Edition3

8

The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

Tel: 08000 807 809Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.ukGERRYMETSAW BLADES & TOOLING

Metal and copper theftis a huge concern for UKbusiness owners as record highcommodity prices have led to anenormous rise in metal theft across the UK in recentyears. In most cases of metal theft the replacement cost issubstantially higher than the cost of the stolen item, as thievescause damage in the process of the theft, especially in the caseof wiring theft which can leave rural businesses withouttelephones or internet for several days.

Prevention is key and industry professionals are urgingbusinesses to review their security procedures as a matter ofurgency.

Real-time remote security monitoring of businesses that canprevent crime before it happens is available. Directing operationsthrough remote CCTV and the use of advanced detectiontechniques, enables monitoring and intervention as soon as asecurity cordon is breached, alerting the intruders to the factthat they are being watched and that the police have beeninformed. This intervention is critical.

Traditional CCTV cameras provide a visual record of the incidentbut do not prevent the crime taking place. The ability ofIntervention Specialists to take action while the attemptedintrusion is taking place most often results in criminals leavingthe scene before doing any damage.

The Home Office estimatesthat crime costs the Britisheconomy more than £60billion per year while asurvey by the BritishChamber of Commerce foundthat 80% of businesses felt that crimewas a problem in their local area.

Crime can have a devastating effect on yourbusiness. There were over 9.2 million crimescommitted against businesses across avariety of sectors in the last year alone according to recentstatistics devised by the Home Office; it affects all sectors of theeconomy from manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation,storage, accommodation and even food services.

Theft is by far the most common type of crime experience bybusinesses accounting for 74% of all incidents. This translatesto a massive 6.8 million incidents and repeat victimisation iscommonplace.

David McCarthy, of Netwatch UK, a leading remote visualsurveillance company explains, “Opportunistic thieves aretargeting anything from small items that can be sold quickly, tofuel, scrap metal, copper and other valuable plant equipment leftunsecured at business premises.

“Heavy Goods Vehicles have become a major target for thievesacross the UK. They can contain up to 1,000 litres of fuel, whichwould cost approximate £1,350 at the pump. Fuel is easy to use orsell and is difficult to track making it an extremely attractive target.”

Protecting Your Business

netwatchcreating a fearless environment

No need for drastic security measures...

Netwatch has prevented over 35,000 crimes.

Contact Us: 0800 917 9909admin@netwatchsystem.co.uk

Security needs to be an integral part of your business strategy, according to leadingprotection specialists

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

C O N T E N T SSubcon 4Gerrymet 8Farrelly’s Metal Polishers 11Modular Designed Solutions 12Global Metal Finishers 13Pennine Prostamp 14Stewart Morris Partnership 16Morris Site Machinery 17Daly Engineering Services 18Birmingham Air Conditioning Services 22Threeway Pressings 23Salt & Sadler 24Ti-Tek UK 25West Mercia Sections 26adi Group 273D Tooling Technologies 28Glassdomain 30Multibrand Services 31Eviva 32Federation of Master Builders 33Graline Construction 34Jewel Builders 36HTF Stainless Steel Fabrications 38Chase Independent 39Hanley Trade Frames 40Bromwich Hardy 42Birds Transport and Logistics 44Intercounty Vehicle Contracts 45Centurion Truck Rental 46Trust Group 48Travel Club Elite 50The Punchbowl Inn 53Chadbury Farm Shop 54Guildhall Shopping Centre 55Wing Yip 56Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year 2013 57Netherstowe House Hotel 58Portfolio Events 59Stoneleigh Events 60Electric Cinema 62Silverline LandFlight 64Computerworld Business Solutions 65Kimberley-Jane Design 66Bev James 67Chameleon Web Services 68Lexcel 70Enoch Evans LLP 71Johnson Fleming 74ART (Aston Reinvestment Trust) 75Bridge Newland 76Ballard Dale Syree Watson LLP 78Cherish Wealth Management 79NACFB 80Bandvulc Group 81Liberty Leasing 82

Welcome to edition 38 of the Birmingham BusinessPost showcasing the best of business and commentthroughout the region,

In this edition we discuss inner city regeneration, thedelights of the open road with reference to thecamping and caravanning industries and look at themore eclectic side of motoring with a feature onVintage, Retro and Classic cars and their supportingbusinesses.

We introduce our new regular columnist, Bev James,CEO of The Coaching Academy, and cover the FMBAwards, and the Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year.

We continue our discussion on Auto Enrolment andstress the importance of research for growingbusinesses.

In our next edition we will continue to discuss AutoEnrolment, and will be featuring Lord Maurice Saatchion the rise of mobile advertising.

Bev James will be continuing her series of articles ofparticular relevance to entrepreneurs, and we will befurther considering the Lease/ Purchase equation forthe Transport Industry.

Birmingham Business Post11 Canalside Office Complex,Lowesmoor Wharf,Worcester WR1 2RR

Tel: 08000 807 809Fax: 01905 726 467E: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.ukW: www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Publisher: PIL (Europe) LimitedPrint & Design: Heron Press UK

ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDReproduction in whole or part prohibited without permission.Colour transparencies, prints or any pictorial media for thispublication are sent at owners risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PIL (Europe) Limited or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorialsubmissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope.

DISCLAIMERWhilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts andarticles appear correctly, PIL (Europe) Limited cannot acceptresponsibility for any loss or damage caused directly orindirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarilythose of its publisher or editor.

Birmingham Business Post

Birmingham Edition 38 Contents pg_Layout 1 30/05/2013 13:36 Page 1

Three cutting-edgemanufacturing events in

one this June

Three unrivalled brands cometogether to create the mostanticipated manufacturing event ofthe year when leading industryexhibition Subcon returns to theNEC on 4 to 6 June alongside theAdvanced Manufacturing Show, anew event from the UK’s leadingproduction magazine MWP, and TheEngineer Conference, highlightingnew ideas and ground breakingtechnologies.

Grant Burgham, BusinessDevelopment and Portfolio Director atCentaur Exhibitions, said: “Theseevents will provide a clear focus forexcellence in manufacturingtechnology and services. They will bea critical destination for engineers,sourcing teams and manufacturingmanagement across all sectors anddisciplines.”

The Engineer Conference willshowcase some of the mostcompelling and inspiring examples ofmanufacturing technology from boththe UK's established and emergingengineering sectors.

Some of the biggest names in Britishindustry will be taking part, withkeynote speakers Mr Bob Joyce,Group Engineering Director of JaguarLand Rover responsible for technologyand innovation and Mr Dick Elsy, CEOof the UK’s High Value ManufacturingCatapult, bringing together seven

world class centres of industrialinnovation amongst a rich variety ofspeakers from industry and academia.

The Conference will provide a uniquesnapshot of the diversity of UKindustry and give visitors valuableinsight into the manufacturingstrategies of some of our mostexciting companies.

Over 300 companies will be exhibitingat Subcon and the AdvancedManufacturing Show, providing ananticipated 3,500 production andsourcing professionals with acomprehensive showcase ofmanufacturing technology andservices.

Together the two events will provide asingle point of call for visiting industryprofessionals looking to invest in thelatest manufacturing technology, findworld-class manufacturing partnersand refine their make-buy strategies.

Subcon is the UK’s only event that iscompletely focused on contract andsubcontract manufacturing including

prototyping, 3D printing, machining,moulding, fabrication, electronicsassembly, casting and forging,finishing, treatments and testing.

With 86% UK subcontractors, Subconalso offers access to global markets,with thirteen overseas countries

represented this year includingFrance, Denmark, Italy, Ireland,Singapore, India, Taiwan and China.

The new Advanced ManufacturingShow features machine tools, tooling,metrology equipment, software andancillary equipment from the leadingnames in the sector. Visitors will havethe chance to see live demonstrationsand do business with exhibitorsincluding Yamazaki Mazak, Renishaw,WNT, Delcam, Hexagon Metrology,Nikon Metrology and XYZ amongstothers.

Subcon, which takes place at theNEC Birmingham from 4 to 6 June2013, is the UK’s annual event forcontract and subcontractmanufacturing services. It coversevery aspect of outsourcedmanufacturing services, from designand prototyping, machining, moulding,3D printing, fabrication, compositesand electronics assembly, to finishingand testing.

The Advanced Manufacturing Show,which also takes place at the NECBirmingham from 4 to 6 June 2013,features the machine tools, tooling,metrology equipment, software andancillary equipment that UKmanufacturers need to staycompetitive in global markets.

Complementing these two exhibitions,and highlighting new ideas andbreaking technologies is The EngineerConference, taking place over twodays, aimed at engineers andmanufacturing management across allsectors and disciplines.

Visitors just need to registerfor one show to get

FREE access to both.

Registration is now openonline at

www.subconshow.co.uk and

www.advancedmanufacturingshow.co.uk

31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 1

4

For further editorial informationcontact:

Sacha Peters, Centaur Exhibitions Tel: +44 (0) 207 970 4188

sacha.peters@centaur.co.uk

Andy Sandford,Sticklebacks Communications

Tel: +44 (0) 1737 270 648 Mobile: +44 (0) 7971 436 644

Andy@sticklebacks.com

Clamping forworld classmanufacture

At theAdvancedManufacturingShow, 1stMachine ToolAccessories willfocus onmodernmethods ofworkholding formaximisingproductivity andaccuracy.

The company's vast range ofworkpiece clamping systems fromChick (USA), Kitagawa (Japan),Tecnomors (Italy), Best (Germany),Leave (Taiwan) and AbbottWorkholding (USA) allow the user tochoose a solution that precisely fitsthe application andbudget.

Various workholding techniques will bepromoted that maximise metalremoval rate and minimise idle time,leading to extra efficiency and profit.Output from a vertical machiningcentre can be increased by typically30% and can even be trebled in someinstances by using the correct methodof securing the workpiece(s).

One of the latest products to beintroduced is the Kitagawa VAX 125. Ithas a compact, 256 mm x 154 mmbody providing secure, accurateclamping with 40 kN of torque. Ninearrangements can be configured tosuit a variety of uses wherecompactness is important, such as on5-axis machining centres. However,the unit is equally well suited tomultiple fixturing applications on 3-axis machines.

1st MTA's qualified engineers onStand AM72 can advise on the mostappropriate workholding methods fordifferent applications and demonstratethe various clamping systems on offer.

Metal InjectionMoulding for

advancedmaterials

Sheffield-based William BeckettPlastics is launching a new MetalInjection Moulding (MIM) company,Beckett MIM, at Subcon.

MIM technology allows customersto use designs that are difficult or

even impossible to create withtraditional metalworking technologies.What is more, 100% of the material isutilised, with no waste, a key strengthof the process that significantlyreduces the cost of metal parts –especially when using titanium orother high-value alloys.

Beckett MIM is the only company inthe UK to offer small, intricatelydetailed parts with tight tolerancesusing titanium alloys, Inconel alloys,copper alloys and tungsten carbides.Its standard range also includesstainless, low alloy and tool steels.

Components fabricated by MIM canalready be found in the aerospace,automotive, medical, consumerproducts and IT markets.

MIM’s market share in themetalworking industry is constantlygrowing as a result of the demand forcomplex geometries and hard toprocess materials. This growth is alsoenhanced by the substantial costsavings that MIM offers as an energyefficient, eco-friendly technology withno material scrap.

Visit Beckett MIM at Subcon onstand G5

www.BeckettMIM.com.

Exceptionalproductivity from

ITCIndustrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) willbe showing new Widia VDS drills, tapsand stub length milling cutters thatprovide exceptional productivity andoptimal geometries.

For high performance millingapplications, ITC will bedemonstrating the capabilities of itsWidia Rubig stub length VariMillcutters for the rough and finishmachining of difficult to cut materials.

The new stub length cutters areavailable in diameters from 6 to 12mmwith cut lengths from 7 to 15mm withshank lengths up to 55mm, makingthem the ideal length for smallmachining envelopes such as turning

The new Kitagawa VAX 125 clampingsystem from 1st MTA

31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 2

5

centres with driven tooling turrets. This innovative new rangeprovides exceptional productivity by machining at far higherspeed and feed rates than competitors’ end mills.

The Widia VariDrill Series provides optimal geometries,through coolant facility and a new core design to enhanceswarf evacuation.

ITC can supply drills with 3 to 30XD cutting depths availableacross a multitude of diameters, shank lengths and pointangles.

With access to Europe's largest and most comprehensiverange of hole-making products, ITC can supply wire, letterand fractional drill dimensions as well as metric drills in the 1to 20mm diameter range.

ITC will also be showing its UK-manufactured PCD anddiamond-coated cutting tools for the composite industry.

You can see ITC on Stand AM97

Large scale silver plating Exhibiting at Subcon for the first time, Silchrome Plating willbe showing off its new semi-automatic silver platingcapabilities.

Offering a comprehensive range of metal finishing servicesfrom chrome, nickel and zinc to specialist silver and goldfinishes, Silchrome is often called upon by oil and gascompanies to apply silver plating to seal rings.

These can be quite large and were sometimes beyond thecapacity of its existing plating lines. With demandincreasing, Silchrome decided to install a new state-of-the-

art silver line with the capacity to handle much largercomponents and meet all the requirements of the major oiland gas companies.

This line is the first at Silchrome to be installed with sprayrinses rather than rinse tanks, this is much more efficient,reduces the chance of contamination and also cuts thevolume of effluent generated.

With larger components not only is the tank size an issuebut perhaps more importantly the extra weight of thesecomponents means that material handling is a critical issue.

As Production Manager Frank Dawson explains “Largecomponents would sometimes fit in our existing tanks butwe simply couldn’t lift them in and out!” The new linetherefore has larger tanks and also has a semi-automaticgantry crane. “We can now handle large rings safely andmore efficiently and we can fully utilise the extra capacity wehave installed” Frank explains.

You can see Silchrome on Stand D5

31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 3

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EXPERT INSIGHT INTO THE MANUFACTURING STRATEGIES OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING COMPANIES

Led by The Engineer, learn from world-leading cutting edge thinkers as they share their experiences on new technologies and innovation

14 ‘Best of British’ speakers Two compelling key note sessions Two inspiring panel discussions

BOOK YOUR PLACE AND REGISTER FREE AT BOOK YOUR PLACE AND REGISTER FREE AT WWW.SUBCONSHOW.CO.UK/CONFERENCEWWW.SUBCONSHOW.CO.UK/CONFERENCE

Led by The Engineer, learn from world-leading cutting edge thinkers as they share their experiences on new

BOOK YOUR PLACE AND REGISTER FREE AT BOOK YOUR PLACE AND REGISTER FREE AT WWW.SUBCONSHOW.CO.UK/CONFERENCEWWW.SUBCONSHOW.CO.UK/CONFERENCE

4 - 6 JUNE NEC BIRMINGHAM

Three leading events under one roof Headline Partners Media Partner

31733 4pg_Liberty 20/05/2013 15:42 Page 4

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Originally established to manufacture and sharpen widebandsaw blades for the primary and secondary timber sector,the last 15 years have seen it split between bandsaws andsmall tools.

After its acquisition of M&W Equipment in 2008, Gerrymetbegan supplying and servicing mortise equipment and todayhas a customer base that covers the UK and abroad.

“Our emphasis is on quality products, at sensible prices,fortified with a strong technical and service back-up,” says Alan.

“We firmly believe that this differentiates us from many othersupply companies, as we focus on advice and support toensure our customers can make the best use of their tooling.”

Chopping down to size the twinchallenges of recession andonline competition issomething saw manufacturerGerrymet Ltd is determined tocontinue - that’s why this 30thanniversary year is all thesweeter.

The last five years have presentedtheir biggest challenge yet but, likeany lumberjack weilding an axe,the Midlands company has swunginto action of its own.

“E-commerce has been one of ourbiggest competitors but we nowhave our own website to advertiseand supply our quality services,”states Alan Thomas, one of its fourowners.

“We have also moved into newmarkets/industries and rate as oneof our biggest success our recordof working with customers to givethem the most cost-effectivecutting tooling packages,especially in the face of increasedraw material costs.”

Like the blades it produces,Gerrymet is indeed honed andsharp to continue for the next 30years.

Also owned by Tim Willis, PaulAtaria and Sharon Wood, thecompany, based on the MaybrookIndustrial Estate in Brownhills,manufactures and supplieswoodworking sawblades andtools, bi-metal bandsaws, Mortisechains and equipment, with a totalre-sharpening service supportingthose sales.

Visitwww.diamondcbn.co.ukt: 01543 454526 f: 01543 362056 m: 07831 168728e: diamondabrasives@yahoo.co.uk

L & H Diamond Tools & Abrasives LtdUnit 6B, The Gatehouse Trading Est, Lichfield Rd, Brownhills WS8 6JZ

Cutting toolsCarbine Insert & Wear PartsPrecision EngineeringDiamond ToolingAutomobileAerospaceCeramicsWoodworking

Supplying to industries including

L & H Diamond Tools & Abrasives Ltd are proud to support Gerrymet Ltd and we would like to wish them all the best for the future.

Tools and Abrasives LtdL&H DIAMOND

GERRYMETSAW BLADES & TOOLING

Congratulations to Gerrymet on their 30th Anniversary and wish them a bright & successful future.

From all at R. W. Print - suppliers of printing & stationeryT: 01922 684863 / 682233 E: mailbox@rwprint.co.uk

W: www.rwprint.co.uk

31736 2pg_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 14/05/2013 20:43 Page 1

8

Leading the way in precision strip manufacture for over 140 years!

+44 (0) 121 553 3031 / www.caparo.com

PRECISION STRIP

www.ashbywray.co.uk

01902 420 461enquiries@ashbywray.co.uk

Kenant Chambers2 Bath Avenue

Wolverhampton WV1 4EQ

BusinessInsurance Specialists

Authorised & regulated by the Financial Services Authority for General Insurance Business

We are proud to support Gerrymet Ltd and wish them continued success for the future

I N S U R A N C E C O N S U L T A N T S

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Email: info-uk@vollmer-group.com Web: www.vollmer-group.com

Universal

Compressor

Services Ltd

Kevin Holmes/Graham Timmins

07595 020583/07595 020584

SERVICE ENGINEERSWith 30 years’ experience

Specialised on rotary, screw, piston,hydrovane compressors & auxiliary

equipment.

Maintain your existing compressed air requirements to a high standard at very

competitive prices.

New sales of Worthington Compressors.Speak direct to your engineer.

Personalised service guaranteed.

Gerrymet’s commitment to its clients is, he emphasises,paramount and can be demonstrated by the considerableinvestment it has made in manufacturing and servicingequipment and particularly in its large stockholding of tooling.

“This means our UK customers should expect a same daydispatch of standard tooling requirements if their order isreceived by us before mid-day,” he adds.

