Island Business

Islandusiness

June

2013

Company Profile Medina Valley Centre

The Interview Neil Chapman, Hovertravel

Feature

Festival Fever

President’s foreword

23Chamber newsMember benefi ts, new members, events

20 Briefi ngEquality: good for business

A big welcome to all our members and readers of this month’s magazine - as usual, full of good stories and information. As I write this, our newly elected Councillors are getting to grips with running a Council and all the hard work that they will have to do for the Island.

We at the Chamber wish them well and look forward to working with them to achieve their goals. There is certainly plenty to do, with many challenges ahead. Working together is more important now than ever before as the UK is struggling to pull out of recession with growth expected to be less than 1%; but growth is growth, and the signs are that maybe the country will defy the pessimists and out perform the dire predictions.

We need optimism and good news stories and of course good summer weather! It makes people feel better and more likely to spend on services, and in turn the service sector can then start to invest for the future, all part of a growing economy.

June is upon us and that means the fi rst major Festival and there is a feature on local organisations that get involved with both Festival and Bestival including Platform One who are itself establishing a centre of excellence for young people seeking a career in the music industry.

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

editorKevin [email protected]

Managing editorZoe [email protected]

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

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

Certi� ed as FSC mixed sources - ideal when an environmentally friendly paper is required.

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

DesignAaron Rudd Creativewww.aaronrudd.co.uk

Advertising salesMary [email protected]@iwchamber.co.uk

Isle of Wight Chamber of CommerceMill Court, Furrlongs, NewportIsle of Wight, PO30 2AA

Tel. 01983 520 [email protected]

In this Issue...

experts ViewGlanvilles

02 newsBusiness news round-up

09

The Island has a long tradition of music, especially the festivals of the late sixties and early seventies, and even before that budding musicians performed here on the Island.

Very important to all the festivals is how they get here and in this issue there is an interview with the MD of Hovertravel, Neil Chapman. Getting to the Island by Hovercraft is unique, and with a journey time of around 10 minutes it is the fastest way to get here. Hovertravel has been an integral part of cross Solent services and off ers a great alternative to get to and from the Island, many visitors really enjoy the whole experience of the fl ight over the sea!

Plenty of events going on this month kicking off with the Old Gaff ers in Yarmouth and the spectacle of the Round Island Yacht race on the 1st June. Where else can you go and fi nd so much and diverse things to go to and see? Enjoy the Month!!

David groocock

PRESIDENT, ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOURISM AND INDUSTRY

Company profi leMedina Valley Centre12

featureFestival Island16

The InterviewNeil Chapman, Hovertravel11

June 2013 01

Pref

erre

d

Reg. 1938

Lifeline Alarm Systems LtdThe Island Security CentreRiverwayNewportIsle of Wight, PO30 5UX

W. E. T. F.

[email protected] 52162101983 523250

Prof

essi

onal

Prot

ectio

n

PerformanceSolution

Heritage

Intruder

front CoverPhoto credit: Bestival

02 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

neWs

June 2013 03

A Rose by any other nameNeedles Pleasure Cruises has taken delivery of a new vessel.

Yarmouth Rose replaces an older vessel and is now operating from the beach at Alum Bay to the Needles Lighthouse – delivering a service that has been a visitor attraction for more than 40 years.

The new vessel is licensed for 87 people, and was built by Trinity Boats of Plymouth.

The boat was official named by the High Sheriff, Mary Case in a ceremony held at South Quay in Yarmouth Harbour.

Roboplot

Vet on wheelsDan Forster is taking his skills out on the road this year.

After years of working in veterinary surgeries, he has decided to go mobile, with a fully kitted out surgery, and his wife Kirsty as registered veterinary nurse.

The impetus for their new business, The Mobile Vet, came after the birth of their first child.

“It was a chance to rethink everything,” said Dan. “I was born here, and after working in several different places, we felt this was the best place to raise a family, and running our own business would give us the flexibility to do that.

“The mobile vet concept is huge in America, because of the big distances involved, but research has shown that it should work here too.

“Buying and equipping the vehicle is a big investment – it is basically a complete surgery on wheels, and we can handle any treatment.”

The Mobile Vet was launched last month with introductory discounts, and discounts for people with multiple animals.

Dan said: “We want to deliver a personal service, and quality care, and hopefully people will value that.”

For more information, go to mobilevetsurgery.co.uk

Island Surveys has invested in a state of the art robotic surveying kit that delivers faster and even more accurate information.

The equipment proved itself straight away when the company delivered survey information to the Council on a boundary issue in record time.

Island Surveys was established in 1992 by brothers Mike and Andy Foulkes, since when they have developed expertise in topographical 2/3D surveying to add to their project management services.

The company portfolio includes major infrastructure projects with Southern Water’s Seaclean Wight project, to new supermarket sites or expanding holiday parks.

Andy said:

“I love doing the job because it takes me out every day into this beautiful landscape. From discovering the exact location of Lord Tennyson’s writing cabin from historical maps to helping a neighbour fend off an aggressive boundary issue, the work is surprisingly varied and frequently fascinating.”

For more information, go to www.islandsurveys.co.uk

Dale Howarth is presenting the seminar on Wednesday, 26 June, the first time he has presented on the Island since his sell-out ‘Turning Customers Into Gold’ seminar five years ago.

IsleWork for myselfThree twenty-somethings are proof that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well on the Isle of Wight.Jack Cox, Kylie Jude and Dominic Pirie are working for themselves after winning start up grants through the IsleWork scheme, which aims to get young people off the dole queue and into self-employment.

IsleWork is a partnership between the Council, the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, and JobCentre Plus. After receiving advice and mentoring, candidates must pitch for grant support to a panel: Chris Brammall of Isle of Wight Council, Laurence Keynes from Job Centre Plus, and Carole Butcher of NatWest.

The scheme began in September last year, and 40 young people between the ages of 18 – 24 have signed up to explore the possibility of being self-employed.

The grant panel has so far awarded around £20,000 to 26 businesses.

Young ambassadorDaisy Morris, who recently discovered a new species of dinosaur, has been appointed Children’s Ambassador by Visit Isle of Wight Ltd – the destination management organisation established to develop the visitor economy.

Daisy, aged 9, was just five when she made the amazing find while out walking with her family at Atherfield beach. The find was a fossil which helped experts to identify a new pterosaur species, which they named Vectidraco daisymorrisae and donated to The Natural History Museum, London.

National and international media were soon clamouring for Daisy’s attention, and she still gets letters from well-wishers around the world.

