BBP Midlands - Edition 61

Ed

ition 61

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BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS POST

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Pension Freedoms

R I C H A R D M E E K , P R I N C I P A L , P S F M L T D .O N E C O L M O R E R O W , B I R M I N G H A M B 3 2 B U

E : R I C H A R D . M E E K @ P S F M . C O M T : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 2 1 2 3 0 1 9 1 0

Punter Southall Financial Management is a trading name of PSFM Limited, 11 Strand, London, WC2N 5HR. PSFM Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our FCA Register Number is 137684. Our permitted business is arranging and advising on investments, pension transfers and opt-outs, non-investment insurance contracts and assisting in the administration and performance of contracts of insurance. You can check this on the FCA’s Register by visiting the FCA’s website www.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966.

administration and performance of contracts of insurance. You can check this on the FCA’s Register by visiting the FCA’s websitOur FCA Register Number is 137684. Our permitted business is arranging and advising on investments, pension transfers and opt-oPunter Southall Financial Management is a trading name of PSFM Limited, 11 Strand, London, WC2N 5HR. PSFM Limited is authorised

s f contracts of insurance. You can check this on th an 4. Our permitted business is arranging and advisi

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on t ng on investments, pension transfers a ed is au d, London, WC2N 5HR. PSFM Limited uth

non-investment insurance contracts and assisting in the ww.fsa.gov.uk/register or by contacting the FCA on 0845 606 9966.

ts non-inve men ntracts and assisting in the nd regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. reg al Conduct Authority.

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and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

We now have the freedom to do as we choose withthe pension pots we have built up over our workinglives, but the majority of us lack sufficientinformation to come to an informed decision.

Although the new freedoms allow pensioners to treat theirpension pot in a more flexible way there are mechanical andtechnical difficulties.

Richard Meek, Principal at PSFM Ltd stresses the need to planahead, saying that your final years in work are critical whenplanning your retirement. He recommends discussing youroptions with a qualified financial planner at this stage while youstill have the opportunity to plug any savings gaps, saying “It isprobably the best money you will ever spend”.

However not all of us think ahead and plan for our retirement,so when the day comes, sheer inertia may result in just leavingthe money where it is, if that is an option, or drawing it all downand putting it in the bank.

Most of us are aware that only the first 25% will be tax free,and that drawing down the whole lot could leave us with ahefty tax bill. So what should we do? After all, current lifeexpectancies being what they are, once retired, most canexpect to live for another 30 years.

There are plenty of tempting “Get rich quick” schemes about,but the old adage “If it seems to be too good to be true, itprobably is!”, should be born in mind.

The key is to get advice, the right advice, from a properlyqualified Financial Conduct Authority authorised professional.

For all the talk of folk cashing their pensions and buying aLamborghini, people have in the main been more cautious, andas Richard said, if you cash down a relatively small pot, sayabout £40,000, that wouldn’t be really a problem, but even sotaking £10,000 and then paying tax on the remaining £30,000wouldn’t buy the Lamborghini, just perhaps the boot lid!

Those with substantial funds will have been taking advice andhave planned well in advance. It is the middle ground wheredifficulties can arise, as a company scheme will not give youthe opportunity for flexible drawdowns.

Say a worker has had 30 to 40 years’ service and retires with acompany pension of £250,000 to £300,000, he is not going tojust cash it in due to the tax implications but may not want tobuy an annuity. While this sounds like a great deal of money, itwill need to provide for us for our long term security so makingthe right decision is crucial. PSFM Ltd is here to help.

PSFM Ltd is a company of independent financial planners, whooffer clear expert advice, cutting through the overwhelmingmountain of financial information and putting plans in place fortheir clients to help them achieve what they want from life.

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C O N T E N T SHiggs & Sons 4

Birmingham Law Society Awards 5

Neil Davies and Partners 6

Is More Borrowing Always the Answer? 7

BCRS Business Loans 8

Raven Mann & Co 9

Verus360 10

Wesleyan Bank 11

Coface 12

First Capital Cashflow 13

mca group 14

Business Growth 15

Aerostrat 16

intelligentpos 17

Xibis 18

Taking Cyber Security Seriously 19

Computerworld Business Solutions 20

Safeonline 21

Intqual-pro 22

Elmore Insurance Brokers 23

RGS Worcester 24

Top of the Form 25

Kimichi School 26

Automation 27

Scantime 28

Simmatic 30

AJ Robotics 32

Active8 Robots 33

Mirage 34

Accurate Laser Cutting 35

Air Control & Development 36

Energy Solutions 37

Energize Investments 38

Lumina Energy 39

Energy UK 41

Exchange Utility 42

The Changing Face of the UK Construction Worker 43

Mr Electric 44

Nelson Thomas 45

Morgan Sindall Professional Services 46

Lioncourt Homes 47

Aedis Group 48

Vincent Interior Contracts 49

AECOM 50

Churchill Taxation 51

Kennet Equipment Leasing 52

1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 53

Edenhouse 54

Kite Packaging 55

Welcome to Edition 61 of the BirminghamBusiness Post, the free magazine for theMidlands business community packed withnews, tips and stories from across the region.

In this edition we feature the role of technology inshaping manufacturing processes in the WestMidlands, and encourage online vigilance in ourarticle on Cyber Security. We celebrate three ofthe diverse companies who were named in theSunday Times list of 1,000 Companies to InspireBritain and two of the Midlands firms shortlistedfor the annual Birmingham Law Society awards.

We look at ways in which businesses can cuttheir energy costs and the Changing Face of theConstruction Worker.

Business Finance looks at advice for growingbusinesses and asks whether More Borrowing isAlways the Answer.

In the meantime take a look at the website,bbpmedia.co.uk and keep sending yourbusiness news and stories to us [email protected] we will featureas many as we can.

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DISCLAIMERWhilst every effort has been made to ensure that advertsand articles appear correctly, PIL (Europe) Limited cannotaccept responsibility for any loss or damage causeddirectly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarilythose of its publisher or editor.

Birmingham Edition 61 Contents_Layout 1 22/04/2016 17:19 Page 1

Higgs & Sons, known for its traditional values, commitmentto the local community and innovative approach, hasbecome among the largest, most experienced andrespected law firms in the West Midlands.

Recognised nationally and across the Midlands, Higgs & Sonsis proud of its heritage and its reputation for loyalty, integrityand consistently delivering exceptional standards of service.

Highly regarded in the Legal 500 and Chambers guides to theLegal Profession it has, over recent years, received numerousaccolades, including:

• Birmingham Law Society Law Firm of the Year

• The Lawyer’s Regional/National Law Firm of the Yearfinalist

• Midlands Dealmakers Corporate Law Firm of the Year 2013 (and shortlisted in 2014 and 2015)

Employing over 220 staff, the firm brings together specialists inmany disciplines, providing a balanced portfolio of servicesincluding corporate and commercial, regulatory, employment,residential and commercial property, dispute resolution,insolvency, private motoring and crime, personal injury andclinical negligence, family and private client.

Higgs & Sons takes care to provide genuine value by striving toconstantly think from a client’s point of view, understandingtheir issues and responding to their particular needs. Clientsrightly expect the highest standards and everyone at the firmworks hard in order to exceed their expectations, constantlyinnovating, and seeking out new and better ways of deliveringits services. Higgs & Sons strives to make a real difference.

Higgs & Sons is proud of its long tradition of supporting youngtalent though its trainee programme. Natalie Marsden who wasshortlisted for Trainee Solicitor in the Birmingham Law SocietyAwards this year, follows Katie Willems, who qualified into thecorporate team in September 2015, and was named asBirmingham Law Society’s ‘Trainee of the year 2015’.

Catherine Junor, Partner and co-ordinator of the Traineeprogramme, says “Our Trainee Programme provides theopportunity for trainees to work directly with clients andmanage caseloads from the earliest possible stage. A one toone involvement with other lawyers, who share theirexperiences and knowledge, provides each trainee with ahands-on approach to learning.”

Trainees benefit from regular appraisals with supervisors, an‘open door’ support policy, professional training courses andmentoring from one of the firm’s partners. All trainees areassigned a current trainee as a ‘buddy’, someone who hasbeen in that position to answer their questions and help them intheir professional development.

Over half the existing partners were trained by the firm: ClareLangford, Partner, who qualified in 2003 said, “Higgs & Sons isa great place to train with a real commitment to the nextgeneration of lawyers. The firm is renowned for the exceptionalquality of its legal advice, something that can only bemaintained by good training. Higgs & Sons offers greatopportunities for career progression. I’m a prime example ofthat. Over the last 10 years, the department has gone fromstrength to strength, and I was made partner in 2012.”

As Paul Hunt, Managing Partner is proud to say “We have agreat team. We always remember that we are nothing withoutthe skills of our people, which is why we have built one of themost enviable teams of legal specialists within the region.”

To find out more about Higgs & Sons and the careeropportunities available, please visit the websitewww.higgsandsons.co.ukor telephone 0345 111 5050

Nurturing talent

Partner Catherine Junor (third from left) co-ordinates the HiggsTrainnee programme

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Birmingham LawSociety Awards

The shortlist for the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards hasbeen announced, with the judges commenting on theexceptionally high calibre of this year’s nominees and the quality of work being done in Birmingham.

The Birmingham Law Society LegalAwards have been showcasing the verybest of the region’s legal talent since theinaugural event in 2002. This year’swinners will be announced at the Awardsdinner due to be held on 21st April.

Now in their 15th year, the Awards havebecome a permanent fixture in the legaland business calendar, with the eventattracting a capacity crowd year-on-yearto celebrate the success and achievementof both individuals and firms over the last12 months. The Awards are open to firmsand individuals, across all levels of thelegal spectrum, practicing in the WestMidlands, from sole practitioners totrainee solicitors, barristers to paralegals.

This year’s guest speaker will be thecharismatic writer, broadcaster and formerMP, Gyles Brandreth. Best known for hisappearances on TV and radio shows suchas Countdown, QI, Have I Got News ForYou, The One Show and Just a Minute onBBC Radio 4, as well as his work as ajournalist, currently as the SundayTelegraph Review’s Editor-at-Large, andpublished author, Gyles will be bringing hisirrepressible charm, good humour and witto the awards dinner.

The 12 award categories are:

• Trainee Solicitor of the Year

• Barrister of the Year

• Paralegal of the Year

• Chartered Legal Executive of the Year

• Assistant/Associate Solicitor of the Year

• Corporate Social Responsibility & ProBono Lawyer of the Year

• Partner of the Year

• Corporate Team of the Year

• In-house Legal Team of the Year

• Law Firm of the Year (sole practitionerup to 4 partners)

• Law Firm of the Year (5 to 15 partners)

• Law Firm of the Year (16 plus partners)

Neil Davis and Partners were thrilled to benominated in the Law Firm of the Year (solepractitioner up to 4 partners) category.Founded in 2007 by Neil Davies andSukhbir Mall, the firm focuses on providinglegal advice to its clients in three mainareas: Director Disqualification, InsolvencyLaw and Commercial Litigation, alsoadvising on Regulatory and ConstructionDisputes. Based in central Birmingham,just off St. Paul’s Square, NDP’s approachis encapsulated in its strapline: “Solutionsfor your Business Problems”.

“We’re delighted to have been shortlistedfor the Law Firm of the Year Award (up to4 partners) in the prestigious BirminghamLaw Society’s Legal Awards 2016,” saysNeil. “The practice of law is thriving inBirmingham, and in common with anyBirmingham Law Practice, we believe weoffer London levels of quality at realisticand cost effective prices.”

“We were probably even more delightedto have been nominated in the first place,

because it means that our work isrecognised by others in the BirminghamLaw Community. Above all, of course, it’sthe results that we deliver for our clientsthat matter most. Without these results,we wouldn’t have been nominated in thefirst place.”

A larger firm, Higgs & Sons, whichemploys over 220 staff, known for itstraditional values, commitment to the localcommunity and innovative approach, hasbecome among the largest, mostexperienced and respected law firms inthe West Midlands.

Highly regarded in the Legal 500 andChambers guides to the Legal Profession ithas, over recent years, received numerousaccolades, including, Birmingham LawSociety Law Firm of the Year, The Lawyer’sRegional/National Law Firm of the Yearfinalist, Midlands Dealmakers CorporateLaw Firm of the Year 2013 (and shortlistedin 2014 and 2015)

Higgs & Sons was delighted to have thequality of its training programme andsupport for young talent recognised in theawards. Natalie Marsden who isshortlisted for Trainee Solicitor in theBirmingham Law Society Awards this year,follows Katie Willems, who qualified intothe corporate team in September 2015,and was named as Birmingham LawSociety’s ‘Trainee of the year 2015’.

Over half the existing partners weretrained by the firm: Clare Langford,Partner, who qualified in 2003 said, “Higgs& Sons is a great place to train with a realcommitment to the next generation oflawyers. The firm is renowned for theexceptional quality of its legal advice,something that can only be maintained bygood training.

It is plain to see that the BirminghamLegal community is thriving, offering arange of services and expertise, previouslythought of as the province of the largerLondon firms.

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5

Founded in 2007 by Neil Davies and Sukhbir Mall, NeilDavies & Partners (NDP) (www.ndandp.co.uk) focuses onproviding legal advice to its clients in three main areas:Director Disqualification, Insolvency Law and CommercialLitigation, also advising on Regulatory and ConstructionDisputes. Based in central Birmingham, just off St. Paul’sSquare, NDP’s approach is encapsulated in its strapline:“Solutions for your Business Problems”.

Most of the business problems they help their clients with startoff with some form of business related problem, which oftenends up in the insolvency arena, with the threat of DirectorDisqualification and Misfeasance claims also coming in to play.

It’s About Finding Solutions, QuicklyAs Neil says: “At NDP we are often a distress purchase for ourclients. It’s common for Directors to receive communicationsfrom the Insolvency Service or other government bodiesthreatening Director Disqualification Proceedings, or from aLiquidator threatening Misfeasance or other recovery action.The recipient will be fearing for their business future andperhaps their own personal asset position. That’s where wecome in – we aim to find solutions, quickly.”

NDP has built its reputation on responding quickly andpositively to these distressing business problems, often takingcalls from business Directors and Owners and their professionaladvisers at night or during weekends to start the ball rolling.“No hole is too deep for us to be able to make a difference” isa phrase that Neil is fond of using, and the team at NDP alwayslook to apply creative and proactive thinking in their work todeliver the results that are needed.

Ultimately, It’s Delivering Results That Counts“We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for the Law Firm ofthe Year Award (up to 4 partners) in the prestigious BirminghamLaw Society’s Legal Awards 2016,” says Neil. “The practice oflaw is thriving in Birmingham, and in common with anyBirmingham Law Practice, we believe we offer London levels ofquality at realistic and cost effective prices.”

“We’re probably even more delighted to have been nominatedin the first place, because it means that our work is recognisedby others in the Birmingham Law Community. Above all, ofcourse, it’s the results that we deliver for our clients that mattermost, some testimonials (www.ndandp.co.uk/testimonials) fromwhom can be seen on our website. Without these results, wewouldn’t have been nominated in the first place.”

Specialists in Director Disqualification,Insolvency Law and Commercial Litigation

(L-R) Neil Davis and Sukhbir Mall

Neil Davies and PartnersCalcameron House36B Water StreetBirmingham B3 1HP

Email: [email protected]: 0121 200 7040Fax: 0121 200 7041www.ndandp.co.uk


6

Every business needs capital andregular cashflow is the life blood of allenterprises. Well, that is certainly agiven but achieving it takes rathermore than wishful thinking.

Sources of funding, in the form of loansare many and various, from friends andfamily, high street banks, governmentbacked initiatives, peer to peer lending,crowd funding, even your credit cards, butwhat all these sources have in common isthe need to repay them, often especially inthe case of that emergency top-up fromyour credit card, at punitive rates ofinterest, thus giving your growing businessan additional burden to carry.

Often we start out with a degree of debtto get our business up and running, andare then so busy manufacturing andselling our products or services that webecome product centric, always lookingfor the next piece of tech to improve theproduct without checking our basicprofitability. We believe we need the latestthing in order to remain competitive or toservice a new market, and accept thatmeans borrowing. Many a businesses hasended up going into liquidation throughover investment in kit.

So if additional borrowing isn’t the answer,what is? A good hard look at yourfinancial systems in the form of a healthcheck is a good place to start.

Before you borrow any more money,are you getting in the money that isowed to you? Do you have goodcredit control systems in placewith clear payment termsand do you follow up slowpayers? Agree paymentterms you can handle withyour customer and ensureinvoices are raised promptlyand accurately once theproduct or service isdelivered. It is onlyprofessional to have clearcontract terms at thestart of each transaction,to follow up with remindersand then if no payment is receivedto take action through the courts ifneed be.

The cycle can be reduced in mostbusinesses by removing those non-valueadded activities and shortening the time ittakes to process information and ordersthrough the business. The quicker thebusiness can deliver high quality servicesand products to the customer, the quickerit can invoice and be paid.

It cannot be said often enough that agood customer is one who pays their billon time and then re-orders. Bad payersare just a drain on your business and youwould be better off without them!

All business expenses involve a purchasetransaction, at least initially. It is importantto buy wisely and make the most ofmodern purchasing techniques to ensurethat the business is receiving value formoney. This means buying at the rightprice and quality level and on the rightterms. Thoughtful business spendinghelps you savesmall amounts ateverytransactionand thisquicklyaddsup.

Whatif that

excitingopportunity

for newbusiness

beckons but willrequire substantial

investment in newstaffing or equipment?

You have done the duediligence on thepurchasing companyand could finance thenecessaryexpenditure, butshould anything gowrong it would causeyour business severedifficulties.

This is where covering your bases withCredit Insurance comes in. Often seen asa protection widely used by exporters toprotect them for the extra risk they run,Credit Insurance is becoming more widelyrecognised as a useful tool in the financialarmouries of all business, taking much ofthe risk out of the costs of expansion.

