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LOUISE HEWETT 18 TRICIA’S A TOP TEMP 19 CHAMBER NEWS 22 BROTHERS’ SUCCESS 24
Business NewsWEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2008 – EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING
In association with
BUSINESS is set to bloom for abudding entrepreneur who hasretruned from Spain to open aflorist’s shop.
Helped by MFG Solicitors, LindaDay has moved her business,Diamond Flowers, into newpremises at the Berkeley shoppingestate, Warndon Villages,Worcester.
Mrs Day, who used a redundancypay cheque to train as a florist,spent 10 years in Spain running aflower shop, but says the searingheat and crippling red tape meantit made more sense to run herbusiness in England.
She moved back to Worcester andlast year launched DiamondFlowers at Lower Wick.
MFG Solicitors recentlycompleted the legal work on thenew lease as Mrs Day and husbandDave moved to the unit in the
Warndon Villages area of the city.Cheryl Leyser, a partner at MFG
in Bromsgrove, said: “We weredelighted to help get DiamondFlowers established in recentmonths. I think with Linda at thehelm it will soon craft a good namefor itself in Worcester.”
Mrs Day said: “After being maderedundant by the MidlandsElectricity Board many years ago, Idecided it was not a threat but anopportunity, so I retrained in thefield of floristry.
“Spain is a marvellous place tolive if you have retired but it isdifficult for foreigners to set upand run a business there – eventhough we were highly successfulin carving out a niche catering for
the expatriate community.“It can be exhaustingly hot
trying to work during the summer.We found sometimes at weekendswe were doing three weddings aday in temperatures of 40C.
“If you add to that the generaladministrative hurdles, especiallyin relation to taxation, and thehigh level of bureaucracy in Spain,it’s a much easier proposition torun a business here.”
Back home in Worcester, MrsDay, aged 51, has now receivedrecognition for her expertise fromthe Flower and Plants Association.She will be a demonstrator on theassociation’s stand at theprestigious Hampton Court FlowerShow in mid-July when her subjectwill be flowers with a Spanishflavour.
Mrs Day studied at WorcesterTechnical College and later
obtained an Open Universitydegree in psychology. She usesthat to good effect by runningtherapeutic flower arrangingcourses.
She said: “We have an excellenttrading position on a prime site inWorcester just off junction six ofthe M5 and we will serve the largeresidential and businesscommunity in Warndon.
“We are probably unique inWorcester in that we are offeringan integrated package at the shopwhich includes flowers, cards, andgifts with some emphasis on RoyalDoulton.
“We’ll be expanding the range aswe go.
“My husband Dave, who has beendoing the deliveries, will now beable to go back to his work as apainter and decorator specialisingin hotels and restaurants.”
BY MIKE PRYCE01905 [email protected]
Our move from Spain isjust blooming marvellous
Life smellsmuchsweeternow forflorist LindaDay, right,who with thehelp of MFGpartnerCherylLeyser,left, has beenableto set upDiamondFlowers atWarndonVillages inWorcester.
VILLAGE COMPANY’SGREEN CREDENTIALS
Spearheading the campaignagainst plastic bags - Page 20
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18 worcesternews.co.uk Wednesday, May 21, 2008BUSINESS NEWS
BUSINESSTALKINGLOUISE HEWETT
IN these challenging times it’seven more important to have theright people in place to movebusiness forward. Humanresource departments these days
have many different areas ofresponsibility including picking theirway through the ever-changing legalminefield.
Smaller businesses may find thatrecruitment takes a disproportionateamount of time and often feel it ismore cost-effective to turn to a trustedrecruitment specialist to identify thetalented people they need.Recruitment mistakes can beexpensive in terms of an employer’stime in planning and recruiting,bringing a new person up to speedwithin the team and organising anddelivering training and development.
If the decision is made to call on theservices of a recruitment agency…who do we choose, who do we trust todeliver the best level of service?
The ideal relationship with thechosen recruitment specialist shouldfeel like a partnership, offering a
support system to take the pain out ofthe process, helping the business topinpoint the very best people andsharing professional advice andfeedback on the marketplace andsalary scales. In fact, if it feels like anatural extension of the humanresources department or managementteam, you know you are on the righttrack to achieve a long-termmeaningful relationship.
It is advisable to select a member ofthe Recruitment and EmploymentConfederation (REC) whose memberswork within a code of conduct thathas been approved as safe and legal.It’s also important that the designatedconsultant is professionally trainedand qualified giving them the expertknowledge and ongoing developmentto achieve the best results for yourorganisation.
