1. technology and computing
2. internet technology
3. social network

MIND GAMES
THE INTERVIEW
Anthony Fleming,
Robert Holland,
of James Cowper Kreston
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Today
at the heart of your community
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Date: 11.06.15 – Distributed with the Newbury Weekly News
Safety first for all fleet cars
Thatcham company calls for Government to buy vehicles with damage-limiting technology
A THATCHAM company has
called on the Government and
businesses providing staff
vehicles to make a ‘decisive shift’
to only buy cars with damagelimiting technology.
Leading motor research company
Thatcham Research issued the call
following the publication of a report
from Euro NCAP and ANCAP, the
independent safety bodies for Europe
and Australasia, which announced
that low-speed autonomous braking
technology leads to a 38-per-cent
reduction in rear-end crashes.
The publication concludes that the
technology needs to be fitted to more
vehicles to produce the maximum
benefits.
Autonomous Emergency Braking is
a low-speed option consisting of an
automatic brake function that
operates at speeds up to 50km/h.
The report also found there was no
significant difference between urban
and rural crash benefits.
Thatcham Research was established
by the motor insurance industry in
1969 with the aim of containing or
reducing the cost of claims while
maintaining safety standards.
It was instrumental in bringing AEB
into insurance band categories,
where a standard fitted system can
now lower a vehicle’s insurance
group by five.
The company employs around 180
staff in Colthrop Way and is calling
Report by JOHN HERRING
email [email protected]
Twitter @johnh_nwn
on the Government to perform more
rigorous testing of driverless
vehicles before their use becomes
widespread.
Thatcham Research’s chief technical
officer and president of Euro NCAP,
Andrew Miller, said: “Clearly, at this
level of effectiveness, low-speed AEB
is potentially a hugely important
active safety technology and
widespread fitment through the
vehicle fleet should be encouraged in
the interest of improved vehicle
safety.
“These findings strongly support
Euro NCAP’s decision to make AEB
technology a key discriminator in
the safety rating of new vehicles –
which is reflected in insurance
group ratings. And from next year,
Euro NCAP will include in its
assessments AEB systems that
recognise pedestrians.
“We would like to see the new
Government take a lead in the UK –
just as Swedish and Australian
Governments have done – and
mandate only AEB-equipped cars
across its own fleet and champion
the take-up of AEB across the allimportant fleet market.”
Thatcham Research also led a group
of fleet operators in a discussion at
FleetWorld on the theme Towards the
World’s First Crash-Free Fleet.
In association with
A test car demonstrates the Autonomous Emergency Braking system
FOR ALL THE LATEST ON THE WEST
BERKSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS,
PLEASE TURN TO PAGES 10 AND 11
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2
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Legal review
by Charles Lucas & Marshall
Commercial contracts – make
sure they are enforceable
BUSINESSES should
regularly review all their
commercial contracts with
suppliers, customers or
collaborators. As Rupert
Wright, a corporate lawyer
with Charles Lucas &
Marshall explains, if
incorrectly drafted, they can
cause substantial liability to
a business.
Commercial legal experts can
provide that contracts are clear
and unambiguous and
compliant with the law. They
also need to be watertight to
protect businesses from
commercial risks.
In the event of a dispute,
commercial lawyers can advise
on the strength of a particular
case and if necessary, provide
for mediation which can assist
with the resolution of disputes.
Mediation can save substantial
expense and time, particularly
relating to directors’ time,
which can free them to
concentrate on other more
important corporate matters.
In particular, the recent
decision in Spreadex Limited v- Colin Cochrane showed that
it was important that any term
which seeks to make a
consumer liable should be
objectively fair and drafted in a
manner which seeks to balance
the protection of both business
and consumer rather than the
blanket imposition of liability
without limitation or
exception. In addition,
onerous terms need to be
expressly drawn to the
consumer’s attention.
Since October 2012, there has
been a ban on age
discrimination in the
provision of goods, services
and facilities. An example of
this is a recent criticism of
banks by the FCA where they
were criticised for their age
discrimination policy.
Financial services providers
will only be able to use age to
assess risk when providing
financial services, provided
that the risk assessment is
based on relevant and reliable
information.
It is common for the parties to
try to exclude or limit their
liability completely for breach
of a contract’s terms or to limit
their liability to a particular
sum. There are statutory and
common law restraints on the
ability of parties to limit or
Is the exclusion incorporated into
the Agreement?
Does the exclusion cover the
breach in question?
Is there any statutory restraint on
the ability to exclude the term,
particularly under the Unfair
Contract Terms Act 1977? This Act
applies different controls according
to the nature of the liability which
the parties wish to exclude or
restrict. Death or personal injury
caused by negligence cannot be
excluded and a term excluding or
restricting liability for negligence is
enforceable only to the extent that it
satisfies the reasonableness test.
Rupert Wright of Charles Lucas &
Marshall solicitors
restrict their liability. The rules
on exclusions and limitations
are the same, except that a
limitation is likely to be viewed
more favourably by the Courts
than outright exclusion of
liability.
For an exclusion clause to be
effective, three key questions
must be addressed:
To find the Apprentices who really
stand out, pledge your vacancy with us...
tial that everything is fit for
purpose.
“We used to travel many
miles for pointe shoes and
the idea came to us that a
shop in Newbury would be a
great success.”
Tina said: “We didn’t know
anything about retail in the
beginning, but we learned
on the job and are now very
knowledgeable about our
products.
“In particular, we have
found that it is very important to have all dance shoes
expertly fitted as sizing is
inconsistent from different
suppliers.”
After setting up their shop
at Greenacre Leisure in
October 2011, Ruby Slippers
Dancewear has grown
steadily. The shop is supported by more than 50
dance schools and establishments from Newbury and
surrounding towns.
Both Tina and Juliet are
approved Grishko pointe
shoe fitters.
Moving House to Theale
HOUSE of Fisher has
moved its corporate headquarters to Theale.
The company, which provides executive serviced
apartments in the Thames
Valley, has moved from
Reading as part of its invest-
ment to grow its portfolio of
purpose-built, fully owned
apart-hotels and serviced
apartments and align itself
even closer to its key clients.
The new offices are located
at11-13 High Street, Theale,
RG7 5AH.
Make a
with your
If you want the pick of the brightest and best A Level, AS Level and
GCSE leavers, pledge your upcoming vacancy with us for our Top
Apprentice Recruitment Day on June 17th. Even if it isn't due to
be filled until later in the year, your pledge will make sure that you
are matched with our best candidates. In June we then hold our
Apprenticeship Recruitment Event where candidates are assessed
and employers get the chance to interview the top candidates.
Simply visit www.wbtc-uk.com/pledge-2015 give us a call on
01635 35975 or send an email to [email protected] or
[email protected]
For further information contact
Rupert Wright on (01635) 521212
or [email protected]
RUBY Slippers Dancewear
has relocated to a bigger
facility within BstFitness,
Newbury, the old cinema
site in Park Way.
The new shop will allow the
three-year-old business to
grow further and fulfil the
demand of local dancers,
schools and dance teachers.
Ruby Slippers Dancewear
offers a range of uniform
and shoes for ballet and tap,
together with gymnastics,
hip hop, street, Zumba, modern line dancing, ballroom
and Latin, Ceroc and many
more styles of dance and fitness.
The business was the idea of
Juliet Dewhirst and Tina
Townsend, both of whom
had supported their daughters through their local ballet, tap and jazz training.
“It was always a struggle to
buy the right kit online,”
said Juliet.
“We made lots of expensive
mistakes, paying for postage
and returns and it is essen-
big
bang
The strongest Apprenticeship applicants look for their
placements during May and June and are usually snapped
up by employers in July.
Apprentices are motivated and keen to learn and get placed
quickly so to make sure the best Apprentices that Berkshire has to
offer join your company, make your pledge today.
It is important all businesses
regularly review their major
commercial contracts with
experienced commercial lawyers to
ensure their commercial contracts
are fully enforceable and compliant.
Incorrect Terms and Conditions, for
instance, can potentially cause
substantial liability to the business if
they are incorrectly drafted and
unenforceable.
Dance shop moves
to Park Way base
promotion
POSTERS | DISPLAY STANDS | ROLL-UP BANNERS
AND MUCH MORE
West Berkshire Training Consortium
Consortium House, 7 Cheap Street
Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 5DD
Tel: 01635 35975
www.wbtc-uk.com/pledge-2015
WBTC paving the way for equality of opportunity in training, education and employment for all.
Call 01635 521654
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The Orchard, Abex Road RG14 5EY
Newbury Business Today –
Ask the experts
Thursday, June 11 2015
3
Frequently asked questions
answered by GRIFFINS
THIS MONTH’S QUESTION:
I’m approaching retirement and I don’t know what options are open
to me or whether I should take cash out of my pension. I’m also
worried about where to go for advice as I’ve heard the new rules
could be the “next big” financial mis-selling scandal.
From left, Nick Scott, Big Group CEO, Jo Thomson, client services director, and Colin Dobson managing
director of m4
m4 moving into the fast lane
NEWBURY-BASED marketing
agency m4, which specialises
in creative design, digital and
3D retail display for global
organisations,
has
been
bought by Big Group.
The agreement adds consumer electronics and electricals expertise to Big Group’s
client portfolio.
Combined clients will now
include MasterCard, Samsung,
BT, Universal Publishing
Production Music, Hyundai,
Hitachi, Motorola, Equinix,
Duchamp, Arup, ABTA and
Ralph Lauren.
Big Group CEO, Nick Scott,
said: “m4 is an innovative
agency, particularly in the use
of 3D technologies in retail
environments which adds to
our B2C and B2B service offering. We recognise that clients
enjoy working with a local
agency and having an office
outside of London helps us to
better serve many of our joint
clients.”
Colin Dobson, MD, together
with client services director Jo
Thomson, will continue to run
the company and the business
will remain at its Newbury
base with no change to the
name.
He said: “Based in Newbury
and being part of the Big
Group family was an important factor in positioning m4
for the future.
“Big Group and m4 share
the same ethos when it comes
to client service and company
culture and we believe this will
give us a clear advantage in
today’s marketplace.”
The
deal
was
signed
between Big Group and the
owners of m4 Design on May
12.
ONE pension provider
reported a 550 per cent
uplift in people exploring
retirement choices online
following the launch of the
new rules, so you’re not
alone in facing this dilemma.
The ability to take tax-free cash
from your pension to fund a
luxury holiday or your dream
car has grabbed the headlines.
However, some providers won’t
allow you to take cash out of
your plan, and if yours does,
usually only 25 per cent will be
tax-free.
Before making any decisions
about your pension, remember
why you’re saving for your
retirement. Taking cash out
now may reduce your future
income – you’ll also miss out on
investment growth.
Whether it’s a good idea really
depends on what you’ll do with
the cash, how much tax you’ll
pay and how much money you
need in future years.
Annuities, which provide an
income for life, are still a good
option for many as they’re
becoming more flexible and
you can combine them with
esa unveils new HQ
A LEADING provider of serviced apartments for the corporate market has
moved its UK headquarters to a larger
office space in Newbury.
The move to Elizabeth House on London
Road marks a new phase in the growth of esa
Serviced Apartments.