Is your business profitable? Most businessowners are realistic enough not to expectgreat profits in the first few years, but ifthe profits are not growing, you mustreview your pricing in the light of whatyour competion is offering, your marketingstrategy and ways in which you canstreamline your processes to keep yourcosts low. You may need to make someadjustments to the product or look at newmarkets.

If you feel that your business is basicallysound and that having streamlined yourprocesses and purchasing and reviewedthe market in order to adjust your product

and pricing if necessary, you do stillneed additional financing. Rather than

take on more debt you could offer ashare in your business to an investor.

Equity investors or Angel investors arealways interested in growing businesses, ifyou go down this route your board will begaining someone with vast businessexperience who will bring a freshperspective and valuable insight to yourbusiness decisions.

Is More Borrowing

Always the Answer?


7

BCRS Business Loans which was set up in 2002 toassist local businesses in the West Midlands havingdifficulty in accessing finance through traditionalsources, such as high street banks, has boosted theregion’s social and economic prosperity to the tune of£60 million.

BCRS generated the extra growth in the region by lending £6.5million t to 182 SMEs in 2015 which, crucially, supported thecreation of over 1000 new jobs and helped to secure over 740existing jobs.

Paul Kalinauckas, Chief Executive of BCRS Business Loans,said: “We are incredibly proud of the strong impact we havehad on the local economy. This is exactly what BCRS BusinessLoans was set up to do, a non-profit distributing financialinstrument that could get loans out to local businesses deniedaccess to finance by mainstream lenders. We are an impactlender, which means we lend to businesses that demonstratethe potential to make a positive contribution to the social andeconomic well-being of the region.

“As a result of being founded on co-operative principles andwith over 14 years’ experience of supporting the funding needs

of small to medium sized businesses, we have developed aresponsible lending procedure that analyses how each loan willaffect both people and businesses in the community.

“Small businesses are at the heart of what we do and, mostimportantly, we believe in what they do. We genuinely love seeingsmall businesses grow and achieve their goal. We providefunding, advice and support in ways few other lenders can.”

BCRS is now expanding the support it can offer to small andgrowing businesses in the Three Counties by making loansavailable to viable small businesses in Worcestershire,Herefordshire and Gloucestershire turned down by the banks byappointing a new locally based business development manager.

Boasting over 25 years’ experience with the UK’s leadingbanks, building societies and mortgage lenders, Angie Preecehas joined BCRS Business Loans with a vast amount ofexperience in the commercial lending arena.

She said, “I have a passion for supporting the funding needs oflocal businesses. I want to provide SMEs with finance becausethey truly have viable growth plans, rather than whether theysatisfy computer based credit scoring systems.

“It is the fact that BCRS Business Loans is renowned for apersonal, relationship based approach to lending and has hadsuch a positive impact of over £60 million on the regionaleconomy that makes this role particularly exciting.”

BCRS Business Loans provide loans ranging from £10,000 to£150,000 to viable businesses that are unable to securefinance from traditional lenders, such as banks.

B U S I N E S S L O A N S

Angie Preece Paul Kalinauckas

Not-for-profit lender crowns itssuccess in supporting the economyof the West Midlands by expandinginto the Three Counties.

To discover more information about BCRS Business Loans or to submit an Enquiry Form,please visit www.bcrs.org.uk or call 0345 313 8410 where one of the team will be happy to

answer any questions


8

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9

Thinking of expanding your business in 2016, or looking fornew funding? Then making sure your risk profile is up-to-date isa crucial first step.

A risk profile is an overview of a company’s strengths andweaknesses, including its appetite for risk-taking and the typesof threats it faces, so understanding your own business riskprofile is essential for growth.

The good news is that there are 10 simple steps every smalland medium-sized enterprise (SME) can take to ensure theirprofile is as healthy as possible.

1. Acknowledge its importanceRecognise that your risk profile affects every aspect of yourbusiness, from the availability of funding to accessing credit lines,as well as your reputation with suppliers, customers and investors.

2. Health-check your businessDo you review your business, and update your accountsregularly? If not, you’re missing out on valuable insights. Yourmanagement accounts hold vital information about how you’reperforming as a business and will reveal what’s going well, andwhat needs action.

3. Review your credit ratingDo you know how your credit profile compares withcompetitors? Get your credit report from established creditreference agencies, such as Experian. Analysing the key scorefactors will tell you how to boost your credit score and reduceyour risk rating.

4. Prevent late paymentsLate payments are the downfall of many healthy businesses,but you can take action – credit check new customers andsuppliers prior to agreeing terms (and refuse credit if their scoreis poor). Make sure you’re 100% clear what payment conditionsyou’re signing up for, and thoroughly check debtors’ terms oftrade. Offering incentives for early payment or using cashtransfer services with minimal transaction fees/speedierprocessing times will also help both your cash flow and yourrisk profile.

5. Delegate the accountingHanding day-to-day accounting tasks over to a financeprofessional lets you focus on the big picture. You’ll have moretime to plan, identify key performance indicators (KPIs) in yourdata, and ensure projections are on track – meaning no nastysurprises at the end of the financial year.

6. Exploit hi-tech shortcutsMany cloud accounting packages, such as Xero, FreeAgentand Sage, offer useful dashboards and business analysis bolt-ons which let business owners check financial performance at-a-glance, without trawling through acres of spreadsheets.

7. Review, review, review!Regular evaluation of your business will keep you focused onyour ongoing strategy. But it needn’t be a detailed analysis ofevery department or product. Even a 10-minute review – with akey team member or business partners – will help you stay ontrack, and highlight areas that need attention.

8. Spot the warning signsEffective accounts reviews can help you identify potentialtrouble ahead. Keep a close eye on your profit and loss ratios(a ratio of 2:1 is a profitable business) and identify where youmight need to flex expenses and maximise efficiencies.

9. Make the time to stay on trackLack of time is a common issue cited by business owners whodon’t review or update their accounts regularly – but long-term,it can save your business time and money.

10. Focus on the results!While reviewing, set clear targets, and make sure you have anaction plan that focuses on achieving these goals and feeds into your wider business plans.

Verus360 offers flexible online finance to small and medium-sized businesses across a range of sectors.www.verus360.com

Emma Dungey, Head of Operations at alternative finance company Verus360,explains how to give your risk profile a health check.

10 ways to boost your business’srisk profile


10

The UK economy rose by a solid 0.5% in the final quarterof 2015 and has been growing steadily following a smalldip at the end of 2012. However the news is of littleconsolation to businesses that continue to face sleeplessnights over large VAT bills and unpaid invoices which areendangering their existence.

In-between the green shoots of economic recovery, the realityis that business spending has fallen at its sharpest pace for twoyears and the problem of late payment is getting worse. Thenumbers below make for sobering reading and leave SMEsstruggling to invest for growth and cover the costs of officerent, utility bills and even staff salaries.

According to research bythe Asset Based FinanceAssociation (ABFA), UKSMEs are currently owed£67 billion and onaverage have to wait 72days for their invoices tobe paid. To put this intoperspective, these delaysare longer than SMEswere experiencing at theheight of the recession in2009. A survey by Zurichhas also revealed that onein five are owed morethan £25,000, one in ten

more than £100,000 while over 43,000 SMEs have unpaidinvoices totalling over £1 million.

Given that businesses have to pay VAT on invoices to HMRCbefore receiving payment from customers, understandably manyhave significant concerns about fulfilling their financial obligations.The knock-on effect has led to SMEs seeking to delay paymentsto HMRC with the volume of overdue VAT reaching £2.58bn in2015, an increase of 1% compared to 2014.

VAT payments often represent large outgoings for businessesbut there are several alternative ways to help relieve the burdenof the dreaded quarterly bill. Leading commercial financeproviders, such as Wesleyan Bank, who recently extended theiroffering into SME’s with the purchase of Syscap Ltd, providespecialist funding solutions to enable businesses to spread thecost of their VAT bills over a 3-12 month period.

Businesses can benefit from peace of mind that their monthlyoutgoings can be fixed and quarterly payments are applied tocoincide with HMRC’s payment schedules. Gaining betterfinancial control over working capital places them in a strongerposition to plan for growth with the added flexibility of beingable to repay their loan early without a penalty should the firm’scircumstances change.

To maintain a competitive advantage, SMEs are alsoincreasingly turning to invoice finance (IF) lending options. IFcan be used to support cash flow and release funding forinvestment by loaning money against unpaid invoices, assistingSMEs to swiftly act and take advantage of market opportunitieswhen they materialise.

The gap to receiving invoice payments and money owing in VATand other liabilities may be growing wider but it doesn’t have tobe this way. Alternative finance solutions can take the VAT outof hell by helping SMEs to unlock the vital funds they needNOW while negating the risks of their customers refusing to payinvoices in a timely manner. In doing so they can embrace thefuture with confidence today instead of worrying about whatmay be around the corner tomorrow.

Please visitwww.wesleyanbank.co.uk

for further information

Business finance can take the VAT out ofhell for SMEs By Sean Read, Director of Sales and Marketing, Wesleyan Bank

Sean Read


11

Even with the headwinds buffeting the global economy,Birmingham businesses can continue to trade with confidence ifthey have the right safeguards in place. Credit insurance protectsyou against losses arising from a customer’s insolvency or failureto pay.

It seems that barely a week goes by without another alarm being raisedabout the world economy and the increasingly difficult conditions forinternational trade.

Introducing his budget speech, the Chancellor, George Osborne said:“Financial markets are turbulent. Productivity growth across the west istoo low. And the outlook for the global economy is weak. It makes for adangerous cocktail of risk.”1 In its latest assessment of country risk2,Coface warned of “sluggish growth despite ultra-expansionist monetarypolicies”; erratic fluctuations in commodity prices; and the effect ofpolitical risks on business confidence, including uncertainty over the EUReferendum.

As the ongoing problems in the steel sector demonstrate, the UK is notimmune from global economic trends. And yet, as many Birminghamcompanies already appreciate, exporting remains one of the best routesto increase sales, improve productivity and generate wealth. According toa survey by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce3, 24 percent of respondents in the service sector said export sales had increasedin the first quarter of 2016 and 41% predicted that job levels would riseover the next three months.

Businesses can best maximise export opportunities if they have effectivelyprotected their financial position. Credit insurance is a recognised way tocushion your business from the impact of customer’s insolvency or defaultand demonstrate you are a good risk to potential investors.

Most credit insurance is provided on a whole turnover basis. That meansthe insurer covers the whole of the policyholder's business and thepremium reflects the volume of turnover during the policy lifetime.However, Coface also provides the flexibility to arrange cover for

The following example shows how straightforward the process can befor Coface policyholders:

1. A credit-insured business ensures they are covered for acustomer and the total amount outstanding is within the agreedcredit limit. They can request a new limit if necessary throughCoface’s online credit management facility.

2. The business fulfils the customer’s order.

3. If the customer becomes insolvent or fails to pay by an agreedtime limit, the business notifies Coface, provides documentationand stops further deliveries.

4. Coface processes and pays the claim in accordance with thepolicy terms. Coface pays all claims within 30 days.

5. Coface attempts to recover the debt.

strategically important customers’ or specific risks ifyou have a large one-off order to fulfil. Other optionsand services include cover against disputed debtsand advanced payments to suppliers.

Credit insurance is a great option if your company isnew to exports. As well as the reassurance that youare protected if a client lets you down, Coface’sbusiness intelligence and economic analysis helpsyou to evaluate the financial health of overseas anddomestic customers’ so you can focus on the bestprospects for the future.

To find out more about credit insurance, talk toCoface or ask your insurance broker whether creditinsurance is the right option for your business.Contact us on 01923 478111 or visit www.cofaceuk.com

References1 Budget 2016: George Osborne's speech, HM Treasury, 16 March 2016

2 Country risk barometer Q1 2016, Coface, 24 March 2016

3 Chamber’s quarterly business report reveals WestMidlands sales surge, Greater Birmingham Chambers ofCommerce, 31 March 2016

Coface’s Country Risk Conference reviews thelatest economic trends and assesses tradingconditions in established and emerging markets.The next Conference takes place on Thursday 9th June in central London and videostreamed to Manchester, Belfast & Dublin. FREE to credit risk decision makers.

To register your interest please [email protected]

Shelter from a gathering storm


12

24 The Town Crier Magazine | AUGUST 2015

SMEs could do more to protectthemselves against late payment.

• First Capital Cashflow provides insight and advice to SMEs suffering from late payment issues.

• 3 out of 4 European companies have experienced latepayment.

• 59% of manufacturing companies admit they had beenasked to accept longer payment terms than they felt

comfortable with.

• SMEs need to be more proactive and authoritative aboutcredit control.

Late payment is still a large-scale problem, affecting manybusinesses, with Bacs, the organisation behind Direct Debitand Bacs Direct Credit in the UK, reporting in July 2015 thatSMEs spent a collective £10.8 billion last year in attempts torecover overdue payments, up from £8.2 billion in July 2014.

A recent government report stated that, as of January2015, £32.4 billion was still owed to the UK’s 5.3 millionSMEs and according to the Hilton Baird Late PaymentSurvey, as a result of this, one in ten British businessesclaimed they had to turn away new business. With 80%of B2B transactions being based on credit, smallbusinesses do sometimes have difficulty paying theirsuppliers before being paid by their customers.

The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act,which was passed in March 2015 provided that electronicimaging of cheques could replace physical presentmentto facilitate faster clearing times, however more can bedone to speed up payments.

Bacs latest press release entitled “Late payments costingSMEs billions”, urged businesses to “look at automatedpayments like Direct Debit to reduce the time and money thatcompanies are spending to recover payments due to them.”

Direct Debit gives organisations the reassurance of regularincome, aiding forecasting and sustainability. PaperlessDirect Debit processing has additional benefits includingreduced administration and postage costs, reducedprocessing time and error rates, all resulting in fasterpayments and fewer unpaid invoices.

SMEs need to protectthemselves from theconsequences of late paymentand one of the best ways to dothis is through having full visibilityand controlling cash flow; both ofwhich can be achieved using apayment method such as DirectDebit. Simplifying reconciliation will not

only aid efficiency, but minimising roomfor error will strengthen business

relationships.

First CapitalCASHFLOW

irst CFASHFL

apiC

pASHFL

pC

irst CW

talOWSHFLOSHFL

What can businesses do to protectthemselves against late payment?Be proactive by switching to faster and more efficient paymentmethods such as Direct Debit, and ensure you have a robustcredit management system in place by implementing swiftreminders and charging interest on late payments wherepossible.

By acting immediately, and with confidence, businesses maystart to see a shift in the prevailing business culture resulting inlong-term benefits for the 99% of UK businesses that fuel oureconomy.

First Capital Cashflow started trading in 2001, becoming one ofthe UK’s leading providers of bespoke Bacs processing servicesthat incorporate both Direct Debits and Direct Credits. Workingwith businesses and non-profit organisations, First CapitalCashflow is a Bacs-approved and FCA regulated PaymentBureau that provides proven solutions designed to help clientsovercome their main financial challenges.

Interested in learning more about First Capital Cashflow's Cloud-based Direct Debit & Bacs Direct Credit solutions? Schedule a consultation with one of theirpayment and cash management experts - call 0844 8266700or email [email protected]

Explore the benefits of a Cloud-basedPayments Solution at www.firstcapitalcashflow.com

Louisa Buckingham Marketing Executive at First Capital Cashflow


13

Where the company is loss-making, the company can obtain a welcomeinjection of cash by giving up the losses now in return for a payable R&D taxcredit from HMRC worth as much as 33.35p for each £1 of the eligible R&Dexpenditure.

The specialist mca R&D team has many years’ experience in successfullyhelping companies maximise their R&D tax credit claim. Headed up by DrAndrew Jupp, a former PhD research scientist, we are able to ask thequestions that make the difference and spot opportunities in areas that manypeople would not consider involved innovation or creative thinking.

R&D tax credits are yours by right. Contact us for an initial no-obligation discussion.

www.RandDexperts.co.ukDr Andrew Jupp

e: [email protected] t: 0121 784 5818

R&D tax credits help and encouragecompanies to invest in innovation anddevelopment of new ideas. But manybusiness owners are either unaware of theexistence of R&D tax credits, think thatthey do not apply to their business, orbelieve that they are hard and costly toapply for. It’s not just men in white labcoats; many businesses qualify.

R&D tax credits enable companies that incurcosts in developing new products, processes orservices to receive an enhanced tax deduction,and for an SME which is loss-making, an actualcash payment as a credit from HMRC. R&D taxcredits are a very valuable source of funding formany businesses.

There are 4 key criteria for determining whetherthe work being done qualifies: the scientific ortechnological advance, the scientific ortechnological uncertainties involved, how andwhen were the uncertainties actually overcome,and why was the knowledge being sought notreadily deducible by a competent professional?

Qualifying costs are staff and consumable items.So, where an SME incurs expenditure of£100,000 on qualifying R&D, it can deduct£230,000 when calculating its taxable profit, orloss. So the additional £130,000 would be anextra deduction from taxable profit and thecorporation tax saving would be £26,000.

But don’t just listen to us – this is what some of the people we haveworked with say

Saddle Makers: our client was involved in the design and manufactureof equestrian goods made out of traditional leather. However, theparticular items (saddles and bridles) being made by the companywere designed in a novel and unique way, which gave the products acompetitive edge and contained elements of design and technologythat was substantially different from the way in which similar itemswere manufactured. Paul Belton, Chairman of Albion Saddlemakers Ltdsaid: “mca’s unique approach allowed us to vastly increase our claimover and above any other specialist R&D consultancy. Andrew’s abilityto glean information from us, and then create a comprehensiveproposal was instrumental in maximising our claim. mca's expertisehas had a massive impact on our business and we would stronglyrecommend them to other developing businesses.”

