QPD_HorseWorld 20/10/2014 14:01 Page 1

24

Improvements in technology and the

need for businesses to become more

efficient with their vehicles usage have

resulted in huge improvements in how

commercial fleets are tracked.

The data that is tracked by fleet telematics

allows companies to see areas where they

can save money and run their fleets more

cost-effectively. The tracking devices are

easily installed into the OBD port of each

vehicle and the fleet operator can view all

vehicles through a central website.

New developments in the use of telematics

are launched almost daily it seems, but

there is no need for the business owner or

fleet manager to be constantly installing the

latest thing. A little research will help to

identify the system that will work best for

your fleet and give you the type and

amount of information you require.

When deciding on your needs, think ahead,

the system that suits today may not be

adequate once your business expands and

an alternative method such as one provided

by the emerging cell phone technologies

might be more suitable. Such technology

provides tracking of multiple entities, such

as both a salesperson and their vehicle.

These systems also offer tracking of calls,

texts, and web use and generally provide a

wider range of options.

Jason Francis, Managing Director of fleet

software and occupational road safety

expert Jaama says increasing numbers of

fleet decision-makers understand the

importance of choosing technology that can

fully integrate with systems operated by

external suppliers and other company

departments, such as HR, payroll and

finance, and which can also be accessed

by drivers.

“Until only a few years ago, they still had to

manually enter virtually every single piece of

fleet relevant information,” he says. “Not

only was this time-consuming and

administratively cumbersome, it could be

prone to mistakes.

“Today’s computer software is able to

seamlessly populate systems in real time,

ensuring up-to-the-minute accurate

management information.”

Devices generally fall into two basic types

generally classified as "passive" and

"active". "Passive" devices store GPS

location, speed, heading and sometimes a

trigger event such as key on/off, door

open/closed. Once the vehicle returns to a

predetermined point, the device is removed

and the data downloaded to a computer for

evaluation. Passive systems include auto

download type that transfers data via

wireless download. "Active" devices also

collect the same information but usually

transmit the data in near-real-time via

cellular or satellite networks to a computer

or data centre for evaluation.

Many modern vehicle tracking devices

combine both active and passive tracking

abilities: when a cellular network is available

and a tracking device is connected it

transmits data to a server; when a network

is not available the device stores data in

internal memory and will transmit stored

data to the server later when the network

becomes available again.

Whatever method you decide on some

form of tracking is essential to increase the

efficiency of your fleet by eliminating excess

consumption of fuel, unauthorised vehicle

usage and unnecessary overtime expenses.

Efficient tracking will reduce vehicle wear

and increase the lifetime of your fleet, while

live traffic updates allow fleet controllers to

reroute drivers, or give updates to

customers.

Awareness of driver behaviour will

encourage good driving and enhance

overall fleet safety. It should also result in

fewer penalty notices and speeding fines,

and identify training needs for dangerous or

careless drivers.

Location tracking means fraudulent claims

against your fleet can be identified. Impact

recording and notification means you can

get help to your driver the instant they are

involved in a collision. Safety and security

are improved by automated weekly/monthly

journey and driver reports, along with crash

detection and theft alerts, enabling you to

identify causes before they become crises.

With drivers involved in fewer incidents as a

result of practicing ‘smarter driving’, annual

mileage being tracked – less time at the

wheel equals less risk, your insurance

premiums should come down

And not to forget the benefits to that all

important person, your customer; tracking

systems on delivery vehicles can tell a

customer the specific location of goods

being transported, so they know when their

goods are going to reach them. A tracking

system also helps to make customers feel

that their goods are safe.

Fleet ManagementTechnology

12040 1pg_Transport Warehousing 15/10/2014 14:05 Page 1

25

Choosing the right vehicles for your company can bea daunting undertaking, whether you need just onecar or van or a large mixed fleet. There is so much toconsider, probable mileage, type of usage, yourcompany philosophy on energy saving, and whatbudget to set to mention just a few.

Speak to those friendly, experienced folk at Sutton Park’sdedicated Business Centre who are waiting to help. With 6sites in Coventry, Warwick, Sutton Coldfield, Stourbridge,Tamworth and Burton-on-Trent, they are the go to company fora great range of vehicles and expert advice.

Sutton Park Group are franchised dealers for new Renault, Kia,Fiat, Citroen and Dacia cars and vans, and their businesscentre is committed to finding you the right vehicle, for yourbusiness at the right price, with tailored finance packages tosuit any pocket.

Sourcing the best finance package for their customers is anintegral part of their service. They are happy to provide apersonalised quotation and to recommend a payment plan bestsuited to your business model and the practicalities of youreveryday car usage.

Their services for business customers also extend to one toone demonstrations and test drives, which can be arranged atthe most convenient branch for you, for both cars and vans sothat you can check that the vehicle of choice is appropriate foryour business needs.

Sutton Park was a Renault dealer from the outset (1991) andhas a true passion for the brand. They stock the full range ofRenault cars, vans and associated products and services at thevery best prices, combined with sound advice based on yearsof experience.

In 2009 Sutton Park expanded by adding the Kia franchise totheir business. The acquisition enabled them to offer the full rangeof new Kia cars, all of which come with Kia’s 7 year warranty.

In 2010 Sutton Park introduced Fiat to the Coventry andTamworth dealerships, expanding their offering still further bythe inclusion of the full Fiat range. Then in 2012 Citroen arrivedat Sutton Park Group with the Dacia range finally added to thefamily in 2013.

Sutton Park Group (est. 1991) has always strived to exceedexpectations by providing the highest quality and standard ofservice to every customer. The Company's Philosophy is one ofcontinual improvement of service and every member of thehighly trained team is encouraged to contribute.

Finding the right vehicle for your business is their business andnothing gives the team a greater buzz than making theircustomers happy.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT SONIA WILLIAMS, LOCAL BUSINESS SALES EXECUTIVE ON 07581 534476 OR EMAIL SONIA.WILLIAMS@SUTTONPARKGROUP.CO.UK

FOLLOW US...

CARS OR VANS, SUTTON PARK BUSINESS HAVE THERIGHT DEAL TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS MOVING

32929 QPD_HorseWorld 25/09/2014 13:39 Page 1

26

Last month, you got the inside scoop on thefinancial and operational benefits thatSME’s see by outsourcing their fleetmanagement. In this issue, we’rechampioning a new mantra for all you fleetdecision makers out there. Repeat after me:a cheap lease rental doesn’t mean I’msaving money.

Reducing spend is all about making smart choices,not cheap ones. Be brave. Step away from thatdeal, that special offer, that bargain… becausewhen you do, that’s when Covase can help youhave one of those magic moments in businesswhen all the planets align and you find you’resaving money, saving time and getting betterreturns. Scout’s honour! We promise you it’spossible and here’s how:

1. Decades of fleet management experienceto help you make the very best choices foryour SME.

2. Taking the time to research vehicle specsand compare/leverage leasing rates.

3. Expert knowledge and skills to measurethe real-life running costs of existing andpotential fleet vehicles.

We hope the first two points are fairly self-explanatory but we’d like to explore this idea ofreal-life running costs with you a bit more…

A vehicle’s real-life running cost (or “Whole LifeCost” to those in the know) includes so much morethan just the finance rental. It’s the total cost tolease it, tax it, use it and maintain it over the wholeleasing term (typically that’s 36 months).

Far too many company cars are chosen because ofa cheap rental offer. There’s very little considerationduring the decision making process of themammoth financial impact of other associatedcosts like fuel, ENI, lease rental restriction and roadtax. On average, these “other” costs make up awhopping 51% of the average lease vehicle’srunning costs.

Yes, you did read that right: 51%. Who knew?! Let’sdelve even deeper and see the figures in more detail:

When you get your head around that little info-nugget it’snot difficult to see how Covase’s approach has helped somany SME’s to take control of their fleet budgets. Andthis is all just pre-delivery, they offer top-notch post-delivery fleet support too like administration, maintenanceand accident management.

Give the Covase team a call on 0845 369 7100 to sortout your free one-on-one chat. If you’re still sceptical,we’d urge you to check out the BLESMA case study on their website to see “Whole Life Cost” saving in action and keep that mantra going: a cheap lease rental doesn’t mean I’m saving money!

FLEET MANAGEMENTMAKING SMARTER CHOICES

32911 QPD V2_HorseWorld 06/10/2014 12:50 Page 1

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He decided to see if he could do it better, and set up on his

own in a friend’s barn in 2003. He was obviously right, as within

10 years of continual investment in new technology and giving

his customers excellent service, he has established himself in

his own purpose built 5,000 sq. ft. state of the art workshop,

with an impressive roll of loyal customers!

The team at Autotech Performance can service your car without

invalidating your manufacturer's warranty, because they use

genuine BMW parts and BMW manufacturer’s service guidelines

to ensure that your car retains its full manufacturer's warranty.

Although best known as a BMW specialist, when you need a

service centre you can trust to take care of your prized Aston

Martin, Bentley, Mercedes or Audi, Autotech Performance has

the experience and unrivalled expertise.

Autotech Performance take pride in being highlyexperienced BMW specialists, able to provideindependent BMW tuning and performance car servicingusing only approved BMW parts.

Peter Thorpe, MD, is very well known amongst BMW owners

and enthusiasts both locally and nationally and on the race

circuits where he has worked with the likes of Liz Halliday, Peter

Duke, Alan Gow, Micheal Caine and Nigel Stephens.

Peter has a passion for customer service and doing a thorough

job every time, on every vehicle for every customer.

He has worked on high performance cars for over 30 years and

brings that same care and attention to detail to every vehicle,

whatever it may be, and in treating all his customers, whether a

shop floor worker, or the MD of a multi-million pound business,

just the same.

During his training he worked for a number of well-known

manufacturers, after serving his apprenticeship at Fiat He then

went on to work for an independent BMW specialist and

discovered a particular talent for chassis and suspension set

up, which saw him working on all levels of race cars.

But as time went on, he found he couldn’t stand the ethos

prevalent in many main dealerships of finding ways to charge

the customer extra, of cutting corners, and rushing the job.

AUTOTECHPERFORMANCE

Celebrating their first anniversary in new premises.

(L-R) Leigh Delacoe, Barry Edwards, Anne Thorpe,Peter Thorpe, Ben Davani and Stephen Harries.

Station Road, Dawley, Telford TF4 2NJCall: 01952 501093

| www.doseleymotors.co.uk |

a complete packagefor all your paint body and accident damage needs.

BODY AND PAINT CENTRE

We are fully approved by and have the full support of the following manufacturers:

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SMART

We are proud to supportAutotech Performanceand wish them all the best for the future...

32909 2pgs_HorseWorld 09/11/2014 10:48 Page 1

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The team’s excellent relationships with their customers often

mean they look after all the cars belonging to a family, even the

family runabout. Peter’s willingness to help out, broad

knowledge and straightforward honest approach have led to a

great many female customers, they know they can trust him,

and tend to tell their friends.

Peter maintains that customer service and honesty is vital to

build a strong business based on relationships and trust. He

regularly checks what is being said about Autotech

Performance on Google just to be sure that customers are

happy, and is pleased to find their praises being sung by all.

Peter is proud of his team, who follow his lead in offering the

best to each and every customer. He says, “We have a good

team and it is a happy place to work!”

His motto is to “Charge less, do more, and bring a personal

touch to every job using care and attention to detail”.

For information on any of their services please visit thenew website www.autotechperformance.co.uk

telephone 01952 22 88 22or, if you are in the area, call in at the service centre

Unit H, Horton Enterprise Park, HortonwoodTelford TF1 7GZ

Follow us on:

They are proud to be an independent service centre providing

dealer-quality servicing at competitive prices. This value for

money, combined with the friendly, impartial advice on offer

from the team, makes Autotech Performance the ideal place to

take your high performance vehicle.

