ISLAND BUSINESS

Incredible Journey Company Profile Isle of Wight Campervans

Islandusiness

June

2012

Feature Health & Wellbeing

The Interview Stuart Dyer, Godshill Model Village

Spotlight Recession Beaters

President’s Foreword

28 Island ActionThe Chamber: tackling Island issues

12 Company ProfileIsle of Wight Campervans

16 FeatureHealth and Wellbeing

20 SpotlightRecession beaters

23Chamber NewsMember benefits, new members, events

Island Business Magazine Published by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry

Editor Kevin Wilson [email protected]

Managing Editor Zoe Stroud [email protected]

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Island Business magazine the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or up to date. The publisher and its employees and contractors have used their best efforts in preparing these pages and this publication but make no warranty of any kind, expressed

or implied, with regard to the information supplied. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent those of the IW Chamber of Commerce. The IW Chamber of Commerce and its employees and contractors shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of, the providing of the information offered here.

Certified as FSC mixed sources - ideal when an environmentally friendly paper is required.

Island Business magazine is printed by Crossprint, an ISO 9001 registered printer based on the Isle of Wight.

Design Aaron Rudd Creative www.aaronrudd.co.uk

Advertising Sales Mary Collis [email protected] [email protected]

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport Isle of Wight, PO30 2AA

Tel. 01983 520 777 [email protected]

Hello and welcome to the June edition of Island Business magazine – one of several products published by your Chamber of Commerce – that

embraces all sectors of business associated with the Isle of Wight.

As you would expect from this time of year, this month features a strong tourism feel with articles on one of the Island’s longest standing attractions as well as a relatively new, but very successful, niche enterprise that has already attracted national interest and press coverage. This month’s main feature is on the health and wellbeing sector, of which the Chamber is an active participant with its health outreach and smoking cessation programs.

We are now, of course, right in the middle of the holiday / Jubilee / festival / Olympics melee and it will be very interesting to see the effect on the Island’s tourist trade once the dust has settled. Of course, we hope that we will be seen as a ‘safe haven’ by those who haven’t got caught up in the frenzy and, dare I say it, the hype surrounding the really big events. The alternatives of the cycling and walking festivals along with our outdoor summer shows and traditional holiday attractions will, I think, become a great pull to many people. Just keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

We should never forget though that our Island is about much more than tourism - with many world leading (and world beating) companies based here.

The newest of the Royal Navy’s ships are equipped with radar from here, current and future generations of aircraft have components built here, some of the most popular computer games are designed here, and our marine and manufacturing sectors enjoy a fantastic global reputation.

Despite difficult economic times, membership of the Chamber continues to grow and our work with young people, new businesses and different industry sectors are our central pillars. The simple, consistent message is that we are here to ensure the sustainable economic development of the Isle of Wight.

As a not for profit organisation, we still operate as a commercial enterprise, but use any surplus for the promotion and economic development of the Island. Your support through joining the IW Lottery and taking space in our Tourism products and Island Business magazine make these aims possible and I thank you for doing so.

To wrap things up, can I wish you all a very pleasant summer and hope that you enjoy the events and activities that you attend.

Steve PorterPReSIDeNT, ISLe OF WIgHT CHAMBeR OF COMMeRCe, TOuRISM AND INDuSTRY

In this Issue...

02NewsBusiness news from the Island, and beyond

04Independents DayTwo page special: Celebrating independent retailers

11 The InterviewStuart Dyer, godshill Model Village

09 Experts ViewFrom glanvilles

June 2012 01

02 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

NEWS

June 2012 03

NEWSNEWS

Chamber Health has been commissioned by NHS IW to deliver stop-smoking support to Island residents for three years.

oFFshore aPPlication by end oF next yearA joint venture has been formed between eneco Wind uK Ltd (eneco) and eDF energy to hold the exclusive development rights to the Navitus Bay Offshore Wind Project, part of The Crown estate Round 3 Offshore Wind Programme.

The Crown estate, owner of the seabed and a partner in the project, awarded the area (known as Zone 7), to the west of the Isle of Wight, to eneco in 2009.

This followed a tendering process designed to allow around 32gW of offshore wind power generation to be developed in uK waters by 2020.

The proposed development could deliver between 900MW and 1200MW of capacity in the northern part of the awarded area, a site which covers 76 square miles. This is enough power to supply between 615,000 and 820,000 homes, and will prevent the production of approximately 1,186,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

eneco and eDF energy will carry out a programme of consultation with the local community, and plan to submit a planning application at the end of 2013.

Paul Fry is the first winner of WP Recruitment’s Temp of the Month award.The award is based on client feedback, and Paul won last month after getting glowing reports for his temporary assignment at South Boats group.

The winner gets a 13 week subscription to the Isle of Wight Lottery.

Kate Thomas, Recruitment Manager at WP Recruitment, said: “We thought this was a great way to reward our candidates. It gives them a chance of winning a big prize, and might also encourage them to stay in the IW Lottery for the future, knowing that the subscription goes back into the Island economy to help create more jobs for local people.”

Smoking is he leading cause of death and illness in the uK, and there are 24,000 smokers on the Island.

Research shows that smokers are four times more likely to quit with professional support.

Chamber Health offers five weeks support, with four weeks free nicotine replacement therapy. It provides services in the workplace, as well as the community, with groups at Southern Vectis and Orchards, and clinics at The Dower House and Cowes surgeries,for registered patients.

It also has clinics Monday to Friday, with late opening on Thursdays, until 6pm, at Mill Court in Newport.

The team consists of the Stop Smoking Programme Co-Ordinator Debbie Cant and two stop smoking advisors Hayley Snow and Lynn Burford.

Contact Debbie Cant on 01983 554545 for more information.

winninG teMP

Recruiting quittersA new community NHS Stop Smoking Service has been launched on the Island.

Her first customer when she set up the hire business at her home in Cowes was a woman in her 80s, but since then it has become an automatic port of call for women of all ages looking for evening wear for a cruise, or students dressing up to the nines for the school Proms.

Times have certainly changed. In the early stages, one of her biggest problems was trying to deal with dresses being returned with cigarette burns, and the most popular dress sizes were 12 to 16.

Now Lora says cigarette burns are a thing of the past, and the most popular dress size has gone up to 18.

“Designs have changed, too,” she said. “Women want more bling, and more intricate features. They are so much more confident, too. Black tie events are much more common, and many more people seem to go on cruises, so the demand for my posh frocks remains very good.”

Lora has a stock of around 3,000 dresses, some of which are for sale.

“I still wash every dress myself, and the dresses still cost £40 to hire,” said Lora, who has been a Cowes Town Councillor for 13 years, and an Island Councillor since 2005, and serves on many voluntary groups as well.

“I am celebrating 10 years in business, but time has certainly flown by. Now I’m thinking that my life has got so busy that it’s time for someone else to take over. I keep wondering how much bigger it could grow if it was based in proper High Street premises rather than my home. I think I’ve taken it as far as I can.”

Posh Frocks won an award in the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards a few years ago, and she said being part of its business network had been very important.

“It is a strong network and I have had a lot of support from it over the years,” she said. “But now - as a wife, mother and dog owner, voluntary worker and Councillor – I think the business needs someone with more time and energy than me!”

Designs of the timesTen years of Posh Frocks has been a whirlwind for Lora Peacey-Wilcox. Now she’s wondering if it’s time to hang up.

biltonG baGs PortasIsle of Wight based biltong maker Nick greeff presented a personalised bag of all his flavours to retail guru Mary Portas at the Palmer and Harvey (P&H) Pro-Retail Show in Telford.