Not only is Gerrymet proud to state that it recognises andappreciates the worldwide woodworking industry’s varyingneeds, it has the skills to match those demands.

“We work to the highest specification, with the best materials,and with carefully chosen tooling manufacturing partners, toproduce a product that we are justifiably proud to sell, knowingit will perform to the most exacting of workloads withoutfailure.” declares Alan.

For further information, and to see Gerrymet’s range of products and services, go to

www.gerrymet.comAlternatively telephone 01543 378805

or email sales@gerrymet.com

Gerrymet would like to thank all their suppliers for their continued support

31736 2pg_Computer World Business Solutions 2pg 14/05/2013 20:44 Page 2

9

The cell building didn’t stop there, however. Farrelly’s soon founditself constructing more for polishing parts of the new Range RoverEvoque.

“We’re proud to serve the automotive industry and hope this is thestart of a long-standing partnership with BMW and JLR,” adds Jess.

It all contributes towards a sparkling 2013 in which Farrelly’s plans tocontinue expanding and improving through investing time andmoney into its plant and people.

“We want to add new polishing lines so we can run at a greatercapacity and decrease lead times for our customers,” affirms Jess.

“We want to strengthen relationships with existing customers andbuild new ones to expand our client base even further.”

Key to this strategy is the revamp of the company website and themove to ‘tweet’ even more new contacts by entering the socialmedia world via Twitter (@farrellysmp).

“We believe nothing is better than the personal touch,” Jess smiles.

Located in 30,000sq ft premises on Newman Park, just off the M6‘sjunction 9, Farrelly’s was established in 1989 as a family businessand, today, is the largest stainless steel and non-ferrous metalpolisher in the UK, employing more than 50 people.

Still family run, with different generations working throughout thecompany, it is quality assured to ISO 9001:2008 and offers a widerange of polishes on stainless steel and non-ferrous metals,including Dull, Satin, Bright, Mirror and Super Mirror Marine ontovaried products such as square and rectangle hollow sections, solidsquare and round bar, flat bar, tube and pipe.

It also polishes additional products such as plate, fittings, angleand section and draws the bulk of its clientele from thearchitectural, brewery, food, automotive and marine industries.

The only dull thing about Farrelly’s is the type of polish itoffers; that’s why it shines as the UK leader in its field.

Present this Wednesbury company with a challenge and you’llfind it buffs up quite nicely - as BMW found when it asked it topolish the roll bars for the new MINI Roadster.

“The job’s requirements called for us to rearrange the factory,”recalls Sales and Marketing’s Jess Finnegan. “Of course wewere happy to readjust to the new environment – it wascertainly worth it to win such a prestigious contract.

“As well as constructing purpose-built cells we invested heavilyin two six-access multi-head robot polishing lines to ensure thehighest quality finish for our new customers.”

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10

Benteler Distribu on Ltd is proud to support Farrellys Metal Polishers….

rming its commitment and close links to suppliers.

WORLD CLASS WORLD CLASS WORLD CLASS

SUPPLIER OF STAINLESS, SUPPLIER OF STAINLESS, SUPPLIER OF STAINLESS,

CARBON & CYLINDER CARBON & CYLINDER CARBON & CYLINDER

TUBES.TUBES.TUBES.

Global Steel Tube Stockholder & Processor

…..right here in the West Midlands!

0121 500 3200 0121 500 3200 0121 500 3200 www.bentelerwww.bentelerwww.benteler---distribu on.co.ukdistribu on.co.ukdistribu on.co.uk

All Round Performance.The complete Hermes programme for centreless grinding

Hermes Abrasives Ltd.

Wyncolls Road Severalls Park Colchester/Essex CO4 9LW Phone 01206 754444 Freefax 0800 614473 huk@hermes-abrasives.com

www.hermes-abrasives.comwww hher es-abbrarme ves comsiv

Hermes Abrasives Limited would like to congratulate Farrellys Metal Polishers on 25 years in business.

Call us or visit our website to discover how we could help you.

“We are very proud of what the business has evolved into overthe last 24 years and of our ability to employ a range oftalented people,” reflects Jess.

“Next year, 2014, will be our 25th and we hope to continue todevelop our reputation within the industry and build on ourexisting success.”

For further information about Farrelly’s MetalPolishers, its services and products, go to

www.farrellys.com

Alternatively telephone 0121 505 2299 or email sales@farrellys.com

expertise

e n e r g y t u b e s

Energy HouseUnit 2 & 3ABean RoadTiptonWest MidlandsDY4 9AQ

Telephone: (+44) 1902 671 222Fax: (+44) 1902 671 166Website: www.energytubes.comEmail: info@energytubes.com

in tube manufacturingexpertise creative

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Email: info@energytubes.com.energytubes.comwebsite: wwW

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.energytubes.com

31753 2pg_HorseWorld 20/03/2013 13:03 Page 2

11

There are great advantages to having components preparedoffsite, in a purpose built facility, by experienced engineersworking to a schedule, providing reassurance of the highest ofquality standards, agreed costs and production time lines.

Offsite fabrication provides a high quality completed productthat can be programmed to achieve a critical delivery milestonewithin the building construction process.

The Health and Safety implications should not beunderestimated either, with the work being undertaken in amodern factory environment at ground level, resulting insubstantially reduced numbers of operatives on site.

In these days of ever tighter budgets and time penalties the benefitsof offsite cannot be overlooked by the cost conscious developer.

The future is looking bright for MDSL, the resurgence in theconstruction industry is really getting under way, and their wellestablished client base know that they can rely on the companyto supply the right products on time, every time.

Contact MDSL Ltd on Tel: 01952 201944 Fax: 01952 210133 or visit the web site for more information.

www.modulardesignedsolutions.co.uk

Modular Designed Solutions Ltd, have completed a majorexpansion, moving to new purpose built premises atAmethyst 3, Stafford Park 10, Telford.

The company, who design and manufacture a total range ofmechanical and electrical offsite solutions for the constructionindustry and allied trades, had been trading from Hartleburysince 2008, having moved from their original factory in WelwynGarden City to accommodate a wider range of products,including Package Plantrooms (2008), and Riser Modules(2009), this new move marks still further growth.

The products and services offered by MDSL Ltd encompassand deliver to the principles proposed by Latham and Egan toimprove efficiencies within the UK construction industry.

Many of the products MDSL produce are custom designed tosuit the given application. Products include Multi-ServiceCorridor Modules, Plant Skids and pre-fabricated pipe work,custom designed 2-D & 3-D modules for use in primary andsecondary horizontal service distribution routes. Customdesigned riser modules for use in primary and secondaryvertical service distribution routes. Electrical riser modules canalso be supplied with busbar trunking c/w end-feeds, tap-offs,earth bars and distribution boards.

MDSL can supply fully fitted packaged and sectionalised plantrooms for both internal and external situations, in a range of sizes.Plant rooms are delivered with all services installed and tested.

The company can also supply prefabricated componentsranging from pipe headers and valve-sets to plant 'skids' -frames/platforms onto which plant/equipment and pipe workare assembled in sizes that allow their introduction into thebuilding with the minimum of on-site work to connect themtogether. Pre-fabricated pipework material can range fromstandard carbon steel through to thin walled stainless steel, inboth MIG and TIG welding.

Proud to support MDSL Ltd

Modular Designed Solutions

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Their service involves full consultation andtechnical liaison, enabling total control ofquality. A highly skilled and stable workforcewith a wide experience of the industrycarries out all activities. Their manufacturingfacilities and R&D team are available for pre-production batch trials and consultationcompletely free of obligation.

The company makes use of the most up to date equipmentand techniques to ensure the highest quality of product andstandard of service are maintained, if Global can’t assist you infinding the right finishing solution, they will try and help findsomeone who can. It is company policy, wherever possible, toestablish long-term relationships with customers.

Their ongoing investment and flexible approach has seen thembecome one of the best equipped and versatile metal finishingcompanies in the UK, and they believe that in these economicallychallenging times, that they can offer a competitive edge overmore traditional metal finishing companies.

For more information please visit their web sitewww.globalmetalfinishers.com

Telephone on 01902 311355, or email sales@globalmetalfinishers.co.uk

Putting a perfect finish on metal since 1999,Wolverhampton company Global MetalFinishers are continuing to work in closepartnership with all their customers. It is this close liaison that has been the key factor in theirsuccess as, in order to meet their customers’ requirementsthey have diversified from mainly providing services to thebrassware industry, polishing and plating finished items, tocatering for all and every industry.

The company operates from its own well-appointed premiseslocated on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, where they have25,000 sq ft of floor space operating 24 hours a day.

It is situated close to the motorway complex, which provideseasy access to all parts of the country and ensures a quick andreliable service. Parts can be collected and delivered back tocustomers, and normal turnaround will be under 48 hours

The company has invested heavily in plant and equipment inorder to cater for additional customer requirements and cannow offer polishing, rack and barrel electroplating, powdercoating and wet paint systems.

Global Metal Finishers provide a high quality, fast efficient andcost effective polishing and plating operation for a wide cross-section of components and parts, all operations being carried outto customers’ specifications. The company’s reputation hasprovided continual growth to the extent that they are now one ofthe most respected operators in the United Kingdom and claimseveral blue chip companies amongst their customer base.

Global Metal Finishers give the same attention to detail to alltheir customers no matter how large or small, and their friendlyhelpful team of professionals are always on hand to help andadvise. The company prides itself on the personal service itprovides to ensure customer satisfaction at all times.

Jacquet WESTON Engineering

Tower Works, Membury Airfield, Ramsbury Road, Lambourn, Hungerford, Berks RG17 7TJ Tel: (01488) 674400 Fax: (01488) 674405

Email: info@jweltd.com Website: www.jweltd.com

Europes’ largest New & Used Surface Finishing Equipment Supplier

PROUD TO BE A SUPPLIER TO GLOBAL METAL FINISHERSully AutPlant for

Fully Automa c and Manual Plant for Surface Treatment, Electropla ng,

E Coat Pain ng, Anodising, Phospha ng and many more Fume Extrac on and Fume Abatement Systems EUROPES largest New & Used Surface Finishing Equipment Supplier Service Contracts - Protect your equipment and maximise your

produc vity with a JWE Service Plan to suit your individual requirements E uent Treatment Solu ons Rec ers - products include manual, electronic pulse and switching

rec ers, AC/AC and AC/DC converters, ampere-hour programmers. Spares - JWE have a comprehensive stock of spares to support a wide

variety of nishing plant and ancillary equipment Dry Run Capability - In our modern purpose built factory we can dry run

customers process plants at the designed produc on rate before delivery

Global Metal Finishers LtdHigh Quality Finish & Polishing

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CUSTOMER requirement is the number one priority forPennine Prostamp - no wonder it’s doubled in size in justtwo years from start-up.

Quality components at the right prices have also played theirpart in enabling this specialist in small precision metal pressingsand assemblies to launch in January 2010 with two machinesand employees and, by September 2012, expand to fivemachines and four staff.

Now actively marketing some spare capacity created throughbetter efficiencies within its working practices and working withits biggest customer to develop a new product, PennineProstamp is poised for an exciting third year of operation.

The Wolverhampton company is an associate of Huddersfield’sPennine Industrial Equipment (PIE) and was established byowner Graham Hobbs to supply the parent firm with high-precision chain links.

These are then assembled into chain conveyors for the glassmanufacturing industry and used worldwide in more than 50 countries.

However, Pennine Prostamp also works closely with assemblysuppliers to the aerospace industry and niche pressings sectorsand offers a full service including tool design, tool making andsubsequent component supply, proud to meet the ever-increasing demands for timescale and quality and always at acompetitive price.

“We operate to stringent quality procedures and have fulltraceability of our products and our aim is to ensure you alwaysreceive the very best in customer service and technicalsupport,” assures operations manager Martin Hallam.

“Our premises on the Strawberry Lane Industrial Estate housethe finest Swiss Bruderer presses that give consistency andrepeatability to guarantee compliance, ensuring that yourquality demands are achieved and maintained.

“And although we have a team of experienced individuals from themetals processing industry boasting a wealth of knowledge, wealso have good connections with local sub-contract services uponwhich we can call to satisfy any requirement a client may haveregarding the development or finishing of their particular product.”

Developing any business from the ground up is always going tobe a big challenge as Martin readily acknowledges but, Pennine Prostamp is here for the long haul - as it has veryquickly demonstrated.

31806 2pg_Pennie Prostrap DPS 17/05/2013 14:52 Page 1

14

The UK’s largest sub-contractor of austempering servicing the spring and presswork market.

Alpha-Rowen Ltd are proud to support Pennine Prostamp and wish them all the best for the future

Visit our website atwww.alpharowen.co.uk

Unit 15 Barnfield RoadTiptonWest MidlandsDY4 9DFUnited Kingdom

Tel: 0121 557 6175Fax: 0121 557 0961

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

Based over 2 sites we have a range of furnaces which enable us to cope with all batch sizes – small to large.

Working 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday we can meet your turnaround requirements.

We offer oil hardening specialising in smaller batch sizes.

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

are proud to support Alpha-Rowen Ltd

and presswork market.austempering servicing the spring The UK’s largest sub-contractor of

Alpha-Rowen Ltd

are proud to support

and presswork market.austempering servicing the spring The UK’s largest sub-contractor of

and wish them all the best for the futurePennine Prostampare proud to support Alpha-Rowen Ltd

in smaller batch sizes.We offer oil hardening specialising

we can meet your turnaround requirements.Working 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday

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Alpha-Rowen Ltd

0121 557 0961Fax: 0121 557 6175el:TTel:

ku.oc.neworahpla@hcael.ekim

t: (0) 1384 396660e: sales@highleysteel.co.uk

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HIGHLEY Steel

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visit www.prostamp.co.uk. Alternatively

email sales@prostamp.co.uk ortelephone 01902 604077.

“We are supporting the local economy by employing anapprentice, thereby investing in the future of our business andpassing the skills on to a youngster,” he says.

“Also, we have now bought our premises which, again, is asign of our commitment for the long term.”

Already, the business can congratulate itself on reaching theposition of being able to easily service its major customer butplans are moving ahead on achieving a bigger slice of themarket sector.

“We are now working with PIE to develop a completely newproduct in power transmission chain which will not only benefitthem in other business sectors, it will also benefit us too,”reveals Martin.

31806 2pg_Pennie Prostrap DPS 17/05/2013 14:53 Page 2

15

“We provide a user-friendly consultancy service which strives tolook under, over and around the Clients’ brief to provide thefullest advice possible,” says Managing Director and Companyfounder Stewart Morris.”

“We have developed our own in-house quality system, whichcomplies with the requirements of BS ISO 9001 and defines ouroperating standards for the preparation, delivery, monitoringand auditing of all our design and detailing work.”

“We are currently focusing on securing additional public bodyframework agreements and extending our Client Portfolio inorder to expand our office base. We are also seeking tostrengthen and grow our informal seminars on construction-related issues, which are aimed at Clients’ employees who areengaged in the procurement of construction services but havelimited, or no formal training in the industry.”

For information on the full range of services offered byStewart Morris Partnership, in Charles Street, Leicester,please go to www.stewart-morris-partnership.co.uk

Alternatively, please contact us by emailengineers.smp@mistral.co.uk or by telephone

(0116) 254 6922.

Companies all over the world have benefited from theexpert and professional services of Consulting EngineersStewart Morris Partnership Ltd.

Established in 1988 with a commitment to deliver high qualityconsultancy advice for construction-related projects, be theyrefurbishment, repairs or new build development work, thePractice, today, undertakes approximately 400 to 500 newcommissions each year.

While its principal Clients are Local Authority and HealthAuthority based, a number of specialist design Projects havealso been completed overseas including; Australia, the MiddleEast, Russia and Asia. SMP’s core Client base is furthersupplemented with Architects, Contractors, Solicitors andspecialist manufacturing companies who require finite elementanalysis work to assess seismic and blast effects on thestructures they supply.

The Company has an experienced team of four CharteredStructural Engineers, two senior technicians and twoadministrative staff with another two Contract CharteredStructural/ Civil Engineers available during peaks in workload.

Working in the general structural and civil engineering sectors,the Company handles an extensive variety of projects,including; structural design and detailing of new buildings,refurbishment schemes and repairs, site investigation work,contamination assessments, structural surveys, Part A BuildingRegulation checks, expert witness, historic/ listedbuildings/structures, feasibility studies, flood assessment, roadsand drainage design and telecommunication towers/ masts.

SMP’s list of Clients is long and prestigious and the Company isjustifiably proud of the fact that it has developed a trusted andclose working relationship with them over the years, resulting inmany repeat commissions. Client’s include; LeicestershireCounty Council, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Coventryand Warwickshire NHS Trust, Oadby & Wigston BoroughCouncil, Bellinger Design, G M Rail Ltd, Beaverbrook’s theJewellers, Walkers Snack Foods, Hicare Group, ID Partnership,RG + P Architects, Summers Inman, HW Coates Ltd, CentralSite Accommodation Limited, TJ Telecommunications Ltd …..

Call: 01530 260105 . Email: office@keyhamconstructionltd.co.uk . Visit: www.keyhamconstructionltd.co.uk

IN B

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Bespoke Houses Steel Frames Factories Petrol Stations Insurance Work

Keyham Construction Ltdexperts in the provision of a wide range of commercial

industrial and domestic building solutionsWe are proud to support Stewart Morris Partnership

ELIZABETH HOUSE Tyringham CloseNorthampton

01530 260105 :Call . office@keyhamconstructionltd.co.uk:Email

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STEWART MORRIS PARTNERSHIP LTD.

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As a reflection of this, the company recently took thedecision to rebrand, from ArcGen Hilta to Morris SiteMachinery, to help the company power forward as a worldclass business, and celebrates 40 years of success in theindustry thanks to a sound company structure and totaldedication to customer service.

Over the next twelve months Morris Site Machinery iscommitted to nurturing partnerships for continuedsuccess, securing new and diverse markets, ensuringconfident sales and marketing strategies to deliverstandout, advancing customer service and enhancing theirproduct portfolio.

The company’s main purpose is to help its customerssucceed and meet their current and future goals bydelivering the best products and solutions.

For more information please visit the web site

www.morrismachinery.co.ukCall: 0845 409 0272

Station RoadFour Ashes

Wolverhampton WV10 7DB

Midlands based Morris Site Machinery, previouslyknown as ArcGen Hilta, is a leading Britishmanufacturer and distributor of onsite powermachinery including generators, welder generators,lighting towers, power washers and pumps. Since 1973 Morris Site Machinery has become one ofthe UK’s leading providers of onsite power equipment.

