Inspire business magazine number 5

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Issue OnePlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

ISSUE FIVE • AUTUMN 2014

WOMEN IN ENTERPRISESarah wins jewellery awardPage 20

SOMETHING ABOUT MARYMary Seacole’s charity fundraising ballPage 4

BROUGHT TO BOOK Writing a book can benefit your businessPage 16

Behind the LinesHow former soldier Gordon Lines came back from the brink. Pages 18 & 19

WELCOMEto the region’s newest and best

businessmagazine

Making an exhibitionBusiness to business event in October. Page 12

Perils of pensionsTony Byrne’s new column. Page 11

MAIN FEATURE

IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO INSPIRE YOUR BUSINESS

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Issue FivePlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

Velocity scheme helps business grow (p5)

What if the worst happens? Be prepared! (p7)

Inspiring offers. How to advertise in this magazine (p17)

Head of steam for East West Rail (p26)

Louise’s salon days (p27)

News round-up (p34)

welcome

In this issue5

7

27

EXPERIENCES TO FILL MANY LIFETIMESGORDON LINES, THE SUBJECT OF THIS EDITION’S MAIN FEATURE,

COULD FILL SEVERAL LIFETIIMES WITH HIS EXPERIENCES.A former soldier, Gordon has faced death behind the lines and in business

life looked down the barrel of a shaking robber’s gun. You can read his inspirational story in the centre spread of this edition.

But he’s also seen rock bottom. Huge stresses from his professional and personal life led to alcoholism and a nervous breakdown. To top it all, he’s

also suffered a heart attack. A trained military medic, he knew what was happening and drove himself home and called the ambulance.

Stress, he believed, may have caused a lump of cholestorol to go spinning through his bloodstream before becoming blocked in his heart.

Like many ex-servicemen Gordon has many skills for business and a fighting spirit to boot.But like life in the military, he couldn’t do it alone. Gordon has many people to thank in his

own family, his patient and caring wife, his GP, staff at Milton Keynes hospital and a charity helping him come to terms with post traumatic stress disorder.

The rest of us, too have others to thank for our success. Nobody does it alone. Here, at Inspire we appreciate all the people who make it possible. Bartham printers,

publisher Mostaque Koyes, designer Heather Ellis, our fabulous readers and growing band of advertisers, the receptionists who take copies and our distributors.

All vital cogs who make it possible for Inspire’s wheel to turn.Thank you for reading the magazine and being a part of #TeamInspire. Follow us on Twitter

@inspirebizmag or email me [email protected]

For copies of the magazine for your reception or to receive a top-up supply, email [email protected]

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER@INSPIREBIZMAG

Publisher:Community Communications, 12 Alexandra Avenue, Luton Beds, LU3 1HG

Editor:David [email protected]

Advertising: Mostaque [email protected]

Design:Heather [email protected]

Printed by:Bartham Groupwww.barthamgroup.com

DisclaimerAny views expressed in Inspire Business Magazine are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.No part of the magazine should be copied or distributed without the prior consent of the publisher and remains the property of the publisher.

welcome

mailto:[email protected]





www.barthamgroup.com

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Autumn 2014 Editorial and advertising enquiries: [email protected] | 07931 973967

feature

Mary’s having a Ball

There are many reasons why high profile events can be good for business, especially if you run a good cause like Mary Seacole Housing Association, writes David Tooley.

It’s not all about the money although of course the Friendly Society, which provides supported accommodation in six premises for young single homeless people aged between 16 and 35, needs a steady income to keep its vital services going around the clock.

Last year’s Mary Seacole Fund Raising Ball was attended by around 400 people from various voluntary agencies, staff and the general public who supported the event.

“Engaging with our supporters is a vital reason for us holding big events”, said charity ball organiser Elaine Cruise. “By giving people a good time, we are helping reinforce their relationship with us.

“Organising the event is a major commitment for us, so there is a cost but it will be worth it... and I am looking forward to the day after when I can relax!”

Previous charity balls have helped to highlighted the plight of young homeless people, some of the reasons why they became homeless, how

this made them feel and some of the choices that they made as a result of their dilemma.

Three residents of the association volunteered to participate at a previous event; two of the residents spoke about their real life experiences and one of them sang a very touching song for the audience.

Many commented afterwards on how moved they were by the actual experiences, and how much they had enjoyed the event.

Elaine added: “It is important for us as an organisation to get across the message about why we are here and what we do. Events, attended by our supporters, friends and their guests, is one of the main ways we do that.

“As a charity we help to transform the lives of some of society’s most vulnerable people. That is a message of real hope and we celebrate that with fun and enjoyment.”

This year’s charity ball, at The Auction House, Cresent Road, Luton, on Saturday, November 1, will have a 1920s Gatsby Theme.

MSHA was founded in 1986 by Cllr Desline Stewart MBE, in reaction to the increasing number of homeless young people in Luton. Her work was influenced by the caring model developed by solders during the Crimean War.

Tickets for the Charity Ball on Saturday, November 1 at the Auction House, Crescent Road, Luton, are available from Training & Events Manager Elaine Cruise email [email protected] for further details.

EVENTS ARE VITAL FOR MARY SEACOLE HOUSING ASSOCIATION, NOT JUST FOR RAISING MONEY



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Delivery and courier business picks up Velocity!

Growth workshops launched

growth

Delivery and courier business National Sameday in Luton has hired four new employees and safeguarded the jobs of two others thanks to a grant awarded by Velocity Business Support.

National Sameday has been awarded a significant contract to provide bespoke courier services for an aerospace company, requiring additional drivers and support staff to work specifically on the contract, which it won as a result of a grant worth over £7,000 from Velocity.

Velocity, which is free and available to businesses across the South East Midlands, provides grants of up to £10,000 and worked closely with National Sameday to help the firm develop a bespoke IT system in order to tender for the aerospace contract.

Partha Dey is Managing Director of National Sameday, he said: “The grant from Velocity has had a major and immediate impact on the business. This month, we’ve seen a significant breakthrough in the performance of the company and recorded our highest-ever turnover in the 22 years since we started, and we’ve had to recruit four new employees to help us deliver the contract we have just won.

“Not only that, but we’ve also been able to safeguard the jobs of two existing employees, who will now work solely on this new contract, which will operate seven days a week.

“The Velocity grant enabled us to develop and build a brand-new back office system to improve business processes and productivity, which was required in order to tender for the aerospace contract. This new system allowed us to rub shoulders with the’big boys’ in delivery and courier services and we beat off major competition to win this lucrative and significant contract, which we wouldn’t have done without the grant from Velocity.

“We are now in a position to tender for more contracts on this scale which, if successful, will require the recruitment of between eight to ten more drivers.”

National Sameday contacted Velocity via the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which is delivering Velocity across the county. Partha met with both Justin Richardson from the Chamber and Richard Cooper, Velocity’s Bedfordshire Business Adviser, who guided Partha through the grant application process.

Richard Cooper said: “Very quickly we were able to identify an immediate need for new technology that would help National Sameday tender for this contract. The likes of the larger

delivery companies already have this in-house but National Sameday needed financial support to invest in the development of a new system.

“This is exactly what the Velocity grants are here to do; help businesses like National Sameday win new business or retain existing business, leading to an increase in profit and the creation and safeguarding of jobs.”

To find out more about Velocity’s grants and to book a 1-1 appointment with a Business Adviser, call 0300 01234 35, email [email protected] or visit www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com

Velocity is a business support initiative provided free for companies across the South East Midlands and has been made possible thanks to grants worth £1.75 million from the

Government’s Regional Growth Fund through Lancaster University and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).

Velocity has been set up to make it easier for businesses to maximise their growth potential with grants from £1,000 to £10,000 available. Grant recipients are required to invest some of their own funding in order to receive the grant, at a ratio of 2:1. For example, if a business wishes to apply for a grant of £5,000, it would be required to spend £10,000 of its own money.

Velocity is also providing free help and support via an online portal www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com, one-to-one mentoring and support from locally-based Business Advisers and a programme of events and webinars.

National Sameday wins significant aerospace contract creating four new jobs and safeguarding two others

A series of 58 free business growth workshops have been launched across the South East Midlands, including in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Aimed at owners and directors of businesses, finance managers, senior members of staff and marketing managers, workshops will focus on a range of topics including new ways to finance your business, smashing your sales targets, and attracting and managing investors, as well as sessions on digital marketing, negotiation and product pipeline planning.

Richard Thompson is one of Velocity’s Business Advisers, he said: “These free workshops are a

valuable addition to the portfolio of services we can offer growing businesses.

“Each workshop has been designed to respond to a challenge or need currently faced by firms trying to grow and we hope these free in-depth sessions will give them the skills and knowledge they need to break through any barriers and take their business to the next level.”

Each workshop is offered completely free of charge and will run from 9am until 12pm. Demand is expected to be high so early booking is recommended.

For more details on the courses please visit www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com/workshops

To book a place on one of the courses, and there is no limit on the number of courses you can attend, please call 0300 01234 35.


www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com

www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com

www.VelocityBusinessSupport.com/workshops

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employment

LETS work together to reduce unemployment

A SERIES OF EMPLOYMENT FAIRS IN LUTON HAVE HAD A VERY NOTICEABLE DOWNWARD EFFECT ON THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE. INSPIRE INVESTIGATES

An employment, training and skills fair held regularly in Luton has had a noticeable effect on the town’s unemployment rate.

Attended by hundreds of jobseekers and potential employers the

LETS Fair is organised to match people with opportunities and pass on

skills including interview techniques.

Organiser Mostaque Koyes said local businesses were finding it

difficult to employ people with the necessary skills to fill vacancies,

including in apprenticeships, despite the unemployment rate in Luton

being higher than the national average. Volunteers were also hard to

find.

Mr Koyes, who runs the Bartham print company in the town, said:

“Our aim through the LETS Fair is to provide opportunities between

local employers and job seekers... all under one roof.

“We bring employers to meet potential employees in an informal

setting and also give job seekers the chance to learn more about the

potential employers and all the job and training opportunities open to

them in and around Luton.”

The latest installment of Luton Employment, Training & Skills (LETS)

Fair took place in Venue Central, in Chapel Street, on Thursday,

September 18.

There have been four of these events so far, with each one attracting

more than 1,000 delegates. Some 25% who were on benefits found

an opportunity to get them off reliance on the dole.

In number terms, more than 500 people found employment or

gained a training place from attending the 2013 events.

Organisations including Luton Borough Council and Jobcentre Plus

have been involved in the LETS Fairs.

Mr Koyes, who also organises the annual Luton Community Awards,

added: “I know the LETS Fair raises aspirations, inspires people to

improve their lives, improves people’s prospects, increases the number

of people in learning, reduces worklessness and increases the number

of people in paid employment.