Training and consultancy company: this company undertakes twodistinct functions, one of which we indentified as potentially eligiblefor R&D tax credits. We suggested using split contracts of employmentto clearly separate out the remuneration, and hence costs, whichqualified for R&D tax credits. Ricky Ricks, one of the co-founders ofTSC said: “Until we discussed R&D tax credits with mca, we were notaware what benefit they could bring to us. mca’s creative approach,and suggestion that we clearly split our reward between the differentroles we have in the business was instrumental in us being able makea significant claim.”

Research & Development (R&D) TaxCredits – are you getting all you could?You may be surprised at whichcompanies can qualify

Dr Andrew Jupp

mca groupChartered Accountants & Business Advisors

Specialists in success


14

BusinessGrowth

How do you ensure the next stepdoesn’t trip up your growing business?

We’re all familiar with the phrase ‘growingpains’ - even if you think you have its futuremapped out, growth can be painful for, oreven make or break a fledgling business.

The success or otherwise of steps you putin place to take your business to the nextlevel once it has managed to get itselfestablished may be decisive. After all,once you’ve done the hard work to getyour business off the ground, you maystand to lose considerably more throughfailing to prepare properly for the nextstage than you would if you had notreached this stage at all.

To export or not to export?The Federation of Small Businessesreports that the proportion of companiesstarting to export for the first time grewfrom 25 per cent in 2014 to 28.6 per centa year later.

The benefits in securing growth andputting a business on a more robustfooting are compelling, with UK Trade andInvestment saying that nearly half ofbusinesses reported that they saw theformer after starting to sell their goodsoverseas. Furthermore, a remarkable 85per cent of those businesses whichexpanded into overseas markets said ithad resulted in a “level of growth nototherwise possible”.

A more unified government structure foradvising and encouraging businesses intheir efforts to expand through exportingwas announced by Business Secretary SajidJaved in early 2016. It included the creationof several specialist teams to help formulatea more ‘joined-up’ policy to help firms incertain business sectors, including food.

This is all backed up by a new singledigital platform for disseminatinginformation and advice.

Support for home-grown successesA government website,www.greatbusiness.gov.uk, is the shopwindow for the various departments whichwork together to support businesses at allstages of their growth.

With sections on how to secure fundingand support for new ideas, growingthrough exporting, and planning andfinancing business growth, it includes atool designed to direct businessestowards the sources of help available.

Even if your business isn’t looking forfunding, online gateway Mentorsme(www.mentorsme.com) is run by theBritish Bankers Association to provideaccess to tens of thousands of otherbusinesses and organisations which havepledged to make the fruits of their ownexperience available to advise SMEowners and managers about their nextsteps, and the help available to makethem successfully.

Business mentors are available to offerguidance to companies at any one of fourkey stages of their development –including when they can benefit fromadvice on their growth strategy – and youcan choose whether or not to takeadvantage of guidance on banking andfinancial matters.

The advice is offered on a regional basis,so the people with whom you will beconnected will have particular knowledgeof any issues which might be specific toyour own area.

In a climate in which many mainstreamfinancial institutions remain notoriously risk-averse, a major issue which some expertinsight might help with is investigatingalternative sources of business financingwhich could be available.

Even if you aren’t immediately looking forsomeone to come in and give you ahelping hand, the mentoring service’swebsite has a wealth of case studiesfrom SME owners.They describe theirpath from early start-up steps, throughhow theybecame aware

of the existence and potential benefits ofmentoring, to the effects it has had ontheir business and the way they haveapproached moving it to the next level.

And of course, a mentor might be able totake the dispassionate view of yourbusiness’s operations needed to showyou where traps might lie in yourexpansion plans.

Mentorsme.co.uk also includes a handfulof useful toolkits explaining how itsservices work, and what a small businessneeds in order for it to get maximumbenefit from the support on offer.

A further potential source of help is theFederation of Small Businesses. Thismembership organisation has grown over40 years to become a high-profilelobbying voice speaking up for theinterests of members at all levels up toand including government ministers.

Find out more by visiting fsb.org.uk,where you can also learn more aboutservices such as the Federation’s financialhealthcheck, which are available UK-wide.

If your business is reaching the stagewhen it’s ready to move to the next level,you need to be sure that the step won’ttrip you up. But be reassured by the factthat others have been there before, andbetter still, plenty of them are ready togive you a leg-up.


15

A e r o s p a c e M a n u f a c t u r i n g S t r a t e g y & S u p p o r t L T D

Aerospace ManufacturingStrategy and Support LtdWith over 30 years’ experience as a senior leader inAerospace, Defence and High Technology BusinessRichard Shaw, MD of Aerostrat is a man with apassion for helping businesses to grow by integratinglean tools and techniques with proven sales methods.

He says, “My drive is to helpambitious and forwardthinking businesses achievevisionary growth plans.Through improving efficiencyand creating innovativestrategy, I will ensure yourbusiness has the tools toexecute a dynamic vision forthe future.”

One of the key methodsAerostrat uses to achieve

meaningful results is Lean thinking applied to the salesprocess. Lean can be applied to any kind of business andprocess, quite simply creating more value for customerswith fewer resources, by stripping back any extraneouspractices to focus on the core goal.

A lean organization is one that understands customer valueand focuses its key processes to continuously increase it.The ultimate goal is to provide perfect value to the customerthrough a creation process that has zero waste, which notonly creates a more efficient customer centric business butcan make the limited resources of a business go further.

For your business to grow you need sales and Richardwill show you how to refine your sales processthrough the use of lean techniques. As he says,

“No matter how good your operation is or how clever yourdesign, without orders your business will die. Orders are theoutput of the sales process. The sales process transformsprospects into orders”.

By improving the efficiency of your company's salesprocesses, Aerostrat will enable the sales and customerfacing teams to reduce waste and duplication. This will freeup much needed customer contact time in the sales cycle,creating greater customer value for both new prospects andexisting customers.

“If the sales process is optimised, it will be efficient,effective and create value for your customers and yourbusiness. If not, it will destroy value.”

One of the biggest struggles for UK SME's today is how toincrease their sales pipeline and power their businessforward with the limited resources available to them. This isan area in which Aerostrat's expertise could be gamechanging for your business.

Richard and the team do not just talk, they are practical,hands on practitioners, who will support you through theimplementation phase, by doing as well as advising.

They can tailor their offering to the size and complexity ofyour business. They stand by their recommendations, andwould be pleased to discuss results driven pricing for majorprojects, with the majority of their fee being covered fromsavings made by you the client.

Starting at only £250 +VAT per month their businesssupport packages are designed to be a cost effective andvery flexible service specifically for SMEs who recognise thatthey have more to do on the Commercial, Sales orMarketing aspects of their business, but neither the time norexpertise to do it. The service is based upon a flat monthlyfee. You can take as many or as few consultancy days asyou wish each month up to an annual limit depending onwhich package you select. You can of course take moredays, on a 15% discounted day rate basis for a subscriber.

Give Richard a call to see how lean techniquescould benefit your business on

07920 839721 or for moreinformation visit the website

aerostrat.co.uk

Find us on

Richard Shaw

33921 AP_BBP Template 18/04/2016 11:03 Page 1

16

Nowadays, changing careers is not unusual. Some of themost recent statistics suggest that today’s youngest workerswill hold between twelve to fifteen jobs in their lifetime. Formany it will also include setting up their own business.

After ten years working as a police officer, Lynn Gatherer decidedto change her life radically: she gave up her job and opened herown business. “I wanted to create a place where I’d love to comeevery day and involve my two young children in it. Obviously youcan’t take your two-year-old boy to a police station.”

The result was Greenshoots; a warm, cosy space, where Lynnhas combined the best quality coffee house with a retail gallery.The premises are divided in two areas: one part café, the otheris the shop, where Lynn’s good eye has gathered the mostbeautiful mugs, cushions and cards made by local artists.

More often than not, what is making such career switchespossible is new technology. If you need to write a menu, sign acontract, or manage your newsletter or bookings system, there’sa free downloadable app that can help. It’s now quite easy tofind apps that allow you to run your business directly from aniPad, and the choice is getting wider.

Personal experience of setting up and running small businessesled Robin Knox and Paul Walton to establish Intelligent Point ofSale and develop the intelligentpos® app. When ‘front of house’duties - helping customers, making sales – are the priority for anew business, it’s difficult to keep up with administrative taskssuch as recording sales data, tracking inventory and assessingpromotional offers. Yet this is exactly the type of information thatcan help a business identify growth opportunities. The duo’sintelligentpos system is an easy way to capture sales and stockdata and keep the business running smoothly.

intelligentpos has been part of Greenshoots from the beginning.Each area of the business works independently and has its ownintelligentpos system. “I thought of having everything in one,but I have two business lines, so it’s much easier with twodifferent dashboards,” said Lynn. “Without a shadow of adoubt, it’s the best option; it’s easy, incredibly easy.”

Among the features the system offers, Lynn highlights the BackOffice reports, “the breakdown allows me to see how the twocompanies are performing at the end of the day or week”, andthe control of variants, “if for instance, we stock an apron withthree variants, a stag, a cow and a bird, you just press thebutton and the right one appears!”

Greenshoots is the place she always dreamed of: “a smallprofitable company I enjoy running.”

[email protected]

0800 404 5805 or 0333 202 1025


17

The system also issues maintenance alerts for all workingparts of a client’s sprinkler system, thereby saving moneyand cutting response times, even allowing NFS to deal withproblems before its customers realise there is one.

Craig Gilliver, NFS’s IT Director, said: "Xibis took the time tounderstand our business and what we needed the softwareto achieve. Not only did they show keen interest in thetechnology, but they were equally enthusiastic about howthe software would enrich our offering to customers. Thesefactors plus competitive pricing made the selection processa no-brainer."

If you need to move your company’s web and mobilepresence up to the next level, or automate any aspect of itsoperations, talk to Xibis about how its expert team can helpyou profit through offering customers the most efficient,responsive way of doing business for them.

Contact Xibis on 0116 272 9990or visit www.xibis.com to learn why many keyclients have been delighted with their service

“Innovation is key to success for a business trying to makeits voice heard in the crowded space of the internet.Businesses are moving more and more towards online andmobile solutions to streamline their processes whilst tryingto keep pace with the latest advances in web development,mobile apps and the Internet of Things.

Mission impossible? No! Let Leicester-based Xibis help you rise tothat challenge.

With the amount of enquiries and sales being achieved throughmobile channels rising rapidly, the game has moved on fromsimply being about having an attractive website – any business, ofwhatever size, must offer customers easy ways to interact online.

Xibis is leading the way in paving businesses’ routes to successfultrading via the mobile web, by building bespoke websites andapps from the ground up, giving customers a seamless journey foreither e-commerce purchases or other business uses.

Helping business run 24-7 online

“When you’re interacting with your customers online 24-7, youneed each of your business channels to work perfectly in syncwith the others,” said Damian Mawdsley, Xibis’ BusinessDevelopment Manager.

Xibis has helped achieve just such synchronicity for Interflora. Thecompany was an early adopter of m-commerce and apps, andwanted a quick and easy process by which customers couldbuy directly from their phones.

Interflora now has a highly integrated online offering for alldevices, enabling it to just sit back and watch the orders roll in.

“Off-the-shelf web and mobile transactional apps andpackages usually require a business to adapt its workingpractices,” he added

“But at Xibis, we succeeded in ensuring Interflora’s webapplications fit in with their existing ways of doing business –giving customers a responsive, touch-friendly site to access.

“We can do this for any size of business, and in theprocess give your staff easy ways of administering yoursystem via an intuitive, consistent interface.”

Take another Xibis project, The Good Garage Scheme.It had an outdated website, but its search facility hasnow been transformed to make it usable on smalldevices. Customers on the move can also search for agarage near them via any mobile device.

A further client, Nationwide Fire Sprinklers, has leapt tothe forefront of the Internet of Things, thanks to Xibis’development of a remote monitoring system, whichmeans that. If any sprinkler is activated, an alarm issounded at head office and tenant, landlord and NFSemergency engineers all receive an instant text message.

Xibis helps businesseswork smarter online


18

As our world becomes ever moremobile and connected, the issue ofcyber security is being ranked furtherand further up the critical scale at afast rate of knots.

There’s no doubt it will be the main issuevexing global firms this year and beyondas part of the constant battle to beat evermore sophisticated types of attack.

The anonymity of the internet is proving avery effective shield for the world’scriminals who no longer have to carry outtheir nefarious activities in person.

With this country facing a growing threat offrom states, serious crime gangs, hackinggroups as well as terrorists, the governmentis squaring up by establishing the country’svery first national cyber centre.

Due to officially open in October theNational Cyber Security Centre (NCSC),led by Ciaran Martin, will help ensure thatpeople, public and private sectororganisations and the nation’s criticalnational infrastructure are safer online.

By bringing together the UK’s cyberexpertise in a bid to transform how the UKtackles cyber security issues, the Centrewill become an authoritative voice on thiscountry’s information security.

One of its first tasks will be to work withthe Bank of England to produce effectivecyber security advice for the financial

sector, but it also plans toadopt a structured

consultation with theprivate sector with a

view to

raising awareness of government intent;create a genuine dialogue for shapingservice delivery; demonstrate a seriouscommitment to listen and to developsustainable engagement channels.

Minister for the Cabinet Office andPaymaster General, Matthew Hancocksays: “In establishing the National CyberSecurity Centre we are creating a bodydevoted to cyber security and this willtransform the UK’s approach to an issuethat affects us all.

“The important work with the Bank ofEngland is paramount to ensuring thatbusinesses of all shapes and sizesunderstand the threats and what they cando to mitigate them and we will do this byinforming the entire business communityand public sector about emerging threats,providing support when attacks happenand educating everyone on how best tostay safe online.”

Robert Hannigan GCHQ Director adds:“Given the industrial-scale theft ofintellectual property from our companiesand universities, as well as the numerousphishing and malware scams that wastetime and money, the NCSC shows thatthe UK is focusing its efforts to combatthe threats that exist online.”

Some would say, not before time. Otherswould probably add that despite theincreasing reports of high profile securitybreaches - remember Talk Talk - so manycompanies are notdoing nearly

enough to mitigate similar events, or evenknow enough about how to handle one.

In America, the FBI has weighed in,prompted by a veritable epidemic ofransomware, (cybercriminals demanding aransom to unlock data they've been ableto access and encrypt), issuing newguidance, further alerts and a definitive‘no’ to the paying of any ransom.

Some of the biggest effects upon anyaction any company is likely to take arethe new data protection rules, recentlyagreed by the European Union and whichare due to come in to force in 2018.

The General Data Protection Regulation,will change how data collection and use isregulated and will apply to allorganisations which hold Europeanpersonal data. These new increasedcompliance requirements will be backedup by some pretty harsh penalties - 4% ofannual worldwide turnover or €20m,whichever is greater.

The current advice, as far as the newregulation is concerned is that while theimplementation date may seem a whileaway, the time to start preparing is now.

Being the current hot topic ofconversation means that there’s noshortage of cyber security events takingplace around the country which are usefulmelting pots of advice, guidance andinformation on ways of combatting anddealing with an attack.

One of the biggest one-day happenings isCyber Security Summit 2016. Taking placeat the QEII Centre in London on Thursday,November 2016, it will bring togethermore than 300 cyber security experts,senior officials and policy-makers fromacross the public and private sector toprovide an update on cyber securitypolicy, share best practice strategies, andhelp the UK to combat cyber threats.

To be a part of it, go tohttp://cybersecuritysummit.co.uk

Taking CyberSecurity Seriously


19

Can your IT systems keep upwith modern day threats?2015 will forever be known as the year IT security threatsbecame mainstream news.

With reports of attacks rocketing both on large blue-chipcompanies and worryingly on SME’s, there was barely a daythat went by without news of another attack or breach.Companies across the world were learning first-hand thedamage a breach can inflict on a brand. This outlined theimportance of having security at the forefront of any businessesplans – regardless of size.

Some may be surprised to learn, smaller companies have themost to lose, as they typically lack the dedicated IT security staffand expertise of larger organisations thus making them a biggertarget. Attacks on smaller companies are less widely reported,but the sheer amount of small and medium enterprises (SME’s)is just too lucrative for the cybercriminal to ignore.

Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) has been providing ITsecurity advice to Midlands businesses for 34 years, helpingthem stay as protected and up-to-date as possible. SteveHennessy, Sales Director at CBS commented “Trying to stayahead of the cyber-criminal is not easy, especially in the currentclimate. Traditional security appliances/software do not directlycommunicate with each other; this is a real issue with newmeans of attack being identified daily”.

One way to combat these threats is through synchronisedsecurity. “Network security should be at the forefront of everybusinesses plans for the future, if you think your network is

secure at present don’t sitback and relax – find outhow secure it really is. Theindustry is constantlyplaying catch-up withcyber criminals, reactingto the ever changingthreat landscape”.

Steve explains “Imagine an army of soldiers with no one incommand all making their own decisions on how best to wardoff the enemy attacks, how many battles would they win? Thisis what independent layered IT security does at the moment.

Now imagine a General able to take the information providedback by his soldiers and use this to establish a battle plan thatmakes his soldiers work together effectively, sound like a betterapproach? Now you have synchronised security!”

It is important to check and evaluate your businesses ITsecurity strategy and CBS can help with Security health checksavailable upon request. Security is just one of the manyservices provided by CBS, with outsourced IT support,Helpdesk services, IT project consultancy, connectivity &telephony options.

For more information on our security healthchecks or any other IT related services, please give

us a call on T: 0121 643 5362 E: [email protected]

Hosting

Steve Hennessy and some of the sales team


20

0207 954 4400 www.safeonline.com [email protected] @SafeonlineLLP

Crime is changing. Nowadays a break-in is more likely to refer toa computer system than a building, and ransom demands fordata, not people, are burgeoning.

“Cyber risk now poses one of the biggest threats to businesses andgovernment since the inception of the internet,” warns Neil Gurnhill ofleading insurance broker Safeonline LLP. “The exponential growth ofpersonal and business users is further increasing the number of avenuesthrough which cyber-attacks can be launched.”