Part of Daisy’s new ambassadorial role – held initially for a period of one year – will be to review Island attractions for children and write about her experiences on the Visit Isle of Wight website.

Visit Isle of Wight’s Year of the Dinosaur marketing campaign will be launched to potential summer holiday-makers this month and will run into the autumn.

For more information, go to www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/dinosaur-island

Seminar on successQuay Arts is the venue for a new seminar on the theme of ‘Business Success in the Age of Less’.

The free event – supported by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, BetaPak, Deep Design, Lifeline, Moore Stephens, The Happy Ostrich Team, and Wight Energy - features guest speakers from leading Island businesses, and aims to challenge

assumptions and provide lessons on how to increase the success of any business.

Dale said: “Especially in these increasingly uncertain economic times, we need to destroy the myths and conventions that inhibit many companies and individuals from taking full advantage of the real opportunity that exists.”

The seminar is part of a series for Dale, which over the past year has included events in London, Leeds, Manchester and Southampton, as well as San Diego, Las Vegas and New Orleans. His recent presentation at the CBI in London was televised for Policy TV and his Las Vegas seminar at the Mandalay Bay Conference Centre drew an audience of over 1,200.

‘Business Success in the age of Less’ will start with an hour of networking and light refreshments, after which Dale says he will present key lessons, including his unique formula for business success.

Dale said: “The event is aimed at inspiring delegates to go away and start immediately on their own plans for greater success that will make a real and sustainable difference to their business - and importantly, them.”

The event has a capacity of 130 so early booking is advised.

To find out more and book a place, go to dalehowarth.com/quayarts

Dale Howarth

David Thornton, CeO, Visit Isle of Wight Ltd; Daisy Morris, Mark King, Tourism Ambassador; Mary Case, Isle of Wight High sheriff; simon Dabell, Chairman, Visit Isle of Wight Ltd.

neWs neWsneWs

Back to their rootsComposite experts have gone back to their roots with plans to launch a new manufacturing plant on the Island this Summer.Red Composite directors Jeremy Dolby, James Taylor and Derek Ness will be making Towpreg – a carbon fibre ribbon process being trialled at a location in Cowes, that is designed for the manufacture of cylindrical objects, such as pressure vessels, marine structures and flight applications.

Jeremy and James set up the company three years ago, since when they have been travelling the world as consultants.

Now they have been joined by Derek, a founder director of SP Gurit, and are concentrating their efforts on developing their own manufacturing facility, as well as a mechanical and analytical test laboratory.

Jeremy said: “When we first set up, James and I spent a lot of time helping countries who needed support on carbon fibre development. But we wanted to get back to what we do best – using our skills in the chemistry of composites – and we are excited about establishing a new manufacturing base here on the Island, where there is so much talent and expertise.”

04 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight June 2013 05

On the boardFormer GP Dr Nina Moorman has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Isle of Wight NHS Trust.

The Trust, the only fully integrated NHS service provider in England, has an overall budget of circa £160m per annum and employs circa 3,000 staff (2,700 head count).

Dr Moorman (66) is a recently retired GP and lives in St Helens. She has had wide experience of the NHS, principally as a GP in Bristol and Somerset and most recently as an adviser with the National Clinical Assessment Service. She was also Chairman of Somerset Local Medical Committee (LMC), Medical Adviser to Gloucestershire Health Authority and on the Board of Bristol Teaching PCT. where she was Clinical Governance lead.

new discount takes offHovertravel has joined forces with the Island’s Chamber of Commerce to offer a massive 20 per cent discount to Chamber members.

Every member of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry can receive 20 per cent off the standard adult and childrens fares for themselves and a friend.

Hovertravel is the only scheduled hovercraft operator in Europe, and the 10 minute crossing is the quickest way to travel to and from the Isle of Wight.

The offer means a standard adult day return could cost as little as £13.20 per person.

For more details of Chamber membership benefits, go to iwchamber.co.uk

The terms and conditions are:

• All Chamber of Commerce members qualify for a 20 per cent discount on Hovertravel standard adult & children fares.

• Discounted fare can be purchased on the day of travel at Hovertravel terminals

• Discount subject to availability (excludes 13-17 June & 5-9 September 2013)

• Discount is available on production of Chamber of Commerce Membership ID

• Discount is available for member plus one other person (and the Chamber member must be travelling).

Red Composites expect to start

recruiting technical and

manufacturing staff in the next

few months.

An Isle of Wight Lottery loan of £10,000 has helped a flooring retailer get off the ground. The Dabell Flooring and Rugs business was established by husband and wife team Gordon and Lorraine Pressey at around the time of their

20th wedding anniversary, after the closure of the Dabell furnishing store, where Gordon had worked in the flooring department for more than 20 years.

Gordon said: “It was a big step for us to take and we couldn’t have done it without the permission we got to keep the Dabell trading name. Even so, it was still a big decision, bearing in mind the economic climate.

“We certainly couldn’t have got the business going without the Isle of Wight Lottery loan, which we needed to put towards new stock and a van.

“We couldn’t get support from the banks, but the interest free loan made such a difference. We needed to increase our stock of rugs, which we know from experience are very popular.“It was important to us to keep a presence in Newport, and it’s going pretty well now, with some new customers coming in.”

The Isle of Wight Lottery invests income from subscribers to fund interest free loans to new and developing Island businesses. For more information, go to isleofwightlottery.com

Cakes all roundKaren Whitewood won the monthly top prize in the Isle of Wight Lottery and had no hesitation in deciding how to spend the money.

Karen – who has been a member since it began 13 years ago – plans to put some of her £4,000 winnings towards a holiday, and use the rest to offset some of the costs of her son’s wedding, leaving just enough to buy celebration cakes for her work colleagues!

Ben’s appCowes based entrepreneur Ben Dyer has co-founded an app that aims to slash the paperwork for trade professionals such as plumbers and electricians.

The Powered Now application handles invoicing, quotes, CRM and product management, and will also eventually offer industry-specific features such as certificate production for gas engineers.

Ben previously worked for Xyratex, BSkyB and BAE Systems, where he won Apprentice of the Year. At BskyB, he was part of the team responsible for re-launching SkySports.com.

He said:

She joined the Isle of Wight Lottery because it raises money to support Island jobs, and has been subscribing through payroll at the Island NHS, where she began on the children’s ward and is now Children In Care Nurse, looking after the health needs of around 200 children in foster care.

Karen, who lives in Newport, said: “I love the Island and the Isle of Wight Lottery is for Island people, so that’s why I have always supported it. I won a small amount a few years ago, but winning the top prize gave me a real shock. Now lots of the people I work with are thinking of signing up, too.”

