November 2012 Issue 04www.torfaenbusinessvoice.co.uk

@TorfaenBizlinkd.in/torfaenbiz

E NEWSLETTER

IN THIS ISSUE:

Exporting

Design Wales Breakfast

Ready to Recruit Workshop

New Business SEED funding

Local Sponsorship Opportunity

FROM THE CHAIRMANWhat a busy year it’s been; it has broughtmany changes in my world but the one thingthat I can guarantee has not changed is theway your business club’s committeeendeavours to improve the Torfaen BusinessVoice experience for our members. TheChristmas event we have organised willachieve our goals admirably and will surelyraise the bar for future events.

Our speaker for the evening will be Mark Evans. Youmay wonder who Mark is and the phrase that maycome to mind is “never heard of him. Whilst youmay not know his name, his voice will have come toyou from many a media forum.

What a Voice!Mark is a world renowned baritone and BBC radiopresenter. His latest recording a few months ago withthe Band of the Royal Welsh Guard topped Amazon’s‘best selling list’ for a while. He also appeared in thelatest Sherlock Holmes film and this year has seen hisprofile in America soar. Mark has an amazinginteractional personality and audiences love him. Hehosts high profile events (including Swansea BusinessAwards at the Brangwyn Hall and on 1st April aConcert at St David’s Hall, Cardiff). Mark delivers agreat, entertaining, inspirational speech and believespeople should never give up their dream. Mark has abrother who features in a certain car insurance advert,which I will say no more about. Mark will certainlyelaborate more on their sibling rivalry when heentertains us. We have also requested that Markperforms a couple of songs so it should be a fun andinspirational evening.

To hear that voice follow the linkhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAn3QUOgnOw

Once you have listened to that voice, you had betterbook you place fast as this event is going to bestanding room only. You are not having my seat!

Potential new members – attention please!!Membership of Torfaen Business Voice runs from Aprilthrough to March and covers attendance at our 4quarterly events. So far this year we have held 2 ofthose events. Therefore, in order to be fair tocompanies who may wish to join at this point in themembership year, we are offering pro-rata rates tocover the remainder of the 2012-13 membershipperiod. If you know of companies who may wish tojoin or you are not a member currently, for furtherdetails and an application form please contact:Joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk orcheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

To add more would be a waste of words. I lookforward to seeing you all in December.

Regards, Dennis RickettsChairman, Torfaen Business Voice

CONTENTS:Page 3: Next Event

Last Event

Page 4: Recruitment SeminarService Innovation Breakfast

Page 5: Businesses That Export

Page 6: Businesses That Export (cont.)

Page 7: Starting Business for the First TimeSponsorship Pays

Page 8: Marketing OpportunitiesNot a Member YetLeadership and Management Wales

Page 9: Business Breakfast SeminarTorfaen Economy & Enterprise Strategy

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:Thursday 6th December, Christmas event

April date to be confirmedThursday 27th June 2013, 6.30pmThursday 26th September 2013, 6.30pm Thursday 5th December 2013, 6.30pm

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NEW MEMBER:We would like to welcome the followingbusiness as a new member ofTorfaen Business Voice

D.W.S. Business Debt Recoverydwsbusinessdebtrecovery@hotmail.com

All information contained in this newsletter is based on copy supplied bycontributors and is believed to be accurate by the publisher.PDF E-Newsletter by Marshall & Hicks Print Media - 01495 750143 -www.marshallandhicks.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS EVENT - THURSDAY 6TH DECEMBERMark Evans at this year’s TorfaenBusiness Voice Christmas Event.

The next Torfaen Business Voice event will take placeon Thursday 6th December at Greenmeadow GolfClub, Cwmbran and promises to be a festive, fun-filledevening.

Our speaker will be the high profile Mark Evans – aworld renowned baritone, BBC radio presenter andperformer. He has a fantastic personality andaudiences love him which makes him the perfectchoice for the many high profile events he has alreadyhosted. We have also requested that Mark performs acouple of songs so it should be an entertaining andinspirational event.

