Iod Suffolk winter 2011

suffolkWINTER 2011 | www.iod-suffolk.co.uk

Preparing for 2012

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IoD suffolk | winter 2011 | 1

CONTENTS

Welcome. Ever since the announcement that London was to host the next Olympic Games, the year 2012 has had a ring of eager expectation about it. Amid all the economic doom and gloom it has offered the prospect of positive businessopportunities – not least for a region such as ours, fortuitouslysituated so close to the action.

The need for local companies to be alert to the wealth ofpotential business offered by the Games is something we havereported on previously. Now, as 2012 becomes a reality, we turn to other aspects of the Games – including advice toorganisations on how to ensure they get the best from their staff during this high-profile event.

We also report on how local business leaders have investedalmost £2million worth of their time to support the region’swould-be entrepreneurs. And there is news of an unmissable IoD breakfast event to kick-start the new year. Jonathan Tilston

Published by:Tilston Phillips Magazines [email protected]

Designed by:Alan Brannan Designwww.alanbrannandesign.co.uk

Printed by:Healeys Print GroupUnit 10 – 11The Sterling ComplexFarthing RoadIpswichSuffolk IP1 5AP

All rights reserved. Reproduction, in part or inwhole, without the prior consent of the publisheris strictly prohibited. The content of this magazineis based on the best knowledge and informationavailable at the time of publication. All times,prices and details of events were correct at time of going to press. The views expressed by thecontributors are not necessarily those of thepublishers, proprietors, the Institute of Directors or others associated with this production.

© Tilston Phillips Magazines Limited 2011

Contents 1

From the Chair 3

IoD events 2012 4

Across the region 7

A word from the accountants 10

Across the region 11

IoD events 14

Corporate news 16

Digital strategy 18

Business profile – Alan Brannan Design 20

HR planning for London 2012 23

Business profile –Winsor Bishop 24

Corporate communication 26

Award winners 27

Mentoring 28

Business profile – Aspall Cyder 31

Charity 32

Leisure 33

Business books 34

Business start-up 35

Member profile – Christopher Johnson 36

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Our cover features an athlete trainingin Lavenham. See pages 14-15 for ourfeature on the IoD Autumn Dinner,where some of Suffolk’s top athletesspoke about the challenges they faceleading up to London 2012.

Image © Britianonview/ Craig Easton

Official government fuel consumption figures in mpg (litres per 100km) for the SLK-Class range: urban 28.5(9.9)-32.8(8.6), extra urban 51.4(5.5)-53.3(5.3), combined 39.8(7.1)-43.5(6.5). CO2 emissions: 167-151 g/km.The new SLK-Class range starts from £29,980.00 on-the-road. Model featured is a new Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY at £33,110.00 on-the-road including optional 18" alloy wheels at £715.00, sports suspension at £205.00,Nappa leather upholstery at £1,355.00, headlamp wash at £210.00 and metallic paint at £645.00. (On-the-road price includes VAT, delivery, maximum Road Fund Licence, number plates, new vehicle registration fee and fuel). Pricescorrect at time of going to press (06/11).

Life is short. The new SLK.

Mercedes-Benz of Ipswich The Havens, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich IP3 9SJ01473 232232 www.mercedes-benzofipswich.co.uk

Summer is nearly here and so is our dynamic new SLK.

Launching soon, it will set hearts racing with its aggressive looks and thrilling performance. Highly responsivenew-generation engines together with taut suspension and agile handling ensure that you always feel close to the road.

Be one of the first to experience it, just call in or call us for a test drive.

To find out more contact us on 01473 232232 or visit www.mercedes-benzofipswich.co.uk

Join us to discover more.


WELCOME

New members to Suffolk branch

Henry Edward Garnett BatesonBateson Consulting

Simon ChrispinCoAdventure Limited

John WaineCost Forensics Ltd

Nigel HughesItron Metering Solutions UK Ltd

Luke MorrisLarking Gowen

Colin GebhardM&C Energy Group

James RudoMLM Consulting Engineers Ltd

David EatonNoble & Taylor Ongar Ltd

Andrew WoodSaracen House Business Centre

Judi NewmanSuffolk Foundation

Jane BowenTailored Training

Peter Alan VineyTaylor Viney & Marlow

David Jameson HallThe Ideas Centre Ltd

Susan WilcockTrebuchet PR & Marketing Ltd

Andrew Mather Cowan

IoD Suffolk membership benefits

• IoD Travel Services• IoD Car Rental• IoD Director’s Liability Insurance• IoD Professional Indemnity Insurance• IoD Home and Contents Insurance• IoD Health Plans

For a complete list of the currentaffinity member benefits, please seewww.iod.com/speciallynegotiated

From the ChairAs we reach the end of 2011 it is worth reflecting on what the year has brought thebusiness community in Suffolk.

As we reach the end of 2011 it is worthreflecting on what the year has brought thebusiness community in Suffolk. When theyear started I think most expected it be a yearof slow if uncertain growth. What we haveseen is a year of continued and escalatingturbulence in Europe and the Eurozone inparticular and virtually no growth in the UKeconomy. The prospects for 2012 and 2013aren’t much better with even the Bank ofEngland predicting very limited growth.

On the more positive side inflation nowappears to have peaked and should fall rapidlyover the next 6-12months. This will hopefullyease some of the pressure on business costs.

The latest figures for unemployment areworrying particularly the continuing increasein unemployment ion the under 25 agegroup. We are potentially storing upproblems for the future if we create a largegroup of disenchanted young people. I believe all businesses should be working tohelp deal with the issue.

As regards IoD activities elsewhere in themagazine you will read details of latest eventsincluding our highly successful Olympicthemed dinner.

The branch programme for 2012 is also prettywell finalised and members can look forwardto a range of interesting, educative andenjoyable events.

Like most organisation we have to keep an eye on our costs and also on ourenvironmental impact. Taking both itemstogether has led us to decide that in future we will use email much more to notifymembers of events and will be sending outpre-event booking forms on a quarterly basis.We will also continue to use this magazine to notify you of events and allow you to book.

We have three new main event sponsorsjoining Ensors Accountants in 2012, they areBarker Gotelee Solicitors, The Ideas Centreand Quantrills Employment Law Solicitorsand HR Advisers.

I would like to take this opportunity of wishingyou all a very happy, peaceful Christmas andan increasingly prosperous 2012.

Paul Winter

To find out more about joining IoD Suffolk branch please contact: Caroline Kearney, Suffolk Branch Administrator on 07917 699 498 or [email protected] of Directors Suffolk Branch, 25 Wilding Drive, Grange Farm, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2AE

www.iod-suffolk.co.uk

4 | IoD suffolk | winter 2011

IOD EVENTS

A whole new look to our 2012 events

The adventure capitalist!

12 JANUARY 20127.30am – 9.30amBiusiness Breakfast – Seckford HallIoD members £27.50 (ex VAT)Non-members £41.25 (ex VAT)

Guest Speaker – Conor Woodman

Economist, Author and AdventurerConor Woodman may be that rare thing –a likeable former city boy. Previously amarket trader, Woodman wanted to see if hecould make his fortune by doing business theold way: face to face, haggling, buying andselling. With £25,000 of his own money he setout to double his fortune in five monthswhich he achieved. He turned his hand tomaking a profit out of everything fromcamels in Sudan to inflatable surfboards inMexico, discovering how real people makereal money in real markets.

Conor’s Channel 4 series ‘Around the Worldin 80 Trades’ and subsequent book showsthat the principles of trade are universal, life-enhancing and guaranteed to survive the madness of the credit crunch.

During this unmissable breakfastpresentation, Conor will reflect on how hesees the world and with his infectiousenthusiasm will challenge the way you thinkand urge you to find new ways to achieveyour goals.

Speaker ProfileConor Woodman has an MA in DevelopmentEconomics and worked for several years incorporate finance and financial trainingbefore embarking on his adventures.

The business of brewing– tour, taste and talk!

23 FEBRUARY 20126.30pm – 10.00pmGreene King Brewery, Bury St EdmundsIoD members £35 (ex VAT)Non-members £52.50 (ex VAT)

Back by popular demand, this event is sure to sell out fast so don’t wait until last ordersto book your place.

Greene King has been making beer in Bury St Edmunds since 1799 and thanks toconstant innovation, has taken thetraditional art of brewing to new heightsproducing what is arguably the finest rangeof cask ales in the country.

See for yourself how real beer is brewed using natural ingredients and traditionalbrewing methods. After a tour around thehistoric working Brew House, sample thedifferent cask beers in the Brewery Tap where an expert will be on hand to provide a tutored tasting.