Mary Portas said her son had loved biltong since a visit to South Africa. She said he came back after a trip when he was 8 addicted to it, she researched the product and realized it was really good for him. Mary Portas stopped at the stall twice to chat to Nick and Sarah about their biltong. Peter Cross her business partner offered his expertise as they develop the brand.

Isle of Wight Biltong was invited to the trade show as part of the P&H Plus extra small supplier initiative which is promoting small producers on a national basis.

Lora with one of the newest Posh Frocks in her collection.

04 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight June 2012 05

The national campaign, organised by Skillsmart Retail, champions the local retailers who make the uK’s villages, towns and cities so special.

JoININg ForCESThe uK’s Retail Champion and the Island’s Chamber of Commerce have joined forces to urge independent retailers to celebrate Independents Day.

Independent shops make up about 60 per cent of all town centre stores. The campaign aims to encourage shoppers to buy at least one item from their local, independent shop on that day, and retailers in Sandown are already gearing up to make the most of the opportunity.

Clare Rayner, retail expert and uK Retail Champion, said: “Independent retailers are what make each of our towns unique - without them our towns would be clones, with all the same fascias. They add vibrancy, diversity and often provide a route to market for smaller brands who might otherwise never reach the consumers. usually offering more attentive, personal service, it’s no wonder smaller retailers are often described fondly as our friendly, local, independent...

“The Isle of Wight is such a beautiful place. And in the summer, what better location is there for retailers to really showcase the best of what they’ve got for both the locals and the tourists! “

Kevin Smith, Chief executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, said:

“We know that local people as well as visitors love the variety of shopping on the Island, and much of that is down to the fact that they can find things here that are different, and enjoy the traditional values of service that seem to be disappearing elsewhere.

“Independent retailers are the life force of our high streets, and there are many examples of shops that have done well and continue to do well in the face of all the challenges.

“It’s great to see businesses in Sandown coming together in this way, and we think that’s a great example for other towns.

“We’ve seen encouraging signs elsewhere on the Island with retailers coming together to sell themselves, so let’s all get the message out that our independent shops are among the best in Britain, not just on 4 July, but all year round!”

WHEN THE goINg gETS TougH …Nicky Parker, a director of Ladies Realm, and a member of Sandown Business Association, said:

“I feel it is about valuing good sales staff, but more than that, about showing our customers how we value them. Independent retailers

really care about their business, because it really is their business!“What I would like to achieve through this, is to show local people what Sandown has to offer. Between us we have a vast range of products and services, and are often a better price. This day is our chance to show this, how we listen and how we go that extra mile, and hopefully entice customers back in to the town regularly.

“This economic climate is the hardest we at Ladies Realm have ever had to trade in. But the independent shops in Sandown are celebrating in style! There will be discounts, raffles, special offers and gifts to shoppers on the day.

“We are proud to be independent, offering personal service and listening to what our customers want. But it is vital to our town that Sandonians shop locally. The expression use us or lose us has never been more pertinent.”

island indePendents dayOn Wednesday 4 July, shoppers will be encouraged to buy at least one item from their local, independent shops to celebrate Independents’ Day 2012.

CELEBrATINg SANDoWN!

Those celebrating in Sandown on 4 July include:

MAKE A GOOD JOB OF I T

NO WONDER IT SCALLED THE BIG ONE...

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Project1:Layout 1 16/5/12 08:45 Page 1

Small print

This list was correct at the time we went to press, but there may be some changes. The best way to find out is to go down to the shops and find out!

get involved…

Independent retailers wanting to take part in the event can find out more, and pick up ideas for promotion, by checking out the campaign’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/Independentsday

Let us know!

If you do decide to take part, please let us know, and we’ll spread the word through the Chamber website www.iwchamber.co.uk and our magazine facebook page at www.facebook.com/islandbusinessmagazine

Kevin Smith, Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce

Nicky Parker, Ladies realm

The Post office. 19 Beachfield road 10 per cent discount on cards + gifts

Keats. 44 Beachfield road 10 per cent discount

The rock shop. 1 High Street

glory Art glass. Melville Street 10 per cent discount

B J Meats, Melville Street 10 per cent discount

upstairs Downstairs, Pier Street spend £30 and get a voucher

rapanui, 1 High Street free tea and give-aways

olde Worlde Antiques. 3 High Street 10 per cent discount

Memory Lane, 7 High Street 10 per cent discount

Puddleduck,13 High Street free gift

Daisy’s Bakery, 9 High Street

Sandown Jewellers, 17 High Street

Fresh café. 2 High Street 10 per cent discount

Taste Buds. 4 High Street discount and raffle

Sandown News. 12 High Street

Wight Balloons, 24c St Johns road 10 per cent discount;

The Floral Workshop, 24c St Johns road;

Sandown Pet Stores, St Johns road 10 per cent discount

Bygone Days, 21 High Street 10 per cent discount

Vanity Fayre, 27 High Street tombola window

Lr- Bed, Body & Beach, 29 High Street 10 per cent discount

The Clearance Shop, 37 High Street 10 per cent discount

rachel’s, 39 High Street 20 per cent off gifts and leather goods

This’n’That, Wilkes road raffle

Charles, 20 High Street

Ditto, 26b High Street free tea

Bags of Sandown, 28a High Street 10 per cent discount

Lullaby Lambs, 28b High Street discount and raffle

Ladies realm, 43-45 High Street 10 per cent discount

Fields Menswear, 47-49 High Street discount or free gift

Instep, 51 High St 10 per cent discount;

Bliss Ice cream parlour, 36b High Street free topping on ice-creams;

Wight office Equipment, 36a High Street free ice-cream at Bliss;

Present Times, 38a High Street

garden gems, 38c High Street discount

Barrow Boys, York road free strawberries and cream, and raffle

Bellamy’s Bistro, High Street special for the day

Trevillion Jewellers, 73 High Street gift voucher

Not Just Denim, 75 High Street 10 per cent discount

Harmony DIY, Albert road

Buttie Box, Albert road special for the day

Sandown Bay gifts, 87 High Street free gift

Wight Discount Stores, High Street

Art2artz, High Street

Baileys, 97-101 High Street 10 per cent discount

P&J News, 113 High Street 10 per cent discount (not tobacco goods)

Island girl, High Street 10 per cent discount

Silver graphics, St Johns road 10 per cent discount

Curiocity, High Street


LoTTErY NEWS

Victoria Brook sailed back home from her honeymoon to find she’d won a belated wedding present, courtesy of the Isle of Wight Lottery.

Victoria, who lives in Sandown, was delighted to discover she was the first winner of the Lottery’s new £4000 top prize.

And having just enjoyed a Canary Islands cruise, Victoria had no problem deciding what to spend her winnings on: she will be enjoying an extra special holiday next year, too.

She signed up for the Isle of Wight Lottery when it began around 10 years ago, because she wants to support local business.

“That’s very important to me because I run my own business as a consultant for Cambridge Weight Plan,” she said. “And of course there is the added bonus you might win some money!”

Isle of Wight Lottery organisers have increased the amount of prize money, giving subscribers opportunities to win much more cash.There is now one weekly prize of £2,000, which changes to £4,000 on the last Wednesday of each month; £10,000 on the last Wednesday of July; and £10,000 on the last Wednesday of January 2013.

For more information about the Lottery, go to isleofwightlottery.com

a double Good ideaJoining the Isle of Wight Lottery last year ‘seemed like a good idea at the time’, according to 70 years old Malcolm Hollyman.And last week, after winning a £2,000 prize for the second time, he is even more convinced it was the right decision.