You can be confident that your car is in safe hands when it

goes to be serviced. Whichever model you drive, Autotech

Performance can provide a complete service to ensure that

your car is working as it should be; helping you to enjoy the

very best performance from your vehicle at all times.

Meanwhile, their competitive pricing can make servicing your

prestige vehicle more affordable, and their prompt, professional

service means you’ll never have to wait too long to get your car

back on the road.

Car Parts SpecialistAre pleased to supply

Autotech Performancewith

Car Parts Exhausts & CatalystsWorkshop Consumables & Tools

Garage EquipmentAutomotive Training

CES (Telford) Tel: 01952 581666

Chartered AccountantsBusiness Advice AccountancyTaxation

Audit

VAT

PayrollManagement Consultancy

Capital Allowances

34 Waterloo Road, Wolverhampton,

West Midlands, WV1 4DG

Call 01902 773993 or visit our websitewww.crom.co.uk

Wish Autotech PerformanceContinuing Success

32909 2pgs_HorseWorld 09/11/2014 10:49 Page 2

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Telford Motors can supply the full range of Peugeots as well asa range of quality used Peugeot and non-Peugeot vehicles.

“Our stock is constantly changing so it pays to get in touchquickly if you see a car you like,” advises Lindsay.

The business can also supply the full range of Peugeot vans, newand used. “We have years of experience in meeting the vehicleneeds of business users from a sole trader requiring one vehicle,up to large companies looking to source a fleet,” adds Lindsay.

Meanwhile, as a Motability Premier Partner, the company canadvise on the most suitable vehicle in its range, guide throughthe application procedure and make home visits if getting to thedealership is a problem.

Of course, Telford Motors knows buying a vehicle is only part ofthe story - servicing and parts replacement also play key roles.

If any one knows about the drive to succeed its theTelford Motors team, which has turned a once-failingconcern into an award-winning top gear business.

And successfully steered its way through one of the biggestfinancial crises in living memory too.

Definitely a big cat of the automotive scene - Telford Motors isthe premier Peugeot dealership serving Shropshire,Staffordshire, West Midlands and Mid Wales - the company isnow going all out to achieve Gold Lion status for the secondyear running.

This prestigious award is only given to the top dealerships in thePeugeot network which has demonstrated it’s a roaring successin terms of the very highest customer service, after-sales, salesperformance and showroom and demonstrator stock.

“To win this the whole dealership must be at the top of itsgame,” says MD Lindsay Read. “Our achievement was a greathonour and I was delighted that everyone’s hard work wasrecognised by Peugeot.”

Telford Motors is a family-owned business that has beentrading at the dealership since 2000, since when it has doubledthe turnover and recruited eight more staff, bringing the totalnumber to 26.

It’s dedication to service has resulted in many customersbecoming repeat customers and further awards, including twoPeugeot and two Motabiity awards.

motors

With our on-site automotive paint repair system, we can complete car body repairs such as bumper scuffs, paintwork scratches,minor dents and interior trim repair without re-painting the entire section of the damage.

This means you can get the minor damage repaired within a few hours, to a very high standard, at a fraction of the price.

We are proud to suppport Telford Motorsand wish them all the best for the future!

call 07980872950or email philevans98@yahoo.co.uk

EVANSEVANSPHIL

www.philevansvehiclerefurb.co.uk

before

during

after

before

during

after

32899 2pg 2_HorseWorld 09/11/2014 10:44 Page 1

30

For further information go towww.telfordmotors.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 01952 620404 or email info@telfordmotors.co.uk

Find us on...

All its Service Department technicians are extensively trained byPeugeot and work in with the latest diagnostic systems toensure your vehicle, Peugeot or otherwise, benefits from thebest expertise.

Meanwhile, the company’s Parts Department doesn’t justsupply the service teams, it helps retail and business customerstoo, with any part unavailable on the shelf, sourced onovernight delivery.

“We pride ourselves on the high standard of customer care weoffer in all departments and look forward to welcoming new andold customers,” says Lindsay.

“We are focussed on our continued growth, which will be helpedby the launch of the new Peugeot 108, and have set our sightson Gold Lion status again for 2015. Watch this space.”

motors

“We are proud to support Telford Motors,and wish them all the best for the future.”

32899 2pg 2_HorseWorld 09/11/2014 10:44 Page 2

31

to be mainline certified and go on to travel the length andbreadth of the country.

“We would welcome the sector’s support,” he says. “We areraising funds to build 'The Unknown Warrior' through donationsand regular contributions, fixed-interest loans, legacies,commercial sponsorship and grant applications, but it is aconstant challenge.”

High profile support in the form of famous steam enthusiast, popmogul Pete Waterman who launched a national appeal for money to

As moving ceremonies and tributes in August marked the100th anniversary of the start of World War One, theybrought even more significance to a remarkable ongoingproject to remember the fallen of this and other wars.

Four years from now, when the world commemorates a centurysince the signing of the Armistice, 2018 will be when ‘TheUnknown Warrior’, a brand new steam locomotive built with acombination of modern and traditional skills is officially unveiled.

The London Midland and Scottish Railway designed Patriot,which has become known as the National Memorial Engine,endorsed by the Royal British Legion, will stand as anextraordinary and unique tribute to the British, Commonwealthand Irish service personnel who fell in the wars of the 20th and21st centuries.

Its very existence is down to the passion and dedication ofrailway enthusiasts and members of the public who helped tofund the £1.5million project and to those who combined their21st century expertise and technology with traditional skills tobuild an engine right out of the Golden Age of Steam.

Now the man who launched the LMS-Patriot Project in 2008,Chairman David Bradshaw is urging the West Midlandsengineering sector to lend their support and be part of theconstruction of this extraordinary locomotive which is expected

Beamdale Engineers Ltd is a family business offering subcontract machining services throughout the UK.

Call 01926 817474 07980764411brettgroves50@gmail.com ISO 9001:2008 registered.

www.beamdale-engineers.co.uk

We at Beamdale engineers are pleased to be associated with the LMS-Patriot project.

We have over 12 years experience in precision machining, including the manufacturing of dies and one-off components for theAerospace Motoring Forging Rail Industries

The LMS-Patriot ProjectCreating the new Royal British Legion endorsed National Memorial Engine

U.K.'s Finest Manufacturer of Parabolic & Multileaf Springs

Jones springs have been established for more than 70 years and are the leading name in motor vehicle springs, specialising in HGV, light commercial, 4x4, vintage and classic cars

We are also Britains leading Steam Locomotive Spring manufacturer and repairer.

Based in the West midlands we only use the best quality British and European steel.

Jones Springs (Engineering) Ltd. Gladstone Street, Darlaston, West Midlands WS10 8BE

wishing them all the best for the future.We are proud to support LMS Patriot Project

Jones Springs

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JONES SPR INGS

32921 3pg_HorseWorld 01/10/2014 09:37 Page 1

32

build the new parallel boiler, has proved invaluable and the websiteRoll of Honour featuring the scheme’s partners and sponsors isimpressive - but additions to the list are always welcome.

After the Great War, three of the then railway companies namedlocomotives to honour the employees who had fought and diedduring the conflict. These were 'Valour', 'Remembrance' and ‘Patriot'.

The L&NWR memorial engine, a Claughton class locomotivewas named ‘Patriot’, a name which was later transferred to thenew 4-6-0 locomotive number 5500. This became the new'Patriot' memorial engine for the LMS and after which the class,used until 1962, took the name.

The Unknown Warrior is being constructed at the LlangollenRailway Works, in Wales, to the original parallel boiler designand its memorial status is in keeping with the original objectiveof the L&NWR Claughton class memorial engine which waswithdrawn in1934.

Its assembly began in 2009, led by Dave Owen, CME atLlangollen, but other workshops around the UK are alsoinvolved, including: Boro Foundry, South Devon Railway,Bannway Engineering, Harco Engineering, Johnson Porter,Premier Patterns, LNWR Heritage, Coupe Foundry, TyseleyLocomotive Works and Severn Valley Railway Engineering.

“Many original LMS drawings from NRM York and privateindividuals together with support from UK steam engineeringspecialists have made the project possible,” says David.

In spite of the on-going funding challenges, everyone involvedis confident The Unknown Warrior, the first all new standardgauge steam locomotive to be built ENTIRELY in Britain, is wellon track to arrive in 2018.

The engine is already partially built and members of the publicwere able to see it for themselves at the end of August when itwas put on display at the five-day Great Dorset Steam Fair.

David said, “We were delighted to exhibit The Unknown Warrior.To show its latest progress during the 100th anniversarycommemorations this year is a poignant reminder of the sacrificesmade by so many individuals during this terrible conflict,”

With three cylinders, all now cast work on the new boiler continueswith the construction of the copper firebox and the aim this year isto fit the cylinders, motion girders and motion brackets. There’salso a busy programme of talks around the country lined up toraise awareness and further support for the scheme.

“We are seeking support from anyone who admires the Patriotsand would like to see one in existence working again,” says David.“With your help, The Unknown Warrior WILL become a reality.”

‘The Unknown Warrior’Leaving Tyseley Locomotive Works in July.

Picture courtesy - Oakwood Visuals

Patriot class No 45503 named The Royal LeicestershireRegiment at Edinburgh on 14th July 1955.

Picture courtesy - David Anderson

Original nameplate off 'Patriot'

32921 3pg_HorseWorld 01/10/2014 09:37 Page 2

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For further information about the project, orto find out how to be the first to receive

news updates and other benefits bybecoming a member of the LMS-Patriot

Company, go to www.lms-patriot.org.uk

which also contains details of how to donateto the scheme.

For further information telephone 0121 544 6667or visit www.premierpatterns.com

CAD Cam ServicesPress Tool Patterns

Checking FixturesEngineering Patterns

Metal CastingsPolystyrene and Styrofoam

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Email: info@borofoundry.co.uk | Website: www.borofoundry.co.uk

No 45500 Patriot on the West Coast Main Line nearSymington with a Liverpool-Manchester-Glasgow express

25th June 1960. Picture courtesy - David Anderson

The LMS-Patriot ProjectC

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY “Nostalgia for Everyone”

Running through the spectacular Dee Valley.

HHoommee ooff ffoouurr nneeww bbuuiilldd pprroojjeeccttss GGrroouupp RRaatteess ffoorr pprree bbooookkeedd CCoouunnttrryy WWaallkkss ffrroomm SSttaattiioonnss FFaacciilliittiieess ffoorr tthhee DDiissaabblleedd TTeeaarroooommss && SShhooppss PPiiccnniicc AArreeaass

PPiiccttuurreessqquuee vviieewwss aallll tthhee wwaayy aalloonngg tthhee lliinnee TTrraaiinnss ooppeerraattiinngg tthhrroouugghhoouutt tthhee yyeeaarr

LLANGOLLEN RAILWAY The Station · Abbey Road · Llangollen · LL20 8SN

www.llangollen-railway.co.uk Tel: 01978 860979

Photographs by Matthew Collier, Lewis Maddox, David Wilcock & Andrew Gale

32921 3pg_HorseWorld 01/10/2014 09:37 Page 3

34

Congratulations are due to Hereford technology company,IA Technology, as finalists in the Hereford and WorcesterChamber’s Awards for Excellence in Innovation.

The company which was established in 1978 designs,

prototypes and manufactures electronic solutions to exacting

standards for some of the world’s most challenging

environments including Aerospace, Defence, Oil and Gas,

Healthcare, Security and Automotive.