In the last three years, esa has more than
doubled in size as organisations attempt to
reduce the cost of business travel and source
accommodation that encourages the wellbeing and productivity of employees.
Following a period of pre-election uncertainty, renewed market stability and business
confidence has provided a boost to the serviced accommodation industry.
Businesses are now investing in major projects, which were previously on hold, prompting a surge in the demand for esa’s corporate
housing and serviced apartments for project
workers.
At more than 7,000 square feet and
arranged over four floors, the new purposebuilt office building is twice the size of esa’s
previous headquarters.
Providing stylish meeting rooms and modern desk space for more than 100 people in its
current configuration, it is hoped that
Elizabeth House will accommodate esa’s
ongoing growth over the next 10 years.
Additional satellite offices are also being
considered, which would streamline operational efficiency as the company broadens its
geographic coverage.
Charlie Turner, chief executive of esa
Serviced Apartments, said: “Since esa was
founded 11 years ago, our principle aim has
been to provide the highest quality accommodation and service for our clients, at outstanding value.
“As our network now extends across the
UK, it has been important to choose an office
location which offers excellent transport
links, a thriving business community and
access to a skilled and educated workforce.
Newbury offers all of this and more.
“Committing to stay in the town long term
will allow us to expand our experienced and
passionate team, in order to continue to deliver the exceptional standards our clients
expect.”
Alex Breadmore
income drawdown. If you
choose to do part-time work it
will also affect your tax
situation.
There are more retirement
options to consider than ever
before. Many retirees are
worried about where to go for
dependable advice.
First, beware of anyone that
you haven’t heard of who gets
in touch with you. If an offer
seems too good to be true, it
usually is.
The government offers Pension
Wise – www.pensionwise.gov.uk
– a free and impartial service
that will provide you with more
information about your defined
contribution pension options.
Another no-cost option is to
contact Citizens Advice.
However these services are for
guidance only. They won’t
recommend any products or
tell you what to do with your
money – that decision is still
down to you.
You should talk to your own
pension provider to see what
they can offer. Their guidance,
however, will be limited to their
own products.
You could potentially do much
better by switching.
Seeking independent advice is
another option. You’ll have to
pay for the advice, either
directly or from your fund, but
the adviser should help you
consider all of your needs,
including the best way to use
your tax allowances.
Ensure that the IFA you use is a
Chartered Financial Planner.
For information on retirement
planning, contact Alex
Breadmore at Griffins on 01635
551333 or email:
[email protected].
57 Ways to Grow
Your Business
Bright Ideas for Serious Entrepreneurs
For further information or a no-obligation chat
please contact Ken Weeks on 01635 265265 or
email [email protected]
4
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Networking site that could be the
missing link to business success
Update contributed by Generate UK
share.
There is strong etiquette on
engagement on LinkedIn
,although posting regular goodquality content adds value.
It is frowned upon to send your
connections frequent nonpermission based sales emails.
Business benefits of LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to create
company pages. You can
optimise your company page in
order to increase your reach
across LinkedIn.
This month EMMA LEWIS, marketing manager at Generate
UK, brings top tips for getting the most out of LinkedIn
STILL not using LinkedIn
yet?
In this digital age online
networking can increase your
contact database to include a
much wider audience than
traditional networking has
been able to previously.
LinkedIn is the world’s largest
professional network, with
more than 300 million
members worldwide in over
200 countries.
If you are not currently a
member, you could be missing
out on hundreds of potential
business connections.
If you are already a member
and would like to know how to
get the best out of this
valuable platform, then read
on.
Success on LinkedIn will come
from understanding why and
how it works – this is
important so you can
maximise its potential to get
the best results.
Unlike Facebook and Twitter,
LinkedIn is a professional
channel, not social media.
LinkedIn is intended for
professionals wanting to
connect with each other, make
recommendations, referrals
and introductions.
Although this is nothing new
in business, the fact that
LinkedIn has such a vast
number of members means
you can use it strategically to
assist you in making smart,
qualified connections.
If you are serious about
expanding your professional
network and want to engage
with the professional
community, LinkedIn is the
place to be.
Get the most out of LinkedIn
with the following tips:
Enhance your profile
Develop your profile to
represent your own personal
brand on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a professional
platform, which should be
taken into consideration when
publishing content on to your
profile.
First impressions count,
making your profile photo one
of the most important
elements of your presence on
LinkedIn is the perfect way to network online
LinkedIn.
Your profile picture should
communicate that you are
friendly, approachable and
professional.
It is recommended that your
profile picture should be a
professional headshot, with 60
per cent of your face in the
frame and the background not
distracting in order to keep
your face as the focal point.
In order to be found more
easily, you can also create your
own personal LinkedIn url.
Your LinkedIn profile should
also showcase your expertise
and skills with endorsements
from your contacts.
The summary should
highlight your skills and
achievements within your
field.
Build your network
As well as adding your own
database of contacts to your
LinkedIn network, you can
also request introductions,
expanding your network.
LinkedIn is an ideal
engagement tool that allows
you to research and reach out
to prospects.
List the connections you wish
to make contact with based on
the value you can mutually
Emma Lewis
your products and services
page, but also on your
careers page.
Recruitment
Find your next star employee
with the option to advertise
jobs on LinkedIn.
You can target the advert to
Targeted Pages
LinkedIn gives you the ability to meet your requirements,
giving you the opportunity to
create targeted company pages
appear in front of the right
to showcase your products and
people.
services with variations for
different audiences you can
Adverts
target based on industry,
Your profile is looking good
location, company size,
and your company pages are
seniority and position.
set up and optimised to
Rotating, Hyperlinked
promote your company, so
Banners
you can now increase your
LinkedIn gives you the option of reach on LinkedIn with
displaying up to three banner
targeted paid advertising.
images to each of your company
Hopefully this article has
profile pages.
helped you to see the benefits
This gives you the opportunity
of LinkedIn to increase your
to provide high-quality targeted professional network.
content to your audiences.
If you would like more
The banners can include
advice on setting up and
hyperlinks with targeted call to
monitoring your LinkedIn
actions to support your message.
page, we would of course be
Videos
delighted to provide further
Adding a video to your company assistance.
page is a great way to encourage Please contact us on 01635
engagement with your audience. 887711, or email us at
The videos can be displayed on
[email protected]
Three in a row for Anesco as
managers clinch business award
“Newbury BID has vastly enhanced Newbury
town centre over the last year; the quality of
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quality of visitors to the town centre.”
John O’Brien
Managing Director, Dovetail Human Resource Services
Newbury BID, Broadway House, 4-8 The Broadway, Newbury, RG14 1BA
01635 760309 / 760505 newburybid.com [email protected]
AN Aldermaston-based firm
has won a prestigious
management award for the
third year running.
The senior team at national
energy efficiency solutions
company, Anesco, has been
named mid-market private
equity-backed management
team of the year for the South
East region, as part of the
BVCA Management Team
Awards 2015.
The BVCA awards recognise
management teams that have
made an outstanding
contribution to the growth of
their company, demonstrating
strategic vision and aiding the
overall development of the
business.
It is the third year in a row
that Anesco has received the
accolade, with the team going
on to be named national
winner in the previous two
years.
Anesco works with
businesses, local authorities,
housing associations and
homeowners to reduce their
carbon emissions. The
company employs more than
150 permanent members of
staff and up to 600 contractors
and 103 supply chain partners
and logistics staff at any one
time.
The firm was named the UK’s
fastest-growing private
company by Sunday Times
Fast Track in 2013 and again
in 2014. Over its last three
years, the company recorded
growth of 375 per cent and has
gone on to increase sales by a
further 50 per cent in the last
financial year, achieving
turnover of £160.2 million and
an EBITDA of £21 million.
Chief executive of Anesco,
Adrian Pike (pictured above),
said: “To achieve this award
three years in a row is just
amazing. We’re really proud of
the team we have pulled
together at Anesco and of the
efforts of all of our staff. The
whole team has played a part
in the company’s ongoing
success and as we continue to
grow and expand we remain
committed to employing the
best people and investing in
their development.”
Partner at CBPE Capital, Ian
Moore, said: “Receiving this
award is fantastic news and
really well deserved. Anesco
continues to achieve
phenomenal success and to
move the industry forward
thanks to the team’s
innovative thinking,
determination and vision.”
The British Private Equity &
Venture Capital Association
(BVCA) is the industry body
and public policy advocate for
the private equity and venture
capital industry in the UK. The
BVCA Awards, produced in
partnership with Clearwater
Corporate Finance, are a yearlong process of nominations
and judging established to
celebrate the achievements of
private equity and venture
capital-backed companies. For
more details visit
www.bvca.co.uk.
The national winners will be
announced at an awards
dinner being held in London
on June 25.
Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
Top accountant is in
it for the long run
Robert combines managing leading firm with taking part in marathons
ROBERT Holland’s journey
to become managing
partner at one of the
country’s largest firms of
accountants and business
advisors started in a
London fire station, 55
years ago.
The keen rower and runner,
who took the top job at
Newbury-based James
Cowper Kreston in May last
year, says: “Between the ages
of three and 17 I lived in fire
stations and was mainly
brought up in Croydon.
“I passed my 11+ and was
lucky that Croydon paid for a
certain number of boys to go
to private school each year, so
I went to Dulwich College.”
After leaving the school,
where UKIP leader Nigel
Farage was also a pupil,
Robert went to University
College London (UCL) to read
Economics.
Although he admits to not
remembering Nigel Farage at
all, the student Robert did
meet others who also entered
the political stage, including
the new secretary for Culture,
Media and Sport, John
Whittingdale.
After leaving university
Robert joined
PriceWaterhouse and spent
six years in the City, before he
decided to see what life in
industry was like.
He moved to Wellcome Plc,
where he was responsible for
all of the US filing, as well as
being the accountant for the
pension scheme.
“But industry just wasn’t for
me,” he says.
“Up to this day, I still like
working with a complete
range of businesses and
people.
“I left there and jumped
straight back into practice,
going to work for the technical
department of a company
called Grant Thornton.
“I ended up in Cardiff and my
family spent the next nine
years there.
“I was living in Cardiff in the
1990s, which was a great time
to be there, but I always knew
I would be coming back to the
south of England.”
The move that would bring
Robert and his family back to
England was the one to
Newbury – 15 years ago –
when he joined James Cowper
Kreston.
In May 2014 he was elected
managing partner, while also
remaining as audit and
assurance partner.
His leading role sees him
assume responsibility for the
strategic direction and
development of the company,
while he also continues to
advise a range of clients.
He has also maintained his
technical background by
sitting on the board of the
Institute of Chartered
Accountants of England and
Wales, where he is able to
THE
INTERVIEW:
Litho and Digital Printing
ROBERT HOLLAND,
of James Cowper
Kreston, talks to
Newbury Business
Today’s
SARAH BOSLEY
‘look out for the interests of
firms like ours and the firms
that are our clients’.
Comparing the work he does
today to his time in other
parts of the country, Robert
describes West Berkshire as
having a ‘much richer palette
of businesses’.
“Proportionally there are far
more owner-managed
businesses in Newbury
compared to other parts of the
country,” he adds.
