Business 15 April 2015

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LAST CHANCE TO ENTER

Bristol Post Business Awardsdeadline looms – see page 2

BALANCING THE SCALE-UPS

Why part of Bristol is a hot bedfor scale-up businesses – p3

DITCH THE GREEN BLING

Construction expert calls forfresh green approach – p8&9

CAPITAL GAINSWhy thousands of ambitious and talented peopleare leaving London and heading for Bristol – p8&9

TALENT TRAIL

152015APR

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2 Wednesday, April 15, 2015www.bristolpost.co.uk

Re-evaluation

New valuationof rates finallyin the pipeline● THIS month marked amilestone for firms in Bristol astheir future business rates arereassessed by Government.According to CVS, a business

rates specialist, businesses inBristol currently pay around£443 million each year in rates.But Government is now

re-evaluating the data behind thisfigure.Business rates are based on a

Government assessment ofproperty values, and April 1marked the date whenGovernment fixed these values forthe next five-year business ratescycle.This means that the rent

businesses are paying now willinfluence their future businessrates.The Valuation Office Agency is

now calculating the values of all23,800 commercial properties inBristol and will, over the next twoyears, finalise the figures withratepayers and the city councilbefore businesses get their newbills from April 2017.David Ford, regional director at

CVS, said: “This is a significanttime for businesses in Bristol asthe value of your property as ofApril 1 will affect your businessrates in the future.“Rates are one of the largest

and often most burdensomeoverheads for business and, insome severe cases, have evenrisen higher than rents. Therevaluation is a chance forbusiness rates to step back intoline with actual property values.“This particular revaluation was

postponed by the Government fortwo years, so it’s now badlyneeded and long overdue. Ourcomplex system means that therewill always be winners and losersfrom this approach – it’s goodnews if your rent has fallen, butyou may face a bigger bill if yourrent has gone up.”The Government has launched

a wide-ranging review into thebusiness rates system, looking atoptions to reform or replace thetax while the Labour Party hascommitted to cut and freeze ratesfor 1.5 million small businesses.

Bristol Post Business Awards 2015

Family pride Security companywants to celebrate its success

WHEN Marek Jakubczykstarted his securitybusiness from hisgarden shed in Shire-hampton back in 1991,

he wanted it to sound like the pro-fessional outfit it would become.“I rebuilt the shed,” he said. “It was

10ft long by 5ft wide and I called it‘Unit 2’ to make it sound more com-mercial.“I used to get some very confused

delivery drivers looking for this com-mercial unit in our residentialarea.”Professionalism has been at the

heart of Sovereign Fire & Securityfrom early on, so appearance wasimportant.And it worked. The firm quickly

grew andmoved into leased premisesbefore eventually buying a 5,800

square foot purpose built office inAvonmouth two years ago.It says something about the way

Marek runs the business that hemade the £150,000 purchase, plusfit-out costs, without borrowing.Now the 52-year-old wants to cel-

ebrate the company’s achievementsso he has entered the Bristol PostBusiness Awards.He is hoping for success in the

family business category. The com-pany has a strong family core, al-though Marek promotes on merit notnepotism. Brother Jan joined six

months after he started, and boththeir wives, Ruth and Lorraine, aredirectors too.“In the early days I was out getting

business and my brother was fittingthe systems while my wife did thecompliance work in the evenings,”said Marek.Turnover has grown from £2.7 mil-

lion in 2010 to £3.7 million in 2014,although it will be slightly lower thisyear as the team focuses on profitahead of revenue.Marek introduced high standards

from the start, andwas one of the firstsmall independent firms to competewith the national companies on ac-creditation and standards.Those standardshavewonbusiness

far beyond the Bristol area.“The most important product we

offer is customer service,” saidMarek. “We supply integrated secur-ity solutions at the high end of thescale.“Because of the level of service we

offer it allows us to punch above ourweight.

“We are able to supply very highend service to clients whowant to useus outside our normal geographicarea.”As the business grows, Marek is

working on succession planning, butnot so he can retire.“I can’t think of a timewhen Iwon’t

be doing something,” he said. “But Iwould like to spend more time doingwhat I enjoy most, being out therepromoting the business.”

● Nominations for the Bristol PostBusiness Awards close on Friday!To enter or find out more, visitwww.bristolpost.co.uk/businesawards.

Sponsor profile

International trade is in our DNA

Organisations teamup to showcase city● BRISTOL Airport andDestination Bristol are workingtogether to promote the West ofEngland to airlines and airportsfrom across the globe.The two organisations are

showcasing the city at RoutesEurope, the continent’s largestaviation event bringing togetherairlines, airports and tourismauthorities, taking place inAberdeen.As well as attending

face-to-face meetings withairlines, the airport will be hostingan exhibition stand at the event,which is attended by 1,800delegates.This is the third year running

Destination Bristol has attended.Meetings in previous years helpedsecure this summer’stwice-weekly ScandinavianAirlines (SAS) service fromStockholm which broughthundreds of high-spendingSwedish visitors to the city.

Aviation

Assistant Editor (Business)[email protected]

● Avonmouth security company Sovereign Fire and Security has entered the Bristol Post Business Awards

Marek Jakubczyk

“The most importantproduct we offer iscustomer service.

MAZARS is a top 10 inter-national accounting practice.With 14,000 people operatingacross 73 different countries,international trade and col-laboration is in ourDNA, andour clients are businesseswho trade, or aspire to tradeoverseas.We believe that in our com-

petitive marketplace a clearand well executed exportstrategy is a key element inensuring that a businessstands out from the crowd.The best businesses really

understand their place in themarket andwhatmakes theirproducts unique. They com-pete on quality not price andconsider export the naturalextension to their businessactivities.The South West is home to

many innovative businesseswith great products and Bris-tol has for centuries been atthe centre of the UK’s tradelinks with the world. Thebusinesses of the region arethereforewell placed to breakout from the constraints ofdomestic demand and takeadvantage of the opportun-ities that a well thought outexport strategy provides.Mazars is delighted to sup-

port the business awards andin particular the Exportaward which celebrates theachievements of businesseswho have realised the oppor-tunities of a global market-place and truly stand outfrom the crowd.

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3Wednesday, April 15, 2015 www.bristolpost.co.uk

A BRISTOL constituency is inthe top five for highest num-bers of so-called scale-upbusinesses across the UKoutside London.

Bristol West has 66 such compan-ies, which have three consecutiveyears of at least 20 per cent growth inrevenues or staff, placing it jointfourth not counting the capital.Cambridge (86), Leeds Central (81),

Glasgow Central (71) are ahead andManchester Central is on the samenumber.The contrast to other constituen-

cies locally is marked as Bristol Eastand North West both have ninescale-up companies andBristol Southjust five.Bristol West includesmuch of cent-

ral Bristol, so it’s no surprise that itoutperforms other areas locally, butthe size of gapmaybe a surprise giventhat Bristol North West includes theindustrial area of Avonmouth andSouth Bristol is home to a number ofmanufacturing companies on the in-dustrial estates.Kingswood, despite including the

Bristol and Bath Science Park andNational Composites Centre, boastsjust three scale-up companies, one ofwhich is an arm outsourcing giantMitie.Filton and North Somerset con-

stituencies are both home to 123scale-up firms, including precisionmeasuring firmMetryx inAztecWestand Cablecam in Clevedon.Thornbury and Yate has seven, in-

cluding Aust-based insurancebrokers brightside, Wes-ton-super-Mare has four, includinglong established family businessDavan Caravans.