For more information, go to isleofwightlottery.com

Loan makes the difference

“We are betting on the tablet market as the future of multiple sectors We believe that in the next five years, the majority of field services companies will be operating on tablet based infrastructures – and we want Powered Now to be the platform of choice.”

neWs

[email protected] East Street, Ryde, IOW, PO33 1JP I 01983 566249

Excellence in PrintDigital . Design . Litho

Established for over 35 Years

Contact us on 01983 566249 for a quote to benefit your budget on digital or conventional printing.

Free Islandwide Delivery

BrochuresLeafletsStationeryFoldersNCR FormsBannersGift Cards Sign BoardsLabels CalendarsPosters

Thank you to all that visited us at the B2B Expo

ww

w.p

ort

.ac.

uk/p

bs Our part-time Business

& Management Degree isdesigned for busy workingpeople and is available one evening a week fromChichester College, SouthDowns College and fromthe University of Portsmouth.

It is open to those who may not have formalqualifications but whosework experience will haveprepared them to succeed.

For further information visit

W port.ac.uk/busandman

E [email protected]

T 023 9284 8200

Where a University Degreein Business is not beyond your reach

From Belgium to BembridgeStrainstall, a part of James Fisher and Son plc, has announced the opening of a new production facility in Bembridge.

Whether you need short or long term temporary cover or looking to recruit on a permanent basis - Pertemps can provide you with all the support you need.

Experienced Island based consultants, who not only understand the Isle of Wight market but who will commit to working closely with you and your business to understand your needs. We make sure we get it right first time around so all you need to do is sit back and relax, Pertemps have it covered.

let Pertemps take the strain this summer

Ash’s kick startAsh Debenham has given his career prospects a kick start by achieving a Level 2 FA Football Coaching qualifi cation.

Ash – supported by the Prince’s Trust - studied at Portsmouth College as part of a partnership between Ryde company M C Enhancement, The Prince’s Trust and Portsmouth College.

The new 10,000 sq ft facility produces the full range of mooring hooks and mooring units including a bespoke service.

Strainstall Marine Managing Director Simon Everett, said: “We have moved Quick Release Hook production from Belgium bringing it closer to the team here in Cowes. We believe this product line has good growth potential and this new facility will give us the potential to expand to meet the needs of our customers into the future. We are also delighted to bring this investment to the local economy where we have a committed and growing workforce.”

June 2013 07

East Cowes fun raiserEast Cowes aims to deliver fun in the sun next month.

Music, displays and entertainment will feature in the town’s Fun Day on Saturday, 13 July, to be held at Victoria Recreation Ground, to raise funds for The Pavilion, Isle of Wight Playing Fields and Friends of East Cowes.For more information, contact Alec Soars at [email protected]

It is designed to help people aged 19 – 25, who are unemployed or not in full time education and employment, and may have been in trouble with the law or have had more challenging life experiences – as well as having a passion for football.

To fi nd out more, send a message to Mark Cox at [email protected]


neWs neWs

Experts View: Protecting assets from care fees

longer have this to pay for your care. This may mean that you receive local authority funded care unless your children pay a top-up for better care.

So what are the alternatives?

Before selling your house, your income is available to pay for care. You could use the property (for example, by letting it or selling it and re-investing the money) to bridge the shortfall between your income and the cost of care. If good financial advice is taken, any capital draw-down could be minimised. Alternatively it may be possible to purchase a care annuity.

Your children could move in to look after you in your own home.

Couples can make wills containing special trusts to protect at least half of their property from care fees. The advantage of using the will is that you retain control during your lifetime and, at the same time, protect most of the asset. This is a rare case of having your cake and eating it!

In summary, for couples, the best way to protect their property from care fees is by making special asset protection wills.

For more information contact Claudia at Glanvilles on 01983 527878 or [email protected]

Many people contemplate passing their home to their children to ensure that it is protected from care fees should they have to go in to care in later life.

Is this legitimate and is it a good idea? Yes, and no – it can be done but there are major issues to consider;

The risk of being homeless in old age.

Once gifted the property belongs to your children – so they could kick you out! Chances are that they won’t, but if they were to get divorced, be made bankrupt, die or have to go in to care, you would be left at the mercy of third parties.

Tax disadvantages.

Once gifted, the property belongs to your children. Therefore your children may have to pay Capital Gains Tax on a future sale. The gift would not be effective for inheritance tax purposes unless you paid market value rent to your children for living in your own home.

It probably won’t work.

The local authority can challenge a gift if it leaves you short of assets to pay for your care. There is no time limit and any challenge would likely be successful.

What about yourself?

Once you have gifted your property you no

Steam eventsThe Isle of Wight Steam Railway has lined up more than 25 events this year.

The line-up includes a new family event when ‘The Railway Folk’ take over running the Havenstreet station for three days in July.

Other events include stunts, jazz, Land Army girls and fine wines.

Chairman, Steve Oates said: “Our events programme adds a lot of extra interest for visitors and offers an extra choice for Islanders looking for something different to do, too.

“Last year we saw an increase in visitor numbers at many of our events, indicating that there is a real thirst for a varied and attractive programme of high quality events. So this year we’re staging even more!”

For more information, go to iwsteamrailway.co.uk

Room for businessThe Island’s arts hub is also open for business.

Quay Arts, which occupies a converted 19th Century brewery warehouse complex in Newport, wants to make the most of its unique spaces – including a theatre - by hiring them out for meetings, workshops, training sessions and conferences.For more information, send a message to [email protected]


Sprucing up SandownSandown businesses are coming together to revitalise the town and enhance its image.

A High Street clean up on May Day gave dozens of High Street properties a wash and brush-up, as part of the Sandown Business Association’s (SBA) action campaign.

Shop fronts were given a scrub down, and re-painting work on the upper levels of some properties will be tackled in the future.

More than 40 volunteers cleaned 14 shop fronts, scrubbed litter bins and lamp-posts, pressure-hosed the pavements, painted two premises, and several passers by were so impressed that they joined in, too.

Nicky Parker, of SBA, said: “The consensus was that we really made a difference; to the cleanliness of Sandown, and to levels of pride in the town.

“The momentum has to be carried forward now, and we hope to inspire more people to get involved. Four more shops did some painting before the day, and several more have scheduled works to start next week.”

Meanwhile, a new improvement plan for Sandown is on the agenda for the SBA as well as other Sandown groups.