Malcolm, who lives in Binstead, said he signed up for the Isle of Wight Lottery because it supports Island businesses and was amazed to win once, let alone twice in such a short space of time.

“I signed up straight away,” he said. “It only costs £1 a week. So, even on my pension, what’s £1 a week these days?”

Malcolm worked as a draughtsman for Westland in Yeovil, but was made redundant 20 years ago. He worked on contract at gKN on the Island and decided to stay.

He keeps busy by sequence dancing three times a week, and also through his membership of the Model engineering Club.

Malcolm said: “I’ll be putting the money towards a holiday, and anything left over will go towards my bank balance!”

Isle of Wight Lottery organisers increased the amount of prize money from last month, giving subscribers opportunities to win more cash.

There is now one weekly prize of £2,000, which changes to £4,000 on the last Wednesday of each month; £10,000 on the last Wednesday of July; and £10,000 on the last Wednesday of January 2013.

For more information about the Lottery, go to isleofwightlottery.com



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Victoria’s IW Lottery gift

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Vectis Yard, High Street, CowesIsle of Wight, United Kingdom, PO31 7BD

Tel: 01983 299975 Fax: 01983 200332Email: [email protected]

Cowes Yacht Haven plays host to some of the most prestigious events in the boating calendar and our Events Centre now provides the ideal venue

for over 150 functions a year.

This unique and superb waterside location offers the flexibility to cater from 80 to 800 people, be it a seated corporate conference, concert,

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The Events Centre can be partitioned and tailored to suit any occasion, ensuring even smaller affairs are still rich in atmosphere.

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sailMERMAIDSour fleet - your team

Whether an experienced or novice sailor, our sailing

days provide fun and enjoyment on the water at affordable prices for you, your clients and colleagues.

Based in the sheltered waters of the Solent, Sea View Yacht Club, Isle of Wight, home to the Mermaids, enjoys spectacular views across the Solent to Portsmouth harbour.

Sailing is all within sight of our picturesque Clubhouse where you can come ashore for lunch and enjoy the Club’s hospitality, soaking up some of the best sea views on the south coast.

Our Mermaids are modern 26’ yachts but of classic design, all painted in unique colours. Available from April to October and appeal to both the beginner and experienced sailor .

Visit www.sail-mermaids.comfor more informationCall us on 01983 564999 or email [email protected]

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Island Business.indd 1 14/03/2012 15:49

the answer is blowinG in the windPortsmouth-based Raymarine is offering a free weather briefing for Round the Island Race competitors.

It will be held at Island Sailing Club on 29 June at 6pm, hosted by Libby greenhalgh,

Competitors can also sign up to receive forecasts via email and SMS at www.raymarine.co.uk/view/?id=3292

Free video updates will give daily analysis of the weather patterns as they build, set against tidal predictions which competitors can use to start to build their tactical strategy ahead of the race.

sMart busThe new Southern Vectis key smartcard means regular bus users can use it to travel on the Island, and for its sister companies, Bluestar, and Wilts and Dorset.

The company said the new key system will make it easier for passengers to buy discounted travel packages.

The hope is that, as with the Pensioner’s Concessionary Travel Scheme passes that use the same system, fewer cash transactions on the bus will help speed up boarding times and reduce delays at busy bus stops.

Full information on the key card is available by visiting www.islandbuses.info/thekey


CHAMBEr HEALTH NEWS

June 2012 09

experts View: GlanvillesOverlooked relief

However, he would lose access to the money and the income from it and he would have to live another seven years for the gift to be outside his IHT estate. If he invested the £1,000,000 in AIM shares he would still have access to the shares and share income and after only two years the whole lot would be exempt from IHT – a saving of £400,000!

Investment in a child’s company.

example: If Fred’s son had a trading business he could buy shares (carrying income rather than voting rights) worth £200,000 from Fred. Again these would be exempt from IHT after two years and Fred would retain access to income and capital. If he had gifted the money to his son he would have needed to survive the gift by 7 years and he would have lost access to income and capital of the monies gifted.

Contact 01983 527878 email [email protected] or go to www.glanvilles.co.uk

Inheritance Tax (IHT) Business Property Relief (BPR) is a much overlooked relief for anyone who does not run their own business.

However it is a relief that is available to anyone. Basically, 100 per cent relief from IHT is granted to anyone who holds shares in a trading company which is not a PLC, without the need to be involved in the business or to hold a minimum number of shares .

The shares must be owned for two or more years to qualify.

This gives rise to a number of IHT saving opportunities such as:

Investment in shares on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) as such qualify for 100% BPR.

example: Fred has £1,000,000 in savings as well as a house worth £750,000. He is 88 and in reasonable health. Fred could gift his £1,000,000 to his children.

WightCable on the fast trackNew WightCable CeO John Irvine says the company is gearing up to set the pace on high speed data services.

He said the company already has an extensive network of fibre optic cable in the ground, and was preparing to make full use of it.

T-shopeco clothing brand Rapanui is extending its reach with the opening of its new shop and café in Sandown High Street.

Will Amery has shipped in from Bristol, where he was a champion barista, to manage the shop – and serve Rapanui’s own brand coffee.

The shop also sells a mix of Island products and gifts with a sustainable theme – including solar powered toys – and ‘keep cups’.

Will said: “We are the only place this side of London to sell these cups, which means people can have their name engraved and then qualify for cut price coffee every time they come back here and fill it up.”

Rob Drake-Knight, who started the company with his brother Mart, selling t shirts, said: “We have made our name for producing clothing that is sustainable,

Fast growthAround five per cent of small businesses in the Solent play an extraordinary role in boosting the local economy, according to a new report by Santander Corporate Banking.

The 250 fast growth businesses created 6,500 jobs during the difficult trading period of 2007 – 2010.

Common factors included strong teamwork and relationships; youthful leadership; high levels of ambition; and a proactive approach to cash and credit management.

After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, John joined IBM as a programmer analyst, before specialising in data networking technologies.

John, who launched the uK’s first voice over broadband service, Broadband Telephony, also worked for BT and Verizon Business.

He said his blend of technical and commercial experience had shown the importance of bridging the gap between technology that is clever, and technology that is useful.

working on the principle of the circular economy. People do think more about what they buy, and we wanted to reflect that in our shop.

youth contract boost For isle oF wiGht jobseekers

Employers of all sizes from all sectors – private, voluntary or charity – can now take advantage of the Youth

Contract, a £1 billion package of support to help employers recruit young talent into their businesses.

There is new funding for existing initiatives, like the National Apprenticeship Programme, sector based work academies and Work experience - schemes that employers have said work well for them.

And there’s also a new Wage Incentive, a cash subsidy paid directly to the employer, of up to £2,275 for every 18-24 year old young unemployed person that an employer takes on.

The job must last for at least 26 weeks, and the employer must be able to demonstrate to the Work Programme Provider that the job could lead to a permanent position. The Wage Incentive is only available where the employee works 16 hours or more per week and must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.

employers can apply for one of the 160,000 Wage Incentives anytime over the next three years, so employers can plan now what talent they might need to grow their business.

employers receive free recruitment support from a choice of local Work Programme Providers and their Jobcentre Plus, who will work with the employer to find them eligible young people to interview. Once a match has been made, the Work Programme Provider will give the employer a simple two page claim form to complete.

The employer can claim the relevant payment after 26 weeks of employment and smaller employers (with fewer than 50 employees) can choose to claim some of the payment sooner to help cash flow and cover initial start-up costs.

For more information on the Youth Contract, or to offer someone a Work experience placement, call Kerrie Honey at Jobcentre Plus on 01983 273166, or go to www.dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract/key-initiatives.