A festive buffet will also be served and there will beplenty of opportunities for informal networking.Proceedings will kick off at 6.30pm prompt.

Spaces for this Christmas evening always fill up veryquickly, so please ensure you book your places now.Remember there are 2 free places for every companywho is a Torfaen Business Voice member. We lookforward to seeing you.

Reserve Your Places for our event in December:Next event: Thursday 6th December 6.30pm promptat the Greenmeadow Golf Club, Cwmbran

Simply e-mail: joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk or cheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk or telephone: 01633 648 644Remember if you are a member you are entitled to 2 FREE places at this event.

Non-members are very welcome at a cost of £20.00 per person.Please make cheque payable to: Torfaen County Borough Council

LAST EVENT -NEW CONTACTS...NEW FRIENDS

On Thursday 27th September we held a facilitatedspeed networking evening which gave Torfaen BusinessVoice members and their guests the opportunity to

introduce their company to tables of listeners. Theroom was bustling and members got to know eachother better.

The result? New contacts and potential businessopportunities.

It was great to see new members of Torfaen BusinessVoice enjoying the benefits too!

The evening ended with the usual buffet and theopportunity for further informal networking.

Thank you to those who came along and made this asuccessful evening – and also to Mark Bellew forhosting the activities on the night.

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ARE YOU A BUSINESS READY TO RECRUITTHURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER 2012, 2PM - 6PM THE ECO BUILDING – UNIT 1 - 3, SPRINGVALE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, CWMBRAN

This will provide practical advice and guidance to entrepreneurs andbusiness owners who are considering recruiting new staff. Theworkshops will also bring together business support organisationsin Wales who will discuss the free support and advice available tocompanies who are about to recruit.

After attending the seminar delegates will have a clearunderstanding of how to use the recruitment process to:

• Recruit the right person into the right job at the right time• Meet operational and strategic needs • Attract suitably skilled, qualified and experienced candidates• Apply fairness and compliance with the law

All workshops will run for 4 hours and will include an opportunity to network over light refreshments. PLACESARE LIMITED so book now by clicking here to register: www.business.wales.gov.uk/r2r

Venue: Greenmeadow Golf Club, Cwmbran Date: Wednesday, 6th February 2012Time: 7:45am – 9:30am

Suitable for: Senior staff within SME businesses,retailers, service providers, managing directors,operations managers, creative businesses andmanufacturers.

All companies say they offer a better service; but doyour customers agree?

This seminar is designed to give you a taster of thecreative tools and techniques being used by leadingdesign agencies to create a competitive advantagethrough service. Traditional innovation in product ortechnology is no longer enough for companies toremain competitive. New services are required toengage and retain customers. Chris Brooker fromDesign Wales will Introduce service innovation for SMEsand will show how design can help you do this in astructured, cost effective way. He will also introduce the

support available from the Design Wales programmes.We will also hear from a range of speakers speakerswho have practical business experience of deliveringservice innovation within an SME.

One-to-one sessions: (10:00am – midday)In addition to the business breakfast, there willbe an opportunity for one to one sessions withChris and the presenters. These sessions will last1 hour and will provide you with the followingresults;

1: A run through of the tools presented in the seminar(focused on your business)

2: Copies of the tools used during the seminar to takehome and use again

3: Insights from service innovation experts into yourbusiness and ideas for future service opportunities.

RegistrationIf you would like to attend this event pleasecontact Joanne.john@torfaen.gov,uk or Cheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk.

Due to the time required to complete the one-to-onesessions, booking is essential (six places available).These will be offered on a first-come basis.

BUSINESSES THATEXPORT GROW BYALMOST A THIRD INJUST TWO YEARS• A third (29 per cent) of small and medium sized

enterprises (SMEs) see a positive impact on theirbottom line within just six months of expandinginto international markets

• Over half (54 per cent) said this growth exceededtheir expectations

• Businesses who have been exporting for more thanthree years plan on branching out to countriesincluding Hong Kong, India, China and Australia

• An average of around 336,000 more people arebeing employed across the UK as a result ofbusinesses exporting or selling to overseascustomers

Businesses generate an average growth of 30 per centafter exporting for just two years, according to newresearch from Barclays.