Nicky said: “We need to re-think our town centre and engage the locals to create a permanent feel-good-factor in the Bay area. Funding needs to be sought for specific targets and we are actively seeking more members for the Business Association for the chance to have their say and help shape the Bay.”

For more information, send a message to [email protected]

Members of the army of volunteers that took part in the sandown clean up.

inVestment on the roadSteve Porter Transport has invested more than £3 million in 40 new trailers for its transport and distribution division.

The upgraded fleet, provided by BS Trailers, will operate out of the firm’s headquarters on the Isle of Wight and from its depots in Portsmouth and Southampton. The firm also has access to a wide range of other vehicles through its new partnership arrangements.

June 2013 09

Fast turn roundThe new helipad at St. Mary’s Hospital became operational last month, and was immediately called into use for the transfer of patients.

The pad is used by the Coastguard and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, and in an emergency can achieve a turn round time of around four minutes.

Isle of Wight NHS Trust Chief Executive Karen Baker said: “This will enable patients with life threatening injuries to be flown from the Trauma Unit at St. Mary’s to the Trauma Centre at University Hospital Southampton, or to other specialist centres. It will also enable St. Mary’s to receive more directly patients who require transfer by helicopter from incidents elsewhere on the Island.”

The InterviewKeVIn WILsOn MeeTs neIL CHApMAn

Neil Chapman keeps his feet on the ground, which is quite an achievement for someone who splits his working life between Hovertravel on the Isle of Wight and SkyBreak at Gatwick Airport.

But after a lifetime in the travel industry – he worked unpaid in a travel agency at the age of 15 – Neil believes staff and the customers are paramount, and that you have to build a relationship based on trust.

“There are endless opportunities to improve customer service,” he said, “and we have been working at Hovertravel to establish a better dialogue with our customers, as well as improving staff communication. If something goes wrong with our service, I like to be there. I answer every suggestion card and complaint myself, and although we only get one complaint for every 10,000 passengers, that is still one too many.”

Hovertravel and SkyBreak are part of the Bland Group, which is why Neil divides his time between the two, commuting to the Island three days a week from Brighton (using the Hovercraft, of course).

“The former managing director was promoted to CEO of the

group,” he said, “and it was an opportunity to share resources within the group. The two roles give me a good balance. The staff here have been outstanding, and we have an open door policy that allows better sharing of information.

“I suppose my expertise is commerce and people. At SkyBreak, we deal with some traumatic situations when fl ights are delayed, and it teaches you to be honest and realistic with customers.

“The great challenges at Hovertravel are obviously passenger numbers and the cost of fuel, and we are always looking at ways to work with other businesses to everyone’s benefi t. We provide a charter craft for Priory Bay hotel’s weddings, for example, bringing guests across the Solent and landing on the beach. We have ordered two new hovercraft which will cost the company about £10 million, so we are committing to the future.”

Neil sits on the board of Visit Isle of Wight and is optimistic about the future for the Island, too.

“We are in competition with some big destinations, but too often we talk the Island down. We have to fi nd the positive, and be more proactive when opportunities come along. This is a unique place, so let’s promote it!”

“ We are in competition with some big destinations, but too often we talk the Island down. We have to fi nd the positive, and be more proactive when opportunities come along. This is a unique place, so let’s promote it!”

Are you interested in a career in the world of Business?

Compete with confidence Traditional A level route Business Studies & Economics

International Baccalaureate options include Economics

Great leadership opportunities & individual career advice

Ryde School with Upper Chine Co-educational Day & Boarding 3 - 18 years International Baccalaureate World School

Great leadership opportunities & individual career advice

June 2013 11

Crossprintadvert


“We hosted a networking event with the Chamber of Commerce because we want businesses to realise they have this resource right on their doorstep, whether they want to use it as a conference venue, or perhaps an activity day for the team, and we are also considering registering as a venue for weddings.

Life begins at 50KeVIn WILsOn UneArTHs AMBITIOn In A QUIeT COrner Of neWpOrT

COMpAny prOfILe

frank Cope

frank Cope


Now the centre is aiming to prove that life begins at 50, with a major development programme costing around £2.3 million.

Founded in 1963, the Centre’s mission was to provide sail training for young people in a Christian environment, in the safety of the sheltered waters of the Medina River. Its remit was extended about 20 years later, when it built a reputation as one of the country’s leading fi eld studies centres, running courses in A level geography and biology, and it still attracts 2,500 students every year.

As Frank Cope, General Manager, explained, the work hasn’t really changed that much – but then again, neither has the infrastructure …

Frank said: “We continue to be popular, especially with mainland schools, who like the combination of a warm welcome and well organised activities, with an emphasis on caring for and respecting the environment.

“And the Christian faith remains important to us. We don’t force it on people, and the majority would not even notice it, but we hope it comes through in the way we treat people.

Medina Valley Centre is hidden away in a leafy corner of Newport, but the march of time has found its way there.

But the Medina Valley Centre, a registered charity, believes that not doing the work would be even more costly, and has appointed the well known Islander Alan Wells to head up the fund raising campaign.

Frank said: “The board of directors felt it was the right time to embark on the project. We are determined to maintain our position as a leading provider of fi eld study and outdoor activity courses. Making improvements to accommodation will include providing en suite facilities, and just about everything in the scheme is designed to ensure that we match up to modern expectations. We believe we have to raise our standards if we are to have a future, and improving facilities means we also have an opportunity to reach out to new people.”

It is certainly a labour of love for Frank, who learned to sail at the centre in the 1960s, and was inspired by the experience to take up a career in outdoor activities.

He and his wife worked at the centre as a host couple and Frank was then off ered the post of General Manager, and Kate took up the position of House Manager.

He heads a team of 11 full time staff , plus part timers and some seasonal workers, and still fi nds time to lead sailing and canoeing training, that are open to Islanders of all ages, too.

Frank said: “We are tucked away a bit here, and so many local people turn up and tell us they never knew we were here. We hope our development will put us on the map for local people as well as our mainland customers.

“Looking round here, people are surprised to learn we are only about a 20 minute walk into Newport, right next to the Newport/Cowes cycle track, and within touching distance of the Newport industrial estates.”

COMpAny prOfILe

Continued on page 14

“The real issue for us now is that the centre is looking its age. The facilities are OK but a lot of upgrading is needed to the sailing fl eet as well as to classroom equipment and the accommodation, and we have drawn up plans to do the work over the next three years, starting now.”Work includes a new classroom, boathouse and boat store, a new conference room, an extra lounge so two school groups each have their own space, staff lodges, improved study equipment, an IT upgrade and a mobile classroom for local school visits and eco-events.