Invest some time at the outset tofurnish your consultant withinformation about your business andits culture. Let them feel the chemistryof the place and understand yourbusiness objectives and how this newemployee will fit into theorganisation. A little time gatheringthis kind of information will give therecruiter the knowledge needed topromote the business to the bestcandidates and make the rightselection. Never be tempted to send ane-mail to half-a-dozen agencies withyour vacancy request.You willachieve much better results workingclosely with one recruitment partnerwho will carefully identify ameaningful short list on your behalf.
LOUISE HEWETTWWW.HEWETT-RECRUITMENT.CO.UK
“Recruitment mistakescan be expensive in termsof an employer’s time inplanning, recruiting,training and development”
A CONFIDENCE boost and boost toskills courtesy of Learndirect ishelping a Worcester mum to findwork following redundancy.
Tina Lane used to work for theCommission for Social CareInspection until the companyrelocated to Birmingham and shewas unable to move with her job.
Mrs Lane said: “I was maderedundant at the start of April andI had known for some time that itwas a possibility.
“I took the NVQ in customer carebecause I am good at it, it is myforte, but I have nothing on paper. Iknew that the NVQ, which isnationally recognised, would helpme apply for another job.”
But the qualification has alsoboosted her confidence, which ishalf the battle in job hunting.
Mrs Lane said: “I wanted to gainthe qualification on paper formyself and I am proud of what Ihave achieved. It was important forme – especially as I left school withno qualifications. I feel really goodabout it and my husband and fourchildren are proud of me as well.”
Mrs Lane was delighted with thequality of training throughBusiness Advice Direct whichsupports the Worcester Learndirectcentre where she studied.
She said: “The assessor ClaireBrelsford was excellent. Sheexplained everything and made itvery clear. Everything about thecourse was good and I am sure itwill help me find a new job.’
Out of work mum provesit’s never too late to learn
Tina Lane, left, who was made redundant, receives her NVQ certificate from Worcester tutor Nicola Stilliard.
BUSINESS Link West Midlandsis offering people a chance toreceive free start-up advice andsupport during a special one dayevent which is taking placetomorrow.
Anyone interested can call intoMalvern Theatres in GrangeRoad, Malvern, for a drop-insession between 10am and 6pm.
There is also an opportunity toattend three specific workshopswhich are being organisedthroughout the day.
Is Self Employment Right ForMe? begins at 10.30am and againat 2.30pm. A business ideas andmarketing session will start at12.30pm.
All those attending will receivea free memory stick and they will
also have the chance to win alaptop.
The event has been set up toinspire people to take the leapinto self-employment and seetheir business ideas come to life.
It is supported by Malvern HillsDistrict Council because newbusiness start-up is part of itseconomic prosperity priority.
Simon Smith, economicdevelopment manager, said:“Lots of people say that theywould love to start up their ownbusiness and do things their way,but very few actually act on thatdesire. Here is a chance to findout what exactly is involved andsee if the dream could becomereality.”
Learn how to run your ownbusiness at a free workshop
Call in at MalvernTheatres inGrange Road,Malvern, tomorrowand you can pickup valuable adviceabout setting up abusiness of yourvery own.08312404
Get amove onwith us!
Thinking ofrelocating yourbusiness?
Worcestershire’s PropertyService is operated byWorcestershire County Councilon behalf ofWorcestershirePartnership.
Finding the right business premises inWorcestershire couldn’t be easier with ourfree and confidential Property DatabaseService. Search on-line at the address below– or call us and we’ll do it for you.
www.worcestershire.gov.uk/business
or call01905 766375
Shrub Hill Industrial
Estate, Worcester
Terms: Licence
905 sq. ft., 190 sq.ft., 175 sq. ft. Offices
580 sq. ft., 602 sq. ft., 703 sq.ft. Workshop + Small Office
worcesternews.co.uk 19Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Tricia is firm’s top temp
BUSINESS NEWS
ADVERTISING FEATURE
ONE of Worcester’sleading recruitmentfirms is celebrating the
announcement of its Temp ofthe Year award.
Tricia Currie has worked forPeach Recruitment since 2004and her reliability, fantasticattitude and great range ofskills make her a worthywinner of this annual award.
During her time with Peach,Mrs Currie has completedassignments within the NHS,solicitors and other Worcestercompanies. She demonstratesperfectly how well temporarywork fits with both temps andclients – temporary workershave the flexibility of workingwhenever it’s convenient, withgood rates of pay and lots ofbenefits. Clients requestworkers to cover for busyperiods, holidays, sickness andwhen overloaded with work.