The company both manufactures and acts as distributorfor a wide range of power solutions, which are thenpurchased by the UK’s biggest hire companies, includingSpeedy, A-Plant, Gap and JF Hunt to hire out for use onsome of the country’s biggest projects. In addition thecompany also recently won the contract to supply lightingtowers to the Ministry Of Defence via official servicesupplier ALC.

The company delivers high quality machines to numerousindustries including petrochemical, utilities, construction andevents. In the past twelve months the company has had itsstrongest trading year to date, establishing it as one of themost prevalent manufacturing companies in the region.

Passionate about our products...and then some

www.morrismachinery.co.uk

You know us as ArcGen Hilta. For the brands you know and trust.

We’ve changed our name to Morris Site Machinery to power us forward as a world classbusiness. A business with a dynamic engineering heritage. Bringing the world’s bestpower equipment to you.

Call: 0845 409 0272 Email: sales@morrismachinery.co.uk

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At more than 100 years old Daly Engineering Services is like agood wine - it improves with age.

A fine vintage, yes - but this Coventry business is doing anything butshow its age and excels in keeping ahead of the game.

Offering cutting-edge solutions and fingers-on-the-pulse experiencedstaff, competitors find it hard to keep up with this esteemed veteran.

The engineering services provider has proudly supported Britishindustry and the construction sector through boom times and bust,coming a long way from its humble start as a family plumbing andbuilding contractor.

“As Coventry grew so did Daly, forging ties with the boomingmanufacturing and automotive industries of the Midlands goldenera,” says Managing Director Peter Hucker.

“Our name became synonymous with quality building services, aswe provided bespoke service installation solutions to Jaguar,Peugeot, British Leyland, Rolls Royce, Coventry Climax and MasseyFerguson, to name but a few.”

Over time the company passed out of family ownership and hasbeen subject to a successful management buyout, adapting andadding to its services all the while remaining steadfast to itscommitment to providing its UK network of clients with completeservice solutions, from initial concept design to on-site installation,off-site prefabrication and facilities maintenance.

It offers the following services:• Mechanical: - heating, ventilation, air conditioning, hot and cold

water, plumbing and gas services.• Electrical: - power distribution, fire alarms, lighting, public

address, CCTV and security systems and IT.

King Henry VII Pool

University of Warwick Thermal Store

Daly Engineering Services Ltd

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Swegon LimitedSuppliers of Complete Ventilation Solutions Including:Air Handling Units VAV Comfort Modules Grilles DiffusersDCV & Acoustics Chillers & Heat Pumps

Would like to thank Daly Engineering Services along with the Consultant, Couch Perry Wilkes, for giving us the opportunity to work with them.

30 ST. Mary AXE, London UK

Swegon Ltd Swegon Pavilion, St Cross Chambers, Upper Marsh Lane, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 8LQ

T: 01992 450 400 E: info@swegon.co.uk Visit: www.swegon.co.uk

A fresh approach toAir Conditioning

For more information call0121 423 2325or email info@reactcooling.com

. Air Conditioning

. Close Control

. Ventialtion Systems

. Comprehensive Service

We are proud to support Daly Engineering Servicesand wish them all the best for the future.

React Cooling Services Ltd 719 Hagley Rd West, Quinton, Birmingham B32 1DJ

reactwww.reactcooling.com

• Facilities and maintenance - reactive maintenance, measuredterm contracts, preventative maintenance, and emergencyresponse.

• Off-site fabrication - pipework systems, packagedplantrooms and combined heat and power.

Emergency backup is also available for all types of operatingplant and equipment covering heating, ventilation, hot watersystems, air conditioning, power distribution, and generallighting power systems, meaning Daly’s expertise is on hand24/7 all year; something valued by the hospitals, close careunits, schools and colleges, commercial and industrialapplications and other service critical points of use who benefitfrom such vital support.

Apart from its own internal processes, Daly outwardlydemonstrates its commitment to sustainability issues throughthe provision of all its services.

Oxford Brooke CollegeDaly Head Office

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19

Over the years its expertise has grown tremendously in this fieldand it has an established track record in installing combinedheat and power systems, solar energy systems, geo-thermaland ground source heat pumps, rain water harvesting and greywater installations.

And everything it produces and project it undertakes isreinforced by a wealth of accreditations, including approvalsfrom Gas Safe, OFTEC, Construction Line, CHAS, and CCS,thus enhancing its already impressive reputation which, saysPeter, speaks for itself.

“Our services are second to none and we deliver on time and onbudget,” he adds. “We are committed to service excellence andto the task of providing value-for-money solutions.

“Everything we do is centred upon creating unique value addedbenefit for each and every customer.”

Now focussing on increasing its service and maintenanceoffering alongside consolidating growth in the electrical servicesdivision, Daly has entered its next centenary and is proceedingapace into the 21st with confidence.

“Diversifying from being just a mechanical services contractor toa multi-services offering was one of our great businesschallenges but we remained steadfast and, today, continue towork with great British institutions such as Network Rail, thePrison Service and British Telecom,” says Peter. “All ouroperations are conducted with due consideration to others, forwe take our social responsibilities very seriously and encourageevery employee to support and participate in their localcommunities.”

With this in mind, Daly is a big supporter of charities such as theRNIB, the local Myton Hospice and nearby junior and adultsporting clubs.

The NEC

Coventry MotorMuseum

covinsulation@yahoo.co.ukmob: 07970631343 - 42tel: (024)76405775

We would like to congratulate Daly Engineering Serviceson all your success and achievements

Specialists in all types of . thermal insulation. sheet metal work . acoustics

Coventry Insulation Services Ltd

1 Gardenia Drive | Allesley Village | Coventry | CV5 9BN

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People take precedence within the company, too. “They’re ourgreatest asset and we recognise and value their continuingcontribution to our success,” declares Peter.

There’s another element to that success too - a simple andstraightforward work ethic to do the job right first time and,through good, honest hard work, to deliver it on time.

There’s much in the past to be proud of but the present hasplenty to celebrate as well. No wonder they’re all lookingforward to the next 100 years of Daly excellence.

For further information the company and its full range ofservices, or to enquire via email, go to

www.dalyltd.comAlternatively telephone 02476 465281

AES Control Systems are proud to be associated with Daly Engineering

Our services include:Estimating, sales & technical advice – Complete system design

Project management – Control system software engineeringControl panel – Electrical installation

Commissioning – Service & MaintenanceCustomer support – Energy monitoring solutions

Control system integration – Remote management solutions

AES Control Systems72 Tenter Road, Moulton Park,

Northampton. NN3 6AXT: 01604 790 606

E: sales@aescontrols.co.uk

L8 Ltd Total Water SolutionsProviding Risk Assessments Water Treatment and Water Storage Systems.

We are pleased to be associated with Daly Engineering Services

01827 713957 26 Windmill Road, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1HP

johntankman@aol.comL8 LtdTotal Water Solutions

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Selling Quality electrical supplies, safety equipment and other Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) products. Unit 5 Foleshill Enterprise Park

Courtaulds WayCoventry CV6 5NX

www.neweysonline.co.uk024 7668 1221

UK’s LeadingElectrical Wholesaler

We have 150+ Newey & Eyre branches across the UK

We are proud to support Daly Engineering Services and we wish them all the best for the future

Newey & Eyre

Herbert Art Gallery

www.kiernanpipelines.com

UTILITIES CONTRACTORS

0121 742 9123Fax No. 0121 743 1257Email: sales@kiernanpipelines.comC&M Kiernan Pipelines Construction, 335 Lyndon Road, Solihull, West Midlands, B92 7QS

Over 25 years of installing underground utilities, C & M Kiernan Pipelines Construction have developed the experience and discipline needed to offer turnkey packages to our clients and end users.

We are proud to support Daly Engineering Services and wish them every success in the furture

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BIRMINGHAM AIRCONDITIONING LTD

Birmingham Air Conditioning can also offer preventativeand regular maintenance to filter and drive beltreplacement.

Control your environmentControl your costsBirmingham Air Conditioning Services Ltd now offerscomprehensive service and repair of your air conditioningequipment for a one off annual fee.

This offer fully complies with European F Gas regulations,and gives peace of mind that there are no extra costs forequipment repairs during the length of your contract.

For more information call 01675 433 944 (Option 1) or alternatively visit the website

www.refcom.org.ukand fill in the online form.

Birmingham Air Conditioning Services Ltd is a fullycompliant F Gas registered company.

Details of their registration can be viewed using Ref-com’s register of companies competent to

handle refrigerant.

www.refcom.org.uk

Specialists in all forms of Air Conditioning and AirHandling, Maintenance and Installations

The company was incorporated in 1988 originally tomanufacture quality bespoke air handling units to meetthe requirements of consulting engineers who have founddifficulty in sourcing 'non standard' units such as thoserequired by cheese making companies as well as nuclear,national health authorities and pharmaceutical industries.

They have over the years gained a reputation for quality,reliability and general expertise in the air environment.They undertake a complete package of works fromsimple air handling units with heating and cooling, to fullfunction air conditioning systems including ductwork andcontrol systems.

They design and manufacture using the latest CADtechnology.

They provide a very high quality service in which theyrepair and service all type of air conditioning systemsfrom simple split air conditioning systems and VRF/VRVsystems to the provision of a repair service to all types ofchillers and condensing units.

Birmingham Air Conditioning provides a maintenanceservice to all refrigerant and air handling units, to helpkeep them working at the peak of their efficiency.

Birmingham Air Conditioning offers an air-handling unitrefurbishment service to clients to help increase theworking life of existing installations.

They will visit the site to inspect A.H.Us and to carry outa full survey of plant installed and make an assessmentof its overhaul condition and its suitability to the userscurrent requirements, which may now differ from thosefor which the plant was originally designed. They will thenprovide a full report with recommendations for themaintenance, repair, upgrading and or replacementtogether with an estimate of life expectancy.

The scope for refurbishment can range from replacementof casework, fans, bearings, coil, dampers,recouperators, cleaning or replacement, energy savingson higher efficiency fans, motors and heat recoverymodifications. However if existing installations are beyondeconomical repair we can remove the redundantequipment and provide a replacement A.H.U in flat packformat in confined areas with limited access.

BIRMINGHAM AIRCONDITIONINGSERVICES LTD

Specialists in all forms of AirConditioning & Air HandlingMaintenance & Installations

A I R H A N D L I N G U N I T SA I R H A N D L I N G U N I T S

Tel: 01675433944 Fax: 01675462289 email: sales@bhamair.com

Air Conditioning Equipment

BIRMINGHAM AIRCONDITIONING LTD

Manufacturers and Distributors

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“Spyra-Base is the UK’s leading manufacturer of groundanchors and with an ongoing programme of investment in newmachinery to bring manufacturing into their Midland’s base, isproviding job opportunities for the region.

The company are very proud of their recent growth anddiversification, Managing Director Phil Stanley commented “We are looking to grow our regional opportunities havingsuccessfully bought new products to market, but you won’t goanywhere else in the Midlands and find such diverse operationsas well as a firm that produces and sells its own products as an OEM.”

Contact details, phone: 0121 520 2345 fax: 0121 557 3680email: phil@threewaypressings.co.uk or visitwww.threewaypressings.co.uk

Traditional Midlands’ manufacturer Threeway Pressings is riding a wave of success. Substantial investment over the last few years has seen thepresswork side of the business expand, and the company arealso reaping the rewards of further investments into newmarkets through their subsidiary companies, Tisa Mouldings,Bull Barrow, Paterson Photographic and Spyra-base.

Over the last few years the company are delighted to have wonmanufacturing business back from China for a major white goodscompany. Other notable successes include a substantial contractwith the building trade and the move into supplying the greenenergy market with products for the solar panel industry.

The capital investment made in new plant and machinery,especially a new 200 tonne Rhodes press in 2012, whichdoubled capacity, has seen the manufacturing side of thebusiness keeping up with a steady increase in demand.

The expansion in the company’s facilities to include sectionrolling has enabled in house manufacture of products previouslyoutsourced to China, modern CNC tube manipulationequipment has been purchased and the company’s weldingand robotic welding facilities have been increased by a third.

Investment in tooling and machinery for the injection mouldingplant has enabled the company to retrieve production that waspreviously outsourced. Whilst a new purpose built storage anddistribution facility means that stock can be held for customerson a Kanban basis allowing 48 hour delivery.

Threeway feel that the investment has moved the company onto the next level doubling productivity, allowing better stockcontrol, production and improved turnaround times.

They are delighted by the success of their wheelbarrowsubsidiary, Bullbarrow. The company supplies a colourful rangeof over 58 varieties of wheelbarrows for the gardening,hardware and building industries, all manufactured right here inthe UK, and distributed through main agents, as well as givingindependent garden centres the opportunity to compete.Among the new products that are being added to the rangesome are aimed at the equestrian market. Visit Bullbarrow’sweb site www.bullbarrow.co.uk to see the full range.

Phil Stanley, Managing Director said of Paterson Photographic,who launched the most powerful and versatile studio light in thesoft light market at the Focus Exhibition at the NEC. “We areone of the few UK manufacturer at the show to being able toexport all over the world and have the products designed andmade in the UK.”

klöckner & co multi metal distribution

ASD metal services

t: 08450 342 103 f: 08450 342 106 e: dudley@asdmetalservices.co.uk

ASD metal servicesWindmill worksPear Tree LaneDudleyDY2 OUY

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31815 1pg_Feature Template 22/05/2013 12:22 Page 1

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Nick Sadler explained that although they are continually meetingrequests for new products, that their specialist areas remain,Electro Plating Jigs, Painting jigs, Anode Baskets, Tanks andFabrications, Fasteners, Titanium Anodising Jigs, Baskets,Immersion Heaters & Stats, Coils and Jigs, Baskets, ImmersionHeaters & Stats, Coils and Trolleys.

They specialise in fabrications to the aerospace and off-shore,petro-chemical and gas industries.

The factory’s location in the manufacturing heart of the Midlands,close to the centre of Birmingham gives easy access to transportlinks, meaning that Salt and Sadler, are able to supply theircustomers in a prompt and timely manner.

For an overview of their product range, visit the web site

www.saltandsadler.co.ukor give them a call to see what they can do for you on

0121 622 3887, send a fax to 0121 666 6530 or Email info@saltandsadler.co.uk

Salt & Sadler Ltd.

A&J Welding Supplies Limited are proud to support Salt & Sadler and wish them every success in the future

t:01384 233499e:enq@bcstockford.co.uk

BC Stockford A friendly local practice servicing all of your accountancy needs are proud tosupport Salt & Sadler

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Salt and Sadler are a well established family runengineering business based in the Digbeth area ofBirmingham, with many years experience in the trade.

They specialise in Titanium and Stainless Steel, producing a widerange of fixtures Plant parts, jigging components and crackdetection equipment to various finishing industries to beelectroplated, anodised and electropolished.

The company have built their reputation on providing perfectlyfinished product to enable their clients to achieve first rate finalresults.

Salt and Sadler, therefore understand the importance to theircustomers of a reliable manufacturer who will consistently supplyproducts finished to the required standard.

Being a family company and very much part of their localcommunity generates a friendly helpful attitude towards clients,and the highly experienced workforce are always happy to offerconstructive advice on the most efficient, effective and economicway of producing finished components.

They will always take that extra time to listen and ensure that theyunderstand and meet their client’s expectations, who appreciateSalt and Sadler’s “can do” attitude, and willingness tomanufacture bespoke products to requirement.

Their modern factory is equipped with all the latest high technologyequipment, enabling them to produce your top quality items,whether a small order or in bulk swiftly economically and efficiently.

The modern factory has enabled them to offer an even widerrange of products based on their extensive skills and know how.For example a full machining facility is now available .

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The Stratford Shoal sculpture was conceived as a seriesof tree-like forms with steel branches and oversizedtitanium leaves that would screen this elevation. The leaf-like panels are anodised to display shades of blue, greenand yellow, and each one is fixed on pivots that allowthem to move with the wind.

The Shoal was a truly international project, with thetitanium from Ti-Tek UK, the leaves formed andfabricated in Holland and the iridescent coating anodisedin Japan.

Ti-Tek UK sources all their materials from approved millswith full traceability in line with their commitment to quality.

The various grades of titanium have differentapplications; pure titanium (grades 1-4) is used due to itshigh corrosion resistance. When supplied in grades (5-12) as an alloy it offers extremely high strength toweight ratio.

In addition to supplying titanium Ti-Tek also providesservices such as sawing, shearing, water jet cutting andmachined parts. They offer services to machine or cut toyour specification / drawing.

At Ti-Tek they also offer technical services offeringinformation to engineers, designers and buyers andprovide the answers to everyday questions about cost,availability, Fabrication and use of titanium and its alloys.

Ti-Tek is not resting on their already substantial laurelsand they continue to invest in training and machinery,they currently hold ISO9001:2008 certification and areworking towards AS9120 Aerospace certification.

The company are looking forward to an exciting future,having recently moved into larger premises giving themdouble their existing capacity, as the uses of thismarvellous material become ever more diverse, a modernmaterial for a modern world.

Ti-Tek UK Ltd is contactable on Tel: 0121 382 4121Fax: 0121 373 0489

Email: info@titek.co.uk

www.titek.co.uk

Official London 2012 Titanium Supplier (For the Shoal, project)

Erdington based Ti-Tek (UK) Ltd are specialist stockistsand suppliers of titanium of varying grades to a widerange of industries including oil, gas, and petrochemical,medical, aerospace motorsport and many others.

They were delighted, after an exhaustive two yearinternational tendering process, to win the contract tosupply the titanium for The Stratford Shoal, a 250mtitanium sculpture in Stratford, London, comprising ashimmering wall of titanium leaves to hide an ugly east-London shopping centre from Olympic visitors.

The Shoal is a public realm intervention, which aims toimprove the urban continuity and legibility of the existing1970’s Stratford Centre. In the 70’s, the Stratford Centrewas created with a positive frontage to the existing highstreet to its south.

With the introduction of the Stratford bus interchange,and later, the refurbishment of Stratford Station to thenorth, the ‘back’ of the centre, with its delivery bays andcar parking ramps, became much more visible.

When the Olympic Park and the Westfield Centreentrances became established to the north the ‘back’very much became the front: the entrance to Stratford Photography by Gareth Gardner

Number 1 for Titanium and Specialist Alloys(UK) limited

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WEST MERCIA SECTIONS LIMITED

Nearly five decades oftool-making and sectionrolling quality andexpertise lie behindWest Mercia SectionsMD Robert Tuckey’sstern words to thegovernment.

“We’re hoping one day itwill realise that the WestMidlands has been built upwith a solid industrialbackground,” headmonishes. “It’s all itknows, once being thepowerhouse of ourcountry. If the governmentinvests in industry insteadof finance this country mayget back on its feet.”