Following a delicious buffet dinner, SteveMagnall, Deputy MD of Greene King BrewingCompany will join us to provide insights intothe ‘Business of Brewing’.


All change on Anglia’s trains!

7 MARCH 20127.30am – 9.30amBusiness Breakfast – Seckford HallIoD members £27.50 (ex VAT)Non-members £41.25 (ex VAT)

Guest Speaker – Ruud HaketTransition Director, Abellio Greater Anglia

The Department for Transport has selectedAbellio Group as the new operator for theGreater Anglia train franchise. From February2012 Abellio will provide intercity, commuterand rural services throughout the region.

Abellio will be responsible for 3,000employees and the safe operation of 43,000services per month, carrying 2 millionpassengers per week. As well as acommitment to improving customer serviceand operational performance, Abellio willfocus on ensuring that the Greater Anglianetwork is ready to offer a major transportlink to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Ruud Haket from Abellio Greater Anglia will present the company’s plans for theoperation of the rail network in our region.Guests will be able to discuss the subject over a delicious breakfast as well as having an opportunity to ask Ruud questions aboutAbellio’s plans.

Speaker ProfileRuud Haket is Transition Director withinAbellio Greater Anglia. He has worked withinthe public transport sector in the UK andNetherlands and brings a wealth ofknowledge and experience to the GreaterAnglia management team. Ruud relocatedfrom his home in the Netherlands in 2004with his wife and children and lives in York.He graduated from University of Twente witha degree in Mechanical Engineering.

The BIGdebate!

24 APRIL 20126.30pm – 10.00pmThe Council Chamber, Endeavour HouseIoD members £35 (ex VAT)Non-members £52.50 (ex VAT)

An exciting new addition to our programmeof events and a joint initiative with Archant,The Big Debate is the place to have your say!Guests get the chance to listen to and takepart in the debate then cast their vote on theissues that really matter to businesses in our region.

The parliamentary style debate will takeplace in the grand surroundings of theCouncil Chamber at Suffolk County Counciland will be chaired by Paul Hill, RegionalBusiness Editor of Archant. Expect big issues,expect heated debate but most of all expectan entertaining, informative and interactiveevening with plenty of time to meet fellowexecutives and put the world to rights!

The event starts at 7pm with reception drinksand canapés. A buffet dinner and wine will beserved between the debating sessions.

If you have an issue that you would like to see debated, email Caroline Kearney, IoD Suffolk Branch Administrator [email protected]

Annual conference20 JUNE 20129.30am – 4.30pmWoodhall ManorIoD members £95 (ex VAT)Non-members £142.50

John McCarthy CBEwill be one of our keynotespeakers at the IoD Suffolk Annual Conference.

John is regarded as one of the greatestbusiness speakers and his talks, based on his experiences at the hands of terroristkidnappers in the Lebanon, consistentlyreceive sensational critical acclaim andaudience approval. Having endured 1,943days in squalid captivity John has anincredible story to tell that is relevant tobusiness and in particular resonates withsubjects such as motivation, leadership and communication.

The annual conference is a popular event inthe IoD Suffolk calendar and has now beenextended to a full day’s event to allow morepresentations and time to connect withfellow executives. The new format willinclude three high profile keynote speakersas well as two syndicate sessions wheredelegates will be able to choose presentationsfrom a range of business and professionaldevelopment subjects. Set in the beautifulsurroundings of Woodhall Manor theconference is sure to be an enjoyable,informative and inspirational day.

16 MAY 2012 Business Breakfast 11 JULY 2012 Business Breakfast 19 SEPTEMBER 2012 Business Breakfast 18 OCTOBER 2012 Annual Dinner 21 NOVEMBER 2012 Business Breakfast 6 DECEMBER 2012 Christmas Drinks

To find out more about any of our events andto book your place contact Caroline Kearney,IoD Suffolk Branch Administrator. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 07917 699 498. www.iod-suffolk.co.uk

2012 programme is kindly sponsored by:

Further dates for your diary


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ACROSS THE REGION

Broadband speed boost for business

A new, high-speed communications network designed tosave businesses, shops, schools and other organisationstime and money is being expanded in Suffolk by BT.

Halesworth, Whitton and Kesgrave will be the next communities to benefit from theupgrade, which will be completed by the spring.

BT’s Ethernet technology allows medium-sized businesses and other organisations toopt for the guaranteed broadband speed oftheir choice over their own dedicated line.

Customers can choose speeds between onemegabit per second and 10 gigabits persecond, depending on their needs. At the toprate of 10Gbits the system is capable oftransmitting 10 billion bits of information per second.

BT says advances in technology mean theservice is available at a fraction of the cost ofa comparable one provided previously by asimilar, traditional private network.

Dave Hughes, BT’s East of England regionaldirector, said: “We believe high-speedEthernet will make this great region evenmore attractive to potential inward investorsand help existing businesses in the countywork and communicate more effectively.”

Paul has recipe for success

Paul Foster, head chef at Tuddenham Mill, has added anotherhonour to his growing collection of accolades.

At a star-studded ceremony in London, Paulwas named Young Chef of the Year at TheObserver Food Monthly Awards 2011.

For Paul, who is still only 29, it is the latesttribute in a journey that has taken him fromhis pub roots in Coventry (where he bakedVictoria sponges for the bouncers) toRaymond Blanc’s Le Manoir and ThomasKeller’s French Laundry in California, to WD-50 in New York and the two Michelin-starredSat Bains in Nottingham.

To be recognised alongside names such asHeston Blumenthal, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Michel Roux Senior was ahuge honour for Paul and a proud momentfor Tuddenham Mill – a refurbished historicwater-mill situated between Newmarket andBury St Edmunds.

At Tuddenham Mill, Paul’s menus have beenattracting the attention of national foodcritics – resulting in him also being awardedthe Up and Coming Chef of the Year 2012 titleby The Good Food Guide.


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ACROSS THE REGION

£1,500 RAISED FOR OLYMPIC HOPEFULS

The Best Western Ufford Park Hotel, near Woodbridge, hosted their ownOlympic-themed Charity Ball for The Suffolk SportsAid Foundation.

The ‘red white and blue’ night was a hugesuccess with the raffle and auction raisingmore than £1,500 to help fund local athletestowards achieving their goal of representingGreat Britain in 2012 and beyond.

‘’The night was great fun and we were really pleased that Joshua Tonnar and Helen Decker were able to attend the event”, said Tarnia Robertson, the hotel’s marketing director.

“We sponsor Joshua and CSD sponsorsHelen, both committed athletes who hope to represent their country – Josh is aninternational rower and Helen a potentialOlympic Marathon runner. We were sopleased we could raise a good amount forsuch a worthwhile charity in one night.Thank you also to all the local companieswho kindly donated prizes for the raffle and auction.’’

The Suffolk SportsAid Foundation, launched in 2007, has already awarded more than 80 grants to young people from across the county.

Nominate your ‘unsung heroes’

The High Sheriff of Suffolk,Stephen Miles, is calling forvoluntary groups to submitentries for the annual communityawards that reward people doinginspirational and life-changingwork across the county.

In previous years, nominations for the HighSheriff’s Awards, run by The SuffolkFoundation, have revealed inspirationalstories of the ways unsung heroes areworking in the community to make life safer,more positive and pleasant for others.

Nominations for non-profit groups benefitingSuffolk people need to be made on a formavailable at www.suffolkfoundation.org.uk or by calling Elizabeth on 01473 734125 andmust be submitted by January 31. The awardswill be presented at a ceremony hosted byBBC Radio Suffolk presenter Lesley Dolphinat St Edmundsbury Cathedral, on Thursday,March 8.

Entries should be submitted for one of fivecategories: The Suffolk Crimebeat Award, The Community Group or Organisation ofthe Year, The Community Partnership Awardand The High Sheriff Suffolk Volunteer of TheYear and the new High Sheriff Under-25Young Suffolk Volunteer of the Year Award.

10 | IoD suffolk | winter 2011 IoD suffolk | summer 2011 | 10

A WORD FROM THE ACCOUNTANTS

This will be based on a number of factors including:

• pressure from current funders to either re-pay or reduce existing facilities; • poor performing areas of the business; • increasing creditor pressure; and • management fighting financial fires rather than concentrating on running the business.

But liquidation isn’t always the answer

One option to be considered is a CompanyVoluntary Arrangement (CVA). Now it’s trueto say that, to date, CVA’s have not had agreat track record but I would suggest thatthey have been inappropriately used. Wherefunding may be difficult to access, the abilityto effectively release working capital byagreeing a scheduled repayment of debt or adebt write-off with creditors is proving to bean increasingly valuable tool.