Mrs Currie was presentedwith her award by Tracey Hart,a recruitment consultant atPeach, at the Diabetes Centrein Worcester, where she hasbeen working for some time.The presentation was attendedby Shirley King, diabetesspecialist nurse, and MrsCurrie received a bottle ofchampagne, Marks & Spencervouchers and a bouquet.
Maralyn Christie, a partner atPeach Recruitment, praised theeffort of all of the company’stemporary workers. She said:“Our Temp of the Year awardgives us the opportunity to say
thanks to Tricia, and also torecognise the great work doneby all our temporary workersthroughout the year.
“They provide localbusinesses with the supportthat they need at vital times.The Recruitment andEmployment Confederation,which represents therecruitment industrynationally, hosts a TemporaryWorkers Week each year, andour award to Tricia is Peach’scontribution to this. Triciaembodies all the skills andattributes which go towardsmaking the perfect temp – wesincerely hope that she stayswith us for years to come!”
Peach Recruitment is alwayskeen to take on new temporaryworkers, or to help thoselooking for contract orpermanent work. Pleasecontact Peach on 01905 22020 tospeak to a consultant, or [email protected] formore information.JACK BLANCHARD
Bankers check outnew meeting roomsIT was smiles all around whenGlobal Training Centre (GTC)recently opened the doors of itsnew facility and hosted ameeting for Lloyds TSB.
Doing the honours of cuttingthe ribbon at the opening, LloydsTSB business relationshipmanager Rupert Harris said thatGTC was “an excellent trainingfacility where the service isextremely professional, yetpersonal”.
Situated within walkingdistance from Worcester citycentre, GTC can accommodatebetween two and 36 delegates inseminar, boardroom, classroom
or theatre style settings. All GTCmeeting and training rooms offernatural daylight and projectors,electric drop-down screens,whiteboards, flipcharts,broadband and Wi-Fi.
Kirk Akdemir, managingdirector of GTC, said: “It is notevery day that you get anorganisation as big as LloydsTSB to be your first client.
“It was great having them atour inaugural event and we areextremely pleased to see that insuch a short time GTC hasbecome a favourite venue for somany West Midlands companieslooking for a modern and easy to
reach location for their meetingand training requirements.
“I believe this is due to usoffering the latest facilities andequipment in a pleasantenvironment while adopting ano-nonsense pricing structure”.
GTC also offers a temptingselection of menus coveringeverything from a workingbreakfast to a lavish buffet lunchwith various dietary options, tocater for everyone’srequirements.
Further information can beobtained by visitingwww.globaltrainingcentre.ltd.ukor by telephoning 0800 0273 777.
Cutting ribbon: Lloyds TSB business relationshipmanager Rupert Harris, left, and GTC managingdirector Kirk Akdemir at the opening ceremony.
Rich King and Rupert Harris from Lloyds TSB arepictured chatting with managing director KirkAkdemir and members of GTC staff at the opening.
TriciaCurrie,left, withTraceyHart.Picture bySimonRogers19386501
Company
Peach Recruitment
Partners
Maralyn Christie and Sarah Mayo-Evans
Business type
Recruitment
Established
2002
Telephone
01905 22020
Website
www.peachrecruitment.net
Location
Marmion House,Copenhagen Street,Worcester WR1 2HB
We are a local independent recruitment agency dedicatedto supplying clients in the West Midlands area with the
very best support staff.
Peach provides:
Managerial StaffSales and Marketing Professionals
HR / Personnel AdvisorsAccounts Personnel
Customer Service AdvisorsMarketing Staff
Purchasers / BuyersMedical Secretaries and Administrators
Secretaries / PA'sAdministratorsReceptionists
Clerks / TypistsOffice Juniors / Trainees
We also have specialist Sales & Marketing and Legal Divisions
If you are looking for temporary, contract or permanent work,then call us on 01905 22020
or e-mail: [email protected] House, Copenhagen Street, Worcester WR1 2HB
www.peachrecruitment.net
Peach works in association with:
20 worcesternews.co.uk Wednesday, May 21, 2008BUSINESS NEWS
NOT a lot of people know this,but the fight to re-educate peopleand train them not to use plasticshopping bags is beingspearheaded from a small officein the village of Wickhamford,near Evesham.
It’s the headquarters of JutexpoLtd, which has come up with adurable fully bio-degradablealternative to the traditionalplastic bag.
Only established in 2002, thecompany has enjoyed rapidgrowth with a projected turnoverof £15 million this year and it hashelped an ailing Indian companyin the process.