The impact of the current recession, especially on the region’sindustrial sector has, he adds, been quite profound and one ofthe biggest challenges faced by West Mercia Sections - but thisTipton specialist cold rolled steel section producer is quite apowerhouse on its own and continues to forge ahead throughchoppy economic waters.

“Our greatest business success is our longevity. We have beentrading for nearly 50 years supplying locally, nationally andinternationally,” Robert asserts. “Our business ethic is based onhonesty and hard work; nothing is too much trouble forcustomers.”

One of the UK's major producers of precision engineered steelsection for the construction, security and electrical industries,West Mercia Sections’ 10,000 sq ft factory and two-floor 1,200sq ft office block in Nicholls Road, is visible proof of how far it’scome from its humble origins in an old railway stable in the 1960s.

It supplies heavily to the roller shutter door trade but also catersfor others such as roofing, electrical, mezzanine sections, securityand general wholesalers/stockholders. Some of its section androlling mills have travelled as far as Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

“Products are fabricated using only high-tech machinery which isoperated by a vastly experienced and highly qualified workforce,capable of producing the very best quality products,” saysRobert, who’s particularly proud that the company has its veryown tool room.

“Here is where we have specialist tool makers who can maintainour machines and all our tooling in-house along with the designand manufacture of new sections,” he says. “It also means wecan produce bespoke steel section to customers’ specificrequirements.”

What’s more, West Mercia Sections clients receive their orderspretty swiftly. “We have our own transport so can offer a 24-hourturnaround nationwide,” says Robert.

“If that’s not quick enough for you, however, because of the veryimmediate nature of the industry, you can collect your orderssame day.”

While the region may not be the industrial powerhouse it oncewas, it’s not exactly burnt out just yet, as West Mercia Sectionscontinues demonstrate.

“This year we plan to complete our Factory Production ControlSystem (FPC) in relation to the new European Laws ofcompulsory CE marking to all construction products,” saysRobert. “Then we are looking to become ISO 9001 compliant soas to keep pushing forward gaining bigger and more lucrativecontracts nationally and even internationally.”

For further information about company and its products, go to

www.westmerciasections.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 0121 557 9927, email accounts@westmerciasections.co.uk

WP Metals Limited

WP Metals Limited, Westgate, Aldridge, WS9 8DJ

Tel: 01922 743111 Fax: 01922 743344Email: wpsales@wpmetals.co.uk web: www.wpmetals.co.uk

We Wish West Mercia Sectionscontinued success for the future

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Operating in diverse markets such as Automotive, Defence, Food &Drink and Pharmaceutical the Group offers a similarly diverse rangeof engineering services such as Refrigeration, Environmental Control,Electrical, Mechanical, Automation and Facilities Management.

“The widening diversity of engineering services that this strategyhas bought is key to our on-going growth” says Alan. “Ourproactive and successful approach to identifying, communicatingand managing problems as well as the delivery of timely, cost-effective solutions by our skilled and experienced employees, isdriven by our professionalism and use of the latest technology.”

Originally one company when it was established 22 years ago, adiGroup now incorporates 15 limited companies and 24 divisionsand its expansion shows no sign of stopping.

“The strategy is to take on one new company/division every 18months,” declares Alan. And to help as many engineering stars ofthe future to shine as possible.

For further information about the Group and its services, go to

www.adiltd.co.ukTo make an enquiry, telephone 0121 451 2255.

Hire Tools & Sales Ltd, 78 St Andrews Rd,Birmingham B9 4LN Tel: 0121 772 7001

Proud to support ADI Group andwish them every success for the future.

Hire Tools & Sales Ltd

Suppliers of Tool Hire Equipment to the mechanicaland building services, deliveries nationwide.

REDROCKCONSULTANTS

We are a recruitment organisation specialising inMechanical & Electrical . Building Services . Construction . Crane & Lifting Operations

Technical Engineering . Commercial

Redrock Consultants are proud to support ADI Groupand wish them all the best for the future

Phone: 0121 212 0234Visit: www.redrockconsultants.co.uk

Engineering services giant adi Group is not only big oncreating jobs for Midlands people, it’s going all out toensure a wealth of talent is out there to draw upon bothnow and in the future.

The company, the largest multi-disciplined engineering servicesbusiness in the Midlands, is constantly recruiting in the local area tofill positions in its ever-expanding range of sectors and is activelychampioning engineering as a career to the region’s youngsters.

That’s why, in light of its continued investment in people, plant,facilities, infrastructure and customers throughout what has beenand continues to be a tough climate, that it finds a shortage ofskilled engineers and potential trading partners so frustrating.

“Our most significant challenge is finding talented engineers andtrades who are enthusiastic and want to work with us to continue ourgrowth pattern,” acknowledges CEO Alan Lusty. “The pool of talentappears to be decreasing, despite our ability to generate new jobs.”

The group is doing its bit to combat this, however, working withthe Business In The Community organisation to partner with alocal school where it can trumpet the attributes of an engineeringcareer to pupils.

“Providing employment in anenvironment within whichpeople aspire to work is oneof our greatest successes,”says Alan. “Along with ourrecord of winning newcustomers, entering newmarket sectors and funding,developing and growing thebusiness every yearthroughout the recession.”

It’s the ongoing investment inall aspects of the business -Sir Matthew Pinsent openeda £1million HQ on the KingsNorton Business Centre lastSeptember - combined withconfidence in its ability togenerate value forcustomers, that has resultedin year on year sales growthand attracted new and highprofile talents and skill setsinto the workforce.

Group

TotalEngineeredSolutions

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One of their great strengths is their adaptability; thecombination of experience, expertise and the best equipmentfor the job means that 3D will rise to almost any challenge. Paulsays “We have the same capabilities as companies many timesour size but without the large scale overheads associated withthem, meaning that we can produce top quality, accuratetooling at a very competitive price. One of our main advantagesis that we use the Pro-Engineer solid modelling software, whichis very high end software.

Offering a great mix of experience, modern highend tooling design technology, 3D ToolingTechnologies Ltd, has found a winning formula.

We featured the steady growth of 3D Tooling in our magazinelast year, and since then, we are pleased to report that thecompany has continued to build in on its solid customer baseand has recently made a major investment in a new larger CNCvertical milling machine, from America. In addition the companyhas recently achieved ISO9001:2008 which further enhances itsreputation as a solid, reliable business partner.

Paul Reeves, founder and co – director, is very excited by theincreased capacity the new machine gives, not only fasterthroughput, but the ability to process larger items, thanks to the1.6m x 1.1m envelope of machining.

Paul is delighted by the company’s success, their order booksare looking very healthy and they receive a steady stream ofenquiries. 3D already has an impressive client portfolio and israpidly becoming known for its work for several high-endcompanies undertaking projects as diverse as tooling design,and manufacture for racing and development engines, classiccar engines, aerospace fixtures and components for largeearthmoving machines.

“We have done a lot of work directly or indirectly for severalwell known companies, including Jaguar, Land Rover, Cosworthand McLaren” reveals Paul. “A more unusual project was thereverse engineering of the Rolls Royce Phantom III crankcase.The project was commissioned by Phantom Engineering andproject managed by Arrk Europe. A CAD model of the crankcase was created using old drawings from microfilm and anexisting casting. The tooling was then designed andmanufactured from this. In all the sand pack consisted of over40 cores and the first successful casting was producedDecember 2012.

Visitwww.wright-co.com

The Squires5 Walsall Street,WednesburyWest Mids WS10 9BZ

0121 556 1072

We are proud to be associated with3D Tooling Technologies Limited

9 Stafford StreetBrewoodStafford ST19 9DX

01902 850 828

Wright & Co Partnership Limitedoffering a friendly professional servicespecialising in all aspects ofaccountancy, business advice,taxation and tax-planning to thesmall and medium sized business& sole trader.

31859 2pg_Carford Group 23/05/2013 23:38 Page 1

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Sorry.You won’t be ableto blame the tools. Buy from the UK’s most comprehensive 3D, PDM and PLM partner.

t. 0121 506 9720 www.concurrent-engineering.co.uk

The initial and ongoing outlay puts off many smallcompanies as it is extremely costly, from the high cost ofpurchase and installation, ongoing fees to renew the annuallicence, and the cost of training, and then remunerating theskilled worker. However, due to the amount of use we makeof the system over the years it has become affordable.”

3D Tooling Technologies LimitedUnit b7 & b8, Hilton Main Industrial Estate,

Wolverhampton, WV11 2BE.

Office Tel: 01902 738600Fax: 01902 467337

Email: enquiry@3dtooltech.co.uk

For further information on the company’s range of services visit

www.3dtooltech.com

31859 2pg_Carford Group 23/05/2013 23:38 Page 2

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The visual effect can be incredible and provides stunning backdrops.

The development of ICON into glass radiators and heatedpanels is totally unique and Glassdomain have created the firstheated glass wall panelling system in the UK.

Wherever you are in the country, with easy access toBirmingham or not, take the opportunity to visit the on lineshop which offers over ten thousand different styles and varietyof glass furniture at www.glassdomain.co.uk for ideas which willfire your imagination.

The company is continuing to expand its range of designs andoutlets, and will be introducing a spectacular range of glassvanity units to take the bathroom sector by storm. Moresuperb curved glass pieces manufactured by the world’sgreatest production facilities will also soon be available.

Glassdomain are well on their way to becoming the UK’sleading supplier of glass furniture, true specialists who combinein depth product knowledge with design capability.

SHOWROOM OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PMGlassdomain Ltd, 199, Warstone Lane, Birmingham B18 6JR

0121 236 6637www.glassdomain.co.uk

Its clear, one year on, Glassdomain’s newshowroom is a shining success.

As the company celebrate the first anniversary of the showroom’sopening in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, Graham Southall, MDis delighted with the realisation of his vision.

Producing beautiful glass furniture since 2006 as the subsidiaryof a large glass processor, Glassdomain became independentin 2010 before moving into their new gallery showroom in 2011.

The showroom has been fundamental in the development ofthe business, allowing clients to experience the beauty andvariety of stylish glass pieces, first hand. Glassdomain designand manufacture all their own furniture in the UK, allowing totalflexibility of colour, size and finish, enabling the production ofbeautiful bespoke items for their clients.

The showroom also carries a range of stunning curved glassfurniture from Italy, the home of stylish design.

As Graham explained, “The emphasis has always been ondesign – we take great pride in producing glass furniture thatfulfils all our customers’ requirements. Our products are notmass produced items that simply serve a purpose they aredesigned to be both elegant and functional.”

Glass furniture pieces provide a stunning modern focus for anyspace, beyond minimalist; its light reflective and transparentproperties create a real “wow” factor.

In 2008 Glassdomain developed a process for printing directlyonto glass which allowed them to produce exciting and unusualdesigns and called this product ICON. The creative possibilitiesof ICON-GLASS are almost unlimited, whether used assplashbacks or wall coverings for high end kitchens andbathrooms, or distinctive panels in living areas, commercially ordomestically, the only limit is your imagination.

Architects and interior designers are excited by the creativeopportunities the product offers, never more so than now, withthe development of ICON heated wall glass, heated glasspanels that discreetly link together to form a far more effective,low maintenance alternative to under floor heating.

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31800 1pg 2_Feature Template 21/05/2013 15:20 Page 1

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Multibrand is going from strength to strength since theirmove into larger offices in May 2011 and is celebratingfurther successes. They have just announced that they have achieved the status ofProfessional Dealers for Electrolux. This is a fantastic accoladefrom one of the largest companies in the white goods industry,and recognises Multibrand’s commitment to customer service.Combining the recognition from Electrolux with their status as aMiele Professional Partner for the Midlands means that Multibrandis now one of the largest and best regarded players in thecommercial white goods, sales repair and maintenance market.Mark Rogers, Director, explained that to achieve this position theyhad to demonstrate their ability to always fit high quality parts,maintain a fast turn round time, provide excellent customerservice and operate with total integrity. “These companies have areputation to maintain and scrutinise every aspect of their partnercompanies’ operations.”Miele and Multibrand were a natural pairing as Miele’s longstanding philosophy is one which Multibrand has unconsciouslyfollowed since the company's formation back in 1998.Ian Shaw,Director, said: “It’s strange but had I been asked whichmanufacturer I’d most like to work with when we first started thebusiness I'd have had no hesitation in choosing Miele. After all,who wouldn't want to be working with the most prestigious andhighest quality brand in the market?” Electrolux are the white goods supplier of choice for manyHousing Associations, which accounts for the bulk of Multibrand'sportfolio. “We like the ethics behind this type of work.” says Mark,“It's a privilege to be entrusted with supporting some of the mostvulnerable members of our community and it's a responsibilitythat we don't undertake lightly.” This brings us to the other great story, Multibrand are thrilled tohave been awarded the formal contract, after a rigorous tenderingprocess, to carry out all the maintenance and repair work for twoof the largest Housing Associations in the country, BromfordHousing and Midlands Heart Housing on both commercial anddomestic appliances.

Visitwww.connect-distribution.co.uk

Head OfficeConnect House, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Small HeathBirmingham B10 0HJ

Connect Distribution services Ltd are proud to support Multibrand Services and we would like to wish them all the best for the future.

T H E P O W E R B E H I N D T H E B R A N D S

Birmingham B10 0HJConnect House, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Small HeathHead Office

Connect House, Small Heath Business Park, Talbot Way, Small Heath

Supporting Multibrand Services

www.apollodirect.co.uk

multibrandse r v ices l td

Over the past 13 years Multibrand have forged longstandingrelationships with other local companies. These include ConnectDistribution who from day one has provided over 80% of thespare parts used on repairs. Similarly, since 1999 Apollo 2000have been a great source of both repair work and on the otherside of the coin, the supply of domestic appliances where theexisting ones were deemed to be ‘beyond economical repair’. Colemans Insurance handle all of Multibrand’s Insurance needsfrom Public Liability to Fleet. “Fortunately, we don’t have to call onColemans services very often!” laughs Ian, “still it’s good to knowthat we can pick up the phone and talk to someone we have asound relationship with should the need arise”All things considered, the future of Multibrand is looking excitingand their outlook just seems to be getting better and better.

Multibrand Services Ltd, 5 Nightingale Place, PendefordBusiness Park, Wolverhampton WV9 5HF

Telephone: 0844 847 0220Contact Mark Rogers or Ian Shaw

E-mail: mrogers@multibrand.co.uk or shaw@multibrand.co.ukwww.multibrand.co.uk

31740 1pg_Multibrand 14/05/2013 21:33 Page 1

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EVIVA Services Ltd has taken off in a massive way since its launch just over two years ago - and that’s not justbecause one of its happy customers is Birmingham Airport.It was only in March 2010 that David Lee, after 17 years workingfor other electrical contractors, established Eviva to offer electricaland mechanical services to commercial and industrial businesses- and it has sparked into a £500,000 turnover concern employing10 people.Powering its success is the customer survey, conducted shortlyafter being established and whose findings have, ever since,guided Eviva’s modus operandi.“We asked what clients looked for in a business to help usunderstand what we needed to do to create new opportunities,”explains David. “We could then establish 10 areas which werecritical to their deciding who they wanted to support them.“Using their comments we have tried to implement a companyethos that stands out from that of our competitors.”A key finding was that a low cost service was not the driving forcebehind clients’ choice of supplier - with 70% ruling that out.“It was the overall perception and service they had, from initialenquiry to programming and executing the work to a highstandard and knowing that they had the reassurance of a quality service,” says David.The other key elements were:• Time Keeping.

• Overcharging.• Dishonesty – claiming a total rewire is required rather than

upgrading a distribution board.• Attitude – how the client would like to be treated.• Poor workmanship.• Lack of respect for property.• Lack of written information – quotations that don’t cover what

work is being carried out and what hasn’t been included.• Failure to admit responsibility when things go wrong – things

do go wrong, it is how they’re dealt with that affects theperception of a company.

• Scruffy and dirty appearance – no corporate wear and untidyand dirty vehicles.

• Incessant talking – not listening to what the client really wants.“Many also appreciated that we had pushed our company to gainaccreditations including; NICEIC, Chas and Constructionline,”adds David.Today, from its Solihull base, Eviva provides a comprehensiverange of electrical services to the region’s industries, including:Installation, equipment power relocation, maintenance, testing andinspection, refurbishment and energy saving lighting installations.Its biggest customer is Birmingham Airport, to whom, as itsrecognised business partner Eviva brings expertise, knowledgeand service.“As its nominated electrical contractor we carry out electricalservices throughout the terminals and on the runway, installingand maintaining various systems including, general power,lighting, emergency lighting, fire alarms, PA/VA, Data and AGLLighting (runway lighting),” says David proudly.“The airport has benefitted from Eviva, thanks to our fast out-of-hours response to its critical operations as well as our personalservice.”Its airport work has also demonstrated the company’s ability todiversify within the industry, flexibility that has served it wellthrough the harsh economic climate.“It’s been a tough time in the construction industry but we havefound that as companies’ budgets get tighter, we are able to offerexternal support to in-house maintenance engineers who aremodifying and upgrading systems rather than installing costly newsystems, thus allowing spending in other areas,” says David.“We are always looking to grow our business and buildrelationships with new clients by offering a service tailored to their needs.”

For more details about Eviva and itsservices, visit www.evivaservices.co.uk

Alternatively telephone 0121 695 9581or email hello@evivaservices.co.uk

31494 HPD:Eviva Services Ltd HPD 28/09/2012 15:19 Page 1

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A big part of building trust inBritain’s builders lies inpromoting the fabulous workthe FMB’s member firms do fortheir clients, especially via theMaster Builder of the YearAwards, which honour the bestof British building. This year, ata gala celebration in Londonhosted by architect and TVpresenter George Clarke,Midlands’ firm GralineConstruction won the MidlandsRegional Energy Efficiencyaward, and Jewel Builders wonthe Midlands Regional MediumRenovation Project category.

The awards are a rare chancefor satisfied clients to nominatetheir builder for a nationallyrecognised award, with theoverall Master Builder of theYear winner driving off in abrand new Nissan lightcommercial vehicle worth morethan £20,000. This year’swinners were 3WDevelopments Ltd fromShrawley, Worcestershire. Tofind out more about theirwinning project and to keep an

eye out for upcoming news onhow to enter the next awards,see

www.fmb.org.uk/about/master-builder-of-the-year

Finally, if you are looking for atrusted builder or tradesman inyour area, whether for a smallrepair job or a bold andinspirational project like thisyear’s Master Builder of theYear winners’, then followthese simple steps to ensure ajob well done:

• Ask family, friends andneighbours to recommendbuilders they have usedrecently;

• Search for professionals inyour area on the FMBwebsite atwww.fmb.org.uk/fab;

• Produce a detailed writtenbrief of the work you wantdone, including plans anddrawings;

• Invite at least threecontractors to your site,show them the plans andask them to quote;

• Ask the contractors forreferences from previouscustomers and follow themup with a phone call andvisit to see their work foryourself;

• Check that the quotationsinclude EVERYTHING thatyou would like doing –including removal ofrubbish and making good;

• Don’t award a job on pricealone. Consider referencesand how well you got on;

• Check that the builder hasthe appropriate level ofpublic liability insurance foryour job;

• Set yourself a budget andbuild in some contingencyfunding, 15 per cent of thetotal cost of the work isusually about right;

• Agree a payment plan tosuit you and your builder,never pay the full cost ofthe project up front, anddon’t be pressured intoletting the builder startwork before you are ready.