“It also reduces the number of people with no qualifications and

increases the number of people exploring apprenticeships.

“Our aim is to continue to organise LETS Fairs throughout the year,

so we can make a real difference to people living in Luton who need a

little bit of support to get back into employment or training.”

There is no charge to employers and job seekers can also attend for

free.

The benefits to businesses of being involved include:

• They can meet potential candidates in an informal setting and discuss vacancies.

• Recruitment efforts can be maximised while minimising costs.• Employers can meet a large pool of potential employees under one

roof in a single day.• Advertising is done for you.• CVs can be collected or firms can hire on the spot.• It’s a great opportunity to increase your business,voluntary and

public sector contacts.

To discuss exhibition and sponsorship opportunities at future LETS Fairs contact: Mostaque Koyes on 07931 973967 or for more information visit www.letsfair.co.uk

www.letsfair.co.uk

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It’s time for a business MOTlegal

As another all-too-brief British summer fades from memory, many business owners are returning to their business rejuvenated from the holiday season.

For most, the focus will understandably be

on growing the bottom line, and the everyday

pressures of running successful enterprises can

absorb a large proportion of management time and

attention.

However, all the value built up in a business can

be at risk if the owners do not put their businesses

through the equivalent of a regular MOT. They

should take stock of their business and whether

they are using the law to protect themselves and

their assets as far as is practicable.

Part of the analysis, of course, is to evaluate

potential threats affecting the business and to

try to guard against nasty surprises. Quite often,

however, business owners have already identified

nagging concerns but have parked them on a ‘to

do’ list and postponed taking action until another

day. By the time they get around to it, it might be

too late.

The particular risks will vary from business to

business, but we identify below some of the issues

which most will have in common.

What happens if you fall under a bus?

As the old cliché has it, none of us can escape

from death and taxes. At a fundamental level,

putting in place proper protection for your business

is about protecting your family if the worst should

happen.

If the arrangements in respect of your business

have not been placed on a sound footing, the

problems which are left behind can be very thorny.

The types of issues falling to be considered

include:

i) Do you have an up-to-date will?

ii) Are your personal liabilities and those of the

business separate? What will happen if any

personal guarantees have been provided in

respect of business debts?

iii) Will the business be able to function without

you?

iv) Will a business partner buy out your share

in the business or can your spouse or other

beneficiary continue to own your stake?

v) Are your life insurance policies in place?

Who owns your business and on what basis?

This deceptively simply question is sometimes

harder to answer than people initially expect.

In many cases the circumstances will be very

straightforward but consider whether:

i) If the business is shared between multiple

owners, is it clear who owns what proportion?

ii) Is there an agreement in place detailing

ownership interests, and if so does it reflect

the actual position? Sometimes ex-business

partners have left but the documentation

has not been updated and there can be

scope for disagreement subsequently. On

other occasions, one or more shareholders

might have injected additional funds into the

company in return for extra shares, but the

shares were never formally issued.

iii) Is it enough to establish who has formal

ownership or are there other issues to consider,

such as interests which should be held on trust

for family members or others?

iv) Is there a partnership agreement, shareholders’

agreement or equivalent document to regulate

matters such as who is entitled to what

proportion of the profits of the business?

Mere verbal understandings can be difficult to

enforce at a later stage, especially if the parties

should have fallen out in the meantime.

How is your business financed?

You should consider, especially if others are also

involved in the ownership or management of the

business:

i) How will the business be funded? Will external

lenders make available sufficient working

capital or other debt facilities, or will the

owners of the business need to inject further

funding? What is the suitable gearing ratio?

ii) If the shareholders or partners are to provide

funds, how will it be structured eg loans,

capital contribution, share subscription etc.

iii) What if some, but not all, of the owners

wish to make available further funds? Can

the interests of those who do not contribute

be diluted and what will be the wider

ramifications of that?

iv) Could any existing indebtedness be discharged

or refinanced on better terms?

How will you derive value from your business?

Securing a return from your investment should

be assessed by reference to the day-to-day running

of the business and the ultimate disposal of your

ownership interests. Matters to evaluate might

include:

i) Is there an agreed dividend policy?

ii) Is there an agreed split in terms of value

extracted by different methods, such as

directors’ fees, remuneration or bonuses

by way of any employment contract, and

distributions to shareholders?

iii) How can shares or other ownership interests

be sold voluntarily? Must co-owners be given a

right of first refusal before any third parties can

acquire a stake?

iv) Should there be any circumstances in which

some owners (eg minority shareholders) could

be compelled to sell their interests at the

behest of the others, and what criteria would

apply?

How is your interest being safeguarded?

Protecting your investment is an ongoing

responsibility and will encompass a plethora of

issues, such as:

i) Does your business have suitable employment

contracts in place with key employees,

including restrictive covenants to protect the

business if they should leave?

ii) Does your business review regularly any

standard terms and conditions and other

contractual documentation upon the basis of

which it operates?

iii) Are your procurement teams trained

periodically on topics such as the anti-bribery

regime?

iv) Is the scope of the insurance for your business

and its key personnel appropriate?

v Does the business review its risk management

housekeeping from time to time, including

factors such as the claims management process

and document retention policies?

One size does not fit all

Many of the general topics outlined above will

be relevant in the case of most businesses, but

every business is unique and must adopt a tailored

approach with appropriate legal, financial and tax

advice. Ultimately the owners of the business carry

the responsibility and should set aside time to give

their businesses periodic health checks, especially if

they have at the back of their minds concerns which

tend to be too often postponed until another day.

For further information or advice on any commercial law issue, please contact Pictons on 01582 870870.

Owners should take regular stock of their companies to guard against nasty surprises, says Tony Roberts of Pictons

8


Winter’s on its way!security

I know, it’s not our favourite subject either, but it is coming close to that time of year when the nights get longer and the burglary rate goes up.

With this in mind we

thought it would be good to

share some hints and tips to

prepare your home or business

premises for the dark nights ahead.

These tips have been put together with my team at Dyno who have

years of experience securing properties:

Security lights - these are a great way to attract attention and scare away any threats to your property

Trees and bushes - if any of your building is covered by bushes, ensure to cut these back, keeping all entrances visible

Gardening tools - put away any garden tools and ladders, let’s not make their job any easier!

Upgrade your locks - installing anti-snap locks and deadbolts to all entry points all work toward making your property as impenetrable as possible

Sash jammers - these fairly cheap products can be fitted to any window or door helping secure them more efficiently

CCTV - this can be a great deterrent against vandalism and theft, with packages to suit all why not call us now?

And last but definitely not least, have a professionally fitted Alarm.

The most effective deterrent of all. With over 90% of burglars saying

they would avoid a house with an alarm.

But remember, always ensure you utilise all of your security

measures. An unset alarm or unlocked door provides burglars the

opportunity to invade. Reminders at the door with a checklist can be a

great idea.

If you are ready to get your house prepared for the long nights

ahead - but not sure where to start, why not call us at Dyno and

arrange a Free of charge no-obligation security survey? This will help

you plan for all eventualities when it comes to your security and we

Always offer Best advice above a sale.

So why not take advantage and call us now on 01582 519910

to book. Alternatively if you have any questions about any of the

security measures we have suggested please do not hesitate to contact

me on 01582 519910 or email [email protected]

Be safe people!

Get ready for the dark nights - they are coming! That’s the alert from Dyno’s JON SPELLEN who gives some security hints and tips


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The middle man.Help or hindrance?

Customers often perceive any middle man as an unnecessary third party that adds cost, causes delays, and possibly makes mistakes. Advertising by insurers to ‘go direct’ has only compounded this feeling.

How can the middle man help consumers?

1. Better prices

Using a middle man is not always more expensive. For example,

buying insurance through a broker such as A-Plan is often better

priced than direct insurance.

How is this possible, you may ask? Ultimately it’s because we can

negotiate on your behalf and reduce the risk for the insurer. As

a broker we have access to negotiated rates from many different

insurers, and our staff are professionally trained to help choose a

policy that’s right for you.

This generates better

results for insurers and

filters through to lower

premiums for buyers like

you.

‘Cutting out the middle

man’ does not always

save you money.

2. Speed and Ease

Going direct usually

means going online, and

the experience can be

slow and frustrating. The

forms are long and often

confusing, and the whole

process can take a lot

longer and be a lot harder

than expected.

At A-Plan we speak

to you to ensure that

nothing is missed, and we are available to advise and reassure you

along the way - ensuring you get the right policy as quickly and

painlessly as possible.

We do the shopping around so you don’t have to.

3. Peace of mind

Policy wording and options can be complex and confusing and

answering questions wrongly could mean that you are not adequately

covered in the event of a claim. We can help you with this. We check

through the information that you provide at the start of your policy

to ensure that nothing has been missed, that your needs are met and

that you are fully covered.

If you do have a claim and deal direct with the insurer it is down to

you to negotiate with them. At A-Plan we are with you every step

of the way. If there is a query or dispute, we are there to act on your

behalf and to help put it right. You only need to make one call to us

and we will handle the rest for you.

We make sure you get the cover that you need.

So who wins? A-Plan or direct?

Whilst conventional wisdom dictates that the middle man offers little

to the discussion and always has his price, in the complex world of

insurance things are not so simple.

At A-Plan our business continues to grow because we consistently

deliver the advice and service that people want when looking for

insurance, and often save them money at the same time. Customer

loyalty is a good indication of success, and that�s why we are so proud

that 9 out of 10 of our clients choose to stay with us at renewal.

legal

Martin Blower speaks in favour of brokers when it comes to buying insurance

“Policy wording

can be complex

and confusing

and answering

questions wrongly

could mean you

are not adequately

covered”

10


Get your cash flow under control

As autumn gets underway, business owners sometimes need to reinvigorate their businesses and, in particular, focus attention on their cash flow and credit control procedures.

If payment from a customer is not obtained and the goods or

services have been provided, your cash flow is likely to be under

pressure. Ensuring that customers pay on time will make managing

your business easier.

The first thing you should do is get to know your customers. This

should start before you take on a new customer and before you give

them any credit.

The bare minimum of what you should know is:

• the exact name of the customer and the trading address

• their type of business structure, e.g. are they a sole trader, a

partnership or a limited company?

• their credit rating.

Before you provide goods or services to any customer, make sure you

address the following:

• discuss and agree payment terms with the customer before

accepting the order

• agree the terms in writing

• review any documentation from the customer where they try to

change the agreed payment terms

• negotiate and agree payment terms with suppliers before accepting

the order

• if there is a gap between customer and supplier payment terms,

consider whether finance is available to bridge the gap.

• have a standard policy in place to ensure that payment terms

cannot be altered without appropriate authorisation

• ensure that you have the right to apply late payment and interest

charges on invoices.