Managing director BarrieTurner’s idea came five years agowhen he heard that the Irishgovernment was introducing alevy on plastic carrier bags.
Predicting that the UK wouldfollow suit, Mr Turner, aged 65and a retired businessconsultant, launched Jutexpo.Growth was initially slow and hefeared he might have jumped thegun.
He said: “I believed the publicwould reject plastic bags, butthose first few years were a
worrying time. However, lastyear we delivered more thanseven million Jutexpo bags andthe firm now supplies brandedbags to supermarket chains, localauthorities, universities, andnational charities.”
The small office inWickhamford controls an empirethat is reviving an Indianindustry which was in thedoldrums.
The jute industry was mainlysacks and broad-loom backing forcarpets and furniture, but itdeclined as other productsbecame more popular.
The jute mills were looking todiversify so when Mr Turnercame along with his idea for jutebags, they welcomed him withopen arms. The mills – GangesManufacturing – in West Bengalare huge.
Jutexpo and its Indian partnercompany provide work to morethan 5,000 people in its mills andfactory which produces the bags,making it the biggest single
producer of jute bags in theworld.
Mr Turner said: “It’s a greatfeeling that you are producingsomething that you’re makingmoney out of and at the sametime doing some good. I wouldlike to see everyone stopaccepting freebie plastic bagsand use an environmentallyfriendly alternative such as ajute bag.
“The message is starting to getthrough as more and more of themajor supermarkets are comingon board and offering incentivesto their customers to discardplastic bags.”
He has been supported in hisbusiness by Barclays. JohnFarrell, Barclays commercialbanking relationship manager,said: “We are committed to usingour industry expertise andspecialists to support suchpropositions, which are vital to aprosperous economy.
“By really understanding thebusiness, Barclays has been ableto provide innovative solutionsto support Jutexpo Ltd bothfinancially and professionallythroughout its rapid expansion.”
We’re leading thecampaign againstuse of plastic bags
BY MIKE PRYCE01905 [email protected]
From left, MrRK Poddar,chairman ofGangesManufacturing,Barrie Turner,managingdirector ofJuxtepo, andJohn Farrell,Barclayscommercialbankingrelationshipmanager.Mr Poddarrecently flewfrom India tovisit his Britishbusinesspartners inWickhamford,near Evesham.Picture byLinda Butler.19may08017.
worcesternews.co.uk 21Wednesday, May 21, 2008 BUSINESS NEWS
New recruits will specialise in casesof personal injury and employment
EVESHAM law firm Everatt& Company has succeededin recruiting an eminentemployment law barristerand two highly regarded
personal injury solicitors to boostits fast expanding public sectorteam.
The firm, which this year wasawarded the highest ranking by thedefinitive legal guide Chambers, iswidely regarded as one of the bestdefendant personal injuryspecialists in the country, while itsemployment law services havegrown markedly in response to theincreasing overlap between thesetwo fields of the law.
Barrister Jennifer Jones is one ofthe UK’s most highly-regardedemployment law specialists, havingspent 14 years at the Bar withNumber Five Chambers inBirmingham, where she was deputyhead of its employment group.
More recently, as an in-housebarrister at Mills & Reeve LLP inBirmingham, Ms Jones specialisedin representing local authorities – asector in which her fellow recentrecruits, solicitors Steve Cornfieldand Craig Wallace, have alsofocused for many years.
Ms Jones said: “In the currentclimate of frequent employeecomplaints of stress and bullying atwork, employment and personalinjury lawyers need to share their
knowledge with one another ifemployers are to be provided withthe depth of support they need.
“Most employment and personalinjury claims can be avoided ifemployers can identify the warningsigns early and have easy access tothe right specialist advice.”
She said that one of the factorsthat attracted her to Everatt &Company was the firm’s recognitionthat its experience in defendingworkplace personal injury claimscould be of huge practical value inhelping organisations to preventclaims happening in the first place –
and much easier to defend whenthey do.
“The firm gets deeply involvedwith its clients in a pro-active way,getting to know how they tick andhow to help them run more smoothly,”she added. “I like that approach andpractise it myself in theemployment law field. Mydepartment will be at the forefrontof Everatt’s innovative work insupporting employers.”
Senior partner Nick Yates believeshis firm’s increasing workload withlocal authorities stems partly from agrowing determination within the
public sector to end its reputation asa ‘soft touch’. He said: “Whether youare a councillor or a police chief, ahead teacher or the director of anNHS trust, the pressures on costsare immense.
