May 2012 Archives | North Somerset Business Leader

Archive for: May 2012

Events dear boy events – Ken Simpson’s retail column

May. 30 Columnists, Retail no comments

Make More Margin’s Ken Simpson

Retail expert, Ken Simpson, of Make More Margin, continues his exclusive column for the Weston & North Somerset Echo discussing how retailers can benefit from a summer calendar packed with high-profile events.

Events dear boy events as Harold Macmillan once famously said. He may not have had the retail sector in mind when he said this, but over the coming months there might not be a more fitting quote.

For the next few months will provide retailers with a big opportunity to boost sales and ‘cash in’ as consumer demand is awakened by a string of high-profile events such as The Olympic Games and T4 On the Beach.

So where to start? Well the European Football Championship, hosted by Poland and Ukraine, starts on June 8 and will present a great opportunity to grow sales, especially of beers, wines and snack foods.

New balls please?

Strawberries and cream or umbrellas? Whatever it is this year, make sure you are well stocked for Wimbledon, in order to meet likely demand for these items during this annual two week event.

And in case you hadn’t noticed, The Olympic Games will get under way in July. Make sure you know when the headline events are on so that you can adjust staffing and stock levels accordingly.

For sporting equipment retailers there is always a surge of ‘me too’ purchases after the games, so watch carefully to ensure you have stock that is ‘in vogue’.

T4 On the Beach

Closer to home, T4 is on the horizon. For traders in Weston-super-Mare this is a great opportunity if you are on the route from the car parks or station to the venue. Make sure your selling all kinds of products from soft drinks and snacks to rain ponchos.

This event attracts 1,000’s of visitors to Weston; plan ahead so you don’t miss out on the extra business available from this occasion.

Schools out for summer

It’s also worth noting that exam results will be released in August. If you have a pub or restaurant, why not offer a special ‘exam results’ package for the family – early evening dinner for a lower price than usual is one option.

Sticking to the subject of school, it may only be June but there is no harm in planning ahead and buying in the ‘back to school’ range well in advance. A small stand of stationery can generate your store high margin sales – and these items don’t go out of date either!

So make sure you capitalise on a summer that is full of events and will see consumer spending spike. Start planning now and it will make a big difference to your bottom line.

Make More Margin – about the author

Make More Margin is a local retail consultancy/mentoring business set up by life-long retailer Ken Simpson. Ken has worked for many of the big names in retail covering a wide variety of disciplines. In recognition of his experience Ken has once again been appointed to the judging panel for the prestigious Retail Industry Awards 2012.

Ken has enjoyed significant success with Make More Margin, working to turn around a number of underperforming businesses. One retailer has seen sales grow from £500 per week to over £7,000 per week.

To find out more visit: www.makemoremargin.com, contact Ken on info@makemoremargin.com or for a free initial consultation is available by calling 07831 668647

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A look ahead to ‘Made In north somerset’

May. 30 Events no comments

Final Postcard Design 300x211 A look ahead to Made In north somerset One of the remits of North Somerset Councils’ Economic Development Service is to support the rural economy; its many and varied businesses and to promote the area as a great place to visit, live work and do business.

The ‘Made in north somerset’ event was developed in 2010 in response to calls for greater promotion of rural North Somerset and to provide support for local businesses. Last years event supported 48 individual businesses and included 62 different food and craft events across the fortnight.

The ‘Made in north somerset’ event showcases some of the best local food, drink, arts and craft businesses and whilst producers are predominantly rural, the festival promotes businesses from across North Somerset.

The event is open to those who are committed to producing, growing, rearing, creating, making, using and sourcing locally, from start up businesses such as ice –cream makers Chew Moos to household names such as Butcombe brewery.

This year the Economic Development team will be drawing on the area’s creative talent and will be working closely with North Somerset Arts who will deliver an exciting launch on 15 and 16 September at Sidcot Arts Centre. Theatre Orchard will also be performing a number of productions throughout the three weeks including ‘In cider’ stories which will be touring in rural North Somerset pubs this winter.

Over the three weeks businesses will host ‘Open Door’ events on their own premises that will enable the public to peek behind the scenes and understand the story behind these products. Last years activities included tours of cider makers and breweries, apple pressing, butchery demonstrations, farm walks, enamelling, fly fishing, clay tile making, food and drink tasting, chutney making, and much more.

The festival is also an opportunity for those North Somerset restaurants, pubs and cafes that already have a passion for local sourcing to show off their credentials and get involved. These businesses may wish to offer cookery demonstrations, food safaris, taster menus, BBQs, bring in their local suppliers for talks and tastings etc.