Carried out amongst 1,500 small businesses in the UK,the research reveals the rapid benefits of exporting,with 29 per cent experiencing a positive impact ontheir bottom line within just six months of expandinginto international markets. Eight in ten (82 per cent)businesses experienced a positive impact on theirbottom line after two years of exporting.

The research comes as Barclays recently launched aunique proposition, “Business Abroad”, which providesthe tools and know-how that businesses need toinstantly start trading internationally with confidence.It offers free access to expert guidance, advice,workshops and tools, as well as discounts oninternational products and services.

Increasing the number of businesses that export is vitalto the recovery of the UK economy and to boosting jobcreation. Nearly a third (31%) of businesses thatcurrently sell overseas admit they have had to employmore people in the UK as a result of their exportingactivity. These businesses, on average, have recruitedan extra 15 people in the UK each as a direct result oftheir exporting activity. This includes many smallerSMEs employing a few extra members of staff, and asmall number of fast growing SMEs taking on muchlarger numbers. This equates to an estimated averageof around 336,0002 more people being employedacross the UK as a result of businesses exporting orselling to overseas customers.

Given the positive impact on the bottom line of abusiness, it’s perhaps not surprising that 31 per cent ofthose who currently export are planning on branchinginto new markets in the next year and a further 24 per

cent in the next two years. And, with continuinguncertainty in the Eurozone, businesses are looking forexport opportunities further afield. Nine out of the topten countries listed as targets by businesses exportingfor three years or more are outside of Europe, withHong Kong, India, China and Australia topping the list.

Beyond business growth, almost nine in ten (87 percent) businesses claim there are other benefits toexporting, including having greater confidence in thelongevity of the business (44 per cent), increasedproductivity (37 per cent), stronger innovation (28 percent) and a longer lifespan for their products andservices (27 per cent).

Darren Farnell, Barclays Business Banking RegionalDirector for Wales said: “Winning business overseas is a vitally important way

for SMEs to prosper and help the economy grow out ofrecession. Our new research shows that in thechallenging domestic market, exporting providesattractive new revenue growth for businesses of up toa third, boosting the bottom line and supporting jobcreation.

“We are committed to helping UK SMEs take that stepto winning new trade around the world, and haveexperts in place across the globe ready to lend theirsupport and advice.”

In addition to launching Barclays “Business Abroad”,Barclays has also joined up with UK Trade andInvestment to help small businesses tradeinternationally – from securing their first internationalcustomer to setting up an overseas operation.

Lord Green, Minister for Trade and Investment, said:“Boosting the UK's export performance and supportingthe growth of small and medium sized enterprises arekey parts of our plan for growth that will help ussecure a stronger, more balanced and resilienteconomy. The Government wants to see a further100,000 British businesses exporting by 2020 and iscommitted to helping businesses of all sizes take theirproducts and services to new markets overseas.

"Alongside the support offered by UK Trade andInvestment, the Business Abroad proposition launchedby Barclays will play an important role in helpingBritish products and services find new marketsoverseas. I look forward to seeing our partnershipdeliver real results."

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DO YOU EXPORT?

DOCUMENTATION MADE EASY

The South Wales Chamber of Commerce o�ers a comprehensive range of advice, guidance, training and services, including:

Certificates of Origin – European, Arab and EgyptianEUR1 CertificatesATR CertificateseCert and aCert – electronic certification Courses on Export and ImportAccess to Publications on export procedures

We are readily available to all businesses in Wales however we o�er preferential rates to members. Our member services will save you money and cater for all urgent requests.

If you export or are thinking of exportingcontact Jennifer Hurley on 01633 242723 oremail International@southwaleschamber.co.uk

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Other findings from the research include:

• The scale of the impact of the move intointernational markets has surprised many smallbusinesses with over half (54 per cent) saying thislevel of growth exceeded their expectations. Afurther 39 per cent said they achieved the level ofgrowth they expected through exporting.