They are justifiably proud of developing and manufacturing a new

product to help people suffering from PTSD. Called SENSE

TECH™, the device is used by practitioners in EMDR (Eye

Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy. EMDR is an

advanced treatment recommended by the World Health

Organisation and approved by NICE to help people reduce vivid,

unwanted, repeated recollections of traumatic events. The SENSE

RS Signs & Engraving, Unit 9, Burcott Business Park, Burcott Road, Hereford. HR4 9JQ

Visit us at www.signandengraving.co.ukor call 01432 341873

Over 35 years experience in the engraving and sign making business, specialising in a wide range of metals and plastics including:

. Aluminium . Anoprinting

. Brass . Control Panels

. Stainless Steel . Nameplates

. Tra�olyte . Safety Signs

We pride ourselves on delivering, not just quality workmanship, but also first class customer service.

RSRSSIGNS &ENGRAVING

RS Signs & Engraving

“”

We are proud to support IA Technologyand wish them continued success for the future.

TECH™ equipment allows the practitioner to select suitable

stimulation from visual, audio and tactile to best suit their patient and

therefore achieve optimal treatment.

Since launching the product in December 2013 it has been supplied

to the NHS, EMDR Hap (Humanitarian Assistance Programme)

trainers have used it in Pakistan, Poland, Indonesia etc. SENSE

TECH™ is becoming an internationally recognised product and IA

Technology are embarking on expanding into the US market among

others with the support from a US partner who have recognised the

importance of EMDR in treating PTSD.

Yet another example of how the company has used its experience in

design and innovation to build a well-earned reputation for turning

new product ideas into practical useable products that really work!

For more information please visit the websitewww.iatechnology.co.uk

or telephone 01432 342377

Arford Steel Profiles are delighted to have achievedBSEN1090-1 accreditation, a new quality standard forthe steel industry.

The accreditation ensures that the company’s practices conform

to strict new EU legislation with which every firm producing steel

profiles will need to comply, indeed, some of Arford’s customers

are already insisting on it, according to owner and managing

director, Diane Kimberley.

Diane is extremely proud of the

hard work and dedication the

whole team have put in to qualify

for the accreditation, and

describes it as “A clear

demonstration of the company’s

good working practices and

commitment to customers.”

She said: “This is much more than an official document confirming

that products and processes at Arford Steel Profiles comply with

industry standards. It means customers now have independent

assurance that our products and services meet their own

obligations under new rules for the EU construction market.

“It shows we have everything in place to deliver on our promise of

precision, professionalism and service.”

Contact Details: 01562 820081 or 01562 745923 www.citruscomputing.co.uk

Partnered with -

Would like to congratulate Arford Steel Profiles on their recent accreditation and are proud to be their preferred IT team.

As an IT company, we provide the full range of IT products and network solutions required to meet the IT needs of your business; these include:

Servers including consultancy, installation & implementation. Sage Accounting software, consultancy, installation, training and support. Support services including remote access, telephone, on-site, hardware & software maintenance.

If you would like to know more about us and what we could do for the IT within your company, or would like to discuss an issue you may have please contact us.

Arford has held a separate quality standard relating to

management systems, the ISO9001, which was renewed for a

fifth time earlier this year.

The award crowns a successful six-month period in which the

company has upgraded its growth plans, and invested in a

£300,000 state of the art plasma cutting machine. Mrs Kimberley

now expects to double the size of the business in three years.

“New machinery has given us a perfect platform for sustained

growth and we’re in a strong position to move forward.” She said.

For more information about their range of products and servicesplease visit the website www.arfordsteel.com

or telephone 01384 293159

Find us on...

32862 and 32935_HorseWorld 08/11/2014 17:07 Page 1

35

Working hand in handto help each otherover the enevitablegrowing pains.”

Ian retired in 2011;since then Sara hasmanaged thecompany and isproud that 20 yearslater they are still

delivering for the same manufacturer... along with many others,and have retained her father’s ethos of offering real customerservice and value for money.

It is this ethos of great service and value for money that hasbeen key to the company’s success. One client affirmed “Ourmarket is complex, competitive and demanding. Sara workedwith us to provide a package and service that was competitive

Redditch based Calderhead Refrigerated Transport Ltdare celebrating 20 years of serving the food industry, andthe completion of their move into their new purpose builtpremises on Little Forge Road.

With the company’s existing cold storage site at HemmingRoad, they now have a total area of 40,000 square feet,providing frozen and ambient storage. Calderhead alsoprovides national temperature controlled distribution for foodmanufacturers and suppliers, and are BRC accredited forStorage and Distribution.

Calderhead is afamily ownedand managedbusiness whichwas establishedby IanCalderhead in1993, and is runtoday by hisdaughter SaraOwrid.

The idea of starting his own business came to Ian while drivingfor a customer in Redditch, he felt sure that he could provide abetter service and at a reduced cost.

The early days were tough, Ian was driving insane amounts ofmiles all day and night in his little 7.5 tonner, but as onecustomer put it, “It was the start of a genuine partnership whichhas seen both businesses grow significantly over the years.

Wright Staff Recruitment Ltd159 London RoadWorcesterWR5 2EE

www.wrightstaff.co.uk

Wright Staff Recruitment Ltd are proud to support Calderhead Refrigerated Transportand wish them all the best for the future

Wright Staff Recruitment Ltd specialises in the supply of driving staff to Worcestershire companies.

We offer professional drivers with a range of disciplines including Non LGV multidrop drivers and LGV C+E drivers, many with up to date ADR/HiAb licenses.

Whatever your logistical requirement Wright Staff have a driver to suit your needs.

Tel: 01905 769800 (24 hrs)Fax: 01905 355000Email: info@wrightstaff.co.uk

wright staff

REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT&

COLDSTORE

CALDERHEAD

20 years on, still going strong

Our new premises

32827 2pg_HorseWorld 03/11/2014 12:20 Page 1

36

Sara and her team are really looking forward to taking fulladvantage of the extra capacity and facilities the new siteoffers. Now that the move is complete Sara ruefullyacknowledges that while the move has been a great success itwas also among the greatest challenges she has had to facesince taking over from her father!

Sara is proud of her company and of the service her 12 strongteam provide saying, “We offer clients exclusive storage ordelivery services but also pride ourselves on our real point ofdifference which lies in the level of service our customersreceive on combined storage and delivery solutions.”

For more details please visit the websitewww.calderhead.co.uk

or telephone 01527 516980

and offered the right solution for our business, which enabledus to provide a great service to our customers.

“Sara and her team provide an excellent service, efficient andprofessional; they are great people to work with.”

Their mainbusiness focusis onconsolidatedmulti dropdeliveries tofood servicedepots,operating on aweeklyschedulethroughout the

UK, and the extra space the new facility provides will be enablethem to expand the services they offer to their customers.

Service Express are keeping you on the movewe service and repair trucks and trailers on site.

Our fully equipped mobile unitsand expert engineers will come to yoursite address or wherever the vehicleis located to carry out the repairsor service required.

. Onsite Service and Repairs

. Vehicle Cost Management

. Fixed Price Servicing Contracts

. Legal Requirement Advice

Call 01527 527557

Mob 07867 786407

Fax 01527 528360

Email serviceexpress@btconnect.com

Service Express are proud to be associated with Calderhead Refrigerated Transport.

Service ExpressService Express"Keeping You On The Move"

A family owned and managed company

REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT&

COLDSTORE

CALDERHEAD

32827 2pg_HorseWorld 03/11/2014 12:20 Page 2

37

A new Traineeships for Industry programme, developedby Skills Training UK, is proving its worth as employersincluding Walsall company Gerrymet begin recruitingthe first Trainees.

Gerrymet, which manufactures and services saw blades andwood cutting tooling, was quick to see the advantages of theTraineeship for Industry, offering one of its first trainees, DamianWilliams, age 20, a four week work placement. The outcomewas the offer to Damian of a position as a Trainee Saw Doctorworking full time with the company, which employs 17 staff.

Tim Willis, Director ofGerrymet, said: “I waslooking to employsomeone and theTraineeship for Industryallowed me to see thetrainee work and see howkeen they are. I was reallyimpressed with Damian’sattitude and took him onas a Trainee Saw Doctor.He’s fitted in really well andI can see that Skills

Training UK have really listened to what employers want.”

Skills Training UK opened its new Walsall training centre just afew months ago, where it is preparing 19-24 year-old jobseekers for careers in manufacturing, engineering, warehousingand logistics.

Traineeships are a central pillar in the Government’s plans tomatch young people with employers. By giving young peoplethe right skills and confidence to succeed in the workplace andmatching them with suitable employers, local industries arebeing boosted by fresh new talent, eager to work, andappreciative to have left unemployment behind.

Stephen Crawley, Skills Director, Skills Training UK, says; “Wewant to meet the emerging and growing needs of engineeringand logistics companies, supporting local businesses inovercoming their skills gaps. The Traineeships for Industry andour Apprenticeships training are aligned to the Black Country’svision for economic development.”

Damian Williams was previously unemployed for nearly twoyears and only had experience in retail before he spotted theopportunity at his local Jobcentre.

Damian commented: “I’m really happy. I’d never considereddoing anything like this before but I’m really enjoying working atGerrymet and doing something that’s hands on. I can say topeople now, I’m 20 and I’ve got a job, which has made a hugedifference to my life.”

Gerrymet was one of the first to express interest in theTraineeships for Industry and other employers offering workplacements include GJ Simmons and Son, Any Blind Limited,Contract and Home Blinds, Thermotec Plastics.

Traineeships for Industry fillinglocal skills gaps

For further information about Skills Training UK, Traineeships for Industry and Apprenticeships, telephone 01922 703072

or see www.skillstraininguk.com

Follow @SkillsTrain_UK

Damian Williams finds employment after completing theTraineeship for Industry.

(L-R) Damian Williams, Stephen Crawley, Skills Training UK, Tim Willis, Gerrymet,

David Crawley, Skills Training UK.

Damian Williams, right, islearning fast under Tim Willis’

guidance at Gerrymet.

32990 QPD_HorseWorld 23/10/2014 12:09 Page 1

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The call has gone out to the nation’sMPs to all play a part in bridging theUK’s engineering skills gap.

The Institution of Engineering andTechnology (IET) is calling on them to play akey role in inspiring the next generation ofengineers, such as promoting STEM(science, technology, engineering andmaths) subjects and careers to youngpeople and encouraging employers to workwith schools and colleges to teach studentsabout the opportunities available.

The IET urged MPs to get involved with itscampaign as the UK struggles to meet thepredicted need of 87,000 new engineersevery year for the next decade. The findingsfrom its own 2014 Engineering andTechnology Skills and Demand in Industrysurvey, have revealed further worrying figuresthat emphasise a “ticking time bomb”.

• More than half of employers (51%) arehaving difficulties recruiting the staff theyneed for their businesses to expand.

• Some 59% of companies fear ashortage of engineers would threatentheir businesses.

• A total of 44% of engineering, IT andtechnical recruits don’t meet theemployer’s expected levels of skills.

• Just 6% of engineers are women - afigure which has not significantlyimproved since 2008.

IET Chief Executive, Nigel Fine, says:“Demand for engineers remains high andthere is a critical need to do more topromote engineering as an appealing careerto young people.

“It is encouraging to see from our survey thatover half of engineering employers recognisethat they have a crucial role to play here - aswell as in helping to shape thecurriculum so that young peopleenter the world of work with theskills that employers want.

“MPs are ideally placed to helpus get more employersinvolved with the educationsystem at a local level sothat we produce a talentpipeline that cansustain a thrivingUK economy.”

The Government acknowledges that aguaranteed supply of skilled engineers isessential if the UK is to compete on theworld stage and recently launched a £30million fund to increase the supply ofengineers, to encourage more women intothe sector and to address engineering skillsshortages in smaller companies.

It already has the Your Life Campaign, athree-year drive which brings the industry,academia and institutions together to inspireyoung people to study maths and physics.

Of the £30 million made available,announced by Skills and EnterpriseMinister Matthew Hancock in June, £10million will be directed to developingwomen engineers and £10 million toimproving engineering careers. The finalsum will go to help develop engineeringskills in smaller companies.