After you have provided goods or services to a customer ensure that

you:

• raise invoices promptly

• raise invoices accurately to ensure all items are included at the

quoted prices

• include a reference number for the order and then quote this if any

dispute arises

• have everything the customer requires on the invoice

• have a process for chasing invoices

• have a process for dealing with disputes

• keep a log of disputes to ascertain whether similar disputes or

customers occur

• ensure that your invoices are fully compliant with HMRC for VAT

purposes.

Remember that not paying your suppliers on time is a bad business

habit and it may harm your reputation as well. You should:

• ensure you advise your suppliers of any disputes as soon as they

occur

• pay on time by ensuring that your creditor’s ledger is accurately

aged and

• keep your suppliers up to date with any issues you have with

paying on time.

Some businesses unfortunately go ‘bad’, so you may wish to

consider obtaining credit insurance. You may also consider obtaining

factoring and financing options.

If you are struggling with credit control and cash flow management in these more difficult times, then we would be happy to discuss this further with you. Please contact us at Stoten Gillam for more detailed advice on 01582 608601 or via [email protected]

finance

JOHN WRIGHT OF STOTEN GILLAM UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTROLLING CASH FLOW FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Page kindly sponsored by Telephone: 01582 608601


11


Pension perils ahead

Back in March in his Budget speech the Chancellor George Osborne announced the most radical changes to pensions legislation affecting money purchase pension schemes we have ever heard.

One of his proposals was that anyone with such a pension would be able to access all of it rather than be limited to 25% tax free as a lump sum with the rest taken as a taxed income with effect from April 2015.

Before this announcement there was only one way in which you could do this and that was by using a method known as flexible drawdown but even then it had strict qualifying conditions and few people in practice could ever benefit from it. The new proposals have no such qualifying criteria.

So what is a money purchase pension scheme? Basically it is a pot of money which pays you a pension based on how much you have contributed into it and how well it has performed.

This is totally different to so called occupational final salary schemes which are mainly offered by the public sector and increasingly rarely by large private employers.

These pensions by contrast pay you a guaranteed pension based on a formula which is calculated based on your number of years of service for your employer and your ‘final salary’. These pensions aren’t affected by the new rules.

Whilst on the one hand it does appear to be very generous of the government to allow complete freedom for individuals to access 100% of their pots, the sting in the tail is that they could potentially end up paying significantly high tax charges on the monies withdrawn from their pensions unwittingly. Why is this so?

Well as before you will continue to be entitled to withdraw up to 25% of your money purchase pension as a tax free lump sum. However, the rest of it will be subject to Income Tax.

So far nothing in the rules has changed. The problem is that the money you withdraw from the remaining 75% gets added to your income for the year and is taxed at your highest rate.

Let’s assume your total retirement income is just £5,000 a year before you access your pot. You are a basic rate taxpayer paying a top rate of 20% Income Tax. You have a money purchase pension fund worth £250,000. You decide to take the whole lot as a lump sum immediately.

Well the first 25% (£62,500) is tax free but the balance of £187,500 is added to your income of £20,000 and taxed at your top rate of Income Tax of up to 45%! That represents a huge tax penalty to the pensioner and a massive benefit to the government. Now it is clear why they have introduced the changes. It’s because it is a significant tax raiser for HM Revenue & Customs.

The other danger is of course that the type of person used in this example could be a big spender who blows all of his pension pot and then becomes a burden on the state. Admittedly only a small proportion of people, the gamblers of society, are likely to do this nonetheless it will inevitably happen.

pensions

Tony Byrne, one of the country’s most highly qualified financial planners tells Inspire how you could lose out

from the Government’s pension changes

Tony Byrne, Chartered and Certified Financial Planner

author of Wealth Magic, Financial Planning Director,

Wealth And Tax Management

12


Four business gurus have teamed up and are on a mission to stop wealth and money leaking out of the Milton Keynes economy.

Peter Barnett, Katherine McAdam, Dale Adkins and Darren Thomson are the top team behind the MK Exhibition being held in the city in the autumn. Peter, who set up his sales and marketing company Sales Managed four years ago, said: “Local companies like ours can grow by getting to know each other and working together instead of perhaps buying services from other parts of the country.”

MK Exhibition will be held at MKCC, in Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, Milton Keynes, on Friday, October 17. It is set to attract hundreds of visitors to dozens of exhibition stands.

Peter added: “MK Exhibition is our only exhibition and is dedicated to supporting local

charities and the growth of local economy, we are not running events outside of Milton Keynes.”

Peter, the former business development director of Frosts in Woburn Sands, has been joined in the venture by design guru Katherine McAdam, of Brand Magic Media Ltd, which she set up in 2008.

Dale Adkins, the conferencing manager at the MKCC, has achieved success in promoting the MKCC as the first choice meeting venue for local businesses.

Completing the talented organising team is highly experienced videographer Darren Thomson, of Movey Video Marketing. Darren has produced and trained a large number of students in the craft of creating professional quality video for business, education and local government.

Together they have already organised one successful MK Exhibition and the next one is set to be even better.

Visitors and exhibitors to the 8am to 4pm event can expect lots of business networking, advice workshops, an MK Dragons Den-style event, free advice clinics from local professionals and lots more to be announced.

MKCC is a top-class conference and meetings venue based half a mile from Central Milton Keynes and a mile from the railway station with more than 100 free car parking spaces!

For more information visit: www.mkexhibition.co.uk/ phone 01908 900 908 or email [email protected]

Exhibition organisers are on a mission to keep

money in their local economy

exhibition

Championingthe MK economy

www.mkexhibition.co.uk


13


New jobs and businesses could be created in the region’s aerospace sector with the arrival of a new £35million world-leading research facility opening at Cranfield University in 2016.

The Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) is to be built at the university with co-investment partners Airbus and Rolls-Royce, following the award of funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Through the integration of airframes propulsion and other systems and technologies, the centre will research innovative aerospace technologies to enhance performance, emission control and efficiency targets on future aircraft.

ProsperityIt is anticipated that the centre will directly contribute to the

competitiveness and prosperity of the aerospace industry and the wider UK economy, safe-guarding existing jobs and creating additional work opportunities within the UK aerospace and academic sectors.

The centre will provide dedicated space and specialist equipment to address future grand challenges which face the aerospace sector.

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, said: “The investment from Airbus and Rolls-Royce in this collaborative centre will change the design of future aircraft.

“It will reinforce Cranfield’s reputation as a global leader in transformational research, strengthen our strategic relationships with world-renowned businesses and meet the needs of business, government and wider society.”

Iain Gray CBE, the current chief executive of the Technology Strategy Board, has been appointed the Director of Aerospace at Cranfield University, with effect March from 2015.

Iain will lead the extensive aerospace capabilities across the University and their strategic relationships with the world’s major aerospace industrial organisations.

Prior to the Technology Strategy Board, Iain was engineering director and then managing director at

Airbus UK during the development of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner.

Iain Gray said: “The University’s pre-eminent business and government relationships places it in an ideal position to provide academic leadership in collaborative research to develop new products, processes and services for the aerospace sector.

“I’m proud to bring my experience of, and passion for, one of the UK’s most important industrial sectors and to progressing Cranfield’s long heritage in this area.”

Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Cranfield’s Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Our University has a fundamental role to play in maintaining the UK as a leader in aerospace.

“Iain’s thought leadership will enhance Cranfield’s impact in this important sector.”

aerospace

Cranfield is taking off

ROOM FOR GROWTH

A NEW £35M AEROSPACE CENTRE IS TO BE BUILT AT CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY, ENHANCING ITS STATUS AS A HUB FOR THE UK’S AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

In another part of the university - the Technology Park - two enterprising businesses are expanding into new offices.

Tendering expert Bidwriting.com is moving to a new 675 sq ft office - a 40% increase - within the Cranfield Innovation Centre (CIC), in order to accommodate its growing workload from clients looking to secure key tenders and new opportunities.

At the same time, high technology recruitment firm Vector Recruitment has moved to 75% larger premises in the CIC to cope with demand as companies in the UK’s booming engineering, science and technology sector expand their teams.

New deals at the Cranfield University Technology Park follow a series of major lettings over the last 12 months, including food freshness firm It’s Fresh!, Impetus Automotive and Japanese car-seat manufacturer, Tachi-S. Meanwhile existing tenants SEMLEP, Alere and Comms 365 have all moved to larger offices in the CIC, taking advantage of the CIC’s flexible leases to support their expansion.

Rupert Wood, regional director at St. Modwen which manages Cranfield University Technology Park said that both these moves reflect an overall confidence in the marketplace and the economy: “The fact that these specialist firms are expanding is a clear indication of the improving market in the region and UK as a whole, as companies look to recruit and invest.

“Allowing flexibility for businesses to move offices is fundamental to our offer on the Tech Park, allowing us to accommodate businesses ranging from start-ups to multi-national firms.”

Bidwriting.com

14


Recent football success in the triumphant return of Luton Town Football Club to the league and the 4-0 shock cup demoliton of Manchester United by the MK Dons has brought the economic importance of sport to the fore, writes David Tooley.

Tourism chiefs in Milton Keynes estimated that the league cup game, which saw stadium:mk packed out with more than 29,000 spectators, would bring in £2million to the local economy by way of spending in hotels, taxis and restaurants.

Luton Town, known as the Hatters, saw their Kenilworth Road stadium packed out last year as fans shared in the glory of the ending of the club’s five year exile in non-league. This season the club - and the town - should benefit from being back in the big time. According to Sport England, the English economy benefited to the tune of a whopping £20.3billion from sport in the latest figues, going back to 2010.

As a little aside, my local shopkeeper once told me that his small newsagents’ benefited to the tune of £500 in sales when the local children’s football team played at home.

In total, coming in at 1.9% of the total value of the English economy placed sport in the top15 industry sectors in the country. That’s above motor vehicles, telecoms services, legal services, accounting, publishing, advertising and the utilities.

Of course, football is only part of the total sport package but a pretty big one locally at that.

Research commissioned by Sport England and carried out by AMION Consulting found an important and resilient sector.

In terms of employment, sport remains a crucial component of the economy. The number of people with sport-related jobs in 2010 is estimated at over 400,000 - that’s 2.3% of all employment in England.

BenefitsBut the benefits are much wider than that.

Volunteering in sport, and the health benefits from sport, also have an impact on the economy, says Sport England. The estimated economic value of sport-related volunteering is £2.7 billion.

Then there are the health benefits, estimated at £11.2 billion.

There have also been a number of studies on the economic impact of sport in recent years.

The Cardiff Millennium Stadium and the City of Manchester Stadium both had a positive impact on local property markets, one study found.

Locally, the development of stadium:mk and the associated shopping destination has brought in many visitors.