A ‘Made in north somerset’ Food and Craft Showcase will also take place at the National Trust Tyntesfield estate on 30 September. With forty stallholders, this special market will feature some of the best food, drink, art and craft in the area. One of the key aims is to encourage shoppers, chefs and buyers to put North Somerset food and craft into their shopping bags, onto their plates and upon their shelves.

The ‘Made in north somerset’ festival is really a ‘one-stop’ shop for local products and showcases just how diverse the food, drink, art and craft offer is in the area.

For more information on the festival, how to get involved and to download a booking form please visit: http://innorthsomerset.co.uk/get-involved/made-in-north-somerset Email: business@n-somerset.co.uk or Tel: 01934 426341. The deadline for submitting an event or exhibiting at Tyntesfield is 22nd June.

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Summer shake-up at Wards Solicitors

May. 30 Employment, Law no comments

New recruit Rachel Thomas

Local independent law firm, Wards Solicitors is shaking everything up ready for summer, with several solicitor moves and appointments.

Wards has welcomed new Solicitor Associate, Rachael Thomas to the firm and she will be working in the Yate Shopping Centre office.

Whilst internally, Tom Scoffham has moved from Bristol City Centre to Bradley Stoke and Katherine Roe has swapped with him to move to the Bristol City Centre office.

In the family team, Suzanne Henderson has moved from the firm’s Clevedon office to Bristol City Centre and Amy Jones and Jayne Penney have moved to the Clevedon office.

Managing Partner, David Sheridan comments on what has been a busy few weeks at the firm: “ All of our solicitors spend time in different branches, ensuring that clients can get the advice they want, where they need it – irrespective of the service that they need. In fact, we even do home visits when necessary. This summer’s moves are part of our dedication to getting this right. ”

To find out more about Wards Solicitors, who are operate across Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset visit: http://wards.uk.com/

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New appointment at Saffery Champness

May. 30 Employment, Finance, Latest News no comments

Michael Strong 204x300 New appointment at Saffery Champness One of Bristol’s leading accountancy firms Saffery Champness has appointed a new partner in its Bristol office.

Michael Strong, 39, has worked at the firm’s Beaufort Road, Clifton office for the past eight years as a senior manager in the Business Advisory Group and began his new role as partner in April.

With a focus on owner managed businesses Michael, a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, handles clients across many sectors including IT, training, media, manufacturing, engineering, property and financial services. He also advices clients in the charitable sector.

As a partner, Michael will now lead the provision of a variety of services to these clients.

He said: “I’m delighted with my new role as a partner within Saffery Champness. I’m looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead, working closely with my clients.

“It’s a difficult time for businesses and business owners and in order to be successful it is important to have a close working relationship with trusted professional advisors. As well as providing the full range of services that clients expect from a firm of Chartered Accountants, we pride ourselves on being the sounding board for our clients, delivering both practical and strategic advice.”

The Bristol office has made further promotions this month as Zena Hanks moves to a senior manager position in senior wealth tax. Dave Segdwick has also been promoted to a supervisor in the private wealth and landed estates team.

In other areas of the business, James Hender the former head of private client tax services at the Bristol office of Smith & Williamson has also joined Saffery Champness in the London office.

Head of Bristol office, David Lemon said: “It’s great to welcome Michael on board as a partner, he’s a great asset to the team and we look forward to moving the office forward with him.

“We’ve had a successful six months which has led to more promotions in the office and as a top 100 employer we have a commitment to developing staff. The team we have in place has a range of experience and qualifications which will be invaluable to us.”

Saffery Champness is a top 20 accountancy firm. Established in 1855, there are now nine offices across the UK, as well as offices in Guernsey and Geneva.

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Pure Comms chosen for high-growth plan

May. 30 Latest News, Technology no comments

Rob Vivian

Fast-growing telecommunications provider Pure Comms has seen its success rewarded after it was chosen for an esteemed high-growth coaching programme.

The company, based in Clevedon in North Somerset, is one of a select number of businesses to have been fast-tracked for success by being placed on Business West’s high-growth coaching scheme.

The programme is aimed at businesses who display the requirements needed to achieve a one-million pound plus turnover in their fourth-year.

Inclusion also favours businesses that offer a product, service or concept which is stand-out in its sector.

Pure Comms Managing Director Rob Vivian is delighted to have been accepted onto the scheme:

“As a growing business, to have been selected because we have potential to turnover more than one-million pounds in our fourth year, due to quality of service we offer and the infrastructure we have in place, is a real honour.

