Issue13

NEW BUSINESSMATTERSY o u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s t o b u s i n e s s j o u r n a l

BUSINESS TIPS AND ADVICE!Issue 13/2011 February/March

Points of interest in this Issue:• New Advertising & Marketing Packages for 2011 (IFC)

• FREE Landlord Seminar 6.30pm Thurs 10th March (p10)

• FREE Business Health Check for NBM Readers (p16)

• Save Money & Improve Efficiency with Mobile VoIP (p19)

• It’s time to join the Apprenticeship Programme! (p20)

• Gourmet 3 Course Meal & Wine in aid of Charity (p20)

New Business Matters is pleased to announce that we are now an Official Event Partner of Business Scene for their South Coast Connection Events. As such we are not

holding our Open Exhibitions anymore and instead we will be supporting their events, which we anticipate will amount to five during 2011.

We would love your support at these exhibitions, which promise to be a great opportunity for all involved, with an expected capacity audience of around 150 local business people each time. They cost between £12 and £18 to attend, but this includes a welcome drink and a finger food buffet, along with a guest speaker.

We will of course be holding six of our own FREE Networking Parties on Wednesday evenings throughout the year at the Village Hotel, Wessex Fields, Deansleigh Road, Bournemouth, BH7 7DZ, starting as normal at 6.30pm and finishing by 9pm.

New Advertising and Marketing Packages for 2011

If you are looking for a platform to PROMOTE your service or product to business people within the local conurbation of Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and surrounding towns, then you should look no further than New Business Matters who can give you…

• exclusive rights allowing you to be the only company of your trade or profession in the magazine.

• great coverage with over 3000 local companies receiving this bi-monthly journal.

• further exposure to over 6000 companies is gained through our email marketing campaign.

• six FREE and exclusive Networking Parties, helping you to build useful contacts.

• an advert on our website, with a direct link to your website, including 50 words & your logo.

• Advertising Packages from £44.00 and Marketing Packages from £85.75 per month plus VAT.

New Exhibition and Networking Events for 2011

Please contact New Business Matters if you would like to:

• Obtain prices on one of our Advertising & Marketing Packages

• Visit/Exhibit at a Business Scene Exhibition/Networking Event

• Obtain a Personal Invitation to our FREE Networking Parties

Send email to: [email protected] or call 01202 233580

Editor’s NoteAre you standing in the middle of a business and communication puzzle? We can communicate with our customers in every part of the world at any time of the day or night, by means of our Office Computer, Laptop, Mobile Phone or iPad, but is this an advantage or a disadvantage? I know I could not run my business without my Office Computer and my

Blackberry, but I do sometimes get confused over the need to make ourselves available to all and sundry 24 hours per day.

We all need our own time to relax away from our customers, without the hassle of the problems that arise during our busy days and it is not easy to fit all the jigsaw pieces together in order that you can keep a happy balance between work and home life. We make ourselves accessible every hour of the day through the communication devices we have purchased as we believe this is the only way we can be better than our competitors.

There are many ways to communicate this message to your customers and I understand the philosophy of making sure you provide the best service possible, but if you are having trouble with finding time in your hectic lifestyle to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together then perhaps you need to speak with a Time Management Consultant?

Please note we are also here to offer Business Tips and Advice through our ‘business to business journal’ and if you are wanting some ‘new business’ then you should take a close look at our new lower rate Advertising Packages as well as our excellent Marketing Packages, which have added features and advantages such as an email marketing campaign, so please do get in touch for an informal no obligation chat.

Kind regards

Peter Westwood

NEW BUSINESS MATTERS February/March

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com Page 1

ContentsIFC NBM PROMOTION

02 ACCOMMOdATION

03 CLEANING SPECIALIST

04 EVENTS & PARTIES

05 FAMILy LAW

06 FITNESS & LEISuRE

07 INTERNET MARkETING

08 INVESTMENT SERVICES

09 IT PROduCTS & SERVICES

10 LETTINGS & LANdLORdS

11 NEWS & PHOTOGRAPHy

13 PRINT ANd dESIGN

14 BuSINESS PLANNING

15 RAdIO AdVERTISING

16 CORPORATE RECOVERy

17 SIGNS & dISPLAyS

19 VOICE & dATA

20 APPRENTICESHIP’S

20 HOW TO TASTE WINE

IBC FSB SERVICES

You can be the only company of your trade or profession represented in this local

business to business journal.

For details on the ‘marketing packages’ available, please contact: Peter Westwood on 01202 233580

or email [email protected]

New Business Matters uk LtdSpacemaker House, 518 Wallisdown Road

Bournemouth, dorset BH11 8PTTel: 01202 233580

ACCoMMoDATIoN MATTERS February/March

Page 2 To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

Are you looking for simply somewhere to rest your head or are you looking for more!!!!

Booking accommodation whether for personal or business use can be a mine

field, as rates are constantly fluctuating.

As mentioned in earlier editions, Hotel rates vary on supply and demand, if business is good the prices are kept close to full rate, and if it is not so good the price becomes discounted, especially with our seaside location here in Bournemouth.