Other researchers have studied the economic impact of non-elite, mass-participation events such as marathons.

They found such events can raise the profile of a host location and generate tourist income for minimal infrastructure investment.

The growing Milton Keynes Marathon is building a brand as the greenest marathon and attracts runners from across the country.

Sport England has launched a new modelling tool to enable local authorities to show how sport benefits their economy.

The ‘Economic value of sport - local model’ provides each local authority, county sport partnership (CSP) and local enterprise partnership area with estimates on sports’ contribution to the local economy in the form of business output and jobs as well as wider benefits like health. It also includes guidance on how to best use this evidence.

Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at Public Health England, said: “We know physical inactivity is one of the major causes of ill-health which is entirely preventable.

“This easy to use model will support local areas to understand the positive impact of sport as part of economic regeneration as well as the positive impact on health.

“This reminds us that the true value of sport isn’t just to get people active: it has the potential to save lives.”

The model will also help local partners assess the ‘impact’ of change, showing the effect of increasing or reducing the number of people playing sport, for example if new facilities are built, facilities are closed or more marketing is done to attract those not playing sport regularly.

Councillor Flick Rea of the Local Government Association, said: “Sport plays a huge role in communities and anything which helps local areas derive all the benefits sport can bring is positive.”

sport

RECENT SUCCESSES ON THE FIELD HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THE ECONOMICIMPORTANCE OF SPORT. INSPIRE TAKES A LOOK

We’re football crazy

Photograph by Gareth Owen, official photographer of Luton Town Football Club

15


Why bother with Uni?

In a new campaign government and employers have called on young people to ‘Get In. Go Far’ by choosing an apprenticeship.

It coincides with the introduction of 40 new

employer-designed apprenticeships in sectors

including engineering, hospitality and the

legal profession.

These new opportunities will give people

the chance to earn whilst they learn on

apprenticeships which have been designed by

businesses in a variety of sectors.

Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for

Business said: “For too long there has been

a divide between university and vocational

education which has been damaging for

both employers and young people. Placing

university degrees and apprenticeships on an

equal footing will help to break down barriers

and better meet the needs of business.

“Since I became Secretary of State we have

expanded apprenticeship numbers greatly,

particularly higher apprenticeships.

“The reforms to apprenticeships

enable employers to design and deliver

apprenticeships that meet their needs, giving

young people valuable qualifications and

helping them to build successful careers

from television production to advanced

manufacturing.”

The campaign showcases the variety and

quality of apprenticeships on offer. With

the strapline ‘Get In. Go Far’, it features real

apprentices in varied sectors giving their own

thoughts on their experiences.

The apprentices, shown in the adverts

taking selfies in their places of work, will

appear on TV, posters, digital channels and in

print media.

To mark the launch of the campaign,

Skills Minister Nick Boles has been visiting

apprentices to see for himself the impact the

scheme is having on young people.

He took ‘selfies’ with the apprentices at

Google which will be pinned to an interactive

‘work selfie’ Pinterest map, plotting the

many apprenticeship opportunities across the

country.

Mr Boles said: “Through an apprenticeship

young people can achieve a degree and work

at some of the biggest companies in the

country.

“The new campaign features some great

success stories which show exactly how far

an apprenticeship can take you. I would

recommend any young person that isn’t sure

what to do next, to look at some of the new

and exciting apprenticeship opportunities

available to them.”

The new apprenticeships which have

been launched are from a broad range of

industries and include roles such as, a land-

based service engineer, senior culinary chef,

solicitor, journalist and a dental practise

manager.

Throughout the process over 200 employers

and training providers were involved in

designing the 40 new apprenticeship

standards that have been approved.

SkillsEmployers will be able to ‘grow their

own’ talent, ensuring the next generation

of professionals have all the practical skills

and experience needed to continue the high

standards expected in dentistry.

This in turn will also help combat the falling

numbers of British technicians, strengthening

the dental industry and UK economy.

This forms part of the apprenticeship

trailblazer project which was launched in

October 2013, the second phase of which

was launched during National Apprenticeship

Week in March 2014.

A survey with employers found that

96% of businesses which have taken on

an apprentice believe their company has

benefitted.

For more information on

apprenticeships and the apprentices

that are being featured in the campaign,

visit: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk.

apprenticeships

We’re football crazy

A new campaign has been launched to persuade young people to consider apprenticeships instead of academia

www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

16


marketing

Free marketingwith the wow factor!

In the digital age, it’s never been easier to write and publish a book - but why might you want to? Essentially, because it’s another weapon in your marketing armoury and it can be done at zero or low cost.

But won’t it take ages, I hear you ask? It

doesn’t have to. While it takes me six months

to write a work of fiction, that’s because I’m

making up a thrilling 60,000 word story and

I have to research what I don’t know - such

as how to murder somebody, or smuggle

counterfeit cigarettes, or run a police

investigation.

On the other hand, you could quickly draft

thirty pages of facts and opinions about a

subject you know well. Ask yourself what

your customers would find useful. Chances

are, they’re busy and prefer it short and

sweet.

As a small business, publishing a book

about your area of expertise - provided it’s

well-written, with useful content - will give

you instant credibility in your field.

An e-book is a great calling card, emailed

in an instant to your customers and targets.

If you ask your clients to share the link or

e-book with their friends, you’ll reach out

to a wider audience for your products and

services.

You can use it to build a mailing list too, by

offering a free download if the recipient signs

up for your newsletter.

You needn’t even list your e-book for

sale, but you’re kissing goodbye

to good money if you don’t. It’s

straightforward to list an e-book

on Amazon, and free. You can use

Microsoft Word to produce both

the interior pages and cover at zero

cost. Amazon allows you to choose

any price from 77p, and pays a 35%

or 70% royalty. You’ll sell more

copies at a low price, but consider

charging more; it indicates high

value and exclusivity. Imagine how

your customers will feel when you

email them a free book that’s usually

priced at £9.99!

You can also publish a paperback

at no or low cost through Amazon’s

www.createspace.com division

- or pay an upfront fee to use a

printer like Milton Keynes outfit

LightningSource at

www1.ingramspark.com.

Convinced? Switch on your PC,

line up friends with an eye for typos

to read your draft, and start typing.

By the way, there are lots of helpful

tips at www.thecreativepenn.com

if you’re unsure of anything. As ever, it’s

all about your customers. Give them great

content and value for money, and they’ll

repay you with loyalty and referrals.

AA Abbott was brought up in Luton, and has spent decades working for large multinationals, often commuting into London from Leagrave. She writes fiction about office life - with added thrills. Take a look inside her entertaining thrillers at http://aaabbott.co.uk, especially new book, After The Interview - have you ever wanted to turn the tables after a bad interview? Stay in touch on Facebook + Twitter @aaabbottstories

AA Abbott, writer and publisher of thrillers After The Interview and Up In Smoke, says you could quickly draft 30 pages

of facts and opinions about a subject you know well

www.createspace.com

www1.ingramspark.com

www.thecreativepenn.com

http://aaabbott.co.uk

17


Inspiring offersSCAN YOUR BUSINESS CARD AND GET THOUSANDS OF COPIES FOR JUST £40

inspiring offer

You can get some great offers on business cards, including from Bartham Press the printers of Inspire business magazine!

But we have a great offer for you if you have a business card. How about you scan a copy of your business card and send it to us at

[email protected] will then print thousands of copies. Not only that, because we

distribute to venues across the MK, Luton, Bedford, Aylesbury, Hitchin and Hemel Hempstead area, your business card will be distributed, too.

We also hand out copies of the magazine at business networking events.

With your business card. Now that’s a great offer.But wait... there’s more... we’re active on social media, too. Follow us on

Twitter @inspirebizmag and see how we promote the magazine and the people and businesses who support us. We call it #TeamInspire

We’re also online at http://issuu.com/inspirebizmag where we attract hundreds of readers. For an offer like that, with printing and active promotion, you’d expect the cost to be sky high. Well, how does £40+VAT sound? Good eh? Don’t delay, scan your business card and send it to [email protected] now.

The first to apply, quoting #InspireOffer will get a surprise discount.Email [email protected] NOW

Business Innovation

SupportContact the team on 01582 743544 or [email protected] more info visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/innovationbridge

Unit A • Park Avenue Industrial EstateSundon Park Road • Luton • LU3 3BP

T: 01582 573471 Ext: 225M: 07931 973967

E: [email protected]

Mostaque KoyesSenior Account Manager

For more information and to join visit www.fsb.org.uk/bedscambsherts


http://issuu.com/inspirebizmag



www.fsb.org.uk/bedscambsherts

18


From rockbottom tothe top again

Former military covert operative Gordon Lines has had enough traumatic experiences to fill three or four lifetimes - ‘more lives than a cat’ he says smiling - including having a pistol held to his head by a nervous robber, hijack attempts, and a bombing.

Gordon, now the managing director of ISO Enigma Solutions Limited, has been to the brink of suicide and back after serving for 14 years in the military in close protection work and as a covert intelligence operative.

“During my time in the military I began to experience some issues with stress,” said Gordon, who served behind the lines in Northern Ireland and Gulf War 1.

“I served for four years in Northern Ireland at the height of the troubles. After two years there, I was ready to come home but my tour of duty was extended by another two years, but it was not ‘the done thing’ to mention the issue, and therefore, like many others, I said nothing, which compounded the gathering ‘post traumatic’ symptoms.”

His work included going undercover into pubs and clubs to check whether they were safe for military personnel to use.

“We were very vulnerable and on high alert 24/7, trying to sleep but not being able to.

“In the Gulf, as we arrived before the main forces, we were ‘not officially there’, this made the job a lot stickier, including avoiding being stopped by chasing civilian police cars!

“When I returned to the UK, my then wife told me I’d changed, I had ‘dead eyes’, and she was frightened of me.

“Today - Even small things like a slamming door, or a child’s scream can put me on edge. If I hear a ‘familiar’ sound - I need to find out what caused it. Busy places like shopping centres, and airports are hard work, memories come flashing back. I still sit with my back to the wall in restaurants, coffee shops and the like.

The stress off the job was relieved by alcohol, and, with an inability to discuss experiences (due to the Official Secrets Act), and a reluctance to talk proved disastrous to both Gordon’s marriages.

“I left the military in 1991 after 14 years and emigrated to South Africa. While in South Africa I began to suffer from severe symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I had been self-medicating with alcohol for years and I was literally near death. I was at rock bottom.”

Gordon, who was born and bred in Fenny Stratford, Bletchley, became the operations manager of a security company in Johannesburg South Africa, managing 500 staff. At one point he was caught in the crossfire of a gun battle between warring gangs in Johannesburg.