“Taken as a whole, central
southern England also did
quite well in the recession
compared to some parts of the
country.”
Robert says the thing that
drives him on is making a
difference to the companies he
works with.
“When you work for a large
firm you are just the
insurance policy,” he adds.
“They have all the internal
capability to answer the
questions themselves.
“But there is a real difference
you can make to people here.
“Our core business is
owner/manager-run firms in
our own area and we aim to do
everything those companies
could require of an
accountant.
“We have experts in each
individual corporate tax and
firms can outsource some or
all of their accounts to us.”
James Cowper Kreston, which
has 78 people working from
Newbury and 180 employees
across all of its five offices, is
the 28th largest auditor in the
country.
Last year saw the firm
nominated for 10 industry
awards.
“We can deal with more
complexity than people may
think for a firm of our size
and scale,” Robert adds.
“We have become more
“
We are quite
cutting edge in
how we adopt
software, but it is an
ever-changing, and
fast-changing, world
and we have to
adapt into that
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Robert Holland is determined to keep James Cowper Kreston at
the forefront of the accountancy business
modern in terms of how we
use technology and how we
approach things, in the time
that I have been with the
company.
“We are quite cutting edge in
how we adopt software, but it
is an ever-changing, and fastchanging, world and we have
to adapt into that and work
with it.
“We face regulatory
challenges now with changes
to audit and tax.
“We have a very complex tax
system that people have to
navigate their way through
and it will only get more so.
“As a firm we have never
actively promoted or dealt
with any tax avoidance
schemes and I think the world
is shifting back towards us.”
So what does the future hold
for a company that was
founded in Newbury more
than 90 years ago?
“We are committed to
Newbury; we are not going
anywhere,” says Robert.
“While we do intend to grow,
our growth is more important
in terms of what we can do.
“We take opportunities
quickly as they become
available to us, but at the
moment we are concentrating
on building on what we have
and where we have it.”
In his spare time Robert, who
lives in Compton with his wife
Joanna and daughters
Florence and Victoria, is a
keen runner and has taken
part in the London Marathon,
as well as half marathons
across Europe, including in
Vienna and Munich.
He also plays the drums and
enjoys rowing, and took part
in the spectacular Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee River
Pageant in 2012.
01635 35889
[email protected]
www.keepsprinting.com
are delighted to sponsor
Newbury Business Today.
Please contact us
to discuss your legal requirements.
Property
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Landlord and Tenant
Litigation
Company
Employment
The Old School House, 42 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 0NF
T 01488 683555 E [email protected]
5
6
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
MESSAGE FROM NEWBURY BID: MARKETING AND MANAGING THE TOWN
Legal Question Time
New Government, new tax
and inheritance rules
IT WAS Sir Winston Churchill
who said that a nation trying
to tax itself into prosperity is
like a man standing in a
bucket and trying to lift
himself up by the handle.
Whether or not you agree with
Sir Winston, or the pledges made
in the Conservative manifesto,
the new Government has
promised to deliver on a number
of changes in taxation. So what
can we expect from the
Conservative Government in the
next five years?
The Conservatives have pledged
“to maintain the most
competitive business tax regime
in the G20” and will conduct a
major review into business rates
by the end of this year with a
view to reform by 2017.
They have promised to raise the
personal allowance, which is the
amount of income a person can
earn each year before income
tax is payable, from £10,600 to
£12,500 by 2020. Plus, a pledge
has been made to increase the
threshold for the 40 per cent
higher income tax rate from
£42,385 to £50,000, again by 2020.
In a bid to support first time
buyers who save up a deposit on
their first home, a new Help to
Buy ISA is also due to be
introduced. The Government
will provide a 25 per cent top up,
so would contribute up to £3,000
on savings for a deposit of
£12,000.
To help savers further, a
personal savings allowance will
Jo Barton
Partner and head of the inheritance
protection team at Gardner Leader
also come into force, probably
next year, which will allow
people to earn £1,000 of gross
interest every year without
paying any income tax.
Changes to savings have
extended to the ISA savings
allowance which can now be
transferred between spouses on
the death of the first spouse.
This means that an individual
will be permitted to save an
additional amount in an ISA up
to the value of their spouse’s ISA
savings at the date of death. This
measure came in on April 6, 2015
in respect of deaths after
December 3, 2014.
With regard to Inheritance Tax,
from April 2017, a new
‘transferable main residence
allowance’ of £175,000 per person
is to be introduced. Details are
yet to be published but this
would mean that the Inheritance
Tax Threshold for a married
couple owning a home could rise
from £650,000 to £1m on the
death of the survivor. However it
will only apply when the ‘main
home’ is left to ‘direct
descendants’. The allowance will
not apply if the property is
valued at over £2.35 million and
there is intended to be a taper
provision for property valued
between £2m and £2.35m.
We do not yet know how the
‘main home’ is to be defined or
whether the additional
allowance will apply if the home
is left to beneficiaries other than
children or grandchildren. Nor
do we yet know if the allowance
will be lost if the home has been
sold before the person has died,
for example to pay for care fees.
This change to Inheritance Tax
is to be funded by reducing tax
relief on pension contributions
for additional rate taxpayers.
The size of this annual
allowance is to be reduced from
£40,000 to £10,000 for people
earning more than £150,000 a
year.
Also on IHT, the Chancellor
announced in his last budget
that the use of Deeds of
Variation to avoid tax are to be
reviewed. Deeds of Variation
enable beneficiaries under a will
or on intestacy to agree to vary
the distribution of the estate
within a period of two years
from the date of death.
For further advice, please
contact Gardner Leader on
(01635) 508080 or
www.gardner-leader.co.uk
01635 508080
www.gardner-leader.co.uk
Victoria Park has helped attract people to Newbury
BID is making a difference
NEWBURY BID (Business
Improvement District) has
been operating since 2012,
voted in by local businesses
to enable collective
investment to enhance the
trading environment in the
town centre.
Their tasks have included a
year-round structured and
professional marketing
campaign, promoting all that
is good about Newbury to
reach the widest possible
audiences locally, regionally
and nationally.
The campaign reaches all
sorts of people through all
sorts of mediums – digital,
social, print, radio and events.
By developing links between
organisations, Newbury BID
has been able to plan activities
and events that have not only
given a lot of pleasure to local
inhabitants and visitors to the
town, but has greatly
benefitted BID members and
various business-related
partners.
By encouraging dialogue
between BID members, the
visiting public and other
interested partners, the BID
has been able to enhance and
promote the town centre in
ways that have been most
popularly suggested and
requested.
Full-on promotional activity
has seen Newbury bucking the
trend both regionally and
nationally, with footfall in the
town continuing to grow for
the last three years, and an
average of 195,000 visitors per
week.
As a result of this, Newbury
has seen continued
investment in the town centre
with new businesses moving
in.
Naturally we have lost some
businesses too, but the
occupation rate of facilities
within the town is 92.5 per
cent.
With a vacancy rate, therefore,
of just 7.5 per cent, this
compares very favourably
with the regional picture
where the average vacancy
rate is 11 per cent.
One of Newbury BIDs other
tasks is managing public
spaces in the town centre,
which has generated
additional income in excess of
£180,000.
This money has been spent on
projects that BID members
have requested, and ensured
that all the BID’s running
costs are paid through this
additional revenue.
Part of the focus has included
recruiting a Street Ranger.
A friendly face on the street,
the uniformed Street Ranger
is an ambassador for the town
centre, helping visitors with
enquiries and being the
person that businesses can
turn to with BID-related
issues, or who will liaise with
the police or council on their
behalf as appropriate.
Importantly, the Ranger’s
presence has helped
considerably in reducing
instances of anti-social
behaviour.
Every penny of the BID levy
that the BID businesses
contribute is used on projects
that are making a real and
tangible difference to the town
centre.
Businesses should be in no
doubt that all of this activity –
and indeed much more – will
stop without Newbury BID at
the helm, meaning there will
be no marketing of the town
and no management of the
public spaces to generate the
additional income which is
proving so valuable.
I Newbury BID: Making a
difference
Seven up in law firm promotions
Welcome to
Gardner Leader
Welcome to
Understanding
Welcome to Value
Welcome to
Practical Solutions
Starting with really
understanding what you
want to achieve, we offer
a full legal service to
businesses and individuals.
Always happy to talk things
through before you commit,
so you know what the legal
costs are likely to be.
Providing services in a way
that suits you, we employ
enthusiastic people you will
enjoy working with.
At the heart of our community, we have been offering a full range of
legal services for businesses and individuals for nearly 120 years:
guaranteeing you peace of mind and delivering effective solutions for
your business.
LOCAL law firm, Gardner
Leader, has announced a
string of promotions across
its Newbury, Thatcham and
Maidenhead offices.
In the last three years, the
solicitors firm has increased
its turnover by 50 per cent and
acquired two other law firms,
Charles Hoile in Newbury and
Heath Buckeridge in
Maidenhead.
The firm has confirmed the
promotion of seven solicitors
across its Newbury, Thatcham
and Maidenhead offices,
including four associates
promoted in the Newbury
office, with immediate effect.
These include Tara McInnes
and Caroline Benham in the
dispute resolution team, along
with Julie Taylor in
employment and Emma Ladd
in corporate and commercial,
who all have increased
management responsibilities,
Promoted: Chris Dale, Michelle Challis, Emma Ladd and
Caroline Benham
as they move from the position
of associate, to senior
associate.
Chris Dale in the Newbury
property team has also been
promoted from solicitor, to
associate, from June 1, as has
Michelle Challis in the
conveyancing department in
Thatcham.
Fiona Tighe, a member of the
firm’s residential property
team since 2006, will become a
partner from July 1.
She will work closely with the
rest of the senior team to drive
the firm's strategic vision and
business growth as well as
continue to head up the
residential property team in
Maidenhead.
Newbury Business Today –
Apprenticeship News with
Government pledges
to create three million
extra apprenticeships
APPRENTICESHIPS have,
for several years, played a
huge part of Government
plans.
Gone are the days when
political parties used to think
that the only way to succeed
was to study at university and
‘go down the conventional
route’.
Apprenticeships play a
fundamental role in education
reforms now.
The good news is that every
main party is a supporter of
apprenticeships, so
apprenticeships will always
have a bright future ahead.
David Cameron has promised
to create an extra three
million apprenticeships and
change the welfare system so
that young people can realise
their potential.
In four years, Conservatives
doubled the number of
apprenticeships to 1.8m.
In this parliament, they plan
on going even further by
creating three million more
and ending youth
West Berkshire Training
Consortium – update
by JAZ KAUR GHALLEY
unemployment so that all
young people get a good start
in life and have the chance to
secure a better future.
These plans indicate that
delivering the best skills for
young people is a key part of
the long-term economic plan.
A combination of the
following will play a huge part
in incentivising employers
and young people to get
engaged in apprenticeships;
I Apprenticeship minimum
wage increase
I Abolition of employer
National Insurance
Contributions for apprentices
aged under 25
I Apprenticeship grant for
employers
West Berkshire Training
Consortium has demonstrated
three consecutive years of
improving success rates.
We are committed to continue
this achievement.
We have big plans for the next
few years, so we’re looking
forward to a positive future for
apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships give people
the hope and opportunity to
fulfil their potential and get on
in life.