• Always draw up a writtencontract with your builder –you can download templatecontracts for free on theFMB website atwww.fmb.org.uk/find-abuilder/free-contracts

Federation of Master BuildersThe Federation of Master Builders (FMB), founded in 1941, is thelargest trade organisation in UK construction, with almost 10,000member firms. To join the FMB building firms must have theirwork inspected, and once accepted they must follow a strictcode of professional conduct. This way the FMB drives upstandards in the building industry, and cracks down on cowboys.Membership of the FMB is a real badge of professionalism, so tofind out more about the benefits of joining please visit

www.fmb.org.uk/join-fmb

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Graline Construction is the Midlands winner for the 2012Energy Efficiency Award from the Federation of MasterBuilders. The award was for the conversion of atraditional 60’s brick built detached house at Ullenhallinto a bright, modern, energy efficient home.

The Award was for a project that demonstrates best use ofenergy efficiency measures designed to reduce energyconsumption, save on energy bills and minimise the overallimpact of the environment

Established in 1974, Graline Construction specialises in highquality domestic, commercial and industrial building projects.They employ their own permanent work force and can providefull design and build services utilising their own in house designand drawing facility.

The Ullenhall house required a complete programme ofrefurbishment and modernisation to satisfy the client’s visionand ecological criteria. It was the client's wish to use thestructure of the existing house rather than knock it down andrebuild as this would be a waste of old and new energy. AsGraham Urwin, MD, explained, such projects are always “clientled” and are major undertakings, requiring the client to have thevision, the resources and the will to see it through.

The partnership between the client and their construction partneris crucial, needing sympathy and commitment on both sides inorder to bring the build to a conclusion satisfying to both.

The award recognised some of the special features of theproject. The underfloor heating to both the first and groundfloor was provided by a “very efficient” three phase groundsource heat pump which necessitated 1000 metres of pipework, buried 1.2 metres below the back garden.

Then the modern roof system of extremely hard wearingceramic roof tiles that stay clean and are mounted on metalrunners, to militate against any rot, incorporated solar panelsfor heating the domestic hot water.

The fibre glass roof insulation is 300ml thick, the 60’s stylecavity walls have been insulated with cavity fill and the oldwindows replaced with hardwood timber frames.

31747 2pg_Multibrand 15/05/2013 10:11 Page 1

34

Oak floors have been laid throughout that combine beautifullywith the oak doors, frames and skirting boards all finished to avery high standard. There is a beautiful new oak staircase and astunning new kitchen.

The build was further complicated because bats had been nestingin the roof, and as all bats are protected, a special bat licencewas needed, and special provision had to be made for the bats,including bat boxes and special access points for the creatures.

The detached garage, likewise, because it was a new build, hadto be built to the same standard as the house, with bat provision.

In a further feather in the company’s cap, related to theUllenhall house; it was their apprentice electrician, Ian Smart’s,first full job on his own, and won him Midlands Apprentice ofthe year, he too will be off to London for the national finals.

VISIT our showroomRear of 349/351 Stratford Road

(Next to Plume Tyres) Shirley, Solihull

B90 3BW

purdiefloors@aol.comwww.purdiefloors.co.uk

telephone: 01217444471 | fax: 0121 744 4471

contact us for a no obligation quotation

Est. since1947

Purdie Floors has developed a highly regarded reputation in supplyingand fitting quality flooring throughout the West Midlands.

Our showroom boastsa good selection of

.traditional block wood flooring.strip wood flooring.pre-finished wood flooring.designer vinyl floors

P

We offer a wide range of accountancy services for both individuals and businesses throughout the West Midlands.From tax returns to service charge accountsWe are here to help

Stowe House1688 High StreetKnowle, Solihull

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01564 777726info@arundales.co.uk

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Arundales Accountants are proud to support Graline Constructionand wish them the best of luck for the future

ARUNDALESChartered Accountants

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The house wasfinallycompleted in2011;delighting bothclient andcontractor.

Please visit the web site for more information

www.gralineconstruction.co.ukor telephone 01564 822675

31747 2pg_Multibrand 15/05/2013 10:11 Page 2

35

But his business really has managed that, well, in spades - andthen some.

The special aspect of the FMB awards is that the entrants arenominated by their clients. Jewel has been nominated not oncebut three times, winning the regional award for New Build in1999 and for a renovation product in 2005.

Now it’s in the national running again, having just taken theregional title in the awards’ Medium Renovation category.

The project, at a property in Dorridge, involved demolishinggarages and building a two-storey extension, includingincorporating the existing outdoor swimming pool.

Andrew and his team will hear if they’ve won the national awardwhen they attend the big ceremony in London on March 20.

“Fingers crossed it’s third time lucky,” he says. “It’s soprestigious to be put forward for one of these awards becauseit’s driven by the customers.

“There’s no higher accolade than finishing a job on speakingterms with the client who is then happy to put pen to paper.”

And that, for Andrew, is the real joy of an FMB award - alongwith keeping in contact over many years with those samesatisfied customers.

Building good business relationships - another kind ofconstruction in which Jewel excels.

To make an enquiry about any of JewelBuilders’ services, telephone 07977 664414 or

email jewelbuilders@yahoo.co.uk

For the Robinson brothers and their team it’s notappearing alongside Carol Vordeman in front of 11 millionTV viewers on a regular basis that’s the jewel in theirbusiness crown.

Nor is it the multiple awards from the Federation of MasterBuilders (FMB) - gems though they are.

The real diamonds are the satisfied customers, says Andrewwho, with his twin brother Warren, founded and runs Solihull’sJewel Builders. Both rate the company’s long list of happyclients as one of their greatest business successes.

“When we hand over a project, we do so with immense pride,knowing we have probably changed someone’s life,” he smiles.

Established 30 years ago, Jewel Builders started as asubcontractor in the house building industry before branchinginto the domestic sector and working directly for clients.

As its reputation grew, the company progressed fromextensions to total builds, including mansion-style houses, andcompleting its own developments.

Today it provides a total construction service, whether therequirement is for domestic or commercial, an extension orrefurbishment or a whole new building.

Around a decade ago, the nation was able to see Jewel crews’expertise in action when the company provided the on-screenbuilding team for ITV’s Better Homes, presented by CarolVordeman.

The lifestyle series, broadcast in the early 00s saw two familieshave one of the rooms in their houses transformed by differentdesigners.

Jewel Builders were approached by the production company tobe part of the show following a recommendation from the FMB.A sure sign, if any were needed, of its enviable reputation.

Even Jewel, in its early days, faced the enormous challenge ofwinning over client confidence. “Builders don’t have thegreatest profile,” Andrew acknoweldges wryly.

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Britain’s cities are changing. New life isbeing breathed back into areas longassociated with decay and deprivation.

The last few years following the financialmeltdown have been harsh, but you couldview the nation’s cities as engines of required,yet seemingly elusive, economic growth.

The government certainly does. In fact it seesthem as critical to recovery and one of its keyobjectives is to make cities places wherepeople want to live, work, play and invest.

It is already proposing to relax change of useplanning laws in the hope that the move willpromote regeneration of commercial landand help bring empty commercial buildingsback into productive use.

But that’s just one of the newest measures.For decades cities up and down the landhave been transforming inner acres of landinto must-be places.

Chic apartment blocks, sparkling glass-walled office complexes, upmarket industrialestates and busy shopping thoroughfaresare being and have been created on sitesthat previously sported abandoned ruins,rubble and shattered glass.

Victorian factories, once the engine rooms ofEmpire are now humming with activity again- transformed into arts venues, museums orhubs for white collar companies and blue-chip ventures.

Indeed, looking to the past is provinginstrumental in building for the future. Puttingresources into a neighbourhood because ofthe value of what is already there, rather thanlabeling it as deprived, builds community andbusiness confidence, says English Heritage,pointing out that finding an alternative use forfunctionally redundant industrial sites presentsone of the best opportunities of securing theirlong-term future.

“Conservation-led regeneration in town andcountryside encourages private-sectorinvestment both by retaining businesses andpeople in an area and by providing anincentive to relocate to it,” says a spokesman.

Whether it’s revitalising older buildings ormaking sweeping changes to the locallandscape, you don’t have to look muchfurther Birmingham and Bristol for world-leading examples of inner city regeneration.

In the late 1980s, early 1990s Birminghamstarted transforming the derelict run-down

heartland, once home to the factories whichpowered its industrial domination, into whathas since been described as one of the mostimpressive and successful inner city mixed-use developments in the country.

Brindley Place, next to the InternationalConvention Centre and the National IndoorArena, which themselves are reviving theBroad Street area, is now home to some ofthe UK’s leading businesses, the workplacefor nearly 9,000 people and, with its myriadrestaurants and bars, a thriving and vibrantlocation day and night.

Likewise the dockland areas of Bristol, whoseimportance as a port had given it nationalprominence for centuries, went into nearterminal decline following the arrival of cargoships too large to navigate the Avon River.Competition from new docks at Avonmouthand Portbury didn’t help.

The ripple effect saw the city, now with vasttracts of derelict land, facing growing socialand economic inequalities and, in some areashigh unemployment. In the 1980s thefrustrations boiled over into nights of rioting.

After obtaining multi-million pound private andpublic funding packages, the city councilstarted revamping the problem sites and, 30years later, having created more than 3,000jobs, the area is unrecognisable.

It’s also one of the largest redevelopmentprojects in Europe and, with the arrival of anIMAX theatre, at-Bristol science museum, theMillennium Square, and the Watershed mediacentre, is rated as one of the UKs bestharbour-side redevelopments in the UK.

Both cities are now playing leading roles in theGovernment’s efforts for growth as each haveone of the 24 national Local EnterprisePartnerships (LEP), and are in turn creatingEnterprise Zones offering incentives to supportnew and expanding businesses.

In March, Andy Street, the head of theGreater Birmingham and Solihull LEP spoketo business leaders of his optimism aboutthe region’s growing potential, confirmingthat inward investment growth in the LEParea grew by 40% in 2012, against anational figure of -2%.

He also drew attention to the LEP’s pivotalrole as a national pilot area for Lord Heseltine’sNo Stone Unturned report, saying itrepresented “tremendous opportunities”.

Bristol in the meantime, has welcomed thenew partnership and zone initiatives, sayingboth are helping to drive economic growthand will help unlock potential more quickly,creating jobs and prosperity.

The city, home to one of the biggest silicondesign clusters outside of Silicon Valley,believes its wealth of creative and digitalmedia industries will be at the heart of Britain’seconomic recovery and its West of EnglandLEP is well positioned to capitalise on thecontinued growth of its knowledge-intensiveindustries such as aerospace, environmentaltechnologies and advanced engineering.

And so the changes continue, propelling thecities forward into the 21st century withoptimisim and confidence, flying in the faceof the economic doom mongers.

Among the sites already progressing withinBirmingham’s Enterprise Zone are the £450million transformation of Paradise Circus andthe relocation of the historic Assay Office tothe £160 million Kettleworks development inthe Jewellery Quarter.

Meanwhile the dark, crowded undergroundNew Street rail station is undergoing an £88million facelift into a bright modern transporthub, doubling passenger capacity, revivingthe surrounding area and creating around5,000 jobs.

Bristol continues to develop the creativepeople and networks critical to economicallysuccessful city regions. Its economy hasproved relatively resilient during the recessionbut major growth is predicted as its world-class knowledge economy based onaerospace, defence, engineering, ICT andelectronics, financial services, media, creativeand environmental industries blossom.

It, too, has its fair share of regenerationschemes are taking place across the city,such as the Gainsborough Square initiative,where the council is to spend up to £2.5million on shops, green space and otherfacilities for Lockleaze residents.

So while we may not be economically out ofthe woods yet it’s cities like Birmingham andBristol, with their willingness, foresight andconfidence to change that are showing us theway forward.

The changing landscape

of British Cities

31943 1pg_Transport Warehousing 29/05/2013 23:20 Page 1

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A specialist area where HTF are establishing an excellent and wideranging reputation is in the production of modern art pieces, workingclosely with the artists, in an admittedly, very demanding field. HTFhave completed some beautiful installation pieces, water featuresand sculptures, for artists throughout the UK and Ireland.

HTF are well placed to deliver anysize of project no matter how largeor small. The founders’ Rolls Roycetrained skills, and quality criteriaremain inbuilt into the ethos of thecompany, carrying through into thehigh quality standards and technicalability integral to the business today.

The Company has its own premisesin Ilkeston, Derbyshire, fullyequipped with a wide range of CNCfabrication and machining facilitiesand capabilities. They have adopteda Lean Manufacturing approach inorder to make the best use of thelatest technological advances.

HTF pays detailed attention to their customers’ requirements, andprovides solutions supported by project management, detailedprocess and engineering design, to deliver value added engineeringsolutions that maximize the return on customer investment. Thisphilosophy has led to the establishment of many long standingcustomer relationships.

Paul Fletcher, Technical Sales Director, explained “Our aim for all ourclients is to consistently exceed their expectations by providing ahigh level of quality and service in order to establish and maintainlong term, mutually beneficial, working relationships.”

Give HTF a ring to find out more on 0115 930 5700 or visit their web site

www.htfstainless.co.uk

���������������������������������������������������

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Does it need making from Stainless Steel? Do you need acompany focussed on meeting and exceeding theircustomers’ requirements? A company who specialise inproducing individual, bespoke solutions in stainless steel?Whatever it is, bring it along to HTF Stainless SteelFabrications Ltd, a traditional steel fabrication company thathas been making bespoke stainless steel items since 1994.

The company is still under the family ownership of the originalfounders and is run very much as a family enterprise. They are ableto tackle a vast range of diverse and bespoke projects, servicingnumerous markets including rail, architecture and even modern art.Their wide range of expertise enables them to deliver solutions thatare much more than steel objects but are high quality, highspecification projects which their clients love.

This diversification has meant the development of new skills andtechniques, as they adapt to the changing business environment,technological advances, customer expectations and requirements.

The resurgence in the housingmarket is very good news forthem, as they manufacture manyof the architectural features, suchas hand rails and balustrades,bespoke and custom stairways,decorative balustrades, and pipe-work, that some of the bestmodern design incorporates.

Manufacturing is starting to investagain too, and HTF can providehygienic and service pipe-work,pressure vessels, tanks,heating/cooling jackets, driptrays, machine guards, safetyhand-rails and balustrades,industry hand-rails, frame-workand intricate bespokefabrications.

31759 1pg_HorseWorld 24/05/2013 17:37 Page 1

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Chase Independent staff do not hesitate to go the extramile to help clients in any way possible - and you don’thave to take just their word for it.

A wealth of testimonials from happy customers themselves fill aweb page. “We first went into the office as strangers to buy ahouse . . . left a couple of months later as friends,” declaresjust one of the glowing plaudits. And for the last three yearsrunning the Rugeley family sales and lettings company hasbeen shortlisted, against major national agents, in the top 10for the whole Midlands area at the ESTAs.

“These are the largest and longest running awards in the UKproperty industry and are recommended by customers who,time and time,again return to us to help them with their propertysales/purchases and lettings,” says owner Michele Dibble.

That willingness to go the extra mile on behalf of a client, alongwith welcoming, friendly, approachable and knowledgeablestaff, has been a winning combination ever since ChaseIndependent Rugeley was established in 2007.

The business, in its prominent location of Yardley House, HorseFair, provides the complete range of property solutions, usingthe latest Vebra solex software and Rightmove for its residentialsales and offering a free 12-month rent guarantee to alllandlords as part of its fully managed and tenant find lettingsand property management services.

It also has an established rich vein of contacts for solicitors,independent mortgage advisors, landlord and tenant insurance,energy performance assessors and contractors includingplumbers, electricians, decorators and builders.

“We keep our residential sales properties at a manageable levelto maintain the service to clients but the lettings business withits host of satisfied landlords and tenants is going from strengthto strength, which is a testament to our excellent,comprehensive service,” says Michele. “Despite the challengingmarket, we have seen year on year growth since we openedand having smart and modest offices to keep our overheadslow and keep costs down, enables us to pass the savings toour clients in both sales and lettings.

“Developing a prosperous business during an unprecedentedsuppressed economy and not just surviving, but thriving thanksto our excellent service, is right up there as one of our biggestsuccesses.”

Chase Independent certainly rises magnificently to a challenge.Not even last year’s flooding of the recently refurbished officecould keep the company down.

“We are continuing to build our brand and offer exceptionalpersonal service,” says Michele. “Call and speak to one of oursales/lettings team for free, straightforward and honest advice.”

Chase Independent is open Monday-Thursday 9.30am-5.30pm, Friday from 9.30am-5pm and on Saturday, 9.30 -

3pm. Telephone 01889 582233 or emailrugeleyestates@chaseindependent.co.uk

For further information and to browse its sales and lettingsportfolio, visit www.chaseindependent.com. You can also

catch up with all the latest events and available properties byfinding Chase Independent on Facebook.

Chris Taylor Financial Services is here to help you put the pieces of your financial jigsaw together.

We specialise in all types of mortgage and protection business including: Repayment Mortgages

Life Assurance Interest Only Mortgages Critical Illness Remortgages Income Protection Buy-To-Lets House and Contents Insurance First Time Buyers Business Protection

Redundancy Cover

Office Tel: 01889 577277 Email: christaylorfs@gmail.comChris Taylor Financial Services is delighted to be associated with Chase Independent (Rugeley).

90 High Street, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 7JDTel. 01889 565211Email. mail@cowlishawandmountford.co.uk

www.cowlishawandmountford.co.uk

Legal service for individuals and businesses withinDivorce, Separation, Child & Family Disputes . Conveyancing - Domestic & CommercialWill, Probate and Estate Administration . Commercial LitigationAccident & Personal Injury Claims . Employment Disputes . Debt Recovery

Congratulations to Chase Independent wishing you every success in the futurefrom all at Cowlishaw & Mountford

Cowlishaw Mountford

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39

T R A D E F R A M E S

Hanley Trade Frames Ltd is proud to fabricate windows from Elite70 Profile from Spectus Window Systems. Spectus are widelyrecognised as having the best and most complete product rangein the market, with products that can be combined to create anystyle of window, door or conservatory. What's more, all Spectuswindows can achieve an energy rating of band A. Their Elite 70 isa "state of the art" system, designed and manufactured in the UK,for the UK, with a quality standard second to none.