“Drinking became the only way to sleep, which wasn’t helped by the drinking culture in South Africa,” he said. His work involved securing a polling station for ex-pats during the 1994 first free and democratic elections, working closely with the International Electoral Committee

(IEC),”It’s fantastic to see South Africa come out of it the other side, I’m very proud to have been a small part of the process” he commented.

In 1992 he had married for a second time and his wife gave birth to “two beautiful girls”; but later events would see them grow apart.

In 1996 he suffered a complete nervous breakdown. “I didn’t listen to the symptoms,” he said. “I had headaches, backaches and it got worse, palpitations, and panic attacks. One day on a drive to work, I started crying inconsolably. I was off work for four or five months.”

“There was desperation, desolation and isolation and I was wondering what it was all about. I was suicidal.”

But Gordon pulled through and he and his wife invested in a Spa supermarket. Things went so well that they paid off a five year loan in 18 months.

“But because the business was cash-driven we had 13 armed robberies in six years,” said Gordon. “The worst was a customer being shot during one of the robberies, one time, an armed

GORDON LINES TELLS INSPIRE

HOW HE FOUND THE STRENGTH

TO RECOVER FROM THE DEPTHS

OF DESPAIR AND ALCOHOLISM

Inspiration

19


robber held a pistol between my eyes, I knew the model of gun and could see the safety was catch off and that he was shaking.

“Strange thoughts go through your mind at moments like that. I thought, he’s going to pistol whip me, ok, but not my teeth, anywhere but not the teeth! He told me to lie on the floor, threatening to shoot a customer if I didn’t stay down... He ran off and after counting to about six I ran after him.”

In 2000 the crime-wave had risen so much that the couple had to hand the keys in to the businesses and the house. At the same time his marriage fell apart and his wife and children left to live in Port Elizabeth.

His wife said: “We are going to live in Port Elizabeth and there is no room for you anymore,” Gordon who had to sleep in his car and then a local pub’s bath - turned to the booze again.

Fortunately he was helped to return to the UK and live in his sister’s caravan but, as he says himself, “I was virtually unemployable, homeless, and broken psychologically, spiritually and physically.

“After a year of battling with life and wondering what it was all about, I sought help from the NHS. It was the key moment for me, realising that I needed help.

“I had lost my self-esteem and self-respect and everything. I had lost my will to live - but I was too tired to live and too tired to die,” said Gordon.

Inspiration for Gordon came in 2006 - realising that everything he had been doing, in training, in retail, in leadership and the military meant he had amazing skills to offer. Things started falling into place. He established ISO Enigma Solutions, becoming a Limited Company in 2008

Marvellous“I met my long-term partner, Diane in 2007,

she has been - and continues to be - my rock. She has been marvellous and so understanding.”

A charity, specialising in helping ex-military cope and recover from post-traumatic stress disorder called PTSD Resolution and his GP at Shenley Church End joined in ‘Team Gordon’s fight-back’.

Life however was to throw Gordon another curve ball, in the shape of a heart attack in 2008. Having a military medic’s background he realised the early symptoms while at Morrisons supermarket in Emerson Valley, Milton Keynes.

So he drove himself home, left the door open, took his keys out of his pockets and started making phone calls. The upshot is he spent five days at Milton Keynes General Hospital - miraculously - there was no lasting damage to his heart from the incident - and he made a full recovery.

Since then, it has been onwards and upwards for Gordon, who has recently been offered and accepted a three day a week permanent contract to act as operations director at a £10m pa

turnover company, leaving him able to carry on his management consultancy business two days a week. He specialises in: executive coaching, management mentoring, he is an expert in food safety and quality management systems, and a qualified trainer / teacher amongst other expertise.

Now aged 53 Gordon’s objective is to be a global name in coaching, mentoring, food safety and hygiene, he says, “I often think of Robert the Bruce, and the spider. It gives me constant inspiration.”

Highly qualified, he’s a beacon for the try-try-and-try again, until you succeed mentality.

“For anyone just starting out in business - it’s vital not to be afraid of failure. It is much better to try and fail than to fail to try at all. Dream big, but take baby steps”.

“Talk to others in business, especially the ‘winners’ and recognise when you have got an issue. Strategise properly and have a plan B, especially in the early days.

“Keep learning, develop listening skills and show respect for all around you - everyone has a lesson in life - especially for you.”

Gordon’s final words at the conclusion of the interview, “I have spent my adult life avoiding publicity or photographs or interviews - and at one stage - avoiding life!

“I agreed to this interview with one aim - to inspire and empower others to take up the gauntlet and run with it, no matter where you are from, your formal education, or any other disability, whether as part of a management team, or as an emerging business leader. The only thing to fear, is fear itself.”

For more information visit PTSD Resolution www.ptsdresolution.org and www.isoenigmasolutions.co.uk

Inspiration

www.ptsdresolution.org

www.isoenigmasolutions.co.uk

20


20

A plan set to have a major impact on the centre of Wolverton is entering its final stages.

The Town Centre Neighbourhood Plan seeks to kick-start the regeneration of Wolverton Town

centre through seven policies which are designed to help deliver the redevelopment of the Agora site,

support small, independent shops and businesses and conserve historic shopfronts in the town.

The town council has been consulting with the public over the summer. Changes will be made to

the plan, which will then be submitted to Milton Keynes Council..

The borough council will then carry out a further six weeks consultation, during which the Examiner

plan will be appointed. The Examiner may choose to carry out a hearing which is likely to happen

early in 2015. A referendum could be held in May 2015.

Copies of the draft Neighbourhood Plan, Sustainability Appraisal and comments form are online at:

http://futurewolverton.org/projects/neighbourhood-plan/

Milton Keynes entrepreneur Sarah Jane Wilson has won an Editor’s Choice award for the most innovative collection at International Jewellery London’s sixth competition.

Sarah Jane, pictured, who lives in Milton

Keynes, is a member of Women in Enterprise,

the local businesswomen’s networking group

and has given many of her pieces to charities

to help them raise funds. Sarah Jane creates

statement stone jewellry by hand, selecting

the stones that she has a connection with

from their look, feel and touch.

She said: “IJL has represented such a

journey for me. In the past 12 months I have

accomplished so much. I am over the moon

at winning the Editor’s Choice Award in that

it recognises the unique and innovative way

that I put my jewellery together.

“It is amazing to be recognised in this way

by such a prestigious authority.”

Businesses in Buckinghamshire are wondering if it would make sense to axe layers of local government in parts of the county.

Business organisation Buckinghamshire

Business First (BBF) is running a campaign to

cut the cost of local government and save

between £5m and £25m a year.

RethinkMost businesses responding to a survey

expressed the view that the time has come

to rethink the current five council, two tier

system.

BBF has raised £25,000 from crowd-funding

to finance some high-quality, independent

research, examining the pros and cons of a

variety of different unitary models of local

government.

They believe the savings could pay for

pothole fixing, superfast broadband, Council

Tax rebates and rate relief for businesses.

Visit https://make-a-donation.org/campaign/

cutting-the-cost-of-local-government

In the newsFuture of Wolverton Cull of

councils

Editor’s choice

in the news

For more news turn to pages

34 and 35.

http://futurewolverton.org/projects/neighbourhood

https://make-a-donation.org/campaign/cutting

https://make-a-donation.org/campaign/cutting

21


Hotels with chipsin their folders

A competitive spirit has been introduced between hotels in Milton Keynes with a referral scheme with the local super casino.

Guests will receive a bespoke ‘gaming chip’ from their hotel reception which entitles them to a complimentary drink and a £5 free bet at The Casino MK. The Casino MK will record the number of redeemed chips to determine which hotel has reached their target first to win their very own Christmas Party.

Among the first hotels to take advantage of the partnership were The Holiday Inn Milton Keynes, Mercure Milton Keynes Abbey Hill and Novotel Milton Keynes.

Casino group operations director Austin Graham, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for The Casino MK to build strong relationships with local and regional businesses.

“As a leading leisure destination, it’s important for us to work with the business community to encourage those who visit Milton Keynes to get out of their hotel rooms and see what our fantastic city has to offer. We look forward to working with hoteliers to provide customers with the best possible entertainment experience when visiting Milton Keynes.”

Rob Unson, general manager at Novotel Milton Keynes, who were the first hotel to provide a referral, said: “We’re really excited to be part of The Casino MK’s hotel referral scheme. This is a unique opportunity for us to work closely with the Casino and offer our guests a variety of entertainment options under one roof.”

To find out more about The Casino MK, visit www.thecasinomk.co.uk

BUSINESSES IN THE MILTON KEYNES AREA HAVE EMBARKED ON A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL COLLABORATION

news

The Casino MK opened in September 2013 at the Xscape entertainment complex in Central Milton Keynes. It offers more than 100 slot machines, 30 gaming tables, a large poker room, restaurant, two bars, including large sports screens. The Casino MK operates 24 -7. Since opening it has attracted more than 300,000 visitors. The Casino MK is operated by the Aspers Group.

www.thecasinomk.co.uk

22


Now go and run the world!

Hundreds of University of Bedfordshire Business School students were told they have the potential to be leaders of the future at their graduation ceremonies in the summer.

Ceremonies in Bedford and Luton saw more

than 3,500 students graduate, more than

900 of them were from the uni’s business

school.

Bedfordshire’s summer graduations

concluded with the installation of the Rt Hon

John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of

Commons, as the University’s new Chancellor.

Taking place at Putteridge Bury and Luton’s

St Mary’s Church, the four Business School

ceremonies saw both undergraduates and

postgraduates honoured, with the courses

recognised ranging from business studies and

accounting to marketing communications

and public relations.

Alongside the graduates receiving their

degrees was guest of honour, Mark Newton,

Assistant Chief Constable with British

Transport Police, who once studied at

Bedfordshire.

Mark said: “I’m delighted to be back here

at the University. I’m a proud graduate of this

Business School, and to this day I still utilise

the skills I developed at Bedfordshire.

Dedication

“I recognise that not one of you would have

attained your degrees today without sacrifice.

To continue to study when things get difficult

requires application and dedication - the

qualities we as employers value strongly.

“You have the potential to be influential

leaders in the future.”

Further highlights of the ceremonies

included the presentation of special prize

awards to some of the highest achieving

students in the Business School, with Luton

resident Adam Mullen scooping the Dean’s

Prize for Marketing.

Dr Gordon Mellor, Acting Executive Dean of

the Business School, added:”Adam is a man

of great talent and modesty.

“What you want in a student is ability,

application and enthusiasm.

“When this is combined with a person who

can work effectively and supportively with

their peers, then you have something special.

Adam has these qualities in abundance.”

Prizes

Other Business School prizes included

the J E Cule Prize, with winner Nicole

Pidgeon completing a full-time Master’s

Degree in Human Resource Management

while raising a family of four children aged

one to six.