I For free advice and guidance
on how you could take on your
next apprentice, contact me,
Jaz on (01635) 35975 or
[email protected]
‘Inspirational’ Carol up for top award
A THATCHAM woman who
launched a local branch of
a leading children’s creative
activity franchise has been
nominated for a top award.
Carol Jackson is in the
running for the prestigious
What’s On 4 2015 Junior
Awards having set up the
Creation Station West
Berkshire in September 2013.
The franchise is committed to
inspiring children’s
imagination through awardwinning arts and craft
exploration and discovery.
The educational experiences
are based on the Early Years
Foundation Stage and provide
positive shared experiences
for children and their
parents/carers to enjoy
together.
Mrs Jackson, a mother of two,
recently won a Top Inspirers
award at The Creation Station
National Conference and was
named as one of the Top
Inspirers 2015, having worked
with more than 1,000 children
in the last year at weekly
sessions, arty parties and
events.
The Creation Station West
Berkshire is now waiting to
hear the outcome of their
recent nomination in the Most
Outstanding Activity Leader
for the under-5s – South
category.
Winners are to be announced
on Friday, June 19.
Mrs Jackson said: “It has been
incredibly hard work running
the business alongside the
needs of my own family with
A great retirement and how to pay for it !
Thursday, June 11 2015
by
Cathy King,
of PBA
Accountants
Retirement doesn’t just mean lots of holidays, winning the ‘Best Kept Garden’ competition and getting under
your partner's feet, it also means being canny with your money. But careful planning for your retirement in
advance can mean that money does not become a concern.
Many retirees are finding it hard to juggle the desire for long-term saving and the need for income to cover
the costs of day-to day living, and traditional ideas of passing on an inheritance could be 'dying out', a report
by HSBC has suggested. With the Government’s new April 2015 pension reforms, whereby it is now easier
to access your pension pot, taking out as much as you like (subject to tax) the issues are even more blurred.
The survey finds that just one third of people have received an inheritance despite 58% of working-age
people planning to leave one.
Instead, increasing numbers of retirees are choosing to provide their loved ones with a 'living inheritance' of
regular financial assistance while they're still alive.
Of the surveyed retirees:
50% are supporting family and friends financially
19% regularly provide for their adult children
9% are doing the same for their grandchildren.
The study reveals changing attitudes towards the tradition of inheritance, with just 5% of respondents believing
it important to pass as much wealth as possible to the next generation.
But benefactors are beginning to feel the effects of providing 'living inheritance' to their families:
53% have not been able to achieve what they wanted to
22% worry about not being able to support their families
18% think they may end up relying on their families for financial support.
Caroline Connellan, head of wealth at HSBC UK, said:
"This report shows that withdrawals from the Bank of Mum and Dad may actually be affecting the
standard of living of many retirees. New pension freedoms have made savings more accessible, but
people should carefully consider the right balance between helping their family and making sure they
have sufficient income through retirement."
We can help you:
Plan so that everything is in the right place at the right time
Create the most efficient way of taking a back seat or selling your business
Make sure you’re making the most tax efficient choices, for example about your pension
Make sure you’ve got the right balance between investments and income
Make sure you’ve got the right life insurance cover and long term care and medical plans too
And, perhaps uncomfortably, what about what’s left of your estate, once you do pass away ? Inheritance tax may
still be an issue, as many people underestimate the likely value of their estate - and it is all too easy to exceed
the inheritance tax thresholds, especially when the value of a property is involved.
There are a number of ways your Inheritance Tax liability can be minimised, including:
Gifts to relatives and friends
Equity release schemes
Setting up a Trust
Insuring against inheritance tax
Making sure you fully use exemptions and lower tax rates
Making the most of lifetime transfers between spouses
Transferring agricultural or business property
If you would like help with planning your retirement, stepping back from your family business, or are worried
about whether you are planning things in a tax-efficient way, please give us a call
We’re accountants – and good ones at that –
and we’re business experts and advisors too.
Together we’ll look after your accounts…
and the rest of your business.
Carol Jackson is an inspiration to hundreds of Thatcham children
two young children, so it feels
amazing to receive
recognition in the form of
these awards and nomination.
“I love seeing the children at
my sessions each week,
watching their confidence
increase and their skills
develop as the weeks go by.
“Their excitement and
enthusiasm is truly heartwarming to be a part of.
“Thank you to all the families
I’ve met over the last 20
months at sessions, parties
and events – I’m looking
forward to inspiring many
more imaginations in the
future.”
The Creation Station West
Berkshire is available for
parties and events throughout
West Berkshire and weekly
sessions run during term time
on Mondays at Leap Frog
Ceramics in Thatcham and on
Fridays at Eddie Catz in
Newbury.
For more details, contact
Carol Jackson by emailing
caroljackson@thecreationstati
on.co.uk or calling 0844 874
7361.
We love making things
grow. We'll be there from
the start, setting you off
on the right path.
PBA Accountants
130 High Street Hungerford
Berkshire RG17 0DL
We're always in your
corner. We'll help you do
the right things at the
right time
We'll work with you as
part of the team - and we
never stop helping you
reach your potential
Telephone: 01488 682027
[email protected]
www.pbaaccountants.co.uk
7
8
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
SPONSOR’S MESSAGE
Time to go large with
the big bang theory
FORGET black holes. The big bang
we’re talking about here is the huge
impression printed products make
when they go large.
Whether it’s exhibition stands, pull-up
banners, traditional banners,
promotional boards or posters, when you
want to shout about what you do, large
format printing is the way to go.
It’s what catches the eye in-store, outside
a venue, at tradeshows or exhibitions, at
fêtes, fairs and even weddings.
It’s what stands out in the crowd, too big
to be ignored.
Most of us know the answer to the age-old
question ‘How do you eat an elephant?’
But how do you print an elephant? Now
that’s a new one.
When Apple Print & Creative in Newbury
were challenged by a client to produce
some promotional boards featuring an
almost life-size elephant, they rubbed
their hands with glee.
There is nothing their creative and print
teams like better than putting their heads
together to come up with an innovative
and workable solution.
The effect of an elephant that stood up
was astonishing and much admired.
Jo Stace, studio manager at Apple Print &
Creative, explains the theory behind the
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design for large format printing: “It’s a
whole different approach to small-scale
items.
“You have to consider how the item is
going to be displayed and what its purpose
is: for example is it going to be advertising
something or simply shouting out a
message?
“Considering distance is also vital. What
main messages need to be seen from some
way off ? Is the expectation that some
messages will be read up close? The
correct choice of font and point size is
essential.”
Imagery too is not something to be chosen
lightly. Jo explains: “The traditional rules
of file size and dimensions for images
change with large format printing.
“The human eye is a curious thing and
what looks great at a distance may look
like nothing at all close up.
“It takes expertise and experience to
make the whole thing work on all levels,
and at Apple Print & Creative we never
leave anything to chance.
“The design team will always work with
the print team to get samples printed out
to make sure the solution we think will
look great does actually look great, and
gives the client something they will want
to shout about – in a good way.”
A recent project for Jo and the team was
providing promotional boards for a water
softener company. Nothing unusual there?
When they are inside a van with an onthe-road display kitchen it becomes a
little more so: ensuring each board is
sized to line up and fit exactly into its
allocated space, and that the size and
position of the text works as potential
customers enter the van, and when they
get up close.
The client absolutely loved the waterytheme design, too.
As the world of large format printing
evolves and new technologies come to
market, the number of businesses seeing
the advantages of using large format
printed products to make a bold statement
is increasing.
Printing is a quick, easy and effective way
to big-up your business with a whole new
eye-catching campaign without breaking
the bank.
Why not contact Apple Print & Creative to
see how they can stop your business
falling into a black hole and give it a big
bang of a boost instead?
Visit them at www.appleprint.co.uk, fill in
your details on their enquiry form for a
call back, email them at
[email protected], give James or
John a call on 01635 521654, or pop in in
and see them at The Orchard, Abex Road,
Newbury, RG14 5EY.
Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
9
“I enjoy helping
people open their
wings and fly”
Business coach is a success after tough start to life
ANTHONY Fleming made a
conscious decision as a child
that he would not let his past
shape his future.
The house in Newtown, which
he recently renovated with his
wife Shohreh, is a far cry from
the Doncaster orphanages in
which he spent his childhood
and are testament to the
successful businessman
achieving his life’s ambition.
At the age of just three his
father put him and his brother
and sister into their first
orphanage.
“When I was nine years old my
mother managed to get her first
council flat and the first thing
she did was get me out of the
orphanage,” he says. “We had
nothing in the flat, no furniture.
“At that very early age I decided
that my past was not going to
shape my future and I was
going to have a much better and
brighter future. And I decided I
would help people do the same.”
Anthony says he always did
well at school, despite having
‘very little encouragement and
support’, but had to leave early
to bring money into the home.
By his early 20s Anthony had
become a member of the Baha’i
faith.
“My sister started talking about
the Baha’i faith and I was
worried that I needed to get her
out of it, so I went to a meeting
to try to find out what she was
involved in,” he explains.
THE
INTERVIEW:
Business coach
ANTHONY FLEMING
talks to Newbury
Business Today’s
SARAH BOSLEY
“But after three months I
realised I believed in it too and I
have been a member since
1979.”
It was his religious conviction
and the desire to support and
help the community that took
him to the Faroe Islands for six
months during the early 1980s.
“I was working for the Coal
Board at the time, in a
managerial position, and
everyone kept telling me I was
crazy leaving what was then a
good job,” he says.
He then spent time in Sierra
Leone, before settling in Israel
for eight years, working at the
Baha’i World Centre, in a
number of roles, including
admin and IT.
“After Israel I came back to
England and picked back up
with my education,” he adds. “I
learned TEFL (Teaching
English as a Foreign Language)
in London, but I have never
actually put it to use. I then
studied Business and IT.”
He went on to become an NLP
(neuro-linguistic
programming) practitioner;
studying with Paul McKenna
and the technique’s creator
Richard Bandler, before also
becoming a trainer.
Anthony started offering free
coaching to friends and
acquaintances. “Whatever the
problem I tried to help people,”
he adds. “I had no boundaries
and was getting a lot of positive
testimonials and results. I
realised I was quite good at it.
“But I also realised that free
doesn’t work because people
don’t value free. People listen
more intently when they are
paying because they want good
value for money.
“People were always prompting
me to get involved in business,
especially my wife, who is a
successful businesswoman
herself.”
Anthony met his wife, Shohreh,
in his early 20s, but she turned
down his first marriage
proposal all those years ago.
When they met years later
Anthony knew instantly that he
was still in love with her.
Luckily she felt the same way
and they have now been happily
married for 14 years. Shohreh
runs the Thatcham-based
Prestige Network – a specialist
language business.
“I enjoy helping people open
their wings and fly, but it
happened naturally that I got
drawn into business coaching
Anthony Fleming has set up his own business coaching company
and mentoring and I realised I
was good at it,” he adds.
“I have worked with Prestige
but it always seemed to be when
they had a problem.
“The last time I went back was
three years ago, when I was a
consultant for them.
“That ended last May and in
that time I increased profits by
700 per cent, which was a
fantastic success.”