Businesses that have regular guests or a workforce which require regular accommodation, it is worth considering all your options for setting up a ‘Corporate Rate’ with a local Hotel.

This will ensure continuity and can be either subject to availability or agreed last room availability rate which will guarantee the rate Monday to Friday. You may pay a slightly higher rate for this, but you have the security of knowing that you will pay the same rate, irrespective of the time of year. The rates will reflect the facilities available at the Hotel.

When negotiating you should have the following information to hand:-

- How many room nights a year do you think you will require?

- Will you use more than one hotel – to give customers/staff choice?

- Budget – what are you happy to pay?

- Do you require a room only, bed and breakfast or dinner, bed and breakfast rate?

- Is location important to you?

- Facilities – do you require double for single occupancy, en-suite bathrooms or shower rooms, Wi-Fi, gym facilities?

- Car parking – must be included in rate?

- Breakfast – full English or Continental?

- FREE Wi-Fi essential?

If you are not in a position to set up ‘Corporate Rates’ you might consider booking on the various booking sites such as laterooms.com, booking.com or lastminute.com and many more where you will be able to compare availability, price and facilities at the touch of a button.

Sleeping in Style or Just Somewhere To Rest Your Head? By Rachel Smith, Sales Manager, Village Hotel Bournemouth

Village Bournemouth offers more than just a room, the rates include full use of our extensive leisure facilities, FREE Wi-Fi throughout the Hotel, car parking and full air-conditioned bedrooms, with three branded food outlets plus room service. For further information, please contact me on 01202 416107 or email [email protected]


ClEANINg MATTERS February/March

01202 [email protected]

• Windows

• Floors

• Laundry & Dry Cleaning

• Signs & Facias

• Carpets & Upholstery

• Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies

CLEANforceSupport Services Ltd

COMMERCIAL CLEANING CONTRACTORSOFFICES - LEISURE - RETAIL

CLEANforceSupport Services Ltd

300 Wimborne Road Winton Banks Bournemouth BH9 2HN

Do you need a little “specialist” cleaning?

By Paul Gowing, MD of Cleanforce Ltd

Specialist cleaning services are an essential factor for every healthy business, whether its contract cleaning for commercial or retail

premises, one off deep cleaning; floor restoration & cleaning with ongoing maintenance programs or high level window cleaning, we all need a little ‘specialist’ cleaning now and again, but who do you turn to for these services?

Ideally you should look for a local organically grown company that have the expertise to meet all your cleaning needs. Someone who will work in partnership with you and who has experience in the leisure and sports industry, retail outlets, car showrooms schools, restaurants and office premises where high standards are essential.

But where do you find someone who can provide excellent service that is delivered to all clients

however large or small? Well look no further because at Cleanforce our professional integrity means everything to us and this has enabled us to retain contracts locally over the last 11 years.

By providing in-house training, to ensure your criteria are met on every occasion, we are also able to employ and retain the best operatives, to ensure your expectations are exceeded.

Various packages are available, irrespective of the size of your organisation or your budget and we are pleased to offer all customers a FREE Initial Consultation, without obligation and at short notice where possible.

don’t delay, clean the Cleanforce way. For all enquiries contact Managing director Paul Gowing on 01202 516655 or email; [email protected]


EVENT MATTERS February/March

Email [email protected] Web www.queenshotelbournemouth.comThe Queens Hotel and Spa Meyrick Road Bournemouth Dorset BH1 3DL

Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810

• Christmas Party Package • Outstanding Food and Service • Competitive Delegate Rates • Free Upgrade to Premium Package • Three Large Conference / Function Suites • Wi-Fi Internet • New Luxury Lounge and Spa

We have everything that you need for the perfect event…

Day Delegates from £29.50Accommodation from £37.50

Christmas Parties from £15.95

Queens HotelThe

B O U R N E M O U T H

and Spa

The Queens Hotel and Spa

Media name: ARTWORK Size: Half page 186x132 (129 x 176 mm) Order number: 2702413/1Filename: Gordon Hotels L - No Order 2

Client name: Gordon Hotels Limited Insertion date: Tuesday, 17 Aug 10 Colour type: CMYKPlacement ID: 400368

APPROVAL DEADLINE: Friday, 13 Aug 10, 1:00pmPROOF FOR APPROVALA4 single page PDF The artwork on this page has been scaled to fit proportionally on the page. This artwork is the property of Artavia Advertising, and must not be reproduced without our permission.


Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





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Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





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Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





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Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





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Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





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and Spa






Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





Queens HotelThe


and Spa






Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





Queens HotelThe


and Spa






Contact us T: 01202 554415 F: 01202 294810





Queens HotelThe


and Spa





FAMIly lAW MATTERS February/March


Probate, Wills & Powers of Attorney|Divorce/Family Law|

Commercial Matters|Employment Advice|

Court Representation|Accident Claims|Moving Home|

Parking Available

When a marriage breaks down or a relationship comes to an end, you need to know the inevitable problems will be resolved in a fair and acceptable manner.

At Dickinson Manser, we have an experienced team of specialists who can give you expert advice on every aspect of family law and relationship breakdown, including

• divorce

• children

• financial settlement

• non-marital property

• high value and substantial assets

• civil partnerships

• public funding available

Please contact us at either office for an initial discussion.