“In the short term, this brings ourskills as robust defence lawyers tothe fore, especially in rooting outfraud and exaggeration.
“Over time, I intend that weshould play a role both in changingthe ‘soft’ perception of the publicsector and in helping our clientswithin it to dramatically reduce thenumber of claims they face.”
Left toright. NickYates,seniorpartner atEveratt &Company inEvesham,with newrecruitsJenniferJones,CraigWallaceand SteveCornfield.
Company
Everatt & Company
Senior partner
Nick Yates
Business typePersonal injury and employment solicitors
Established
1970
Telephone
01386 769160Website
www.everatt.co.uk
Location
110-112 High Street,Evesham,Worcestershire WR11 4EJ
ADVERTISING FEATURE
❝ Clients say they value lawyers who ‘willdefend our case robustly – their adviceis always spot on’ and enjoy working with a
‘pragmatic and commercially minded ’team that is also ‘cost effective’. ❞
CHAMBERS LEGAL DIRECTORY 2008
DEFENDANT PERSONAL IN JURY • EMPLOYMENT L I T IGAT ION • EMPLOYER SUPPORT SERV ICES
everatt.co.uk 01386 769 160
22 worcesternews.co.uk Wednesday, May 21, 2008BUSINESS NEWS
IT was a truly local affair asWorcestershire andHerefordshire swept the boardwith success at the WestMidlands UK Trade and
Investment International TradeAwards 2008.
But not only that, the companiesbehind the production of the eventitself are all based in eitherWorcestershire or Herefordshire,making this story one of local prideand success.
The cream of the two counties’exporters were flying the flag forbusiness abroad, taking three out ofsix awards, and two highlycommended recommendations.
Leading the way was Linda Smithof the Chamber of CommerceHerefordshire and Worcestershire,who won the coveted title ofInternational Trade Adviser of theYear.
Ms Smith, who has worked at thechamber for nine years, said: “It iswonderful to receive this award, butwhat is really rewarding is helpingcompanies and seeing them flourishin international markets.”
But what really signifies this eventas a local success is the work goingon behind the scenes.
The contract to take on the eventmanagement was won by ConcordiaServices of Top Barn, Hallow, nearWorcester, who began working on
the event as long ago as December.Concordia’s executive director
Barbara Lyons said: “It’s a fantasticthing for Concordia to be involved insuch a prestigious event, but evenmore notable that Worcestershireand Herefordshire have had such asignificant involvement – bothbehind the scenes and obviously thesuccess on the night.
“It’s a clear demonstration of howa number of small local companiescan work together and successfullycompete in the wider West Midlandsregion.”
Production was run by Erik WoodProductions of Worcester, graphicdesign completed by Pebble CreativeDesign of Top Barn, Hallow,photography by AML Creative ofStourport-on-Severn and OrphansPress of Leominster handled theprinting requirements.
With more than 200 peopleattending the event it proved to be afantastic platform from which toshowcase local companies.
The guest speakers included DigbyJones, Minister of State for Trade
and Investment, and Simon Calder,the BBC travel expert and award-winning travel writer.
Lord Jones, the former Director-General of the Confederation ofBritish Industry, said: “The awardshave showcased the best that theWest Midlands has to offer.Companies recognised this eveningare world-class not only in theirapproach to exporting, but also inthe results they have achieved and Iam delighted at the extremely highcalibre of entries.”
Linda takes top prize for knowingall about international investmentA member of staff at the Chamber of Commerce hasbeen presented with an award for her helpful advice
Linda Smith,centre, holds upthe covetedaward forInternationalTrade Adviser ofthe Year. Left,June Adams,sister of the lateLinda Edwards –a formercolleague ofLinda Smith –and right, lastyear’s winner,Jane Matty.
Other winners from Herefordshire and Worcestershire in InvestmentInternational Trade Awards were:
Passport Exporter of the Year. Tyrrells Potato Chips of Leominster.Innovative Passport Company of the Year. Metrasens, Malvern.Highly commended for Small Passport Exporter of the Year. JohnMartin Design Associates, Pershore.Highly commended for Midlands World Trade Forum Exporter of theYear. Tyrrells Potato Chips.
MORE WINNERS AT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARDS
THIS year’s Herefordshire andWorcestershire Chamber Awardsare a sell-out.
All tickets have been sold forthe prestigious ceremony, whichwill be held at Eastnor Castle,Ledbury, on Thursday, June 5.
Showcasing cutting-edgebusinesses, the black-tie eventwill bring together 500 localentrepreneurs, businessprofessionals and industryleaders to applaud the winners.