Anthony is also very proud of
the help he has been able to
provide to local company Luke
Johnson Flooring, of which he
is now a partner.
Seeing the results he was
“Be open to opportunities and never say no
until you know what is on offer!”
getting prompted Anthony to
set up his business coaching
company – Anthonyfleming.com.
“It all came about in the last six
months,” he explains. “That is
when I realised how effective I
am at it, so it became my focus.
“I blend life coaching with
business coaching and it is
getting the results that gives me
the real buzz.
“You cannot change someone
until they are ready, though. I
don’t train anyone if I can see
they are not ready.
“You cannot change a business
if you don’t change the
psychology of the people at the
top.”
His desire to want help others
extends into his personal life
too. Anthony, who is 59 years
old, and Shohreh are in the
process of setting up their own
charity.
The aim of Children’s
Champion is to raise funds to
distribute to help young people
with anything they need, from
buying a new wheelchair to
funding their education.
Anthony is also a trustee of the
local organisation, Young
People and Children 1st West
Berkshire.
Contact me today on 01635 528 594
or email me at [email protected]
This is the back of my business card.
The quotation is so important and yet the advice is something that we often ignore.
Why? Usually out of fear: fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of making a mistake,
fear of losing what you have already...
How do you recognise fear?
The easy answer is: catch yourself telling a story. It could be ‘‘It’s not the right time....
There is too much competition... I could lose my money... This is how I have always done it.’’
Why would I need a
Business Executive Coach?
Are you satisfied with what you
have achieved so far?
The answer to this question is simple:
If not what are you going
to do about it?
Do you think that with help you
could do much better?
The business professionals
on the right thought so. They
asked for help and reaped
the rewards…
1 - To help you to make more money.
2 - To help you to clarify your goals.
3 - To keep you focused on your goals.
4 - To be at your side when it gets tough.
5 - To empower you.
6 - To help you to grow and become more.
What do you think...?
‘‘Since Anthony’s arrival... he has always been the one ‘to make a difference’. His
presence and professional and management skills have been a major factor in the
success of the company.’’
- Company Director
‘‘My time with Anthony has been fantastic and money well invested. He has helped
me regain my confidence and I am now flying at work. As I write this, I am less
than 2 months into our business year and already 150% of my annual target!’’
- Financial Advisor
‘‘Anthony can walk into any situation and make the environment positive by his
sheer presence!’’
- CEO & Business Owner
www.anthony-fleming.com
10
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
2015
2015 WEST BERKSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS
HEADLINE SPONSOR BAYER
The West Berkshire Business Awards winners from 2014
WBBA 2015
Categories, sponsors
and how you can enter
DO YOU think your
business is worthy of an
award?
The website for the West
Berkshire Business Awards
is open for applications and
will close on June 26.
Open to businesses of all
sizes, the awards are free to
enter and application forms
can be obtained through the
website
www.westberkshirebusiness
awards.co.uk
The nine categories for this
year are as follows:
I PBA Accountants Small
Business Award
I The Newbury Racecourse
Rural Award
2015
I The Mercedes Benz of
Newbury Customer Care
Award
I Newbury BID Independent
RetailerAward
I Business Executive
Advantage Business
Innovation Award
I West Berkshire Council
Charity & Community
Award
I Apple Print & Creative New
Business Start Up Award
I Santander Independent
Pub and Restaurant Award
I Roc Technologies Employer
of the Year Award
I The Bayer West Berkshire
Business of the Year 2015
Award
2015 WEST BERKSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH NEWBURY WEEKLY NEWS
HEADLINE SPONSOR BAYER
Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
11
Company urges businesses to enter awards
after last year’s win helps double turnover
Berkshire Business of the
Year Award in 2014, Roc
Technologies has doubled its
turnover from £4m to £8m.
It is this rapid growth and the
desire for more
comprehensive customer
facilities that has led the
company to move into larger,
prestigious offices in The
Wharf in Newbury.
The man overlooking its
success, Mr Franklin, spoke to
Newbury Business Today
about what winning the award
has done for Roc.
He said: “I think there are a
number of things that have
had a positive impact on the
company since winning the
Bayer West Berkshire
Business of the Year Award. It
has certainly created more
awareness about who we are
and what we do in the local
area.
“It has also helped us to
attract new customers.
Customers like to be
associated with a growing
successful business and when
you are a small business like
ourselves that is invaluable.
“It has really raised our
profile and it is great for the
staff to get the recognition
they deserve and to be able to
share our success together.
THERE are just two weeks
to go until the deadline for
applications for this year’s
West Berkshire Business
Awards.
Now in its third year, the
awards, in association with
the Newbury Weekly News, is
an initiative to recognise and
celebrate the often unnoticed
success of the local business
community.
Matt Franklin, the managing
director of IT services
provider Roc Technologies –
which last year won the
coveted West Berkshire
Business of the Year Award –
has urged people to apply.
There are nine individual
categories to enter this year,
covering all aspects of
business and charity.
Each category is sponsored by
a local business and there is
also the Bayer West Berkshire
Business of the Year Award –
the winner of which is chosen
from the winners of the
individual categories.
The event culminates in the
2015 West Berkshire Business
Awards gala dinner and
ceremony at Newbury
Racecourse on Friday, October
16.
Since winning the West
NCS
Managing director of Roc Technologies, Matt Franklin accepts the West Berkshire Business of
the Year 2014 Award
“We have also managed to
double our turnover in the
past 12 months and recently
moved to larger flagship
offices.
“I would really recommend
applying for the award – you
never know if you’ll win
New Commercial Services
Complete Interior Solutions
unless you enter.”
Mr Franklin, a father-of-three,
is no stranger to success.
In 1996 he started his own
business, Prime Business
Solutions, which he grew from
zero to £30m of revenues in the
space of eight years.
This success led to him being
named young entrepreneur of
the year in 2001 at the age of
30. A year later, Prime
Business Solutions won an
award for the fastest growing
IT services company.
The company was
subsequently acquired by a
large integrator for £28m in
2004.
Speaking about Roc’s plans for
the future, Mr Franklin
added: “We are looking to be a
£20m company by end of 2018
and carry on the positive
momentum we have had over
the last few years.
“We also want to get a
diversified customer base.”
Mr Franklin added: “West
Berkshire is a nice place to
live and to run a business –
you have everything here,
good schools, nice
countryside, low crime rates
and great transport links.
“It’s a good bub for business
and a very attractive place to
be.
“You have a good shopping
centre at Parkway and big
businesses such as Bayer and
Vodafone; it ticks all the
boxes.”
The entry deadline for this
year’s awards is Friday, June
26. The finalists will be
interviewed in July before
being announced on Monday,
August 3.
To enter your business, visit
http://www.westberkshirebus
inessawards.co.uk/awardcategories/
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12
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Teaming up to offer
a top legal service
Hungerford solicitors enters partnership with Newbury Business Today
DICKINS Hopgood Chidley
Solicitors is delighted to be
entering a new partnership
with Newbury Business
Today.
We hope that, over the next
year, we will be able to inform
and engage with other
business owners and new and
existing clients through our
articles.
If there is anything you would
like to hear about, just let us
know.
We have been established in
Hungerford for almost 20 years
now, and occupy a lovely
building at the Old School
House in Hungerford High
Street.
We provide practical legal
advice to landowners,
businesses, individuals
moving house or requiring
wills and inheritance advice,
employers and employees from
West Berkshire, Wiltshire,
Hampshire and beyond.
We can guide you through
setting up a business,
shareholders’ or partnership
agreements, employment
contracts and leases of
premises. We can advise you
on personal matters, such as
wills or probate and
conveyancing.
Should you be caught up in a
dispute we have a litigation
department to help you deal
with it.
Our team is made up of six
solicitors, two conveyancing
executives and a trainee
solicitor, as well as
experienced and hardworking
support staff.
We all have our own
specialities and work very
closely together to ensure all
aspects of your case are
managed by the people with
the right experience. You will
always deal with us directly
and personally.
Among us are two notary
publics (two of only three in
the West Berkshire area), who
prepare and authenticate
documents for use overseas as
well as company documents.
If you have any legal concerns,
please do get in touch. Call us
on 01488 683555, or email us at
[email protected].
One of our team will be happy
to speak to you to see if we can
help you or your business.
THE ONLY BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
PUBLICATION IN WEST BERKSHIRE
A monthly publication within the Newbury Weekly News
Circulation: 15,921 Readership: 49,197
Each month Newbury Business
Today features the latest news
for local businesses and the
commercial community, along
with specially written and topical
business advice columns by
experts in their field.
For more information
on how to book into our
next issue call:
(01635) 564515
newburytoday.co.uk
“
“
1st for local businesses
in West Berkshire
”
”
23,000 adults have read
the Business News over
the last month
Helen Dunham and Christian Adams receiving the award for UK Best
Specialist Multiple Retailer of Gifts
Photo: Eddie MacDonald
A Tempting award win
TEMPTATION Gifts in Newbury
was the winner of the UK Best
Specialist Multiple Retailer of
Gifts category at the recent
Greats Gift Retailer Awards, held
at The Savoy Hotel London.
This success follows the
company’s award in February,
when its buying team were
recognised as UK Best Gift
Buyers alongside John Lewis. It
is Temptation’s 10th national
award in the last eight years,
including five for Best Online
Gift Retailer.
The Greats Awards are organised
by publishing group Max
Publishing, through their
specialist trade journal
Progressive Gifts & Home. They
are designed to reward the top
gift retailers in the UK on a
regional and national basis.
Temptation Gifts’ head of retail,
Helen Dunham, said: “This
award will mean a great deal to
every single one of my retail
team. Over the last few years,
retail has been a tough business
to be in, but our motivation is
always to provide the best
possible service to our
customers. We have a high level
of loyalty from our local
customers in all our towns, and
that is what makes the job so
rewarding”
Temptation Gifts was established
in 1983. They have six stores in
the Home Counties and have
been trading online as
TemptationGifts.com since 2000.
Managing director Mike Adams
said: “We never ever forget,
though, that the only thing that
really matters is the opinion of
our customers.”
Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
13
SPONSOR’S MESSAGE
Find your new home at Greenham
GREENHAM
Common
Trust has secured planning
permission for the development of attractive office
and warehouse accommodation offering tenants a
prestigious location within
Greenham Business Park.
Buildings 35, 36 and 37 will
be constructed near the business park’s main entrance and
work is due to commence later
this year.
It is anticipated that the
buildings will be available to
let from early 2016.
Building 35 is a new warehouse/distribution facility of
around 6,000 sq ft (gross internal area), which includes a
two-storey office component.
Some key features of the
building include:
Roller door access via a
shared yard and loading area
7.2 metre eaves height
Nine parking spaces
Building 37 is a new
office/HQ facility of around
6,000 sq ft (net internal area),
spread over two floors. Some
key features of the building
include:
23 parking spaces
Open plan office layout suitable for subdivision
Fibre broadband connectivity
Building 36 (warehouse/
distribution) is already under
offer and we are actively seeking occupiers for 35 and 37.
The units are both offered to
let only.