The Interview:Going beyond customer satisfactionKEVIN WILSoN MEETS STuArT DYEr, oF goDSHILL MoDEL VILLAgE

When Stuart Dyer walked into his fi rst job as an RAF physical education instructor, he worried whether he could cope with some of the tough, battle hardened men in his charge. Then one of them gave him a single word of advice: Listen.

Twenty fi ve years later, Stuart owns and runs godshill Model Village with his wife Penny, and he believes that advice still holds true both for him, and the Island’s tourism industry.

“We’ve increased turnover by 30 per cent since we bought the business from Penny’s father eight years ago,” he said. “And much of that is down to the fact that we listen to our customers, and to our staff .

“We’ve had a great response, especially from younger members of the team, who often see that things could be done diff erently. We tell them we’re not just employing their hands, but their brains too, and they have come up with some brilliant ideas that make the service better.

“Having a motivated workforce makes a massive diff erence, and if the Isle of Wight is looking at how to improve as a holiday destination, I can’t help thinking that this would be a good place to start.

“Here at the Model Village, the business has been going for 60 years, but we never talk about customer satisfaction: we talk about customer excellence.”

The attraction notches up footfall of around 80,000 a year, and between 70 and 80 per cent of visitors have been before. Stuart takes his turn on the rota for working in the ticket kiosk and insists that the customer comment book is read by staff every day.

“Penny and I have travelled a lot, and we have seen some amazing examples of how to do excellent customer service,” he said. “We try to bring that to our venue, but the important thing is that if you haven’t got the right people on your team, your business will fall fl at on its face.”

Stuart’s background also includes a spell selling kitchens to builders and developers, but he said his watershed moment came when he took a job as a training consultant in London, which led him to travel the world coaching executive staff .

“It taught me about people management, and how it can make such a diff erence to business performance,” he said. “I try to lead by example. I tell myself I’m not paid to have a bad day …”

“ Having a motivated workforce makes a massive diff erence, and if the Isle of Wight is looking at how to improve as a holiday destination, I can’t help thinking that this would be a good place to start.”


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Paul said: “We have always worked in a service environment, so we like to think we appreciate the importance of customer service. It’s all right having a great product, but we needed to back it up with lots of publicity so people knew about us, and high standards of care. It was also important to us to be able to quote one price, with no extras to catch people out.”

The price includes fully comprehensive insurance for the fi rst named driver; fresh linen and towels (covered & plumped duvet, sheet & pillow, hand & bath towel per person); teatime hamper; childrens backpack; crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, kettle, and coff eepot, folding chairs & table, unlimited Isle of Wight mileage, full AA roadside recovery, bike racks, customer car parking, and Outwell side tents with an extra bedroom and living area.

Customers can travel as foot passengers on the ferry, and be met at the terminal with their campervan ready for the road, fi tted with bike racks. Some are surprised to fi nd they can get the train in London, right through to Shanklin Station and pick up their campervan there around two hours later.

So getting here is easy enough. Sarah’s trick has been to attract customers in the fi rst place, and she set out to do it without spending a fortune on advertising.

“Once we’d got our fi rst year out of the way, and knew we had a good product, I started sending write-ups to magazines,” Sarah said. “eventually, we got something published in Coast magazine, and since then we have had an amazing amount of coverage.”

The wall in the offi ce is covered with proof: a three page article in the Times; two pages in the guardian; two cover images in Coast; a feature in Marie Claire … It’s an impressive scrapbook and all achieved without an enormous marketing budget.

IncredibleJourney

KEVIN WILSoN HITS THE roAD WITH ISLE oF WIgHT CAMPErVANS

CoMPANY ProFILE CoMPANY ProFILE

Continued on page 14

12 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight June 2012 17June 2012 13

If Sarah and Paul had paid for the column inches that have been written about them, it would add up to a six fi gure sum.

Sarah was also quick to off er free use of her vans to travel journalists visiting the Island. “They were here to write about the Isle of Wight, not about our company, but they

enjoyed the experience and it would pay off later when they told their colleagues, or gave us a mention,” she said.

“Persistence has been the key. Bit by bit, the word spread, and we have lost count of the number of articles that have been written about us. We have been on television, too. It seems to have captured the imagination of a lot of people, and it helped us reach our target market – the relatively affl uent young families in the Home Counties.

It can be a coming together of circumstances, or just an instinct, and when it happens in the world of business, the rest of us are left wondering: ‘why didn’t I think of that?’

It seems to have happened for Sarah guy, who had an inspired moment seven years ago when she and her husband Paul sold their car to buy a classic VW campervan, then set to work on a business plan.

Seven years down the road, Isle of Wight Campervans – based on the outskirts of Shanklin - is a regular in national media, attracts a large number of ABC1s to the Island, and is destined for further expansion.

But it wasn’t an overnight success.

Sarah, whose background is in fl oristry, and Paul – who owned a hairdressing business – wanted to start something new that would fi t in with raising children. Sarah was fi nishing a college course in reception and management, and felt it was time to make a change.

She spent around a year working out every detail of the new business, including insurance, maintenance and repair, changeover days, and promotion. And when she was fi nally satisfi ed, the fi rst hire took place.

Sarah said: “It is basically a very simple idea, but something inside me told me it would work. We could remember hiring a camper in Australia with nothing included at all. I just thought it would be perfect to provide all the essentials, make sure the vehicle was in top class condition, and then concentrate on giving everyone the best service possible, so the whole experience was positive.

“One of the key things was the quirkiness of it. People love the classic VW campers, and we just thought they would be the perfect partner for the quirky and beautiful Isle of Wight.”

Sarah and Paul certainly picked a winner. They now have 12 vehicles in the fl eet, and plan to increase that to 15 this year; are opening an online store and a shop in Ventnor, called At Sarah’s House; and are launching a range of merchandise. They also hope to build a new reception/offi ce, and are looking at options to establish a depot in Cowes to be nearer the ferry terminal.

Sometimes in life, you just know when something is right.

“We have done some paid for advertising, particularly on the Island, which was really good at getting our name known. We don’t advertise as much now, but we do have reciprocal arrangements with other Island tourism businesses, including campsites and activities.”

It’s all about building an image and targeting the right people, and the vans themselves are important players. They all have names and bright distinctive colours – Compton was the fi rst one they bought, and Oliver is coming up to his 40th birthday this year. Penelope, all in pink, is an increasingly popular choice.

Other members of the fl eet include Sir edmond, Primrose, ermintrude, Florence, Woodstock, Seaside and Sunny.

Isle of Wight Campervans was once asked to supply a vehicle for a funeral, but declined the off er.

“We have done some paid for advertising, particularly on the Island, which was really good at getting our name known. Sarah guy, Isle of Wight Campervans

CoMPANY ProFILE


The whole fl eet is usually booked out during the Isle of Wight Festival and Bestival, and the new V-Dub Festival has helped maintain levels of interest in this relaxed way of getting to know the Island.

The vehicles have long lives. They average only around 4,000 miles a year … after all, you don’t need to drive far to get round the whole Island.

They are maintained by two local mechanics, and on the rare occasions when anything goes wrong, Paul and Sarah keep a van in reserve that can be quickly delivered so customers can continue their holiday.

Sarah said: “We will drive out ourselves and help people if they need it. I remember someone phoning up to say their airbed had collapsed, so we drove round with a new one for them.

“The important thing is to deliver what you promise, and if there is a problem, fi nd a way to work it out.”