It’s an ambitious scheme by any standards, and raising the money to make it happen is a big challenge.

The Centre is right next door to the Island’s main economic hubs, and is keen to build better links with businesses.

Frank said:

“So much of what we do depends on other Island businesses and organisations, including food and other supplies, so it is important that we all fi nd ways to work together and help each other.”

June 2013 13

COMpAny prOfILe


It is Medina Valley Centre’s golden jubilee year, but the emphasis is very much on looking forward, planning ahead in the same way that sailors are encouraged to do.

Frank said: “Coming here as a young man to learn sailing made me realise that I could have a livelihood doing outdoor activities. It changed my life, and I am sure it is still changing people’s lives.

“That’s a precious thing and everyone involved here wants it to continue happening, which is why the development programme is such an exciting opportunity. It isn’t being proposed for its own sake – making it happen means we can keep making a difference to more and more people.”

For more information, go to medinavalleycentre.org.uk

Sailing is run to RYA standards and the centre offers taster sessions, but it is also increasingly for field studies.

School children are advised to bring wellies and clothes they don’t mind getting dirty, so they can get up close to the diversity of life at the water’s edge as well as in grassland. An outdoor classroom was completed last year, entirely built from wood found on the site, and built by a local craftsman.

Teaching staff have years of experience of Island habitats, and their knowledge has been acknowledged by national examination boards, industry and public services, with many of them providing consultancy services in education and environmental projects.

An area behind the main building has been allowed to grow wild, providing further opportunities for centre visitors to experience the great outdoors in all its forms.

The centre can offer full board, half board or bed and breakfast accommodation, and runs a discount scheme for groups and also for families of four.

Its sailing fleet includes the Sea Star 16 foot teaching boat that was designed and built at the centre in the 1980s, along with 30 dinghies and a small number of RIBs. Training includes the RYA Youth Sailing Scheme, Start Sailing, seamanship, day sailing, performance sailing and power boat sailing, as well as a dinghy instructor course and canoeing and kayaking, which are Frank’s particular favourites.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” he said. “I have always loved working outdoors and it is so rewarding to see the difference being here can make to people. At the same time, I am enjoying the challenge of working as part of a team here to make the centre viable going into the future.

June 2013 15

“It is a very talented team and everyone is encouraged to make their contribution, which has helped us to reduce costs.”


Festival fever

KeVIn WILsOn fInDs THATBIg eVenTs Are BIg BUsIness

feATUre feATUre

“ One of the keys is our link with the industry, which gives students exposure to people already in the business, but we wouldn’t be running our degree course so successfully without the infl uence of the Festival and Bestival, which help give us credibility and recognition.” David Pontin

For a few weeks every year, at least, the Island becomes the UK music capital.

Quiet roads get busy, the queues for the Solent crossing seem to stretch for miles, and famous names become honorary Islanders.

The Festival and Bestival attract some of the biggest names in music, and a huge army of followers. It’s great for ticket sales, but is it great for the Island?

A minority might complain we’d be better off without the disruption to traffi c, but it’s clear that an increasingly long list of Island businesses and organisations benefi t from their involvement in these and other major Island events.

The organisers of Cowes Week, too, are keen to emphasise the boost the event brings to local businesses.

But this month marks the start of the music festival season, and the Isle of Wight Festival has become one of the best since its re-launch in 2002.

David Pontin, of Platform One music college, said the college is attracting students from all over Europe, and has launched a BA Hons in Commercial Music, in partnership with the University of Chichester.

He said: “There is no doubt that the Festival and Bestival have made a diff erence. These events have destroyed the myth that you have to be in London to build a career in music.

“It’s uncanny, really: the Bestival marks the fi rst weekend of our degree course, and the Isle of Wight Festival marks the end.

Rob Da Bank and John Giddings are patrons, along with Mark King and the producer and composer Andy Gray.”

Platform One is managing and running the Bandstand at this year’s Festival, giving a real platform to students, but the college is not just about performance.

David explained: “Platform One is successful because our focus is on the business of music, equipping young people with the skills and the mind-set that makes them employable. Two of our graduates have come back as teachers, and many of our former students are now running their own businesses, including Claydon Connor who has Studio 5a at Northwood; Michael Champion, a performing artist who has just signed a publishing deal; and Stu Collins, who played the Festival main stage last year, has a successful Status Quo tribute band, a solo career, and comes back here to teach, too.”

Music may be the food of love, and Ben Brown, of A E Brown Farms, certainly loves the Festival and Bestival.

He said the family owned farm has provided fruit and vegetables to the back stage crew and performers at the Isle of Wight Festival

and the Bestival for several years – which means that some of the biggest names in music have sampled Island produce including tomatoes, asparagus, strawberries, and anything else that is in season.

Ben said: “They seem to like it because it is straight from the farm, so not many food miles, and we are back to replenish supplies every other day so it couldn’t be much fresher.

“It’s not a massive amount of produce in the overall scheme of things, but it is important for the Island because I think it adds to our reputation for good food, and good service. We are happy to supply food for special events for that reason. Through a wholesaler, we even supplied asparagus for the Royal Wedding last year.

“We supply a company in Chichester that supplies the multiple stores, and we employ up to 50 people at peak season. We farm about 1,300 acres and our crops are split 50/50 between vegetables and cereals, with what we call some niche products like pumpkins and quality strawberries.”

Farmers worry about the weather even more than music festival organisers, and Ben

confessed that this year had been bad. “It has made us several weeks late with asparagus,” he said, “but the weather on the Island has not been anywhere near as bad as other parts of the country. But let’s hope it’s good weather for festivals this year!”

Meanwhile, Rachel Day is gearing up for the sixth year of what has become a showcase for Island talent at the IW Festival, the Kashmir Café.

Rachel is Live Events Manager for Quay Arts – and a musical performer in her own right – and she says the decision to stage Kashmir Café has helped feed the development of local talent, as well as fulfi lling Quay Arts’ mission to be an arts hub for the Island.

“It is a celebration of the best of the Island,” she said. “We sell Island beer and the income from that helps cover our costs and generate a small profi t that is invested to support the work of Quay Arts. It has become a signifi cant income stream for us, but we are only able to make a profi t because of the hard work of volunteers.”

Continued on page 18 Ben Brown Chris Kidd

June 2013 17

Mill Lane | Binfield | NewportIsle of Wight | PO30 2LA

Island Harbour Marina is one of the Solent’s best-kept secrets. Conveniently situated two miles from the south of Cowes, it’s one of the most picturesque riverside locations.