Above left, a bird’s eye view of how Buildings 35-37 will look, and, above right, the Albury Way entrance to Greenham Business Park
Greenham Business Park is
a great strategic logistical
location at the crossroads of
southern England, situated on
the A339 Basingstoke Road
with easy access to the A34
and M4 (Junction 13) and just
three miles from Newbury
town centre and train station.
The park’s close proximity
to the housing stock of
Newbury
and
Thatcham
means it can draw on the
labour supply provided by
both towns which have a com-
bined population of approximately 66,000.
Greenham Business Park is
a community in itself with
around 150 businesses from
leading manufacturers to car
mechanics and dog groomers
to leading engineering firms
and technology start-ups.
Not many business parks
can offer a 1,000-acre common
on their doorstep as well as 24hour security, 365 days a year.
There are also excellent
facilities on the park, includ-
ing a day nursery for childcare, a café and a tandoori
restaurant, an active arts centre and theatre plus an
American Ballroom, which
offers dance and exercise
classes and five-a-side football.
The business park offers
friendly serviced space with
subsidised meeting and conference space, all broadband
and wi-fi enabled.
There is plenty of parking
available for staff and visitors
and a subsidised bus service
linking Newbury and Bishops
Green to the business park.
Greenham Business Park
Ltd
is
the
commercial
subsidiary
of
Greenham
Common Community Trust
Ltd, a charity which reinvests
and redistributes its income
to local charitable good causes.
Since it started in 1997 it has
given more than £27m to local
charities and community
organisations.
The trust, through its joint
commercial property agents,
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Deal Varney and Richardson
Commercial, would be pleased
to discuss specific occupier
requirements on a forward
commitment basis.
FOR more information
please contact:
Deal Varney on (01635)
550211 or
[email protected]
Richardson Commercial
on (01635) 282566 or
[email protected]
14
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Lambourn - Who’s in the area?
Thriving businesses within the valley of the racehorse
many years working for various contractors
and deciding to “go it alone”.
Stuart set up 4 Counties Farm Services in a
determination to provide a company which
offers farmers and land owners a very
personal and friendly service in conjunction
with professionalism and experience.
With the combination of knowledge,
experience and old-fashioned hard work, 4
Counties can always offer the right solution
to get any job done quickly and efficiently.
4 Counties Farm Services only run
machinery of the highest quality so as to
offer you complete reliability at the busiest
of times.
1:
Baydown Mowers
2:
Sheepdrove Organic
Farm
3:
ND Services
4:
4 Counties Farm
Services
5:
Universal Stores
THE village of Lambourn is located in
Berkshire near the source of the River
Lambourn on the beautiful chalk
downlands of England.
Lambourn is famous for its association
with the training of the world’s finest race
horses, including the 2015 Crabbies Grand
National winner.
There are more than 1,500 horses in
training in the Lambourn valley with over 50
racing yards.
The springy downland turf make the
perfect gallops and the large uninterrupted
open spaces create an ideal environment to
breed and train horses.
The Betfair Lambourn Open Day, held on
Good Friday every year, is a great
opportunity to experience the horses close
up.
Another major event in the valley is the
Lambourn Festival, comprising many events
in the summer.
But apart from the association with the
racing world, Lambourn is also home to a
number of successful businesses, of which
some have been highlighted.
BAYDON MOWERS is a garden
machinery specialist serving those living in
Marlborough, Hungerford, Lambourn,
Pewsey, Ramsbury and Aldbourne.
Covering all makes of new machines,
service and repairs as well as offering
warranty, they are also a welding gas
supplier.
ND SERVICES is a family-run vehicle
repair business operating from purpose-built
premises in Aldbourne, Wiltshire, and
Membury, Berkshire. It offers full vehicle
maintenance packages tailored to any
vehicle.
Whether you are a fleet operator or ownerdriver it will have a solution that suits your
business needs.
It can cater for all manufacturers and
provides a 24-hour breakdown and recovery
service anywhere in the UK.
It is VOSA approved for prep testing for
larger vehicles, as well as cars and trailers.
LAMBOURN UNIVERSAL STORES is
more than just a hardware shop!
They also stock everything you need for the
garden, electrical goods, household products,
wild bird and pet foods, greeting cards and
stationary and also giftware.
Lambourn Universal Stores is the one stop
shop for everything you need for your home
and garden, with friendly staff whose aim
is to ‘try harder to please’.
Stuart Buchanan established 4 COUNTIES
FARM SERVICES in 2006 after having spent
Having added garden machinery repairs
and servicing to their bow, offering a friendly
efficient and reliable service to all makes and
models of garden machinery which includes
hedge cutters, compact tractors, strimmers,
quad bikes, chain saws, gators, lawn mowers
and rotorvators.
4 Counties also offer an out-of-hours and
weekend service.
4 Counties is based in the middle of
Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and
Wiltshire and run the latest high-speed
tractors to travel to your site quickly and
efficiently.
High
on
the
Berkshire
Downs,
SHEEPDROVE ORGANIC FARM is a
model of environmentally-responsible
farming driven by a passion and concern for
animal welfare, biodiversity and wildlife
conservation.
Producers of organic grass-fed beef, lamb,
mutton and suppliers of organic free-range
pork and poultry, they also produce seasonal
turkey, goose and duck. There’s no GMO, no
routine antibiotics and everything is fully
traceable from field to fork.
Sheepdrove Eco-Conference Centre was
built by enviromental campaigners,
publishers and farmers Peter and Juliet
Kindersley to reflect the concepts they hold
dear: sustainability, consideration for the
environment and the best organic food.
It is more than just a series of rooms: its
eco-friendly, sustainable building offers a
unique and creative atmosphere to inspire
fresh thinking and generate real innovation.
BAYDON MOWERS
Garden Machinery Specialist
All makes of new machines
taken
G Collection and delivery
G Spare parts
G Servicing & repairs
G Warranty
G
4-5-7
G Trade-ins
To advertise your business in a
future feature within the
Newbury Business Today
please contact
Nicola or Roz
on 01635 564515/564595
WELDING GAS
(Mig & pure argon)
(Oxygen & Acetylene)
Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm;
Saturday: 9am-1pm Easy to find us,
large carpark, workshop and showroom
Farncombe Farm, Baydon Road,
Lambourn RG17 7BN
01488 71333 • www.baydonmowers.co.uk
ND SERVICES established 20 years
Serving the local community with 24-hour breakdown recovery across the UK.
At ND we pride ourselves on a warm and friendly welcome with an assurance of
first class service by our team
HORSEBOX SPECIALISTS
MOT Testing - Classes 4, 5, 7
Servicing and Repairs on all
makes - Cars, Vans, 4x4, HGV’s
Tyres and Exhausts
Unit F Aeriel Business Park, Lambourn Woodlands,
Membury, Hungerford, Berkshire RG17 7RZ
Phone: 01488 72118
www.nd-services.co.uk
Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
15
Commercial focus
A wonderful hub of
commerce within an
idyllic rural setting
Maps show approximate locations only
4
2
5
3
Lambourn Woodlands
FR
E
E
1
G
M
O
LAMBOURN
SHEEPDROVE
ORGANIC FARM & ECO CENTRE
Simply working with nature
Organic meat boxes from our homereared grass fed livestock
En-suite accommodation
FREE DELIVERY to Lambourn &
surrounding areas
Butchers’ shops in Bristol & Maida Vale
Conference and function spaces for up to
150 guests
Inspiring outdoor spaces, perfect for
teambuilding activities
Fully licensed bar and gift shop
Organic bread sown, grown, milled and
baked onsite by Aston’s Bakery
Raw fermented products produced by
The Cultured Cellar
Find out more about what your local organic farm can offer
01488 674747
www.sheepdrove.com
6+((3'529(25*$1,&)$50Ã/$0%2851Ã%(5.6+,5(Ã5*88
UNIVERSAL
S T O R E S
Four candles to fork handles!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED
FOR HOME & GARDEN
local store for local people
with local delivery
15 HIGH STREET, LAMBOURN
Tel: 01488 72353
Garden machinery
repairs and servicing
Offering a friendly, efficient & reliable service.
• Free quotations
• Collection and delivery available
• Rotary Mower Servicing from £59
• All makes & models undertaken
Hedge cutters Compact tractors
Strimmers Quad Bikes
Chain saws Gators
Lawn Mowers Rotorvators
Call: 01488 71939
or Email: [email protected]
www.4cfs.co.uk
16
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
meet the members
Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce
Tory triumph erases
short-term concerns
But Government’s small majority faces tricky situations in months to come
THE General Election yielded
a major surprise with the
Conservatives winning a
small majority, a scenario
none of the opinion polls had
suggested was likely.
In the short-term this wipes
away all of the concerns about
lengthy negotiations generating
a climate of uncertainty.
However, the medium-term
outlook is more uncertain, with
the experience of the past
suggesting that governing with a
small majority can be tricky.
The prospect of an EU
referendum is now very real and
the rise of the SNP brings the
future of the Union further into
question.
This small majority will allow
the Government to govern alone
and they have certainly started
work immediately.
Services – the economy’s
dominant sector – looks set to
drive a much-improved outturn
for GDP growth in Q2.
In contrast, trade data reported
that the trade deficit widened
from £6bn in Q4 2014 to £7.5bn in
Q1 2015, suggesting that net trade
is likely to have exerted a modest
drag on GDP growth in Q1.
Therefore, while the government
may be taking control of an
economy which is finally
enjoying a sustained period of
reasonably firm growth, it
remains a largely domestic affair
with the long-awaited
rebalancing of the economy
remaining elusive.
In the meantime, we urge the
new Government to focus on the
following:
Public spending: business
wants a plan for fiscal
consolidation that is carefully
balanced with the overriding
need to nurture growth and
investment.
Trade: business wants a longterm partnership with
government to kindle an export
revolution.
Talent: business and
government must also do more
together to equip young people
for the world of work and
enterprise. We must not fail
bright young people who never
see the front gates of a
university, but who have so much
to contribute to business and our
country.
Investment: do not be afraid to
create bold tax incentives for UK
companies that make long-term
investments in people, plant,
premises and export growth.
Grow the British Business Bank
and continue the drive to tame
regulatory burdens. Recent
decades of underinvestment will
take time, and sharp focus, to
overcome.
Europe: we continue to support
the search for a new settlement
for Britain in Europe. Business
wants fundamental reform of the
UK’s relationship with the EU.
Infrastructure: irreversible
commitments to new airport
capacity in the South East of
England – and to the delivery of
the positive road, rail, energy
and communications
enhancements announced
during the last parliament.
I West Berkshire Chamber (part
of the Thames Valley Chamber
Group) works with businesses to
help them achieve their full
potential. To find out more about
our services email
[email protected] or
call 01753 870500.
Richard Benyon retained his seat at Newbury as the Conservatives
claimed an overall majority in the House of Commons
8 REASONS TO CALL WILTSHIRE CONCRETE?
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Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
17
Mercedes tie up service contract
Deal seals 26-year partnership with DPD Group
MERCEDES-BENZ
Vans has entered into
a bespoke service
contract with the DPD
Group.
The service contract is a
unique tailored offering
with significant focus on
vehicle uptime.
This marks phase one of
the bespoke Complete
Care service contract
across DPD’s ‘Region 6’,
which covers Carlisle,
Aberdeen, two sites in
Glasgow, one in Dundee
and a super hub in
Edinburgh.