• Almost half (48 per cent) of small businesses whoexport saw an increase in their sales over the lasttwo years, compared to just 30 per cent ofbusinesses who have remained solely within the UKmarket.

• Over half (53 per cent) of those who are currentlyexporting see the revenue they generate throughselling to customers overseas increasing during thenext five years.

• 84 per cent believe that exporting is important totheir future business growth.

• Only 23 per cent of small businesses who don’tcurrently export say they are planning to start inthe next five years. A further fifth (21 per cent) arecurrently undecided as to whether to startexporting.

In September Barclays launched a unique proposition,“Business Abroad”, which provides the tools andknow-how that businesses need to instantly starttrading internationally with confidence. It offers freeaccess to expert guidance, advice, workshops andtools, as well as discounts on international productsand services. It is available to all businesses by visitingwww.barclays.co.uk/barclaysabroad and speaking toyour local Barclays Business Manager Debra Reader on01633 205213.

Barclays is also launching a series of free InternationalTrading Clinics across the UK, supported by UKTI.Taking place throughout October and November, theseare aimed at all businesses who would like advice andguidance on trading overseas.

To find out more please visitwww.barclays.co.uk/businesshub orphone 0845 124 6502 to book a free place.

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TORFAEN’S HEADS OF THE VALLEYS BUSINESS SEEDCAPITAL FUND GRANT MAY HELP.This flexible grant scheme delivered through a partnership across the Local Authorities of Blaenau Gwent,Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Torfaen. It is designed to help set up full time business start-upsin the Heads of the Valleys area, who are not able to access any other sources of funding.

Businesses eligible? ● Business start ups in all business sectors● Business must be located in Blaenavon or Pontypool

Support AvailableGrants of up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of £2,000.Eligible costs could include:

● Capital Equipment● ICT Equipment● Development of websites● Marketing● Building works to business premises

Expenditure incurred prior to grant approval is not eligible for grant funding.Award of Grant is entirely at the discretion of Torfaen County Borough Council.

For further details contact the Economic Development Teamon 01633 648 371 or e-mail: info@torfaenbusiness.co.uk

The list of local businesses sponsoring Torfaen Council assets, services, events and communication campaigns has grown again this year withmany of last year’s sponsors choosing to return for a second year proving the worth of this unusual form of advertising.

Sponsorship is keeping the colour on roundabouts and verges helping to present Torfaen in the best possible light, smart, vibrant and readyfor business. Recently, it’s helped us reach out to the residents through sponsorships and diverse as lorry banners and riverside walks.

In these fiscally challenging times we’re looking for new and imaginative ways to use sponsorship to help promote local commerce whilstpreserving valued Council commitments, so if you’re an optician with a yearning to sponsor a lollypop lady or a pet shop wanting to sponsorpoop scoop bins …… get in touch at Julia.miller@torfaen.gov.uk

MARKETING OPPORTUNITYFOR MEMBERS.Make sure you book your pop up standin early for 6th December’s meeting!

One of the benefits of being a Torfaen BusinessVoice member is the opportunity to get yourcompany brand in front of other local businesses.

We are please to announce that we have nowcreated a members Information Area in the roomat the Greenmeadow Golf Club. Members ofTorfaen Business Voice can bring and display asingle pop-up stand (up to 15 only allowed at eachevent so please contact Jo or Cheryl early to ensureyou have a slot on the list).

There will also be an information table wheremembers can place marketing material andbusiness cards.

Thank you!

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www.lmw.org.ukfind outmore at

Think again.

Think you’re too smallfor leadership and

management training?

www.lmw.org.ukfind outmore at

DID YOU KNOW?Private sector businesses in Wales canaccess up to 70% funding* tosupport leadership and managementdevelopment training under theEnhancing Leadership and ManagementSkills (ELMS) programme.*Funding is part funded by the European Social Fund(ESF) delivered through the Welsh Government

Business?