The warning from Neil of Safeonline’scyber division, which is renowned asa unique and leading provider ofcyber risk insurance in the Lloyd’smarket, is not an idle one. Just lookat the latest crime survey figures.

There were an estimated 5.1 millionincidents of online fraud last year,according to the Office for NationalStatistics (ONS). A further 2.5 million

fell foul of the Computer Misuse Act, usually due to a computer or otherdevice becoming infected by a virus, or by the hacking of emails orsocial media accounts.

There’ is much that businesses can and still need to do to combat thecyber threat, with the new European Union (EU) data protection rules,due to come into force in 2018, likely to be one of the biggestinfluencers.

The General Data Protection Regulation, changing how data collectionand use is regulated, will affect all organisations holding Europeanpersonal data. The resulting increased compliance requirements will bebacked by harsh penalties - 4% of annual worldwide turnover or €20m,whichever is greater.

It’s a development being closely monitored bySafeonline, who has been handling all manner ofinsurance risks associated with operating in the digitallandscape since being established in 1998.

From its origins in servicing the insurance needs of thefledgling digital and e-commerce industries, thecompany has expanded its offering to a wide range ofniche insurance classes from Professional, Financialand Intellectual Property risks, through to PrivacyBreach, Media Liability and Prize Indemnity.

“From heavy duty manufacturing through to intricatebio-technology, every type of industry is increasinglyconnected to the online world. The internet’s anonymityforms a useful shield and crime no longer has to becommitted in person,” Neil remarked.

Typically Safeonline offers insurance cover for breachesincluding network/website downtime, privacy (the legal,PR and notification costs associated with the aftermathof such a breach), ransom demands for sensitive data,malware/traditional hacking attacks and payment cardsfines and penalties. The company prides itself onfinding the best cyber insurance to fit the needs of aspecific organisation.

“We look at each risk individually and are always drivenby our mandate to provide service of the highest level,”says Neil.

“Having been insuring against cyber risk for over 18years, we are at the forefront of this class and canhandle any size or type of business.”

80 Leadenhall StreetLondon

EC3A 3DH

neil gurnhill

Cyber: A growing threat to your business


21

in qual-proINTELLIGENCE . CYBER SECURITY . SAFEGUARDING

Does your organisation need Cyber Stars?Who are your company’s shining Cyber Stars? Or, doesyour company have glittering Cyber Stars to shine a lighton the murky world of cyber attacks and act as a glowingbeacon of cyber security awareness to other employees?

If you don’t have one, Barry Searle of Intqual-pro suggests youthink about the second question very seriously for, while youmight have state-of-the-art technology to protect your companydata and reputation, your business could still be vulnerable to acyber attack as a consequence of staff being insufficientlycyber security aware and unable to identify the signs.

The figures bear that out - UK Government research has foundthat 75% of large organisations suffered staff-related securitybreaches in 2015, with 50% of the worst being caused byhuman error.

Businesses who sign up to the Cyber Stars Initiative areempowering their people to fight back.

“Cyber security awareness training is equally as crucial to aneffective cyber security strategy as investment in cyber securityinfrastructure and technology,” Director of Training Barry Searle says.

“However, you are only as robust as the chain’s weakest link.Attacks on businesses are up year on year, yet often cybersecurity responsibilities are restricted to key members of ITdepartments. Every single person must be aware; one singlefailure due to a lack of understanding is all that’s needed to make

other efforts superfluous.”

The Cyber Starsinitiative involveschoosing employeeswho are not

experienced ITpractitioners buteveryday users,to act asdepartmentalcyber securityrepresentatives.

Each Cyber Star undertakes the ProQual Level 2 Award inCyber Security Awareness for Business, proving that they havethe sufficient level of knowledge and competence to effectivelyimplement an organisational level cyber security strategy. Theyalso receive constant access to the latest information via theCyber Security Information Sharing platform (CISP) to ensurethat their organisation is cyber security aware at all levels andat all times.

“It is very much about changing cyber security culture within anorganisation,” says Barry. “Studies indicate that individuals aresignificantly more receptive to peer-to-peer learning, than totop-down instruction.

“Cyber Stars encourages individuals to take responsibility fortheir organisation’s cyber security through education andprofessional development and provides a sustainable model forspreading awareness throughout the business.

“Furthermore, this is the only cyber security awarenessprogramme for business linked to a national, OFQUALregulated qualification, allowing for personal development whilsthaving a positive impact on the organisation.”

Intqual-pro was established to provide high quality training andregulated qualifications to intelligence and security professionalsemployed across a variety of roles and sectors.

Its core of trainers consist of former military and lawenforcement intelligence and cyber security specialists and ithas quickly became the UK’s largest provider of OFQUALregulated vocational intelligence qualifications.

To find out how you can transform your employees intostar-spangled cyber security protection for your

business, visit www.intqual-pro.com/the-cyber-stars-initiative/

Alternatively telephone 01462 507007 or email: [email protected]


22

Sorry you’ve been HACKED!

0207 118 1839 www.elmorebrokers.com/cyber-insurance/ [email protected]

Simon Gilbert

Cyber crime is the menace of themodern age, but how far have yougone to protect your business?

It’s not just about prevention, it’s aboutconsidering what is in place should theworst happen and your business isbreached.

Criminals are becoming increasinglysophisticated about how they accessdata, with social engineering fraud andransomware currently running rampant inthe UK.

Social engineering involves misleadingpeople into performing actions ordivulging confidential information, suchas tricking an entity by sending an emailfrom an apparent trusted source to trickthe recipient into sharing personal orfinancial information or clicking on amalware-installing link.

Ransomware is one of the most frequenttypes of hack seen in the UK, whichinvolves infecting a computer with

malware that encrypts files and demands that the user, to regain access, pays aransom to the malware operators.

With both types of hack adding to a toxic list of IT security-breaching tactics,every business leader needs to make cyber and crime insurance company policy.

Bear in mind the subtle distinction between cyber insurance and crimeinsurance however. The latter tends to be about first party, direct financial loss,triggered by employee theft or fraud, extortion, fraudulent transfer instructions,electronic computer crime, or any other insured event.

Usually, a broad “cyber insurance” covers the costs in managing a cyber event,the interruption to a businesses profits/income including the increased costs inworking, fines and penalties of regulators and card associations, ransom fromextortion demands and the liability to third parties which result. This is why it isso important to ensure that a cyber insurance policy is paired with a crimeinsurance policy to ensure the different elements of the loss are covered.

A basic cyber insurance policy tends to cover.

• Financial loss. Defence costs arising from data protection obligationsin respect of a regulatory investigation, and any data protection fines(where insurable by law) that the company is liable for in respect ofsuch an investigation.

• Liability. Against claims from affected individuals or businesses overa failure to protect their information, or for financial losses fromhacking, or damages from theft of identity.

“As a vital part of a comprehensive programme, cyber insurance can covermore than just hacking,” says Simon Gilbert, MD and Founder of ElmoreInsurance Brokers.

“It is likely existing insurance will have elements of cyber cover but may notprotect against the emerging crime risks which a serious cyber event can create.”

If you are unsure how well your business is cyber protected, specialists, ElmoreInsurance Brokers are on hand to analyse your existing cover to see if there areany ‘gaps’.

“We go above and beyond to ensure clients get great results when they need them,”assures Simon. “We adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards,protecting client confidentiality while managing resources cost-effectively.”

33898 AP 2_HorseWorld 06/04/2016 15:37 Page 1

23

RGS Worcester has incorporated iPadtechnology into its teaching and learningfor the last three years, engaging andmotivating pupils using technology as anadditional learning tool alongsidetraditional teaching techniques.

All three schools in the RGS Family havebeen graded as ‘excellent in all areas’following an inspection in 2015. The DigitalLearning Programme is a part of thatsuccess about which the report states‘pupils show a high degree ofsophistication when using information andcommunication technology (ICT) which isenhanced by the extensive range ofopportunities presented by the school’sDigital Learning Programme.’

RGS Worcester has now launched anApple Regional Training Centre, which isdesigned to provide local teachers withfree training, expertise and access to bestpractice to support their use of technology

Training Centre, we are now seeking towork with schools both locally andnationally to share ideas and expertise.”

Mr John Pitt, Headmaster of RGSWorcester said, “Our Digital LearningProgramme is about giving our teachersthe opportunities to provide learningexperiences for every single student thatwill engage, support and challenge themto perform to the very best of their ability.We hope by being a Regional TrainingCentre we can provide those opportunitiesfor more teachers to share best practice inteaching and learning for pupils.”

If you would like to know more about theApple Regional Training Centre and thecourses on offer at RGS Worcester please

go to http://rtc.rgsw.org.ukor call 01905 613391

in the classroom. The School is the onlycentre in the country to operate an AppleTraining Centre in both Prep and SeniorSchools settings, and the onlyIndependent school in the Region to beawarded this status.

More than 50 teachers from over 30schools gathered at RGS Worcester tohear how iPads are transforming teachingand learning at the School, and to find outhow the free IT training on offer at the RTCcentre could benefit their schools. Bybecoming an Apple Regional TrainingCentre, the School will provide freecourses and training for teachers from thewhole Region with the support of GoldfinchTechnology and Toucan Computing.

Mr Robert Berry, Director of IT at RGSWorcester said, “By harnessing the besttechnology appropriately, we are enhancinglearning and doing things that were notpreviously possible. With the launch of the

RGS Worcester launches an Apple Regional Training Centre

01905 613391 www.rgsw.org.uk [email protected] @RGSWorcester


24

Pupil numbers throughout the UK’s

private education sector have reached

their highest levels since records

began in 1974.

And, in further good news for a sector that’s

traditionally viewed as exclusive territory for

the wealthy and privileged, the record

breaking figures come fresh on the back of

one of the worst recessions in living memory.

Revealed in the Independent Schools

Council’s (ISC) 2015 Census 2015, the

figure of 517,113 pupils at ISC schools is

up from 2014’s 511,928 with the West

Midlands chalking up a sizeable increase of

1.7% growth.

Of the nation’s school pupils, 14% aged 16-

plus attend an ISC school while others are

moving to the sector at all stages of their

education, and a third receive help with

their fees - more than ever before.

For Julie Robinson, the Council’s General

Secretary, it’s no surprise that the schools

are parents’ top choice for the crucial sixth

form years, describing the current track

record of A-level results as “outstanding’.

“Some 51% of ISC pupils are achieving A*

and A grades, compared to 26% nationally

and 92% of our pupils move onto higher

education,” she says.

The West Midlands independent sector is

certainly achieving a high degree of

success, with Solihull School topping a

local top 10 table, based purely on A and

AS level results, and Coventry’s King Henry

VIII School and Bablake School following

close behind.

There’s no doubt, private schools’ exam

successes have been well documented

and, alongside smaller class sizes and

high numbers of on-going university

entrants, are often cited as among the key

reasons parents choose to educate their

children privately.

But there’s often something else that is of

crucial importance to their decision-

making, something that prompts the less

well-off to tackle two jobs, remortgage

their home and make all kinds of financial

sacrifices to ensure their children receive a

paid-for education.

They’re often drawn to a particular school

because of its ethos and its values. How

a school dedicates itself to turning out

well-rounded young people who are

prepared for life is often a critical deciding

factor in parental choice.

Often these values can be demonstrated

through the extra-curricular opportunities

and activities available and independent

schools facilities have reached legendary

proportions in certain circles. Many an

equivalent professional organisation has

coveted the kind of purpose-built

theatres, state-of-the-art

science labs and luxurious

sport and leisure centres

which are been found on

private campuses.

From dance to diving, cultural expeditions

and sports incorporating sailing, shooting,

climbing, caving, mountain-biking, golf and

squash, as just some examples, a whole

host of other talents and skills are nurtured

and developed.

While many state schools, with the best

will in the world, do not have the financial

resources or time available to devote to

these kinds of activities, independent

schools place a high value upon them

because they build skills and enthusiasm

and help develop those crucial personality

characteristics such as teamwork,

resilience and concentration.

Education is not just for school, it’s for life

and the nation’s private schools are

renowned for exposing children to

opportunities that will serve them well in

later years.

Not every independent school is a super-

selective, academic hothouse. There are

many out there who set out to wring every

drop of potential from their student no

matter what his or her university potential.

Fostering academic achievement and a

passion for lifelong learning, helping young

people to learn how to express themselves

through art, demonstrating competitiveness,

teamwork and sportsmanship through sport

and embracing inclusiveness through close-

knit communities, are, in a nutshell, just

some of the values to be found within

independent schools.

Says Barnaby Lenon, ISC Chairman: “With

the number of pupils at UK independent

schools at its highest level since records

began in 1974, it shows that parents

continue to value an independent

education.

“ISC schools offer consistent high

standards, reflected in a tremendous

record of academic achievement,

stimulating opportunities for pupils outside

the classroom and a professional approach

to pastoral care.

“It is no surprise that British independent

schools are seen as amongst the best in

the world.”

Top of the Form

More parents than ever before arefinding independent schools a class act


25

The importance ofmusic as part of awell-roundededucation has nowbeen recognised byOfsted who now makeit part of the broadschool curriculum thatthey inspect, hopefullyreversing the dire stateof musical education in schools.

A new independent school, set upby music teacher Sally Alexander,the Kimichi School is already“ahead of the curve”. Disillusionedwith teaching in schools where‘music is almost an afterthought’,Sally recently opened anindependent school where allchildren must learn an instrument.

Kimichi is not just a school for musically gifted children whoalready play at least two instruments but for all children who lovemusic. Sally emphasised the inclusive nature of her school,saying, “This isn't a school for musical prodigies, but rather aschool for any child who plays or would like to play an instrument.There is no audition process and all are welcome to apply”.

Centering the academic day round music has many benefitsespecially in teaching young people to work together towards acreative end. Music provides young people with authenticlearning experiences that engage their minds, hearts, and bodies.

Music educationhelps studentslearn; it canenhance creativity,self-discipline,and the skills andconfidencenecessary tomeet thechallengesencounteredduring their lives.

"Rethinking education withMusic at its heart"

Kimichi School’s unique emphasis on music filters throughoutthe curriculum and even the teaching methods are partlyinspired by the orchestra, where more able players assist theless proficient. There is an emphasis on peer learning andassessment, which allows for different learning styles.

Alongside the nationalcurriculum, a fifth of the schoolweek is spent learning aninstrument, students will betaught musical theory and takepart in singing lessons, anorchestra, bands and smallerchamber ensembles. While thecomplete beginner will feelcomfortable and well supported,more advanced pupils will besupported and encouraged toachieve their goals, withopportunities to audition andtake music exams.

Sally told us, “We have a unique, never before seen ethos,designed to fully give the pupils of the school an investedinterest in everything that takes place at school. Through thejudicious, guided use of a school government, the pupils of theschool will be instrumental in rewarding and disciplining others,as well as the day to day rules and running of the school.”

It is an ethos that is certainly showing excellent results; as anindependent school Kimichi School also provides theacademically rigorous education we have come to expect fromthe private sector. Indeed the Ofsted report of 2015 was mostcomplimentary, and read, “Outstanding pupil achievements in arange of subjects, including English, history and, of course, music.Pupils’ behaviour is good, often exemplary, and relationshipsbetween students and their teachers are outstanding”.

It went on, “High quality teaching from expert teacherscontributes to students being on track to achieve highstandards in a range of subjects, often well above pupils of their own ages in other schools.”

Yes, Kimichi is an independent school, but once you considerthe saving of not paying out for music classes, surprisinglyaffordable. Sally aims to provide the high quality of educationyou would expect from a private school, but at less cost.Interested parents should contact the school to enquire aboutscholarships and bursaries, as Sally is actively pursuing fundingto support less well-off pupils.

Sally adds: “It's so easy for your child to get lost in the statesystem. Give us a chance and watch your loved one flourish.”

For more information, Call 0121 679 5298or email [email protected]

www.kimichischool.co.uk

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26

Automation

Robots set to help us build a moreproductive – and safer - worldIf the prospect of having robots help withthe everyday processes of your businessfills you with dread, then the chances arethat you’re living in the past.

However brilliant – and disturbing - thepicture conjured up by Arthur C Clarkewith his smooth-talking but ultimatelymalevolent robot space station computerHAL in 2001: A Space Odyssey, we shouldremember that, ultimately, this characterwas a figment of the author’s imagination.

Not only that, but HAL first appeared onpublication of the book, in 1968, with thefilm version following just a few months later.

In the near half-century since, humanshave been able to greatly increase theirunderstanding of, and so their workingrelationships with, robots, to such adegree that even the striking visual imageswhich accompanied the advertising for theFiat Strada car in 1979 (catchline: ‘Handbuilt by robots’, and hailed by many asthe best TV commercial ever made) seemrather dated.

Nonetheless, the ad broke significant newground in being the first to show a fullyautomated factory production line, sogiving many of us a first realistic glimpseof the possibilities which might be offeredfor the industries of the future.

Fast forward nearly 40 years, and robotsare more widespread in the business worldthan you might believe. Carrying out suchdangerous and labour-saving tasks ashelping medical workers communicateface-to-face with patients, safelyneutralising and disposing of live explosivedevices, flying sensitive cargo safely andprecisely into war zones - and, of course,helping control the on-board systems of thecars of the future – they are playing a majorrole in helping take the drudgery out of theperformance of repetitive manual tasks.

In the wide expanses of the AustralianOutback, robots are even being used tomake tough farming land more productive,

by rooting out weeds which have becomeresistant to most herbicides, therebyhelping “to create better farmingtechniques to improve yields andefficiencies,” according to Andrew Bate, amember of the team which has developeda new weed-spraying mechanoid.

It’s this kind of back-breaking butnonetheless necessary work for whichrobots offer the greatest benefits to ahuge spread of industries.

But according to the founder of BostonDynamics, one of the world’s leadingrobotics companies, we’re still some wayfrom having fully autonomous robotswhich can remove the need for humans tocarry out the most drudgery-filled tasks.