This peaceful Marina offers over 200 berths for annual moorings and visiting yachts, as well as many other amenities including Marina owned water taxi’s, chandlery, 50 ton hoist, hard standing, showers and laundry room, car parking and FREE Wi-Fi.

Set within the tranquil setting is ‘The Breeze Restaurant & Bar’. Exclusively operated by the Marina and having recently been fully refurbished, The Breeze is open from 8am – 11pm Mon to Sat and 9am – 11pm on Sunday and offers a great breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.

Along with our extensive range of food and variety of hot drinks we also offer a range of beer, wine and spirits from our fully licensed bar, so whether you have a business meeting, corporate function or special family occasion planned, come and see us at The Breeze Restaurant and Bar.

To find out more please contact us on:

IH Marina: 01983 539994 Chandlery: 01983 821095The Breeze: 01983 533388www.island-harbour.co.uk

Why not follow us on Twitter:- Island Harbour Marina: @iowmarina

The Breeze Restaurant & Bar: @iow_thebreeze

@iowmarina

@iow_thebreeze


feATUre

Quay Arts is also actively involved in Bestival, where the organisers give the organisation a budget to present the Arts Tent, giving festival goers a chance to get creative. And the Quay Arts café does a roaring trade during the IW Festival, serving up festival breakfasts all day.

Rachel said: “The Festival and Bestival – in fact all events – play a big part in the Island’s cultural life, and it is no coincidence that the wealth of talent that exists here has grown so much since the IW Festival was relaunched in 2002.

“The vast majority of Kashmir Café performers have worked with us through the year as part of our Acoustic Originals sessions, and many attend Platform One music college.”

Festival and Bestival are major events for Southern Vectis, too.

The company builds a bus station at each site, and the Festival generates an extra 60,000 passenger journeys over fi ve days. Buses travel more than 21,000 miles, with the help of 60 additional drivers and 40 support staff .

General Manager Matt Kitchin said the Southern Vectis involvement had a knock on eff ect.

“We employ sub-contractors to help with things like the bus stations we build,” he said, “so there’s no doubt the event generates business.

“This year, we are working closely with Solo and the Council on contingency plans in the event of bad weather, so we are ready to run a shuttle bus service from several alternative car parks.

“It is a major undertaking, but we have built up experience over the years. We support other major events like Walk the Wight, and our sister company has got the contract to run buses for Glastonbury this year, so events are an increasingly important part of our business.

“Our staff get a buzz out of it, too, so it’s a good thing from many perspectives.”

Matt took up his post at Southern Vectis six months ago and is looking forward to being involved in the Festival for the fi rst time.

“I will be switching my time between working in the control room, helping direct passengers, and driving a

rachel Day

“It is a celebration of the best of the Island,”

peter and David pontin

bus,” he said. “It should be fun!”

John Giddings said: “Over the last 12 years the Isle of Wight Festival has worked with a large number of local businesses on site, pre and post the event, and it’s a great opportunity for them to benefi t from the Festival year in, year out.

“To be able to support the local economy and tourism is something that is very important to me personally and to the Festival as a whole: long may it continue.”

Bestival organisers supplied us with a long list of Island suppliers and organisations that are part of the event – far too many to include here - suggesting that international events of this magnitude are music to the Island business community’s ears…

June 2013 19

BriefingEquality good for business


BrIefIng

The worlds of business and national government have combined to emphasise the importance of equality in the workplace.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with the Government Equalities Office (GEO), has launched a new booklet which explores the concept that ‘Business is Good for Equality’. The launch event was attended by Jo Swinson MP, Minister for Business and Minister for Women and Equalities.

Chambers of Commerce across the UK have held business workshops where they have been discussing the importance of equality in the workplace. The events each featured a government speaker, including Ministers Jo Swinson and Helen Grant, and Mary Macleod MP.

This is the first time that the government has reached out in this way to engage with the business community on equality issues.

Key messages from the report include:Avoiding discrimination and treating staff fairly ensures access to the best talent, which allows businesses to maximise profits and create wealth;

Diverse workplaces are usually stronger, because different individuals each bring their own strengths, which complement each other when working as a team.

BCC Director General John Longworth said: “This report showcases the fantastic work that accredited Chambers of Commerce members and the GEO do to focus on equality in the workplace. Employers throughout the Chamber Network value their staff and are working hard to create flexible and happy workplaces.

“Companies always want to hire and retain the best staff to fulfil their business functions. The conversations that have formed this report have shown us that Chamber members want to drive the economic recovery, and equality in the workplace is crucial to that success.”

Jo Swinson MP, said: “Despite the challenges facing businesses today, it’s simply good business to be treating people fairly and ensuring we are drawing on the talents of everyone if we are to bring sustained benefit to the British economy.

“We wanted this programme of business engagement to raise awareness and to promote a greater understanding of equality laws. This new booklet is a fantastic example of the excellent work the BCC and employers all over the country are already doing to highlight how diversity is good for business.“What I’ve learnt from meeting local businesses, across the country, is that employers don’t need convincing of the positive business case for equality in the 21st century workplace. However, many smaller firms have told us they don’t always feel they know enough and they want to be confident that they are complying properly with the law. This new booklet will be a helpful new resource which should give them that confidence.”

For more information, go to britishchambers.org.uk

Website designWebsite and email hostingOff ice hours or 24-7 supportiPhone and iPad appsContent managementSearch engine optimisationPay per click managementFacebook / Twitter / Google + +

E-commerce shopsHotel / b&b booking systemsVilla / Cottage booking systemsHoliday park booking systemsEvent management systemsTraining management systemsFranchise management systemsPayment systems integration

Quietly successful, vastly experienced

A Gem in our toolboxNetguides have developed Gema, a cloud-based business system which has been used by many businesses to make very significant improvements to their efficiency.

Talk to our friendly local teamweb: www.netguides.co.uk email: [email protected] tel: 01983 28 24 20

littlekickers.co.uk

From 2 classes in 2004, to franchises in 13 countries today using a Gema franchise management system.

montenegroholidays.com

Gema holiday booking and management system. Pay as you go, just sign up and use it.

sailingclothingstore.co.uk

Multiple e-commerce websites running from a single Gema shop management system.

April 2013 21June 2013 23

CHAMBer neWs

A national survey of international trade shows that the number of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) members exporting has risen by seven per cent in a year, to 39 per cent.

The survey of nearly 4,700 member companies shows while the EU is still the most popular market, many businesses are now targeting the fast-growing economies of the United Arab Emirates and India to try and increase their export sales.