“The UK has slipped back into recession and many businesses are unfortunately either struggling to make ends meet or even folding.

“We’ve had year on year growth since our inception and in the grip of such difficult economic trading conditions, it really is great to be rewarded and recognised for the potential we have as a company. The whole team here at Pure Comms deserves credit for this achievement, without their hard work and commitment this would not have been possible.”

Operating out of offices in Clevedon Hall, Pure Comms offer a state-of-the-art telecoms package that only a select few in the UK have the capability to provide.

With a backdrop of difficult economic trading conditions, the company’s impressive performance made them ideal for the High Growth scheme according to Business Wests’ Abdullah Ali-Ahmadi, who has been allocated as Pure Comms’ High-Growth Coach.

Abdullah said: “In only three-years PureComms has posted year-on-year growth. It stands out as a business with all the ingredients required to out-perform the tough trading conditions. Pure Comms has the potential to become a flagship business in the region and a major employer.”

To find out more about Pure Comms visit: www.purecomms.co.uk

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BID steering group finalised

May. 30 Economy, Employment, Latest News no comments

BID BID steering group finalised The appointment of Tim Lamb as the chairperson of Weston Business Improvement District (Bid) was announced last week, after being voted in by members of the newly formed Bid Steering Group.

Tim will be supported in this role by Paul Batts who has accepted the position of Vice Chair.

Mr Lamb, is the McDonalds franchisee owner-operator for the Weston, Worle and Portishead restaurants since (2008), having worked in senior management positions in the McDonalds organisation since (1983).

Mr Batts is the owner of Outdoors & Active in Meadow Street and is keen to represent the interests of the independent businesses.

Mr Lamb said: “Having seen first hand the commercial advantage that Bid’s have brought to business communities in other towns, I feel excited and honoured to have been nominated by fellow members to take up this new position.

“Weston Bid is an excellent opportunity for the business community to work together for the common good and to pool resources to help attract more people to the town.

He added “Over the next few months the Bid team will be working hard to deliver the projects as detailed in the business plan, which include key pieces of activity such as the provision of a warden team.”

The town centre Bid area has now been split into six sectors and each will be represented by a local figurehead. Alongside Tim and Paul, Mark Canniford will represent Grove Village, Michelle Michael Marine Parade and Nick Cooke will be responsible for the Sovereign Shopping Centre.

The Bid Steering Group will be responsible for ensuring that the Business Plan is delivered, for liaising with, and representing the views of the levy payers.

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Significant investment in sustainable building projects

May. 28 Education, Latest News no comments

John Penrose MP & Hugh Tovey

A new £10 million building project at Weston College has been officially launched by MP John Penrose.

Mr Penrose was at the College’s South West Skills Campus (SWSC) on Locking Road, where he ceremonially cut the turf to launch the project and saw how the College’s acclaimed ASPIRE programme is working to help the long term unemployed.

He also toured the College’s Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence (CECE), meeting students and staff.

The £3 million refurbished Hub building at the SWSC is scheduled to be completed by February 2013, and will house an employment skills centre to aid people back into work. A further £6 million will be spent on expanding the Business Enterprise Centre by creating a two-storey block in three phases.

A multi-purpose unit will be built to house staff and students while the Hub building is redeveloped. At the same time a surface will be laid suitable for sports activities including football, netball and basketball. Both these projects will be ready by this September, at a cost of £770,000.

Mr Penrose said: “I had a great time visiting Weston College’s South West Skills Campus and was hugely impressed by what they’re doing there.

“I was delighted to help dig the first spadeful of earth to launch Phase One of a major £10 million new facility which should enhance the learning experience at this go ahead College.

“It was a pleasure to meet learners on the ASPIRE course which is helping unemployed people as well as students at the Construction and Engineering Centre of Excellence which is a first class facility to improve skills here in North Somerset”.

Weston College Executive Director – Commercial Services, Linda Burlison, said: “Weston College is delighted Mr Penrose visited these wide-ranging projects.

“The aim is to encourage student numbers and offer an ever-widening range of academic and vocational courses. Prudent financial planning is enabling us to offer our students and staff wonderful state-of-the-art facilities.”

To find out more about courses at Weston College call 01934 411 481 or go to www.weston.ac.uk and www.wapaperformance.co.uk

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Building community roots

May. 28 Education, Latest News no comments

knightstone Mr Stanley and Mr Foss Clark 220x300 Building community roots Residents from Knightstone Housing Association’s development at Mulberry Gardens in Staple Hill have helped pupils at a nearby school make themselves at home by planting a mulberry bush in their new children’s garden.