The key ingredients of a CVA are to have:

• a viable business that is able to generate cash to make the agreed contributions;• available funding that will enable the business to continue trading; and• the answer to the creditors’ question – what is going to be different going forward?

The viability of the business is assessed inconjunction with the Directors and fundingoptions will be a matter for discussion withthe current lenders. There are an increasingnumber of providers who are able to provideCVA funding so this doesn’t have to be amajor issue. As regards what is going to bedifferent going forward the proposed changesneed to be credible and deliverable.

Our experience at Ensors will assist theDirectors in assessing what parts of thebusiness need to change, implementing thechanges and formulating a CVA proposal.

We will also liaise with the majorstakeholders to ensure that it has the bestchance of being accepted by creditors.

Clearly a CVA is only one rescue option and Administration or even informalarrangements with creditors could be themost appropriate way forward. The key, I believe, is to acknowledge financialdifficulties at an early stage and takeappropriate professional advice as this willhopefully ensure that rescue of the businessis a viable option.

For further information please contact Mark Upton on: 01473 220022 or email: [email protected]

DON’T WRITE OFF RESCUEBy Mark UptonDirector of Business RecoveryEnsors Chartered Accountants

I have often been asked to advise Directors in relation to the financialposition of their company when their view, and the reason for thembeing put in touch with me in the first place, is that they seeliquidation as the only option.

CAMBRIDGE HUNTINGDON SAXMUNDHAM BURY ST. EDMUNDS IPSWICH LONDON www.ensors.co.uk

Ensors Chartered AccountantsMaking you more than just a number


ACROSS THE REGION

Enterprise Club open for business

The Enterprise Club, based at the Eastern Enterprise Hub inIpswich, has held its first session.

Around 20 delegates attended the firstmeeting of the club, which was launched byBen Gummer, MP for Ipswich, and issupported by Jobcentre Plus. The club offerscoaching, mentoring and peer-to-peersupport for people out of the workplace for avariety of reasons and looking to start theirown business.

Meeting once a month, the club willconcentrate on a different business skillseteach time, with sessions led by establishedentrepreneurs, business leaders andspecialists in a wide range of disciplines suchas finance, governance and marketing.

The first session was hosted by Steve Flory, ofHudson Signs, and retailer Cathy Lowe, ofIpswich-based Love One, and focused on thekey challenges facing would-beentrepreneurs and the motivation needed tostart a business.

Celia Hodson, Eastern Enterprise Hub ChiefExecutive, said; “We are so fortunate to havesuch positive and committed businessleaders who are keen to share theirexperiences and expertise to help people faceup to the challenge of starting a business.”

Town survivesstore wars

With increasing retail competition from places such as the newWestfield centre in Stratford, next to the London’s Olympic Park,how does a town like Bury St Edmunds hold its ground?

According to Nicola Sexton, of Nicola SextonShoes, in Abbeygate, exclusivity is the answer.“The Italian and Spanish brands I sell areexclusive to me, and are very popular. Since I opened 19 months ago, I haven’ttaken a breath. I now also stock my ownbrand pumps, which fly off the shelves, and I offer a bespoke service on weddingshoes. I launched my website last July and I am now getting orders from all over the world.”

Round the corner, at Six Whiting Street, thewebsite is also an important part of the salesgeneration for this men’s designer clothesshop. “The key to our success,” says OliverSwift, “is that we carry a huge brandportfolio, online and in stock.”

A local resident agrees: “Six Whiting Street is a fantastic shop with really helpful staff. It’s like a slice of London fashion in Bury St Edmunds,” he said.

At Cabana, in Hatter Street, Jackie Over hasmade an asset out of personal service in aniche market. She opened Cabana in 2006 for people who cruise or go away in thewinter. The shop stocks stylish swimwear all year round.

Beach music plays in the background, andthe atmosphere is warm and welcomingwhatever the temperature outside. She alsooffers a personal lingerie service.

More than just networking …Networking has a new relevancefor businesses – thanks to acommunication platform aimedat supporting SMEs.

A company founded by Norfolk businessmanAndy Fisher in 2010, ipatter.com, claims tohave corrected the shortfalls of other socialnetworking sites, making it more relevant tobusinesses by a blend of opportunities andadvice through online and offline channels.

The company says that face-to-facenetworking and social networking need to beabout more than just exchanging businesscards or having thousands of followers.Networking facilitators need to givebusinesses practical advice as well as the

opportunities to connect with customers and target audiences.

New features being offered by ipatter.cominclude masterclasses, books, educationalevents and roadshows to supplement theonline communication platform.

Chris Batten, CEO, said: “Our experienceshows that businesses need support toencourage growth. It will give businesses aninnovative new, and cost-effective, method of support”.


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ACROSS THE REGION

Rachel in frame for top award

Suffolk-based businesswoman Rachel Duckerhas been nominated for a top honour.

Rachel, 25, who runs her own company,Apparition Marketing and Design, is acontender in the NatWest Everywomen Awards.

After working for a variety of companies,Rachel launched her business from herbedroom at her parents’ home in 2009.Today her client base is global with brandsincluding University College London andNFU Mutual – to whom she offers a one-stopshop for marketing solutions.

She has recently launched a second business,offering affordable mentoring services foryoung people.

Rachel’s nomination is in the category for the most inspiring businesswoman agedbetween 25 and under. The winners will beannounced at London’s Dorchester Hotel in December.

On the road for young drivers

Insurance firm CAA has celebrated its seventh birthday with the launch of its new company, WOOP Cover.

WOOP is offering competitively priced motorinsurance for 17 to 24-year olds and will runalongside CAA’s claims handling business,established in Ipswich in 2004. CAA hasgrown to become one of the market-leadingclaims outsourcing solutions, with more than 100 staff.

The WOOP marketing team has been on theroad across the UK, attracting attention withits fleet of funky, branded cars.

David Hayward said: “We decided to beinnovative in our approach to reaching ayounger and very different, market. Our fresh approach has really paid off and we have the contact details of a good manyyounger people.

“We’ve all heard horror stories of hugepremiums that this age group are asked topay to get even quite modest cars on theroad. While there are some very high riskdrivers in this category, many others are

being unfairly penalised. We want to bring afairer, more affordable approach to insurancefor this group.”

“Many of them are struggling to find workand rising costs of fuel are hitting them hard.We’re sure that competitively priced, but veryprofessionally delivered insurance for theircars is likely to be a winner. We’ve a goodmany young people on our team and, fromour own in-house research, we got a goodfeel for what the response was likely to be.”


IOD EVENTS

Suffolk’s 2012 athletesshare Olympic goals

Over 140 members and guests enjoyed an enthralling Autumn Dinner at Hintlesham Hall on 19thOctober when some of Suffolk’s top athletes spoke about their physical and psychological challengesand the tough training schedules they face leading up to London 2012.

The Suffolk ‘slinger’ javelin thrower GoldieSayers, archer Nicky Hunt, hand cyclistParalympian Brian Alldis and marathonrunner Helen Decker were special guests atthe event which was hosted by BBC EastOlympic Correspondent Shaun Peel.

After dinner Shaun helped each of theathletes highlight their personal stories andindividual ambitions through a series ofshort, captivating interviews which held theaudience spellbound.

Brian Alldis described his endurance trainingwith Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson andsaid: “I know if I get a good winter’s trainingahead I’m in the right place.” He followsTanni’s motto of each training session being“a good day to die”, pushing himself to thelimits and putting everything on the line toget his mind and body ‘in the right place’.

Nicky Hunt said how getting into the ‘zone’during the Commonwealth Championshipsin Delhi helped her win two gold medals. The former World number one in compoundarchery has swapped to recurve archery tochase one of three Olympic places forLondon 2012.

Helen Decker, who only started running in2005 for fun, said she was receiving trainingadvice from her idol Paula Radcliffe, who’dtaken her on high altitude training. “I would never forgive myself if I didn’t give it everything to be there. I am absolutelymotivated to achieve the team and I need an injury-free build-up to the LondonMarathon which is the qualifier for the 2012 team,” she said.

British Javelin record holder Goldie Sayerssecured fourth place at the Beijing Olympics.Talking about the burden of expectations ofthe UK public, with the games taking placeon home soil, she said: “If we can embracethe atmosphere and deal with the adrenalinwe’ll be OK.”

A raffle of an overnight stay and dinner atHintlesham Hall, as well as some Olympicmemorabilia, a T-shirt donated by GoldieSayers and a case of wine donated by Genesis PR, raised £1,060 for the Sports AidFoundation.


Suffolk’s Olympic hopefuls: Left to right are: Paralympian hand cyclist Brian Alldis; Javelin thrower Goldie Sayers, Marathon runner Helen Decker and Archer Nicky Hunt with (left) BBC East Olympic correspondent Shaun Peel and Paul Winter, Chairman, IoD Suffolk and Chief Executive, Ipswich Building Society.