James Durie, executive director ofBristol Chamber of Commerce andInitiative, said: “Our city is thestrongest performing economy out-side of London and these latest stat-istics show that we continue to punchabove our weight, using our innov-ative core to our advantage.“While the number of scale-up busi-

nesses is good news on the top level,read between the lines and you willalso see there is a lack of cohesion inour economic performance.“A strong city centre is not sup-

ported by other areas across the cityregion, down to such factors as theinfrastructure gaps across the areathat the business community havebeen lobbying to address.“As a result, long term sustainable

growth hinges on much strongerco-operation between our local au-thorities, particularly on skills, hous-ing and transport. Failing to do so isletting down the wider West of Eng-land population and this should act as

a wake up call for strongercross-boundary working.”Paul Falvey, tax partner at the Bris-

tol office of accountants and businessadvisers BDO, agreed but said im-provements were on the way.He said: “Major developments in

the city such as the South BristolLink Road, being built as part of theMetroBus scheme, will open up newbusiness opportunities and improveaccess to the airport. The proposal fora new junction on the M49 could alsohave a huge benefit for Bristol NorthWest, potentially creating a numberof new jobs around Avonmouth.”The figures were complied by

Founders4Schools, an organisationwhich aims to help teachers get thefounders of successful businesses totalk to their students.They hope teachers will use the

information to contact the foundersof growing businesses near to them.Find out more at www.

founders4schools.org.uk.

National surveyLuxury camper showsBristol’s got talent● BRITAIN’S Got Talent viewers willhave the chance to win the work ofa Bristol company which aims torevitalise the camper van industry.Avonmouth-based Horizon

Multi-Concept Vehicles convertsbase level Mercedes Benz vehiclesinto luxury campers not that aMercedes is too shabby to startwith!One such car, the New Vito

model, below, is the star prize in aviewer competition on theprime-time ITV show which returnedto our screens on Saturday.The car is built to work both for

day to day life such as the schoolrun and for weekends away androad trips.It includes an electronically

controlled bed which turns into abench and an elevating roof.It has room to sleep four adults

and one child and is kitted out todesigner standards, with

KPMG offering freeadvice for joiners● ONE of the big four accountancyfirms will be giving free businessadvice to companies joining a newaccelerator programme in Bristol.KPMG is working with

Entrepreneurial Spark, theNatwest-backed start-up hubrecently launched at Trinity Quay.KPMG will provide entrepreneurs

with advice and guidance aroundissues such as business plans andinvestor readiness.It is also adding to a six-figure

cash pot prize fund for Bristolstart-ups annually, awarded to thebest entrepreneurs coming throughthe programme.Gordon Merrylees, head of

entrepreneurship RBS and NatWest,said: “Whilst finance is of obviousimportance to these businesses, it’salso the networks, contacts,expertise and mentoring.”

Motoring

Finance

Hot seat Bristol constituency intop five for top performing firms


Manufacturing

Building upturn creates jobs at plasterboard firm

upholstered leather furnishings,Compac Quartz Granite surfaces,and a two burner hob.Sales director James Burt,

pictured, said: “We are thrilled thatour New Vito model will be featuringon Britain’s favourite Saturday nightshow. The launch of our New Vitomodel, the second multi-conceptvehicle launched since our start uplast year, has been a very excitingperiod for us.“Being the first company to have

converted this particular luxuryvehicle, we have experienced a vastamount of interest from customersright across the UK.”

The Bristol MBAFind out moreTaster session 29 April, UWE, Frenchay Campus, Bristolwww.uwe.ac.uk/bristolmba

THE UK’s biggest plasterboardmaker has created 28 new jobs aftersecuring a number of new con-tracts.Siniat, based in Easton-in-Gor-

dano just outside Bristol, has be-nefited from the recovery in theconstruction sector.In February, the business, which

employs 410 staff, secured somelandmark projects including a con-tract with Interserve to deliver onfive new schools.Other contracts include a £1 mil-

lion project with Galliard Homes todeliver fire retardant plasterboard

to a new development on the Isle ofDogs, London, and a partnershipwith McLaren to supportBanbury Gateway, an £80million out-of-town shop-ping centre near Ox-ford.Siniat will also be

working with buildingfirm Willmott Dixon ontwo separate projects, a£45-million redevelop-ment of Benenden Hospitalin Maidstone which will in-clude new medical facilities, newoperating theatres and an MRI unit,

and the delivery of a new ‘superschool’ inCeredigionwhichwill

accommodate 1,000 primaryand secondary students.

The two firms previ-ously worked togetheron the new South-mead Hospital wheresome of Siniat’s latestproducts were usedwhich save time andmoney on decorating.Managing director Neil

Ash, pictured, said: “We’vesecured an enormous amount of

new business already this year

thanks to the quality of our productsand our proactive approach to solv-ing our customer’s problems.“This trend is likely to continue,

with healthy growth expected in UKconstruction this year. If we’re mak-ing and selling more plasterboardacross the UK, it’s a clear indicatorthe construction market is on the up.“We’re continually looking for

bright new talent to help us continueto meet demand. Our success comesfrom understanding the needs of ourcustomers and developing productsthatmake their lives easier and theirbusinesses more efficient.”

BRISTOL WEST’SFASTEST GROWING

SCALE-UPBUSINESSES

Company, revenue, growth

● Owen J, £1.1m, 1,242%● Home 3 Assistance, £1.8m,825%● Intelligenti £2.8m, 727%● 3Radical, £1.2m, 303%● Thatcher Mcs, £1.4m,296%● Hybrid News, £1.1m, 258%● Icon Corporate Finance,£1.3m, 188%● Big Bang Post Production,£2.4m, 175%● Blu Wireless Technology,£1.3m, 164%● Intregreon ManagedSolutions, £25.8m, 155%● Channel View Publications,£1.8m, 112%● Support Services Group,£10.5m, 111%● Aspect Film and Video,£4.3m, 91%● Test and VerificationSolutions, £5.3m, 87%● Stuff Advertising, £1m,72%● Opus RecruitmentSolutions, £18m, 70%● Find the EngineerRecruitment, £1m, 54%● People Deliver Projects,£1.6m, 53%● Vistair Systems, £6.2m,43%● Delib, £2.6m, 42%● Multicom Products, £4.7m,41%● Western PowerDistribution, £483m, 40%

● Blu Wireless Technology is among the Bristol West high-fliers

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AS a business gets bigger, del-egation becomes more im-portant and there are plentyof small business ownerswho hold back growth be-

cause they find it hard to let go.To tackle the problem, IT perform-

ance consultants Your Impact teamedup with author Gail Thomas toprovide an online platform to helpsmall businesses learn to growthrough delegation.The Chipping Sodbury company

has designed the platform to helpowners and managers who struggleto release their workload and expandtheir businesses.Research carried out by Gail,

founder of virtualpa.co.uk and along-term Prince’s Trust mentor,shows 63 per cent of business ownersand managers believe they could

grow by 20 per cent if they coulddelegate just 10 per cent of theirwork.The research also suggests the UK’sSME economy could be boosted by£270 billion per year if this 20 per centgrowth was achieved across theboard.One in 10 businesses could achieve

more than 50 per cent growth butfewer than 15 per cent of businessowners say they delegate as much asthey could – and 80 per cent admitthey need help to do so.Sue Gilkes, managing director of

Your Impact, which specialises inperformance training for the IT sec-tor, said: “It’s exciting to be involvedin Gail’s project and the platform wehave designed for the course hasmassive potential to benefit a vastrange of small business owners.“We recognised that the whole

point of the programme is to savebusiness owners time, so the onlinecourse is easy to use, fun and, mostimportantly, quick to do!“There is logic andprogressionand

often one assignment builds upon an

earlier assignment.“The idea is to gradually create a

shift in mindset, from the businessowner believing their time has to bespent on the nuts and bolts of thebusiness to one where they recognisethat some tasks are best passed toothers, so that they can concentrateon the growth of their company.“So many people are at the point

where they have enough work on andwant to take on more without lettingthe quality of service dip.“They go one of three ways: stay

where they are; crack under the pres-sure; or they crack the formula ofdelegation.“The last of these differentiates

one-man-bands from sustainablebusinesses and can help businessesrapidly increase size at the sametime.”