“Although a robot can stack boxesautonomously, someone still has to set itup and tell it to start,” Marc Raibert toldthe Institute of Electrical and ElectronicsEngineers.

That, in part, puts paid to one of the mostwidely voiced fears about the impact ofrobotics and technology on our lives – thatthey will eliminate vast numbers of jobs.

What’s more likely to happen is that therobots themselves will open up newopportunities for people who want tobe involved in making sure thatthey do what we tell them. AsVint Cerf, Google vice-president, said: “Historically,technology has created morejobs than it destroys … Someonehas to make and service all theseadvanced devices.”

Here in the Midlands, we have our fairshare of businesses making great stridesin doing just that, some of which aretaking advantage of European fundingbeing made available to help businessesestablish new programmes to automatecurrent work processes.

The aim is to accelerate development ofrobotics technologies in all areas ofmanufacturing, and the Coventry-basedManufacturing Technology Centre is co-ordinating efforts to get SMEs to explorethe potential benefits of robotising theirprocesses, by offering grants of nearly£120,000 to two companies which canbest demonstrate how they believerobotics can drive their businesses forward.

“We need to get more automation intosupply chain companies in the UK tobecome more globally competitive,” saidNeil Rawlinson, the MTC’s strategicdevelopment director.

“Theoretically, there is a 30 per centproductivity improvement for UK businessesif we get automation into the supply chain,so that we can reach the same levels asGermany or Japan,” he added.

With the prospect of those kinds ofbenefits making themselves felt across ourindustries, as they become more

productive and less wasteful as aresult of the foresight and technicalknow-how of the people behindthese companies, we should all bewholeheartedly embracing the rise ofthe robots.


27

Production downtime can be a major problem for mostmanufacturing companies. In 2015, whilst training acompany’s engineers on their production shop floor PLCequipment, Scantime Engineering unearthed an unknownintermittent fault that had been occurring over severalmonths. This not only allowed the engineers to trace thesource of the problem to a fault in a production cellelsewhere on the shop floor and prevent it from growing intoa more serious problem but also provided a return on thecompany’s training investment.

Scantime was founded in 2004 by their Managing Director, DavidSimm, who has over 40 years’ experience in the field of industrialengineering in both Troubleshooting and System Integration PLC &

SCADA Design. The company has grown steadilyand to date, their training is being delivered to over40 countries worldwide and they are now the officialtraining company for many UK Blue Chip companiesin the Automotive, Food & Beverage, Power andother industries.

Scantime’s training not only covers the standardform of PLC training but can also be customised towork with the customers’ PLC controlled productionlines on the shop floor. This produces highly skilledengineers who are more proactive in preventativemaintenance, thus improving process controlefficiency and positively impacting the corporatebottom line.

Telephone 0800 756 1011

Email [email protected]

www.scantime.co.uk

How much is your productionDOWNTIME costing you?

e-Learning Coursese-Learning Coursese-Learning Courses Training Centre Onsite Training

Scantime PLC & SCADA Training for Automotive, Food & Beverage , Oil & Gas and other industries.

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REDUCING YOURPRODUCTION DOWNTIME

Scantime are training specialists in

PLC Maintenance & Fault Finding for

Maintenance Engineers

Tel: 0800 756 1011

E-Mail: [email protected]

Web: www.scantime.co.uk

ScantimeAutomation Solutions & Training

The leading global training company of tomorrow's engineers.

A client recently informed us:

“We had doubts that our shop floormachine would ever work again but dueto your training we have saved ourcompany hundreds of thousands ofdollars. Thank you and keep up thegood work.”

Sherman, USA

33893 HPD_HorseWorld 04/04/2016 09:36 Page 1

28

With re-energised looks, the vibrant new metallic Orange Power colour, and with exterior and interior personalisation packs available, the New Peugeot 208 stands out from the crowd. Not only does it look the business, it’s full of innovative technology designed to take the hassle out of driving. Under the bonnet, with Euro 6 compliancy, there’s now the choice of ultra-efficient PureTech petrol engines, alongside BlueHDi with stop and start functionality that’ll reduce fuel consumption and emissions. With CO2 emissions from 79g/km†, the New Peugeot 208 is ready to take your business further. To find out more, please contact your Business Specialist.

NEW PEUGEOT 208 ALLURE

ARBURY BROMSGROVE 18 Buntsford Drive, Worcestershire, B60 3AJ 01527 575157 www.arbury-bromsgrove.co.uk

ROBINS & DAY BIRMINGHAM NORTH Formerly Clock Garage, 857 Tyburn Road, BIRMINGHAM, B24 9NY 0121 306 4410 www.robinsandday-birminghamnorth.co.uk

ROBINS & DAY BIRMINGHAM 30 High St Deritend, BIRMINGHAM, B12 0NB 0121 7667700 www.robinsandday-birmingham.co.uk

Official Fuel Consumption in MPG (l/100km) and CO2 emissions (g/km) for the New 208 Range are: Urban 40.4 – 78.5 (7.0 – 3.6), Extra Urban 61.4 – 104.6 (4.6 – 2.7), Combined 52.3 – 94.2 (5.4 – 3.0) and CO2 125 – 79 (g/km). MPG figures are achieved under official EU test conditions, intended as a guide for comparative purposes only, and may not reflect actual on-the-road driving conditions. ^Rate refers to the New Peugeot 208 Allure 1.2L PureTech 82 5Dr. Rentals are subject to VAT and are payable monthly. For New Peugeot 208 Models 6 rentals in advance followed by 35 monthly payments. All rentals are based on 10,000 miles per annum and include metallic paint and Peugeot Assistance. Any excess mileage will be chargeable. Business users only. A guarantee may be required. Over 18’s only. †Based on the 1.6L BlueHDi 75 S&S engine. Written quotations from Peugeot Contract Hire, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, RH1 1QA. Offers apply to eligible vehicles supplied and registered from 24/03/16 until such point they may be withdrawn by Peugeot Motor Company at any time and without notice. For full terms and conditions, please contact the Peugeot Quoteline on 0845 313 3811, calls to this number from landlines and mobile networks may vary. For more information please contact your network provider. (calls may be recorded for training purposes). Information correct at time of going to press.

NEW PEUGEOT 208. THE PERFECT

BUSINESS MODEL

From just £129 rental per month

33936 Full Pg_HorseWorld 07/04/2016 11:59 Page 1

29

At Simmatic we regularly come acrossvacuum handling robots utilisingelectrically driven rotary vane typepumps at our end user market.Frustrated by the down time for themaintenance of the units we find thecustomer is ready to hear about adifferent answer to vacuum handling.

Traditionally rotary vane pumps areinstalled by the robot integrator applyingthe historic or inherited experience thatthey will do the job, which of course theydo. What is failed to be considered is thefuture of the pumps in the field. They are, innearly every case we have seen, over specified for thejob, so demand more electricity than a tailored pump wouldneed. The maintenance down time is overlooked or justaccepted as a pitfall of vacuum handling, so the decision on anew pump usually just maintains the status quo.

However, there is a more efficientalternative, and things have

progressed much morequickly with ourcompressed airdriven vacuumpumps. Oftenthese aredismissed as‘venturis’ whichused to be the airdriven answer tovacuum, but thesetoo have beenconsigned to thehistory books. The

modern day multi stagevacuum generators offer

massive leaps in efficiencyover the venturi generators of old.

The multistage cartridge has been developed into manydifferent sizes, shapes and forms to provide an ease ofintegration never previously achieved, meaning that thecustomer and robot integrator can finally select a truly tailoredsolution to the product being handled, whether that be aporous box needing high flow or sheet steel needing gooddepth. Opting for a centralised or decentralised packageprovides optimum response speeds. The modern choice isvast, and with our guidance, simple.

A sympathetically designed vacuum system can savethousands on the original outlay, reducing capital expenditureon handling robots, and once the system is up and running willbe largely maintenance free, and have quicker response times.

But the biggest driver for reform we have found is the reducedenergy consumption, only generating vacuum when it is

required and by further installing air savings kits, stopping airconsumption once the depth of vacuum required is met, onlycutting in again when seepage drops the vacuum level.

Using one of these carefully selected systems, the financialsavings can be staggering.

Bradman Lake, committed to green energy solutions,challenged Simmatic to make savings over their existingsystem. Basing their calculations on an 8 hour shift withcontinuous production (ie continuous stream of product withoutidle times) The Becker Pump runs all the time and is subject tohigh servicing costs each year.

Simmatic recommended replacing the existing pump with aVMECA Pneumatically operated Vacuum System which workson demand and only consumes energy when generatingvacuum during each placement of product. With the originaloutlay, the initial saving was already thousands of pounds, thenconsidering the running costs in the best case for the rotaryvane, Simmatic saved several hundreds every year withoutfurther consideration to maintenance on just a single unit.

For more information please visit the websitewww.simmatic.co.uk

email [email protected] or telephone 01299 877770

Reducing energy costs by the use of advanced technologies


30

THE KNOW-HOW FACTORY

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ZIMMER GROUP -YOUR PARTNER WORLD WIDE

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33918 HPD_HorseWorld 11/04/2016 09:48 Page 1

31

If it’s robots which tend to keep the wheels ofindustry turning nowadays - it’s the peopleat AJ Robotics who are the power behindmany of the machines.

The Willenhall business prides itself on beingthe premier source for all industrial roboticrequirements, specialising in the supply ofaffordable bespoke six-axis and three-axisautomation systems for a host of applicationsboth in the UK and across the world.

“We design our systems to be affordable andsimple to use,” says company Director PeterTobin. “This doesn't mean cutting corners, we aresimply committed to offering our customers exactly what isneeded and no unnecessary extras.”

Being kind to clients’ purse strings is only one reason AJ Roboticshas focused upon developing robotic CNC milling using

Robotmaster software. That and the growing trend towardsrobots’ progressive replacement of conventional

dedicated manufacturing units.

“Robots, once perceived as only positioningdevices, have advanced in accuracy andrigidity, and are now being used increasinglyfor manufacturing and material removal,enabling manufacturers to achieve the higherquality, speed and flexibility they need tochallenge global competitors at a lower cost”explains Peter.

“Through Robotmaster, our customers canprogram robots quickly and efficiently,

using industry proven CAD/CAMrobotics software technology

and if their budgetdoesn't stretch to thecost of a five-axis CNCmachine, this roboticmilling system canprove to be a muchmore affordable solutionand one which can betailored to specificneeds and for a widerange of materials.”

Proud to be an affiliatewith Kawasaki Robotics amongothers, AJ Robotics also supplies robotic welding,plasma cutting, spray painting, water jet cutting,palletising, machining, rapid prototyping and pickand place systems.

Its well-equipped facility in Frederick William Street,Willenhall is where customers’ systems are fullyassembled and tested prior to being installed on siteand commissioned and where expert teams service,refurbish, modernise and maintain any existingsystem to give it a new lease of life.

“Along with Kawaski, we have experience withalmost all robotic manufacturers, including Abb,Kuka, Nachi, Motoman and FANUC,” says Peter.

“We design our systems in house using 3D CADsoftware, so that we can then provide you with arealistic vision of what your final system design willlook like and any required fabrication is carried out bytrusted and highly qualified engineering companies.

“Whether you are looking for a brand new system orone that has been refurbished we will find one to suityour budget and advise on what we think is mostsuitable depending on your required application.”

To find out more about AJ Robotics’ full range ofservices, please go to www.ajrobotics.co.uk

telephone 0777 3018930 or email: [email protected]

Follow us on


32

If you’ve ever pondered whatthe wide world of roboticsmight offer your business as itsets out on the path togrowth, you can find both helpfor all your needs andinspiration about what can beachieved from Somerset-based Active8 Robots.

Born from a companywhose roots go back to thebeginning of this century, itsmain original purpose wasto supply robots, roboticscomponents, kits and awide range of electronicitems and accessories, andits initial target audienceswere hobby builders, as wellas schools, colleges anduniversities.

Today, the company’s mainstrength has shifted along withthe growth in e-commerce,and it now boasts a fullytransactional website,www.active-robots.com listing more than 3,000products.

These now run right to some of the most sophisticated robots which help runmany highly automated manufacturing plants and processes.

“The services offered through Active8 Robots focus around providing our clientswith solutions to automate production lines, whether that’s using a traditionalrobot, or the newest technology, in the form of collaborative robots,” explainedcompany chairman and managing director Antony Lovedale.

Mr Lovedale has gathered a strong collection of talent, taking in cyberneticsengineers, mechanical and electrical engineers and robot programmers, as wellas a range of people with other top-level technical skills.

Active8 Robots is also a unique in its field in using technology known as pointcloud scanning for the evaluation of manufactured products. This enables it tocarry out highly detailed feasibility studies to help businesses find out whetherautomation is right for their needs.

“We then deal with our clients’ projects right through from conception tocompletion, entirely using our in-house specialist team, as this enables us tocompletely tailor our offerings to their needs, and harness the latest availablesolutions in every instance,” Mr Lovedale said.

That could mean using a traditional autonomousrobot, or even a more modern, state-of-the-artcollaborative machine. It is particularly proud tohave been appointed the only approved UKdistributor of the Sawyer robot, the newestiteration of this latter type, which has beenfeatured in Time magazine, which particularlynoted its potential to automate many taskswhich have previously been considered toomenial, dangerous or undesirable for humans.

If you think your business will never be touched bythe onward march of robotics, consider that theInternational Federation of Robotics has predictedthat the industry is set to grow by 12 per cent ayear for many years into the future.

And the feeling in the sector is that these newrobots will work alongside, rather than replace,human labour. So it will be doing the ‘dirtywork’ we have traditionally not wanted to do –and with a great deal of precision – leavinghumans to tend to and maintain them, andbring new levels of accuracy and safety to manycritical industrial processes.

Active8 Robots has a friendly and approachableteam on hand to answer any of your questions,and help you explore the true potential for itsproducts to make sure your own are perfectlymade – every time.

Call them any time from 9am to 5pm, Mondayto Friday on 01761 239267, and they’ll behappy to set up a demonstration of their mainproducts and their potential uses, or explore thepossibilities which robotics and the latestautomation products can open up for yourbusiness by visiting www.active8robots.com

Somerset firm can give your business a majorboost with cutting-edge robot technology

12737_HorseWorld 28/01/2016 13:01 Page 1

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MirageGetting a ‘foot in the door’ with Toyota in Derby was justthe boost needed back in 2005 to help fledglingmachinery and engineering automation solutions providerMirage to showcase its design, build & delivery skills –and the business hasn’t looked back since.

Toyota asked Mirage todevelop a production modelof its prototype AutomatedGuided Vehicle (AGV). But itneeded to do it in just fourweeks.

Several long working dayslater, Mirage delivered on itspromise, which resulted inthe business being handed avariety of collaborative taskswith Toyota’s engineers, withthe aim of tacklingmechanical-handling issues,and eliminating non-

productive labour tasks from its processes.

Subsequently, Mirage has been lucky to gain an insider view ofToyota’s own production systems and standards, which it hasadopted as a benchmark by which to measure its ownperformance and improvement.

A Record of SuccessIts record of achieving client satisfaction through its developmentand design work stretches right back through Mirage’s 10-yearhistory and, in addition to the automotive sector, primarilyincludes the food and pharmaceutical industries, and morerecently specialist rail application equipment.

Flexibility in devisingsolutions for handling awide range of products,and successfully bringingtogether manual andautomated operations arecrucial factors in thesuccess it has achieved.

Innovative approach todesigning equipment sets them apart from the competition.They have a lean approach to their own production techniquesenabling short turnaround times from design sign-off to delivery.

‘Honda’ CaseThe Swindon-based vehicle manufacturer called on Mirage todesign and install a bespoke Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)system as a build line replacing an outdated conveyor system.

Among its features, this can digitally verify that all fixings aretightened to the correct torque, whilst the master control panel

communicates with the AGV wirelessly to control the virtualpoke yoke. This guarantees each sub-assembly is error-proofedand ready to be fitted into a vehicle.

Bentley door build lineBentley Motors recently commissioned Mirage to design a semi-automated build line for its new four-wheel drive vehicle. Mirageused a bespoke dolly design to allow articulation of the doors inthe assembly process. As well as permitting manipulation of thedoors in all orientations using only the hinges and door catch,the solution saves labour and ensures quality.

The way your business handles components and finishedgoods, of whatever size, can have a major bearing on theefficiency of your production lines.

State-of-the-art intelligent conveyor systems which thecompany has worked on include: soft belt, to carry injectionmoulded components; plastic cardanic chain conveyors forbumper build line; roller conveyors, for moving axle and brakediscs; and overhead monorail systems, for the heaviest jobssuch as engine dressing and finishing.

All this technology needs human oversight, of course, andMirage can provide contract personnel with specific logisticsand engineering expertise to offer technical guidance andadvice on current legislation

So if you want to see how your production processes canbecome cutting-edge, rather than struggling to keep

pace, contact Mirage. Telephone 01782 642200

email [email protected]

or visit www.mirageservices.co.uk

So Mirage has devised a variety of systems, includingspecifically for the automotive sector:

• ‘Up & Over’ delivery systems from sequence area toline side

• Wheel and tyre pick and fit

• Electric Vehicle battery fit and manipulation

• Seat pick, fit and manipulation

• Water spray dust suppressing for paint shopapplications

• Fully automated build lines

• Vision inspection and ‘Poka Yoke’

• Dollies, kitting and stillage solutions

Look to Mirage to streamline your lean manufacturing processes


34

AccurateLaser Cutting

For the past decade, Accurate Laser Cutting Limitedbased in Oldbury, West Midlands have serviced the UK’sentire manufacturing industry with their advanced lasercutting & folding capacity. Customers of the sheet metalsub-contractor are now taking full advantage of theirrecent investments & improved capabilities, boosting itsorder book as a result.