The government’s drive towards sustainability and the everincreasing costs of keeping our homes warm and well lit areboosting sales of double glazing, specialist glass finishes thathelp to conserve energy, residential doors, patio doors andFrench windows to keep out the drafts while letting in more light.

Hanley Trade frames have a rolling programme of investment inthe latest technology, which, allied with their over 30 yearsmanufacturing experience in the industry means that theircustomers can rely on top quality products at competitiveprices. The highly skilled Stoke-on-Trent manufacturing teamhave all been trained in-house and have been with the companyon average for over 10 years.

They are a family run company and have built their reputation onreliable advice and professional, friendly customer service.

The business was established in 1997 with 4 staff in a smallunit, and over the years of expansion and investment has seenthe workforce grow to 12. The company has experiencedsteady growth despite the difficult trading conditions of the last5 years and continue to introduce new products to their ranges.

It’s clear; the future is green for Hanley Trade Frames Ltd the home of

quality UPVc windows, doors andconservatories, for the trade

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Your perfect PVC-U partnerWINDOWS | CONSERVATORIES | DOORS

T: 01625 420 400 | www.spectus.co.uk

Spectus Window Systems congratulates Hanley Trade Frames on over 15 years’ successful business growth. We look forward to a long and prosperous trading partnership and wish them continued success for the future.

Whatever your needs, Kelly Molyneux & Co can help.Offering accounts, taxation and business advisory and support services to a wide range of businesses and individuals

We are proud to have been associated to Hanley Trade Framesfor the last 20 years and would like to wish them all the best for the future.

For a free initial interview please Call us on 01782 814360 or visit our website to discover how we could help your business. www.kellymolyneux.co.uk

OFFICE: Security House, 1 Queen Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 3EL

km Kelly molyneux & co

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rtifie

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ntants and registered auditors

Security is always one of the top priorities when home ownerspurchase their new windows, which is why Hanley Trade Frames Ltdfit the TSL High Security System as standard. With its reverse action

moving the multiple sets of mushroom cams it gives a smoothsecure action. This locking system carries the Secure by Designcertification and out performs shootbolt locks.

Hanley Trade Frames carry a huge range of products including EcoSpec Energy Rated windows, Vertical Sash Windows, PVCResidential Doors, Composite Doors, Stable Doors, French Doors,Bi-Fold Doors, Patio Doors and Conservatories. Hanley TradeFrames really is the trade’s one stop shop for all things UPVc.

Hanley Trade Frames Ltd offer top quality products to the trade atvery competitive prices, and their extensive range of products isavailable on a very short lead time.

Far Green Industrial Estate Chell Street, Stoke On Trent ST1 6AZ

Tel: 01782 201150

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Richard concentrates on providing corporate property advicethroughout the UK for several international and national companiesand advises private clients on aspects ranging from rent reviews andlease renewals to acquisitions and disposals. In addition he adviseson the disposal and acquisition of residential building land and iscurrently in the middle of disposing of 16 acres of primedevelopment land on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

Tom, with his intimate knowledge of the Midlands market, likes toconcentrate on getting deals done, saying that he uses hiswinning mentality to ensure he does his very best for every client,be it an individual or a property business.

Andrew, meanwhile, describes his approach as no nonsensewhich, combined with more than 20 years’ experience in thebuilding industry, helps him to deal with property managementand construction related work, often liaising between owners andtenants or dealing with contractors to ensure buildings are wellrun, managed and occupied.

Setting up a business at the beginning of a recession can bedescribed as foolhardy or brave but the recession hasactually driven Bromwich Hardy to buck the trend.

The Coventry practice, has thrived despite tough conditions and acompetitive market, securing a host of prestigious deals across theregion and charting 20% year-on-year growth.

“One thing a recession demonstrates is that businesses andemployers worth their place in the market tend to rise to the top,”says James Brookes, one of the company’s four fee earners.“Bromwich Hardy is definitely doing that.”

James, a specialist in the licensed and leisure property markets, isfurther evidence of the practice’s continued growth as he recentlyjoined the team along with graduate surveyor Mandy Sunner. Withbroad experience in the Midlands property market, having worked ina variety of different sectors, he takes his place alongside principalsRichard Hardy and Tom Bromwich, together with the other feeearner, Andrew Forsyth.

Complex Development Projects are proud to work in partnership with Bromwich Hardy.www.complexdevelopmentprojects.co.uk

www.bromwichhardy.co.uk

BEST DATA. BEST ANALYTICS.

COSTAR CONGRATULATES BROMWICH HARDY ON THEIR SUCCESS AND IS DELIGHTED FOR THEIR ENDORSEMENT OFTHE NEW COSTARSUITE PRODUCT.

www.costar.co.uk/revolution

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LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM JUNCTION 3, M6 COVENTRY CV7 9FW

www.loadesecoparc.co.uk

“ amazing ! this latest cutting edge

location for business in Coventry

must be seen ! ”

FURTHER INFORMATION TOM BROMWICH MRICS tom.bromwich@bromwichhardy.com

Combined, the quartet provide a complete range of propertyservices, including: commercial lettings and sales, acquisitionwork, advice on landlord and tenant issues, commercial propertyvaluation, commercial investments, strategic portfolio and generalproperty management, together with the sale and acquisition ofresidential building land.

Recent successes included acting on behalf of A C LloydHoldings Ltd in agreeing terms for the funding of a 10,000 sq ftnew home for the Probation Service at Castlegate Business Parkin Dudley and the sale of 19,000 sq ft premises on Coventry’sBayton Road, Industrial Estate. Industrial units have also beenacquired for clients on a national basis in Exeter, Northamptonand Wellingborough.

As to be expected of this forward thinking, busy practice, while itvalues each and every success, it’s not prepared to rest on itslaurels and moves are under way to widen its reach.

“We intend to expand on our market share in the WestMidlands, particularly in our focal markets of Coventry,Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby andNuneaton,” promises James.

For full further information about Bromwich Hardy, go to

www.bromwichhardy.comAlternatively telephone 02476 308900 or email office@bromwichhardy.com

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Grows from strength to strengthBirds Transport and Logistics, one of the mostestablished major transport companies in the Midlands,continues to grow from strength to strength.

It’s traditional UK and Ireland national distribution servicesremain the core of the company’s activities. With a fleet ofsome 100 tractor units and 200 trailers within the network thecompany offers a comprehensive range of services throughoutthe UK and Ireland – mainly on a next day basis – whether it’sa full load, a pallet, or a parcel.

Birds’ main operation centre is based in Oldbury in the heart ofthe Midlands - less than 5 minutes from Junction 2 on the M5.The 10 acre operating site, incorporates 100,000 sq ft ofwarehousing, and is fully secured with 24 hour manned security.

Easy access from the depot to the central motorway network givesBirds the advantage of being able to get consignments to majorUK delivery centres within hours. The company operates multipleovernight and daily full load and groupage services to Ireland,where it has its own receiving and delivery depot at Ballyclare.Similarly, the company has its own depot in the South East toreceive and deliver consignments to and from the southern part ofthe UK. The company’s daily services to Scotland continue to be avery major part of the company’s transport services.

As part of the development strategy of the company, Birds hasnow developed a daily groupage service to most Europeancountries – predominantly France, Germany, Belgium andHolland. This is a new service being developed by DonnaWhiles and should you need more information on this serviceshe can be contacted any time at the company’s head office on0121 552 2401.

Earlier this year the company was acquired by the BallyveseyGroup, a major Northern Ireland transportation and trailermanufacturing company, as part of their acquisitionprogramme of strategic transport companies in the UK. Thisacquisition opens fantastic new opportunities for Birds andeveryone in the company is very upbeat about futuredevelopments. The company has recently acquired new tractorunits and trailers to meet increased freight demand and isactively recruiting new drivers.

The company’s strong relationship with its customers remainscore to the success of the business, as Robin Davies,Managing Director, told Business Post, “Without our customers’support the company could not continue to grow and develop.Our customers’ requirements always come first with us, andthis is fundamental to ensure the continued success of thecompany. This and the close working relationship with oursuppliers will ensure the continuing success story of Birds’

To be part of their success story visit the web site

www.birds.co.ukor give them a ring on 0121 552 2402

Birds continues to Grow from strength to strength

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Intercounty Vehicle Contracts is a commercial vehicle fleetmanagement company with a service provision packaged tooffer a clearly defined portfolio of support services to bothnew and existing customers. Having expanded ourgeographical location, Intercounty Vehicle Contracts nowoperates twelve vehicle maintenance units throughout the UK,maintaining fleets of 7.5-44t HGV’s and offering ourcustomers the responsibility for all the day to day running oftheir commercial vehicles. The latest vehicle maintenance unitbeing for Birds Transport, based in Oldbury, where thecompany’s 91 trucks and 201 trailers are managed andmaintained through a tailored contract that maximises theiroperating efficiency. As with our other maintenance units, theOldbury site will be fully equipped and staffed by a team ofhighly skilled and committed personnel; 8 Technicians, 1Administrator and 1 Manager.

Our years of experience and knowledge are here to supportour customers with our passion of driving your fleet forwardwhilst allowing you to make substantial savings in theprocess. With key operations including fleet management,vehicle leasing, commercial vehicle workshop services andtelematics, we want our customers to benefit from ourexpertise for the maintenance of commercial vehicles.

Intercounty Vehicle Contracts provide more than simply a client /service provider relationship, we deliver a business partnershipthat can face up to the commercial transportation challenges oftoday, offering the availability of the following services:

• Repair and maintenance to all commercial vehicles• Workshop management• Vehicle inspection and VOSA test preparation• 24/7 breakdown and recovery service• Road fund licence renewals• Replacement vehicle cover and access to additional vehicles• Account management and KPI reporting• On site LOLER & POWER testing for moving floor and tail lift• Vehicle disposal service• Service partner network

www.intercounty-contracts.com

Delivering a business partnership that can face up to the commercial transportation challenges of today

Your Fleet, Our Passion www.intercounty-contracts.com

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Keeping business moving since the mid 1990s, CenturionTruck Rental was established in Middleton, Manchesterand has grown into one of the UK’s leading serviceproviders in the field of commercial vehicle rental, leasingand contract hire.

The Middleton office now serves as the head office for anextensive network of 14 depots, strategically placed throughout the UK, providing a 24 hour, 365 days a yearvehicle hire service.

Centurion provides some of the most innovative and flexiblesolutions in the commercial vehicle market, and offer packagesfor all situations from Contract Hire, Fleet Management, SpotRental or Flexi Rental.

Warren Fletcher, MD, discussed the advantages of ContractHire, explaining: “Contract Hire offers you fixed cost and offbalance sheet funding allowing you to use your capital to itsbest advantage. We can tailor our offering to meet your exactneeds whether for a standard ‘distribution’ vehicle or a morecomplex specialised asset.”

It isn’t always possible to predict just what and how manyvehicles you may need, but with Centurion’s flexible rentalservice you can now sign up to shorter periods of hire with allof the benefits of full contract hire.

You may have an emergency, requiring a vehicle at short notice,or experience the need for extra transport to meet a short termrequirement; speak to Centurion, they will supply high qualityvehicles with outstanding service and value for money for all ofyour short term rental needs.

Fleet management has become increasingly complex overrecent years as a mass of new legislation and regulationthreatens to overwhelm the transport industry, so considerhanding the management of your fleet over to theprofessionals. Centurion’s experienced Fleet Management teamwill leave you free to run your business and concentrate onyour core activities.

Centurion are able to benefit from outstanding economies ofscale which, in a very capital intensive and price sensitiveenvironment enables them to deal confidently with any fleet sizeand ensures their procurement methods allow them to providethe value their customers expect.

As Centurion are not tied to any single manufacturer they areable to provide the most suitable product to successfullymeet your business demands and will work with you toensure the most suitable servicing locations, whether youoperate from one location or multiple UK sites.

Centurion have developed strong relationships with major UKcompanies in industries including Transport, Retail andManufacturing, and are pleased to support Bird’s Transport.

Centurion believes that outstanding service, transparency andhonesty delivers stronger and more effective supply chainrelationships; not driven by sales volumes but by the belief thatdoing the right things with the right partners will deliver asuccessful outcome for both supplier and customer.

Speak to the team on 0161 653 9700 or email info@centuriontruckrental.co.uk

to see how they can get your business on the move

www.centuriontruckrental.co.uk

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What are you behind the wheel?A classic? Pure vintage? Maybenot so much a veteran as a littlebit retro? Or do you just like toget your kit on?

No offence - we’re talking about the caryou may be lucky enough to drive - or areconsidering buying. Not everyone wantsthis year’s model fromToyota/Ford/Vauxhall etc.

Enter the world of specialist car ownershipand you’re entering a place where yourwheels are so much more than a machinefor getting from A to B.

These are vehicles purchased byenthusiasts, lovingly restored to andmaintained in the condition they werewhen they were first driven off theproduction line.

Some are historic, some are worldfamous, many form part of treasuredcollections - and some are just built fromscratch by a knowledgeable individual tobe something just that little bit different.

So let’s get the definitions sorted.

• Veteran - a car pre-dating andincluding December 1918.

• Vintage - a car made between 1919and 1930. Although the term is oftenascribed to those made before theSecond World War.

• Classic - generally any car no longerin production but still popular. So itcould be cars from the 1940s, 1950s,1960s and 1970s.

• Modern Classics - An emergingcategory covering iconic cars fromsome of the classic marques, such as:Ferrari Enzo; Jaguar XK8R; AstonMartin DB7 and DB9.

• Kit - cars built by their buyers.

• Retro - a little ambiguous still andspilling over into classic territory. Carshere might come from the 1980s or1960s. An online definition of the wordRetro reads: “A culturally outdated oraged style, trend, mode, or fashion,from the overall post-modern past,that has become functionally orsuperficially the norm once again”.Many modern cars are designed in aretro fashion to reflect the style of pastmodels while enjoying theperformance, safety and build qualityexpected by present day buyers.

According to the Federation of BritishHistorical Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC),enthusiasts and traders contribute to anindustry that is worth £4bn a year to theUK economy. That’s a lot of engine partsand historic vehicles - 850,000 to beexact, says the FBHVC

There’s plenty of kit cars out there too, itbeing an established and enthusiasticallysupported sector with a wealth of smallcompanies designing and selling modelsfor real niche markets.

You won’t get a better glimpse of thecurrent scene than the National Kit CarShow, taking place at Stonleigh Park,Warwickshire.

Billed as the biggest of its kind - in the world- if features displays of more than 4,000 carsand hundreds of stands selling everything acar builder needs, from nuts and bolts to acomplete performance engine.

Many visitors will be happy to just browse,look and dream - but there will be thoseactually putting a model together. Building akit car, however, is not for the faint hearted.

It can take hundreds or even thousands ofhours of time and, yes, pounds, plus ofcourse, required work space and tools, but any owner will tell you the end result is worth it.

Even those with the most basicunderstanding of mechanics andengineering can build a kit car thanks to the help of fellow enthusiasts andwealth of information which are availableout there.

The future is bright for kit cars - whatabout the classic car market? It cancertainly be a volatile place.

We may be in the middle of a globalfinancial crisis, but it didn’t stop theoriginal 1960s Batmobile going for$4.2million in January or a Ferrari 250GTO originally built for Sir Stirling Mossselling for $35million last year, a decade after it had been bought for amere $8.5m.

Not every classic will fetch suchastonishing sums but there’s no doubtthat choosing the right model can reaprewards; even if it’s just a humble Citroen 2CV.

A few years back you couldn’t necessarilygive them away - now you’d be lucky tofind one with a less than £3,000 price tag.In France models restored by a Britishcompany are going for up to £11,000.

There’s more good news from the HistoricAutomobile Group International (HAGI)which reported that according to its indexof classic cars, valuations shot up by 19%in the first nine months of 2012 and bymore than 25% in the last year.

Vintage motors are also revving up astorm with one dealer claiming to havesold 30 cars worth more than £40m since April 2012 while a sale in Battersealast October realised more than £14m inone evening.

Production may have long ceased onmany models and makes - but thepassion and enthusiasm that still exists forthem ensures that they’ve got a long wayto go until the end of the road.

Classic, Vintage, or Retro?

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The fleet services team at Volkswagen’s threedealerships in Wolverhampton, Redditch and Stourbridgeprides itself on superb industry experience, first rateproduct knowledge and excellent customer service.

Headed up by Relationship Manager Lisa Hudson, members ofthe team are comprehensively trained to fully understand - anddeal with – all of the day-to-day needs of customers.

Lisa joined the Trust Group in 2008 to develop and managecorporate accounts, with a strong focus on contract hire andleasing. With more than 18 years automotive industryexperience, Lisa’s initial role was as a finance and insurancespecialist. Supported by a background in banking, this provedan excellent platform to then present vehicle solutions for theVolkswagen business user.

Lisa said: “If you are responsible for the management of yourcompany’s fleet, then we at Volkswagen are here to give you allof the help and support you need.

“We offer a great choice of superb quality cars to keep yourdrivers happy, and we also pride ourselves on offering youexcellent, personalised customer service. It is this combinationthat makes Volkswagen Fleet the number one fleet operator inthe UK.”

Lisa and her team offer a range of service levels and tailormade business solutions for all sizes of business.

She added: “If you manage a fleet of less than 50 cars, why notmake life a bit easier and let Volkswagen take care of your carleasing arrangements? We not only offer a range of superbquality cars, but also unbelievable value and affordabilitythrough our flexible finance solutions. And it's all backed upwith excellent customer service, as well as a choice of service,

tyres and maintenance plans – all tailored to your uniquebusiness needs.”

The Volkswagen fleet service team understands the day-to-dayneeds and responsibilities of its customers, whether they are aFleet Manager, Managing Director, Financial Officer, HumanResources representative, Logistics Manager or a MaintenanceController.

For a dedicated solution to your business needs, contact theteam today. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm.

More spec. More mpg. Less tax.Less CO2. From £219 a month. Less than you’d think.

Model shown includes metallic paint: £16,785. Business Users Only. *6.0p per mile (plus VAT) charges for mileage travelled in excess of the contracted mileage. Furthercharges may be payable on vehicle’s return. Indemnities may be required. Subject tostatus. Available to over 18’s in the UK only. Offer available on orders before April 30th,2013. Volkswagen Finance, Freepost VWFS. Offers are not available in conjunction withany other offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Certain vehicles excluded.Ask for details. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the new Golf range:urban 41.5 (6.8) – 61.4 (4.6); extra urban 62.8 (4.5) – 85.6 (3.3); combined 53.3 (5.3)– 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 123 – 99g/km.