Standing are (left to right) Goldie Sayers, Helen Decker andNicky Hunt with Brian Alldis

This event was kindly sponsored by:


CORPORATE NEWS

Me and my shadowBy Andrew Fleming, Partner – Blocks Solicitors

Despite clarification of the responsibilities of formallyappointed directors in the Companies Act 2006,vagueness still haunts the whole question of ‘shadow directors’ and what they really are.

A shadow director is a person in accordancewith whose directions or instructions theboard of a company are accustomed to act.He, she or it is not held out to the world ashaving authority to act, but rather directsactivities through the board.

The term is not strictly construed and appliesto someone with real influence over thecompany's affairs on a cumulative basis,whose wishes are complied with by themajority of the board as a matter of practice.Those at risk of being defined as shadowdirectors would include: parent companies,shareholders of joint-venture companies andprivate equity investors and any corporatelender playing a proactive role in the affairsof a corporate borrower.

Actions which predispose any party beingdefined as a shadow director would include :imposing financial controls on the company,influencing major decisions, negotiating withthird parties on behalf of the board andcontrolling appointment of executives.

The possible consequences of being treatedas a shadow director are that the relevantparty, in not being a formally appointeddirector, may fail to comply with statutoryrequirements and restrictions concerning thegovernance of the company, includingobtaining member’s approval, declaringinterests and other statutory duties. A shadow director of an insolvent companymay be pursued by a liquidator for suchoffences as fraudulent and wrongful trading.

To minimise the risk of being identified as ashadow director, parent companies, bespokelenders and the like should avoid instructinga company board in any way that limits itsdiscretion and, if making recommendations,should give clear reasons for doing this. If attending a board meeting, it should bemade clear that they are present as observersonly and they should never act as a signatoryfor or purport to negotiate on behalf of orrepresent the company in question.

01473 230033 [email protected]

Committed to the personal relationship we have with our clients

Agriculture

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Employment

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Litigation

Property

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Retirement & Tax Planning

Wills & Probate

Arcade Chambers2-6 Arcade StreetIpswich

01473 230033

97 Hamilton RoadFelixstowe

01394 283241

www.blockslegal.co.uk [email protected]


CORPORATE NEWS

Jackamans – previously Jackaman Smith & Mulley – has gatheredtogether an experienced team of lawyers to provide legal services toits commercial and private clients. The firm ensures that the fullservice range is available from each of its four offices in Ipswich,Felixstowe, Diss and Harleston.

The recent arrival of Howard Wrightstrengthened the already impressiveCommercial team. You may be surprised atthe wide range of activity that the team –including Mark Rowlands CommercialProperty Partner and Priya NainthyEmployment Law Partner (and anEmployment Tribunal Judge) – gets involved with:

• Schools – Jackamans has worked with a number of Suffolk schools as they move through the academy conversion process. Aspects involved can include land/property issues, employment rights, funding agreements, the governing body’s new responsibilities, a new school business model, leases, contractual disputes, parental and student rights and charity advice.• Employment law – Employment law advice given has involved redundancy advice for public sector employees, assisting senior executives in negotiating the terms of their termination of employment, advising clients bringing Employment Tribunal claims for issues such as unfair dismissal, sex, age and disability discrimination and maternity-related discrimination.• Assisting companies in workforce changes such as redundancies and alternatives to redundancy including changes to employment terms and conditions.• Challenging retirement dismissals, allowing employees to continue in employment.• Commercial and Commercial Property – Whilst the firm acts for a number of companies with a multi-million pound turnover, the focus of the team is looking after SME’s up to £5m turnover. A number of new initiatives for small businesses are planned over the coming months, so please keep an eye on our new website – www.jackamans.co.uk

• Share and asset sale of businesses ranging from pubs, post offices, restaurants to general retail/industrial outlets.• Freehold commercial property sales and purchases ranging from small to large scale office/warehouse units; high value London-based properties and industrial units. Work this year has included the purchase of a number of industrial units at the Olympic sailing site in Portland, Dorset and the redevelopment of a former retail site for occupation by a national supermarket chain.• Dealing with commercial leasehold premises – acting for UK and foreign- based landlords.

We are always approachable, flexible andable to meet to discuss your matters at anyone of our four offices or – if the client prefers– at his or her business premises. To this end,the initial commercial meeting or telephonecall to establish whether or not we can be ofassistance is free of charge. Ultimately ouraim is to make the legal process as pain-freeas possible dealing with any problems onroute in a pragmatic way. We will always giveyou an estimate of the expected costs at theoutset, so that there are no surprises, and toenable businesses to budget for the fees theywill incur.

Jackamans’ private client services includeassistance with Powers of Attorney, wills,trusts and probate, family work and litigationfor private matters.

In recent years, the firm has grown as a resultof a number of acquisitions and mergers.Now a six-partner firm with around 50employees, Jackamans views the future withsome optimism. This confidence is reflectedin the firm’s striking new identity – designedby local firm Kingsland-Linassi.

Howard [email protected]

Priya [email protected]

Mark [email protected]

BIG ENOUGH TO SPECIALISE SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE


DIGITAL STRATEGY

How would you spend a £30,000 marketing budget?

You’ve become marketing manager for a company with ambitions to grow bigger and you’re given a modest £30k budget to do it with. A company director told me he would spend it on a chauffeur to free up the time he spends in traffic to call customers or plan strategy. Not as daft as it sounds, management time is valuable. The other interesting thing is he’s open to trying something new and it’s all too easy to keep spending on traditional marketing activities that may not be working or giving you a good enough return on investment.

The biggest headache in marketing is notknowing how, where and at what point in theprocess you caught the customers’ attention.

Advertising works as far as the publication’sreach (you don’t have the budget for nationaladvertising). Printed literature dates quicklyand often ends in the recycling bin. You couldspend it all on a marketing assistant whomight then have holidays, sickness or betterjob offers.

There is, however, a marketing activity thatwill work for you 24/7 and give youunquestionable feedback and analytics. It will convey your brand values. It will keepproducts and promotions up to date. It willmake administration and stock control runsmoother and your life easier. It’s also themost controllable, If it’s working you can upthe tempo, if it’s not, you can try a newcampaign. It can reach endless newcustomers anywhere. It’s a shop window tothe world that can transform your sales.We see that happening all the time.

It’s called Digital Strategy. Yes that includesan up-to-date website of course, but awebsite is not enough to guarantee sales,

it’s part of a joined-up, thought-throughonline plan that starts with a competitor andmarketplace analysis and incorporates gooddesign, richer content, a technically robust,highly capable website and a year ofintelligent online marketing support, at the end of which you will have morecustomers and know more about them than you ever did before. What better way to invest your budget?

If you’re a digital native, this will be familiar language. If you’re a digital migrant (as in you were working before computers arrived) we’re still talking to and understanding our customers, that hasn’t changed. We’re just doing it in an efficient and effective way, through the internet.

You can find a chauffeur at butlerforyou.com or I’ll be happy to tell you more about planning an online strategy.

Bill Wolff-EvansInfotex 01394 615622


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Baker Tilly, a leading national firm with a local Suffolk presence

Baker Tilly based in Bury St Edmunds offers the benefits of a national, Top 10, accounting firm with a local Suffolk presence.

Baker Tilly based in Bury St Edmunds is one of Suffolk’s leading professional services firms and possibly Suffolk’s largest firm of Chartered Accountants. We benefit from a national and international network to add to the depth and quality of the advice provided to our clients.

If you want the best of both worlds, a local service with a national and international reputation, please contact Stephen Duffety on 01284 763311 or email [email protected]

Baker Tilly, Abbotsgate House, Hollow Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7FA

© 2011 Baker Tilly UK Group LLP, all rights reserved

Baker Tilly UK Audit LLP, Baker Tilly Tax and Advisory Services LLP, Baker Tilly Corporate Finance LLP, Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery LLP and Baker Tilly Tax and Accounting Limited are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 but we are able in certain circumstances to offer a limited range of investment services because we are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. We can provide these investment services if they are an incidental part of the professional services we have been engaged to provide. Baker Tilly & Co Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority to conduct a range of investment business activities.

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BUSINESS PROFILE – ALAN BRANNAN DESIGN

Alan Brannan Design is a well-establishedgraphic design company, born and bred in Suffolk.

Based in a historical Grade II Listed barn in the picturesque village of Wetherden, weproduce creative solutions for a wide range of Suffolk businesses of all sizes and fromsectors as diverse as surveying to softwareand ports to poultry.

Our portfolio, encompassing both print anddigital media, includes branding, brochures,magazines, websites and signage.