Precision laser cutting serviceThe firm now have a Bystronic 6kW 4m x 2m fiber laser that iscapable of processing aluminium up to 30mm, copper 12mm,brass 15mm and mild & stainless steel up to 25mm thick.

A key feature of the equipment includes its ability to processmaterials at unrivalled speeds. It also produces a better qualitybeam for a more accurate cut across their entire thicknessrange. “Our Fiber laser runs up to three times faster than ourCo2 machine, with excellent cut quality.” commentedproduction manager Neil Tomkins. “It’s these phenomenalcutting speeds that allow for extra capacity to be released,resulting in improved rates of production and the shortestpossible lead times for our customers.” They cater for anythingfrom one offs & prototype work through to high volume, largebatch quantities on a free issue or complete supply basis.

Dedicated pressbrake facilities onsiteBending material also forms an integral part of the laser cuttingfirm’s bespoke engineering service. They have recently invested£500,000 in a dedicated pressbrake facility to offer customersan increased pressing capacity of 320 tonnes and up to 4metres long. Their ability to offer a secondary operationsservice is convenient for customers of Accurate Laser Cuttingas they can single source their orders to potentially benefit fromvaluable savings in time and money. “Our 4 metre pressbrakeruns perfectly alongside our 4m x 2m Fiber laser.” explainedcompany director Jon Till. “These state-of-the-art investmentshave provided a significant boost to our capabilities, taking

accuracy to a new level for our customers. As a result of thiscapacity increase, we are now seeing an influx in enquiries forlarger types of work.” The firm also have an extensive range ofpressbrake tooling options available for greater flexibility andmaximum efficiency on orders.

Committed to service & customer careService is also of great importance to the laser cuttingspecialists who pride themselves on a fast order turnaround.Customer quotations are dealt with in a strict four hour timeframe and subject to capacity, a free next day delivery service isoften available. “We do everything we can to meet ourcustomer demands and strive to react to their requirements asquickly as possible.” explains company director Steve Morgan.Our premises are open 24/7 making it convenient forcustomers to collect their orders on evenings and weekends orany other time to suit.” The firm have recently been re-accredited with ISO 9001:2008 offering a firm assurance ofquality on all orders placed.

For more information on Accurate Laser Cuttingsservices visit www.accurate-laser.co.uk email [email protected]

or call 0121 5202444

Experts in Laser Cutting & Forming Metal

Plant & Capacity1 x Bystronic 6kW 4m x 2m BySprint Fiber Laser

1 x Bystronic 6kW 3m x 1.5m BySpeed Co2 Laser

1 x Bystronic Xpert 4 metre/320 pressbrake

1 x Bystronic Xpert 3 metre/150 pressbrake

1 x Amada HFE II 3.1 metre/130 pressbrake


35

ACD is a family run business with a focus on customer care, which has designedand installed thousands of air conditioning systems from single split units andducted packages through to large VRV/VRF systems, but what sets them apartis their commitment to offer the best air conditioning installations, with the bestcustomer service at the right price.

ACD constantly review the latest developments in the sector and an ongoingprogramme of staff development and training means you can always be surethat they will recommend the most suitable system currently available and that itwill be fitted by an appropriately qualified team.

The company started out by working for just a few blue chip retail clients andshop fitters with just 4 members of staff. Since that time, due to word of mouthreferrals, recommendations and recently, a targeted programme of webmarketing, the company has grown organically from £600k pa to in excess of£2.2m, and employs 14 staff.

Although their impressive client list includes household names such as TheEntertainer, Laura Ashley, Clarks Shoes, Tommy Hilfiger, and the Salvation Army, clients cover the spectrum from large multi-nationals and single retail units to domestic installations.

Michael Robey MD, emphasises the company’s focus on customer care saying,“We are a national air conditioning company, so our service covers all of the UK,but we offer the local air conditioning feel, giving all our customers peace of mindwhere warranty and service is concerned.”

Simon Robey, Director said, “Renewable and efficient energy is a priority for mostcompanies and with the latest technology in heat pumps now being offered weplan to excel in that market place, and continue to increase our client base byproviding quality installations in accordance with best practice.”

For more information about the range of products and services they offer pleasevisit the web site www.aircontrol.co.uk or www.daikin.co.uk, or telephone 01922455523, and let them show you just how comfortable your premises canbecome with the right system, and how you can relax knowing that this is onecompany that offers all the back-up it promises.

For more information about the range of products and servicesthey offer please visit the website www.aircontrol.co.uk or

telephone 01922 455523, and let them show you just how comfortable your premises can

become with the right system, and how you can relax knowing thatthis is one company that offers all the back-up it promises.

“A breath of fresh air in customer care,” Air Control & Development’s slogan says it all.

www.aircontrol.co.ukAir Control Development Ltd

The company specialises in the installation, serviceand maintenance of air conditioning and ventilationsystems including full mechanical packages forretail, commercial, industrial and leisure premises.They are approved by major manufacturer (DaikinD1+ installers) and offer a warranty of up to 5yrs.

Air Control & Development Ltd (ACD) was established inMarch 1994, and understands just how daunting it canbe, given the complexity of the market and the hugerange of systems and companies out there, to choose areliable and trustworthy company to quote, install andmaintain a new air conditioning or ventilation system.

33821_HorseWorld 21/01/2016 10:09 Page 1

36

Whether you are a committedproponent of green energy or simplylooking to spend less on energy, thereare two major ways to bring down yourenergy costs, use less and pay less, byswitching to a supplier with a morefavourable tariff for your business.

Energy is a major expense for mostbusinesses, and despite governmentadvice to regularly review our options andswitch suppliers, an amazing 40% ofbusinesses have never switched energysupplier according to the Competition andMarkets Authority, and as a result arespending £280 million a year more thanthey need to.

Given the sums involved, it seems strangethat managers have not been investigatingthe possibilities, perhaps the task is seenas too complicated and time consuming,with no guarantee that having made theeffort that you will be any better off.

Most businesses find the help of anenergy broker results in substantialsavings. A reputable energy broker isfamiliar with the whole market, and oncethey have had a chat to you about yourenergy use, they will research their panelof gas and electricity suppliers to come upwith a great deal for you.

The key word here is reputable, a goodenergy broker, will check for hiddenclauses, tie ins and built in rises and timeframes, they will advise you to look againperhaps 6 months before your renewaldate, when they will be able to get good

deals, often due to their buying power,from a variety of suppliers.

Having cut the price you pay, can you stillcost effectively generate some of yourown electricity from rooftop solar panels?The answer, if you have a suitable roofarea and many factory buildings or“sheds” do, is yes! Despite less favourableincentives from government, the cost ofinstallation is so much lower now that thebenefits have remained fairly constant.

Solar panel electricity systems, alsoknown as solar photovoltaics (PV), capturethe sun's energy using photovoltaic cells.These cells don't need direct sunlight towork – they can still generate someelectricity on a cloudy day, the cellsconvert the sunlight into electricity.

A 4kWp system can generate around3,800 kilowatt hours of electricity a year inthe south of England – that's the sameamount of electricity as it takes to turn theLondon Eye 25 times. It will save nearlytwo tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. A4kWp system in Scotland can generateabout 3,200 kilowatt hours of electricity ayear – that’s the same amount of electricityas it takes to turn the Falkirk Wheel 2,100times. It will save more than a tonne and ahalf of carbon dioxide every year.

Green power is electricity that isgenerated from renewable energy sourcessuch as wind, sun, geothermal, andbiomass. Purchasing green power is aneasy, effective way for your organization toreduce its carbon footprint andenvironmental impact

OK so you are sourcing your energy fromthe best source, you may have decided toinstall solar panels, ground or air source

heating systems, and special energyreflective glass, but some basic

housekeeping will also makea big difference.

The total electricity consumed by idleelectronics equals the annual output of 12power plants, so switch off!! Save energyand reduce greenhouse gas emissions atwork by setting your computer, monitorand other office equipment to powerdown when not in use. Activate the powermanagement features on your computerand monitor, unplug laptop power cordswhen not in use and turn off equipmentand lights at the end of the day. Pluggingeverything into a power strip makes iteasy to shut everything down at one time.

Many companies operate a policy ofleaving computers on overnight, but there’snot often a logical or sensible reason fordoing so. If workers turned their machinesoff at night, it would save 10 per cent ofthe total energy savings that are expectedof businesses by the government, which isa good argument for making switching offcompany policy. And it’s not justcomputers that need switching off – lightsand other gadgets should also be turnedoff at the end of each working day.

Take the lead, according to research byconsultants Logicalis, nearly 60% ofworkers would become more energyefficient at work if employers took theinitiative. By adopting sensible measuresto run a greener office, businesses cansave thousands of pounds on their annualenergy bills and reduce the carbon dioxidethey emit.

EnergySolutions

33963 1PG_Transport Warehousing 20/04/2016 14:15 Page 1

37

It’s a scandal that the big Utility companies are not passing on thehuge drop in wholesale costs for Gas and Electricity. Manybusiness owners, who only occasionally review their utility cost,are in grave danger of paying an Apathy Premium

Using the services of a utility broker pits supplier against supplier in abidding war to supply you with Gas and Electricity. EnergizeInvestments Ltd is a utility brokerage offering this service. MarkMeredith the Chief Executive says “People are angry about the inactionand pittance in price cuts that many utility suppliers are offering. Checkyour contract termination date and contact us today. We can analyseyour existing tariff and get you the best price the market has to offer”

Energize has direct and immediate contact with every energy supplier inthe UK. Many of which only supply business and commerce. Savings ofup to 55% are not unknown for businesses out of contract. The processis simple and swift. All you need to provide is your meter numbers and aletter of authority and the quotes are with you within a few hours. Thereare no upfront costs or commitment until you are happy with the priceson offer and ask for a contract from the new supplier. Once you havesigned the contract Energize submit this to the new supplier and thetransfer is enacted at the end of your existing contract.

John Marchbank, Operations Director, of Energize Investments says“based in the Midlands we operate across the UK. We have invested inour IT are pride ourselves in our top quality customer service. Email orcall us today. We would love to discuss how we can Energize yourprofits and not the utility suppliers’ pockets”!

One of Energize Investments representatives will then be in touch toconfirm your existing supplier contract details. Energize then prepare aquotation with offers from several utility suppliers. Following in depthanalysis of your gas and electricity usage data to establish correct tariff

structure, Energize produce tender documents forsubmission. Working closely with suppliers enablesEnergize to take advantage of market dips, reactquickly to favourable price anomalies, and lock insavings. Consolidation of group contracts tomaximise purchasing power within the energy supplymarket is considered. Energize advise clients oncontract lengths to move away from renewing attimes when prices are historically higher.

Contact Energize today you may well besurprized at how much you could save!

www.energizeinvestments.co.uk

Is your company paying too much for Gas and Electricity? The most likely answer is yes!

Please provide your company name and address along with acontact name to:

Email [email protected]

Telephone 01332 856 355


38

In these times of energyawareness and when businessesare looking for all possible costefficiencies throughout theiroperation, it is somewhatsurprising to find that 40% ofbusinesses have never switchedenergy supplier, according to theCompetition and MarketsAuthority, and as a result arespending £280 million a yearmore than they need to.

The findings of the study support theconclusion that businesses can oftenforget what impact energy bills have ontheir bottom line and just how muchthey are spending versus saving.

But who in your organisation has time toreview the energy market? Where couldsavings be made and how are you toensure that the brilliant new deal youhave just negotiated to cut thousands

from your energy bills, will seem just asbrilliant in years to come?

The help and advice of an energyconsultant is the best option, and theroute that many cost consciousbusinesses take. The services of anenergy consultancy are free at the pointof use, and they have the experienceand market knowledge necessary toresearch the energy market beforerecommending several suitable options.

While some businesses may be perfectlysatisfied with the tariffs from theircurrent supplier government advice is toshop around. Industry experts, LuminaEnergy, agree and strongly advisebusinesses to switch their energycontracts regularly when their remindercomes round.

Lumina Energy recommends thatcustomers should look into newcontracts as early as possible, to get thebest rates. James Dubois, Head ofLumina, told us “Sometimes we placenew contracts with suppliers up to 9months in advance of the existingcontract expiring. Suppliers offercompetitive rates early and ourrelationship with them means we getbetter rates than our customers couldfind themselves searching online.”

It is important that before switching toanother supplier to fully understand the

options available. Every deal will bedifferent, depending on length of contractand the applicable terms and conditions.To be able to make a properly informeddecision, Lumina Energy provide theircustomers with a list of the best pricedeals from all the suppliers on their books,and send them all the options. They willalso share their recommendations, but thefinal decision on supplier and terms stayswith the customer.

Lumina Energy is a sister company toLASER Energy which was formed in1989 by Kent County Council, shortlyafter energy deregulation. Working withover 140 local authorities LASER hasbecome one of the largest energybuying organisations in the UK. Luminawas formed to assist businesses of allsizes from SMEs to large corporations,by utilising LASER’S 25 years ofexperience of providing cost cutting energy efficiencies.

Providing no obligation energy price comparisonquotes for businesses.

To start making savings or perhaps just to reassure yourself that you are alreadyon the best deal for your business contact Lumina Energy at

www.luminaenergy.co.uk or telephone 0808 168 5688 quote ref BBP/01


39

Unit 2, 1 Avenue Farm Ind. Est. Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 0HREnergise your business

If capital expenditure is the hurdle then call us as we

are also able to o�er fully funded, Solar PV systems

for your premises reducing your energy costs and

carbon emissions at NO COST to your business.

CONTACT US TODAY ON: 0844 259 [email protected]

WWW.COMMERCIALSOLARSOLUTIONS.CO.UK

YOU SAY‘ROOF’WE SAY ‘GENERATOR’Do you have 20m2 of roof space or more on your business premises?

Is your building a large energy user?

Do you need to reduce energy costs?

Do you wish to reduce your carbon footprint and improve your “green credentials”?

If you answer yes to any of these questions then Solar Energy could well be the answer.

Commercial Solar Solutions is a new division of Stratford Energy

Solutions providing expert advice, design and installation of

commercial Solar Systems.

Stratford Energy Solutions was formed in 2010 installing renewable

energy technologies including Solar PV and Solar Thermal, Air and

Ground Source Heat Pumps and Biomass Boilers.

The Solar business has continued to grow and with recent changes

to the Feed-in Tari� we have a department focused totally on Solar

Energy for commercial buildings including: warehousing, factories,

agricultural, schools and public sector buildings.


40

Small businesses are the backbone ofthe UK economy and central to thewealth and wellbeing of communitiesand families. So it is vital they getvalue for money from their energyprovider. It is only natural thatbusiness customers want to get thebest deal as well as to understandwhy, when they hear gas prices arecoming down, this might not seem tojoin up with what they see on the bill.

A moment on any comparison site willshow that energy prices have beencoming down and throw up cheaper dealsthan this time last year.

only about a quarter of the bill, represent ahuge investment in national infrastructurebut they don’t come free - and thesecosts are actually rising. Also, like anyother business, energy companies have topay their own taxes and bills and - witharound one in every forty-eight jobsdependent on the sector - this will alwaysbe a significant factor. Then there are thelevies government has set so the countrycan move towards a greener energy future– this too requires significant investment.

Over the next decade, the energy industrywill continue to develop cleaner, cheaperenergy where more is generated locally

I think it’s well understood that energycompanies buy months - sometimes years- ahead so they can iron out the highs andlows which would make bills yo-yo up anddown. This brings a degree ofpredictability so businesses can havetariffs allowing them to budget and bettermanage their bills.

But this is not the whole story. Or even the whole bill.

Energy is actually just under half of thetotal electricity bill. So, even when energyprices fall, this can only bring down part ofthe bill. Distribution charges, making up

Energy UK and its members are calling ongovernment to adopt a costed, consideredand stable end-to-end approach to policyand investment where the impact ofdecisions is thought-through across notjust the energy sector but joined up withother areas, like transport.

This will help the country balance costs withaffordability while meeting environmentaland energy security goals. But this is notthe work of one parliament or sector. It willtake partnership and commitment to thefuture. But success will mean affordable,reliable and clean energy for businesses thelength and breadth of the country.

but energy efficiency will still have a role incontrolling bills and carbon emissions. Thisis as true for small businesses as forhouseholders and simple checks to ensureheat is not doing more to warm the air onthe pavement rather than the workplacecan do wonders in bringing down the bills.Smart metering, as it rolls out, will play akey role helping businesses watch thebottom line by keeping an eye on theelectricity meter.

Working with customers will always driveinnovation and the future is likely to bemore responsive to the needs of bothbusiness and domestic users. That is why

The voice of the energy industry

For more information please visit the website www.energy-uk.org.uk or telephone 020 7930 9390

Lawrence Slade


41

That’s because your energy provider probably reeled you in with a greatshort-term deal on the price of your gas or electricity. You’ll have had ayear or more to reap the benefits of that reduced rate, but once yourcontract comes to its end, your supplier thinks it’s payback time.

So now you’re on its ‘variable tariff’ rate’ rate, which is well above thefigure that first tempted you to sign up – and your failure to act quicklyenough is now costing you more every month.

That is, unless you sign up with Exchange Utility.

A new type of business energy comparison service, they don’t just castyou adrift at the end of your contract, as directors Kelly Ivison and JohnBaker explained.

“Our model is based on building long-term partnerships with UKbusinesses, whatever their size or type,” she said.

Businesses sign a one, two or three-year contract and Exchange Utility’sconsultants carry out an audit of their current supply agreements, sothat they can illustrate the savings which can be achieved.

And with as many as 1.3 million businesses in the UK believed to beoverpaying for their energy to the tune of £500million a year, ExchangeUtility brings the benefits of bulk-buying to its customers, by passing onthe benefits it gets through negotiating directly with a carefully-chosengroup of suppliers.

Susan Wheeldon, Financial Director at Wheeldon Brothers Waste, said:"We found Exchange Utility’s very straightforward service saved usmoney quickly and easily. We continue to reap the benefits of workingwith them."