Who can you count on when relationships end?

BROADSTONE – 221 The Broadway – 01202 692308

POOLE – 5 Parkstone Road – 01202 673071

www.dickinsonmanser.co.uk

The decision of the uk Supreme Court recently to uphold a Pre-Nuptial Agreement (PNA) in the Radmacher case has led to

considerable media comment and debate.

Katrin Radmacher is a wealthy German heiress who sought to protect her family wealth by a Pre-Nuptial Agreement (PNA) after her 10 year marriage broke down. The PNA was however largely ignored by the High Court which awarded her husband, Mr Granatino, over £5 million.

Ms Radmacher successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal, on the basis that in both France and Germany PNA’s are standard practice and the Court did not wish the English jurisdiction to be out of line with other European countries and the US.

Mr Granatino unsuccessfully appealed to the

Supreme Court which held as a general principle that PNA’s should be given “decisive weight”.

If a couple about to marry, disclose their assets, construct a clear and unambiguous agreement, then take time to consider their position and take legal advice, then a PNA is now likely to be upheld in subsequent divorce proceedings.

For those anxious to preserve inherited wealth and for divorced or widowed individuals with wealth accumulated over a lifetime now contemplating marriage in senior years, a PNA might be sensible.

If you think that a PNA is worth considering in your particular case, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of our Family Law team on 01202 673071 or [email protected] for a no obligation discussion.

PRE-NuPS – JuST HOW uNROMANTIC CAN yOu GET?

By Richard Killer, Family Partner, Dickinson Manser LLP Solicitors, Poole

FITNESS MATTERS February/March


Having narrowly escaped the Christmas bulge and wrestled with our New Years resolutions, we must conquer a fresh set of challenges;

namely Pancake Day and the inevitable sales assault of Saint Valentine. At this time, perhaps it is only right to subtly highlight the inherent dangers of over-indulgence, the associated disease states we surely wish to avoid, whilst of course offering tips to achieve a beach body you can be proud of.

Calorie Balance

There exists a plethora of myths regarding what you can and cannot eat, and even how to miraculously eat yourself skinny. However, weight gain is generically simple, representing the outcome of a positive energy balance; whereby the caloric intake of an individual outweighs their expenditure. Exercise is the cornerstone of weight loss programs; it represents the simplest means to offset such a balance.

Control

Food is now so readily available and designed to appeal to all of the senses that it might seem impossible to control your desires. Next time you are tempted, consider: obesity is the primary non-metabolic risk factor for Type II Diabetes. By over-indulging, you increase your risk of disease states. Through maintaining a balanced diet however, one can avoid such predisposition.

Timing

The time we choose to exercise and eat has a considerable impact on our body. Low intensity aerobic exercise performed in the morning (prior to breaking your fast) allows us to burn a greater amount of fat. In addition, eating little and often keeps your metabolic furnace burning, improving your fat burning power at rest. Since tomorrow never really comes, why not consider these modest changes to your lifestyle and start your tomorrow today?

Exercise, Nutrition & disease Prevention

By Robert Fordham M.Sc, B.Sc (Hons)

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alth and fitnes

s

With fitness classes, training advice and fun clubs all built around you, Perfect Fit is the perfect way to achieve your goals more quickly - and get more out of life!

Join and receive £100 worth of VILLAGE vouchers

Call 0844 847 2972for more information orvisit us at VILLAGE hotel Bournemouth,�Wessex Fields,� Deansleigh Road,� Bournemouth BH7 7DZ

Terms and conditions apply.� See www.�village-hotels.�co.�uk/promo_terms

G00113_Brnmth_Acqustn_150x205Ad.indd 1 16/12/2010 14:58

INTERNET MATTERS February/March


Although there is continuing uncertainty

about the UK economy, one sector continues to grow ahead of all expectations.

Whilst High Street retailers suffered

lower growth because of the bad weather in December, online retailers saw an increase in sales of 25%. Offline sales grew just 2% by comparison.

Boxing Day was the busiest online shopping day of 2010, and UK online shoppers even spent over £150m on Christmas Day!

Online sales grew 18% in 2010 against a prediction of 13%. This growth is expected to continue throughout 2011. Retailers who do not already sell online would do well to build an online shop this year to take advantage of this growth.

With more and more people doing business online, all businesses can benefit from higher growth by improving their online marketing. The return on investment in Internet Marketing is higher than any other form of marketing.

Watch out for the next issue of New Business Matters for top tips on “spring cleaning” your Internet Marketing.

To read more about online retail results in 2010, please visit www.belmont.uk.com/online-shopping.

How to Achieve double-digit Growth in 2011

By Murray Cowell, Belmont Internet Marketing

Investors were treated to a Santa Claus Rally – which peaked on the first day’s trading after Christmas with a high of 6021.46 for the FTSE 100. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to finish the year-end above that psychologically important 6,000 level. However, at the beginning of 2010 few would have predicted that we would see the index enjoy a gain of close to 10% over the year. Indeed as the year wore on the sheer weight of negatives the market had to contend with such as a growing European sovereign debt crisis, fresh geopolitical tensions, government austerity measures highlight just how resilient equities have been.