Frequently we conduct integrated campaignsinvolving the launch of a new identity or abrand refresh to bring the image of abusiness up to date.

Paul Newman heads up the team at AlanBrannan Design and is passionate about thecompany’s Suffolk heritage and itspartnership with clients.

He says: “Over the last few years, we haveseen the benefits of having long-termrelationships with our clients and appreciatetheir loyalty. We understand their businessesand what they are trying to achieve whichmeans we can work as a valuable extensionof their team to not only meet but surpassexpectations.

“In these challenging times, it is moreimportant than ever to market your business,so excellent service and value for money are crucial”.

Here are some of our Suffolk clients

The internationally renowned Port ofFelixstowe has recently chosen us for theeighth consecutive year to produce its Annual Review.

Leading yacht builder Oyster Marinecommissions us to produce variousbrochures to promote its luxury products.

When you are looking to raisethe profile of your business,why not work with an agencythat understands where youare coming from?

Made in Suffolkcreative design on your doorstep


Educational establishments such as West Suffolk College work with us on a wide range of projects and materials topublicise their courses.

Professional firms such as Survey Solutions,one of the largest independent surveycompanies in the UK and Hamilton Smith, a leading firm of Suffolk estate agents use ourservices to keep ahead of the competition.

We created a new identity and website forHaughley Park Barn, a traditional barn formemorable weddings and events which hastaken its business forward.

Foxwood needed a brand to reflect itsexclusive and prestigious range of ceramictiles, natural stone and sanitaryware products.

More recently we have been selected as thedesign agency for Tilston Phillips Magazines,carrying out the design on a range of Suffolktitles including IoD Suffolk, The Best ofSuffolk and The Best of Norfolk.

And we were delighted to help a new start uppromote its outstanding range of coffees tothe county. Campaccino Coffee Companyserves from its mobile coffee shop at festivalsand events.

Paul concludes: “We are proud of our Suffolkroots and look forward to working with itsbusinesses for many years to come. Suffolkmay be our stronghold but we step over thecounty boundaries too with clients inNorfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex andcentral London”.

For effective design solutions whatever your size or type of business, please contactPaul Newman at Alan Brannan Design.

01359 [email protected]

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Looking for a place to meet with a difference? If you’re tired of having meetings in conference rooms with artificial light, large boardroom tables and plates full of dry biscuits, where you almost feel the energy drained from your body... then you’ve come to the right place. If you need an inspirational backdrop to board meetings, events, product launches and team building experiences, the EE Hub is the perfect space to create and innovate.

Speak to the EE Hub team to book your space on 01473 527100.

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HR AND THE OLYMPICS


With less than a year to go you need to startcommunicating policies and procedures ofwhat will happen during the event. The aimof the policy should be to set out rules andguidance for all staff on what is expected andwhat concessions may be granted.

Any such policy would be non-contractualand management could reserve the right toamend or withdraw it at any time.

The policy should include:

• Absence management • Unauthorised absence• Time off work• Flexibility • Group events• Facilities for watching the event at work• Drinking or being under the influence of alcohol at work• Criminal conduct outside work

You need to be aware of your staffing needsduring this time and how many you can allowto go on leave. This will need careful planningas staff who are denied holiday may beresentful. Employees will either be those whoplan time off, if they hope to be a spectator ora volunteer, or those who do not, but maywish to watch the events on TV or internet.Some may even just get fed up with all the fuss!

You also need to be aware not to give priorityto those with Olympic tickets as otheremployees will have equally valid reasons fortaking annual leave. Decide on your strategyearly and communicate this as employees are less likely to feel hard-done-by if you areseen to have given plenty of notice and beeneven-handed from the outset. Someemployees may be indifferent about whenthey take their leave. If this is the case, askemployees not to take annual leave duringthis period.

If any employees are volunteering at theGames you need to decide whether you willallow them to take special or unpaid leave or for them to take holiday.

Whatever the reason for annual leave orrequests for leave during this time, you need to adopt an approach for holiday andleave allocation. For example:

First come first served – this is the mostcommon used which, enables you to beconsistent.

First come first served after a particular date –advising that you will accept requests onlyduring this time by a certain date.

Set an initial deadline for requests –employees should make their request by acertain date, allowing you to consider all therequests together and distribute fairly.

Limit the length of bookings during theperiod – by limiting this to 2 or 3 days peremployee this would maximise how manyemployees take time off.

A lottery – ask for all requests by a certaindate and effectively draw them out of a hat.

By being flexible and accommodating wherepossible this will potentially reduceunauthorised absences, which can disruptyour operations. You need to be aware of your organisation’s disciplinary procedure to remind your employees that this will beenforced should they not turn up for work or call in sick in circumstances that you do not believe to be genuine.

For further information on a policy, HR advice or guidance please contact SOS-HR 01473 276170

Organisations need to start planning for next year’s Olympic Games inLondon, to reduce the risk of unauthorised absence and to make surethey get the best from workers during the event.

PLANNING FOR LONDON’S OLYMPIC GAMES


BUSINESS PROFILE – WINSOR BISHOP

Patek Philippe boasts an unrivalled reputation as the finestwatchmaker in the world, setting the highest technical and aestheticstandards within the industry. With such dedication to quality andservice, there is no doubt that Winsor Bishop in Norwich is theperfect location to enter the exclusive world of Patek Philippe.

One of the UK’s leadingindependent jewellers for over 100 years

Winsor Bishop Managing Director Sophie Fulford, with Patek Philippe’s UK Managing Director Mark Hearn at the recent Patek Philippe 2011 Exhibition Event hosted by Winsor Bishop.


Patek Philippe is the last, privately owned,independent Genevan watch manufacture,now headed by fourth generation owner andpresident Thierry Stern, who understandsand revels in the challenge of leading a familycompany renowned for making the mosthighly valued and desirable timepieces inexistence. Like Patek Philippe, Winsor Bishopis a true family business sharing many of thesame values of tradition and heritage.

Originally established in 1834 under thename of the Peglar brothers, it was RobertCroydon who took over the reins in 2004,thus launching a thriving family business,now headed up by Robert’s daughter Sophie Fulford.

Patek Philippe watches are symbols ofdiscernment and exclusivity, representing a lifelong statement of excellence andrefinement. No other watch lends betterexpression to the true Patek Philippe stylethan the Calatrava. Created in 1932, thissignature model showcases sleek lines andsubtle elegance and is distinguished by around case with a dial that displays the timein the simplest way.

One of the most exciting additions to theCalatrava collection is the Officer’s caseCalatrava Ref. 5153, launched in 2009 inyellow gold and this year in white gold. The First World War brought with it a need fora safer, more accessible place for a watchthan at the end of a chain in a waistcoatpocket. This practical need gave birth to theOfficer-Style watch, reserved for men ofOfficer rank and inspired by the pocket-watches of the time, with features such as ahinged dust-cover, a simple, functional dialand turban-style crown. Reference 5153combines these typical attributes of theOfficer style and is presented with a simpledial featuring a beautiful hand-guillochedsunburst pattern at the centre.

Whether extra thin with hobnail pattern orwide polished bezels, the Calatrava design isalways unmistakably classic, yet inherentlycontemporary. The endearing quality of theCalatrava design reflects the relentlesspursuit of perfection that has always been atthe core of Patek Philippe's mission.

A little revolution took place in Geneva in1976, the launch of the Nautilus; a luxurywatch in a steel case. At a time when theworld of horology was competing for thinnerwatches, Patek Philippe introduced anoversized watch with an extravagant shape.

The casual elegance of this ground-breakingmodel inspired an instant cult following,which still exists today. Patek Philipperecently extended the range introducing anumber of new Nautilus models for men andwomen, including the first set of stainlesssteel ladies Nautilus models with anautomatic movement. In fact, many of thenew ladies models presented by PatekPhilippe more recently have includedmechanical movements, as increasinglywomen, as well as men, are interested by thebeauty and workmanship of what is housedinside, often revealed through the sapphire-crystal case back.

Winsor Bishop in Norwich is home to anextensive range of Patek Philippe timepieces,including complications, Calatrava models,Nautilus models and many more.

Winsor Bishop has enjoyed an enviablereputation as one of the UK’s leadingindependent jewellers for more than 100years, with the Norwich shop well known for offering a friendly and knowledgeable service by its experienced staff.

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Nautilus

Ref. 5726A in stainless steel, with black alligator strap.

£28,550

Patek Philippe Ladies Nautilus Ref. 7008/1A

in stainless steel, with silvered dialsurrounded by 50 flawles diamonds.

£22,570

Patek Philippe Officer’s Case Calatrava

Ref. 5153G in white gold, with black alligator strap.