● The online platform can be foundat http://thegiftoftime.yourgoalstoday.com andsubscriptions to the service cost£4.95 per month.

Learn to let go Delegateto expand, owners told

Chip shop campaignall wrapped up● A SMALL digital marketingagency in Bristol has wrapped upa big campaign promoting fishand chips.Activation Digital won a digital

and social media contract forYoungs Seafood in December andhas had customers licking theirlips with its campaign to promotethe firm’s Chip Shop range.The agency planned, designed

and built an interactive app whichis hosted on the campaignmicrosite –www.YoungsChipShop.com –which allows people to choosetheir favourites items on their fishand chip supperplate, such asmushy peasandketchup.The

answersarecollated torevealnation’sfavourite chipshop supper.The site has had 18,000 visits

with more than 5,500 peoplesubmitting entries, with the resultsshowing that in the South Westdiners prefer haddock over cod,while the Welsh go for tartar notketchup.The agency was founded in

2011, specialising in digitalmarketing for leading grocerybrands, creating salespromotions, brand websites andsocial media campaigns.Based in St Nicholas House in

central Bristol, the firm employsnine people plus local freelanceworkers.Managing director Matt

Ramsay, pictured, said the latestcampaign was part of an ongoingsuccess story.“The business grew over 40 per

cent last year, and we’re planningto do even better this year,” hesaid. “We’ll do that building on thesolid relationships we have withour clients which include Nestlé,KP Snacks, Young’s Seafood andOcean Spray.”On the campaign, which was

timed to mark Young’s 30thanniversary, marketing directorYvonne Adam said: “I can’t wait tofind out how the nation eats theirfish and chip supper.”The voting has now closed,

however, and for those eager toknow the results, they will berevealed on the website.

MarketingSustainability on themenu for caterers● EAT Drink Bristol Fashion isinviting Bristol businesses togather to learn and exchangeideas at a sustainability summit.Around 150 delegates will come

together in the tipis in QueenSquare to discuss how the foodindustry can strive to operate in amore sustainable way.The event for caterers, chefs,

restaurateurs, growers, farmersand suppliers will hear fromindustry experts on how tosuccessfully create a sustainablemenu.It is co-hosted by the Field to

Fork Foundation (FTFF), a newcommunity interest company setup by the organisers of Eat DrinkBristol Fashion.Amelia Twine, co-director Eat

Drink Bristol Fashion, said: “Wecreated the FTFF to realise ourvision to make Bristol the UKcapital of sustainable catering by2020.“The city’s current title of

European Green Capital providesa pivotal opportunity to engagethe catering industry and startmaking some real headway.“This summit is an opportunity

for catering specialists in Bristoland the South West to take thefirst step and join us on thisjourney so that this region canlead the way in sustainable bestpractice.”Urban growing, slow meat and

waste will be key themes withAmy Robinson from Low CarbonSouth West, Tim Maddams fromGreen Sauce, Griff Holland fromFriska, and Luke Hassell of TheStory Organic among thespeakers and panellists.The event, Building Sustainable

Menus, takes place onWednesday, May 5.

Ceremony celebratesapprentices’ success● ADVANCED and higherapprenticeship graduates willcelebrate their achievements at agraduation ceremony tomorrow.The ceremony is being hosted

by Bristol University at WillsMemorial Hall, where the universityholds its own graduationceremonies, with 125 apprenticesfrom across the region taking part.The ceremony, funded by the

Education and Training Foundationand Association of Colleges,brings together the region’straining providers to put on aninaugural graduation event.Glenn Catley, a former world

champion boxer, will share hisinspirational story about how hewent from raw amateur to middleweight world champion.Linsey Temple, from GET

Training, will tell of her progressionfrom apprentice to CEO.The event is being jointly

delivered by the Western TrainingProvider Network (WTPN) and theGloucestershire and WiltshirePartnership (GWP), whosemembers deliver a wide range ofapprenticeships across the region.It has the support of Wiltshire

Council, Bristol City Council,Swindon and Wiltshire LEP andthe West of England LEP.Julia Falaki, GWP manager, said:

“We are delighted to be holdingthis event. For too long theoutstanding achievements of thehigher and advanced apprenticesacross the region have not had theprominence they deserve.”

AS polling day draws ever nearer, oneBristol employer is keen to ensure itsworkforce is well informed beforethey cast their votes at the GeneralElection.Energy supplier Ovo invited the

candidates from the Bristol West seatto take part in a hustings event at itsnew offices in Rivergate, near TempleMeads.The firm employs about 700 people

and many of them packed the atriumto hear the would-be MPs answerquestions from head of corporate af-fairs Jessica Lennard and some of thestaff.

Energy and the environment werehigh on the agenda.Lib Dem candidate Stephen Wil-

liams pointed to his party’s “fivegreen laws” to protect the environ-ment,whileKyeDudd, standing in forLabour candidate Thangam Debbon-aire, highlighted Labour’s promisefor an energy price freeze.Green candidate Darren Hall

wanted to see a zero-waste circulareconomy and an energy system fullypowered by renewable energy.While Conservative candidate

Claire Hiscott pointed to the Con-servative-ledGovernment’s record on

increasing investment in renewables,setting up the Green InvestmentBank and rolling out the GreenDeal.TheNHS, deficit and rail fareswere

Energy supplier putsheat on candidates

among the other topics covered.Ovo’s government relations man-

ager Robert Jeffery said: “Hopefullythis has given our employees somefood for thought.”

Advice Food

General Election

Graduation

[email protected]

● Sue Gilkes of Your Impact with author Gail Thomas

● Bristol West candidates answer questions at the hustings event

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Onwards and upwards Fast growthforces early move to bigger office

AMARKET research and test-ing recruitment companyhas moved into a prime Bris-tol location after a secondyear of doubling turnover.