The formula isn’t magic, but the initial concept certainly seems to be. Sarah’s eye for style and attention to detail helped earn her a NatWest/everywoman award for business in a rural community last year. One of the prizes was the support of a public relations company which has opened up even more coverage in media including Countryfi le, Mail on Sunday, the guardian, Times, and Telegraph.

“The real secret seems to be the appeal of the lovely classic vans and the lovely Island environment,” said Sarah. “We know from feedback that people who come here from the London area love the fresh air and space and freedom this type of visit gives them. Our job is to give them a quality experience.

“It’s a whole Island thing, and we use Island suppliers for just about everything. That mutual support has been very important.

“Our season started in February this year, despite the awful weather, so now we’re hoping for a good summer.”

Coast magazine summed up the situation pretty well in an article two years ago: ‘The Isle of Wight and VW campervans go together like fi sh and chips.’

‘The Isle of Wight and VW campervans go together like fi sh & chips.’Coast Magazine, February 2010

June 2012 15

�e Courtyard, St. Cross Business Park, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5BF

Glanvilles are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA number 507970

01983 527878

WORRIED ABOUT INHERITANCE TAX?If you would like to minimise your potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) burden contact Claudia Roberts, Partner Solicitor and Chartered Tax Advisor at Glanvilles.

Claudia has a wealth of experience in helping her clients reduce their estate’s exposure to IHT to ensure they can pass on as much as possible to the next generation.

• Tax Planning

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Glanvilles provide a professional yet caring and sympathetic service to ensure our clients’ wishes for the future are met precisely. As part of this service, we are always pleased to liaise with any of our clients’ accountants, stockbrokers and financial advisors whenever it’s appropriate.

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Claudia Roberts Partner Solicitor and Chartered Tax Advisor

Glanvilles provide a professional yet caring and sympathetic service to ensure our clients’ wishes for the future are met precisely. As part of this service, we are always pleased to liaise with any of our clients’ accountants, stockbrokers and financial advisors whenever it’s

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legal services for individuals and businesses


Fit forPurpose

KEVIN WILSoN LIMBErS uP WITH A LooK AT THE HEALTH AND WELLBEINg SECTor

FEATurE

Keeping healthy in mind and body is high on the list of most people’s priorities, but does that necessarily make it a sound business proposition?

June 2012 17

FEATurE

“It’s no coincidence that the top uK companies have the most active commitment to the health and wellbeing of their employees...”Michael Holley, Clear Lantern

We took a vitamin supplement and set off round the Island to fi nd out …

Owen Burson, of Isle of Wight Adventure Activities, says business has never been better.

The company started life as a base for sea kayaking: Owen is also an inspector for the British Canoe union and runs coaching sessions.

He said: “We did off er other activities but our branding was all wrong. We changed things around last year, including a name change, to refl ect the fact that we off ered much more, and since then we have been rushed off our feet.”

The centre, at Freshwater Bay, off ers kayaking, as well as coasteering, archery, and – new this year – mountain boarding.

The centre attracts stag and hen parties, who particularly love coasteering: basically, clambering round the rocks and following the coastline at high tide. But, increasingly, adventures are attracting families.

Owen said: “It’s especially nice to see whole families doing activities together. People of all ages fi nd it challenging, but it can inspire and motivate. It makes people feel good mentally and physically.”

New recruit Aston Rose-Kirby joined the business on an apprenticeship through uKSA, and has introduced the new mountain boarding activity. He said the health and wellbeing sector was a rapidly changing world and it was important to keep up to date with the latest health and safety training, as well as maintaining skill levels.

“People like safe danger,” he said. “It’s our job to give people a great experience, but also to keep them safe, and it is great to see people getting such a rush. We only introduced mountain boarding a few weeks ago, and already it is becoming as popular as kayaking.”

Owen has worked in the outdoors since he was a boy in South Wales, and says he is now looking to recruit more staff to cope with demand.

He said: “Let’s face it, there can’t be many places better than the Isle of Wight to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Just down the road in Freshwater, West Wight Leisure Centre is a charity run on business principles.

Manager, Clare griffi n, said: “We are adding value all the time. This year alone, we have introduced seven new exercise classes, including the new Bokwa system. And because our gold members have free access to all of them, as well as the pool and gym, it has led to a 20 per cent increase in gold membership.

“We cater for all ages, and there is no sign of a reduction of interest in keeping fi t. It’s important for us that anyone can fi nd something to suit them, so at some times during the week we will have little children in one room doing an exercise class, and next door will be our easy Does It class for older people who can do their exercises while sitting down.

“People are always looking for new challenges, and new things to try, so we do have to keep an eye on the latest trends.”

The Centre is now working on a new fi ve year business plan, which will include proposals for enhanced catering facilities, an expanded range of activities, and more events.

Doreen Malcolm, of Shanklin Health Store, used to run a hotel in Ventnor and a tea room at Luccombe, with husband Ian, but she has always had an interest in health.

“This business has been here for around 25 years, and we bought it fi ve years ago,” she said.

One of the main pressures is keeping up to date with legislation, and trends in health. Recent legislation from europe has drastically

reduced the number of herbal remedies on off er, because of the requirement for each one to be licensed. That meant manufacturers had to pay a high fee for each product, and so those that weren’t such big sellers were dropped.

“Things like this make it quite diffi cult to keep pace,” said Doreen. “And the next piece of legislation is likely to place a limit on the strength of vitamin supplements, so we will have to keep an eye on that, too.

“Our stock is constantly changing to refl ect demand and interest, and we installed a computerised system recently to help us keep on top of that.

“At the moment, there seems to be a run on beetroot juice because research showed it was used to aid sports recovery, for example.

“There is a steady interest from customers in health, and a lot of awareness about what is available, so we have to be knowledgeable. It helps that we have staff here with more than 20 years’ experience, and I am certainly learning all the time!”

Doreen’s regular customers are supplemented by visitors in the holiday season.

She said: “The recession has aff ected us, and we have responded to that by seeking out bargains for people, as well as trying to make sure we source what people want.

“We shop around ourselves and it means we can off er products at very low prices. People are sometimes surprised to fi nd that we can stock it cheaper than national internet suppliers or High Street chain stores.”

Continued on page 18

Michael Holley, Clear Lantern

owen Burson, Isle of Wight Adventure Activities

Excercise classes at West Wight Leisure Centre

Fit forPurpose


Michael Holley, of Clear Lantern, worked as a global fi nance manager for a pharmaceutical company, and was travelling all over the world on business.

“It wasn’t very good for my health and stress levels!” he said. “But I was struck by the powerful eff ect of some of the training and development courses I attended. I studied and gained qualifi cations in my own time, then took the opportunity to leave after a company reorganisation.

“I set up Clear Lantern a year ago and moved to the Island, partly for the lifestyle and the environment.”

Now Michael off ers one to one coaching in areas such as boosting confi dence and stress management, as well as training courses in skills such as presentation and communication.

Neuro Linguistic Programming is one of the techniques he uses. He says it changed his life, and is convinced it can make a diff erence for everyone.

Michael said: “It’s no coincidence that the top uK companies have the most active commitment to the health and wellbeing of their employees and I’m hoping that some Island businesses might be interested in fi nding out what I can do to help.

Teri Smith, Isle of Wight Dance and Figure Skating Club

FEATurE

“Ice skating gives you good aerobic exercise, but it also teaches you posture, which helps boost confi dence, and it’s a social activity, too, so you meet people.”Teri Smith, Isle of Wight Dance and Figure Skating Club

June 2012 19

For example, people working in the tourism sector know the importance of always projecting a positive image and delivering good customer service, and the techniques I use would be very useful.

“It’s not an easy time to be starting a new business, so it is a real marketing challenge.