£25,030

Patek Philippe Ladies Calatrava Ref. 7119/1J

in 18K yellow gold. £26,170


CORPORATE COMMUNICATION

But with the economy as it is and budgetsunder pressure, it makes business sense formanagers and directors to be able tounderstand what the return is on theirinvestment. After all, the question would beasked of an advertising campaign so ameeting which continues to take placesimply because it always has, must surelycome under that same scrutiny.

The difficulty comes with how to make anysense of the return on an event. Financially,there is a cost to holding an event – venue,food, drink, audio visuals, etc – but can webalance the total against an income? Yes, if itwas a commercial undertaking with ticketsales and sponsors, but we are more likely to be talking about an event designed tocommunicate with stakeholders as part of a marketing plan.

There are organisations that proclaim toimpart their methodology and metrics toallow us to calculate our return, but beforegoing to those lengths and cost, a bit ofcommon sense may shed some light.

Managing Director of Ipswich based eventproduction company AV Unit, Adam Clark,comments: “Face to face meetings remain an extremely effective tool to communicatekey messages and develop relationships with an organisation’s stakeholders.However, we recognise that money should be invested in an event, rather than justspent, and therefore there must be somemeasurement on its return.”

Whether a return on investment or on theevent, the key criteria for measurement mustbe the objectives set for the meeting. Clearlydefined objectives that include a focus onlearning, application and impact, providesomething to measure against and hencecalculate the return.

Adam continues: “When we first speak with a client, we work with them to define theirobjectives and discuss how the format andtechnology might help these to be achieved.If it is appropriate, a pre-meeting survey sets a baseline against which to measure.However, post-event questionnaires shouldreally explore whether behaviour has changed,which isn’t a factor you can gauge during themeeting. It is here that technology in theform of the Web, on-site kiosks and electronicinput devices can supplement paper andpencil as a means of capturing feedback.”

Events, whatever their size, should bemeasured in order to determine theirrelevance and return, and managers caneasily establish the criteria for measurementby setting clear, achievable objectives.

Event Objectives Merge with Financials

Face to face meetings and conferences are an essential tool for mergermarket, part ofthe Financial Times owned MergermarketGroup, to communicate with their targetaudience. As an independent Mergers andAcquisitions (M&A) intelligence service,mergermarket’s clients include the world’sforemost financial institutions. However,whilst the company organises highlyinteractive events and conferences thatintroduce delegates from around the world to key people, unparalleled intelligence and new investment opportunities, it alsorecognises that there must be a demonstrable return on the investment.

Matthew Robinson, Events Director,comments: “To measure a return on ourevents is something we do very closely with our event sponsors and key partners. It’s essential that we are delivering ameasurable return for them in terms of new business contacts and thoughtleadership at our events. We consistentlyreceive feedback about how important theon-site delivery is and working with aproduction company who understands our requirements and event objectives isessential. In the case of our UK events, AVUnit plays an important part in meeting theexpectations of our clients and sponsors. We find this partnership essential since itfrequently identifies innovative ideas toengage the audience and, as a result, develop a relationship with them.”

Mergermarket is in the business of delivering forward-looking proprietaryintelligence on global M&A opportunitiesthat help originate deals for clients; andthose same company principles are alsoadopted for its events programme.

Getting a return on your event?How many of us ask the question of an event we run, “What isthis meeting costing us and what are we getting in return?”

Surprisingly, few meeting owners either ask this question orinvest the time in establishing the criteria to measure it.


AWARD WINNERS

The building has been rated as ‘excellent’ by the Building Research Establishment (the independent body who assessenvironmentally-friendly construction) and is only the fourth in the East of Englandto have achieved the ‘excellent’ rating forenvironmental efficiency.

SEH French collaborated withCambridgeshire County Council (CCC) tocreate this Busway passenger building (alsoincorporating an environmentally-friendlyexhibition centre) which forms part of thelongest guided Busway in Europe.

Having invested a considerable amount ofresource, time and money in order to create anetwork of sustainable travel initiatives forimproved access in and around Cambridge,CCC needed a contracting organisation whocould deliver the entire project in just 20weeks to meet the deadline.

And with SEH French’s reputation forprofessionalism and sustainable credentials,plus the already established relationship that CCC have with Jackson Civil Engineering(part of the SEH Group), it was an easy choice.

The brief was to create a sustainable,education centre which would not only serveas a Busway passenger transport, but couldbe used by the local community as anencouragement to go ‘green’ in their ownlifestyles and educate young people aboutthe sustainable building process.

Not only is the building now rated as‘excellent’ and will be over 90% more self-sufficient for energy, but it is also the first inthe country to be made using Hempbuild.

Patented just days before the project gotunderway by Lime Technology, Hempbuild isa natural product with zero carbon outlay.Completely sustainable and offeringunparalleled insulation, it is so effective thatthe conventional heating system will only needto be used in extreme weather temperatures.

The hemp used in this building came from alocal source based in Halesworth, whichdemonstrates one of the key ethos’ behindSEH French - locality. In order to reduce theircarbon footprint and offer assured efficiency,they only work within an hour and half radiusfrom their base in Ipswich and all materialsare sourced locally where possible.

Simon Girling, Director of SEH French, said:“This building has become one of our bestexamples, from both a structural and asustainable point of view. Our team hasworked extremely hard to create not only aunique building, but one that will educateand serve as an example of how a fullysustainable building should be created.

“We’re delighted with our ‘excellent’ ratingand we’re committed to our environmentalpromises. Although the initial capital outlayis sometimes slightly more with a sustainablebuilding, in the long run it will pay dividendswith money saving and lessening anorganisation’s impact on the environment.”

Chris Poultney, Project Manager forCambridgeshire County Council,commented: “We’ve set a benchmarkstandard now by creating this building withSEH French. Their professionalism andattention to detail is second to none, and wecouldn’t be more pleased with theLongstanton project. “Not only was itdelivered on time, and within budget, buttheir straightforward approach and attentionto detail means that we won’t have to looktoo far when planning for our next project.”

LOCAL COMPANY RECEIVESENVIRONMENTAL HONOURSEH French, the Ipswich-based construction arm of SEH Group, has recently received one ofthe highest environmental building accolades possible for their latest project – a Buswaypassenger building in Longstanton.

The EE hub has just calculated the extent ofall this support, finding that business leadershave donated a combined 2,560 days of theirtime since the start of the year. Given theseniority and experience of the individualsinvolved, many of them IoD Suffolkmembers, a conservative value to put on thispro-bono time is £1.9m.

As EE Hub Chief Executive and IoD memberCelia Hodson explains: “We realised veryquickly that there was enormous goodwillfrom business leaders for the model we weretrying to establish – seeing the potential itcould have to drive economic growth here in

Suffolk. Business leaders worked with usevery step of the way as we developed ourlearning programmes for students on theSchool for Social Entrepreneurs – East,Enterprise Academy and Enterprise Clubprogrammes and they have led on how itshould be delivered, ensuring we staybusiness focused at all times. What we havecreated is a highly productive student-to-business network – our students benefit fromquality exposure to entrepreneurs and seniorbusiness people, whilst the establishedbusiness community gain from contact withearly-stage businesses and from knowingthey are playing a key part in driving

economic growth. Results speak forthemselves and, so far, enterprises comingout of the EE Hub have a combined turnoverof £21.5m and employ 730 people.”

One business who have been involved fromthe start is law firm Prettys, who in additionto being a principal sponsor of the School forSocial Entrepreneurs – East, have mademembers of their senior team available to act as student mentors and their staff have givenregular full-day masterclasses on legal affairs.

“It's important for members of the businesscommunity like ourselves to do everythingwe can to help new entrepreneurs who arejust starting out,” explains Prettys Partner,Matthew Cole “It's also a way for us todemonstrate how seriously we take theconcept of enterprise responsibility.”

Many other businesses have been involved inpitching panels, helping students develop awinning patter when pitching for fundingand investment. Others, such as social entrepreneur Steve Allman of Out and Aboutand Lee Weaver from Viking Mariners, havehosted regular visits and business exercisesfor whole groups of students. Steve Flory ofHudson Signs, Paddy Bishopp of Paddy andScotts Coffee and 15 more entrepreneurshave been recruited as Enterprise Superstarsand are spreading the enterprise messageacross Suffolk from schools to prisons.

Evidence, surely, of the big business societyin action.

MENTORING

IS THERE A BIG ‘BUSINESS’SOCIETY?The region’s business community is embracing the concept of theBig Society so says the Eastern Enterprise Hub. It has good reason;experiencing on a daily basis the enterprise responsibility, altruismand sheer will power of the Suffolk business community who aregiving hands-on support to would-be entrepreneurs. Since it wasset up in January 2011, the EE Hub has been quick to harness theenthusiasm of business leaders and entrepreneurs to ‘do their bit’into a structured programme of mentoring, tutoring and coachingfor these early stage businesses.