People for Research has relocatedfrom Luckwell Road offices in Bed-minster to QC30 on Queen CharlotteStreet, just off sought-after QueenSquare.The move to bigger offices in cent-

ral Bristol has come as a direct resultof two consecutive years of fastgrowth and the need to make moreroom for the growing team of con-sultants and project managers.Managing director Paul Gooding

said the firmhad planned to grow butthe pace had been faster than ex-pected.“The demand for our services has

grown far beyond our expectationsand we had to bring forward by 18months the planned office move as aresult,” he said.“Our challenge is keeping pace

with the speed of growth.The company brings people in to

test new gadgets or software as a user,then tells the developers what theexperience is really like so they canimprove it before releasing productsonto the market.Paul said: “Our new location is

great, as we have a number of clientsclose to our new offices – as well asbeing very central for participants toattend sessions.“We also needed more space for

providing a bigger user testing, focusgroup and viewing facility for ourexpanding client base – which nowincludes various government depart-ments and international blue chipcompanies.”The central location with plenty of

parking and good transport linksmeans the new facility will be moreconvenient for clients and parti-cipants alike, according to Paul.“After 25 years on Luckwell Road in

Ashton, we’re really excited to bemoving to Queen Square,” he said.“The growth of People for Research

has been incredible – but it’s hardlysurprising, given our approach toparticipant recruitment best prac-

tice, responding to the growing needsof the UX (user experience) sector,and our focus on delivering seamlessusability recruitment for nearlyseven years. And having an excellentteam is vital as part of deliveringfirst-class service.”People for Research has become

part of the growth in user recruit-ment and user testing, and isworkingtowards a goal of becoming aworld-class leader in user recruit-ment for testing across Bristol, Lon-don, UK and internationally.The company set up the first view-

ing facility for focus groups and mar-ket research purposes in the SouthWest in 1990.Paul said: “We recruit participants

to take part in usability tests, whilstmanaging the process of finding theright people to attend, ensuringthey’re also paid the right money.

“It’s all about getting the right par-ticipants, who can provide the rightinformation and data. Participantscan be testing new products, gadgets,

IT WILL come as no great surprise tomany, but traffic jamshave beenhigh-lights a the main productivity killerin a survey of Bristol businesspeople.About four in 10 (39 per cent) iden-

tified jams as a productivity killer totheir working day, according to thelatest report by flexible workspaceprovider Regus.The survey asked business people

about interruptions and distractionsat work.In fact, travel-related grievances

feature heavily in the results; trans-port delays (26 per cent), and roadworks (21 per cent)were also shown tobe prohibitive to productivity.Other distractions include lengthy

meetings and dealing with incomingcold calls, both of which were high-lighted by roughly a third of respond-ents (37 per cent and 28 per centrespectively).Some 42 per cent saidworking from

home was the answer to finding aproductive environment to work out-side of the main office.Cafes, with their associated issues

of lack of privacy, unreliable internetconnection, and background noise,score poorly at just 4 per centRichardMorris, UK chief executive

of Regus said: “Having the option towork from different locations can beenormously beneficial for many pro-fessionals – not least by helping themto avoid arduous commutes.

“However, the challenge is in find-ing the right environment outside ofthe office to allow people to remainjust as, if not more so, productive.“For those without a purpose-built

home office, business centres, withtheir professional, productive work-ing environments, provide an an-swer.“Not only can workers save time by

choosing a location closer to home,many also find that being away fromthe main office means they are lessinterrupted by colleagues looking tohave impromptu updates and meet-ings.“Business centres allow busywork-

ers the peace and functionality theyneed, when they need it.”

Snarl-ups kill workers’ productivity

Aldi store openingsbrings more jobs● DISCOUNT supermarket Aldihas followed its growth in marketshare – last week moving ahead ofWaitrose – with growingrecruitment too.The chain is looking to fill 75

jobs at its existing outlets acrossBristol and is opening new storesin Clevedon and Portishead laterthis year which will mean morevacancies.Regional managing director Dan

Ronald said: “Bristol remains akey city for us, and our existingstore vacancies continue to offersignificant employmentopportunities for people in thearea.“We’re looking to attract

applicants from a diverse range ofbackgrounds, includingsupermarket, fast-food andclothing chains, who candemonstrate relevant retailexperience, and the ability tothrive in a fast-pacedenvironment.”

eXPD8 ensures bearessentials in place● PADDINGTON Bear has had alittle help on his latest adventurefrom a Bristol-based business.Retail support services

specialists eXPD8 worked withStudioCanal on the DVD launch ofthe intrepid bear’s film.The firm has been providing

support in 2,000 stores across theUK, ensuring that the film isavailable, appropriately stockedand promoted across the country.Field teams used their tablet

technology to show in-store shopstaff previews of the film to enablethem to talk with more knowledgeabout the blockbuster andmaximise sales potential.Members of the team visited

stores after closing hours and onthe Sunday before the launch.Paddington made it to the big

screen in November 2014 and itbecame StudioCanal’s highestgrossing release ever after onlythree weeks,reaching astaggering£35millionby theend ofJanuary2015,makingit thefastestsellingrelease of theyear to date.Sarah Sheffield, category

development manager at eXPD8,said: “We were delighted tosupport StudioCanal with thisexciting home entertainmentlaunch.“Managing the launch of a

global blockbuster can be a realchallenge but our nationwideteam, together with our fullyintegrated IT system, haveeffectively managed the retailset-up ensuring Paddington’s fansget their hands on the film andsales targets are achieved acrossthe country.”eXPD8 provides retail support

services to retailers and filmstudios across the UK and Ireland.The £22-million turnover

company was launched in Bristolin 2003 and employs more than2,500 staff.

apps and websites: it’s exciting andinteresting work.“We’re seeing UX/usability as the

next big growth area for digital-re-lated commerce. Companies areneeding to get real customer insightthat will make their digital com-merce work for them – and it appliesacross the whole digital market-place.“It’s been an amazing start to 2015,

following a doubling of staff last yearand again this year – as well as doub-ling our office floor space with thisnew relocation in central Bristol,”said Paul.“It’s really satisfying forme after 25

years to see the business continue togrow and remain a leader in our field– despite difficult times in recentyears. This demonstrates thatwell-run, innovative businesses inBristol will succeed.”

Retail

Roads

Retail supportRecruitment


Managing DirectorPaul Gooding

“The demand for ourservices has grown farbeyond our expectationsand we had to bringforward by 18 monthsthe planned office moveas a result.

● Back row from left, Finoula Mountford - assistant project manager, Paul Gooding - MD, Lisa Kirwan - senior projectmanager, Penny Wilkinson - accounts manager; front row from left, Phoebe Shepherd - assistant project manager,Emma Millington - director of projects, Neale Pritchard - Director, Jess Lewes - marketing coordinator, Kate Parrott -project manager, and Helen Brody - assistant project manager

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The Big Interview

BRISTOL should move awayfrom the “green bling” ofsolar panels and build of-fices that use less energyinstead, according to a con-

struction industry leading light.Peter Harris, director of engineer-

ing firm Silcock Dawson based inColston Tower, believes that ap-proach would make Bristol greenerfor longer.“Bristol is the European Green

Capital, which is fantastic,” saysPeter, who is the current chairman ofthe Great Western branch of theForum for the Built Environment(FBE).While he is a firm believer in cre-

ating a greener future for his childrenand grandchildren, Peter’s not sosure Bristol is going about it in theright way by requiring that newbuildings generate 20 per cent of theirenergy from renewable sources.“I think sometimes we look at

green bling, as opposed to really look-ing at howwe develop our buildings,”he says.“I look at creating buildings which

have an ability tomoderate their ownclimate and have less reliance onenergy naturally as opposed to put-ting on solar panels to generate elec-tricity.“The problemwith putting on solar

panels is they have a lifecycle andhave to be removed and renewed after25 years. They are a planning re-quirement in the city at the moment,but there’s no legislation in place thatsays after 25 years you’ve got to re-place them.“My view is that you put the same

amount of money into the fabric andinstead of saying you have to have 20per cent energy from renewables, yousay the building has to have a 20 percent reduction in carbon emissions.“That way, that 20 per cent reduc-

tion stays with the building for itswhole life, not just 25 years of a100-year life. We’re creating a legacyfor our kids and their kids and thathas to look at how we manage ourcarbon resources better and the waywe do that is bymoderating their ownclimate.“We need to create buildings which

meets the needs of the people who aregoing to occupy it without comprom-ising the needs of future generationsand that’s a real challenge to ourindustry. I see that as the way weshould be looking forward to createsomething we are proud of that laststhe test of time.”But that approach would require a

change in mind set from people whouse the offices.“We’ve got to get used to doing

things differently like not havingbuildings with ceilings,” he says. “Ifyou don’t have a ceiling the concretemass absorbs the heat over a period oftime so temperature is moderated,then it cools overnight.