“Skills are central to the UK economy andour long-term competitiveness,” says MrHancock. “The engineering sector is failingto draw on the whole talent pool and bysupporting employers to develop theworkforce of the future and bring morewomen into the engineering, we’reempowering the industry to unlock itspotential.”

The fund is part of the government’sEmployer Ownership Fund whichempowers employers to work with theGovernment to solve skills challenges thatcannot be supported throughmainstream funding.

The EngineeringSkills Gap

The fund is focused on combating skillsshortages in key strategic sectors such asengineering and automotive due to therole they play in driving growth and theGovernment's Industrial Strategy.

‘Developing Women Engineers’ and‘Improving Engineering Careers’ arecentred on priority sectors playing a keyrole in the country’s global economiccompetitiveness and encourageprospective bidders to explore how theycan support employees, particularlywomen, looking to return to the sector andhow individuals with relevant skills can behelped to become fully qualified engineers.

Terry Scuoler Chief Executive of EEF, themanufacturers’ organisation describes thecurrent situation as a “ticking time bomb”.

“Manufacturers are investing heavily intheir current and future workforces toprevent it from exploding,” he adds.

“This must include investing in all sections of our workforce, in particularwomen where the UK has an especiallypoor record. What has been needed isextra support to push companies to adopt

more innovative solutions to trulytackle the skills shortage andgender imbalance that exists inour industry.

“The Government’s £30million fund will do just thatand we are encouragingmanufacturers to getinvolved and take thisopportunity to tackle theskills challenge head-on.”

To find out more information about the

fund and complete an onlineapplication form, email the Skills Funding Agency at

info@sfa.bis.gov.uk or telephone: 0345 377 5000

33000 1pg_Transport Warehousing 06/11/2014 14:00 Page 1

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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 sales@josephash.co.uk

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

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UK LTD

Honoured as it was to be a finalist in for this year’s Hereford& Worcester Chamber of Commerce’s Small BusinessAward, Avensys UK’s big plans are destined to ensure itwon’t be able to qualify for this category in the future.

The bio-medicalengineeringcompany hasenjoyedincreased salesand growth sincelaunching in2007 and despitethe recessionand is firmly

committed to achieving four goals within the next three years.

To become the largest provider of medical engineering servicesto the private healthcare market.

To become the main provider of disposal services to the NHSfor second-hand medical devices.

To become the largest provider of technical training for medicalengineers in the UK.

To gain a 5% market share for the maintenance of rigid andflexible endoscopes in the UK.

Based in Kidderminster, AvensysUK supplies new and secondhand medical equipment toprofessionals around the globeand maintains and repairsmedical equipment, includingflexible and rigid endoscopes,associated equipment and stacksystems, to both public andprivate healthcare sectors,OEMs and the MoD.

Annually, thousands of pieces ofequipment are tested, calibrated

and or repaired at the specialist workshop on the Hoo FarmIndustrial Estate with a collection, repair and return service formore time consuming repairs.

Avensys also loans equipment while the repair is carried outand can, through its asset register, assign each piece a uniquenumber, recording the location and details on a dedicated,secure online database, making resource planning andmanagement much easier.

The company also has its own dedicated training academyoffering a range of nationally accredited technical and non-technical qualifications in medical and dental engineering.

It’s a wide portfolio but Avensys UK’s success in delivering topquality service across its range means, says MD RobertStrange that the foundations are already in place to achieve allfour of its objectives within the predicted timespan.

“We are already inconsultation with the UK’sthree largest privatehealthcare companies tobecome the sole provider ofmedical equipmentmaintenance and in the next12 months we aim to speakto every Trust in the countryto offer them a more

environmentally friendly and cost-effective way of disposing oftheir unwanted equipment,” he reveals.

“We have already seen a huge increase in applications for ourtraining courses and are attending a number of key NHSconferences this year to showcase the courses we provide.

“The UK’s endoscopy repair market is dominated by equipmentmanufacturers and one other third-party organisation but withthe contracts we have won, we have saved between 20 and40% on their previous contracts.

“In the current economic climate, savings of this magnitudecannot be ignored and we envisage steadily increasing ourmarket presence over the next three years.”

For further information about Avensys UK, it’s services andtraining courses,

visit www.avensysmedical.co.ukAlternatively telephone 01562 745858 or email info@avensysmedical.co.uk

Kimberlee & Co are pleased to be associated with Avensys UK Limited

and wish them every success.

www.kimberlee.co.uk

Kimberlee & Co Hunt House Farm,

Frith CommonTenbury Wells, Worcestershire

WR15 8JYTelephone: 01299 832713

Fax: 01299 832716

Kimberlee & Co provides all the traditional accounting, taxation and company secretarial services. In addition,

Kimberlee & Co has developed a network of professional associates that can assist in several

staff and personnel management.

Robert Strange

32919 1pg_HorseWorld 03/09/2014 15:46 Page 1

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The UK’s leading independent cartonboard andgraphical board stockist, has expanded its offering toinclude the stocking of paper products.

As part of a seven figure investment, earlier this year Warrenacquired the board converting machinery from Reno De MediciUK’S Wednesbury plant, which together with theaforementioned expansion of its business into the stocking ofpaper products, will be complementary to its board sales.

The new 42,000 square feet converting facility in WestBromwich is now fully operational allowing the paper businessto expand its coverage of the Midlands region and providefurther coverage for the UK paper and board sector. In additionto the reel and pallet stock operation, Warren offers reel-to-sheet cutting, rewinding and guillotining

The company has also undergone rebranding with the widelyrecognised bunny ears logo slightly revised as part of thereorganisation process which brings all three main areas of thebusiness: board, paper and converting under the one Warrenumbrella.

Speaking on the rebrand and investment/expansion, KieranFerguson, Warren’s Managing Director, stated, “Warren’s brandidentity and the high service levels associated with it are wellrecognised within the trade; therefore, we didn’t want toreinvent the wheel when making the change to our logo. Wewanted to identify the new divisions within our business withoutdetracting from our well-established brand – we think we’veachieved this. Customers can now see quite clearly theenhanced range of products and services available to them.”

The commercial print industry has shown their appreciation ofthe new developments and facilities by placing orders ofsignificant value with Warren including a £500,000 contract

from a London printer. As a result, turnover this year for thefast-growing business is set to top £20m, with sales currentlyup 21% on the previous year’s figures, prior to the acquisitionand expansion into the paper sector.

The company’s expansion plans don’t stop there; moredevelopments are in the pipeline with additional staff andfacilities forming part of Warren’s ongoing plans.

Warren is an independent company which was established in1976. Over the years the company has become the supplier ofchoice for the packaging, graphical and point of sale boardstockists, carton converters, paper merchants, commercial andgeneral printers throughout the UK and Europe.

Warren provides first rate service and industry knowledge froman experienced team, and offers a comprehensive range ofproducts, sourced from leading manufacturers worldwide, andnow include, among their extensive stockholding, ranges fromEurope’s (and beyond) leading paper manufacturers with FSC®and PEFC™ Chain of Custody certification.

Warren is growing.

We are proud to support Warren Converters

CompressorSERVICESBT

BT Compressor Services operate one of the largest teams oexperienc ce engineers in the Mi This coupled with the availability of large stocks of spares to suit all makes of air compressors, ensures the most reliable and comprehensive service to all customers on site or at our workshop with the assurance of a 24 hour call out.

We are proud to support wishing them all the best for the future

For further information please give a member of the team a call on

01902 497696or send us an email to: Anchor Road, Coseley, West Midlands WV14 9NA

Sales Service InstallationYour future is in our hands

www.btcompressors.co.uk

Time for a chat?Call us on: 0116 287 0191or email: info@warrenboard.co.ukwww.warrenboard.co.uk

Warren is an ISO 14001 accredited company and a member of UKWA (the United Kingdom Warehousing Association).

32937 1pg_HorseWorld 27/10/2014 13:51 Page 1

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JB Engineering’s mission to be the one-stop engineeringshop of the Midlands is well under way, thanks to theDerby Enterprise Growth Fund.

The last fewmonths haveheralded a whirl ofactivity since theFund, establishedto help businessesin the region,awarded a 20%grant to thecompany’sexpansion plans.

Now, having already installed a new press brake enabling JBEngineering to take on an even wider range of products,replaced the 1950s workshop roof and overhauled the ITsystems including software and hardware, it’s all systems go fora host of exciting schemes.

Along with the 2015 purchase of a new state-of-the-art lasermachine, there are plans to:

• Further Improve the workshop layout and site access.

• Launch a new website and market new services.

A requirement of the funding agreement is the creation of sevenjobs over two years - and JB Engineering has already recruitedtwo full-time employees and one part time employee.

These developments are the latest exciting chapter of theHatton based company whose 40-year success story hasincluded many challenges. The unexpected death of JBEngineering’s founder, Barry Evans, in 2006, recent recessionyears, fuel and utility price rises and ever changing legislation toname but a few.

The company has met each challenge head on and hastransformed itself into a company where communication,systems and processes work closely with ever-changingtechnology and where every employee is valued and customerneeds are a priority.

JB Engineering offers full fabrication bending and weldingservices, site maintenance, the design and fitting of bespokeproducts, CAD design and laser profiling to a wide range ofcustomers, many are long standing and who range from bluechip organizations to sole traders.

Able to design, cut, bend, weld, fabricate and install productsfrom tiny clock pieces, washers and guarding to ducting,platforms, staircases, silos and large kettles.

A business filled with skilled and experienced professionals, JBEngineering is where quality, rapid response and customerdeadlines are central.

And it’s not all about the product - the firm maintains forwardthinking approach to investment in training - providing workexperience for local school pupils, some of whom go on to joinits apprenticeship scheme.

As it looks ahead to a new exciting phase, MD Jayne Bellenie isfull of praise for those who helped JB Engineering on its way.

“There’s a specialthanks for MichaelBlake of Coates andPartners Ltd,Ashbourne, ourcompany accountantwho providedinvaluable guidancefor the presentation

of our initial grant claim and assistance in compiling our profitand loss and cash flow forecasts,” she says.

“Phil Valentine of Valentine Financial Services sourced theadditional loan funding we needed to purchase of the pressbrake machine and the laser profiling machine. We were able toleave that area very much in his hands and it was very smoothfrom start to finish.”

And not forgetting Phil Duckett from STS solutions for healthand safety. He ensures we always work in a safety consciousway and attain SAFE contractor and CHAS accreditation eachyear as a matter of course.

For further information about JB Engineering and itsservices, visit www.jbeng-hatton.co.ukAlternatively telephone 01283 812348

Whatever your needs, STS Health and Safety can help

Contact us at 0114 2295177 email phillip@stshealthandsafety.net or visit www.stshealthandsafety.net

STS

STS Health and Safety Consultants assist organisations of all types and sizes to manage workplace risk and comply with Health and Safety Law. We offer simple, practical health and safety solutions

We are proud to support JB Engineeering, wishing them all the best for the future.

solutions forhealth and safety

www.valentinefs.co.uk

We offer business to business funding solutions to the entire UK commercial market, providing financial solutions that are Innovative... Flexible... Structured...

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We are proud to support JB Engineeeringand wish them all the best for the future.

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VFSValentineFinancialServices

32948 1pg_HorseWorld 24/09/2014 10:30 Page 1

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Customer requirement is the number one priority forPennine Prostamp - no wonder it’s continually growing insize from their start-up just four years ago.

Quality components at the right prices have also played theirpart in enabling this specialist in small precision metal pressingsand assemblies to launch in January 2010 with two machinesand employees and, by September 2014, expand to fivemachines and four staff.