The residents raised the money to provide the mulberry bush for the striking new Staple Hill Primary School site on Page Road because they wanted to give something back to the children who had come up with a new name for the development.

Along with the bush they presented £50 worth of vouchers for the pupils to spend at a local garden centre.

Nick Horne, chief executive of Weston-super-Mare based Knightstone Housing said the school had built up an enviable relationship with its neighbours – both old and new.

He said: “Staple Hill Primary has just moved out of its old Victorian building into a fine new centre which really lifts the community. We were delighted to hear the residents had decided to mark the opening of the new school in this way.”

Resident Mr Michael Stanley said the unusually close relationship dated back to the building of the Knightstone Housing Association development when school pupils had been invited to take a look around the site and name the new street.

He said: “When the children went to see where the new houses were, they found they had to go down lots of little roads – all around the mulberry bush! So that’s how they came up with the name of Mulberry Gardens.

“The pupils did something for us so we thought it would be a nice idea, now that they’ve got a new school, to do something for them,” he explained.

The mulberry bush was the first thing to be planted in the school grounds since the work done by landscape architects during the new building’s design.

Ms Beard’s Year 5 class were on hand to help get the bush off to a good start. Three of the school’s ‘eco-tigers’, Lucy, Caitlyn, and Francesca, filled in the soil around the plants roots.

They then carefully covered the ground with wood chips. Lucy and Francesca help with the school’s composting programme and Caitlyn helps the school conserve water.

Liz Rackstore from Mulberry Gardens, who came along to watch the planting ceremony, said she remembered going to the old school as a young girl.

She said: “I am certainly very impressed with the new building. It wasn’t like this when I went to Staple Hill Primary!”

For further information please visit www.knightstone.co.uk

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Charity supporters given chance to nominate favourite

May. 28 Charity, Latest News no comments

Kevin Williams Charity supporters given chance to nominate favourite Supporters of charities in Somerset are being invited to nominate their organisations to be considered for a donation from a business based in Worle.

First Call Payment Protection Ltd plans to select the charity or charities in the county with the most votes to receive donations and will link with them on its website.

Kevin Williams, Managing Director of First Call Payment Protection Ltd, said: “When someone buys one of our products and picks the chosen charity as a beneficiary it will receive £5 from the sale and we will pay this.

“We aim to link with one charity per county and several national charities. But rather than us picking the ones we would like to work with, we are hoping the general public write in and tell us who they feel would best benefit from the money and why.”

Charities can be nominated via the company’s Facebook pages and Twitter account* or people can email charityvote@protection.uk.net. The closing date for nominations is 12midnight on Friday, August 31, 2012.

Kevin added: “We’re looking forward to hearing from as many charities as possible and the winners will be the ones that get nominated the most. It would be great if organisations got all their staff, volunteers and supporters to get in touch with us to put them forward.

“We sell thousands of products every year and support of this nature could be worth a great deal to any charity that puts itself forward.”

Charities that are nominated and nominees will be expected to take part in publicity and individuals can only vote once for their charity of choice.

Nominations are only accepted from people aged 18 and over and the company’s decision on the charities selected is final, no correspondence will be entered into.

For more information about First Call Payment Protection Ltd, please visit www.protection.uk.net or call 01934 529427.

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St Georges Health Centre community column

May. 28 Retail no comments

St Georges Health Centre

St Georges Health Centre’s Practice Manager discusses health and community related issues for this regular Weston & North Somerset Echo column.

As we head quickly towards summer, are you thinking of following a healthier lifestyle? It’s a simple fact that living a healthy lifestyle is far better than having to face regular trips to the doctor.

That’s why St Georges Health Centre was set up.

We intend to partner with people of all ages across the area to try to help their health for the decades to come. A healthy lifestyle can involve regular exercise, and a balanced diet – which includes cutting the amount of sugar, salt and fat we eat.

Here’s a few other simple pointers to start you off.

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
Eat more fish.
Cut down on saturated fat and sugar.
Eat less salt – no more than 6 g a day.
Be active and maintain a healthy weight.
Drink plenty of water.
Don’t skip breakfast.

If you’re thinking of starting a new healthier lifestyle, why not start with a visitor to your doctor.

Just recently we referred patients on to Hutton Moor Leisure Centre for a six-week, 12-session health improvement course under an exercise referral scheme.

The state-of-the-art St Georges Health Centre was opened to the public at the end of last year. To register at the health centre call 01934 527681 or pop in to their base in Pastures Avenue behind the magistrates’ court in North Worle.

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