Following a record-breaking
number of entries, the judgeshave shortlisted three or fourfinalists in each category.
Lars Tharp, renowned authorand broadcaster, is the guestspeaker at the event, which willinclude a charity auction to raisemoney for the Prince’s Trust.
The evening will end with aspectacular fireworks displayover the castle’s beautiful lake.
The Chamber would like tothank all the sponsors for theirsupport at the Chamber Awards
2008 – University of Worcester,Advantage West Midlands,Business Link, KingspanInsulation, LSC, WorcestershireCounty Council, Nexus Creative,Sanctuary Group, WorcesterNews and Hereford Times,Richard Weaver Photography,Orphans Press, Pebble CreativeDesign, Flights OrchardOrganics and Harrison Clark.
Pick up a copy of yourWorcester News on Friday, June6, for the full list of winners.
ALMOST half the young peoplein the West Midlands would liketo start their own business butbelieve that only well-off peoplecan afford to go it alone,according to research by youthcharity the Prince’s Trust.
The Prince’s Trust is thechosen charity for the 2008Chamber Awards, hosted by theChamber of CommerceHerefordshire andWorcestershire. It helps morethan 500 young people start up inbusiness each year in the WestMidlands by providing financialassistance and business supportto 18 to 30-year-olds from avariety of backgrounds.
A report marking 25 years ofthe Prince’s Trust BusinessProgramme revealed that 44 percent of young people in the WestMidlands would like to start theirown business, but less than sixper cent have actually done it.Forty-two per cent cited highstart-up costs as the biggest
barrier to starting a business.Forty-two per cent also believethat today’s entrepreneurs aremost likely to be white, middle-class, middle-aged men.
Kathy Williams, West Midlandsregional director of the Prince’sTrust, said: “Over the past 25years, the Trust has championedyouth entrepreneurship andpromoted growth opportunitieswith the support of regionaldevelopment agencies andfunders.
“In view of these findings, we
call on the local businesscommunity to join us inencouraging more young start-ups, ensuring that the UK’senterprise culture continues toevolve.”
Sarah Milnes, from Worcester,is just one of the 70,000 youngpeople who has benefited fromthe business programme over thepast 25 years.
With funding from the Trust,the designer set up a bridal wearbusiness in 1991.
Working from the basement ofher family home, Sarah beganmaking a name for herself andsix years later was able to openher own premises near WorcesterCathedral.
Today, Cathedral Belles is athriving business with eight staffwhich caters for more than 250weddings a year.
Sarah said: “I’ll always begrateful to the Prince’s Trust forgiving me the support and adviceI needed to get established.”
2008 event is a sell-out
Let’s help our youngstersSarahMilnesruns athrivingbusinessafterreceivingfundingfrom thePrince’sTrust
Whatever the sizeof your business theChamber can help!
0845 641 1641www.hwchamber.co.uk
worcesternews.co.uk 23Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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WITHOUT risks there is nogrowth, so make sureyou find the best way toincorporate them intoyour financial planning.
We all know that business gain usuallyinvolves a degree of risk; the trick is notto pursue a strategy of risk avoidance norto bury your head in the sand but to beaware of the risks, assess their likelyimpact and look for proactive ways tomanage them.
When growing your business there arecertain risks that you open yourself up toand from a finance point of view there arethree key areas you need to consider:
1 What are your financing options?
2 How do you reduce the cost of financingand protect yourself from the risk ofincreasing costs?
3 What other costs do you need toconsider?
One of the key roles of a banker – andthe one where the earliest possibleengagement is always appreciated – is inthe exploration of options for financing.
The five broad financing options fortraditional bank finance include shortterm working capital, sales ledger andstock finance, longer term workingcapital, defined fixed asset purchase, andleasing and asset finance.
Clearly an increase in interest rates isjust one of a range of financial risks thata business faces and there is a lot of meritin considering a broader riskmanagement strategy.
The key message here is that a businessmust be aware of the risks they face inthe widest sense and have access to arange of management solutions andstrategies.
Your bank is a good place to start foradvice and support.
Andy Bird is Barclays CommercialBanking area corporate director for thecounty
COMMERCIALBANKINGANDY BIRD
BUSINESS owners inWorcestershire are be-ing advised to check thepulse of their operationsby using the free ser-vices available throughBusiness Link, the infor-mation, advice and sup-port network.
There is an interactiveBusiness Health Check(www.businesslink.gov.uk/healthcheck) to helpbusinesses analyse keyareas of their financeand administration.