Those clients who have been involved in stock-market investment over a reasonable length of time will have learnt to expect the unexpected in the markets. Out of the depths of the credit crunch’s aftermath, last years market recovery did indeed take many clients by surprise. The good news is that the shoots of economic recovery, although tentative do definitely now appear to be sprouting.

Those who are invested in the market are already sitting on profits, but there is no reason to suggest that those who invest now will not also benefit in due course. Clients have seen significant profits over the past 12 months from our “overweight” stance in European industrials, particularly German and French industrials which have seen strong export growth benefitting from a weak Euro. We expect the trend to continue over the coming year.

Every client has different expectations insofar as their portfolio is concerned and we very much hold strongly to the belief that each client is an individual with specific needs and individual characteristics. These range from those who particularly enjoy investing in the stockmarket as a hobby to clients who require full Discretionary or Advisory portfolio management.

Even for individuals with clear investment objectives, the burden of administration and the difficulty of implementing decisions at the right time can be too great for them to consider the active management of their own portfolio.

The financial world is now more complex, fast moving and subject to more regulation than ever before. Many investors do not have the time, inclination or knowledge to develop a full understanding of the complexities of potential investments and financial markets, especially with the ever increasing variety of financial derivative instruments available through Options, Futures, Exchange-traded funds (ETF’s).

As financial matters become ever more complicated and faster it becomes increasingly imperative to seek out reliable advice and help. Pritchard Stockbrokers Ltd is an established local independent firm with its Head Office in Bournemouth. Although we pride ourselves on our Bournemouth heritage we also pride ourselves in having an extensive branch network of 11 offices across the country with our new Queen Victoria Street office located in the heart of the City of London.

For any investment queries please call our Investment Desk on 01202 297035.

INVESTMENT MATTERS February/March


EQUITY BULL MARKET SET TO CONTINUE IN 2011

By Craig Andrew Allison from Pritchard Stockbrokers

IT MATTERS February/March


HARNESS THE BENEfITS Of A STRUCTUREd IT SUppORT pLAN!

By David Beale, Copyrite Business SolutionsAre you a slave to your company’s IT or its Master? The truth is that IT touches all aspects of business today and is an essential tool for growth and change.

Is your IT taking more and more of your time?The challenge is harnessing the technology in a way that enhances your unique business requirements and not distracting from your core activities by voraciously using up time.The initial important decision that the CEO can therefore make is choosing the right IT support partner who has the technical infrastructure to provide a true snapshot of where the business is today, and can be trusted to design and support a package that will take the company forward safely.

Do you need to reduce your IT administration cost?Many companies have moved or need to change from a part time “build it as you go along” approach with hidden costs, to an overall structured IT support plan that eliminates waste – both time and money.Many SMEs find that the benefits of working with computers and IT are being lost due to constant requirement to work with different software inputting the same or similar tasks.Reports for management, statistics, accounting information, emails, research on internet; all take time and effort, but often produce similar information in a different style.The simple solution is “Why can’t this be done once, to save time and money?”Finding solutions that reduce cost & increase efficiency are shown in the two examples following:

Estate Agents – Improved Efficiency Estate agents have been changing from simple printed advertising & local property publications to Web based solutions to market their properties. Agents need to prepare property details many times in different formats to upload to various websites such as www.rightmove.co.uk, www.primelocation.co.uk, as well as their own

website and the local newspaper. This is a most time consuming task!The solution: a single, property detail database that automatically feeds the other Websites in the correct format. Simple, cost effective and time saving. Building this solution into an existing Website or starting with a stylish new website can be carried very easily & seamlessly. Full staff training is given. The time saved frees staff to deal with buyers and sellers.

Legal Professions – Document DeliverySolicitors are constantly sending out packs of documents to their clients. Some of these documents are customer specific whilst others are generic. There are multiple costs involved with this process such as printing and posting. What if these costs could be avoided?An online Document Management System (DMS) allows these documents to be delivered to the client digitally rather than physically and thus avoids postal & delivery costs.Easy online management allows a client account to be created and credentials automatically emailed to the client. Documents, PDFs and images are uploaded and assigned. Rather than printing a copy for every single client, a generic document, such as Terms of Business, can be uploaded once and made available to all clients. Clients can then login to the site and download all of the documents assigned to them and then, if necessary, print them.

A DMS is not just suitable for Solicitors, in fact it would work for any company that has to deliver documents to clients, therefore, if you are looking to increase your efficiency and save money then contact David Beale on 01202 848866.

lETTINgS MATTERS February/March


Quite recently a young man from Latvia gained entry into a 10 million pound empty property through an open

bathroom window and began squatting. He then sent word to his friends in Latvia to come over and join him because according to him ‘Britain is one of the few countries where it is easy to do’. He also told a reporter ‘The law states…if there is any empty building which is not being used, you can put it to use in any way you see fit and what a shame to not get the most out of this place’.

Squatting is an ancient practice, yet the last 12 years in Britain has seen a spectacular rise in the number of people who have taken over empty properties. British law states occupation of empty properties is a civil, not a criminal, matter in

England and Wales, unless entry is forced. Police can act only if the squatters commit offences such as theft or criminal damage.