Investment

The University of Bedfordshire

(www.beds.ac.uk) is the largest higher

education institution in the county with more

than 24,000 students, representing over 100

countries.

Between 2006 and 2013 over £180 million

has been invested in new facilities at the

university, which contributes approximately

£300 million annually to the local economy.

trade local

MORE THAN 900 UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE BUSINESS SCHOOL GRADUATES WERE GIVEN A PEP TALK AT THEIR GRADUATION CEREMONIES

www.beds.ac.uk

23


focus on hemel hempstead

Shopping treatsShopping isn’t just about spending money any

more... customers are looking for an experience they can share with their friends.

It’s one of the biggest challenges facing the high street as the

internet grows. What do they have that can be described as a wow

factor?

In the Hertfordshire town of Hemel Hempstead the local council -

Dacorum Borough - recognises some of the challenges facing the high

street and is giving its shopping areas a makeover.

Under a programme called Evolution, the council is investing in what

it calls ‘improvement works’ in the pedestrianised shopping area and

Bank Court in Hemel Hempstead town centre next week.

Building contractor Greenford has started to bring life to the new

design.

The council has already faced huge criticism for works to ‘improve’

the Old Town areas of Hemel Hempstead, which dragged on for

months, with businesses claiming they’d been brought to their knees.

On this new project, the council says work will pause over the

Christmas period to minimise disruption to retailers and businesses.

The project is set for completion by autumn 2015.

Councillor Andrew Williams, leader of the council and lead on

regeneration issues, said: “These improvements are part of our wider

Hemel Evolution regeneration programme to transform the heart of

Hemel Hempstead into a place that visitors will want to shop, work,

live and enjoy.

“We are working closely with Greenford to minimise disruption to

businesses, residents and visitors and complete the improvements as

efficiently as possible.

“We are very excited to be starting this ambitious project and look

forward working with local residents and businesses and seeing the

changes that will take place over the coming year.”

Key features of the new design include an events space, a new

interactive water feature, a series of play areas along Marlowes,

improved seating and some new paving and landscaping, including

trees and planting.

Dacorum Borough Council is investing £30 million in the overall

improvements (including £4 million just on Marlowes and Bank Court)

to encourage shoppers, support local businesses and attract further

investment to the town and wider borough.

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening by going to the website

www.dacorum.gov.uk/hemelevolution and by following the Council

on facebook.com/dacorum and on Twitter @dacorumBC #HemelEvo

AS SHOPPERS EXPECT BETTER QUALITY FROM THEIR RETAIL EXPERIENCES, ONE HERTFORDSHIRE TOWN IS INVESTING HEAVILY IN CREATING THE WOW FACTOR

How do you

a whole

Maximise your reach and your budget. Get the attention of a wider audience and let your message be heard loud and clear.

Inspire Business Magazine and Community Magazine.

Sometimes two reads are better than one.

www.communitycommunications.co.uk

www.dacorum.gov.uk/hemelevolution

facebook.com/dacorum

www.communitycommunications.co.uk

24


Bankers say credit conditions have eased in recent months leading to lower borrowing rates which are feeding through into cheaper lending rates.

At the end of August the Bank of England issued stats on the

Funding for Lending Scheme, whereby the government incentivises

the banks to lend to businesses on preferential terms.

The British Bankers Association’s executive director of business

finance Irene Graham said, “We are starting to see a pickup in

borrowing by small and medium sized businesses.

Healthy

“It is also encouraging to see that the Funding for Lending Scheme

is continuing to be used to help businesses. Companies are also

increasing their cash reserves, which suggests that the sector is in a

healthy position.

“The majority of businesses who approach their bank for a loan

are successful and if they are not there is a process in place that

allows them to appeal the decision. We�d encourage business owners

thinking about borrowing to approach their bank to learn about the

range of financing options that are available.”

£7.4 billion of new SME borrowing was approved in Q2, 16% more

than in the same quarter last year and the highest quarterly amount

since 2011.

This increase in borrowing was broadly-based across industry sectors

and geographical regions. Demand from medium-sized businesses

was notably stronger in Q2, leading to a net expansion in their

borrowing.

Figures are also showing SME holdings of cash are continuing to rise

strongly.

Deposit levels are up 9% year-on-year and now exceed borrowing by

more than £43 billion.

Net lending was up slightly overall by £100 million for small and

medium-sized businesses.

Gross borrowing by SMEs in the last three months for which figures

are available (April - June 2014) rose 28% on the same three months a

year earlier to £13.1 billion.

Bank of England data shows that gross lending to SMEs began to

rise in April last year and has risen every month since year on year.

And even as new lending rises, businesses are continuing to repay

loans. In Q2 2014 SMEs repaid £5.6 billion of existing loans.

Companies are also holding healthy cash reserves. At the end of Q2

SMEs were holding £143.1 billion in cash in bank accounts. This is a

rise of 9 per cent on the same quarter in 2013.

Every silver lining has a dark cloud, however and some businesses

see the economic climate, regulation and late payment rates as major

obstacles.

Alternative

The banks also say they are working to increase access to alternative

finance providers, recognising that a traditional loan might not be the

most funding sensible option.

Partnerships with institutions like the UK Business Angels Association

and Community Development Finance Institutions give businesses that

are inappropriate for finance from banks the option to be referred to

Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs).

The BBA and some of the major banks have launched a pilot referral

program for Start Up Loans. As part of this pilot, business start-ups

that are inappropriate for bank finance will be given the option of

being referred to The Start Up Loans Company.

A new Finance Finder - betterbusinessfinance.co.uk - offers

businesses access to 500 finance providers across Britain.

Levels of alternative finance are growing, including invoice

discounting and peer-to-peer lending.

The BorrowersBUSINESSES ARE INCREASINGLY LOOKING TO

INVEST TO GROW, FIGURES SUGGEST

finance

betterbusinessfinance.co.uk

25


A Milton Keynes organisation that helps out of work managers and professionals back into employment or into starting their own businesses has had a staggering success rate.

More than 250 people have attended Milton Keynes Executives Action (MKEA) and more than 80% of them have moved into employment or created new businesses.

MKEA can rightly boast that it is one of the premier organisations of its type in the country.

It achieves success by building the confidence and skills of people who have suffered from unemployment.

Redundancy and unemployment is probably the most stressful, frustrating and lonely period anyone will encounter during their career.

MKEA builds confidence and skills by running free formal training as well as what might be described as support sessions, where people can just pop in for a chat.

Training sessions are run on Wednesday

evenings and coffee stops on Thursday

mornings. Both the training and the

drop-in are free to attend and there is no

membership costs.

The training sessions operate during term

times only and are held in the Milton Keynes

College, at Woughton Campus West, off

Chaffron Way.

Improving

They start at 6.30pm and last for two to

three hours. The range of subjects includes

improving you CV; well-being and self

confidence; social media and job hunting;

starting your own business from an interest

or hobby; interim management; introduction

to networking etc.

Advice

On Thursdays the drop in coffee stop is

help at Strudwicks Coffee Bar at the MK

Christian Centre and a group of members are

available to just sit and talk about any subject

or perhaps give some advice on issues of the

day for the person concerned.

Besides these two events each week they

also provide 1-2-1 advice on CV’s, job search,

business plans etc and occasionally have full

day sessions on topics such as competancy

based interviewing, LinkedIn, etc.

InterviewMKEA also arranage for mock interviews to

help those how have an interview planned and not been through that process for some time.

A successful but unnamed member of MKEA said: “MKEA demonstrates the necessity for an effective targeted comprehensive job search and then provides the training and expertise to implement it. I recommend it to all job seaking executives and professionals.”

MKEA services are provided FREE to jobseekers and those facing redundancy, but donations will be gratefully received.

To find out more about MKEA contact John Dale by phoning 0773 645 4327 or emailing [email protected]

There is also a website at: www.executives-action.co.uk

Making a difference

feature

Unemployment can be a shattering blow. INSPIRE finds out about one group that holds out a helping hand


www.executives

-action.co.uk

26


east-west rail

The East West Rail project is already set to connect Aylesbury with Milton Keynes and Bedford but a new study says it would make sense to take it further and complete the route to Cambridge.

The East West Rail Consortium claims the delivery of new rail services between key locations could deliver substantial economic benefits and support significant growth.

The report concludes a study by Atkins Consultants and is the first step towards developing an outline business case for the East West Rail ‘Central Section’.

Network Rail, working with the consortium and Department of Transport, will lead the next phase of work to consider and examine the engineering, operational and planning feasibility and cost of several potential route options.

The aim is to establish a scheme with a robust and convincing business case that can be submitted to Government in 2016 to secure inclusion of the scheme, subject to funding availability, in the 2019-24 investment plans for the rail industry.

It has been a long term aim of the East West Rail Consortium to improve rail connections within the region by re-instating the former ’Varsity Line’ between Cambridge and Oxford.

This would provide the rail infrastructure for train services to run from East Anglia to Oxfordshire (and beyond) with connections to all national mainline services to the north, west and south of England.

Bob Menzies, service director for strategy and development at Cambridgeshire County Council, who chairs the East West Rail Central Section Steering Group, said: “Now that the Western Section between Oxford, Bedford and Milton Keynes is going ahead, we are working to develop the business case for the Central Section to complete the missing link.

Benefits“To do this, we need to identify a route that will deliver the greatest

benefits to support the case for investment.“The good news is that this study shows there is significant economic

growth potential that could be unlocked through new rail services and that the Government is providing funds for Network Rail to undertake the next vital phase of feasibility work to identify a preferred route.

“The former line between Bedford and Cambridge has been dismantled, the land sold and sections used for other purposes, including housing. This means that we are looking at constructing a brand new stretch of railway.

“Several routes have been considered in the past but until now there has not been clear justification for investment.

“This is why we commissioned Atkins to identify where the greatest economic benefits could be realised through improved transport links. The study considers forecast population growth, employment levels, economic activity and planned growth as well as a review of existing and forecast transport requirements.”

Dr Julian Huppert, MP for Cambridge and vice chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for East West Rail said: “There’s no doubt that we need this railway - linking Norwich and Ipswich through Cambridge to Oxford and Reading has huge benefits; that’s why I’ve pressed for it for years.

“But the route is hard to find, and people have quite rightly been asking which route would be taken, how much it will cost and when it will finally happen - this study helps us to answer those concerns. I am delighted that Network Rail will now take forward the next phase of route design and produce a business case.”

For more information: www.eastwestrail.org.uk/central-section

Search is on for a railway route between Bedford and Cambridge after study supports economic case for investment

The rail deal

Advertise your

vacancies with Inspire

[email protected]

www.eastwestrail.org.uk/central

27


A female body building champion is bringing her unique spray tanning offer to a business centre in Newport Pagnell.