Wolverhampton VolkswagenBilston Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 2AJ.Telephone: 01902 454602.www.wolverhampton.volkswagen.co.ukWolverhampton Volkswagen is part of

Contract Hire 3-year, 10,000 miles* per annum example for Golf SE 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology.

35 monthly payments of (plus VAT) £219.00

Initial rental (plus VAT) £857.00

New Golf at £219 a month. Plus VAT and initial rental.

Fleet service team offers dedicated business solutions

Lisa Hudson Relationship Manager

Contact Us

Call: 0845 123 9232

Call: 01902 458391 (Lisa Direct)

Email: lisa.hudson@trustgroupuk.com

Online: www.trustgroupuk.com

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Ah, the open road. In straightenedtimes when ‘staycations’ are all therage, there couldn’t be a more perfectway to discover the beautiful andvaried landscape that makes up theBritish Isles.

And what could be better than having allyour home comforts around you while onthe move and the ability to exploresomewhere new at the drop of a hat?

A holiday on wheels, whether in a caravanor motorhome, offers all of these things andis perfect for everyone, no matter how oldor young they are.

Parents can rediscover the delights ofoutdoor adventures with their children. Thiskind of holiday - reminiscent of a bygoneera can provide perfect opportunities forrock pooling and den building, along withfamily expeditions on bikes or on foot, withpicnic treats at the ready.

Festival goers have found that having a partshare in a caravan or camper van offersmore luxurious accommodation, whileempty nesters and early (or later) retired folkcan use a touring holiday as the perfectgetaway no matter what the season.

Bristol and Birmingham regions couldn’t bebetter placed to welcome all these travellersand their homes on wheels.

Apart from the cities themselves beingpacked with fascinating tourist destinations,both are practically within touching distance,never mind travelling distance, of some of the

country’s biggest international attractionsand all boast a wealth of camping sites justwaiting for visitors to pitch up.

Birmingham has Shakespeare Country righton its doorstep while the beauties of theLake District are only a few hours’ drivefurther north.

Bristol, is of course, right at the gateway tothe South West - Devon and Cornwall -while Bath and ‘Jane Austen’ country arenext door and Wales just a short trip overthe Severn.

According to the Caravan Club, Europe’spremier touring organisation representingthe interests of more than a millioncaravanners, motor caravanners and trailertent owners, 26% of UK holiday nights arespent in a caravan or motorhome while theindustry is worth around £6 billion annuallyto the UK economy and employs about115,000 people.

Its members alone spend more than £400million off-site in local tourism

economies and, in total, UK caravannerscontribute almost £1.5 billion a year to localeconomies and in VAT and motoring taxes.

Once you have been bitten by the caravanbug, the only way is forward, with everyweekend a potential holiday.

You can stay anywhere; from the grounds ofan esteemed stately home to the friendlyback garden of an urban pub; from sandyshores to beautifully coiffed country gardens.

From city sites in Edinburgh’s culturalclimes to Invercauld, in the heart of theCairngorm National Park - yes, what’sstopping you from picking up your holidaygear and motoring on up to Scotland?

The bottom line is that the choice ofdestination is yours, as by boarding yourcaravan or motorhome, you’re opening upa whole holiday-making world of flexibilityand sustainability.

Not even the British weather cannecessarily get the best of you. If it’srefusing to play ball, you can just up sticksand go where it’s better behaved.

Furthermore, banish all thoughts ofpitching up to a cold and muddy field andhuddling to cook over a single gas stove.

If you’ve not been inside a caravan for afew years, you’ll be glad to know thingshave changed, almost beyond recognition.Today it’s less Carry on Camping andmore Carry on Glamping.

Modern caravans have all mod cons andas many home comforts as you desire,including state-of-the-art kitchen facilities,luxury showers and toilets en suite, fixedbeds, heating/air con, and in-houseentertainment.

There’s no doubt that in recession-hitBritain, the domestic market for campingand caravanning is booming but it’s notjust because we Brits are tightening ourbelts and opting for budget domesticholidays.

The desire for shared experiences, a lowcarbon footprint and freedom andflexibility are also key factors.

After all, what could be better thangathering up your pet/children, favouriteduvet, deckchairs - even your drum kitand the proverbial kitchen sink - chuckingthem all into your caravan or motorhomeand heading off into the wild blue yonder?

Jeremy Clarkson? Eat your heart out.

The Joys of theOpen Road

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Travel Club Elite began operations in 1985, and is proud tohave been Members of ABTA (the Association of British TravelAgents) for 28 years, a guarantee for customers of financialsecurity and top-class service standards.

This is one of the most successful travel agencies in the UK,having maintained steady growth throughout the economicdownturn by focussing on providing the very best qualityholidays available, from top quality companies, at the mostcompetitive rates.

Travel Club Elite is now one of the largest independent travelagencies in the region. As part of its expansion, havingoutgrown its last city-centre premises in April 2012, they movedinto new offices at 145, Granville Street, within a few steps ofthe Cube, and are continuing to grow, being proud to provideextra jobs in the area.

A true midlands, success story, Travel Club Elite, theregion’s premier independent travel agent, is celebratingthe prestigious award of Elite Travel Agent of the Year2012, topping their previous year’s accolade of Elite SkiAgent of the year 2011.

Travel Club Elite has met the challenge of so called, “cheap”internet deals head on, and turned the perceived threat verymuch to its advantage, by using the web to market its brilliantoffering and core standards of great service and value formoney. So much so, that apart from word of mouthrecommendations and repeat clients, the internet has becomeits main source of new business.

Their core market is the discerning traveller at the luxury end ofthe market, including film and radio stars, writers, professionalsand even members of the aristocracy, who look for somethingthat little bit special. Whilst such clients still expect value formoney, they are less affected by the recent economic problemsthan the mainstream holiday market.

Travel Club Elite has used its experience and purchasing powerto provide wonderful bespoke holiday experiences for a widevariety of clients to a huge range of destinations.

Holidays are a precious time to leave our everyday worldbehind, relax and unwind, meet new people, see new placesand enjoy new experiences.

Whatever your preferred style of holiday, action-packed,romantic or relaxing, you plan, budget and look forward to it allyear and expect to return having had a thoroughly good time,with photos and memories to cherish.

It makes sense, therefore to use the services of anexperienced, award winning travel agency.

ULTRA-LUXURY SUMMER CRUISING WITH SILVERSEA

DREAM. DISCOVER. EXPLORE.The Mediterranean is an irresistible Silversea destination that keeps calling you back for more. Enjoy the all-inclusive lifestyle as you sail on a journey along the Italian coast to the sun soaked Greek Isles. Relax and unwind as you enjoy the small-ship ambience onboard.

MEDITERRANEAN – CARIBBEAN - NORTHERN EUROPE – ALASKA – SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA FAR EAST & AUSTRAL IA – AFR ICA & MIDDLE EAST – EXPEDIT ION VOYAGES

Silver Cloud VOYAGE 132426 Aug 2013 departure 9 Days

Silver Privilege Fares from

£2,250pp

Flights from £350pp

For bookings & Enquires please call Travel Club Elite 0121 213 0012TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

Calling at:

Monte Carlo, Livorno, Civitavecchia (Rome), Sorrento, Messina, Valletta,

Nafplion, Mykonos, Piraeus (Athens)

31870 3pg_Carford Group 24/05/2013 17:07 Page 1

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During the last year alone, they have been delighted to increasetheir staff by three new permanent appointments, includingMarie Dancer, on the customer service side, and a graduateintern, strengthening the on-line marketing team, Sherrie Henry.

These young women are relishing the opportunities these newpositions give them, as Sherrie commented, “After my interviewat Travel Club Elite I was excited, but not particularly optimisticabout my chances of being selected to intern here.

As a fresh advertising and brand management graduate I knewlittle about web or graphic design and had considered myself tobe more strategy-based in terms of marketing. However, I waseager to learn and the friendly and helpful team at Travel ClubElite took the time out to teach me all the skills that wouldmake me successful in this role.

I have learnt the basics of Fireworks (similar editing software toPhotoshop), the power of SEO, how to use a contentmanagement system, how to identify and make the most of avaluable deal for our niche customer database and “shedloads” more (not forgetting how to make a decent cup of tea!).

Next in line for my personal development will be learning the“ins and outs” of Pay Per Click and I am really excited! Workinghere has increased my passion for digital marketing and I hopeto become a pioneer in this field!”

Marie, too, is enjoying her new role as an apprentice CustomerServices advisor. She said “I joined Travel Club Elite inSeptember as an apprentice working and studying a BusinessAdministration course via City & Guilds. I started off with littleknowledge or experience regarding customer services andadministration but as time has progressed, so have I, andTravel Club Elite has enabled me to grow with confidence in myrole and I look forward to the future.”

These “bright young things” obviously have a great futureahead in the travel industry!

Travel Club Elite is a top agent for the most prestigious travelorganisers, including Club Med, Mark Warner, Longwood, Bales,Kuoni, Wendy Wu, Neilson and many others, with whom theyhave developed an established relationship which enables themto negotiate best value for money deals.

The company specialises in all types of holiday from luxuryholidays, family activity holidays, tennis holidays, sailing holidays,and ski holidays. They have looked after tens of thousands ofsatisfied customers, many of whom return year after year, andrecommend their friends.

Colin Matthews, MD set out the philosophy that has generatedtheir success, “Our goal is to get the best and most cost-effective holiday and tour arrangements for you, always bearingin mind the huge difference between price and value for money.”

So do you fancy lazing on a beach in an exotic location, learninga new skill among a friendly group of folk, sailing with the wind inyour hair, across a sparkling sunlit sea, skiing on crisp whitesnow, under a brilliant blue sky, or maybe just enjoying the après-ski, or perhaps a wildlife safari in Africa?

Telephone: 0121 2130012 Visit: www.travelclubelite.com

Classic Collection Holidays is a leading independent specialist tour operator providing 4 and 5 Luxury Hotel Holidays to sophisticated destinations. Tailor Made Holidays any day, any duration, any airport. Private Transfers

We are proud to support Travel Club Elite and we would like to wish them every success for the future.

Spain Balearic & Canary Islands Portugal & Madeira Italy Croatia Gibraltar Malta Greece Cyprus France Turkey Morocco Egypt Bermuda

CLASSICcollection

HOL I D AY S

25Years ANNIVERSARY

1988-2013

C

LASS

IC COLLECTION HOLIDAYS

31870 3pg_Carford Group 24/05/2013 17:07 Page 2

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Whatever constitutes the perfect holiday for you, the friendlyexperienced team at Travel Club Elite will make it happen. Theywill inspire your imagination and match your travel and holiday'wish-list' to perfection.

Being a specialist travel agent for the Association ofIndependent Tour Operators (AITO) gives them access to amarvellous range of “niche” travel and holiday products notavailable through most agents.

Colin Matthews is excited about the new season’sopportunities, including some great deals from Sandals; 2 for 1on Sandals resorts in the Caribbean for selected dates fromMay 2013 through to 2014.

He said “We’ll be adding a greatly enhanced range of travelideas over the coming months; so please include us in your'favourites'. If your preferred destination is not shown, pleaseask, we’re sure to be able to help.”

www.travelclubelite.com 0121 213 0012

Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly & Isle of Wight

th e Great British island h o liday company

EGYPT, JORDAN, MOROCCO, ISRAEL, CROATIA & MUCH MORE

Quality holidays at value for money prices

CYPRUS & GREECET a i l o r m a d e F o r T h e D i s c e r n i n g T r a v e l l e r

CALL TRAVEL CLUB ELITE ON 0121 213 0012 TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING

1272

1272

THE PRESTON TRAVEL GROUP ARE DELIGHTED TO SUPPORT

COLIN & THE TEAM AT TRAVEL CLUB ELITE

We are delighted to have gained such a great partnership with Travel Club Elite and really appreciate all their on-going efforts to support our product

www.markwarner.co.uk

31870 3pg_Carford Group 24/05/2013 17:07 Page 3

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But it isn’t all about the tribute nights; their cosy, comfortablyfurnished, restaurant is proving extremely popular too, offering achoice of good value fresh home cooked dishes from a variedmenu, or superb carvery. With special 3 course, value meals eachevening from £11.95, and lunchtime specials (Monday to Saturday)from £5.95, (sadly no carvery is served on Mondays,) quality, choiceand value are paramount at Ye Olde Punch Bowl.

So much so, that Ye Olde Punch Bowl has been nominated by LesRoutiers as the Inn of the Year, testament to the inn’s good food,great beers and warm welcome.

Adam and the team were absolutely delighted to be named as oneof the best pubs in the UK, by such a prestigious organisation.

For more details on The Punchbowl Inn’s tribute acts followthem on Facebook, or check out their latest offer visit

www.punchbowlinn.comor telephone 01746 763304

for reservations and more information.

A top Bridgnorth inn is regularly serving up greatentertainment and home cooked dishes to a full house. Someof the country’s best tribute acts are creating a real buzz atYe Olde Punch Bowl Inn, on Ludlow Road, which regularlyplays host to a full crowd of diners and partygoers.

Adam Giles, who owns the venue, says that the pub’s monthlytribute nights are a massive success, often filling the main functionroom and restaurant area.

The special evenings which include a two-course carvery, followedby the act and disco, cost just £21.99 per head. Recent favouriteshave included Abba and the Bee Gees, then in March, Europe’s topTakeThat tribute band, Want U Back, was sold out a month inadvance, and April’s Motown and Soul night, with TheCommitments and Sensations, was a huge success.

As Adam says, “The tribute nights have a great party atmosphereand do fill up really fast, customers need to book in advance,especially if they want a seat near the front”.

Adam admits that there have been times during his tenure at YeOlde Punch Bowl that it has felt like an uphill battle, especially afterburst water pipes caused extensive damage in 2010.

This was a real low point, but since then Adam has refurbished therestaurant; and thanks to the hard work and dedication of his teamof up to 20 staff has seen an upturn in the Inn’s fortunes over theintervening 2 years since the re-launch.

Although Adam pays warm tribute to his team, it is clear thatAdam’s own constant hard work and determination are the drivingforce behind their success.

Never one to rest on his laurels, he has also renovated the functionroom and has great plans to develop the carvery in the year ahead.“It’s very exciting, but don’t worry, we definitely won’t be getting ridof the carvery,” he says reassuringly.

HoldsworthThe MillManchester RoadTideswellDerbyshireSK17 8LN

Please call 01298 871435 to discuss how our service could assist your business

info@holdsworth-foods.co.ukwww.holdsworth-foods.co.uk

Suppliers of chilled, frozen & ambient foods to Caterers

31785 1pg_Feature Template 17/05/2013 14:03 Page 1

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“Farm Shop” the very term is synonymous withwholesome, fresh local produce.

Chadbury Farm Shop is no exception, run by Mark Ellison andKaren Phipps, a member of a family who have been growingfruit and vegetables in the Vale of Evesham for 5 generations;the shop stocks a huge variety of locally sourced, freshseasonal produce.

The family felt that it was time to diversify and a farm shop,restaurant and butchery seemed a natural progression. TheFarm Shop itself, opened on the 1st September 2011 and was,in fact, originally a grain store, but with part funding fromAdvantage West Midlands’ Rural Grant Enterprise, it wasturned into the country Farm Shop you see today.

The family still hope to open a restaurant and butchery on thesite, bringing additional much needed jobs to the area, planningpermitting.

As Karen explained, “In keeping with our efforts to stock fromlocal sources wherever possible, we ensured that only localbuilders and tradesmen worked on the re-fit of the grain storeand made sure that all the fixtures and fittings inside the shopwere either made or supplied by local people.

The family are passionate about the quality and variety of theproduce from the local area, known nationally for its fruit andasparagus. The shop was opened to provide local peoplesomewhere to buy a good range of seasonal fresh fruit andvegetables, traditionally reared beef and lamb from local farms, freshbread, chutneys, pickles, honey from local hives, jams, home madecakes, dairy produce and fresh eggs from their own free range birds.

Karen says that people enjoy watching the chickens scratching inthe field, while picnicking or eating their freshly made sandwiches.

Should you need something to compliment flavours on your plate,what could be better, than locally pressed fruit juices, real ales,bitters, stouts and lagers, brewed by local companies, cider fromlocal apples or wines from some of our best regional vineyards?

Always on the lookout for fresh ideas, Karen has recently introduceda range of textile products to the shop. Their produce is sourceddaily from The Vale of Evesham Growers and Evesham Market,including potatoes and vegetables from Drinkwaters at ChippingCamden. Non native fruits such as citrus and bananas come fromBirmingham market daily, entailing an early start. 13484

Their full range can be found by a visit to the web site

www.chadburyfarmshop.co.ukOrder on-line, by telephone 01386 446705, mobile 07977536339, or email chadburyfarmshop@btconnect.com

for collection after 3pm any day, or why not try a regularorder of a box of fresh seasonal vegetables for £9.99,

all orders can be delivered within a 5 mile radius of the shopfor a nominal charge of £1.

Chadbury Farm Shop,wr11 4td , is conveniently located onthe A44 on the outskirts of Evesham, at the junction of the

A44 and the B4624 Worcester Road.

email: info@cvronline.co.uk | telephone: 01453 822497 | fax: 01453 824073

24 HourEmergency

Service

Est. since

1983

Cotswold Vale Refrigeration LtdUnit 29, Stroud Business Centre

Oldends Lane, Stonehouse

Gloucestershire

GL10 3RQ

www.cotswoldvalerefrigeration.co.uk

Cotswold Vale Refrigeration are proud to have suppliedthe refrigeration equipment for Chadbury Farm Shopand we wish Karen and Mark all the best for the future

CVR sell service and repair all types of temperature control equipment:

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31846 1 pg_HorseWorld 23/05/2013 14:28 Page 1

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The second big draw is the Christmas Light Switch-on, one of theStaffordshire’s most spectacular festive gatherings, incorporating oneday of family fun with a Father Christmas Parade, singing, dancing,competitions and demonstrations culminating in the switch-on and aspectacular firework display from the Guildhall’s roof.

The centre houses more than 30 shops - popular national namesand local independents - and a vibrant indoor market Tuesdays,Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

With a 270 space car park, one of Stafford’s main bus terminalsadjacent and the railway and taxi rank a short walk away, it iseasily accessible to the 216,000 people within its potentialcatchment area.

For further information about the Guildhall, its stores and opening times, and the latest news

on “Style & Shop”, visit

www.guildhallstafford.com

Move over Gok Wan, styleexperts are offering freefashion advice to shoppersat Stafford’s GuildhallShopping Centre.