CONSTRUCTION LEGACY AND FUTUREAs the constructionindustry awakes from arecession-long slumber,Gavin Thompson meetsthe current and nextchairman of the GreatWestern Forum for theBuilt Environment aboutthe challenges andopportunities ahead

“I’ve got relationships which goback to 1983 with people and I knowthem really well,” he says. “It’s easywhen everything’s going really well.Butwhen things are not going sowell,it means you have the strength ofrelationships with people you haveknown for 20 or 30 years to ring themup and say ‘we’ve got a bloody prob-lem, how are we going to sort thisout’. It means things are resolved onthat level, rather than getting theletter or email that drops in and youthink ‘oh flipping heck’.“I know personally the chief ex-

ecutives and chairmen of a lot oforganisations in Bristol and I’veknown them since they were at thesame junior level as I was. That isinvaluable.”The forum is an organisation that

brings together different profession-als within the construction industry,from designers through to de-velopers, main contractors and sup-pliers but mostly the first tier ratherthan smaller tradesmen.This month, Peter hands over the

role of chairman to Eric Livingston, apartner specialising in constructionat the law firm Thrings, based offVictoria Street.Eric is a little less forthcoming in

his views but just as passionate aboutthe benefits of the organisation.

“It’s not the classic handshake net-working at a breakfast meeting,” hesays. “It’s more of a slower buildresulting in really strong peer to peerrelationships.”The forum holds a few big events,

the black tie Brunel Dinner inNovember, the slightly lighter AGMdinner and then the merry-makingChristmas lunch.“The Brunel Dinner is the event to

be at within the industry in thisarea,” says Eric. “We sold 400 coversin just five days last time.”As he looks forward to his tenure,

Eric wants to take the reach beyondthe city centrewithmore site visits toprojects around the vibrant fringes ofBristol, and perhaps work moreclosely with the Women in Propertynetworking group.“One thing I’ve got in mind is tak-

ing consultation from membership

He’s concerned at the amount ofstudent accommodation popping upin the city centre, at the expense ofoffice space.“There doesn’t seem to be much

gradeA office activity andwhat thereis has let pretty quickly,” he says.“But we seem to be building an awfullot of student accommodation and Ican only think site yields are at theright levels for that right now but I dofeel we aremissing an opportunity bygiving over awhole tranche of the cityto students.“I’m not knocking student accom-

modation but from a business ratespoint of view it’s not that good.”One thingPeter is a big advocate for

is building relationships. That’s whyhe’s been a member of the forumsince 1983, and why he encouragesthe rising stars in his own companyto follow his example.

“There are no fans, you can’t turn itup and down, it is a building mod-erating its own climate. We have tobecome used to working in an en-vironment that is less controlled thanit is now. People won’t be able to turnthe temperature up or down two de-grees.”At 59, Peter has been around the

city’s construction industry for morethan a few years so it’s no surprise hehas a few opinions on how thingscould be done better.He sees the residents’ parking

schemes as hampering businesses inClifton, for example.“We’ve got clients in Clifton who

are destroyed by this,” he says. “Thefirst opportunity they get, they willmove. Has it made life better forresidents? I don’t know. But it hasmade it harder for businesses.”And he wonders whether the

long-awaited arena will benefit localbusinesses as much as it should.“From an FBE point of view, we

were disappointed there were noBristol architects on the short list forthe arena,” he says.“They were all fantastic architects

but I had a message from George(Ferguson) asking for my rates theother day and I thought, we’re payingfor this but where is the Bristol in-volvement?” Peter Harris

“ I think sometimes welook at green bling, asopposed to really lookingat how we develop ourbuildings.

Eric Livingston

“ It’s important to getTemple Meads to workand to connect to therest of the city. FinzelsReach bridge will help.

● Peter Harris, right,and Eric LivingstonPicture: Dave Betts

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FUTURE OF CITY FORUMEric LivingstonAge: 42Title: Partner at Thrings, specialising inconstruction, and vice chairman of the GreatWestern Forum for the Built Environment,becoming chairman later this monthFirst job: Kitchen porter at the local hospital inSouthport on Sundays and holidaysEducation: Law at Bristol UniversityWorking day: Nominally 9-5 but there aresome breakfast meetings and often a laterfinish, 7 or 7.30pm and sometimes later. At themoment we have some work with Americanclients so we’re working to their time.Take work home: Work doescontinue at home.Electronic workingkeeps us flexible. I’vegot a young familyso if that means Ican leave to seethem or go to aparents’ eveningthat’s fine.Downtime: Mychildren are five andseven so they are a bigpart of it. They really likecycling in the park, though my little boy is justlearning on stabilisers. I’m an Everton fan andwe took the kids for the first time recently. Itwas a challenge to get them up there and getthem shouting for Everton!TV: Typically a BBC 9pm drama, perhaps athriller, Line of Duty last year was very good.We watched Wolf Hall which was quite hard tofollow!

Peter HarrisAge: 59Title: Director at engineering firm SilcockDawson, chairman of the Great Western Forumfor the Built Environment.First job: Worked for Hales’ Cakes inClevedon in summer breaks at school andcollege unloading hot buns from the ovens. Iwas on the apple and cherry pies. You put oneaside and eat it when it was cool enough, thenput another aside to cool.Education: Engineering at Bristol Polytechnic,which is now UWE.Working day: I’m an early bird so I like to be inbefore 8 but away by 6pm at the latest. Ibelieve in work-life balance and try to instil inmy guys that I’m not judging you by thenumber of hours you do behind a desk but bythe quality of what you do in that time. My dayinvolves managing the office and numbers butbecause we are not massive all the directorsrun their own projects, which keeps us handson and honest.Downtime: We bought ahouse five years agoand I think I’ve spentfive years doing itup. My daughterbought a houselast year and Ithink I’ll be doingthat up next! I likephotography,cycling and golf butmostly business golf. Iresigned my clubmembership last year. My wife and I areseason ticket holders at Bath Rugby Club andgo across for the home games. We supportBath because we live in Somerset.Music: I’ve got close to 1,000 (vinyl) albums.My favourite is Wish You Were Here by PinkFloyd. But can happily listen to MadameButterfly too.TV: The first series of Broadchurch wasbrilliant, the second was very good.

THE former head of one of the major account-ancy firms in Bristol is heading a new in-solvency and restructuring venture in the city.Graham Randall was managing partner at

BDO until he left earlier this year, replaced byAndrea Bishop .Now he has returned to the Bristol business

scene heading up a new office for Quantuma,the firm’s sixth base in the UK.It will be a big change from managing the

160-strong BDO office to leading a small teamtrying to break into the local market, but Gra-ham is up for the challenge.“Despite the improvement in theUKeconomy

businesses in the region continue to face a widerange of challenges,” he said.“We are delighted to open a local Quantuma

office to provide support and advice to busi-nesses and their stakeholders facing financialstress.”