I have taken space at Cowes Chiropractic Clinic and that has proved a good way of getting introduced to possible clients. I have also joined the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce because it off ers such good networking opportunities.

“The impact of personal development and mind training is well known in sport, and I want to bring the same benefi ts to people in business – whether that is a management team, or a group of employees, or a small business.”

And while we’re on the subject of sport, the Island is home to the smallest ice skating club in the country.

Terri Smith, Head Coach for the Isle of Wight Ice Dance and Figure Skating Club, based at Ryde Arena, has travelled the world as a professional stage skater and is a passionate advocate of its health benefi ts.

Formed in 1993, the club has around 100 members and the ice rink is 44 metres by 22 – as compared with competition rinks which measure 60 x 30. even so, its synchronised skating team is ranked 15th in the world, and some of its fi gure skating members are in with a chance of making the national team this year.

Terri said: “We cater for people of all ages and levels of ability, and we fi nd that there are many benefi ts. Ice skating gives you good aerobic exercise, but it also teaches you posture, which helps boost confi dence, and it’s a social activity, too, so you meet people.

“We’d like to see more businesses booking team sessions here at the Arena: it’s a great way of building team spirit, and it’s the sort of activity that enables people to feel a real sense of achievement.

“We’ve noticed an increase in the number of adults who want to give it a go, and it’s defi nitely never too late to learn. Part of the appeal is that it can be done as entertainment, as a technical sport, or as part of a team, and there is an artistic side to it through moving to music.”

Mountain Boarding

at the Heart of the Community

Health and Fit

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www.westwight.co.ukWest Wight Sports Centre, Moa Place, Freshwater, PO40 9XH

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01983 752168

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“We refuse to recognise recession. It is all about being positive and responding to change.”Debbie Bates, Pertemps

June 2012 21

SPoTLIgHT


SPoTLIgHT

Sometimes it’s as simple as being in the right market, but those that are doing well also seem to believe that there is more to it than getting lucky. They believe there are a few basics to get right if you want to buck the trend.

The key for Bob Stewart of ITg is not to keep all eggs in one basket.

The business is split between equipping the Island with the latest technology – phone systems, cabling, IP connectivity – and working internationally for the cruise industry and the super-rich who want the best for their homes and yachts.

Bob set up the company 25 years ago. He qualifi ed in electronics after losing his job in the printing industry, and has experienced steady growth ever since.

He said: “We have never suff ered during recessions: the cruise business seems to keep on expanding, and we also have public sector contracts.

“But it’s also been about building a reputation for honesty, reliability and expertise. Word of mouth is a very powerful medium, and while it obviously is very important on the Island, it is also relevant across most industry sectors.

“So we try to combine the old fashioned virtues of quality local service with partnerships with some world leading technology companies, and strategic partnerships. For example, we have partnered with a Midlands-based organisation which will lead to signifi cant growth in that region, and the opening of a new technical base in Worcestershire.”

The night before our interview, Bob got a phone call confi rming a new contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises for phone system supply and maintenance, worth an estimated £500,000 a year.

ITg is also working on fi tting out the new cruise liner Horizon for Spanish company Pullmantur Cruises, and has just installed a cabling system in a £40 million villa complex in Sardinia.

Bucking the Trend

KEVIN WILSoN MEETS A FEW BuSINESSES WHo APPEAr To BE BEATINg THE rECESSIoN

They say that every recession breeds some winners and some losers.

By carefully growing in all sectors, ITg are not only protected from the worst eff ects of recession, but are able to turn global wealth and investment into secure jobs for Islanders and to plan for the future.

Debbie Bates, Senior Consultant at recruitment agency Pertemps said activity in 2012 had been the best since the offi ce opened 12 years ago.

She pointed to a 70 per cent increase in placements in the engineering and industrial sector as evidence that the Island economy is on the up. Consultant Phill gray said the branch had also recently signed a sole agency agreement with a large Island business which is looking to recruit on a large scale.

Debbie said: “We refuse to recognise recession. It is all about being positive and responding to change. People looking for work need to be fl exible, but businesses do, too, and we have improved our off er to clients to make sure we off er value for money without sacrifi cing levels of service.

“There are opportunities out there, and our approach is to get to know our potential candidates and their strengths, help them to develop, and then work closely with client companies so we can make the perfect match.

“Recruitment is a competitive business, but we have built our reputation over the years and we fi nd that our clients stay with us.”

Pertemps is a national company, and Barry Moorman, Director, said there had been no evidence of a recession for the last two years. “We have had our best two years since the company was founded 50 years ago,” he said. “We’re not talking about recession. There are too many negative headlines. Of course, some businesses are suff ering, but it is defi nitely not as bad as the headlines seem to be suggesting.

“Quality is the key for any business, but especially for those facing diffi cult times, says Saskia Taylor, of Crocker Lettings.

“The slump in house sales meant that many estate agents moved into lettings,” she said. “And that added up to a lot more competition, especially last year. But our approach was not to simply cut prices. We charge the right price that means we can maintain high levels of service that we believe set us apart.”

Saskia – who was born in the Netherlands and worked in South Africa, helping to set up the Durban Dolphin area – moved to the Island 30 years ago and got involved in the property market when Peter Crocker retired and sold off his estate agency and lettings businesses in two chunks around eight years ago. She became equal partner in the lettings business within a year, and now, with a sleeping partner, is running the company.

Since then, the number of properties on the books has quadrupled, and Saskia says it is all down to word of mouth.

“We have built a reputation based on the service we off er both to tenants and landlords,” she said. “We do not set out to be cheap, but we do work on a one to one basis and have the fl exibility to off er bespoke packages.

“Our philosophy is to be open. We keep our clients informed, and we show people respect. Professionalism is so important, but in the end, the really important thing is to do what you say you will do. If you don’t, you will lose business. It’s also good to remember that we all make mistakes, and to be prepared to own up to them and off er a solution.”

Crocker Lettings has a team of fi ve people, with two associates, and Saskia plans to keep growing year on year.

“Last year was more challenging for us,” she said. “There was a lot more competition, but I welcome it. It keeps you on your toes and I am pleased to say that we still managed to grow.”

Phil gray, Debbie Bates and Barry Moorman, Pertemps

Mike Ellison, Essential Signs and print

Bob Stewart, ITg

Saskia Taylor, Crocker Lettings

June 2012 21June 2012 23

CHAMBEr NEWS

Membership on discTHE ISLAND CHAMBEr oF CoMMErCE HAS rESPoNDED To MASSIVE INCrEASES IN THE CoST oF PoSTAgE BY ProDuCINg ITS MEMBErSHIP PACK oN CD.

The Chamber sends out around 1,000 packs a year to new members and those renewing membership.

The cost of posting the traditional printed version of the pack went up dramatically after this year’s increase in postal charges.

Producing it on CD not only means a saving of 45 pence every time, it also means that more useful information can be included.

Kerstine Andrews, Membership Offi cer of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, said: “We’re now including a copy of the Chamber logo for members to use, and an up to date copy of our member to member discount scheme, along with all the other information about benefi ts and services and how to access them.

“We took the increase in postal costs as an opportunity to make savings in our printing costs too, but also to improve the service we provide to our customers, and we are urging all Island businesses to consider doing the same.”


Member Benefi tSaving money and thinking smarter is always a good idea, and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry believes it has just about the best off ers available to help any business.Money-saving benefi ts available to the growing list of Island businesses that have signed up to membership include:

Free Legal Advice Line: Chamber Advice Line is a free 24-hour telephone advice service, available every day of the year.