Now actively marketingsome spare capacitycreated through betterefficiencies within itsworking practices andworking with its biggestcustomer to develop a newproduct, Pennine Prostampis poised for an excitingthird year of operation.

The Wolverhampton company is an associate of Huddersfield’sPennine Industrial Equipment (PIE) and was established byowner Graham Hobbs to supply the parent firm with high-precision chain links.

These are then assembledinto chain conveyors for theglass manufacturing industryand used worldwide in morethan 50 countries.

However, PennineProstamp also worksclosely with assemblysuppliers to theaerospace industry and

niche pressings sectors and offers a full service including tooldesign, tool making and subsequent component supply, proudto meet the ever-increasing demands for timescale and qualityand always at a competitive price.

“We operate to stringent quality procedures and have fulltraceability of our products and our aim is to ensure you alwaysreceive the very best in customer service and technicalsupport,” assures operations manager Martin Hallam.

“Our premises on the Strawberry Lane Industrial Estate housethe finest Swiss Bruderer presses that give consistency and

repeatability to guarantee compliance, ensuring that yourquality demands are achieved and maintained.

“And although we have ateam of experiencedindividuals from themetals processingindustry boasting awealth of knowledge, wealso have goodconnections with localsub-contract servicesupon which we can call to

satisfy any requirement a client may have regarding thedevelopment or finishing of their particular product.”

Developing any business from the ground up is always going to be abig challenge as Martin readily acknowledges but, Pennine Prostampis here for the long haul - as it has very quickly demonstrated.

“We have now purchased our premises which is a sign of ourcommitment for the long term.”

Already, the business can congratulate itself on reaching theposition of being able to easily service its major customer butplans are moving ahead on achieving a bigger slice of themarket sector.

“We are now working with PIE to develop a completely newproduct in power transmission chain which will not only benefitthem in other business sectors, it will also benefit us too,”reveals Martin.

For further information about Pennine Prostamp and its fullrange of services, visit www.prostamp.co.uk

Alternatively email sales@prostamp.co.uk or telephone 01902 604077

The UK’s largest sub-contractor of austempering servicing the spring and presswork market.

Alpha-Rowen Ltd are proud to support Pennine Prostamp and wish them all the best for the future

Visit our website atwww.alpharowen.co.uk

Unit 15 Barnfield RoadTiptonWest MidlandsDY4 9DFUnited Kingdom

mike.leach@alpharowen.co.uk

Tel: 0121 557 6175Fax: 0121 557 0961

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

Based over 2 sites we have a range of furnaces which allows us to support all batch sizes – small to large.

Working 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday we can meet your turnaround requirements.

We mainly offer austempering, but also offer oil hardening where we specialise in smaller batch sizes.

32967 1pg_HorseWorld 25/09/2014 12:21 Page 1

44

NDLT Corby which supplies and services forklifts andindustrial cleaning machines is expanding following asix figure investment.

Founded in in 1987, the Northamptonshire firm operates acrossthe East Midlands within a wide range of sectors – from thehealthcare industry to metalworking businesses, besidesrunning accredited training courses for specialist vehicle users.Their daily routine includes the sale of new and used trucks,responding to emergency call outs, completing pre-bookedservices, workshop repairs and preparing their contract fleet.

Last year the company marked their 25th anniversary by joiningthe Forklift Truck Association confirming their professionalstanding in the sector.

As Ian Chapman, MD, of NDLT Corby declared, “We’re doing itright, and the FLTA logo is proof of that.”

He continued, “We’ve experienced phenomenal growth lately,and after 25 years of hard work, it has been wonderful to seethe company blossom. We go to great lengths to keep ourcustomers happy, and it’s satisfying to get some recognition,and officially take our place among our industry’s best.”

Keen to maximise itsCorby premises as partof their five year growthstrategy, Ian Chapmangained support from NatWest to secure the loanand refinance package.The deal has enabledthe business to extendthe 11,000 square-foot

unit and develop a purpose built on site showroom andmezzanine office area.

Ian Chapman said “Expanding the Business and creating ashowroom is something both ourselves and our suppliers,Tennant and Hyundai, have wanted to do for a long time todemonstrate our commitment to the manufacturers we represent.We will be holding stock of new Hyundai Fork Lift Trucks; NewTennant Sweepers and Scrubber Driers; and New Ehrle PressureWashers, Steam Cleaners and Industrial Vacuums.

“The expansion and new showroom puts us in a position tooffer even better customer service and increase our turnover asa result – with our sights set on £1million annual turnover withinthe next few years.

To meet demand and prepare for growth we’re also ready to takeon more staff and are currently looking for a new apprentice.”

Ian paid tribute to the support the company has had from NatWest bank from day one, particularly from Paul Tamkin whowas their manager for many years, and latterly their newmanager Geoff Buxton who has been a great support since hetook over from Paul last year.

Geoff Buxton, relationship manager, for Nat West added “Ianand his team go out of their way to form great, long lastingrelationships with customers across the region and areunderstandably proud of the credibility they’ve established overthe years.

“As a bank we have worked with NDLT Corby from the start soit’s a pleasure to be part of their continuing development and tosupport this exciting period of growth.”

N.D.L.T.

OPEN DAY on 23rd October 2014.

Unit 13, Llandough Trading EstateOff Penarth Road

Cardiff, UK. CF11 8RRTel: 02920 705453

Fax: 02920 708165E-mail: admin@espexbatteries.co.uk

fork lift trucks & cleaning machines

For more information pleasevisit their websitewww.ndltcorby.co.uk or telephone 01536 201755

30 Burkitt RoadEarlstrees Ind Est | CorbyNorthamptonshireNN17 4DT

Tel: 024 7668 8879 Fax: 024 7668 5758 Mob: 07970368966Unit 1, Cross Road Industrial Estate, 31/41 Cross Road, Coventry CV6 5GR

FORKLIFT ATTACHMENTS

NEW & REFURBISHEDU.K. Distributor for newCAM hydraulic lift truckattachmentsBale ClampsRotatorsCarton ClampsParts for all attachmentsChains, Forks & Otheraccessories

SALES HIRE SERVICE

RENTA LAMP (COVENTRY) LTD

32973 1pg_HorseWorld 23/10/2014 13:21 Page 1

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Wildgoose Construction, the successful family ownedbuilding contractor is delighted to be once again workingon a new care home for the Restful Homes Group.

The contract at £7.52 million

will be the well regarded

firm’s highest value contract

to date. Work commenced

on the new care home in

Erdington Road, Aldridge,

Walsall, in July.

The impressive building is

scheduled to be completed

next August. The home will

have 71 bedrooms, domed

roof lights and a roof-top

garden which will include

bowling and putting greens.

Tim Walker, managing director of Wildgoose Construction, is

pleased to be working with the Group once again, saying, “The

state-of-the-art care home in Aldridge is the fifth build that we will

be working on for the Restful Homes Group.

Rapid Signs Limited specialise in:

Rapid Signs Limited are proud to support Wildgoose Constructionwishing them all the best for the future.

Construction Site Signage

Site Packs

Health & Safety Signs

Bespoke Signs

Email rapidsignsltd@btconnect.comor call 0115 9791926 Fax: 0115 9702898

“These new care homes incorporate some state-of-the-art concepts

in the world of elderly living and have been designed to ensure that

the residents enjoy the day-to-day activities and living

accommodation provided by the group.

“It is particularly pleasing to be working again with such an

enlightened client and a design team that understands the client’s

aspirations and quality requirements.”

Wildgoose was established in 1896 and is a general contractor

operating in the healthcare, education and retail sectors, able to offer

build only, design and build and full turnkey solutions. They are

rapidly expanding and moved to a smart new head office at Alfreton,

in April this year.

For more information please visit the websitewww.wildgooseconstruction.co.uk or telephone 01773 545955

Find us on...

Woodside Lodges delighted to announce that for the 10thyear running they have won the David Bellamy GoldConservation Award.

The award recognises parks that manage their land as a haven for

wildlife, reduce their use of energy, water and other resources,

recycle their waste and support their local communities

The family run Woodside Lodges

are a group of luxury

Scandinavian lodges set among

an idyllic rural setting at the foot

of the Malvern Hills with superb

views over the beautiful

Herefordshire countryside. The

25 acres of landscaped

grounds,with a backcloth of 100

acres of mixed woodland, provide a relaxed and friendly environment

with pools for coarse fishing, waterfalls and wildflower meadows

which encourage a variety of wildlife.

The park has a range of fully equipped lodges offering luxury

accommodation for up to six people, some suitable for the

partially disabled, and a special romantic hideaway lodge for

two, four poster bed included. Tents, Caravans and motor

abbey forestry Abbey Forestry offers all the expertise and resources you require from a single, dependable source. Whether you want to establish new woodlands or to manage existing ones for conservation, amenity, landscape, sporting or timber production, we would welcome the opportunity to visit you, FREE of charge, to discuss your requirements in detail.

For advice on the latest available grants, or to arrange a FREE site visit, contact us at our office.

“Congratulations to Woodside Lodges Country Park for winning the Gold David Bellamy Conservation award for the 9th year in a row”

Auction House, King George's WayPershore, Worcestershire WR10 1EY

e: office@abbeyforestry.co.uk t: 01386 554027

. Woodland Management and Consultancy. Planting and Maintenance. Harvesting and Marketing

www.abbeyforestry.co.uk

WOODSIDECOUNTRY PARK

homes are welcome in the touring site and new to

the park is a range of camping pods, the easy way

to enjoy camping without relying on the English

weather. Bring all your usual camping gear without

your tent. Each pod is installed with a heater,

double plug socket and lighting.

Alternative accommodation is available in studio

form in a specially adapted barn, ideal for individual

walkers and cyclists or for larger groups. Plus

fishing and wild swimming facilities also available.

Woodside Lodges extends a warm family friendly invitation to all,

children are made especially welcome, pets too.

Visit them soon, or for more information visit the websitewww.woodsidelodges.co.uk telephone: 01531 670269

or email: info@woodsidelodges.co.uk

2013/14

32925 and 32957_HorseWorld 08/11/2014 17:06 Page 1

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Moving into new premises is amilestone moment for any business.Whether it means leaving a domesticgarage or back room or going from asmall industrial unit to a majorexpanse of commercial building it’salways a sign of success.

While being an outward sign of growth tosuppliers and customers, getting the keysto new premises also means opening adoor to further expansion, such as moreroom for new employees.

That’s the fun bit - however, as with anyproperty purchase, there’s lots tonegotiate beforehand, such as locating asite, getting a commercial mortgage andsecuring the premises.Plenty to think about then - not leastwhether, having decided that yourbusiness is ready for the next step, - tobuy or not to buy?

There are reasons both for and againstoutright ownership and much thoughtshould be applied to weighing up the prosand cons. For example, there’s no need toworry about rent increases and by fixingmonthly payments you can give yourselfsecurity over your outgoings - which couldwell be about the same as rent on asimilar property.

You could remortgage to raise finance anddesign your surroundings exactly to theneeds of your business - even adding to itif necessary. On the other hand - do youhave funds totaling between 20% and30% of the property’s value for a deposit?You will be paying for its upkeep and, if itloses value, that will affect your businesscapital.

If circumstances change it won’t be soeasy to move or take on more or lessspace and you could be in a situationwhere you are unable to hire more staff orinvest in machinery because your cashflow is committed to a premises purchase.

Depending on interest rate movements,your mortgage payments could increase.

You have less flexibility to cope withchanges in circumstances - to take onmore or less space, or to move to adifferent location - than if you are renting.Buying premises ties up cash flow whichcould be invested in new employees, or plant.

By making property ownership a centralpart of your business, you expose yourselfto an unpredictable market. This couldleave you with a large and unproductiveasset, which still incurs costs.

Having made your decision, the search ison! You’ll be hunting premises that meetyour company’s specific requirement.