The move sees the insolvency specialist look-ing to expand further in the region.Graham has 30 years’ experience in the re-

structuring and insolvency field and no doubtbrings a hefty contacts book to the role.Joining him is director Mark Roach, who has

worked in the restructuring profession for over23 years with SMEs, partnerships and soletraders. He has also worked on a complexproject with Barclays Bank and the FinancialConduct Authority, as well as The Royal Bank ofScotland in their distressed customer team.Providing support will be Frank Nicol as

assistant manager and Kerrie Rees as an ad-ministrator.Frank brings 25 years’ experience and spe-

cialises in contentious insolvency and assettracing and recovery.Kerrie has experience in a wide range of both

personal and corporate insolvency procedures.

Ex-BDO head now leads small team fight

and those who come to events to get afeel for what the organisation wouldlike to do,” he says. “I would like tocommunicate more effectively, per-haps using social media more.”Looking to the future more widely,

Eric sees changes in its character butplenty of potential.“There will be a drift of profes-

sional services firms down the hillfrom Clifton, particularly since res-idents’ parking was introduced,” hesays.“There’s a shift in the city centre

too. While the student accommod-ation and residential propertiesmoveinto the city centre, the new devel-opments for office space is more fo-cused on the Temple Meads area.“It’s important to get Temple

Meads to work and to connect to therest of the city. The Finzels Reachbridge will help, but those linkagesare crucial.”Just like the connections made

through networking groups such astheForum for theBuilt Environment,they will pay back the investmentover time.

● The next FBE Great Westernbranch event is on April 23 at BristolZoo Gardens, 6-8.30pm. Find outmore at www.fbeonline.co.uk/great-western/events.

Insolvency venture

● Fromleft, MarkRoach,KerrieRees,FrankNicol andGrahamRandall

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LIKE thousands of other teen-agers and twenty-somethings, Alexa Mosber-ger went to London in searchof a glamorous big career.

After graduating, she found plentyof opportunities. First she joined theNational Audit Office, working onprojects including assessing whetherthe elite Olympic athletic pro-gramme was value for money.Then, despite not liking football,

she moved to the FA before joining astart-up called Future Proof and fi-nally working for online seller NotOn The High Street.But she began to feel the pull of the

West and when the 32-year-old lookedinto a move to Bristol, she was blownaway by the opportunities.“I was in this bubble where you

think nothing is going on outside

Bristol has meant great opportun-ities.“Coming to Bristol hasn’t held mycareer back, it has pushed it for-

ward,” he said. “Here I’m com-peting with 800 people, in atop London firm it mightbe 2,000.“I’ve gone from one

rung above the postroom to running the in-vestment help desk, adepartment of 60 or 70people.”Equally, there was no

lack of ambition when DavidPike made the move West. The

39-year-old arrived in Bristol earlierthis year to head up the regionalrestructuring team at KPMG, one of

the “big four” accountancy and ad-visory firms.“The opportunity was too good to

turn down,” he said. “It also in-tersected with a lifestyle event- the birth of my first child.“Iwas happy inLondon,

it was interesting work,we had a house soweren’t struggling toget on the property lad-der but it struck me asan interesting thing todo at an interesting timein my life.”HehadnopriorBristol con-

nections but likes his new homewhich has “nice architecture, all theright shops, restaurants and cafes,plenty of green space andwithin easy

reach of Bath, Devon, Cornwall andSouth Wales”.David said the “weekend pro-spects” were great but the work

was stimulating too, and the15-minute commute a vastimprovement on his lifein the capital.His advice to anyone

else thinking of makingto move is not to hangaround.“Bristol has strong

growth prospects,” hesaid. “With electrification

of the railway on the horizonit has great connectivity to Lon-

don too.“I would say get on with it because

with Bristol growing there could be

| ’

Thousands of people everyyear are moving fromLondon to Bristol. GavinThompson finds out what’sdriving those talented peopleto go West

London,” she said. “But I was sur-prised by how many different andvaried jobs there were for me to in-terview for.”She looked at big companies such

asMitie and Lloyds before settling ona dynamic start-up based in Wickcalled FD-works, which provides fin-ancial advice and services for SMEs,where she has become a senior as-sociate.Alexa hasn’t looked back. “I think

Bristol is having amoment,” she said.“It’s a really exciting city.“My colleagues joke that I’m the

ambassador for Bristol because I al-ways tell people how amazing it ishere.“A lot of people in their 20s think

you have got to be in London to getahead but that’s not true at all, youcan get great experience here.”Alexa’s experience is not an isol-

ated one. Between June 2012 and June2013, 3,290 peoplemoved fromLondonto Bristol, putting the city ahead ofManchester, Oxford and Liverpooland second only to Birmingham asthe most popular destination forthose fleeing the capital.Tom Higham, 27, has been in Bris-

tol for four and half years. OriginallyfromCheshire hemoved to London tofind his fortune but in a tough jobsmarket was struggling to find theright career path.

Special report

BRISTOL CALLING WAVE OF TALENT

Alexa Mosberger

“ I think Bristol is havinga moment. It’s a reallyexciting city. Mycolleagues joke that I’mthe ambassador forBristol because I alwaystell people how amazingit is here.

“My granddad had an account withHargreaves Lansdown and he toldmethey are a great company and Ishould send them my CV,” saidTom, right.“I did. When I came to

the interview it was thefirst time I’d been toBristol. They offeredme a job and I movedhere about a weeklater.“I haven’t looked back

since. I walk 10 minutesto work through a beau-tiful part of the city, then Ican get on my bike and go fiveminutes the other way and I’m in thecountryside.”ForTom, joining aFTSE 100 firm in

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QUITS LONDON FOR THRIVING CITY

another housing bubble here.”David’s boss Phil Cotton, who

heads up KPMG’s Bristol office, be-lieves the presence of so many bluechip companies in the city makesBristol a viable career choice for am-bitious professionals.“Bristol is recognised as a thriving

financial services hub,” said Phil,left. “We have 450 people here. Incareer terms Bristol is pretty fant-astic with all the big accountants,banks and law firms. If you are in theprofessional services, Bristol is re-cognised as a thriving community.”But Phil was keen to dispel one

myth for anyone considering themove West.“Many people come here for the

quality of life but that doesn’t mean

you can take it easy,” he said.“People here work very hard – it’s

not a soft option.”The appeal of the city stretches

beyond the bankers, lawyers and ac-countants.The recent TechNation re-port found there were 61,000 peopleworking in tech jobs in Bristol andBath and the growing reputation as atechnology hub is starting to drivemore talent here.DavidMaher Roberts, below, is cre-

ative and tech sector champion forinward investment agency InvestBristol and Bath. He works to en-courage companies in the field torelocate or open bases here.He’s been knocking on an open

door with firms such as digital solu-tions firm Kainos, Somo, the world’sbiggest independent mobile solu-tions company and Chinese telecomsgiant Huawei mov-ing in. And in-creasingly weare seeingthose firmsbringingsome oftheir talen-ted peoplewith them.Just Eat, the

takeaway fooddelivery service apprecently opened a tech hub in Bristoland has been offering relocationpackages to some of its London-basedstaff.“A lot of their people in the right

age group having been grabbing itwith both hands,” said David.That right age group seems to be

late 20s or early 30s. “Often peoplehave perhaps come from the regionor gone to university here and wantto come back,” he said.David has also seen many people

move here and join the thriving freel-ance of consulting community, par-ticularly in those tech and creativesectors.“They set up an office here and

have a few local clients but keepLondon clients because it is nearenough to do that,” he explained.The trend is something his agency

hopes to encourage and is lookinginto organising events where talen-ted people thinking of moving herecan meet socially with chief exec-utives and company founders so theycan better understand the potentialhere.“The draw has always been quality

of life and that is still the case,” hesaid. “But the big change is that nowwe are getting the career opportun-ities too, so you can have the careerand quality of life together... whichmakes a potent mix.”