It also identifies areasthat would benefit fromattention, with the aimof improving the perfor-mance of the company.
Businesses can alsoaccess further guidanceby contacting BusinessLink on 0845 1131234,where advisers will beon hand to help youidentify key issues and
actions that will helpyou achieve goals andmake you aware of addi-tional support.
Lorraine Holmes, chiefexecutive of BusinessLink in the WestMidlands, said: “Withthe current economicclimate, many business-es will be thinkingabout finances andhow the credit crunchmight impact on theircompany.
By identifying and
tackling any problemsearly on, they willmarkedly increase theirchances of success.
“A few minutes onlineusing the interactivehealth check tool couldbe critical to the healthand life of their busi-ness. Companies canfeel reassured help isavailable from BusinessLink and we urge allbusinesses to make useof this free impartial ser-vice.”
WINE buffs and anyonewith a thirst forknowledge are invitedto a special event inWorcester to raisemoney for charity.
The Rotary Club ofWorcester is holding thewine tasting withcheese accompanimentswith Malpas Stallardwine merchants on
Tuesday, May 27, at thecricket suite ofWorcestershire CountyCricket Club in NewRoad. The event is inaid of St Richard’sHospice and theBethesda HospiceAmbulance Appeal inSouth Africa.
Brian Clarke of theRotary Club said:
“There will be deliciouswines from around theworld including France,South Africa, NewZealand, Chile,Argentina and Italy.
Guests will also betasting cheeses fromWorcestershire andCornwall during theinternational evening.
“We are hoping for a
good turnout for theevent, which I’m surewill be enjoyable andinformative, as well asraising funds for thetwo hospices,” said MrClarke.
Tickets cost £10 eachfor the event whichstarts at 7.30pm. Fortickets, call BrianClarke on 01905 820617.
Worcester News
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Bring your own photograph intoour offices at Hylton Road,Worcester, or use one that hasbeen published by us by visiting ourwebsite www.WorcesterNews.co.uk.Click on ‘news’ on the left-handnavigation bar, then on‘photosales’ and search throughthe many hundreds of images.Select the picture you want andcrop it yourself on screen. The‘print option’ button gives you thechoice of ordering a print or the giftyou would like.
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This free healthcheck can helpyour firm grow
BY MIKE PRYCE01905 [email protected]
Wine tasting’s worldwide appealRotary Club of Worcester member Brian Clarke, left, with Alison Weston, a fund-raiser for StRichard’s Hospice and Nigel Smith, of Malpas Stallard wine merchants, before Tuesday’s big event.
RECRUITMENT special-ists Omega Workforcehas made some recruit-ments of its own withthree new appointmentsto its Worcester office.
Providing resourcesolutions, Omega Work-force specialises in
sourcing both tempo-rary and permanentpositions across theindustrial, commercialand special events sec-tors and has offices inWorcester, Gloucester,Stonehouse and Tewk-esbury. Now boasting 14
specialist recruitmentconsultants, the compa-ny’s Worcester office atBlackpole opened 12months ago and hasseen terrific growth.
Lisa Capetta hasjoined as a seniorrecruitment consultant
and specialises inrecruiting for the indus-trial sector, SteveMaybury becomes atrainee recruitment con-sultant and DominikaGoertz joins OmegaWorkforce as an admin-istrator resourcer.
Expanding firm takes on new staff
24 worcesternews.co.uk Wednesday, May 21, 2008BUSINESS NEWS
TO many of us, thethought of giving awaya BMW, Range Rover orMercedes-Benz carseems a little crazy, but
for Kidderminster-based GlobalAluminium that’s exactly what’shappened and it’s all in aid of ‘thebigger picture’ .
Based on the CursleyDistribution Park, GlobalAluminium – suppliers of bespokealuminium extrusion andfabrication services – has startedto do its bit to reduce its carbonfootprint by trading in enviedvehicles such as a Range Roverand BMW 630, for a fleet ofenvironmentally friendly Minis.
With a top-end Range Rover
ranking up 352 grams of carbonemissions per km, the BMW Miniis definitely the greener choice.Said to be the cleanest ever BMWcar, some of the Mini range emitas little as 104 grams per km.
Supplied by WorcestershireBMW dealer Robert Stern, thearrival of the Minis has created areal buzz with members of staff atthe company.
James Hudson, companyfounder and managing director,said: “My first car was a Mini andthey’ve been a passion of mineever since. It’s been very excitingfor everyone and proves beingenvironmentally responsible canactually be a lot of fun.”