Louise Beard, who was placed third in the world at championships in Russia in 2012,

specialises in high volume tanning with care and excellence and includes athletes preparing for

their shows and photo shoots.

Louise, a separated, single mum of three children, said: “I fell into spray tanning through

my personal trainer Karen Marillier, I have built a mobile spray tanning business and now I’m

opening a fixed base for Sexi Skin at the I:Centre in Newport Pagnell. The business has grown

tremendously during the last six years.”

Louise, a degree educated graduate of the University of Bedfordshire, and Karen run Show

Tan, the UK’s first dedicated spray tanning company for fitness models and bodybuilders. Last

year she was appointed UK and Ireland spray tanning trainer for USA-based Liquid Sun Rayz.

Europe is also added into the role.

ProfessionalA published author, Louise has rewritten training manuals and teaches two types of courses,

salon tanning and competition tanning. Louise counts among her customers, world class

professional athletes and promising local athletes who are flying her as their personal tanner to

The Netherlands where they intend to compete in bodybuilding couples category and Jessica

Ennis’s body double.

Louise said: “A tan is so very important in this competitive arena that it can actually make or

break a physique and an athlete’s placing can be seriously affected by having a bad tan. The

level of care and service I have to put into my athletes and models has been transferred into my

mobile tanning work and now my studio Sexi Skin.”

She counts theatre actors among her clients but says: “My work is mostly centred on every

day people needing a tan for a special occasion such as a wedding, night out, weekend away

with someone special, pre-holiday tans, hen parties, bridal and anything else in between!”

“For customers a spray tan treatment has the power to lift their spirits, make them feel more

confident, feel good and look great!

“I feel am really involved in making them happy, my reward for that is real job satisfaction

which makes me happy.”

The Sexi Skin spray tanning studio will give customers the opportunity to get a feel for what

it is the client really wants from their tan experience and for Louise to assess their skin type

through asking a few simple questions and building that all important rapport.

Each consultation can last up to 45 minutes dependent on client time constraints.

Joe Muscat, owner of Bucks Biz business centres, said: “It’s fantastic to attract world leading

business people like Louise to the I:Centre. We hope her association with the I:Centre will be

long and profitable.”

MUM-OF-THREE LOUISE HAS MOVED INTO A FIXED BASE AFTER BUILDING A MOBILE TANNING BUSINESS

my story

BodyBRILLIANT!

28


export

Currying favour in India

Companies from Luton and Bedford were among a 40-strong trade delegation that went across to India at the end of August.

The new Indian government, lead by Prime

Minister Narendra Modhi, was elected in May

with a clear focus on economic growth.

The British government believes this new

administration will open up opportunities for

UK companies to do business.

Gravitas

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and

Ed Davey, the Secretary of State for Energy

and Climate Change provided the political

gravitas.

Bedford company Blue Bear took part in

the three day event to promote business

development in the aerospace and advanced

engineering sector.

Yoge Patel, Blue Bear’s representative, said:

“As a SME, it’s a huge privilege to be asked

to attend the VVIP Trade Mission backed by

a government delegation and we are very

excited to have the opportunity to explore

potential relationships within India.

“As a rapidly emerging market, India has

enormous potential for our agile unmanned

systems in aerospace and maritime, and we

look forward to discussing openings in both

the civil and military sectors”.

Blue Bear has been trading for 14 years and

originates from an R&D company specialising

in autonomy, unmanned systems and flight

management and control software.

Blue Bear was joined by Luton company

Jaltek Systems Limited.

RemarkableJaltek is an integrated electronic

manufacturing and design service provider

offering a full turnkey capability in the

design, development and manufacturing of

complex electronic products, systems and

assemblies.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said:

“This (India) is a remarkable country with a

young, dynamic and enterprising population.

“Over the last 20 years, it’s grown to

become a global economic heavyweight.

India’s people are even more ambitious

for the future and Prime Minister Modi

has pledged to attract more investment,

create jobs, boost trade and pursue greater

prosperity.

Milestone

“I would like this visit to be a milestone in

our drive to forge a new special relationship

with India.”

He said British businesses have increased

exports to India by 50% making the UK the

biggest investor in India of any country in the

G20.

As far as trade the other way goes, Mr

Clegg said India invests more in Britain than

it does in the whole of the European Union

combined.

The delegation was organised by UK Trade

and Investment(UKTI), the government

department that helps UK-based companies

succeed in the global economy.

TWO BEDFORDSHIRE COMPANIES WERE IN A BRITISH TRADE DELEGATION TO THE SUB-CONTINENT. INSPIRE LOOKS AT THE OPPORTUNTIES

Picture printed with kind permission of the Cabinet office

29


Just the job

Bedford College is reinforcing its links with thousands of businesses across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes by launching a Job Shop for students.

The new scheme will guide students on

from the award-winning careers advice given

to them at college, towards the real world of

work.

Andrew Bridges, Bedford College Job Shop

manager, said: “There is a gap between

having great qualifications, knowing the sort

of career you would like and being able to

convince a HR manager or business owner

that you are the employee they are looking

for.

Sustainable“The Job Shop aims to help bridge this gap

by supporting employers and students to

come together, creating mutually beneficial

and sustainable employment opportunities

that benefit all parties.

“We will also take the pain and strain of

employing people away from the business,

working to help potential employers identify

what skills and qualifications they require. We

will also be advising them on employment

options, such as apprenticeships or full-time

employees.

“We aim to offer a high quality recruitment

service, offering pre-vetting, short listing and

interview space for employers, presenting

them with high quality candidates who fit

their needs. On top of this our service to

businesses will be free.

“Apart from this free service, the other

benefit for businesses is that Bedford

College’s expert team is best placed to

advise businesses if there is any Government

funding for work-related training for such

employees.

“We have a great talent pool here,

incorporating some the most employable

young people in the region; it makes

complete sense for the college to match

these up with local businesses.”

Andy comes from a background of

supporting young people and diverse

groups become more employable. He has

also successfully built his own businesses in

outdoor pursuits and product distribution.

“Students will be helped with CV writing,

interview skills and more, so when they

present themselves to businesses they stand

out,” he said.

Opportunities

“There may also be opportunities for

employers to test out some of our students

through work placements, holiday and

part-time employment. That means valuable

work experience for our students and gives

employers the chance to see what our young

people can offer.

“I will be talking to local employers,

business groups and College contacts to

explain how we can bridge that gap between

college and work. Anyone who would like to

know more can ring me on 01234 29166 or

email [email protected]”

Bedford College works in close co-operation

with Job Centres and other employment

agencies and outlets and will continue to do

so via the Job Shop.

The Job Shop is based at the Bedford

College Cauldwell Street campus and was

officially launched over the summer months.

STUDENTS HAVE

BEEN CRITICISED

FOR NOT HAVING

WORK-READY SKILLS.

ONE COLLEGE IS

AIMING TO CHANGE

ALL THAT, INSPIRE

TAKES A LOOK

young people


30


Business satelliteMilton Keynes and businesses

across the South East Midlands region could benefit from having their own satellite - or at least using their valuable data.

That’s the view of Biztech - the business

and technology forum - who together with

UCMK will be hosting an MK Innovation Den

‘Ask the Expert’ event in the city on Thursday,

October 9.

Fredi Nonyelu, the chairman of Biztech,

said: “The Milton Keynes region is known for

aiming high - how much higher can we get

than our own satellite?

Exciting

“It’s not a pipe dream because there is

exciting work going on now, today, to use

the information to transform every aspect of

our everyday lives.”

Fredi added: “There’s a vast array of

possible applications, including better GPS

and traffic management, pollution control

and control of urban development.

“Satellites can also help control disease

in trees, which is very important in Milton

Keynes, where we enjoy having 22 million of

them.

“Flood control, better ploughing and

fertiliser use and things like intelligence

for the insurance industry and emergency

responses are all areas that could benefit

greatly by using satellite data.”

The Innovation Den event on October 9

will see two highly regarded expert speakers

describe the benefits and opportunities of

satellite applications.

Richard Hilton is the Head of Earth

Observation at the Satellite Applications

Catapult, and Dave Fox, chief executive of

Geospatial Insight.

Dave’s company is a great example of how

unlocking space data can help the finance

sector make better commercial decisions.

Benefit

The idea behind Biztech and UCMK’s

Innovation Den series of talks is to spread the

message of new technology and how it can

benefit people and businesses. The global

space sector is forecast to be worth £400

billion by 2030.

The Ask the Expert event will be held from

5.30pm to 7.30pm at University Campus

Milton Keynes, at 502 Avebury Boulevard,

Milton Keynes (MK9 3HS), on Thursday,

October 9.

Tickets are priced £20 for non Biztech

members and £15 for Biztech members.

For details of how to get tickets visit http://

goo.gl/8fascN

Event sets out to look at the commercial opportunities from space technology

technology

http://goo.gl/8fascN

http://goo.gl/8fascN

31

Issue ThreePlease mention Inspire Magazine when responding to advertisements.

skills

Luton has been approved for Assisted Area Status which means local businesses will be eligible to bid for extra funding and tax breaks to create jobs, invest in new premises or machinery and grow.

Assisted areas are recognised in European

state aid rules as being less economically

advantaged places that would benefit from

additional support for development.

As a result, financial support from

government is permitted to businesses,

for new investments. The government’s

Department for Business Innovation and

Skills points out however that being located

in an assisted area does not confer any right

to financial assistance; rather, it allows the

public sector to provide certain types of

assistance if it wishes.

The new assisted area map came into force

on 1 July and runs until December 2020.

Luton councillor Sian Timoney, portfolio

holder for environment and regeneration,

said: “We are very pleased to be included on

the new Assisted Area map, which will help

our local businesses to grow and create jobs.

Businesses in assisted area wards will benefit

immensely and it should boost our local

economy.”

She urged businesses to apply for Round 6

of the Regional Growth Fund. “This is a great

opportunity for businesses to make

a difference in their area and help to

grow the economy,” she said.

Local authority wards in the town

that are covered by assisted area

status are Biscot, Challney, Crawley,

Dallow, High Town, Lewsey, South,

Stopsley and Wigmore.

GrowthMichael Fallon, the former Business

Minister in the Coaliion Government said: “Assisted Area status can be a shot in the arm for growth and jobs across the UK.

“It makes local businesses eligible to bid for additional funding and support that can help them to create jobs, invest in new premises or machinery, develop and grow.

“We listened carefully to local groups to identify places where regional aid can have the biggest impact and help to rebalance the economy. The regeneration of a range of industrial centres, coastal and urban areas has been given a boost.”