David Maher Roberts

“The draw of Bristolhas always beenquality of life and thatis still the case. But thebig change is that nowwe are also getting thecareer opportunities.

● AlexaMosberger,one of thegrowingnumber ofpeoplewho arequittingLondon tomove toBristolPic: DaveBetts

● David Pike arrived in Bristol earlier this year to head up the regional restructuring team at KPMG

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Business diary

Email your business events [email protected] are sometimescancelled without us beingnotified so please check withorganisers before travelling.

Helping tech firms protect theirintellectual property: Natwestand Microsoft host free workshoprun with asset finance specialistsLombard and IP experts Inngot.April 16 at the Engine Shed.9am-noon then 1-4pm. Book viaEventbrite.

Financial Planning Clinic:One-to-one advice on financialissues and questions fromchartered accountant Tony Jamesat The Hive, Weston-super-Mare.Free to pre-start businesses andthose trading less than a year or£40. April 16. Book atwww.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk.

Digital Challenge Final andAwards: Finalists from the hackweekend in February willcompete for a £50,000 cash prizeto develop a software applicationor game addressing one of fiveenvironmental challenges, energy,transport, food, resources andnature. Colston Hall, April 20.www.bristol2015.co.uk

Inspiring Women Live! Hotel DuVin from 6.30-9pm on Monday,April 20. Speakers Nick Fewings,MD of Ngagementworks, talksabout behavioural differences,and Dr Helen Featherstonediscusses change management.Book at inspiringwomenlive.co.uk

Finance and business briefing:The Bristol office of accountancyand investment managementgroup, Smith & Williamson, ishosting a briefing to help SMEsget to grips with the latestchanges to accounting practices,tax, regulations and companycompliance procedures at thefirm’s offices in Portwall Lane onApril 21 from 8.30am to 11am.Email [email protected]

Starting in Business workshop:Business growth consultancyCool Ventures and Bath andNorth East Somerset Councilhost free workshop at KeynshamCivic Centre from 6-9pm. Book atcoolventures.eventbrite.co.uk

20 Ways to Grow YourBusiness: Seminar on how tostructure a business forsustainable and profitablegrowth. Ashton Court Mansion,BS41 9JN, 7.45am on April 22.Contact Mazars.

Bristol PA Network:Communicate with clarity with PAtrainer Lindsay Taylor at theBristol Hotel, 5.30-8pm,Wednesday, April 22. Tickets viaEventbrite.

Bristol Connected: The BristolPost’s regular networking eventtakes place in the Top Bar atColston Hall, April 23. Sold out!

The Lord Mayor’s CharityDinner: Drinks reception dinner,entertainment and auction, in aidof The Lord Mayor of Bristol’sChildren Appeal, on April 30. Addyour name to waiting list atgaladinner2015.eventbrite.co.ukor email [email protected] for sponsorshipopportunities.

Co-authorslaunch athriller

In pictures Book launch hosted by Smith & Williamson

THE Bristol office of accountancyand investment management groupSmith & Williamson hosted the of-ficial launch of a political crimethriller co-authored by the formerChief Constable of Avon and Som-erset police Colin Port and clinicalpsychologist Dr Moira Hamlin, aformer chair of the Avon and Som-erset Police Authority.More than 120 people attended the

event which saw Colin and Moirasigning copies of their gritty firstnovelLook the Other Way, which is setin South Africa, London and Devon –places where both authors have livedand say provided them with a richsource of ideas.Colin said: “The launch event hos-

ted by Smith & Williamson was wellattended and it was great to see somany familiar faces.“While I was chief constable, Smith

&Williamson facilitated a number ofmeetings with representatives of thebusiness community in Bristol andacross the South West which enabledus to better understand the concernsand needs of a very important groupof stakeholders.“We also used the opportunity to

CONSTRUCTION businesses fromall over the SouthWest came togetherto examine the future of the con-struction industry in the region andwhat needs to be done to train thenext generation of civil engineers,builders, electricians and plumbers.The event was a joint venture

between Business West, Moon Con-sulting and City of Bristol Collegeand was held at the college’s SouthBristol Skills Academy in Hengrove.Speakers included industry lead-

ers Guy Hazlehurst from EDF En-ergy, Supriya Ray from Bovis Homes,Mike Carter from Skanska Buildingand Adam Powell from the West ofEngland Local Enterprise Partner-ship.Maria Semak, vice principal cor-

porate services at City of Bristol Col-lege, said: “The constructionindustry is vitally important to Bris-tol.“This event offered an ideal op-

portunity for local employers to dis-cuss current changes within the

construction sector, put their ques-tions forward to key players withinthe industry and share knowledgeand good practice.“It’s important as a sector to look at

the skills gap and how we as a train-

ing provider can respond to the chan-ging needs of the industry.”Moon Consulting director Vanessa

Moon added: “We are delighted towork with employers and educatorsto ensure the long-term health of

construction in the South West.“Our construction recruitment

specialist Samantha Bunn led on thisevent and has a great understandingof the skill requirements of the sec-tor.”

● From left, Cliff Shaw, Maria Semak (City of Bristol College), Supriya Ray (Bovis Homes), Adam Powell (West ofEngland LEP), Samantha Bunn (Moon Consulting), Dave Harvey (BBC), Nina Skubala (Business West), GuyHazlehurst (EDF), Mike Carter (Skanska) and Vanessa Moon (Moon Consulting)

Firms gather toforge future ofconstruction

In pictures Event staged by Business West, Moon Consulting and City of Bristol College

explain how the police were funded,organised and operated and exploredhow we could work together for thebenefit of the wider community.”Mike Lea, managing partner at the

Bristol office of Smith & Williamson,said: “We were delighted to host thebook launch which marked the startof an exciting new chapter for ColinPort and Moira Hamlin in their re-

markable careers.”The book is about a miscarriage of

justice which is taken up by a dis-parate group determined to establishwhat they think is the truth.