“We can generally save businesses money even if they stay with thesame supplier,” said company Director John Baker. “And there is nodanger of them rolling over onto a higher tariff, because we will contactthem when their existing contract is coming to an end. Customers canthen switch to another deal with either the same or another of ourcarefully-chosen roster of suppliers.

“The savings businesses can make through a contract with us aren’tone-offs – we can help them get the benefits of our accumulatedbuying power month after month, year after year.”

Firm’s commitment to cutting businesses’ energy billsfuels rapid growth

Q: When does a rollover mean you’re certain to end up a loser? A: When it happens to your business energy contracts!

Sparking A Growing Business

Testimony to Exchange Utility’s success is that it issoon to move to bigger offices in Bury, GreaterManchester, and expand its workforce from 160 to 410.

That’s a pretty good rate of growth for a business onlyestablished two years ago. And although at the time ofwriting, the new offices were still taking shape,completion is due within the next month, with moststaff in place by mid-May.

It’s hoped that the new town centre site will be a bighelp to the company in attracting people hungry towork in a vibrant, fast-moving business – as well asmaking a major statement to its customers that it isplanning for the long term.

“Our belief is that people running a business have farbetter things to do than shop around for the best dealson their gas, electricity and water,” Mr Baker added.“With our service there is no danger of themsleepwalking into paying more than they need to, andwe will make sure that they have certainty over thismajor element of their overheads.”

See how much your business could save, starting immediately and continuing well into the future, by visiting exchangeutility.co.uk

emailing [email protected] or calling 0800 9777 000


42

You could forgive raised eyebrows incertain circles when the ChancellorGeorge Osborne claimed in his recentbudget that ‘we are the builders’.

Britain, he said, was growing faster thanany other of the world’s advancedeconomies but, to be able to move evenfaster, a world-leading infrastructurenetwork had to be created.

Which led to the response that, with theUK facing its worst construction skillscrisis in more than 20 years, the country isgoing to struggle to build anything.

“The Chancellor may be looking to deliver agreat era of infrastructure, but that cannotbe achieved without the Brunels of todayand tomorrow,” maintained JeremyBlackburn, the Royal Institution of CharteredSurveyors (RICS)’ Head of UK Policy.

“Unless Ministers look to address the skillsproblem urgently, some of the country’skey infrastructure programmescould soon face crippling delaysand spiralling costs.”

The view is underpinned by themost recent RICS UKConstruction Market Surveywhich, at the end of last year,showed that 66% of constructionprofessionals had reported labourshortages, with bricklayers andquantity surveyors inparticularly short supply.

Perversely that’s beengood news for the earnersas the same survey showedthat 61% of constructionworkers reported sharpwage rises leading to anaverage increase of morethan 6% in the year toOctober – a marked increaseon the average wage riseunder 2%.

However the RICS warnedthat it is those skillsshortages which continueto hamper growth andpose a major threat tosome governmentprogrammes.

The construction skills crisis is slowinggrowth in a sector that is vital to UK plc,”warned RICS Future Talent Director SallySpeed. “Unless the government looks toaddress the problem urgently, some of itskey housing and infrastructureprogrammes could soon face cripplingdelays and spiralling costs.”

She called on the government to tacklethe problem by providing a new skillsstrategy that will enable industry, unions,and educators to work together anddeliver real solutions.

“Apprenticeships alone are not enough,” sheadded. “Ministers must look to draw a linkbetween education, future careers and skills.Employers need to take the lead in improvingskill levels, providing more vocationalpathways to work and actively engaging withour country’s schools and colleges.”

Much of the effort to tackle the skillsshortage must, surely, look to draw

upon that rich bank of labour -women.

The good news is that theOffice of National Statistics

(ONS) reported a 20 year-highin the number of womenworking in construction.

When records first began in1978, women made up

11.9% of the sector’sworkforce. Last

Decemberthat figure stood

at 19.9%, withfemale workers beingtaken on at a fasterrate than men.

But there’s still much work to be done.That image and public perception of aconstruction worker persists: a man in ahi-viz jacket, hard hat and trousers waylower than they should be ….

And the UK does have the lowestproportion of female engineers in Europe -just 9% compared to Sweden’s 25% orGermany’s 15%.

So the drive - and it’s one that’s beengoing on for some time - to bring morewomen into the sector continues.

Certain companies are recruiting highernumbers of women with Crossrail inparticular being hailed as a shining example.

Nearly a third of the workforce onEurope’s largest construction project ismade up of women and its ambitiousplans for changing industry perceptionshave involved making its workplace morewelcoming for women and challenging thelanguage used on site.

Other efforts have involved connectingfemale role models with girls formingcareer plans, and visiting schools andcareer events, a Young Crossrailprogramme reaching over 36,000 schoolpupils, teachers and parents, and a closepartnership with the not-for-profitorganisation Women into Constructionhelping to make construction an excitingand attractive career option for women.

Elsewhere, the country is seeing a range ofmentoring and ‘women in construction’networking groups being established whilegovernment-backed education programmes,are encouraging more girls (but boys too)into engineering, maths and science.

There is an enormous range of exciting,challenging and lucrative jobs inconstruction, it’s just getting women totake advantage of them and see thesector as a potential career option.

With a need for the sector to recruit anestimated 200,000 workers by 2020 tokeep up with demand, it can’t afford to dowithout them.

The Changing Face of the UK

Construction Worker


43

In July 2005 Jeff’s son Luke qualified as an electrician but at thestart of a recession, and aged 25 with no actual experience, Lukefound it almost impossible to find a job as an electrician.

So Jeff, who had already built a glazing and a cleaning company fromscratch to circa £1,000,000 turnover, purchased the local Mr Electricfranchise to run alongside his current business, keeping on the originaltwo members of staff. A bold move indeed, as Jeff is colour blind andnot an electrician, but a successful one, as turnover has increasedeach year from the initial 80k to £1,150,000 by 2015.

The two businesses ran side by side until 2010 when the cleaningbusiness was sold off.

Mr Electric Birmingham works throughout the West Midlandscompleting over 1,300 jobs a month, and will undertake anything froma small domestic job to the rewiring of a factory.

They have gone from mostly domestic work to a 50/50 split betweencommercial and domestic, carrying out work for companies such asWestern Power, Homeserve, Axa, and McDonalds. They also changedthe car park lighting at Luton Airport, supplied and fitted emergencylighting and security cameras to a Birmingham based storage companygroup, and carried out total lighting refits to a number of schools.

Mr Electric can help you save money too; they know that rising energyprices are a concern to all businesses and home owners, so they havedevised a range of solutions to cut your energy use. At Mr Electric theirteam of energy experts can help you to achieve savings of up to 40%of your total energy bills, helping countless businesses schools andhome owners achieve real cash savings.

Some of the energy saving projects they have undertaken includefitting smart boiler controls, and changing old high energy burninglights to energy efficient LED lights. The amount saved in energy canoften pay for the installation in as little as three years.

Whether you are looking to save energy, you need something changedor fixing, or you need an expert opinion, Mr Electric will be able tohelp. From their new premises Unit 9, Ariane, Lichfield Road TradingEstate, Tamworth.

Your local electrician &contractor

Their 20 fully accredited electricians understand allaspects of domestic and commercial electrical work.Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they willprovide a reliable and cost effective service whichsuits your exact electrical requirements.

Always ready when you need them, so for reliableelectrical installations, repairs and maintenance in theWest Midlands and the surrounding areas. Call 01827230999 today and they’ll be with you as soon as possible.

Note from Jeff Longley, “Any qualified electricianshould be capable of solving your problem. What themajority are not capable of is answering the phone,getting someone to you as promised, ordering partsas required, and showing customers and theirproperty the curtesy and respect they deserve. MrElectric started out in 2008 at the very beginning ofthe recession. We started with 2 electricians and nowhave twenty and are still expanding. There is a reasonfor that, try us and you will realise why.”

Tel 01827 230999email [email protected]

There are eight great reasons to use MrElectric for all of your electricalrequirements:

• 1 Fast Response

• 2 No Call Out Fees

• 3 Free Quotations and advice

• 4 Commercial and domestic Install, Repair

& Maintenance

• 5 Fixed Pricing

• 6 Highly Trained Staff

• 7 Work Guaranteed

• 8 Mr Electric work on continue

improvement to give both Domestic and

commercial customers a superior service.


44

NELSON THOMASC O N T R A C T O R S

LTD

Looking for a commercial property maintenance companythat can deliver gas works, electrical works, plannedmaintenance, refurbishments or interior office works –Nelson Thomas Contractors is your solution…

Our team of specialists, many of whom have worked with us foryears, care about the work they do for you. And, as wecontinue to grow, it’s important to us that we remain largeenough to deliver the service you need, whilst maintaining thepersonal service our customers value.

Many of our clients come back to us time and time again fortheir maintenance requirements. Nelson Thomas assists manylarge corporate companies across the Midlands whether it is adhoc repairs or planned maintenance.

As an independent provider, we’re not about a one size fits allapproach. It’s important to us that we fully understand yourneeds, how you like to do business and what’s important toyou, because this is probably quite different from the businessnext door.

Every job we do for you is underpinned by anin-depth understanding of Health and Safety.

All sites are managed by safe contractor approved supervisorsor managers and overseen, at the highest level, by ourdedicated health and safety department. Each project ismeticulously planned to ensure that all work is carried outwithout risk to the health and safety of all involved.

OngoingHealth andSafety trainingensures thatany employeeworking onyour site is upto date withthe latestlegislation andissues

concerning the safety of your project, regardless of size orcomplexity.

We really are pretty OCD about keeping things safe. And, justto prove that we really are pretty good at this bit, we are Healthand Safety accredited by SAFECONTRACTOR and GAS SAFE.

Carrying out works for most sectors suchas:-

• Manufacturing

• Logistics • Retail

• Charities • Hotel & leisure

Big Enough To Cope, Small Enough To Care

Please give Nelson Thomas a call on 0121 550 0800

you will be glad you did, or for moreinformation about their range of services

please visit the web site www.nelsonthomas.co.uk


45

Helping clients understand what’spossible from BIM and what will beuseful to their project

Building Information Modelling (BIM), is, put simply, the means by which everyone can understand a building through the use of a digitalmodel. Modelling an asset in digital form enables those who interact with the building to optimise their actions, resulting in a greater wholelife value for the asset.

The technology and associated method of working allows project stakeholders to collaborate in new ways. It uses a sharedmultidimensional computer model to represent a facility’s physical and virtual characteristics.

BIM allows designs to be developed and coordinated in a common data environment (CDE) and can be used as an interactive tool, addingtime (4D), cost (5D) and asset (6D) information as further ‘dimensions’ to enhance the initial 3D computer model.

Working with Morgan SindallProfessional ServicesMorgan Sindall Professional Services provides full BIM supportthroughout every phase of a building’s lifecycle. Helping to reducea client’s risk throughout the design, construction and operation,our expertise covers:

Early stakeholder engagement for better design andconstruction decisions

Collaborative design environments

Defining what asset data and in what detail will be useful posthandover

Designing for facilities management

BIM Level 2 & COBie (Construction Operations BuildingInformation Exchange)

Hands-on, practical BIM advice throughout.

Morgan Sindall Professional Services is a sustainable design andengineering consultancy specialising in complex builtenvironments. Supporting customers across life sciences andmanufacturing, nuclear, defence and government, power,transport and public sectors, we’ve a passion for designingaward-winning, safe and sustainable solutions. Experts in a fullyBIM compliant environment, client costs and risks are reducedwith detailed models helping to realise project goals.

Benefits of BIM in the design andconstruction process►3D: Clash detection and resolution ensuring a ‘right firsttime’ approach

►4D: Planning software which challenges and optimises theconstruction sequence

►5D: Robust project costs produced through the accuratemeasure of quantities, resource and activity schedules,location-based costs and embedded carbon

►6D: Detailed product information enables use as anOperation and Maintenance manual.

Trevor Strahan, principal architect and BIM consultant at MorganSindall Professional Services (MSPS), a leading multi-disciplinarydesign consultancy, says, “The secret, if there is such a thing, is tohelp clients to better understand how much information isrequired. By way of example, a rural primary school that will onlyever require one or two caretakers to maintain the building is notgoing to need to thousands of rows of data, nor will they be used.

“Testing from the outset is also important to ensure the structureof the data works and that coding has been correctly applied. Allmodel authors need to label items within the building in the sameway; we’ve seen examples where different parties label evensimple details such as ‘level one’ and ‘first floor’ differently,resulting in duplicated and unstructured COBie data.”

Morgan Sindall Professional Services is part of Morgan Sindall Group plc, a leading UK construction and regeneration group.

professionalservices.morgansindall.comlinkedin.com/company/morgan-sindall-professional-services@morgansindallps


46

Lioncourt Homes has been awarded a 5 Star Quality ratingin the annual Home Builders Federation (HBF) customersatisfaction survey for the second successive year.

This is the maximum score that can be achieved and enablesLioncourt to stand out as one of the premier builders in the UK.

The survey is designed to provide home buyers with informationabout home builders’ approach to quality in order to help guidetheir purchasing decision. It is also designed to promoteexcellent levels of service to be delivered by developers.

Colin Cole, Chief Executive of Lioncourt Homes, said “Everyonein the business is totally committed to delivering the bestpossible quality and this approach has resulted in LioncourtHomes being awarded the HBF 5 Star Status. We are one ofonly 15 house builders in the country to be awarded five starsagain this year.

“The results highlight that over 90% of Lioncourt customershave said that they would recommend Lioncourt Homes to afriend. This is the second successive year that Lioncourt hasachieved this accolade.”

Colin added “We are delighted with these results particularly aseveryone in the Lioncourt business places such a highemphasis on the quality of their work, the quality of service andcustomer satisfaction. This means that potential buyers canrest assured that they would be making a good decision bybuying a Lioncourt home.”

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home BuildersFederation, said: “The customer satisfaction survey is anexcellent way of measuring the level of customer service housebuilders achieve. The scheme is an independently monitoredsurvey of the people who really matter to our industry, ourcustomers.

“To achieve such high levels of satisfaction, at a time whenthere is such a pressure on the industry to increase volumes isgreat credit to Lioncourt Homes and their team.”

HBF and NHBC (National House-Building Council) launched thelatest results at an annual event at the Institution of CivilEngineers in Westminster, London.

Along with this success Lioncourt Homes was recentlyrecognised by the Sunday Times as the 25th fastest growingprivate company in the UK, as well the fastest growinghousebuilder in the UK.

With all this recognition what is possibly left for the company tostrive for? Well, the response from Colin was clear and concise.

He said “It is important to be successful but it is equallyimportant to be successful in the right way. We have a rapidlyexpanding business but this growth is based on quality ineverything we do and hence is a fundamental part of thissuccess. Overall, we are only at the start of the Lioncourt story.We have significant growth planned for the period ahead andwe have excellent managers and staff developing throughoutthe business as part of our succession plans and as part of ourquality ethos.

The HBF national survey of house builders is a self-completioncensus completed by the purchasers of new build homes. Theyare carried out by NHBC and the latest results cover the 12months from October 2015 to September 2016.

The HBF Star Ratings are independent and based on results ofthe National New Homes Survey. The survey is operated byNHBC, is entirely independent of any builder or builder groupand is independently validated by Reading University.

For Futher Information Please Contact Christine or Jeanon 0845 873 2883

Lioncourt Homes Receive 5 Star Quality Award


47

The Aedis Group is an independent, built environment & compliance specialist. We deliver professional and pragmatic, compliance and safety solutions across the vast range of UK construction sectors - from small domestic extensions to multi-national building projects.

Solutions for the Building Sector

Building Compliance, Warranties, Sustainability and SafetyUNDER ONE ROOF

Building Control is ‘core’ to our business, but as a progressive, forward thinking company and responding to the needs of our clients we also deliver other complementary ‘Solutions for the Building Sector’. These wholly independent services link many aspects of a construction project together:

Building Control & Specialist Services

Structural Warranties

CDM & Site Safety

Asbestos Surveys

Energy, Environmental & Sustainability

Training

NATIONWIDE COVERAGE WITH 25 OFFICES

All initial consultationsare free of charge

VISIT: AEDISGROUP.CO.UKFREEPHONE: 0800 622 6903

EMAIL: [email protected] (Quote ref: bbp 4/16)


48

GEA Group were struggling to fit three of itscompanies under one roof, until Vincent InteriorContracts took up the challenge. GEA could not find aproperty that suited their requirements until theyrealised how Vincent Interiors could transform anindustrial warehouse to meet their exact requirementsof office accommodation and warehouse space, not tomention the staggering amount they would save inrent over 10 years by taking on the warehouseproperty rather than offices which would still not workfor them.

What’s more – with a 12 weekdeadline Vincent Interior’sskilled workforce completedthe design and installation ofnew windows, mezzaninefloors, partitions, ceilings,electrical, IT, plumbing, carpetsand office furniture within 8weeks, thus bringing GEA a

huge cost saving. The entire project is a classic example ofVincent Interior Contracts signature modus operandi.

“Vincent Interiors works alongside all of its clients from the firstoutlining of their requirements and costing through to the finalinstallation, ensuring they are completely satisfied every step ofthe way” explains Managing Director Keith Vincent.

“Every project we undertake is viewed on an individual basisand we give each the care and attention required to maximiseits potential both in terms of space utilisation and overallaesthetic effect, while being mindful of budgetary restrictionsand implementation timescales.”

Vincent’s expertise has been applied to a host of office, factoryand warehouse fit-outs and refurbishment projects togovernment sites, schools and universities.

A CAD design andconsultancy service formpart of the busy portfolioand Vincent InteriorContracts also regularlywork with Architects onlarge-scale installationschemes providing a fullproject managementservice if required.

Vincent Interiors look forward to giving your business a trulyinspired working environment, something out of the ordinary – asolution exactly designed and tailored to your needs.