It is therefore vital to act quickly of you discover trespassers or squatters in your property. You should be able to remove them quite legally within a two week period, providing you go about the process correctly. Remember to never use force or threats as this could result in you getting a criminal record.

MOVE ON have now released the date for their next FREE Landlord Seminar bringing you up to date news in the Lettings world. A must for all Landlords new, old and looking. Spaces are limited so please ring 01202 711169 to reserve your seat.

Beware – Squatting is on the increase!

By Sharon Canning from Move on Rentals

MOVE ONThe lettings specialist High-quality rooms, flats & houses

to rent throughout Dorset

We specialise exclusively in quality local lettings... we always have!

We focus on the local rental market 100% so when your current tenants MOVE ON you can be sure that you’re not sitting on an empty property or lost income for long!

Join us & expert guest speakers at our Landlord seminarThe Orchid Hotel - 18 Feb 2009 - 7pm until 8.30pm

CALL US NOW TO RESERVE YOUR FREE PLACE

If you are looking to fill an empty property quickly or would like toput your property on the rental market with a specialist agency...

move on with MOVE ON...where experience, knowledge & expertise really makes the difference.

01202 711169

www.moveonrentals.com464 Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 OAX

LANDLORDS... An empty property is lost revenue...Let us help you Move On quickly...

FREELANDLORD SEMINAR

6.30pm to 8pm at Durley Dean Hotel on Thurs 10th March 2011

NEWS & PHoTo MATTERS February/March


One of the country’s leading businessmen has warned small businesses to take a long, hard look at their figures, stop moaning

and get on with the hard work of making their business profitable.

On his Facebook page, Lord Sugar said that business owners should stop relying upon government or banks to give them ideas. “Unless you sign on to the fact that it is you alone that runs your business, you will be going down the wrong road. It’s all about you.”

Seminars and networking meetings were denounced as wastes of time... “An excuse for people to justify sitting around wasting a day bullshitting with each other while they should be working. You will learn nothing other than that there are another load of people in the same boat as you.”

Lord Sugar insists that balancing the books is vital, covering your overheads, financing growth and not relying upon handouts from banks to cover your operating shortfall.

In his book ‘What you See Is What you Get’ he explains that when he started his business in 1967 “there were no free lunches. No banks lending. You wanted something? You paid for it yourself. When you could show that you had a good, viable business, only then would ‘come and see me’ be the words of the bank manager.”

I’ve just read his book and you can see the Entrepreneurial spirit was in him from an early age.Main lesson - never take your eye off the bottom line and take responsibility for your own business, although I do still enjoy networking!

A WAkE uP CALL TO SMALL BuSINESSES!By Steve Cook, Seeker News & Photo

Remous is bringing Design, Print, Finishing & Mailing to Bournemouth

And bringing you an amazing new list of services

We are certain, we can offer you:-

•Amazing vibrant colour on your print.

•Fast turnaround times and we always work to your deadline.

•Complete project control in house.

•Friendly helpful and pro-active service.

•Experienced staff with a real understanding of print.

•Hassle free print service – Order and Expect.

Formed 30 years ago Remous has become one of the most versatile print

companies in Dorset.

We have constantly re-invested in the latest technology to ensure the highest

quality available with quality control maintained through our ‘In House’

Production ethic.

Family owned and run, we are able to bring the benefits of corporate print

management and production coupled with ‘hands on’ personal customer

relationships.

www.remous.com 01963 250920

PRINTINg MATTERS February/March


Remous is bringing Design, Print, Finishing & Mailing to Bournemouth

And bringing you an amazing new list of services

We are certain, we can offer you:-

•Amazing vibrant colour on your print.

•Fast turnaround times and we always work to your deadline.

•Complete project control in house.

•Friendly helpful and pro-active service.

•Experienced staff with a real understanding of print.

•Hassle free print service – Order and Expect.

Formed 30 years ago Remous has become one of the most versatile print

companies in Dorset.

We have constantly re-invested in the latest technology to ensure the highest

quality available with quality control maintained through our ‘In House’

Production ethic.

Family owned and run, we are able to bring the benefits of corporate print

management and production coupled with ‘hands on’ personal customer

relationships.

www.remous.com 01963 250920

The business card is one of the most used and least understood tools in business today, yet it is probably the most

important piece of marketing material you will ever produce! This is a bold statement, but one that I believe to be true, mainly because you normally only get one chance to make a first impression and if your business card let’s you down then you could well be losing business?

Whatever your company position the business card is an effective communication and marketing tool and as such it must present you and your company in the right light and with the right image. It therefore amazes me that, despite living in a competitive business world, most companies will still buy business cards based on price and not on quality. To say this is false economy is an understatement because perception is reality!

As a printer, and possibly a networking tart, I exchange business cards with everyone I come in contact with and you will be surprised at the poor quality of the cards I receive back. Some are printed on a thin card and the actual printing is so poor you cannot make it out. Sometimes the text is so small you cannot read it without a magnify glass and worse still many cards do not even state what type of business they are or what services they offer.