The Complete Care
solution developed for
DPD covers an extensive
list of vehicle items,
including: routine
service costs with all
parts and labour,
lubricants, all friction
materials and all clutch
friction materials; MOT
test fees; and repair or
replacement of engine,
gearbox, rear axle, all
other mechanical
components, all
computing management
systems and all other
electrical components.
Mercedes-Benz Vans
and DPD are celebrating
a 26-year collaborative
partnership in 2015,
further cemented by the
rollout of the Complete
Care plan.
Strategically, the DPD
Group envisages all of
their fleet of MercedesBenz vans will move
onto the Complete Care
service contract over the
next two years.
Charlie Shiels, executive
director – central
operations at the DPD
Group, commented:
“This decision takes our
relationship with
Mercedes-Benz to a new
strategic level.
“We would not have
made this decision if we
were not 100 per cent
comfortable and
confident with the
Network’s ability to
deliver an amazing
service for us.
“Mercedes Benz is a
vital part in helping us
deliver our customer
promise.”
Steve Bridge, managing
director, Mercedes-Benz
Vans, said: “We have
worked in partnership
with DPD for more than
a quarter of a century –
and that speaks
volumes.
“The biggest ‘thank you’
we can now give back to
DPD is to ensure the
highest levels of uptime
are achieved as a result
of the full Complete
Care package put in
place.”
SHARP’S
AUTOS
Established
in 2005
Over 28 years
experience
All makes
welcome, from
small cars to light
vans / commerical
All Makes and Models Serviced
MOT by Appointment
Quality Vehicle Servicing and Repairs
Superior Quality at Independent Rates
Vehicle Servicing
Clutches | Welding
Exhausts | Brakes
Diagnostics | Tyres & Wheel
Balancing
Servicing & mechanical repairs
Diagnostics
Air conditioning / climate control
Pre MOT checks and repairs service
Registered MOT testing station
Fleet management Cars or Vans
Car bodywork arranged
Book your next Vehicle Service, MOT or Aircon Service today
by calling us now on 01635 551661 or visit our website at
www.sharpsautos.co.uk
Sharp’s Autos, Unit 2, Bone Lane,
Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 5SH
only a phone call away: 01635 524343
www.hmcgarage.co.uk
Unit 54, Unity House, Greenham Business Park, Berkshire, RG19 6HW
To book this space for
1 month costs just
01635 37913 www.promptautos.co.uk
• Servicing and Repairs To
Cars and Light Commercials
• Free Local Collection and
Delivery
• Free Wash With Major Repair
and Servicing
• Tyres, Tracking and Brakes
• Air Conditioning
• MOT Testing and Preparation
• Courtesy Cars and Vans
• Engine Management
• Batteries, Exhausts,
Welding
• Bodywork - Crash Repairs
• Valeting and Pre-sale
Checking
• Gear Box
Repairs and
Replacements
Waterside Court, Bone Lane,
Newbury, Berks,
Retail Motor
Industry Federation
RG14 5SH
£99 + VAT
If you book this for 6 months in our
Commercial Motors section,
you will receive a 1/2 page editorial
absolutely free!
For more information
please call Nicola McGuinness
or Roz Cooper
on 01635 886615
or 01635 886695
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Ball Hill, Newbury, Berks
call Ian on (01635) 254487
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Unit A6, Faraday Road, Newbury, Berks, RG14 2AD
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Special Offer of £49.00 + VAT if this Ad is produced
18
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Calm down and rise above the rage
AS A driver, experiencing
someone else’s road rage is
something that scares many.
With the correct frame of mind
and a bit of planning, you can
easily avoid this unpleasant
situation from ever happening to
you.
In this week’s driving tips, IAM
head of driving standards Peter
Rodger talks about how to avoid
becoming a road rage victim, and
what to do if it does escalate.
The first point is that with any
conflict between two parties, both
are likely to have played a part.
So try to take yourself away from
the problem – let the other driver
go on ahead.
You might feel wronged, but
letting the other party go will
make no difference to the rest of
your day.
If someone is being
confrontational or aggressive,
don’t make eye contact and don’t
react visibly.
And in your own mind, try to
think about a different subject as
quick as you can, so that the
incident doesn’t affect you
afterwards.
If the conflict is more serious and
other processes aren’t working,
call the police, especially if you
feel there is a threat or possibility
of violence against you.
As mentioned earlier, a sure way
of remaining calm in this
situation is to put this incident in
the context of your day.
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How big a part is this compared to
your other activities?
You might feel frustrated, but
letting it go is the best course of
action.
If the other party approaches you
in your car, can you drive away
safely?
If you can, consider doing so.
But don’t rush off and drive like
the getaway driver in a film, or
drive off if you think the other
driver is going to chase you.
If you, or better, your passengers,
can film any behaviour on your
mobile phone it will help in terms
of evidence, including the
registration number of the other
vehicle involved.
Don’t open your door, don’t open
your windows fully and don’t
start or get provoked into an
argument.
If you were at fault, admit it and
apologise. It may be enough to
diffuse the situation quickly.
And do not do anything that can
be interpreted as retaliation.
Even if you weren’t at fault, is the
argument really worth it?
Hopefully by now the matter is
over and you are driving away.
Do acknowledge that this incident
will have affected your behaviour.
If you feel upset or emotional,
pull over and get some fresh air or
walk around if you need to before
resuming your journey.
Again find some distraction, like
listening to the radio. Move your
mind deliberately onto something
else – deliberately driving well
would be a good example – but
don’t dwell on the incident.
Peter said: “Road rage does not
affect everyone every day.
“If you’re finding it is happening
very often, you might want to
think about how you engage with
other road users.
“Unlike pedestrians walking
towards each other; who can
easily get a feel of what the other
person will do, where they might
go or the mood they’re in, you
have no such opportunities
cocooned in your car.
“So it is important not to be
antagonistic or obstructive,
perhaps making a person already
having a bad day boil over.”
He concluded: “No-one need
experience road rage, but it us up
to each of us to ensure it stays
that way.”
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Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
19
Swedish style is
second to none
Volvo XC90 is voted best 4X4 in Car of the Year awards
SWEDISH style, cuttingedge technology and classleading refinement have
seen the all-new Volvo XC90
beat its rivals to a
prestigious UK award.
Diesel Car Magazine has been
named the XC90 as Best 4x4
category winner in its 2015 Car
of the Year awards.
Judges praised the Volvo’s
engineering, driving dynamics,
interior quality, powertrains
and design, saying it was
“perhaps the most significant
new car in the company’s 88year history”.
Nick Connor, managing
director of Volvo Car UK, said:
“The XC90 is a true landmark
for Volvo – indeed it represents
the dawn of a new era for our
brand in this country, so I’m
absolutely delighted to receive
this award.
“It’s a car we’re really proud of,
and which has generated a lot
of interest – and more than
1,000 customer orders – even
before it has officially arrived
at UK dealers.
“It’s a great start to an exciting
future for Volvo in the UK.”
Priced from £45,750, the all-new
Volvo XC90 is available to order
now and is built around a new
Volvo-designed and built
platform and engine
architecture that will underpin
next generation Volvo models.
It is available with a 225hp,
four-cylinder D5 AWD diesel
engine with CO2 emissions
from just 149g/km, returning
up to 49.6mpg combined cycle
fuel economy.
Also available is a 320hp petrol
engine option, plus a T8 twin
engine variant that combines a
petrol engine with an electric
motor for 49g/km CO2
emissions and hybrid levels of
fuel economy.
Announcing the award win,
Ian Robertson, editor and
publisher of Diesel Car
Magazine, said: “The first allnew car to be launched by
Volvo using a totally fresh
architecture, it’s obvious that
no expense has been spared in
search of excellence, with the
introduction of all-new 2.0-litre
powertrains, a fresh scalable
platform and the very latest
technology, together with a
heavy dose of Swedish style for
good measure.
“Elevated quality levels, classleading refinement and
economy, and a behind-thewheel experience that is driver
focussed, all contrive to create
a vehicle that is at the pinnacle
of the 4x4 class.”
For more information about
the XC90 and the full range of
Volvo models, visit Fawcetts
Garage Limited, The Triangle,
Pinchington Lane, Newbury,
Berkshire RG14 7HT. Call them
on (01635) 46660 or visit the
website
www.fawcettsgarage.co.uk
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20
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Increasing demand
for industrial space
Retail sector is slow but office business is thriving
MAY continued the busy
theme started in the early
months of 2015 with
continuing reductions in
supply and increasing
demand.
Although the retail sector
remains slow, the office and
particularly the industrial
sectors remain very busy.
Transactions for the month
include Rannoch House on
Newbury Business Park.
This has been let to a leading
communications company,
taking a five-year lease of the
whole building, representing
a significant letting on the
park.
The property, owned by a
local private client, has 11,288
sq ft on two floors with air
conditioning and 39 car
parking spaces.
Rannoch is one of two
connected buildings – the
other, Lomand House, was let
to AMEC last year.
Quoted terms were £17.50 per
sq ft – Deal Varney and Hicks
Baker in Reading acted for
the owner, while Johnson
Controls acted for the tenant.
Number 29 Kingfisher Court
has been sold – 2,139 sq ft on
two floors, the building was
available at £175,000 and
owned by a private investor
and sold to a private pension
scheme.
On the industrial front
activity has been strong with
a recent letting of Unit H
Hambridge Lane.
The warehouse offers 7,790 sq
ft and has been let to West
Berkshire Van Hire, who
were previously based in
Hermitage.
Also in Hambridge Lane,
units 1 & 2 The Galloway
West Berkshire Van Hire are the new tenants at Unit H in Hambridge Lane
Lomand and Rannoch House on Newbury Business Park
Two units at The Galloway Centre in Hambridge Lane have been sold by
Deal Varney
Centre have been sold, where
Deal Varney acted for the
vendor.
Each unit offers
approximately 2,000 sq ft of
St. Lukes House
Oxford Square
Oxford Street
Newbury
RG14 1JQ
WEST BERKSHIRE'S LEADING
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENT
View all of our property
solutions at
www.dealvarney.co.uk
Kingfisher Court has been sold to a private investor
workshop and warehouse
space and they have both
been purchased by an
investor who is based in
Newbury.
Newbury Business Today –
The
Pentangle,
Park Street,
Newbury
The Votec
Centre,
Hambridge
Road,
Newbury
109-112
Bartholomew
Street,
Newbury
Units 4, 5 & 6
Bath Road,
Thatcham
Business is booming
QUINTONS Commercial
Property Agents are reporting a
very busy May with the
completion of lettings,
acquisitions, new instructions
to market and property
management instructions.
Quintons has completed a number
of lettings in May to include 1 The
Pentangle, Park Street, Newbury.
The property totals 3,500 sq ft of
office space and has been let to
marketing company One Bite, who
have moved from London Road.
The property includes air
conditioning and ample parking,
and this letting shows the strength
of the office market as the new
lease completed the day after the
previous tenants vacated.
Quintons have also completed the
letting of first-floor office space at
2c The Votec Centre, Hambridge
Road, Newbury. The offices total
1,300 sq ft and have been let to
Siphon Networks on a new lease.