Free Legal expenses Insurance: Free Chamber Legal expenses Insurance includes £50,000-worth of indemnity cover.

Legal expenses Insurance enhanced Cover: This Policy can be purchased and covers areas such as restrictive covenants, debt recovery and contractual disputes. The excess applicable under the free membership benefi t is automatically waived as well.

Discounts on Tourism Marketing Publications: Chamber tourism members will receive discounts on advertising in tourism guides produced by the Chamber of Commerce and also on the Chamber’s tourism website www.gowight.com

Debit and Credit Card reduced processing rates: The Chamber has negotiated competitive terms with Lloyds TSB Cardnet for processing payments via Debit and Credit Cards, which includes a dedicated corporate account support team.

Business to Business Member Discount Scheme: A scheme off ered by fellow members, giving discounts on business related activities including van hire, website design, security services, Island travel discounts, and more.

Chamber Connect: Chamber Connect is available to all members and allows access to a wide range of discounts and cost saving services across the Accredited Chamber Network. You are also entitled to the discounts secured by the British Chamber of Commerce: Connection across the Chamber Network: discounted access to executive lounges at uK and International Airports; discounted Priority Pass Membership for access to 450 executive Lounges around the world; discounted rates on award winning Corporate events and Hospitality. More details at www.chamberconnect.info

Associate Membership of Tourism South east: Isle of Wight Tourism Chamber members receive a 20 per cent discount off membership fees.

email Marketing Programme: An easy and eff ective way to get messages out to customers, clients or members, using high-impact emails.

For more information about all the benefi ts and services provided by the Island’s Chamber, contact [email protected]

58 Dodnor LaneNewportIsle of WightUnited KingdomPO30 5XDT +44 (0) 1983 533033F +44 (0) 1983 533034E [email protected] www.itgrp.co.uk

the leading island provider ofcommunication technologies for 25 years.

Fully accredited main dealers for NEC, Panasonic, Shoretel & IPCortex.

Providers of cutting edge connectivity including telephone lines,broadband, SIP Trunks, EFM and Leased Lines.

Expert structured cablers fully certified in ADC Krone, Nexans,Hellermann Tyton, Excel and advanced Fibre Optics.

Seven island-based engineers providing unmatched installations,rapid technical support and maintenance for all telephone systems.

Leading island provider of hotel hospitality PBX systems from NECand Shoretel.

Local clients include: Isle of Wight Schools and College, Isle of Wight NHS,Isle of Wight Council, Waitrose, Gurit, GKN, Doctors surgeries, local yachtclubs and many local businesses.

National clients include: P&O, Cunard, Carnival UK, Princess Cruises,Royal Carribean Cruises, BP, and many others.

STD BOARD 130x185mm 20725 IOW>MH>18.04.12

Isle Book ItVictoria Sutton

Activity and Leisure Services

01983 756487

[email protected]

raggy-Tag LtdTori Trimming

Retail

01983 612054

[email protected]

www.raggy-tag.com

AWI Business Centre, Cothey Way, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 1QT

Manufacturer, distributor and retailer of baby comfort blankets and related products.

Wight Wedding DaysKatie Radburn

Retail

07985 316817

[email protected]

www.wightweddingdays.co.uk

Wight Wedding Days aims to provide a comprehensive online directory of the wedding industry products and services available on the Isle of Wight. We want to showcase Island businesses and make it easier for brides and grooms to organise their wedding day. Wight Wedding Days also aims to inspire and keep you informed of current wedding trends.

LoveCoffeeAbi Chiverton

Cafe/Bar

01983 532082

[email protected]

www.lovecoffeeuk.com

115 Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 1XA

Coffee bar

Blanket coverageTori Trimming’s new baby was the inspiration behind a business that has now gone global.Tori designs and makes comfort blankets that are so good, even adults want them.

The business began eight years ago when Tori had a comfort blanket made for her

baby daughter, and the idea quickly caught on. After around two years research and planning, Raggy Tags was born.

A few years later, Tori and her family moved to the Island, and she is now looking to work with more local businesses.

“The products are assembled by hand here,” she said. “Now I want to bring manufacturing here from the Midlands, but I need to find a local business that can handle the cutting process.”

Raggy Tag products use only Liberty fabrics, and Tori says they are much in demand from smaller, high end independent shops all over the world.

“We are the only company that manufactures everything in the uK,” she said. “And we find that our customers appreciate that. every single product is rigorously tested, too, so we exceed all the safety standards required of baby products.

“Adults buy them for babies, of course,” she said. “But many adults also collect them because they love the fabrics. We had one request to produce a horse blanket, but I don’t think we want to move into that market just yet!

“Our focus is to keep extending the range for babies. We now produce gift sets with bonnets and bootees, and we have introduced larger blankets and teddy bears, too. We find that lots of children still have their Raggy Tag – many like to keep them because they are soft and tactile, as well as being aesthetically appealing.

“The business has grown organically, and we love living and working on the Island. We joined the Chamber of Commerce as part of our commitment to the Isle of Wight, and also because we want to connect with more local businesses.”

Raggy Tags makes around 25,000 items every year, and Tori says future plans may include a new range of baby clothes.

For more information, go to www.raggy-tag.com

New Members

Isle of Wight FoodbankHannah King

Charities and Charity Shops

01983 292040

[email protected]

www.theisleofwightfoodbank.com

Somerton Business Park, Newport Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8PB

Local people helping local people in crisis.

The Isle of Wight Foodbank launched its first Distribution Centre in July. Since opening our doors we have distributed just over 12 tonnes of food to people in crisis here on the Island, none of which would be possible without the continued support of churches on the Island and other loyal supporters.

The Esplanade HotelKevin Thornton

Accommodation

01983 863001

[email protected]

www.esplanadeshanklin.co.uk

33 The esplanade, Shanklin, Isle of Wight. PO37 6Bg

The esplanade Hotel in Shanklin is a beautifully appointed, family owned and managed beachside hotel, with fabulous panoramic views across Sandown Bay. We have an excellent reputation for a friendly atmosphere, great service and quality fresh food.

The esplanade Hotel is superbly situated on the beach in the ever popular resort of Shanklin, and is a fabulous location for Isle of Wight holidays or short breaks. While we are merely a few steps from the sandy beach, the Hotel also provides a central base for the many fine coastal and countryside walks that are available in the area. We are conveniently located close to the picturesque Shanklin Old Village, which is just a few minutes’ walk, and we are within 20 minutes’ drive to the best of the Islands theme parks and attractions.

IF Mackinnon & Co. LLPIain Mackinnon

Financial services

01983 282925

[email protected]

www.ifmackinnon.co.uk

Ardmair House, 2 union Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 7TP

Merchant Banking and Corporate Finance

Contact Kerstine to find out more about Chamber membership: [email protected]

June 2012 25

Precious CargoPenni Frankling

Retail

01983 562233

[email protected]

20 Mayfield Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 3PR

Baby shop selling prams, pushchairs, highchairs, cots, clothes, car seats, bath, gifts etc.

Powered NowBenjamin Dyer

Business services

07595 301468

[email protected]

www.powerednow.com

7 Britannia Way, east Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO32 6eg

Powered Now is a technology product company focused around small business billing and invoicing. Our innovative new platform enables SMes reduce business administration, improve operational efficiency, look professional and most importantly get paid faster.

IslandersSeason

Ticket £5

Open Daily 10am March - OctoberAdult £3.75 Child £2.75 Senior £3.50 Family (2+3) £12

High Street, Godshill, PO38 3HH, Tel: 01983 840270www.modelvillagegodshill.co.uk

Small world,big adventureat the Model Village and Gardens

• Lovingly reproduced1/10th scale models of Godshill, Shanklin and more.