Business Card etiquette

The do’s and don’ts of business card etiquette, while not the key to wealth and success, will ensure you are ready when someone asks for your business card, so here are a few tips.

1. Keep the business card traditional in size and shape, so that it fits most card holders

2. Don’t cheap out; make sure the card used is a quality, heavyweight card.

3. Consider matt or gloss lamination for that extra special finish

4. Use a large enough font to make reading easy and include all the key and important contact information.

5. Don’t use too many distracting images; perhaps just your logo and tag line will be enough.

6. Above all keep it simple; otherwise your client will loose the message and the plot.

7. Make sure they are clean and crisp with no frayed edges or ink marks.

8. Consider highlighting the benefits of using your company on the back of the card

Always have a handful with you to present to potential clients or other business associates. Don’t limit yourself to carrying them on workdays, in the office or at business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the most unlikely places, events or times, even on the weekends.

Business Cards are both a blessing and a curse. We all use the internet to communicate, but there is no better way to introduce your self than in person. This is your time to shine so please do not let yourself down with a poorly printed, cheap looking, business card.

If you want to enjoy the Remous ethos of ‘making you look good on paper’ then please do get in touch for any urgent jobs or quotations that you require by calling 01963 250920 or send an email to [email protected]

The Humble Business Card!

By Peter Westwood from Remous Design and Print

PlANNINg MATTERS February/March


Many business people are daunted by the prospect of having to write a business plan. They shouldn’t! Why? Because they

already have it – in their heads! All the plan does is crystallise their thoughts in a document.

What should a business plan contain?•Thenatureofthebusiness:

Explain the background to your business idea, the products and services you offer, and key features of the industry.

•Themarketinwhichthebusinessoperates:

Which segments are you targeting and what is your competition?

•Themarketingandsalesplan:

Who are your customers? How will your offer meet their specific needs? How will you position and sell your offer? How long will a sale take?

•Howthebusinessisstaffedandmanaged.

Who are your key people? What do they do?

•Forecastsandfinancialrequirements:

List your assumptions! Prepare realistic forecasts: sales; cashflow; profit and loss; balance sheets. These should determine your financial requirement. If in doubt take advice!

•Therisksandopportunitiesthebusinessfaces:

Do a SWOT analysis.

If the plan is to be shared, then it needs to be concise, accurate and professional looking. This is especially important if it is to be used to convince others of your credibility. Include a brief “Executive Summary” at the front.

Once complete, don’t file it away, it’s a living document and needs regular updating. Forecasts try to guess the future – they will change!

Fail to plan? – Plan to fail!!By Steve Webster, Director of FD’s4SME’s

FDs4SMEs

• Business Plans Creation; review and presentation

• Acquisitions Due diligence; deal structuring

• Strategy Formation; action planning

• Investment Sourcing; entry and exit planning

• Control Cashflow; debtors; creditors; MI

For more information visit:

www.FDs4SMEs.com

Tel: 07870 [email protected]

The BASIC Business Plan!

If you need help with your Business or Financial Planning then please do get in touch.

As part of an advertising package Radio is able to offer editorial interviews. These are a great way of communicating on a

more personal level.

They help build brand awareness and increases rapport with potential customers. Of course there is considerable kudos of being on the radio, but there is even more potential for the significant amount of marketing collateral, such as podcasts, web adverts, photos, social media and sometimes video.

Choose the right Radio Station and they should be able to get the most out of your campaign. Especially if you took advantage of free editorial interviews that are often given, and in addition they could make you look brilliant! They could also give you a helping hand by providing media training at a fully equipped Radio and Video studio and if it was a local Radio Station what a success that would be!

The Bay Radio turned two last year and over that time, we have helped hundreds of local companies, large and small, build brand awareness and generate £100,000’s of new business sales. Many of these companies have taken advantage of The Bay Radio’s free editorial interviews.

One of our first clients was a local organisation who sent eight of their employees on one of our courses. Afterwards, they were not only very adept at providing brilliant interviews, but their individual confidence soared. This of course helped them both individually and also their organisation achieve greater success

Getting on the Radio is simple, but getting the best out of Radio is more difficult. With the help

of The Bay Radio we can make this an easy transition, so please get in touch. While you’re at it why not ask about out media training courses? They are very effective, great fun, great value and you’ll have a set of media skills for life! To find out more please send an email to [email protected] or give Alan a call on 01202 580200.

The Bay Radio, 25B Elliott Road, Bournemouth, BH11 8LQwww.thebayradio.com


RADIo MATTERS February/March

Get me on the Radio!By Alan Coote from The Bay Radio

Fail to plan? – Plan to fail!!By Steve Webster, Director of FD’s4SME’s

RECoVERy MATTERS February/March


Many businesses are undoubtedly still finding it tough going. More than ever business-owners shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand and hope that problems will just disappear, or that there’ll be some magical improvement in their fortunes as that lucrative contract materialises.

Sadly, business rarely works like that, and so it’s vital that we all understand where our businesses are going, how they’re performing and ensure that we have realistic plans in place to deal with any troughs.