As well as looking a bit greener,
the future for Global Aluminiumlooks brighter with the launch oftheir new sourcing divisionGlobal International Sourcing.The new division will offerworldwide sourcing solutions forboth raw materials and qualityfinished products to businesses ofall shapes and sizes.
Mr Hudson said: “Our newdivision will offer acomprehensive sourcing serviceto both the domestic andcommercial markets, searchingthe world for the best productsand the best price.
“We’re very excited about thelaunch and continuing to supportmore environmental causes alongthe way.”
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Firm’s greener car fleet
Lesley Hudson,Global Aluminium’smarketing directorenjoying the Miniswith managingdirector JamesHudson and the restof the companyteam.
KNOWLEDGE of your localmarket and adaptabilityare the two key ingredientsbehind the success ofDarren and Craig Pinches
and their successful Bushwackerschain of pubs.
Ask anyone from the businesscommunity or the burgeoningstudent population in Worcesterabout Bushwackers and Sin andthey will name them as the bars tobe in, both early and late in theevening.
Founded in 1993 and inspired bythe brothers’ travels around theworld, Bushwackers in TrinityStreet, Worcester, has become one ofthe most popular bars in the city.
In 2006, always seeking freshbusiness opportunities, the brothersspotted the potential of taking overthe old Chicago Rock site in NewStreet, Worcester, and completelyrefurbished the interior turning it
into a pre-club entertainment barcalled Sin. Bushwackers remainsvery popular with the Worcesterprofessional community during theday and early evening and it hasbecome an extension to many firms’meeting rooms, where informalnetworking and business deals arediscussed in a relaxed informalsetting.
The bars are also very popularwith the over-25 market, whotraditionally have more disposableincome, and successful targeting ofthis age bracket has added to thegrowth of the business.
Using clever association withWorcester’s expanding university,
Sin’s popularity has grown at asharp rate through its sponsorshipof the campus and all of its sportingteams. Wednesdays, the traditionalsporting day for universities, hasseen the bar become the pre-eminentplace for students to unwind aftertheir physical endeavours.Providing a specialist travel servicefor students has also increasedfootfall into the bar, demonstratingthe entrepreneurial approach ofDarren and Craig Pinches.
RBS has provided support to thebrothers for a number of years,backing the extension of theirbusiness two years ago andproviding ongoing day-to-daybanking support for the Worcesteroperations and the Bushwackersoutlet in Birmingham.
Darren Pinches said: “You oftenhear at the moment about the hardtimes that people in the pub tradeare suffering, but I am glad to say
that through the mixture of outletsin our portfolio and the spread oftheir appeal across various marketswe continue to perform well.
“The smoking ban has had animpact on general pub trading, butgiven that the Bushwackers brand isbased on a dining, as well as adrinking foundation, then we havenot seen any real impact on ourbusiness turnover.
“Our association with theuniversity has also paid dividends.Worcester University continues togrow at a rapid rate and theprojected number of students whowill live in the city is due to grow to13,000. By making sure our name isassociated with the university webenefit from increased clientele.
“Over the coming years our plansare to consolidate our positions inthe Worcester and Birminghammarket places, but we will also bekeen to exploit any further business
opportunities which might presentthemselves. RBS have been verysupportive of our plans and it isalways reassuring to know that yourbank believes in your businessstrategy and is prepared to supportyou when you want to expand.”
Ian Williams, manager,commercial banking at RBS, who isthe company’s bank manager, said:“Evidence of Darren and CraigPinches’ success comes from whenyou ask people in the city aboutBushwackers and Sin and they knowabout it. Word of mouth stillcontinues to be such an importantsource of marketing and theprofessional market is very closelyaligned to the Bushwackers brand.The investment in recent years thatthe business has put into theattraction of the student market ispaying dividends and looks set togrow as the university itself growsover the coming years.”
Brothers saythere’s no sinin adapting toyour market
From left, Darren Pinches, pictured outside Sin in New Street, Worcester, with RBS bank manager Ian Williams.
Bar owners Darren and Craig Pinches were quick torealise the potential of Worcester’s university status
Worldwide sourcing solutions for the domesticand commercial markets. Benefit from a wealth ofproduct choice, a flexible approach and the verybest prices available.
From bathroom fittings to office furniture:Worldwide Choice - Local Service.
01299 250014www.global-aluminium.co.uk
S O U R C I N G & S T O R A G E S O L U T I O N S
GLOBAL INTERNATIONALSOURCING IS A TRADING
DIVISION OF GLOBALALUMINIUM LTD