Celia Hodson, speaking at an event at the EE Hub

An Enterprise Academy session at the EE Hub



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Hintlesham Hall Gift VouchersFor those ‘difficult to buy for’ gifts. Any Value – The ideal gift presentedin a beautiful folder – Just phone and we do the rest.

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BUSINESS PROFILE – ASPALL CYDER


Aspall Cyder

There were milestones, of course. Like thedecision to grow apples organically, half acentury before it became fashionable. Andthe 1970s saw state-of-the-art equipmentreplace the old apple press.

In recent times Aspall was producing mostlycyder vinegar, a niche healthfood product.With their relaunch of cyder in 2000, brothersBarry and Henry turned Aspall into an iconicbrand and global success.

While today’s cyder bottle would be instantlyrecognisable to the 1930s generation, whoproduced but small quantities, its contentbears little resemblance to the tannicbittersweet predecessors.

The brothers have achieved much, simply byrelying on their own tastes and palates.Quality is non-negotiable. (A ‘perry’ drinkwas developed recently, but ditched when itfailed the taste test.)

There are three strands to Aspall’s business.Firstly the apple juice, sold locally as Aspalland to supermarkets as an own-labelproduct. Secondly, Aspall cyder vinegar.Thirdly, and most spectacularly, Aspall Cyder(the spelling dating back 100 years or so).

Aspall Cyder was launched as a bottledproduct, but this now accounts for only 30per cent of output. When Aspall started to sellon tap in selected pubs and restaurants,brand awareness really grew.

They’ve no shortage of competitors. Butwhen Magners, a huge name in the ciderworld, launched in the UK in 2006, Aspallbenefited from growing cider consumption.

Without huge marketing budgets of theirown, outside expertise in specialist areas has been essential. Export sales are small, but growing.

“We’ve been selling into the USA, Australia –where it’s a ‘must-stock’ brand – and Japanfor some time, and we’re opening up newmarkets in Germany, Brazil, Finland andIreland. We’re close to China and India too,”said Barry.

“In Japan, we didn’t understand the cultureat all. So we brought in a distributor – Englishborn but has lived there most of his life – toget us into the right places. We do listeningmode very well.”

This listening mode led to the launch of twonew cyders recently – Lady Jennifer’s (namedafter a family member and four per cent ABV)and Imperial (eight per cent ABV). The namesare wholly in keeping with Aspall’s “lookingto the past for the future”.

There’s history in every drop of this iconicSuffolk cyder, right down to naming thefermentation tanks after past generations:Clement, Temple and the downrightconfusing – for some visitors – Stella!

There’s been Aspall Cyder throughout eight generations of the Chevallier family, ever since 1728.But according to Barry Chevallier Guild – the business just “ticked over” for most of that time.


CHARITY

St John Ambulance SuffolkAs part of the country’s leading first aid charity, St John Ambulance Suffolk iscommitted to making a difference in its local communities and believes thateveryone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them.

St John Ambulance Suffolk is one of thecountry’s most thriving counties, with sixtraining centres delivering a range ofcommercial training courses at Bury StEdmunds, Framlingham, Ipswich (Bramfordand town centre), Lowestoft and Newmarketand sixteen volunteer divisions across the county.

Anne Chaplin, county executive officer of St John Ambulance Suffolk explains moreabout the role of the charity: ‘Incredibly eachyear there are up to 150,000 needless deathsas a result of a lack of first aid knowledge.

‘Here in Suffolk we treat over 2,200 people ayear at over 1,700 events at which we providefirst aid support. Our commercial trainingdivision is also one of the busiest and in thelast twelve months approximately 800,000employees have been trained in first aid.

‘Our campaign to be the difference between a life lost and a life saved resonates througheverything we do and those we have trainedoften go on to offer their skills and time rightin the heart of their community, either as avolunteer or as a community first responder,attending emergency calls and providing care until an ambulance arrives.’

Keith Hotchkiss, operations manager forSuffolk continues: ‘Through our ambulancetransport service, based out of our Bramfordheadquarters, we transport over 350 NHS andprivate hospital patients a month, but it isour work with bariatric patients that isleading the field.

‘St John Ambulance Suffolk is at the forefrontof bariatric service provision and we nowregularly transfer over 20 patients each week.Bariatric ambulance provision differs hugelyfrom conventional ambulance transportationand our crews are specially trained to ensurepatients’ safety, as well as treating everyonewith dignity and compassion.’

Teaching members of the community life-saving first aid skills is key to the ethos of StJohn Ambulance.

Earlier this year Mark Hedges was appointedas schools, youth and community trainerand his time is spent arranging ‘communityessential first aid courses’ and working withschools to encourage children to take-up first aid skills.

Open to the general public, the two-hour‘community essential first aid course’ teachesdelegates all about adult resuscitation, how

to treat somebody who is choking, treatingsevere bleeding and chest pains, as well ashelping an unconscious casualty.

Anne adds: ‘Through Mark’s work we’re alsodelighted to say that an amazing 450 Suffolkschool children are now equipped with life –saving first aid skills and knowledge.’

Engaging with the county’s youngsters is alsoa key element of the charity’s work. WithBadger Setts (for children aged 5-10) andCadets (aged 10-18) over 300 youngstersattend weekly meetings and learn a rangeinvaluable life skills through tuition tailoredspecifically to their age group.

Anne continues: ‘In addition to my role ascounty executive, I am also officer in chargeof the Saxmundham Cadet division and someof my most rewarding St John Ambulancemoments are with my cadets. No two weeksare the same, and although first aid trainingis a key element of the meetings focus, theyget involved in a range of activities.’

If you would like to find out more about thework of St John Ambulance in Suffolk or‘community essential first aid courses’ inyour area, please contact 01473 241500.


LEISURE

Although this autumn has been a really mildone, the current economic climate has had adebilitating effect on many businesses.However, within every recession there will besome businesses that will increase theirturnover significantly. These businesses willbe the ones that have been able to adaptmore quickly to the ever-changingmarketplace. It is now not enough tocontinue doing or offering what you did a fewyears ago or even last year. The consumer haschanged and their buying habits have alsochanged. It is no longer enough to say, “we did this last year and it worked”. You may have to look at new ways ofpackaging your product or service that willappeal to the new consumer.

Some or all of the statements below may be pertinent to your business;

• It is not what you offer – but it is how you offer it.

• It is not how you market it – but it is when you market it.

• It is now not what the client wants – but it is now what the client needs.

• It is not about fulfilling your needs – but it is about fulfilling theirs.

• It is not always about price – but it is always about service.

• It is not always about location – but it is about how people can find you.

• It is not about having a website – but it is how you utilise that website.

Within the golfing arena, there has been amarked decrease in participation overall asplayers cannot always justify the amount oftime it takes to play a round at the moment,or the cost of a full membership for the fewrounds of golf they play in a year.

The industry has retaliated with trialmemberships; seasonal memberships orpoints based memberships as well asdifferent formats of the game over 9 or even 6 holes. Driving ranges are busier asgolfers can get their golfing fix over a 30 – 60minute session.

If a traditional sport like golf can make those changes to attract the new consumer –can you not afford to change too?

Stuart Robertson Director of GolfBEST WESTERNUfford Park Hotel, Golf & [email protected]

Are you still offering what your customer wants?

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BUSINESS BOOKS

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Steve Jobs – The Exclusive Biographyby Walter IsaacsonPublished October 2011 by Little Brown £25

From bestselling author Walter Isaacson comes the landmark biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. In Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography, Isaacson provides an extraordinary account of Jobs’ professional andpersonal life. Drawn from three years of exclusive and unprecedented interviews Isaacson has conducted with Jobs as well as extensive interviews with Jobs’ family members, key colleagues from Apple and its competitors, Steve Jobs: The Exclusive Biography is the definitive portrait of the greatest innovator of his generation.

Boomerang: the Meltdown Tourby Michael LewisPublished October 2011 by Allen Lane £20

Having made the U.S. financial crisis comprehensible for us all in ‘The Big Short’, Michael Lewis realised that hehadn’t begun to get grips with the full story. How exactly had it come to hit the rest of the world in the face too? Just how broke are we really? ‘Boomerang’ is a tragi-comic romp across Europe, in which Lewis gives full vent to hisstorytelling genius. The cheap credit that rolled across the planet between 2002 and 2008 was more than a simplefinancial phenomenon: it was temptation, offering entire societies the chance to reveal aspects of their charactersthey could not normally afford to indulge. Icelanders wanted to stop fishing and become investment bankers. The Greeks wanted to turn their country into a pinata stuffed with cash and allow as many citizens as possible totake a whack. The Irish wanted to stop being Irish. The Germans wanted to be even more German. Michael Lewis’investigation of bubbles across Europe is brilliantly, sadly hilarious. He also turns a merciless eye on America: onCalifornia, the epicentre of world consumption, where we see that a final reckoning awaits the most avaricious ofnations too. This is the ultimate book of our times. It's time to brace ourselves for impact and, with Michael Lewis,to laugh out loud while we're doing it.