Boost your leadership andmanagement skills to take

your business to the next level

NOT A

MEMBER YET? HERE IS YOUR CHANCE!Membership usually runs from April to the end ofMarch of each year. However, since we arecurrently half way through the 2012 – 2013membership year we are able to offer pro-rata,half price rates starting from just £15.00 forcompanies wishing to join after 1st October 2012.

Secure your October 2012 – March 2013membership TODAY by completing themembership application form just stating half pricerates and returning it to us with your cheque forthe relevant amount.

Annual Membership renewal takes place in April2013 when the full membership rate will beapplicable should you wish to renew then.

Pro-Rata Membership: (1st October 2012 – 31st March 2013)

£25.00 (Companies with 1 – 4 employees)Normally £50.00

£32.50 (Companies with 5 + employees)Normally £65.00

£15.00 (Companies under 1 year of trading) Normally £30.00

Any questions simply e-mail:joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk orCheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

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AS ABUSINESS INTORFAEN -HAVEYOUR SAY! TORFAEN ECONOMY &ENTERPRISE STRATEGY

The Regeneration Departmentat Torfaen County BoroughCouncil has been working ondeveloping a strategy whichwill provide a delivery planenabling us to better co-ordinate the way in which wework with a range ofstakeholders across allsectors.

The key aims of this strategy are to:

• Develop the business environment• Stimulate local sustainable growth• Support business start up• Attract inward investment• Develop the Young Enterprise Programme

We would like to give you the opportunity to commenton the Torfaen Economy and Enterprise Strategy. If youare interested in receiving a copy of the strategy inorder to contribute your thoughts please e-mail:joanne.john@torfaen.gov.uk orCheryl.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

In addition, we will be holding an open afternoon laterthis month - details of which will follow shortly. At thisevent you will be able discuss any aspects of thestrategy face to face with a member of the BusinessSupport Team.

We look forward to hearing your comments...

SERVICE INNOVATION AND IMPROVEMENTWhen was the last time you spoke to one of your customers, and not only whenmaking a sale, taking an order or retrospectively dealing with a complaint. Weconstantly meet companies that, with the best intentions, send out countless customersatisfaction surveys as a quality check after their job is done. The problem is that theresults of the surveys are not used or can’t be used to actually improve services forcustomers and improve operations within the business.

Every company says they provide a better service and that they care about theircustomers. But you need to demonstrate it and use your customers as resource forcontinually improving your service and winning more business. A great place to start isto work out with your staff (across different departments) what the most importantthing is about your service to your customers. It might be price, convenience, speed,prompt customer service, technical ability and knowledge, product quality etc. It is always interesting to see thedifferences in opinion between members of staff. You can also look at what your competitors are delivering andyour points of differentiation. Why would a customer choose you if they can get the same thing from a number ofyour competitors?

Next and perhaps most importantly, ask your customers what is most important to them and make sure you aredelivering a satisfaction score of at least 9/10 on this. You can’t afford to score 10/10 on everything and don’tneed to if it is not important to your customers. We always recommend talking to your customers in person orover the phone as it is a much more valuable way to understand their experiences of your service, but if it is notappropriate or doable there are a number of free online survey tools that you use to set this exercise up.

REGISTER FOR THE FREE SERVICE INNOVATION TORFAEN BUSINESSBREAKFAST TAKING PLACEON 6th FEBRUARY 2013. See Page 4 for details on how to book

The Service Design Programme is delivered by Design Wales and provides practicalsupport and training to organisations, companies and agencies that want to developskills and expertise in service design.

We have been running The Service Design Programme for two years and have helpedestablished Welsh manufacturing companies design new services and retaincustomers and contracts worth millions of pounds. We helped one Swansea basedmanufacturer use service design to think differently about their customers and

generate £500k in sales over the following six months. The Service Design Programme recentlywon the Core77 Design Award 2012 in the service design category. For more information pleasevisit www.theservicedesignprogramme.org or call 02920 041 6681.

Many thanks to Chris Brooker of Design Wales for providing this article.