To find out more about the services and facilities,including a FREE site survey, available from Vincent

Interior Contracts visit www.vicltd.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 01384 295463 or email [email protected]

Vincent Interior Contracts LtdBuxton House, Dawley Brook Road,

Kingswinford DY6 7BD

VINCENT – The Complete Office and Factory Fit-Out Specialists.

Vincent

• MOVING

• EXTENDING

• DOWNSIZING

• SPACE CREATING

• REFURBISHMENT


49

AECOM’s Fiscal Incentivesteam have a clear message –“we save our clients money”.

The team is formed of highlyexperienced and dedicatedasset taxation specialists with awide range of professionalqualifications from surveyingand engineering through toinvestment, taxation, accountingand sustainability.

They assist clients in reducing their tax liabilities by identifyingassets and investments that attract tax relief. In some casesmore than half of the project expenditure (including professionalfees) will be eligible for relief against taxable profits.

This year alone the team identified over £1 billion of capitalallowances, creating a direct financial saving for their clients ofover £200 million.

Particular services include:

• Capital allowances consulting

• Land remediation relief consulting

• Research and development relief consulting

• Property-related VAT and International Customs Duty mitigation

They undertake due diligence on potential acquisitions anddisposals, providing advice on the availability of relief andproviding the necessary contractual clauses and documentationto secure all available benefit.

Capital expenditure can be analysed on new builds, fit outs,conversions and refurbishments, with works in existingproperties often providing the most lucrative returns in terms oftax relief.

Fiscal incentives are increasingly being used to support thesustainability agenda in buildings and the firm’s earlyinvolvement provides the best opportunity to implement aneffective strategy focussing on green incentives via thespecification of qualifying equipment and installations.

Enhanced Capital Allowancesprovide 100% relief or a 19%payable credit (subject torestrictions) for expenditure onprescribed energy or water-saving technologies. Theseare available in the year thatthe expenditure is incurred,allowing for a full andimmediate benefit.

Whilst AECOM’s FiscalIncentives team can add valueat any stage of a project ortransaction, their earlyinvolvement can have themost impact. Recent changes

to the capital allowancerules mean that carefulplanning is required whenconsidering a propertypurchase or disposal toensure that the benefit ispreserved. Interactionduring the preparation ofthe bid or tenderingprocess also allowsAECOM to proactivelymanage the tax reliefprocess and enables theimplementation of thebest methods forenhancing the claims andtax relief available.

Their involvement increases the opportunity to create additionalproject cash flow through tax relief by:

– Identifying project-specific tax and fiscal incentives.

– Forecasting the flow of available reliefs to assist in the reporting process.

– Maximising recovery through enhanced capital allowances and other high-yielding reliefs.

– Advising on “green” initiatives, including renewable technologies.

AECOM works with a wide range of clients across all sectors,ranging from small business and private investors tointernational and world renowned organisations, with a particularfocus on the property sector, working with such high profilebusinesses as British Land, Prologis, Gazeley and Hammerson.

The firm’s network of offices throughout the United Kingdomenables them to provide specialist advice to their clientslocally.The firm’s international capability and knowledge of taxdepreciation regimes worldwide also enables them to providelocal solutions globally. They have a history of operating in manyinternational jurisdictions such as Singapore, Malaysia, Australia,South Africa, Russia, Scandinavia, India, Poland and Spain. Theywork with local tax agents to provide enhanced segregation ofproject expenditure for tax depreciation purposes.

For more information about the firm and its wide range ofservices, please visit the web site www.aecom.com

Tim Jackson leads the AECOM Fiscal Incentives team and canbe contacted on: 020 70617167 / [email protected]

Tim Jackson - Director

33713_HorseWorld 10/12/2015 08:50 Page 1

50

Buy-to-let WoesIn the Summer Budget lastyear the Chancellorannounced that thegovernment would betackling the perceivedunfairness that landlordswere able to claim interestrelief at their highest marginalrate whilst individuals whoown their own homes wereunable to claim any relief.

This statement seems toforget that landlords arerunning a business whilst a

homeowner isn’t and a basic principle of running a business isthat you can claim a tax deduction for costs incurred.

However, the fairness or otherwise of the proposed changes isnot the subject of this article – we will assume that the rules willbe enacted as currently proposed. Havingsaid that, it is important to bear in mindthat we might see changes along theway and whilst it is important to startplanning, no one needs to rush intoactually making changes.

There appears to be some confusionaround what has been proposed. Thechange is to bring in a restriction forinterest relief, not to abolish it completely.Therefore there will still be some reliefavailable but it will be restricted to basicrate (20%) under the proposed changes.

The second point to note is that asproposed, the restriction only applies toresidential property investors. It doesn’tapply to commercial investors orowners of furnished holiday lets.

Furthermore, much has been made of the factthat companies are not affected by the proposed rules. On theback of this there is a flurry of activity to consider incorporatingproperty portfolios.

However, it is important to remember that companies currentlypay tax at 20% so they are already restricted to 20% relief bythe nature of the tax calculation. For this reason there is nopoint in trying to apply such a restriction to companies.

Incorporation may be the answer for some taxpayers, butcertainly not everyone. Each case needs to be considered onits own merits. There are many considerations including:

• Do you need to extract all of the profits from the company,for example if you use the profits to live on? If this is thecase, there will be an additional tax charge when you extractthe funds from the company. This needs to be factored intothe overall tax cost.

• Will the bank allow mortgages to be transferred to acompany? Will they renegotiate the interest rate you arepaying?

• What level of tax will you pay on the way into the company –particularly capital gains tax and stamp duty land tax?

• What running costs will you incur going forward and will thatnegate some of the savings from incorporation?

The limit on the relief starts from 6 April 2017 and will bephased in over 4 years – the full restriction is

intended to be in place (20% relief only)by 2020/21.

So what can landlords do in anticipationof the changes?

Some landlords are considering sellingsome or all of their property portfolios inorder to repay some or all of the debt.

Others are considering incorporation, butbe aware that this route is not appropriatefor everyone and advice should be soughtfor the reasons set out above.

Lastly, some landlords will sit tight and paythe extra tax.

Whatever the eventual chosen route, the keymessage for all landlords is to ensure that they are taking advicesooner rather than later and certainly ahead of the changes.

Birmingham officeStephanie Churchill

Mobile: 07813 434195 Phone: 0121 632 2008Fax: 0121 616 0555

[email protected]

Stephanie Churchill - Director


51

Based in Coleshill in the West Midlands,Kennet Equipment Leasing Limited hasgone through an impressive period ofgrowth over the last 2 years, culminating inbeing taken under the venture capitalistSTAR Capital Partner’s umbrella in July2014 to become part of a formidable leasefinance stable for UK SMEs.

Whilst the Kennet banner remains unchanged,the company has gone from funding £35 Millionworth of business equipment per year, to over£52 Million. Kennet is on course to make thisfigure in excess of £100 Million by 2020.

Kennet was one of the first leasing companiesto offer their dealers a lease calculator app,which – coupled with the Adobe® e-doc –means leasing deals can be quoted on,approved - and paid out on the same day.Kennet’s customer base stretches the lengthand breadth of the UK, from sole traders tomultinationals, and for almost any type ofbusiness. But it is the SME’s that are their real“bread and butter” businesses - wherecompanies like Kennet can provide a valuablefunding line to help fund growth.

Having also secured £50 Million worth of moneydirectly from the European Investment Fund,Kennet is well placed to continue to grow OwnBook funding. Staff numbers have increased by50% since 2012 to provide unrivalled customerservice to and ensure the company cancontinue to support UK SME business growthby funding equipment acquisition.

Leasing provides companies with an affordableway of having the equipment they need –without using bank loans or overdrafts – and

coupled with fixed payments and tax benefits, more and morecompanies are using this finance since it proves to be the most cost-effective way of getting the kit they need.

Equipment resellers and manufacturers are also feeling the benefits ofleasing as a valuable selling tool. It is easier to get customers to commitwithout the need to offer big discounts and thereby decreasing their ownprofit margins, since overcoming the cost objections being one of thebiggest obstacles to sales.

Steve Swift, MD atKennet said “We aredelighted to have beenlisted as one of theTop 1000 Companiesto Inspire Britain 2016.It is testament to theongoing support ofSTAR, the growth andprogress we havemade, the innovativesteps we have taken

and – not least – the commitment and skills of the staff who work here.One of our greatest strengths is how flexible we are – not only in ourturnaround time from enquiry to payout, but in how we will get the dealfunded if all the information we have makes a sound business case.

“The plans we have in place will see us grow to support even more UKbusinesses over the next few years. We’re confident this will no doubt gosome way to benefiting UK industry as a whole, placing us in a verystrong position going forward.”

For further information, please

Telephone: 01675 469 200 Email: [email protected]

Visit our Website: site www.kennet-leasing.co.uk

Follow us on twitter

Like our LinkedIn Page

Providing UK businesses with equipment finance since 1991

Leasing and financing facilities are offered for businesspurposes only

33896 AP_BBP Template 06/04/2016 15:47 Page 1

52

The third edition of London StockExchange Group’s 1,000 Companies toInspire Britain identifies the UK’s mostexciting and dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

As well as identifying the 1000 companies,the annual report examines in detail theopportunities and challenges facing SMEsand looks at the sectors and trends that willshape the future of the UK economy.

These companies are the engine of the UKeconomy. Their effect too is to create, in thewords of economist Nicolas Naseem Taleb,author of The Black Swan, an ‘anti-fragile’SME economy: more robust, more flexibleand less prone to boom and bust.

The selection criteria require companies tohave shown not just growing revenue overthe past four years, but also to haveoutperformed their sector peers. The uniquemethodology, reveals once again acommunity of UK businesses richer and morevaried than ever identified in any otherexercise of this type.

The report particularly wanted to shine a lighton the companies variously identified as‘gazelles’, ‘the vital 6%’ or ‘scale-ups,’ whichhave a remarkably disproportionate impacton UK national economic output. As the CBIrecently confirmed, 3,000 scale-up medium-sized businesses contributed £59bn to theUK economy between 2010 and 2013,effectively making the crucial differencebetween recession and recovery. To put itanother way, just a 1% increase in thenumber of high-growth businesses wouldcreate 230,000 new jobs and add £38bn or2% to UK GDP.

Those figures impress for two reasons: firstly,successful small companies, properlysupported, can grow both employment andrevenue at exceptional organic rates. The1,000 companies highlighted in the report aregrowing at an average of 50% a year.

Secondly, because high growth companies’success tends to be based on innovation,rather than the strict cost control typical oflarge cap, the jobs they create are usuallyhigher skilled and higher paid.

The consequence of their growth is apparentnationwide. Not just from more, higher qualityjobs but in higher tax receipts, helping to fundpublic services and infrastructure spending.The success of our high growth businesses istangibly and inextricably tied to the successof the country.

The report sees some interesting trendsemerging. More high-growth firms are comingfrom outside London, with 8% fewercompanies coming from London comparedwith last year. There are 25% morecompanies represented from Wales andNorthern Ireland this year, and in terms ofrevenue, Scottish companies are the fastestgrowing, enjoying over 80% annual revenuegrowth.

Sector diversity too is revealing and squashesany notion that the UK is a country that nolonger has a manufacturing industry. Almost aquarter of the 1,000 companies operate inmanufacturing, construction and engineering,and many within that group are working atthe very cutting edge of their industries.Continually strong UK sectors such as IT,telecommunications and the creativeindustries remain exceptionally wellrepresented.

Xavier Rolet, CEO, London Stock ExchangeGroup stresses the importance of ensuringthese entrepreneurs have the tools they needto grow and create jobs saying, “If 2015 wasthe year of the start-up, 2016 must be theyear of the scale-up.

“Any small company in receipt of a bank loanmust prioritise managing that debt, or riskdefault, instead of using all its financial andhuman capital to invest, innovate andexpand.

“And, as has been made painfully clear all toooften, too much debt always ultimately leadsto disastrous consequences for the widereconomy – with people subsequentlysuffering from fewer jobs and lower wages.

“Instead, we need to unleash the power ofequity finance where people seek investmentto grow their business – either throughindividual investors, on the public markets orthrough crowdfunding, peer-to-peer andother private platforms – in return for a stakein that business.

“This type of long-term finance allowscompanies the time, space and freedom toinnovate, invest, grow and create jobs andthe economic benefits are clear: figures forthe last year available show companies thatraised equity capital on London StockExchange’s growth stock market, AIM, tofund their growth, created 731,000 jobs,paid £2.3bn in tax and contributed £25bn toUK GDP”.

Over 600,000 new companies were createdin the UK last year (a new record),demonstrating that the UK remains one ofthe best places in the world to launch acompany. The government deserves a lot ofcredit for recognising the need to backinnovative, high-growth firms by recalibratingour tax system to give equity a fair chance.The effects of abolishing stamp duty on AIMshares in the last Parliament was immediateand resounding. Overnight, £4.4bn worth ofinvestment moved into high-growthcompanies, helping them grow, invest andemploy more.

1000 Companies to Inspire Britain


53

1000 Companies to InspireBritain is an annualcelebration of some of thefastest-growing and mostdynamic small andmedium-sized enterprises(SMEs) in the UK.

Within this collection of more than 4.5million UK companies, there is a notablesubset of fast-growing, dynamicbusinesses - Edenhouse is now part of thisexclusive group. To be included in the list,companies needed to show not justconsistent revenue growth over at leastthree years, but also to have significantlyoutperformed their sector peers.

CEO of Edenhouse, PaulSolomon, commented:

“Edenhouse has well defined companyvalues, a focus on nurturing talent, and awell-deserved reputation for achievingcustomer satisfaction. “To beacknowledged in the London StockExchange report is fantastic recognitionof what we’re continuing to achieve. “Ourvision is simply to continue to grow thebusiness with the same values andattributes that we have very firmly anddeeply embedded from day one.”

Headquartered in Birmingham, with officesin Manchester and Farnborough,

Edenhouse is the largest independent fullservice SAP consultancy in the UK and hasenjoyed year-on-year growth since itsinception in 2008. It provides fullyintegrated end-to-end business solutionsand support services for both new andexisting SAP clients. The market leader inenterprise application software, SAP is atthe centre of today’s business andtechnology revolution. It helps organisationsstreamline their processes, giving them theinsight and agility to create new growthopportunities for their business.

As a Gold Value Added Reseller (VAR) ofSAP solutions Edenhouse is licensed tosell both Cloud and On Premisesoftware. They provide a completeservice of enterprise solutions fromLicence, Implementation Services,Managed Services, through to Supportand Maintenance.

Edenhouse is a trusted partner to over300 organisations with skills andexperience covering all aspects of theSAP application lifecycle, and throughtheir unrivalled SAP support services arededicated to helping clients optimise theirinvestment in SAP.

Edenhouse holds ISO 9001 accreditationand were delighted when in Februarythey were awarded the InformationSecurity Management System’s ISO27001 certificate, which is internationally

recognised as the highest standard forinformation security management. In lightof Alastair Graham, the InformationCommissioner’s recent comments ondata security this reinforces thecompany’s high standing in the industry.

As a multi-award winning SAP VAR GoldPartner, Edenhouse aspires to be thepartner of choice for their current clients,potential clients new to SAP and to SAPthemselves. In order to achieve andmaintain this they continuously look toimprove and evolve their existing serviceswhile developing new offerings based upontechnology enhancements and feedbackfrom their client base. At the same time,staying true to their vision of providingquality and value, delivered by experiencedUK-based SAP professionals usingestablished and proven project, transitionand support methodologies.

Edenhouse identified in London Stock Exchange’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’

www.edenhousesolutions.co.uktel +44 (0) 121 767 9280

email [email protected]


54

The London Stock Exchange Group published its annualreport on 22nd Feb, naming Kite in its top 1000 companies.

Employee owned Packaging Group, Kite Packaging, has beennamed by London Stock Exchange Group as one of the top‘1000 companies to inspire Britain in 2016’.

2016 heralds the 3rd edition of London Stock ExchangeGroups’ (LSEG) landmark report which identifies the UK’s mostexciting and dynamic small and medium sized companies. Theaim of the report, in the words of London Stock ExchangeGroup, is ‘to shine a light on what we know to be true: thatthese companies are the engine of the UK economy’.

Selection criteria for companies appearing on this prestigious listgoes further than just showing growth in revenue over the lastfour years, they must also have outperformed their sector peers.

Kite Packaging was founded in 2001 as a true Employee-owned business and has worked by the motto, “Customersatisfaction matters so much more when you own thebusiness”. They believe in creating value through investing ininnovation and are a rarity in the sector in that they work hardto develop and patent new innovations.

Kites vision is at the forefront of everything they do, and theyhave quickly grown to be one of the largest distributors in theUK. With a regional branch network across the UK, in theMidlands, Rotherham, Swindon, Harlow, Sittingbourne andPortsmouth, an Environmental Compliance business and aleading ecommerce offering, the Group has seen significantgrowth throughout its 15 year history.

“Kite Packaging is very pleased to be recognised by LondonStock Exchange Group as one of the UK’s top inspirational

companies”, the company said, “As an employee ownedbusiness we have a true partnership approach to what we doand our inclusion in the report is testament to the hard work andsuccess of all Kite employee-partners, suppliers and customers”.

The company’s reputation as an innovator in its sector isdemonstrated by their development of specialist divisionsfocussing on bringing new patented products to market on aregular basis. Kite’s focus on research and development, drivenby their UK wide team of packaging technologists, means thecompany can provide added value service, solutions andproducts to a broad range of customers. They are the only UKpackaging distributor to offer a waste legislation compliancescheme and boast a best in class online offering through theirecommerce division.

The company offers no obligation packaging audits to a widerange of industry sectors where it aims to show how its uniqueapproach can bring efficiencies and improvements to thesupply chain.

To see Kite Packaging’s entire range of productsand services please visit the website:

www.kitepackaging.co.ukor call on: 0247 642 0065

Kite Packaging Named As One of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain in 2016’


55

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