Further units are available at The
Votec Centre with sizes ranging
from 2,000 to 7,000 sq ft. Joint
agents are Deal Varney.
Quintons have acquired 109 to 112
Bartholomew Street, Newbury,
Berkshire on behalf of local
investor Roy Lovell’s pension fund.
The property comprises four retail
units with long leasehold flats
above and produces a strong rental
yield of more than 13 per cent.
New instructions for Quintons
include Units 4, 5 & 6 Bath Road,
Thatcham, which are located
behind CCS Car sales and
currently trade as a gym.
They are available as a whole or
individually. The ground floor of
each unit totals 809 sq ft and each is
available at £10,000 per annum.
Further new instructions include a
business unit at 8 Comet House,
Calleva Park, Aldermaston.
The property totals 2,446 sq ft of
modern useable space which is
available to rent or purchase.
The property has two significant
features – no VAT is payable and
the second is that there are up to 15
parking spaces with this unit;
normally only eight are included
with this type of space.
In Newbury, Quintons have been
instructed to market Unit 11
Fleming Road, off Faraday Road,
Newbury, which comprises a light
industrial unit/warehouse with
offices and yard to the side.
The property is available on a new
lease, the length of which is open
to negotiation, and the quoting
rent is £25,250 per annum.
Quintons are continuing to market
Unit 2, Green Lane, Thatcham.
The unit totals 5,065 sq ft and
includes offices, workspace and
two loading doors. It is located
close to the town centre and would
suit a trade counter use.
Quintons are also instructed to
market retail space within
Thatcham Garden Centre.
The unit totals 3,150 sq ft and is
available as a whole or in smaller
sizes to suit. The garden centre is
extremely busy with high footfall
and ample free parking.
All properties and Energy
Performance Certificates are
shown at www.quintons.co.uk or
contact Shane Prater on (01635)
26251 or email
[email protected]
Comet House,
Calleva Park,
Aldermaston
Fleming Road,
Newbury
Unit 2,
Green Lane,
Thatcham
Retail unit at
Thatcham
Garden Centre
Nrr MARLBOROUGH,,
O LET
T
SN88 3UU,, TO
NEWBURY,, RG144 5DD
R SALE
FOR
2,304 to 4,750 sq.ft. of Barn
converted offices set within
courtyard environment.
Ample Parking
Shop with 2 bed flat above. Shop is
600 sq.ft. Prominent location
fronting A339 opposite Sainsbury’s
and close to train station.
WHITCHURCH,,
O LET
RG288 7AG,, TO
COMPTON
N RG200 6NL
O LET/FOR
R SALE
TO
BEEDON,, RG200 8RY
Y
O LET
TO
THATCHAM,, RG188 3HD,
O LET
T
TO
704 sq.ft. Offices
set within the centre of the
village, close to train station.
2,129 to 4,172 sq.ft.
Fully refurbished Offices
with parking
1,315 to 2,630 sq.ft.
Modern offices with parking set
within a landscaped business park.
838 sq.ft. Offices/treatment
rooms adjacent to Thatcham Health
Centre. Fronts the A4.
Follow us on Twitter at
ShaneAtQuintons
WWW.QUINTONS.CO.UK
COLTHROP,, THATCHAM,
RG199 4LP,,
TO
O LET/FOR
R SALE
Thursday, June 11 2015
3,336 sq.ft. Offices/Workshop
with parking. Canal side location.
HUNGERFORD,
RG177 0DN,, TO
O LET
Choice of 3 retail units from
238 to 1,523 sq.ft.
Specialists in lettings, sales, valuations,
rent reviews, commercial energy
performance certificates and lease
renewals of Commercial Property.
21
22
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
Units at Berkshire Business Centre
The grass really is greener...
FOLLOWING another
transaction at The Green,
Easter Park, Aldermaston,
by Pioneer Real Estate, joint
agents London Clancy and
Haslams are delighted to
offer the last remaining
Grade A office buildings
available to buy freehold or
rent.
Occupiers are being
encouraged to ‘get moving’ as,
for a limited time only, Pioneer
is offering flexible incentive
packages for deals being
concluded within the next
three months.
By way of a summary, the
current units range from 2,619
sq ft to 3,150 sq ft, and offer a
truly outstanding specification
to include:
I Full access raised floors
(150mm clear void).
I Energy efficient heating and
cooling system (very good
BREEAM rating).
I Full height glazing with
bright open plan
accommodation.
I Generous on-site car parking
(12-14 spaces provided with
each building).
I High-quality and sustainable
DDA compliant corporate
building.
I High-security environment
to include security barriers
and CCTV.
I Strategic location within the
Reading, Newbury and
Basingstoke triangle.
I Excellent range of amenities
found in nearby Tadley.
Russell Ware of London
Clancy said: “Demand for
companies and individuals to
acquire their own freehold
offices is returning and
occupiers can still secure
favourable terms in a rising
market.
“London Clancy and Haslams
are confident another deal will
be concluded within the next
quarter with this latest
landlord’s incentive package.”
Please contact joint sole agents
Russell Ware at London Clancy
on (01256) 462222 or Eilidh
McAllister at Haslams on
(0118) 921 1515.
Lower Barn at Henwick Farm is new to the market
Offices have all
Manor of facilities
Strong interest is expected in refurbished building
WITH stock continuing to
be hard to come by,
Richardson Commercial has
recently received several
new instructions during
May.
Superbly refurbished offices
will shortly be available at The
Manor House in London Road.
Rooms from 350 sq ft are
available, as well as a whole
suite of three offices totalling
some 480 sq ft.
The suites are air-conditioned
and have the benefit of free use
of a meeting room, kitchen
and break-out area, as well as
on-site parking.
Strong interest in several
rooms is expected to result in
lettings in the next few weeks
with occupation from this
summer.
New to the market is The
Lower Barn at Henwick Farm.
The period property is 1,669 sq
ft with bags of on-site parking
and all the usual facilities,
including under-floor heating,
floor trunking and kitchenette.
Available from June, the
quoting rent will be in the
order of £26,500 (£16psf).
Recently new to the market are
two small industrial units in
Faraday Road.
Both comprise around 1,870 sq
ft with one unit available from
the summer or possibly earlier
by negotiation.
Unit 1, which has been used for
car repairs, is now under offer,
while Unit 5, pictured, has been
used for storage and
distribution.
Quoting rents for each are
£14,000 (£7.50psf) per unit.
Also new to the market are
serviced office suites at
Membury. Offering smart
accommodation on a flexible,
all-inclusive basis from 400 sq
ft, the units boast air
conditioning and an
abundance of parking.
Deals in May include the
acquisition of Block A
Faraday Road by private
clients. Producing a gross rent
of £119,000, the terrace of nine
units will be added to the
client’s portfolio, having been
bought at auction.
In addition Richardson
Commercial has sold the long
lease of Unit 4 Berks Business
Centre to a local gymnasium
user.
The unit, which is around 1,800
sq ft is currently being fitted
and expected to open shortly.
At the time of going to press
another unit is expected to be
sold imminently.
IT’S NOW TIME TO BUY ...
Why pay rent when you can be
your own landlord?
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EASTER PARK . BENYON ROAD
A L D E R M A S TO N . R E A D I N G
BERKSHIRE . RG7 2PQ
www.thegreenoffices.co.uk
%VEVISTTSVXYRMX]XSFY]]SYVS[RRI[SJ½GIWYMXEFPI
JSVYTXSTISTPIfrom only £445,000
2IMP7IEKIV)MPMHL1G%PPMWXIV
RIMPWIEKIV$LEWPEQWGSYO
6YWWIPP;EVI.MQ0SRHSR
VYWWIPP[EVI$PSRHSRGPERG]GSYO
Melville Burbage Insurance
has moved!
You can now find us at
The Old Drummers Arms
16 - 18 Northcroft Lane
Newbury RG14 5LJ
Tel: 01635 43880
Newbury Business Today –
Thursday, June 11 2015
23
Business Services Directory
To appear in next month’s directory list please contact us - tel: (01635) 564597 email: [email protected]
CLEANING
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
RELYON CLEANING
SERVICES
SPECIALIST COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICES - Fully insured
MICHAEL PAGLIAROLI
ARCHITECTS
• Office Cleaning • Industrial Cleaning • School Cleaning
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www.mp-architectsltd.com
2 Normay Rise, Wash Common, Newbury, Berks, RG14 6RY
Tel: 01635 521766
[email protected]
www.relyoncleaningservices.co.uk
ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES
PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE
Residential developments, alterations
and extensions.
Barn conversions, stables and interiors.
01635 246177
ACCOUNTANCY AND TAX SERVICES FOR SMALL
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[email protected]
6 Manor Place, Speen, Newbury RG14 1RB
01635 582829
63 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, RG14 7BE
Communicate your message to 49,197* readers via our
BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY
www.newburybusinesstoday.co.uk
Call Nicola McGuinness on 01635 564515
or email: [email protected]
24
Newbury Business Today – Thursday, June 11 2015
WHEN SPEED AND RELIABILITY ARE PARAMOUNT
01635 278178
www.amscouriers.co.uk
Businesspeople from West
Berkshire got together at a
networking event
organised by Bourne BNI at
the Regency Park Hotel in
Thatcham on May 21
BNE chairman Tim Lowe and chartered accountant Jamie
Dyson
Ref: 22-0115A
From left, Ian Davis of Chequers Estate Agents, Rob Lewis from Robert Charles & Sons and Edward BeresfordBolton of Utillity Warehouse
Ref: 22-0115C
From left, electrician Tom Duffin, Sue Kingham-Paxton from
STV Security and chartered accountant Jamie Dyson
Ref: 22-0115E
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are two immediate wins, particularly if
they invest in technology based
equipment.
G Buying used equipment can produce
savings, but finance can be an issue
unless you purchase with cash.
G Leasing is good for soft assets - fixtures
and fittings, office furniture and IT - as it
usually gets written off. Also, the VAT is
paid on each monthly payment rather
than upfront.
G The current generous limit for 100% tax
relief on plant and machinery is due to
end this year - another reason for
making a capital investment now.
Personal deliveries nationwide
and worldwide
Express Passport and
Visa Applications
Keeping our Customers happy
for 25 Years
<.;?2,.<
G Greater productivity and less wastage
An experienced team for a
changing world
. <<
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A full order book is prompting many SMEs
to look at replacing old equipment and
consider new technology.
Nigel Green from Donnington Country Club and
Jackie Osborne from Buzz magazine Ref: 22-0115D
-2
Capital
Investment
Garry Kaxe from Henwick Properties and Nicky
Hillier, NH Human Resources
Ref: 22-0115B
7-
Becky Samson of Samson & Christy and Mike Samuels of MS
Photography
Ref: 22-0115F
The next issue of
NEWBURY BUSINESS TODAY
will be published free with the
Newbury Weekly News
on July 16, 2015
The Circuit
with Newbury Business Today
OFFICES ALSO IN LONDON AND WANTAGE
Each month, Newbury Business Today goes
networking at a social event in the local business
community. If you are holding a function and
would like our photographer to attend, please
email: [email protected]
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www.horseylightly.com