A quick checklist could include:

SpaceHow much for each member of staff,and any extra for interviews and/ormeetings.

ParkingNot only for employees - what aboutcustomers?

StorageIt could be products, it could be for anextensive records archive.

SecurityMany modern building have systemsbuilt in.

PermissionWorth checking if you’re amanufacturer - you may needpermission to actually do saidmanufacturing.

Of course, the premises may fulfill your everyneed - but are they in the right place? Whileinvestigating the actual bricks and mortar,never forget: location, location, location.

Retailers will want to be close to theircustomers or suppliers and enjoy goodvisibility, while goods producers, deliverymakers and those with a high logisticsrequirement will place a heavy emphasison good transport links.

Your employees’ needs also need to beweighed up carefully - can they get thereeasily - and there are otherconsiderations,

A town/city centre building could costmore, may pose a greater crime risk andbe subject to more noise and pollution,while an out-of-town location is more likelyto have a modern building and betterparking, but could lack other amenitiessuch as nearby shops and restaurants.

So how do you go about doing all thisresearch to ensure you’ve got thepremises to suit you?

It’s worth asking any of your ownimmediate contacts who already havepremises in the area to see if they know ofopportunities and getting advice from localorganisations such as Chambers ofCommerce is also worth a try. Then ofcourse, there are local newspapers, tradenewspapers and internet property sites -all will carry details of premises availablefor rent or purchase.

Of course, going to and using the servicesof an expert commercial propertyagent/consultant is likely to make thewhole process smoother, faster and muchmore efficient.

These are the people who are scouringthe market on a daily basis and know justwhat’s out there, which are the best areasin which a business can locate and wherethe best deals are.

They will have access to sales and leasingtrends which can prove invaluable whenyou’re trying to decide where to locate aswell as extensive property portfolios oftheir own and they can also help handlethe complex negotiations involved instructuring leases or purchases.

Choosing a new home for your growingbusiness is an exciting time as it marks acompany’s growth. Investing in the time todo it properly and using expert help to doso can only reap rewards in the long run.

CommercialProperty

to Buy or Not to Buy

32971 1pg_Transport Warehousing 03/11/2014 10:07 Page 1

47

capitalise on what is certainly a strengthening commercialproperty market."

The company’s services now cover all aspects of commercialproperty including agency (sales and lettings) where the GJSDillon team bring specialist expertise to office, industrial andretail disposals, acquisitions and land sales. They providecomprehensive market appraisals, and building consultancywhile monitoring legal processes through to completion.

Their cutting edge applicant data base, monitors local occupieractivity including lease ends and break dates, which is crucialand allows the firm to be proactive.

GJS Dillon’s intimateknowledge of thecommercial propertysector in throughoutWorcestershire allowsthe firm to take aninformed view of thestate of the market.John Dillon’s viewsare sought andrespected throughout

the County by property professionals. His latest forecast is thatthe commercial property market in Worcestershire will beboosted by improvements in industrial and distribution marketsfor the remainder of 2014 and into next year. He also predictsthat the strengthening warehouse and industrial markets will bebacked up by significant improvements in the market for officespace as the economy cements its recovery.

He said the County saw an increase in demand for industrialand good quality office space in the first half of 2014, followingon from an improving market at the back end of 2013. He saidthere were even signs that the speculative developer could bereturning to the market.

“We are certainly seeing a continuing up-lift in the warehouseand industrial markets as manufacturing firms seek new

Leading Midlands independent property consultancy GJSDillon is expanding its geographical coverage throughoutWorcestershire and beyond as the firm grows in size andcapability.

GJS Dillon, with offices in Bromsgrove and Worcester merged 6months ago with respected Chartered Surveyor JWL Fellows,allowing the company to expand not just its geographicalboundaries, but also to grow its valuation and buildingsurveying operations.

The firm is an expanding practice of Chartered Surveyors andCommercial Property Consultants specialising in the sale,letting and acquisition of office, industrial, retail and generalcommercial premises with an emphasis on Worcestershire andthe M5 Corridor and in particular the towns of Bromsgrove,Worcester, Redditch, Droitwich and Malvern.

It has a wide property management function, operatingthroughout the UK advising individuals, family trusts andcharities in relation to their property investments.

The merger with Stourport based JWL Fellows, founded by BillFellows in 1986, resulted in an enhanced client base coveringNorth Worcestershire, the Black Country and parts ofBirmingham, and additional specialisations in valuations,building surveys and dilapidations.

GJS Dillon Partner John Dillon said: "Having one of the mostrespected surveyors in the Midlands come into the firm, whenwe are taking on so much extra business, is fantastic timing,and Bill’s skills base has allowed us to offer a complete serviceover the last six months to existing and new commercialproperty owners."

Bill Fellows said: "I have been very impressed with the growthand reputation that GJS Dillon established in the Midlandsproperty market prior to me joining and I am enjoying bothbusinesses coming together where we have been able to

For more information please contact us on:

01905 730450or visit: www.thursfields.co.uk

9-10 The Tything, Worcester, WR1 1HD

Congratulations to GJS Dillonon their recent merger with JWL Fellows

With four offices across Worcestershire and the West Midlands, our team has the specialist skills and expertise to provide practical legal advice and solutions for your business

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTSCIAL PRCOMMER TY CONSULOPERCIAL PR ANTSTTANTSTY CONSUL

Local knowledge, now with even wider

regional coverage.

32804 2pg_HorseWorld 29/10/2014 11:42 Page 1

48

Worcestershire as not only can they apply their commercialproperty market expertise but can carry out all of thedilapidations, space planning and survey advice thatbusinesses require in order to achieve a seamless move.

For more information about their range ofservices please visit the website

www.gjsdillon.co.uk, or to arrange anappointment telephone 01527 872525

or 01905 28684 or email info@gjsdillon.co.uk

Follow us on...

premises and distribution firms continue to recognise thedemographic benefits of the M5 and A38 corridors. Industrialand distribution property offers good opportunities for landlordsand investors,” he said.

He added, “All commercial property sectors felt the impact ofdifficult market conditions during the recession, with atightening of funding and a lack of investor confidence.However we are now witnessing a steady take-up of availablespace and average prices are increasing.

“Freehold sales of industrial space have continued the healthytrend we saw towards the end of last year. There has also beena steady flow of industrial letting deals in the county. At GJSDillon we have transacted large warehouse units inBromsgrove, Droitwich and Worcester, while the markets inKidderminster and Redditch have also demonstrated healthyactivity and some significant lettings.”

One of GJS Dillon’smost recent highprofile commissionswas the firm’sappointment assole agent for oneof the biggestmixed usedevelopments everto be undertaken inWorcester.

The firm wasawarded soleagency instructionto market the £100million Sherriff’sGate, leisure andretail complexwhich will transformthe city centre andcreate hundreds ofjobs. WorcesterCity Council hasgiven planning

approval to phase one of the three phase scheme, and backedthe remainder of the development in principle.

The Sherriff’s Gate development as a whole will involvetransforming 900,000 sq ft of industrial land in the Shrub Hillarea of the city, creating new homes, business units, a cinema,a hotel, leisure facilities, 1,000 car parking spaces, retail unitsand an 80-bed care village. Phase one of the developmentincludes a food superstore, a 597-space multi-storey car park,business units, cafes, bars and food takeaways.

The company’s wide ranging expertise was also called uponwhen they received instructions to sell Bromsgrove’s formerpolice station.

The building, which is Victorian with modern extensions, becamevacant after the opening of the new joint police and fire station.John Dillon said: “As a local business it was particularly excitingto be marketing this site, which focused the attention of anumber of high profile developers and investors on Bromsgrove.”

In addition to the sale and letting of commercial premises thefirm also carries out a great deal of commercial propertyacquisition work inside and outside the County and is currentlydealing with five high profile companies looking to acquireindustrial premises in the region and four companies looking toacquire office premises in the region. The commercialacquisition service provided by GJS Dillon is unique in

Property Developers We are proud to support GJS Dillon, wishing them all the best for the future.

The Porthouse, 75 Lowesmoor, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 2RS

For more information give a member of the team a call on

01905 724 114or send us an email to: stennard.harrison@elgarproperties.com

Marsten Developments Worcester Ltd

John Dillon

32804 2pg_HorseWorld 29/10/2014 11:42 Page 2

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Carina Ackrill partner and sales and lettings Director says “It’sour job to keep costs low and maximise your income.Maintenance problems are turned around in a flash, arrears arenipped in the bud and we simply don’t allow lengthy propertyvoids. If you’ve ever had problems with voids, arrears or agentsspending your money unnecessarily, then we’re certain you’ll beimpressed by the way we operate. So much so, we’d love youto come in and meet our team of specialists.”Impressed by theenergy and enthusiasm of the burgeoning business, developerand freehold investor clients are enlisting the services ofCentrick Property in more comprehensive property assetmanagement, involving not only facility management ofcommunal areas, but also the marketing of residential units forsale and to let.

Centrick Property has been instructed to manage two key sitesthat form part of the recent major investment programme in theWest Midlands by Seven Capital, the Point North building at theWaterfront in Brierley Hill and No. 1 Hagley Road. Thesedevelopments will house collectively, nearly 500 homes. PhilCarlin, CEO of Seven Capital said “ It is great to have such aforward thinking locally based company looking after these twokey developments, we have been impressed with the energyand passion demonstrated by this company.”

In response to the demand of an ever increasing number ofdevelopments Centrick Property has been asked to manage,the innovative company has just launched new communications

The property sector in Birmingham is going from strengthto strength with vibrant new city centre developmentssuch as The Cube, 1 Hagley Road and City Walk. Acompany making a strong contribution to this buoyantmarket is Centrick Property, a fast growing, dynamicyoung team well placed to make the most of the currentupturn in interest.

Centrick Property was established in 2005 with one simplegoal; to deliver a better, friendlier and more efficient servicethan that offered by other property service companies in themarket. Their determination to deliver exceptional quality oneach and every site was soon awarded recognition from ARMA(Association of Residential Managing Agents).

Now a leading independent property agent, they have fivecustomer-friendly offices - two in central Birmingham, one inNottingham, an office in central London and the Knowle, Solihulloffice due to relocate to larger premises – with circa 60 stafflooking after over half a billion pounds worth of client assets.

“Centrick Property’s expansion is a direct reflection of therenewed confidence and activity in the Midlands propertymarket over the last couple of years,” explains Chairman,James Ackrill. “With healthy rental values prevailing andproperty prices on the increase, many of our clients are seeingnow as the perfect time to make a property investment.Working with key clients such as Seven Capital has furtherfuelled this increase particularly with the exciting developmentof 1 Hagley Road and other redevelopment projects.”

The opening of the company’s second Birmingham office onColmore Row last year coincided with the award of theprestigious instruction to sell the remaining residentialapartments at The Cube, adjacent to Centrick’s first city officeon Commercial Street.

“We are over the moon to have such a close involvement withthis iconic building,” enthused James Ackrill. “Its ‘visionary’individuality makes it a “must have” for those looking for high-end, contemporary living that is vastly different to otherapartment schemes on offer in the city. Plus, with few plannednew developments on the horizon and little available land inBirmingham to build something of this scale again, for many ofour team this is a once in a career chance to work onsomething this ‘cool’.”

01527 870600Unit 21, Wildmoor Mill Farm, Mill Lane, Wildmoor, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0BX

admin@bpservices.net

Plumbing & Heating engineers covering Birmingham and the surrounding areas. Give us a call to see how we can help you.

We are proud to support Centrick Property Birminghamwishing them all the best...