Assisted Area status makes businesses eligible to apply for regional aid, which is typically offered as capital investment for businesses in less prosperous local economies. Programmes in England that offer regional aid include the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) and the Advanced Manufacturing Supply

Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

Eligible areas were selected based on a

combination of economic need and economic

opportunity. Places with the potential for

business growth, particularly manufacturing,

have been favoured.

There have been 2 consultations on which

areas should qualify, with input from Local

Enterprise Partnerships and local authorities

ensuring that local intelligence was a key

driver in the process.

Further information on state aid in the UK is

available at www.gov.uk/state-aid and www.

ukassistedareasmap.com

Giving a helping handNew status gives businesses in Luton the chance to apply for certain types of assistance

Photograph by Richard Thomas - From geograph.org.uk

www.gov.uk/state

www.ukassistedareasmap.com

www.ukassistedareasmap.com

geograph.org.uk

32


A social media guru has used her business skills to help an 81-year-old retired professor how to blog.

Cassie Hicks Kerr runs MMSpark (Modern Marketing Spark) from her

home in a south Beds village from where she helps 150 clients across

Beds and Hertfordshire reach new customers by using social media.

Cassie said: “Michael Bassey is an education campaigner but he

didn’t have a website and didn’t know how to use social media to get

his message out.

“Michael happens to be 81 but there are many people, including

small businesses, that don’t have a clue about the power of social

media.”

Cassie built www.labourneedsapolicyfortodaysprimaryschools.com

for Michael at and taught him how to blog over the telephone. Now

he’s going from strength to strength.

Prof Bassey is full of praise for Cassie’s work, just like many of her

business clients.

Prof Bassey said: “Cassie Hicks Kerr offered ‘out of the blue’ to sex

up my website. In the event we set up a new one and she did an

excellent job in responding to my ideas. Whether it is sexy I doubt! I

am happy to commend her workmanship to others - she does a good

job and quickly.”

Cassie added: “The ‘sexing up’ reference is from a friend of mine

who told him his site needed to be ‘sexed up’ and referred him to me!

“Michael is a great example of someone who is open to learning

new things and is now seeing the benefits. Many small businesses are

in the same position in that they just need the tools and knowledge to

take advantage of modern marketing.”

For more information on the Modern Marketing Spark visit

http://mmspark.com

CASSIE HICKS HELPED AN 81-YEAR-OLD PROFESSOR HOW TO BLOG

social media

Sexing upsocial media

BUSINESS ISBOOMING!Make sure you’re part of it.Advertise with Inspire.

[email protected]

www.labourneedsapolicyfortodaysprimaryschools.com

http://mmspark.com


33


Businesses working in the visitor economy need to be aware of long term trends shaping their customer base.

That was one of the key messages from a conference in Milton Keynes on July 18.

Held in the Speigeltent venue at the Milton Keynes International Festival, the meeting brought together senior national and local tourism gurus for the launch of a key plan.

The aim was to give businesses involved in the tourism sector the opportunity to find out exactly what the visitor economy entails and why it is so important to the city.

StrategyDestination MK has a 10 year strategy to help

businesses capitalise on the growth of visitor numbers projected up to 2023.

The event welcomed speakers and presentations from VisitEngland, SEMLEP, MK Council, Experience Bedfordshire, Canon’s Ashby and IF:MK.

Keynote speaker James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, also officially launched MK’s Destination Management Plan - the 10

year plan for how the visitor economy will be managed throughout the city saying, “It was a sensible yet ambitious plan.”

The very nature of tourism is changing, driven by social upheaval, about 50 delegates heard.

Tom Wells, of South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partership (SEMLEP), told delegates that the post recession visitor was all about value. Even the affluent are looking for a bargain. They are also staying at home for holidays, or would at least consider them.

Almost at odds with that is the development of what is becoming known as the Play Society. In the Play Society people will still spend on leisure activities even if they are cutting back elsewhere.

Driving all this change is an increasing ageing population and changes in family structure. No longer is it true that mum, dad and kids have just grandparents. There is a web of complex relationships, including step parents and grandparents.

But marketers’ concentration on the 18-30 market increasingly ignores grey pound baby boomers who are the driving force decision makers. They are the ones with the money and the resources that younger people don’t possess.

Families are increasingly deciding to go away together for occasions like Christmas and new year.

Also people, driven by the pressure of work to look for shorter breaks, are booking holidays with less than two weeks notice by using tablet devices and mobile phones. And when they go away, they need trophy experiences to post on Facebook, to show their friends they are leading a better life than them.

The conference was told that giving someone a wow experience, something they can take a picture of and post on social media is vital for successful businesses. That’s a lesson that visitor businesses fail to take notice of at their peril.

Businesses that fail to grasp the importance of these trends will soon find themselves struggling on the margins.

Destination MK has developed a management plan, which includes the possibility of bid being made for Milton Keynes to be the EU Capital of Culture UK in 2023. Such a bid would have to be submitted by 2017 and working up to it, organisers believe, would focus minds on what can be done to improve Milton Keynes as a visitor destination of choice.

Steven Gordon-Wilson, Chief Executive of Destination MK said: “This inaugural event was a fantastic start to what will hopefully be a regular event in the MK business calendar - all of our guest speakers gave an important insight into the visitor economy.”

“James Berresford from VisitEngland spoke very highly of our Destination Management Plan when he launched it, and also helped to put the MK Visitor Economy into a national perspective. Having Cllr Rob Middleton from MK Council speak was also really beneficial - for me, it’s crucial that we keep the visitor economy high on the agenda, and this event did just that.”

For more information visit: www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk or www.visitengland.com

tourism

Give them the WOW factor

COMPANIES WORKING IN THE VISITOR ECONOMY MUST GIVE PEOPLE MEMORABLE OCCASIONS

www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk

www.visitengland.com

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Luton Borough Council has teamed up with Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Citizens Advice Bureau and Luton Law Centre to tackle problems of poor accommodation in the private rented sector.

The project follows a string of successful prosecutions in which landlords were renting out

poor quality and unsafe homes to Luton residents.

They will focus on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) which make up approximately a

quarter of households in the private rented sector in Luton.

They’ll be identifying properties being rented out across the town which are damp, cold, dirty,

unsecure, too small or don’t have the appropriate number of bathrooms or toilets.

The council’s housing team can then ensure that these properties are brought up to suitable

standard and licensed. Legal action will be taken against landlords that don’t comply.

A purge against empty properties is also promised.

Construction of the Bedford western bypass has overcome a raft of obstacles to begin construction this year.

Bedford Borough Council calls the project

‘crucial’ and has reached agreement with all

the principal landowners, it says.

The final section of the bypass will join the

A4280 at Bromham with the A6 at Clapham,

completing a link from north to south

without the need for traffic to pass through

Bedford town centre, reducing congestion in

Bedford as well as creating new opportunities

for jobs and investment.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson,

said: “It is superb news for our road network,

for the local economy and for local quality

of life that we can now get on and build

this road. A completed bypass will reduce

congestion in Bedford, cut journey times and

help unlock new investment and jobs.”

Have you got what it takes to be a business champion? Then you should enter the race to be named Bedfordshire Business Champion 2014.

This year’s free-to-enter county awards have

been launched with the purpose of finding

the one firm or individual entrepreneur

who best represents Bedfordshire business

brilliance.

Winners of the county champions title

could, at the same time, be judged East of

England Business Champion.

There will be no need to enter another

stage however, as the judging process will be

carried out at the same time.

Awards

The awards night will be held later this year

at the big new Center Parcs Woburn Forest,

in Bedfordshire.

There are a total of 14 categories to enter

and entrants may go for more than one

category up to a total of three.

For more details and to enter visit:

www.eofebusinesschampions.co.uk

Hertfordshire County Council is inviting business

offering property maintenance, management or

construction services to register to receive details

of tender opportunities via Supply Hertfordshire at

https://supplyhertfordshire.g2b.info/

In the newsChampion

chanceHousing crackdown

Western promise

Constructing Hertfordshire

in the news

www.eofebusinesschampions.co.uk

https://supplyhertfordshire.g2b.info

35


Central Bedfordshire Council’s Executive Committee has recommended an extra £350,000 capital investment to extend the coverage of superfast broadband in the area. With further additional investment from BDUK this funding would be expected to support well over an additional 1,200 premises.

The council says it is on track to expand its

coverage from 90 per cent of premises to

at least 95 per cent in 2017/18. Superfast

broadband is classed as 24Mbps.

Jason Longhurst, director of regeneration

and business, said: “This further investment

means that we can continue to back our

businesses to grow sustainably, especially

small and medium enterprises in Central

Bedfordshire who can particularly benefit

from superfast broadband.”

For more information visit www.

centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband

Hertfordshire County Councl wands businesses to offer young people work experience placements.

The council says work experience is hugely

beneficial to students, and for employers it

is a tool to allowing staff to develop their

management skills, get fresh eyes on a

project, and have that all-important extra

pair of hands. They may even identify future

recruits.

For details email: wex@youthconnexions.

org or call 01438 843705.

A second business to business exhibition is being held in Aylesbury in October.

Wilde Events are delivering the the

Aylesbury Business Show, in association with

Aylesbury Vale District Council, on Thursday,

October 16 at The Gateway.

The exhibition will provide an opportunity

for small to medium companies based in

Aylesbury Vale to come together for one day,

in one place, to encourage businesses to

trade locally.

Tracey Aldworth, AVDC director, said: “The

hugely successful event last year attended

by hundreds of businesses proved that real

business can be done in a well structured ‘all

day open’ event. Attendees took advantage

of being able to do business by attending

various activities during the day. We know

that businesses want to network with their

peer group to grow their business and believe

we have created the right environment to do

this, with us being close enough if needed.”

For details contact Steph Czaplinska on

[email protected] or 07540 722981

and say you saw the article in Inspire business

magazine.

New research has revealed some very encouraging economic statistics in Luton during the first quarter of the year.

A recent report from Duport.co.uk shows there were a record

number of new company formations during the three months to

March.

ExperiencedDuring this period, company registrations rose by 17%, putting the

area well ahead of the UK as a whole, which experienced a 12% rise.

There were even more positive figures when it came to net company

growth (the number of company formations minus the number of

closures).

By the end of the first quarter, net company growth stood at 252,

compared to 195 during Q1 of 2013.

In further good news, the report also shows the UK company share

of Luton rose over the three months.

Managing Director of Duport.co.uk, Peter Valaitis said: “A rise in

company formation is fantastic news for the economy of Luton and

suggests entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in the area.”

The Duport Business Confidence Report for Luton provides a range

of data to give an insight into the local economy.

More information and statistics can be found at http://www.duport.co.uk/luton.

Downloading money

Entrepreneurial Luton

Work experience

Expo in the Vale

in the news

www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband

www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/broadband




Duport.co.uk

Duport.co.uk

http://www.duport.co.uk/luton

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Inspire business magazine number 5