Businesses currently established in China see that market as their greatest growth opportunity, compared with potential exporters (those who have never exported before).

Survey findings included:

More than eight in ten exporters trade into EU markets – unchanged from 2012

Central and South America came out bottom with only 28 per cent of exporters trading with the region. This region is home to Brazil – an economy predicted to become one of the five largest in the world.

88 per cent of potential exporters would

Exporting: the facts

MeMBer BenefIT

Westfield Health has been a preferred supplier of health cash plans to the Chamber of Commerce for more than 10 years.

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

consider trading with the EU, but only half that number would consider exporting to Asia.

Of the 20 ‘priority markets’ identified by UK Trade and Investment, the United Arab Emirates, Poland, China and India are the most popular growth markets among current exporters.

Of those considering exporting in the next five years, Brazil, Russia and Qatar rank highly.

80 per cent of respondents cited ease of finding customers, agents or distributors as the most influential factor when deciding when and where to export, with 77 per cent citing cash flow and payment risk, and 74 per cent citing the knowledge or skills required.

Kerstine Andrews, Membership Officer

The Chamber Primary Health Plan has been developed in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, and encourages employees to be proactive about their health by providing money back towards their essential healthcare.

The plan also provides access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), including face to face counselling and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions, and online Personal Health Risk Assessments.

And with both a consultation benefit and stand alone scanning service, it means employees can experience a comprehensive

diagnostic service.

Chamber member businesses that purchase this plan for their staff will also receive a Company Health Report. Derived from the employee Personal Health Risk Assessment, the report helps increase understanding of the key health issues in the workforce.

The Chamber Plan offers the opportunity to: improve staff productivity, motivation and morale; help to recruit, retain and reward staff; present a valuable employee benefit; help as part of pay negotiations; help to reduce absenteeism and related costs; help employees with stress related problems; and lower the risk of stress and musculoskeletal litigation when combined with a robust stress policy and line manager training.

Westfield Health plans are easy to implement and administer, and the organisation provides full marketing support to help managers and employees get the most out of their plan.

Workforce Training and Development Solutions Through High Quality Teaching And Learning

• Fully funded Apprenticeships inHospitality & Catering, BusinessAdministration, Retail, Cleaning & Support and Warehousing

• FREE Apprentice recruitment service

• £1,500 grant for taking on your firstApprentice (subject to eligibility)

• Isle of Wight Council Grant of £750 or £1,500 (for the green economy -subject to eligibility)

• Pre-Apprenticeship programme for young people aged 16 - 18 yrs who are not in education,employment or training

• Are you aged 16 - 24, working, and without any formal qualifications?

• Do you have employees without any formal qualifications?

• Are you looking for a job and career with training?

“Partnerships withemployers, volunteergroups, local authority areOutstanding, promotingprogression, learning andemployer development”

Ofsted 2013

Smart are here to offer information, advice and guidance to help you make the right choice. Please contact:

T: 0330 088 0888 (Local rate number) | www.smarttar.co.uk | E: [email protected]


June 2013 25

Occupational Health & Travel ClinicSteve Slater

Hospitals

01983 534209

[email protected]

www.iow.nhs.uk/OccHealthcommercialservice

Ground Floor - Holly House (South Hospital) St. Mary’s Hospital Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5TG

Clarence House B&BGraeme & Margi Sheridan-Wallis

Accommodation

01983 865090

[email protected]

www.clarencehousebb.com

2 Clarence Gardens, Shanklin, Isle of Wight. PO37 6HA

The flyer MasterScott Bennett

Design Services

07895109842

[email protected]

www.theflyermaster.com

BellissimaTina Lettington

Retail

01983 717004

[email protected]

www.bellissimaiow.co.uk

60 Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 2LG

sugar & spiceShelia Wilson

Retail

01983 717004

[email protected]

www.sugarandspicelingerie.co.uk/index.php/aboutus


scenechange studios LtdHelen & Gary Aspinall

Equipment Hire

01983 883930

[email protected]

www.scenechangestudios.co.uk

Unit D4 & 5 Palmers Brook Farm, Park Road, Wootton, Isle of Wight. PO33 4NS

Islandwide grounds

New Members Maintenance

Ann And John Gustar

Garden / Horticultural Services

01983 761 766 01983 761 961

[email protected]

www.islandwidegm.co.uk

1 Lee Brickyard Cottage, Main Road, Bouldnor, Yarmouth, Isle Of Wight. PO41 0XN

MpA AccountingNick Rogers

Accountants

01983 616666

[email protected]

www.mpaaccounting.co.uk

25 Oakwood Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 3JT

spear recruitmentDarren Street

Employment Agencies

01983 564880

[email protected]

www.spearrecruitment.co.uk

Fortis House, Cothey Way, Westridge Business Park, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 1QT

WightbuzzLyn Blackledge

Business services

01983 719975

[email protected]

www.wightbuzz.co.uk

45 Sherbourne Avenue, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 3PW

The Coffee Bean CompanyRobin Woodward

Catering/Catering Equipment

023 8081 2194 023 8081 3389

[email protected]

www.coffeebeancompany.co.uk

Mortimers House, Units 1-2, Mortimers Industrial Estate, Ower, Romsey, Southampton. SO51 6AL

Action CoachSteve Mullins

Coaching – Business and Executive

02392 454111

[email protected]

www.actioncoach.com/stevemullins

Longstone Gate, Solent Road, Havant, Hampshire. PO9 1TR

pascall Atkey & sons Ltd

Nick Roberts

Retail

01983 289815 01983 292381

[email protected]

29 & 30 High Street,Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 7RX

Taylor events LtdBeth Taylor

Event Management Company

07717 832424

[email protected]

32 York Street, Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 7BS

first Aid Training executive (fATe Ltd)Clive Greedy

Training Providers

02380016399

[email protected]

www.firstaidtrainingexecutive.com

Lymond House, 12 Arnold Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 3RS

setfords solicitorsJohn Gerard Hoey

Solicitors

07904 756 507

[email protected]

18 Star Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 2JN

Daniel Burns - st James’s place Wealth ManagementDaniel Burns

Financial services

01983 550555

[email protected]

www.danielburnswm.co.uk

Innovation Centre, Office J2B, St Cross Business Park, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5WB

red CompositesJeremy Dolby

Manufacturing

01983 550431

[email protected]

www.redcomposites.com

Innovation Centre, Monks Brook, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5WB

Beds of ryde

Explore the island’s best kept secret - the rolling downland

countryside - and discover some of our best loved attractions, including the

Isle of Wight Steam Railway, Robin Hill Adventure Park, Amazon World, Arreton Old

Village and the popular Garlic Farm.