● From left, Mike Leigh, Sir Jay Tidmarsh and John Prior with authors Moira Hamlin and Colin Port

● Sam andGloriaBabika chatwith authorMoiraHamlin atthe launch;right, guestsat thelaunch,whichattracted120 people

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SPONSORED BY

#ApprenticeAwards

Shining lights Tributes paid tofinalists at breakfast reception

In pictures 2015 Bristol and Bath Apprenticeship Awards

CONGRATULATIONS to youall, Bristol Post editor MikeNorton told the finalists inthe 2015 Bristol and Bath Ap-prenticeship Awards at a cel-

ebration breakfast reception.“We had so many entries of a very

high standard so you have done in-credibly well to get this far,” he said.The finalists’ reception was held at

GKN Aerospace in Filton, where 103

apprentices are employed on site.The awards, run by the Bristol Post

and Bath Chronicle in associationwith South Gloucestershire andStroud College (SGS), culminate in agala dinner at the Bristol City CentreMarriott Hotel on May 20, when thewinnerswill be revealed. But asMikesaid, they’re all winners.● Full report, see page 24 of themain paper

● Fiona Hooper of GKN Pictures: Dave Betts

● Patrick Mcleod of SGS College;below, Bristol Post editor Mike Norton

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The back pageDeals● Winningtons Financial PublicRelations is merging with aLondon-based public relationscompany.The Bristol-based firm was set up

by Tom Cooper and Paul Vann,working withUK listed companies oninitial share offerings, acquisitions,disposals, secondary fundraisingsand shareholder restructurings.The pair will join the team at

Walbrook PR, which works with anumber of AIM listed companies.Tom said: “We have found a team

at Walbrook who shares ourphilosophy around client care andhas ambitions to further grow analready successful practice. I think itspeaks volumes that the businessshould find itself nearing the top ofthe AIM league tables in a short sixyears.”

● South Gloucestershire-basedinsurance broker brightside hassigned a big deal with Royal LondonGroup, the UK’s biggest mutuallife, pensions and investmentcompany.The three-year deal sees Royal

London Car Insurance offeredexclusively through the Aust-basedfirm to Royal London’s customers.brightside chief executive Andrew

Wallin said: “I am delighted thatRoyal London has chosen to partnerwith brightside.“Securing another high profile

deal to provide general insurance toRoyal London’s extensive customerbase demonstrates the strength ofour offering.“Affinity partnerships are a core

part of growth strategy and this isanother fantastic partnership forbrightside which further supportsour plans for growth in 2015.”

● Business advisers Baker Tilly andlaw firm Ashfords, both Bristolbased, advised on the sale ofFramptons Transport Services toGregory Distribution (Holdings) Ltd.Framptons, based in Shepton

Mallet, Somerset, has an annualturnover of around £17 million,employs 245 people and operates60 vehicles.The company specialises in the

provision of transport servicesincluding contract distribution andUK and European pallet delivery.

● Mid-tier accountants Chantrey

Vellacott DFK is to merge withMoore Stephens.The firms, which have been

providing services for a combinedtally of more than 330 years, will usethe Moore Stephens name andbrand.Moore Stephens has an office in

Little King Street, Bristol. SimonGallagher, managing partner ofMoore Stephens said: “The mergerprovides a platform for continued,sustainable growth.”

People● Colliers International has createda regional planning team for theSouth West.The three-strong team will support

the development and consultancyservice lines within the Bristol office,allowing the firm to offer a full

Are youmissing out on Green Capital chances?

THE Bristol 2015 EuropeanGreen Capital Award isalready sparking a massiveconversation about how wework, how we spend and how

we live.The conversation is taking place on

TV and radio, in newspapers, on so-cial media, blogs and forums, and inthe streets, schools, offices, cafés andbars of Bristol. Bristol 2015 can makeBristol a leader in sustainable urbanliving, empower local communitiesand raise Bristol’s international pro-file – attracting new talent, jobs andinvestment.

And Bristol businesses of all shapesand sizes can already proudly includethemselves among some of the mostsustainable in the country. This is areal stepping stone. But are busi-

nesses capitalising on the opportun-ities? Four months in and we’reseeing many great businesses failingto be part of this conversation, andthis is a missed opportunity; an op-portunity that is far greater than justone year of pomp. For businesses thatengage with Bristol 2015 in the rightway, there will be growth prospectsway into the future. Some businessesare piggybacking for some cheap PRbut they will be seen as transparentand this will make true sustainablebusinesses shine.

Being part of the conversation

Opinion

means engaging credibly and authen-tically about the steps businesses aretaking – big and small – to support thespirit of Bristol 2015.

The days of speaking at customersthrough the media are over. Today,successful business communicatorsuse traditional and digital mediachannels to engage with a range ofstakeholders.

The most successful Bristol busi-ness communicators will displaythree core behaviours. Firstly theywill focus on public engagement, notjust public relations.

They will supplement traditionalmedia relations with stakeholder out-reach via wider channels such asonline media, social media, ownedmedia, public sector platforms andface-to-face interactions.

Secondly they will be guided bytheir core purpose, so that their sus-tainability activities are a naturalextension of what they do as a busi-ness rather than ‘bolt-on’ or tokenefforts.

Finally they will be open to newideas and partnerships that amplifyand add credibility to their actionsand messages.

This could be through partnershipswith private, public and non-profitorganisations, or by engaging withpublic events and listening as muchas they talk.

The opportunities for those who getit right are huge.

Download the Oxygen Agency’swhite paper about making the most ofGreen Capital at www.oxygena-gency.co.uk/bristol2015.

planning and development servicefrom one location.Development planner Tom

Stanley, who spent nine years at thePlanning Inspectorate, will lead theteam.Development planner Katie

Sprackman, with three years’experience working for a landpromotion company, will be workingalongside environmental plannerSaiqa Noreen, who has seven yearsof experience in the planning field.Tom said: “Whether it is advice on

how to maximise the developmentvalue of an asset via change of use,or whether we are creating improvedvalue through uplift, following asuccessful planning application orlocal plan exercise on a Greenfieldsite, we are pleased to offer ourservices.”Head of the Bristol office Tim

Davies added: “We are very excitedabout the creation of our newplanning team. Not only will itenhance the offering of the SouthWest office, but it will alsostrengthen the coordination of thedepartment as a whole.”

● e3 managing director Neil Collardhas made it into the BritishInteractive Media Association Hot100 list.Since taking over at e3 in 2012,

Neil has spearheaded the transitionof the organisation from creativeagency to digital businessconsultants.In the last year, he is most proud

of work delivered for Royal Navyand helping to move Kia towardsgenerating over £1 billion worth ofcar sales.Neil said: “I am thrilled. Not only is

this about my contribution to theindustry, but also that of thefantastic team here at e3.“Together we work with our clients

to get the best out of digital and theBIMA Hot 100 2015 recognition istestament to this.”The Hot 100 will be honoured at a

celebration in London on May 12,when the full list will be published.

● A telecoms company hasannounced one of its members ofstaff has become a director.Harry Bishop, pictured, who

joined Pure Comms in Tickenhamfour year ago, has become technicalservices director at the fast growingfirm.Pure Comms supplies bespoke

telecoms packages and countsCooperative,Bonhams,BritanniaWindows,JJFox andThe Hiveascustomers.Harry

said: “Evenin the fourshort years Ihave beenworking at PureComms I have seen the companymake huge strides.“I like the way we have remained

committed to doing thingsdifferently to our competition; and Iam looking forward to having agreater say on the pace anddirection of Pure Comms.”

Your digest of the week in business

In numbers

Business currentaccounts

Petrol prices

1.01%£10,000 deposit

0.25%£1 deposit

State Bankof India

Corporation tax

Main rate

Unleaded

Diesel

Superunleaded

LPG

Source: PetrolPrices.com

Business savingsaccounts

1.49%£10,000 deposit

1.75%£10,000 deposit

State Bankof India

Inflation (CPI)

Weekly earnings

Base interest rate

Ave mortgage rate

Source:

Cambridge &CountiesBank

Inflation (RPI)

Managing DirectorThe Oxygen Agency

● Colliers International’s new regional planning team

● Paul Vann and Tom Cooper ● Neil Collard

Documents

Business 15 April 2015