BP Services UK Ltd

32926 2pg_HorseWorld 18/09/2014 14:00 Page 1

50

For more information please visit us at

www.centrickproperty.co.ukEmail: birmingham@centrickproperty.co.uk

Telephone: 0121 347 6116

software ’MY centrick property’ to provide excellent service forits estate management customers. Chairman James Ackrillcommented, “MY centrick property, is our new tool to improvethe way we communicate with our residents. Not only will ourcustomers have access to news and information for theirbuilding, but they will be able to log issues online and trackthese through to completion.”

Phil Carlin added “It is this innovative and unique offering thatmade the decision, to instruct Centrick Property as the propertymanagement company, an easy one. This level of service is notoffered by many property management companies and reallyadds value to the service charge”Centrick Property operatesone of the most pro-active tenancy management teams in theindustry looking after residential, commercial and mixed-usefacilities of all sizes, from small high-end estates of 10residential houses to large developments of over 150 residentialunits with thousands of square foot of commercial space, andis constantly looking for new ways to improve.

The company’s energy and determination to offer the bestpossible service to their clients has also seen them called uponas a “white knight” to take over the management of tenancies,and the maintenance management of developments as a wholewhere portfolios having been previously subject to very poormanagement or fallen into Receivership were not deliveringacceptable returns. Centrick Property has an excellent record inrestoring such situations to profitability.

Centrick Property is the “all round” property specialist, and hasexcellent knowledge and expertise in most property sectors.So, if it's better for you to sell rather than rent, they can adviseyou of all your options, not just the one you enquired about. Ifyou have a problem with your current block management agentthat is affecting your rental value or holding up your sale, theyhave an experienced block management team that can offerfree advice to get things resolved.

Centrick Property’s mantra is “You want the best property agentin the business – we want to be that agent! It’s what makes usget out of bed in the morning!”

We are proud to support Centrick Property BirminghamWishing you all the best for the future.

LoGiK Services Ltd are an electrical contracting company based in Birmingham in the Midlands.

Serving domestic, commercial, industrial and public sector clients throughout the UK.

Inspection & Testing

Industrial / Commercial Installations

Domestics Electrics

Fire Alarms & Emergency Lighting

Maintenance

PAT Testing

Telephone: 0121 561 2999 Email: info@logikservices.co.uk

For more info please visit www.logikservices.co.uk

Services Ltd

For all your appliance solutions please contact:

0121 4291567Mob: 07976 379704

www.fixmyappliance.co.uk

Proud to be working with Centrick Property

on their achievements over the years. We wish them continued success for the future.

Washcraft Domestics Ltd

Commercial Property

Residential Property

32926 2pg_HorseWorld 18/09/2014 14:00 Page 2

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They understand that working well with people, both customersand members of the team is the basis on which a successfulbusiness, with which everyone will enjoy working, is built. Theyembrace a cooperative approach, working with their clients todeliver the best quality three and four dimensional designs, givingbest value from inception to operation and strive in their practiceto be of value to all.

Anderson Green, established in 2001, is one of the largest privatelyowned Building Services Consultants in the Midlands, and is a firmwith a mission who looks to the future and incorporates sustainabilityinto all they do.

Their mission is to provide unrivalled excellence in engineering abilitycoupled with true environmental understanding, and quality inbuildabilty. They are a company who are not afraid to challenge thestandard norms with innovative solutions, and who pride themselveson delivering on their undertakings.

The different teams within the company all work closely together todevelop a feasibility strategy and assess the potential impact of thedesign, factoring in the cost plan, aspects such as Part L, andconsequential improvements, BREEAM, Renewable obligations,CRC, phasing/ decant, programming, enabling works, planning, etc.

By working closely with their clients providing, forward thinkingsolutions across a wide range of energy, mechanical and electricalconsultancy services to all sectors of the built environment, the firmhas built a key client base providing regular repeat business.

For more information about the practice and the rangeof services they offer please visit the website, www.andersongreen.co.ukor telephone 0115 975 4141

They explained, “The support and repeat businessfrom our customers has allowed us to reinvest in thelatest 3D CAD and 3D mechanical design software.Together with our advanced training programme weremain at the forefront of technology with the latestinnovations and tools utilised in the development ofour designs. 3D design has been implemented withinthe business since 2009 initially with AutoCAD MEPand now with the full Autodesk Revit MEP Suiteinstalled in 2011.

“The use of the latest industry software tools,Autodesk Revit MEP Suite introduced 2011, IES VEand Plancal Nova introduced 2013, supports ourservices offer and has promoted our activedevelopment of BIM and BIM projects.”

The whole team, numbering 60 plus direct employedmembers of staff, all contribute a wealth of variedexperience creating a dynamic and differentiatedapproach to their practice. Anderson Green are proudthat the diverse experience of their staff and the rangeof consultancy services offered, means that thedemands of all types of projects can be met; be theyrefurbishment, new construction, maintenance orenergy improvement.

They state, “By looking at tomorrow today, standing byour values and looking to our strengths we will moveforward and be a credit to our customers and ourselves.”

Delivering a Range ofForward Thinking Solutions.

...Areas Covered

32988 QPD_HorseWorld 03/11/2014 10:45 Page 1

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Next month Else Solicitors are launchingthe first Build Big Network in Birmingham.

Build Big is a professional networking event for architects,property investors and developers, quantity surveyors, propertymanagement companies, building firms, and charteredsurveyors. In short, it is for leading professionals associatedwith the high-end building sector.

The event sees thebest and the brightestfrom the regionsbiggest organisationscome together to talkshop, eat and drink,make connections,and listen to anincredible invitedindustry speaker

giving insights into their area of expertise. This may be anythingfrom portfolio management and shrewd investments toarchitectural design.

The inaugural Build Big event will take place on Wednesday 3rdDecember at Hotel du Vin Birmingham, a landmark Victorianbuilding built in 1884.

Attendees will begreeted with achampagne receptionin the open-air heatedcourtyard, beforeenjoying a three-course Anglo-Frenchmeal in the stunningKrug Suite, a majesticand elegant mirrored

hall that will be sure to provide a quirky and unique diningexperience in a creative and inspiring setting.

Build Big has been organised by Birmingham-basedcommercial law firm Else solicitors. Business DevelopmentManager, Oliver Buckle said: “We created Build Big becauseour commercial, property, and construction departments haveall have had a fantastic 2014.

“We thought this networking group would be a great way tobring all of our key clients and contacts together in an

enjoyable environment and encourage them to mingle andshare expertise.

“Attendees have the opportunity to make new contacts,promote their business and develop ideas, whilst enjoying greatfood and company.

“Build Big helps attendees to facilitate one-to-one follow-upmeetings, where the real business is won. There is no hard sell,simply effective networking and relationship building.”

Else Solicitors are experts incommercial, construction, andproperty cases. We specialise inbuying and selling businesses andbusiness premises, join ventureagreements, and commercialleases for tenants and landlords.We also have a wealth ofexperience handling cases inrestaurants, hotels and thelicensed trade.

0800 999 3573elselaw.co.uk

LEGAL SOLUTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS

Build Big Network Launched

Event Details

Wednesday 3 December 2014

Hotel du Vin, Church St, Birmingham, B3 2NR

12noon – Arrival with champagne reception

12:30pm – Guests seated, welcomes

12:45pm – 3 course lunch incl. table wine and coffee

Tickets: Normal Price £35.00Early Bird £29.50 (offer ends 7 November)

Please contact 0800 999 3573or email oliver.buckle@elselaw.co.ukto reserve your ticket.

Hotel du Vin

Hotel du Vin

32985 QPD_HorseWorld 22/10/2014 09:46 Page 1

53

Arthur Marsh, the well-known and long establishedindependent insurance brokerage will look back on2014 as a momentous year in their history.

Not only is it their 10th anniversary year, but they have movedto spacious new offices and are launching a new website. Thisyear has seen not only the achievement of the standard inInvestor in People accreditation but this also led to themscooping the prestigious Broker of the Year Award in Investingin People.

Arthur Marsh is veryproud of theirindependent statuswhich enables themto offer appropriatepersonalised adviceto their clients whilestill working withinthe constraints of theFCA. This serviceorientated approachhas meant that manyof their clients havebeen with them from

the beginning, appreciating the personal approach that comesfrom dealing with a smaller firm where every client is highly

valued as opposed to the more impersonal service offered bysome of the larger brokers.

The company offers insurance services for both personal andcommercial clients and has established specialisms in Wasteand Recycling, Motor Trade and Property Owners’ insurance.

Arthur Marsh has been arranging landlords insurance for adecade, and brings a wealth of experience to theunderstanding the risks to your business.

Looking for landlords insurance can be time-consuming andcomplex. Whether you own a couple of properties or a largeportfolio, Arthur Marsh landlords insurance can providecomprehensive cover for you properties

Their dedicated team of specialists speak to landlords everyday. The knowledge and expertise they have accumulated inboth commercial and residential property has given ArthurMarsh the ability to provide custom insurance packages forlandlords, managing agents and residential committees toprotect a wide range of property types, from shops and bars,to hotels, student houses, holiday homes, bungalows, blocks offlats, and domestic houses.

As with any other type of insurance policy, you should alwaysendeavour to check before accepting your insurance quote thatyou are covered for most eventualities.

With the costs of running a business spiralling, it can seem anattractive option to take out the minimum business insurancecover required by law, just to cover the basics. Whilst this mayseem an attractive option initially, business insurance is there toprotect all you have worked for, from all unforeseen eventualities.

Arthur Marsh work with you to ensure that you get themaximum amount of insurance for your money and that yourbusiness stays protected. Our aim is to reduce the risk tolandlords by offering advice and guidance to choose a policyand insurer who can deal with your claims fairly and quickly.

Managing Director, Mark Farren is pleased to be part of thevibrant and welcoming Birmingham business community andwill be happy to hold discussions with any interested partieswho would like to utilise the services of his qualified,experienced and proactive staff.

Mark Farren

Our new offices in Hall Green

Cambrai Court | 1231 Stratford Road | Hall Green | Birmingham | B28 9AA

www.arthurmarsh.co.uk or call 0121 382 1001

queries@am-insurance.com

Arthur MarshI N S U R A N C E B R O K E R S

Arthur MarshI N S U R A N C E B R O K E R S

33007 QPD_HorseWorld 23/10/2014 15:05 Page 1

54

A new communication-boosting app is about to bring the P&RMorson experts even closer to customers at the swipe of a button.

The integrated facility and property management specialist’s bespokedesigned mobile app is due to be launched this year alongside a clientweb page.

Conceived, designed and developed by company engineers andoperatives with customers in mind, the feature will consist of adocument management system and fault register which can beaccessed from a PC, tablet or mobile device.

“We wanted to make communication and transparency between us andour clients even better which is why we created this software,” sayscompany founder and MD Paul Morris. “It will also help to boost ouralready impressive reaction times.”

The initiative underlines not only P&R Morson’s constant commitment toproviding the best customer service but also the ability to change withthe times that has enabled it to enjoy 20 successful years in business.

Established in 1993, the company provides a wide range of integratedfacility and property management services to a diverse portfolio ofclients, including Kenwood Delonghi, Ministry of Defence, Specsaversand the Intercontinental Hotels Group.

The engineering teams are dedicated to providing cost effectivesolutions individually tailored to meet customers’ site specificrequirements, whether that involves small general repairs on an ad hocbasis, through to entire maintenance packages and 24-hour callout forall building types.

Although the BSM/FM department was established atcompany inception to offer an on-going servicerelationship with clients, providing them with aftercare,comfort and peace of mind following the handover ofnew installations, P&R Morson entered the competitiveBSM/FM marketplace in 2010.

This has proved equally successful at bidding for FMand maintenance contracts on new builds previouslyunknown to it.

“Our portfolio currently consists of 38 customers withattendance to over 65 sites, while 70% of existingcustomers are on a three-year contract. Of our newclients, 30% are also taking this option.”