The Downs breezer leaves from Ryde bus station up to

every 30 minutes.

Enjoy one of England’s most spectacular bus rideswith dizzy views over the Needles rocks and far out to sea. Or stop off at the Needles Park, Colwell Bay, Dimbola Lodge or Freshwater Bay.

The Needles breezer leaves from Yarmouth bus station up to every 30 minutes.

hop on and off all day long on one of our open top tours...

breezer.indd 1 22/05/2013 12:19

Sandra Stephens

Retail

01983 565151

[email protected]


The Mobile VetDaniel Forster

Animal Care / Pet Supplies

07896260370

[email protected]

www.mobilevetsurgery.co.uk

1 Kingston Cottages, Kingston Road, Kingston, Ventnor, Isle of Wight. PO38 2JY

Anchor recruitmentNorman Arnold

Employment Agencies

01983 822772 01983 822752

[email protected] www.anchoriow.com

Halifax House, 18a St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5HB

Want to join the Chamber network?Contact Kerstine Andrews for the full story about the low cost and high value benefits...

[email protected]

Events7 JuneBusiness Breakfast MeetingThe John Cheverton Centre, earl Mountbatten Hospice

7.30am – 9am

An excellent networking opportunity to meet and present your business to other members.

Places limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

£5.00 per person

10 JuneChamber Training – Delivering service excellence, Chamber of Commerce Board room

9.30am – 5pm

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, in association with Blue Ark Consultants and TSE, are introducing a new Customer Service training course for IW Chamber members.

Delivering Service Excellence is a new course that covers all business sectors

and is part of the leading Welcome to Excellence training programme.

It is a highly practical, interactive one day training course that will show how service excellence improves your team’s performance.

The Delivering Service Excellence course will give your staff the confi dence to immediately use their customer service skills eff ectively and will motivate them to provide world class service and boost sales. Delivering Service Excellence highlights why customer service is key to the success of your business.

It off ers a practical, proven route for staff to deliver world class standards in their organisation.

Please call to book your places and make your payment

Members £45.00 per person

Non-Members £55.00 per person

26 JuneMedina Valley Centre eventDodnor Lane, newport

2.30pm

The Medina Valley Centre for Outdoor and Environmental Education is holding an afternoon event for our members to enjoy a range of activities, including Canoeing and Orienteering followed by networking and BBQ.


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

new memberMaking more of Cowes WeekNew Chamber member Beth Taylor is keen to encourage Island businesses to make more of Cowes Week.

Beth, whose company Taylor Events has been awarded the contract to manage and develop The Parade, said a presence at the iconic event was a golden opportunity.

“I think local businesses feel Cowes Week is not for them – that it is only for blue chip companies – but that is not the case,” she said. “A small number of Island fi rms already take part and get a lot of benefi t from it.”

Beth is hoping to establish an Isle of Wight zone within The Parade for this year’s event, an aim that is supported by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.

Beth, who has worked in event management for the last 10 years, and also runs Alptitude self catering chalets, said: “The new zone can be for products, services and visitor attractions – anything goes. And if we can get something going this year, hopefully we can build from there so it becomes a major element of Cowes Week.

“We already have local musicians and local beer, and I really want to develop the food court, so I am sure The Parade will be a very good place to be during Cowes Week again this year!”

To fi nd out more, go to www. cowesparade.co.uk

Please bring a change of clothes and footwear if you wish to participate in the canoeing.

Free to Members

5 JulyBusiness Breakfast Meetingfull Circle restaurant, st,Marys Hospital

7.30am – 9am

The NHS was created on 5th July 1948. On its 65th birthday this will be an excellent opportunity to network with other businesses and the NHS whilst enjoying a full English breakfast. There will be an opportunity after the breakfast to take a pre-booked guided tour (lasting about 60 minutes) of diff erent parts of the St. Mary’s Hospital site.

Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

£5.00 per person

11 Julygoodleaf Tree Climbing event parkhurst forest

5pm – 8pm

Goodleaf Tree Climbing in conjunction with Challenge and Adventure would like to invite Chamber members to a woodland evening in the heart of Parkhurst Forest. Experience tree climbing, try out bushcraft skills including campfi re cooking and archery.

Award winning Goodleaf Tree Climbing are the UK’s recreational tree climbing specialists and off er a range of tree climbing courses. We regularly work with Challenge and Adventure to provide ‘Special Branch’ (woodland activities for young people with disabilities). Come along, fi nd out more about what we do and have a go!

Children and families are welcome but please note tree climbing for 8 years old and over.

Free to Members

23 July Isle of Wight pearl Military road, Brighstone

6pm – 8pm

We would like to invite Chamber members to the Isle of Wight Pearl networking evening on for a strawberry cream tea to celebrate our 25th anniversary.

Chamber members will also be able to take advantage of 25% discount off all jewellery on the night too!

£3.00 per person

Open 10am - 4pm Monday to FridayEMH JCC, Halberry Lane, NewportIsle of Wight, PO30 2ER

Our bright and airy café serves a small range of freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, paninis and snacks from our own kitchen. We have a daily hot meal special, home-made cakes and selection of teas and coffee.

Located off Halberry Lane next to Earl Mountbatten Hospice the EMH John Cheverton Centre Café is relaxed, welcoming and family friendly with lovely countryside views.

Excellent disabled access and facilities with free car parking, follow the blue John Cheverton Centre signs.

JCC Café Newport01983 535320 www.iwhospice.org

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

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

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

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

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

For professional advice please contact:

CHRIS CHATWINMCIAT AssocRICSMaPS - Director

SARAH EDWARDSDipSurv MRICS FRSAMaPS - Director

RICHARD MAZILLIUSMCIAT - Director

DANNY STIMSONAssocRICS RMaPS - Director

June 2013 27

Have your say, become a member of your local NHS Foundation TrustThe NHS is changing. In the future the public, people who use our services, carers and staff will have more of a say in the way the Trust is run.

Membership is FREEWe will have a membership and a Council of Governors.The amount of involvement you have is your choice.

Please show your support by encouraging your staff to join.

Join todayTo find out more about how you can become a member, contact us today.

Keep your NHS local! Hospital Ambulance Community Mental Health

www.iow.nhs.uk/ft01983 822099 x [email protected]

MAKE A diFFERENCEJoiN TodAy!


Island Business

Documents

Transcript of Island Business