How do you know that you made money last month? What sales level do you need to achieve in order to meet all your costs? Are you confident that you’ll have enough cash available to meet your next quarter’s rent or VAT bill? How dependant are you on lenders or a small number of customers, and how sure can you be of their ongoing support?

Thinking more strategically, what are they objectives for the business for the next six months … year … three years? How are they to be achieved? Will the business provide you, as the business owner, the income that you want?

When you’re firefighting – just dealing with day to day crises – it’s often hard to stand back and from to stand back take time to reflect on issues such as these. But it’s absolutely crucial to do so.

We offer a basic business health check which we’d like to offer free of charge to readers of New Business Matters. If you’d like a copy, just contact Graham Down on 01202 313624 or [email protected].

www.bscorprecovery.co.uk

How healthy is your business?

BY GRAHAM DOWN | www.bscorprecovery.com

2nd Floor, Bristol & West House, Post Office Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1BL

contact us for free initial consultationcall: 01202 313624 | www.bscorprecovery.com

cash flow problems ...or worse?

clear, professional advice for you and your business when you need it most.

SIgN & DISPlAy MATTERS February/March


The portable display stand is an important accessory for any sales rep or marketing executive. When choosing a portable display

stand to support your presentation, seminar or exhibition the following considerations should be made. The stand should be: Light - Quick to assemble - Sturdy – Attractive – durable - Within budget. It is true to say that you get what you pay for.

Budget / low priced banner stands are lightweight and easy to carry, but tend to compromise on stability, durability and/or design.

The mid to upper range of banner stands have more substantial bases, increasing the weight and size of the packaged item but adding to the stability. There is a great deal of design choice, however the price generally reflects the durability and the ease with which graphics can be replaced.

The traditional PopUp exhibition stand is ideal for static displays where a larger visual presence is required. A more flexible option is a linked stand such as the Twist System; a static banner stand system linked using a magnetic ‘flexi link’ graphic panel to create a variety of shapes. The stand plus graphic panels and lights can all be packed into a single moulded wheeled transit case, which can double as a display counter.

Two things that should not be compromised when purchasing a portable display stand are graphic design and print quality. Please also note that replacement graphics can be produced to suit almost any existing stand.

If you need help in selecting the best Portable Stand for you then please send an email to [email protected] or telephone 01305 848600.

The Benefits of Portable displays!

By Jamie Thompson, Director at Hardy Signs

Many businesses are undoubtedly still finding it tough going. More than ever business-owners shouldn’t bury their heads in the sand and hope that problems will just disappear, or that there’ll be some magical improvement in their fortunes as that lucrative contract materialises.

Sadly, business rarely works like that, and so it’s vital that we all understand where our businesses are going, how they’re performing and ensure that we have realistic plans in place to deal with any troughs.

How do you know that you made money last month? What sales level do you need to achieve in order to meet all your costs? Are you confident that you’ll have enough cash available to meet your next quarter’s rent or VAT bill? How dependant are you on lenders or a small number of customers, and how sure can you be of their ongoing support?

Thinking more strategically, what are they objectives for the business for the next six months … year … three years? How are they to be achieved? Will the business provide you, as the business owner, the income that you want?

When you’re firefighting – just dealing with day to day crises – it’s often hard to stand back and from to stand back take time to reflect on issues such as these. But it’s absolutely crucial to do so.

We offer a basic business health check which we’d like to offer free of charge to readers of New Business Matters. If you’d like a copy, just contact Graham Down on 01202 313624 or [email protected].

www.bscorprecovery.co.uk

How healthy is your business?

BY GRAHAM DOWN | www.bscorprecovery.com

2nd Floor, Bristol & West House, Post Office Road, Bournemouth, BH1 1BL

contact us for free initial consultationcall: 01202 313624 | www.bscorprecovery.com

cash flow problems ...or worse?

clear, professional advice for you and your business when you need it most.

VoICE & DATA MATTERS February/March



The Way Ahead Training and Consultancy Limited• Doesyourbusinesshavetheresourcesandskillsneededtocapitaliseonanyeconomicupturn?• Haveyoustruggledtorecruitskilledpeopleandarenowreadytoconsideranalternative?• Haveyoureviewedyourworkforceandfeelyouneedtoinjectnewideas,enthusiasmandenergy

intoyourworkforce?It’s time to join the Apprenticeship programme!

Call us to talk about how we can help you develop your people – whatever their age and need.We’ll guide your business to The Way Ahead and success!

Tel: 0845 803 7768

Key benefits § Improved productivity § Staff retention § Relevant skills § Government funded training § Apprenticeships help to avoid

skills shortages § Return on your investment in

yourself/your people.

Skills shortages are a key threat to thefuture growth of UK businesses. So, why not benefit from government funded training support to help your business – large or small?

Over 80% of those employers whoemploy apprentices agree they maketheir workplace more productive.

The Way Ahead Training and Consultancy Limited, 26 Basepoint Business Centre, Enterprise Way, Aviation Park West, Bournemouth Airport, CHRISTCHURCH, BH23 6NX

The Federation of Small Businesses The FSB is Britain’s leading business organisation with over 215,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-

employed, and all those who run their own business.