Such customer loyalty is something P&R Morsondoesn’t take lightly. Far from it. “Our business is onethat has been built on repeat business and our biggestsuccess is probably the fact that we are still servingclients today who have been with us since day one, 20years ago,” says Paul.

“This, we believe is testament to the quality of servicewe offer and the importance P&R Morson places onbuilding customer relationships for the long term.”

Delivering consistent quality, value andinnovative services solutions

33030 QPD_HorseWorld 29/10/2014 11:31 Page 1

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It is an exciting time in the commercial property sphereas the recent recession eases its grip and confidencereturns to the sector.

The Midlands is experiencing excellent growth, productivity andemployment is rising, and businesses are looking to expand,with the result that instructions from the commercial sector areon the increase.

Mann & Co. Solicitors is an established legal practice based inthe West Midlands with established residential and commercialproperty divisions. The firm has been looking after the interestsof clients since the early 1990’s.

Mann & Co. is well placed to assist their clients in takingadvantage of the upturn in the property market and offers clear,

practical advice on all aspects of property law. This includesnegotiation of contracts, acquisition and disposal of freehold andleasehold property, grant and acquisition leases, assignment,subletting and surrender of leases, and lease renewals.

Mr Amardeep Mann, who heads the Property Department, said,“Our Commercial Property Department is very busy right now andis growing all the time. We are finding that the market is verybuoyant at the moment with an appetite for people to do business.

“We act for a range of clients including a number high networth individuals and large businesses/companies. We haverecently secured instructions from a PLC with a turnover inexcess of £100m for all their commercial property matters. Thishighlights the quality of our service.”

When required, they are able to refer clients to a panel ofindependent mortgage, insurance and lettings specialists whowill be able to assist in meeting their needs before, during andafter the transaction.

Mr Mann is proud of his team, and says, “What sets us apartfrom other firms is our drive to provide a friendly, professionaland personally tailored service to each client whether anindividual, developer or business. Our experienced teamof solicitors are on hand to assist in allcommercial property matters.

“Our solicitors will personally dealwith your transactionfrom start to finish,ensuring it proceeds assmoothly and quicklyas possible. We arecommitted to providingthe highest possiblelevel of legal serviceand value for money.”

Specialist Property Advice & Guidance

Commercial Property

Commercial Litigation

Debt Recovery

Business A�airs

Residential Property

Wills and Probate

Family

Business Regulatory Advice

Contact us0121 555 7000 www.mannandco.net

DELIVERING EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS

Feel free to contact us for any legal query and we will aim to respond to your enquiry promptly ensuring the correct person to deal with your enquiry is available to give advice in any matter...

mannco

mannco

For further information, please email Mr Amardeep Mann (am@mannandco.net)

or call on 0121 555 7000.

Mann & Co offers a complete range of services includingCommercial Property, Residential Property, Conveyancing,

Family Law and Wills & Probate.

Mann & Co Solicitors is authorised and regulated by theSolicitors Regulation Authority,

SRA No. 76764 (Smethwick) 497175 (Tipton)

33010 QPD_HorseWorld 03/11/2014 09:48 Page 1

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To discuss what renewable technology could do for you or your company, or to discuss your renewable technology training requirements

Call us on: 0115 9161046

www.sasie.co.uk

Join us on..

The company, incorporated in 2006, has grown to employ 13people (including 5 apprentices) and is on target to turnoverover £1m this financial year. Sasie is increasing its area ofoperations from its Midlands base, with contracts nowunderway throughout the UK.

Solar And Sustainable Installation Engineers (SASIE) specialises in turn-key solutions for both commercial and non-commercial clients, offeringthe maximum energy efficiency and cost savings no matter how large orsmall the project.

As energy bills continue to rise, bothbusinesses and consumers are becomingincreasingly aware of the potential costsavings that can be made through usingthe latest green technologies. Sasie isperfectly positioned to meet the needs ofthese clients.

SASIE leads the field in the design,installation and maintenance of renewable

technology systems, and is MCS accredited in the followingtechnologies: Solar PV, Solar Thermal, Wind Turbines, Heat Pumps &Biomass. Sasie also design and install Rainwater Harvesting andUnderfloor Heating systems.

Where Sasie can really make a difference is in the area of system control– Sasie’s SmartNet technology is a state of the art controller allowing theend user to get the most out of their system by allowing technologies towork together rather than in isolation.

SASIE is also a major distributor for anumber of German manufacturers,notably Christiani and IVT; supplyingrenewable energy training equipmentand energy efficient plumbing, heatingand hot water storage systems to theUK market.

SASIE has used its industry expertise to develop training courses, fortradespeople and students alike, in all of the renewable technologies, aswell as in other “green” specialisations such as green roofs and buildingdesign techniques such as Passivhaus.

The term passive house (Passivhaus in German) refers to a rigorous,voluntary standard for energy efficiency in a building, reducing itsecological footprint. It results in ultra-low energy buildings that requirelittle energy for space heating or cooling

It has been a very busy year for Sasie; on top of agrowing installations business our LIME (Living in aModular Environment) House project is nearingcompletion and will see a demonstrator 3-bedroomhouse built in Nottingham, fitted out with an AssistedLiving package. The building design is aiming to achievea zero carbon certificate, targeting Code for SustainableHomes Level 6 and the Passivhaus standard.

The house will be manufactured from modular wallpanels which will be brought to site for rapid finalassembly. The finished house will include an integratedrenewable energy system (SASIE’s MonoEnergy) withsolar PV and solar thermal together with a SASIEmanufactured hybrid heat pump. Heating will be sharedwith the neighbouring house to simulate a low-temperature district heating network.

The home of renewable energy in Nottingham

18th -21st November – PassivHaus course at Sasie Ltd in Nottingham. Places still available.

33041 QPD_HorseWorld 29/10/2014 13:43 Page 1

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• Unique Venue• Free Wi-Fi• Free Car Parking• Small Meetings to Large Conferences• Stadium Tours available• Project Management for

all Clients• Located adjacent to M5 J1

CONTACT US: Telephone: 0121 524 3453 Email: events@wbafc.co.uk Website: www.thehawthornsstadium.co.uk

Make your ChrisTmasone to remember

AT THE HAWTHORNSTheme Nights, Tribute Acts, Casino Nights & much more...

Christmas Events starting from 5th December.Call: 0121 524 3453

Friday 5th December TAKE THAT TRIBUTESaturday 6th December A-Tease ‘80’s Night’Friday 12th December Freak Out ‘70’s Night’Saturday 13th December Olly Murs Tribute

Sunday 14th December Baggie Bird Carvery & TourFriday 19th December Take That Tribute

Saturday 20th December Tom Jones TributeSunday 21st December James Bond Casino Night

33095 1pg 3_HorseWorld 09/11/2014 13:59 Page 1

58

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

Automotive

Business Services

Hospitality

Property

Recruitment

Finance

Manufacturing

Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental

0121 544 3202info@burnt-tree.co.ukwww.burnt-tree.co.ukRefrigerental

R

Telford Motors

01952 620404info@telfordmotors.co.ukwww.telfordmotors.co.uk

motors

Autotech Performance

01952 22 88 22info@autotechperformance.co.ukwww.autotechperformance.co.uk

AUTOTECHPERFORMANCE

Covase Fleet Management0845 369 7100info@covase.co.ukwww.covase.co.uk

Sutton Park Group

07581 534476sonia.williams@suttonparkgroup.co.ukwww.suttonparkgroup.co.uk

Tilney Bestinvest03330 145 414 info@tilneybestinvest.co.ukwww.tilneybestinvest.co.uk

Calderhead Refrigerated Transport

01527 516980office@calderhead.co.ukwww.calderhead.co.uk

REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT&

COLDSTORE

CALDERHEAD

Kinetic Six

+ 44 (0) 330 330 5624info@kinetic6.co.ukwww.kinetic6.co.uk

Intercity Telecom Ltd

0121 643 7373sales@intercity-uk.comwww.intercity-uk.com

The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals0121 712 1000info@cipp.org.uk www.cipp.org.uk

NDLT Corby

01536 201755ndltcorby@live.co.ukwww.ndltcorby.co.uk

N.D.L.T.

Else Solicitors LLP

0800 999 3573info@elselaw.co.ukwww.elselaw.co.uk

Sills Maclaren Britton

0115 941 1469sbritton@sillslegal.co.ukwww.sillslegal.co.uk

Sills MacLaren BrittonSolicitors

Anderson Green

0115 975 4141enquiries@AndersonGreen.co.ukwww.andersongreen.co.uk

Arthur Marsh Insurance Brokers

0121 382 1001queries@am-insurance.comwww.arthurmarsh.co.ukArthur Marsh

I N S U R A N C E B R O K E R S

Outhouse-UK

01527 908801office@outhouse-uk.comwww.outhouse-uk.com

Mann & Co Solicitors

0121 555 7000am@mannandco.netwww.mannandco.net

SWDirect Ltd

0845 838 2172sales@swdirect.co.ukwww.swdirect.co.uk

Providing UK Based Private CloudsSWDIRECT IT

Eazi Virtual Solutions

0115 824 00029info@UKMailBoxDirect.co.ukwww.ukmailboxdirect.co.ukeazi virtual

All your virtual business needs

eazi

Oosha

0845 1234 766sales@oosha.co.ukwww.oosha.co.uk

P&R Morson & Co Ltd

0871 223 2051enquiries@prmorson.co.ukwww.prmorson.co.uk

Accumulus Accounting

0333 700 3570enquire@accumulusaccounting.co.ukwww.accumulusaccounting.co.uk

Omnia Offices

0121 782 6803info@omniaoffices.comwww.omniaoffices.com

Debt Guard Solicitors

0800 917 0683customerservices@debtguard.comwww.debtguard.co.ukD e b t C o l l e c t i o n S o l i c i t o r s F o r B u s i n e s s

D E B T G U A R D

The Just Loans Group

0121 418 2760clientcare@just-cashflow.comwww.justcashflow.com

Woodside Lodges Country Park

01531 670269info@woodsidelodges.co.ukwww.woodsidelodges.co.ukWOODSIDE

COUNTRY PARK

West Bromwich Albion Football Club0121 524 3453events@wbafc.co.ukwww.wba.co.uk

Joseph Ash Galvanizing Ltd

01922 709982sales@josephash.co.ukwww.josephash.co.uk

MPD Creative

0800 046 9273info@mpdcreative.co.ukwww.mpdcreative.co.uk

Avensys UK

01562 745858info@avensysmedical.co.ukwww.avensysmedical.co.uk

UK LTD

LSM Patriot Project

01327 860179chairman@lms-patriot.org.ukwww.lms-patriot.org.uk

The LMS-Patriot Project

IA Technology

01432 342377Info@iatechnology.co.ukwww.iatechnology.co.uk

Warren

0116 287 0191info@warrenboard.co.ukwww.warrenboard.co.uk

JB Engineering (Hatton) Ltd

01283 812348helen@jbeng-hatton.co.ukwww.jbeng-hatton.co.uk

Arford Steel Profiles

01384 293159enquiries@arfordsteel.comwww.arfordsteel.com

Pennine Prostamp LLP

01902 604077sales@prostamp.co.ukwww.prostamp.co.uk

Sasie Ltd

0115 916 1046info@sasie.co.ukwww.sasie.co.uk

GJS Dillon

01527 872525info@gjsdillon.co.ukwww.gjsdillon.co.uk

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

Wildgoose Construction Ltd

01773 545955info@wildgooseconstruction.co.ukwww.wildgooseconstruction.co.uk

Centrick Property

0121 347 6116birmingham@centrickproperty.co.ukwww.centrickproperty.co.uk

Ashfield & Mansfield

01623 463537invest@mansfield.gov.ukinvest.ashfield-mansfield.com

Skills Training UK

01922 703072apprenticeships@skillstraininguk.comwww.skillstraininguk.com

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