• Nearly two acres of themost intricate landscapedgardens on the Island,with over 3000 carefullytended varieties of treesand shrubs.

• The Nammet Hutprovides refreshment onfine days, with hot andcold drinks, cakes andcream teas.

• Free re-entry to theattraction valid for a week.

• Old Vicarage Shopoffering a wide range of great value gifts forchildren and adults alike.

• Picnic area giving an opportunity tostretch out on thegrass and enjoy the atmosphere (just ask for a rug!)

MUST SEE

ATTRACTION

Celebrating 60 Years

1952 - 2012

Celebrating 60 Years

1952 - 2012

Shanklin Chine and Old Village in miniature

The wonder of daily life in every detail

Model Village Entrance & Old Vicarage Shop

The Model Village Island Business Ad_Layout 1 23/05/2012 14:53 Page 1

Events7 JuneHigh Five Chamber NetworkingThe Eight Bells, Carisbrooke.

From 5pm

Come and win business with us!

The new latest Chamber of Commerce Networking event for 2012.

every other month, we will be holding a relaxed and informal after work networking evening, enabling you to meet with many other businesses.

Just turn up from 5.00pm – no booking required.

We look forward to meeting you there!

26 JuneEmployment Law EventChamber of Commerce Board room, Newport.

9.30am – 12pm

As you prepare for the economic growth, now is the time to meet our experts who will guide you through staff management issues.

Free to Members

6 JulyBusiness Breakfast MeetingThe William Coppin, Newport.

7.30am – 9am

An excellent networking opportunity to meet and present your business to other members while enjoying a full english breakfast.

Places limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

£5.00 per person

2 AugustHigh Five Chamber NetworkingThe Eight Bells, Carisbrooke.

From 5pm

Come and win business with us!

The new latest Chamber of Commerce Networking event for 2012.

every other month, we will be holding a relaxed and informal after work networking evening, enabling you to meet with many other businesses.

Just turn up from 5.00pm – no booking required. We look forward to meeting you there!

7 SeptemberBusiness Breakfast MeetingThe William Coppin, Newport.

7.30am – 9am

An excellent networking opportunity to meet and present your business to other members while enjoying a full english breakfast.

Places limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

£5.00 per person

21 September2012 Charity golf Challengeosborne golf Club, East Cowes

In aid of the earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Play a round of 18 hole golf

Teams of 2 - £65 + vat per team

First Tee off at 1.00pm

Dinner and Presentations 7.30pm

Charity Raffl e

If you would like to take part please contact the Chamber offi ce on 01983 520777 or email chamber@[email protected]

23 OctoberChamber Laser QuestJr Zone, Manners View, Newport

6.30pm – 9.30pm

The only indoor laser gun arena on the Island.

Come and enjoy a fun way to network by competing in this laser quest.

Interactive laser gun wars in a massive 3 level arena with smoke and special eff ects.

Places will be limited so booking essential!

Price includes a fi nger buff et.

£6.00 per person

June 2012 27

Call for more export supportA British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey shows that smaller fi rms need more support to trade with high-growth markets.

The survey of more than 8,000 businesses suggests that uK exports are held back by a focus on traditional or mature markets at the expense of larger, faster-growing economies.

The eu remains the most popular destination for exports. When asked where they export to, 88 per cent of respondents sell their products or services to the eu. This compares to 47 per cent of businesses that export to BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), and 55 per cent to other Asian and Middle-eastern markets such as Thailand and Saudi Arabia.

However, while nearly three-quarters of large fi rms trade with BRIC countries, only a third of micro fi rms do business in these fast-growing markets.

The survey also asked exporters where they see the greatest opportunities for growth in the next twelve months. Two-thirds of large exporters see the BRIC economies as providing the most export growth, but this falls to around half among medium-sized fi rms, and a third of micros. More smaller businesses believed that the eu off ers the greatest opportunities for export growth.

The results showed businesses that belong to an international group or supply chain are 50 per cent more likely to see growth opportunities in the fastest-growing, emerging economies, than those that don’t. The transport, manufacturing and education sectors are the most enthusiastic about opportunities for growth in developing economies.

export sales among uK fi rms are hindered by several barriers, from languages and cultural diff erences to overseas public sector procurement rules. Overall, regulation and export tariff s top the list of barriers for exporters.


solutions for sustainable building from our professional and experienced team delivering best value to customers at all times

128 Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1JW | Tel: 01983 539730 | Email: [email protected] | www.ermc-ltd.co.uk

Sustainable Initiatives and Whole Life CostingEnergy E�cient DesignProtection of BiodiversityResponsible Material SelectionMaintenance Consideration

Intrinsic Sustainable DesignEnergy Assessment Services - Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM Assessors / Energy Performance and Domestic Energy Certi�catesSustainable Community DesignSupporting Eco-Island

O�ces in: Newport, I.W. • Alton, Hants. • Southwark, London • Exeter, Devon

For professional advice please contact:

CHRIS CHATWINMCIAT AssocRICSMaPS - Director

SARAH EDWARDSDipSurv MRICS FRSAMaPS - Director

RICHARD MAZILLIUSMCIAT - Director

DANNY STIMSONAssocRICS RMaPS - Director

Check our online calendar at www.iwchamber.co.uk for details of all business events.

IslandActionSIMoN DABELL INTroDuCES THE MEMBErS oF THE NEW TourISM ADVISorY BoArD.


Island Business wants to hear from you if you have a story to tell. Send a message to [email protected]

www.facebook.com/islandbusinessmagazine

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry has recently reviewed the way it gives a voice to its tourism members and the wider industry. This has resulted in the newly formed Tourism Advisory Board.

Members of the group will be able to feed directly into the new Destination Management Organisation and make sure that they can represent the various views of the tourism industry to help develop both the Island’s annual marketing, as well as encourage businesses across the sector to improve customer service, and invest in staff and product development.

Communication will be paramount and to that end, plans are being made to hold short meetings for each sector before and after each season, as well as regular email contact between the Chamber and their members.

Matters already being dealt with include the Island’s sunshine record publicity, the new Residents’ Festival, self-catering rubbish collection challenges, the pros and cons of extending the uK coastal path designation to the Island and continuing to look at ways to extend the holiday season with special events.

It was agreed to invite the Cross Solent transport company representatives to attend on a regular basis as well as aim to have regular discussions with the soon to be appointed Marketing Manager for the DMO.

Simon Dabell continues to chair this revised representative group, and David groocock will also attend in his role as Chamber Director and president-elect.

The following people have volunteered to act as their sector representatives and will be attending regular meetings to be held throughout the year.

Chairman Simon Dabell

Vice Chairman David groocock

Serviced Accommodation – large Chris Quirk Orchardcroft Hotel [email protected] 01983 862133

Serviced Accommodation – small Sally Beston Snowdon House [email protected] 01983 862853

Self-Catering Accommodation Mark Curtis Wight locations [email protected]

IW Self-Catering Association John Allen [email protected]

Holiday Parks Phil De Beer Park Resorts Ltd [email protected]

Caravans Peter Adams Waverley Park [email protected] 01983 293452

Attractions Del Curtis Amazon World [email protected]

Leisure Activities/Education activities Rob Ashley PgL IW [email protected]

Tourism retail & catering Wayne Whittle Matrix Retail Ltd [email protected] 07768118766

Niche Tourism Helen Cunningham Vintage Vacations [email protected] 07802 758113

other Peter Colling Tourism Se [email protected] 023 8062 5450



,

10K£25

TH

JULY


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