Price of Civilization – Economics and Ethics After the Fallby Jeffrey D. SachsPublished October 2011 by Bodley Head £20

One of the world's most brilliant economists and the bestselling author of ‘The End of Poverty’, Jeffrey Sachs haswritten a book that is essential reading for everyone – politicians, people in business and industry, and you. Setting out a bold and provocative, yet responsible and achievable, plan, ‘The Price of Civilization’ reveals why we must – and how we can – change our entire economic culture in this time of crisis. The world economy remainsin a precarious state after the recent global recession – where quick fixes were implemented instead of sustainablesolutions to systemic problems. Jeffrey Sachs argues powerfully for a new co-operative, common-sense politicaleconomy, one that stresses practical partnership between government and the private sector, demandscompetence in both arenas and occasionally insists on carefully chosen public and private sacrifices. In this newera of global capitalism, Sachs believes that we have to forget partisanship and solve these enormous problemstogether, clinically and holistically, just as one would approach the eradication of a disease. ‘The Price ofCivilization’ explains how government can be made to reform corporate culture by fairly policing compensation but not stifling competition and forced to improve our energy infrastructure by both taxing emissions andproviding market incentives for innovation. Sachs shows how government, business and citizens can find common ground - on bank accountability, the decentralising of social services and taxing the super-rich – as a way to achieve our shared goals of efficiency, equity and sustainability. Sparing no-one but potentially benefitingus all, ‘The Price of Civilization’ is a masterful roadmap, a programme designed to bridge seemingly impossibledivides in our society and a way forward that we – and our leaders – ignore at our peril.

The launch was well attended by a diverseaudience who heard Paul Winter, ChiefExecutive of Ipswich Building Society, andChair of IOD Suffolk, speaking about theimportance of good literacy skills to thebusiness community and the economy.

And so this really is my ‘Last Word’ for IODSuffolk, as I and my fellow students flew thenest this week by graduating and becomingFellows of the School for SocialEntrepreneurs Suffolk (SSES).

We ended our learning programme at theschool with a three-day residential inLondon, where a packed programme of sitevisits gave us a last soaking in entrepreneurialexperience and wisdom.

The highlight of the residential for me was avisit to the London Early Years Foundation(LEYF), where we met Chief Executive JuneO’Sullivan, Some of the young apprenticesthen hosted us as we visited LEYF nurseries.Their understanding of and eloquence aboutthe foundation’s vision, and insistence on ahigh-quality experience for the children intheir care, was highly impressive.

My final verdict on being a student with SSESis that the year has been invaluable. We’vehad such fantastic opportunities to meetexperienced entrepreneurs, develop ournetworks with local businesses, and besupported as we’ve started up our ownventures. I also feel fortunate to have had thesound advice of Steve Allman, CEO of Outand About, as my individual tutor.

And progress with Got to Read? We’ve beenincorporated as a Company Limited byGuarantee with charitable objectives. Thefirst Trustees, who have a real passion forreading and improving literacy alongsidestrong business skills and experience, are inplace. We’ve made a first fundingapplication, created our website and set upsome social media. So you can now follow uson Facebook and Twitter if you’d like to keepup to date with our progress.

Our community pilot project, which is theGot to Read Triathlon in the Gainsborougharea of Ipswich, is shaping up really well.With our partners, we’ll be offering a range ofreading promotions to suit all age groups andinterests. Alongside the Triathlon events,we’ll be running free training sessions forlocal volunteers who want to be literacychampions. Our aim is to be able to provideone-to-one support for people with theirpersonal reading goals.

The first step towards revenue creation, andtherefore sustainability, is an offering ofliteracy awareness training which can betailored to a business’s needs. If, for example,you’d like your employees to be able torecognise indicators of poor literacy skills, toassess the readability level of material used atwork, and to understand ways to make yourmaterials accessible, then please get incontact.

So, it’s been an extraordinary year and I’d liketo say a big thank-you to all at the School ofSocial Entrepreneurs Suffolk and to my fellowstudents. I’ve also enjoyed writing for SuffolkIoD magazine, and sharing the journey. Itseems appropriate that the last picture forthe Last Word is of Got to Read staff, Trusteesand volunteers enjoying the launchcelebration.

Tracy BoseGot to Read

[email protected]/got_to_readTwitter @Got_to_ReadM: 07528 147654


BUSINESS START-UP

Last word...Got to Read held its launch event on the evening of 30thNovember 2011 at the EnterpriseHub in Ipswich, and by the endof the evening, it felt like we had a lot of new supporters andadvocates for the promotion of literacy across Suffolk.

Photography by Andy Ingate


MEMBER PROFILE

So why the third career?

Well, my entire career has been healthcarerelated and the first large part of it wasworking with blue chip FTSE 100 companiessuch as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline andWolters Kluwer Health in the pharmaceuticalssector. This took me all over the world and I had the fantastic opportunity to live andwork in some very diverse cultures such asJapan and North Africa in a variety of directorand local board-level positions.

The second career was in hospitalmanagement when, on returning to the UKin 2007, I became the hospital director ofNuffield Health Ipswich Hospital.

The third career is what I am doing now.Actually it was born in 2005 and has been on ice for a number of years.

What is it?

In 2005 after the completion of a contract inTokyo my Czech wife and I decided to moveto Prague to establish our Company MeritasInternational which specialises in consulting,interim work, coaching, mentoring andcounselling. I now have the opportunity toresurrect this company in the UK, based in Suffolk.

Tell us about your experiences

Once we started on this venture we had noidea about the type of work we would beundertaking and there were a number ofexpected projects and a few surprises.

One of the first assignments was to work with the BCC in Prague, restructuring theexecutive team and establishing theirmission and goals. This was rapidly followedby an approach from a family-owned Polishpharmaceuticals company based in Warsawwho needed some strategic direction andrationalising of their R&D effort. This resultedin me commuting on a weekly basis fromPrague to Warsaw on the overnight train inthe depths of the worst winter central Europehad had for two decades at temperaturesaround -30 degrees Celsius.

I had a number of other assignments such aspreparing a UK launch plan for a diet food(known as neutraceuticals in the trade) forthe largest food company in the CzechRepublic and setting up an out-sourcingconference in Prague.

What were the surprises?

Well, the most interesting one was beinghired as managing consultant for a Czechcharity whose mission was to construct a17th century Living Townlet in Moravia!! This Townlet would offer a wealth of touristactivities, historical information,accommodation and sports facilities and my task was to put a plan together to raisefunding for this project soon after the Czech Republic’s entry into the EuropeanUnion in 2005.

Although these were all enjoyable andfulfilling assignments, my real passion andvalue offering is to generate real, operationalsolutions to strategic issues in the healthcareenvironment and at this time, with the changesin healthcare delivery from both the NHS andprivate sectors, these skills are in demand.

As well as consulting what else does Meritas International do?

Over the past years I have been establishingthe coaching and mentoring client base andam looking to expand this service in Suffolkand beyond. So far clients include twodirectors of small Suffolk companies. I’m alsobuilding a business plan for a client topurchase a hotel/pub in north Suffolk andam creating a funding plan for a start-upfurniture business. I am also connected tothe BCC mentoring programme and am aPrinces Trust mentor for young businessentrepreneurs.

How do you find Suffolk as a place to live and work?

It is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets! It combines one of the best places to live,with a safe environment for families and athriving business community with very activeassociations such as the IoD and BCC. There is an energy about it which is verypleasing, combined with an attitude to enjoy life as well as work hard.

Christopher Johnson moves on to his third career and talksabout the rebirth of his interimconsulting, coaching andmentoring company.

Christopher is a trustee forSuffolk MIND and is a member of the Suffolk Institute ofDirectors’ Committee, where heacts as Sponsorship Officer andCreativity Club Co-ordinator.

Christopher JohnsonMANAGING DIRECTOR AND OWNER – MERITAS INTERNATIONAL AND CONSULTING

36-38 Woodbridge Road Rushmere St Andrew Ipswich IP5 1BH

T: 01473 617050 E: [email protected]

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Documents

Iod Suffolk winter 2011