The FSB in Dorset has 4,000 small businesses as members. FSB Regional Office: 01425 280080 : www.fsb.org.uk/wessex

FSB Events in Bournemouth, Poole

and beyond

Quiz Night 23 March 7pm

Arlington Hotel, Bournemouth

Get a team together discount on ticket prices for teams over 4 persons.

�

New Member Evening 18 May—6.30pm

Bovington Tank Museum

A premier event at Dorset’s premier

attraction! By invitation only—contact

the Regional Office for further information.

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Regional Office 01425 280080—Full listing -

www.fsb.org.uk/wessex

VALUE OF KEEP TRADE LOCAL CAMPAIGN HIGHLIGHTED BY SNOW & ICE

SMALL BUSINESS RATE RELIEF

Each year the FSB in Dorset asks local councils about take up of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR) by small businesses and what they do to encourage them to claim. Every council promotes the scheme and North Dorset even ‘phoned every eligible business. But in some areas take up is just 31%.

The FSB nationally is campaigning for SBRR to be paid automatically but until then make sure you apply each year to check your entitlement. Don’t miss out on this help for small businesses. Make sure you claim, contact your local council now!

The ice and snow that swept much of the country at the New Year provided a clear example of the value of small businesses and the ability of village stores and pubs in particular to support local communities in times of difficulty. The grim situation for many showed that the FSB’s Keep Trade Local is totally justified.

Regional Organiser in Dorset, Colin Jamieson, said: “Small stores in local communities did an excellent job keeping people supplied with the essential goods and by going out of their way to keep shelves stocked for those unable to travel. With many such businesses currently under threat I sincerely hope that people remember how important these businesses were to them when they couldn’t get to the supermarket or out of town centre.”

“The FSB’s Keep Trade Local Campaign seeks

to stem the tide of business closures,

reverse the trend and defend the choice and

diversity that customers deserve.”

LOCAL AUTHORITY PROCUREMENT

Talks between Dorset County Council and the FSB continue to yield benefits for small businesses. A new, simpler Pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) is now in use.

A new scheme is now in place which unifies purchasing across all the Council’s departments. The FSB is continuing to monitor how the new scheme operates and its advantages for small businesses.

Colin Jamieson

Due to the thousands of different wines available to consumers, unless blessed with a photographic memory, you will not remember every wine you taste. So it is vital to write down your thoughts in a structured way.

Professional wine tasters use a form that captures all of the main points: Date of tasting, name of wine, producer, grape variety, country of origin, region, vintage and price. This is followed by a full description of the appearance, aroma and taste of the wine. Finally a score will be awarded sometimes out of 5, 10 or 20. Robert Parker, the hugely influential American wine critic, marks his tastings out of 100.

The important thing is to remember the styles and characteristics that appeal to you and of course, those that don’t. These notes will be a great help as you continue to explore the wonderful world of wine.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 01202 300331

How to Taste Wine by Jeff Bowden of Templar WinesThis issue brings you the 6th and final “S” of wine tasting… Summarise.

Templar Wines, are holding a Charity “Call My Quaff” evening at the Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth on Friday 15th April at 7pm.

Three “Experts” will describe the wines you will taste, but who is telling the truth? £45 per person includes a gourmet three course meal, wine and a donation to the dorset Blind Association





and beyond




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Colin Jamieson

• Legal advice from qualified lawyers 24/7 all year

• Tax advice from HMRC trained specialists. Tax protection against protection against in depth tax investigations for all FSB members’ businesses.

• Information on employment law, health and safety, tax and commercial law through the FSB members-only website

• Legal documents downloadable in MS Word which can be styled to your business, available through the same website.

• Insurance cover for legal defence and an employment disputes service with payment of statutory awards.

These are clearly a sample of the benefits to members, for further details, contact the Regional Office on 01425 280080.

Keep Trade LocalThe FSB has long been campaigning for Keep Trade Local, a campaign that keeps businesses at the heart of our communities.

Imagine in ten years time that the high street as we know it today is gone and that all shops have been replaced with big business chain’

stores. We can all stop this from happening!

The Federation of Small Businesses’ Keep Trade Local campaign seeks to stem the tide of business closures; reverse the trend of decline and defend the choice and diversity that customers deserve.

Across the UK, the FSB has successfully worked with shopkeepers, shoppers and businesses in the campaign to show Government and local authorities how small businesses are central to our local economies; how more must be done to secure the survival of small independent shops and businesses.

To ensure a viable future for independent businesses on and off the high streets in the UK, the FSB is now working harder than ever to reassert the voice of small business at every level of government.

Small businesses are not just part of the local community, they are the local community. They generate wealth, employment and opportunity.

They are the glue that binds our local communities together.

Why not join us on our journey?

EventsRegular events are being held by the FSB in Bournemouth and Rural Dorset, please check our website at fsb.org.uk/Wessex and look for the events tab.

DiD you KnoW ThaT as a righT of mEmbErship, fsb mEmbErs havE accEss To ThE foLLoWing sErvicEs? By Colin Jamieson, Regional Organiser in Dorset





and beyond




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Colin Jamieson

Colin Jamieson with David Cameron and Richard Drax MP

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