At the exclusive "Style & Shop"event on Friday, May 31, andSaturday, June 1, the centre’sown style guru, colourtechnician, make-up and hairstylists will be giving visitorstailor-made inspirational adviceon colour and style.

“If you feel indecisive, nervous or reluctant to shop and unsurewhat style and colours suit you, then this opportunity is just whatyou need,” says the centre’s Marketing Manager Anne Graham.

“Each consultation will provide a personalised plan of individuals’colour or style palette and there will be the opportunity for a freemini make-up makeover to demonstrate how important it can beto choose colours and styles that suit an individual's skin toneand body shape.”

Working with Guildhall’s major stores, including TopShop, RiverIsland, Wallis, Roman, Store Twenty One and Evans, the expertswill show how to select flattering outfits that are stylish andcomfortable and how accessories can take a look from daywearto glitzy nightwear.

Richard Ralph, Associate Director of DTZ who manage theGuildhall Shopping Centre, says: “There is a strong fashion baseat the Guildhall and “Style & Shop” is going to be another popularevent attracting both our loyal customers as well as newcustomers from further afield.”

Local radio station Signal 107 will broadcast live from the eventon both days and shoppers can meet the presenters andcompete for spot-prizes in fun competitions.

Other excitements include music and free giveaways, includingmore than £900-worth of vouchers for amazing adventure days atCannock Chase, and the chance to try out a Segway.

The event, sponsored by Big Local App Stafford, a newcommunity mobile app providing a one-stop shop for all visitorsand residents’ needs in and around Stafford is the latest in a busyprogramme at the Guildhall which has a weekly average footfall ofaround 120k to 130k.

One of the two biggest dates in its calendar are the Stafford ArtsFestival, featuring musicians, dancers, artists, performers, authors,poets and craftsmen performing in the town’s Market Square andat various indoor and outdoor venues, due to take place this yearon Saturday, September 7.

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Oriental grocer Wing Yip has taken the wraps off an extraspecial 21st anniversary present for the current locationof the Birmingham store - an impressive new extensionand refurbishment of its Nechells store.

Now offering an even greater range of pan Asian food, theopening marked the end of a year-long transformation that hasbrought light, airy décor and wider aisles to the Nechells ParkRoad premises.

The development, completed by A & H Construction, whoenlarged the existing store and built a new warehouse, meansWing Yip now has almost 200,000 sq ft of selling and storagespace across its 10 acre site.

There couldn’t be a better way to start the 43rd year of acompany established by the man who since arriving from HongKong in 1959, has gone on to become one of the UK’s mostsuccessful Chinese businessmen.

In fact the relationship between the Wing Yip family and theiradopted city is so special that they gave the spectacular 40fthigh granite Chinese pagoda, now standing in Holloway Circus,as a thank you to the city which welcomed them and theirbusiness.

Eighteen months after arriving in the UK, Mr W Wing Yip andhis business partners opened their first Chinese restaurant inClacton-on-Sea. It was so successful that three more and onetakeaway in East Anglia quickly followed.

Along with his brother Sammy he set up his first specialistChinese grocer’s in Birmingham, specifically to supply localChinese families, restaurants and takeaways.

Fast forward to 2013 and Wing Yip now has, along with itsBirmingham base, has landmark superstores in Manchester,London and Croydon, each stocking more than 4,000 foodsand products imported directly from the Far East. The companyis also planning two more for Cardiff and Nottingham and alsosupplies the restaurant and catering trade and supermarkets.

Mr Wing Yip, who hasreceived honorarydoctorates from Aston andBirmingham CityUniversities, as well as anOBE for services to theOriental food industry, hasalways combined hisbusiness success with hisdesire to encourage others.

The W Wing Yip & Brothers Bursaries were established toencourage and provide financial assistance to students ofChinese origin to complete their studies in the UK. They havegone on to grant more than 300 bursaries, plus 30 scholarshipsfor Chinese students to study at Cambridge.

Now the company isencouraging young talentin the art of Orientalcooking, and in February,22 year-old UniversityCollege Birminghamstudent, Joseph Vinten,beat 11 others to win theinaugural Wing Yip YoungChef of the Year 2013.

Said Mr Wing Yip: “We launched the competition to celebrateOriental cookery with its delicious flavours and aromas, but alsoto identify the region’s most talented young chefs to encouragethem to carry the tradition forward and preserve the legacy ofthis glorious cuisine.”

For further information about Wing Yip its products, bursaries, business centres

or to shop online please contact: Store Internal

Call: 0121 327 6618

Email: enquiries@wingyip.com

Online: www.wingyip.com

Wing Yip BirminghamDevelopment

Joseph Vinten

L-R Valerio Grimaldi-PlantJospeh Vinten, Ruby Rainey

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Joseph Vinten from Birmingham haswon “Wing Yip Young Chef of the Year2013” for Oriental Cuisine, celebratingthe culinary expertise of the very bestyoung chefs across the Midlands.

This is the first year of the competition,sponsored by Wing Yip, which is designedto celebrate and showcase talented youngchefs in Oriental cuisine in the Midlands.It offers young chefs, between the ages of18-25, who are either training oremployed in the catering industry thechance to boost their culinary careers.

Joseph, 22, a student at UniversityCollege, Birmingham, was chosen after achallenging 90 minute ‘cook-off’ at theUniversity during the day, which saw 11finalists, across two heats, prepare anauthentic two course meal comprising of a

starter and main course. He impressedthe judges with his dishes of LobsterSpring Rolls and a Duo of Asian Quail.

Judges included celebrity TV chef ChingHe Huang, Michelin-starred Birminghamchef Glynn Purnell, and Peter Griffiths,President of the British CulinaryFederation, who put the finalists throughtheir paces and passed on expertise.

Chairman of judges, Peter Griffithscommented on the diversity and highcalibre of the entries, which madeselecting a winner very difficult. He said:“We have been very impressed by thetalent and skills of these buddingprofessionals. Making Joseph’s awardeven more impressive, he should be veryproud of his achievement.”

Michelin starred chef Glynn Purnell said:“It’s a great to see a competition thatembraces the multi-cultural food scene inBritain today. Oriental cuisine inspired myearly career so I was delighted to judge thiscompetition and was thoroughly impressedwith the level of skill from all the finalists.”

Joseph has won a once in a lifetime culinarytrip to Hong Kong where he will have theopportunity to experience fine Asian cuisineand the popular street food scene.

Joseph said: “I can’t believe the judgesthought my food was good enough towin, and it was great to meet Glynn – heis one of my biggest inspirations. I am soexcited and cannot wait to try out moreOriental cuisine when I visit Hong Konglater in the year.”

Mr Wing Yip, Chairman of Wing Yip, said:“The increasing popularity of Pan Asiancuisine in the UK is extremely exciting. Welaunched the competition first andforemost to celebrate Oriental cookerywith its delicious flavors and aromas, butalso to identify the region’s most talentedyoung chefs to encourage them to carrythe tradition forward and preserve thelegacy of this glorious cuisine.”

TV chef and Young Chef Judge Ching HeHuang, added: “Joseph thoroughlydeserved the title but I was impressed bythe standard of all the finalist’s dishes, Iwas honored to be able to share myexperience and offer advice to the region’sfinest young chefs.”

Wing Yip is the UK’s leading Orientalgrocer, with stores in Birmingham,Manchester, Cricklewood andCroydon, stocking over 4,500 pan-Asian products.

OOriental Cookery riental CookeryYYoung Chef ofoung Chef of the Year the Year 22001133

All the Chineseyou need to know

I

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Netherstowe House Hotel is a Grade II listed, small, familyowned and run hotel that strives for excellence, with afriendly, personal touch.

The family and team are very proud to have been voted'Restaurant of the Year' at this year’s Taste of Staffordshire GoodFood Awards and to be the only establishment in Staffordshire tobe recommended by The Good Hotel Guide.

Affectionately referred to by its loyal regulars as a Higgledy-Piggledyworld of pleasure, Netherstowe House comprises a GeorgianCountry House Hotel, Fine Dining Restaurant, Steakhouse Brassiere,Contemporary Serviced Apartments and ample private car parking.

Originally built in 1180, Netherstowe House is a retreat like noneother. History is present in every aspect of your stay, hand in handwith 21st century standards of service and facilities. The secludedproperty has delightful grounds with established trees, shrubs anda peaceful walled garden, ideal for aperitifs or al fresco relaxation.

The hotel offers 9 guest rooms and 8 Courtyard Apartments.

The stylish public rooms have all been decorated in keeping withthe character of the building, including the tranquil lounge withcomfy sofas, open fire and daily newspapers, steakhousebrassiere, and private dining room, with high-speed WiFi availablethroughout. The cosy bar plays host to an extensive wine menu,classic cocktail list and the 'world's best three whiskies'.

The restaurant is open all day including breakfast right through todinner, to residents and non-residents, but booking is essentialespecially for afternoon tea served every day, as their temptingscones and cakes are freshly baked to order.

Although lunch is served in the restaurant every day, Sundaylunch at Netherstowe House, served between 1:00pm to 2:30pmis a highlight of the week for many locals.

The restaurant is also available for private functions. NetherstoweHouse's Hospitality Team is at hand to ensure that all of yourwishes are anticipated and that it is possible for you to enjoy apeaceful and relaxing retreat.

Ben Heathcote, the Hotel’s proprietor, said: “Our Hotel is familyrun with a long standing team, resulting in truly professionalservice with a personal, relaxed, warm and caring style. Whetherfor the first time, or as a returning visitor, we look forward towelcoming you to Netherstowe House.”

The period buildings and beautiful grounds are an ideal venue foryour wedding, and can be hired for your exclusive use, with yourcake handmade by the hotel’s professional cake maker.

The hotel also hosts conferences and team building events,various classes from cupcake decorating to supremely indulgentchocolate truffle classes.

This lovely small hotel has all the facilities you would expect fromlarger establishments, with its own private gym, personal trainerand health and beauty treatments. For a truly exceptional range ofservices, sheer luxury, space and value, nowhere else comesclose to Netherstowe House Hotel.

Phone number 01543 254 270Email info@netherstowehouse.com

Website www.netherstowehouse.com

We are proud to support Netherstowe House and we wish them all the best for the future.

Chapel Street | Netherton | Dudley | DY2 9PN

Call us now on01384 456677Mobile: 07710341793

B. & S. Dairy Foods Ltd

Chapel Street

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013 Ca

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DY2 9PN

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| Dudley | Netherton |Chapel Street

DY2 9PN

Suppliers of High Quality Fresh Produce & Fine Foods

Working in Partnership with

Netherstowe House

Phone: 0844 847 9790Web: www.oliverkayproduce.co.uk

27 main ro brook to d byshi d a

www.o tay or.c a

proud to support establised in 1922

31671 1pg_CD Engineering 14/05/2013 21:10 Page 1

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Portfolio ensures our clients will receive a quality service thatreflects the aims of their event.”

The company focus on their core strengths, producingwonderful food and wine, and event management. They have atrusted network of marquee providers, florists, lighting expertsand entertainers to ensure that even the largest events runwithout a hitch.

Their greatest challenge to date was an event at which theycatered for 2,600 people, a very long way from that “hand” witha friend’s dinner party, but Portfolio were more than equal tothe challenge, and the event was a huge success.

But it isn’t all about large functions; Portfolio will be just ashappy, to arrange a cosy dinner party or reception your ownhome. They can offer solutions for every budget, ranging fromthe simplicity of delivered canapés to a full scale banquet.

Speak to one of the friendly team, on 01604 686726, theywill be happy to make suggestions and come up with a

plan to suit your ideas and your budget.

The Workshop, Lamport Manor, Northants NN6 9HFwww.portfolioevents.com

The Chilled Champagne sparkles, the silverware gleams,the flowers are perfect. The service is efficient yetunobtrusive and the food is delicious.

Sounds too good too be true? Not at all, Portfolio Events havebeen providing top quality catering for their clients’ bespokeevents for over twenty years.

They are a family run outside catering business providing topquality food for weddings and events, from intimate dinnerparties to sophisticated balls for hundreds of people.

The company was started in 1984, by Sue Wood when shewas asked to “give a hand with a dinner party”. Sue is afantastic cook, so that original request led to more, generatinga successful, yet very personal business.

The company started to expand in 2004, when Sue’s daughter,Billie, who had an event management background, joined thecompany. In 2005 they moved to Lamport Manor, andcompleted their commercial kitchen. The purchase of the trailerfridge and van, swiftly followed, which meant that PE couldreally start to motor (quite literally!).

In 2007 Charlotte Stokes brought her extensive eventmanagement experience to the team and a limited companywas formed with the three women as directors.

In early 2009 they expanded the kitchen and now have aproduction office and tasting room in the same courtyard atLamport Manor.

Portfolio events has developed close working relationships withsome of the most prestigious venues in the area, including,Althorp House, Kelmarsh Hall, Dodmoor House, and HoldenbyHouse. Then the Duke of Buccleuch opened the doors ofBoughton House in Northamptonshire to the wedding,corporate and private event market last autumn, and PortfolioEvents were delighted to join their panel of caterers.

Katy Heney, Group and Corporate Sales Manager at Boughton,said: “We are delighted to have such well respected partnerson board for the launch of this beautiful property. Working with

ventsP Eortfolio

D&D MARQUEE HIRE

Proud to be associated with Portfolio Events Call us for a quality marquee and service

Telephone: 01604 821460www.ddmarquees.co.uk www.danddmarqueehire.co.uk

31782 1pg 2_Feature Template 21/05/2013 11:31 Page 1

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Ideal for residential courses, or for delegates travelling a longdistance, the competitively priced on-site guest house,Stoneleigh Park Lodge, has 58 bedrooms and acontemporary bar and restaurant.

Stoneleigh Events provides exclusive Daily Delegate Rate (DDR)packages designed to provide a convenient and ready-madeway to utilise the facilities to the full. Packages include catering,technical supplies and stationery, satisfying all requirementsfrom the bare essentials to something a little more luxurious.Our Stoneleigh Park Essentials, Plus and Deluxe DDR packagesstart from just £26.50 per person plus VAT.

Stoneleigh Events is delighted to offer readers ofBirmingham Business Post a complimentary break outroom* and free overnight stay for the event organiser atStoneleigh Park Lodge when booking any conferencepackage for a minimum of 150 delegates. Please quoteBP13 on booking. *To be allocated by Stoneleigh Events

Contact us today to start organising your next corporateevent at Stoneleigh Park.

Email the sales team sales@stoneleighevents.com or call 0844 847 6685 with your requirements.

If you wish to see any of the facilities, please contact usto arrange a site tour, or visit us online at

www.stoneleighevents.com

Quote Ref: BP13

Premier event venue Stoneleigh Park is home to anumber of top-class conference and exhibitionfacilities, expertly managed by the highly experiencedand dedicated team at Stoneleigh Events. With itsenviable location in the Heart of England countryside,Stoneleigh Park is the venue of choice for hundreds ofbusinesses and organisations, which visit every year,not only to utilise the superb facilities that the park isrenowned for, but to escape the hectic buzz of city life.

This thriving 800-acre site combines 21,000m2 of fully-equipped indoor space, 250 acres of showground andparking for 30,000 cars with superb on-site catering andaccommodation. Located within 30 minutes’ drive ofBirmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon, and only minutes fromCoventry, Warwick and Leamington Spa, it is the idealmeetings and conferences venue for local businesses.

Whether you are planning a conference for 4,000 delegatesor a meeting for four, Stoneleigh Events will tailor the event toyour objectives and brand guidelines, delivering a standardabove and beyond expectation.

Find your ideal space among our four purpose-builtconference facilities, which are supplemented by six smallerbreak-out rooms. Exhibition Halls 1 and 2 are ideal for thelarger conference, accommodating up to 1,400 and 2,500delegates theatre front style, respectively. Our Stareton andWarwick Halls are slightly smaller, accommodating 420 and850 delegates theatre front style, respectively.

If you are planning a meeting, small seminar or workshop, sixunique meeting rooms are available, accommodatingbetween 30 and 250 people each. Choose from the SeminarRooms, the two interconnecting Avon Lounges, WolfsonTheatre, Royal Pavilion Guest Lounge or Oak Tree, most ofwhich have projectors and screens included in the cost of theroom hire.

All spaces at Stoneleigh Park are equipped with free Wi-Fiaccess, while high-quality audio-visual packages, technicalsupport, a full catering service, offices and storage facilitiesare readily available.

The intelligent choice formeetings and conferences

08448476685

Call

31888 2pgs_HorseWorld 17/05/2013 14:08 Page 1

60

LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE VERSATILE TO HOLD YOUR

CONFERENCE OR MEETING?With 800 acres of outdoor space and 21,000m2 of indoor space, choose Stoneleigh Park, the ideal venue in the perfect location.

W: www.stoneleighevents.com E: sales@stoneleighevents.com T: 0844 847 6685

FREEPARKING

31888 2pgs_HorseWorld 17/05/2013 14:08 Page 2

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For Birmingham movie buffs, there’s a building inStation Street that is their own ‘cinema paradiso’

Electric Cinema doesn’t just show films - independent,foreign, classics and Hollywood hits - it makes them too.

With the launch of its own bi-monthly film magazine, alsoas an iPad ap, a new film in development and a busyprivate hire and education events programme, the latestblockbuster chapter in the story of UK oldest workingcinema is set for ‘infinity and beyond’.

It’s even got a shot at a ‘best musical’ category too - therecan’t be many cinemas which have their own film orchestraplaying not only in the building but at prestigious eventssuch as the Royal Television Society Awards.

Directing the comeback, to rival that of any film star, is TomLawes who’s over the moon at Electric’s success after somany, he says, advised him against taking it on.

With triumphs and tragedies like the epic movies it’s shownin its 100+ years’ history, the cinema has had more curtainsrise and fall than a Busby Berkley musical.

Built in 1909, it has undergone many name changes andowners and shown a huge variety of films, from the two-reel silents in its early days, to news films, cartoons and,during the 1980s, adult films.

In 2003 the then crumbling building closed but, monthslater, Tom arrived at the helm, intending to run a recordingstudio and reopen the main screen to the public.

“After an initial renovation we reopened in early 2005 butcontinued the renovations for the next five years, opening asecond screen in 2008,” he says. “That enabled us to bemuch more flexible, providing mainstream films in onescreen and independents in the other.”

The results have been box office gold. The last eight yearshave seen turnover increase more than 1,000% and about20 people now work at Electric Cinema.

It’s also home to an award-winning film production facility,including a 5.1 dubbing and recording studio, Red digitalcinema cameras and edit suites.

“Off the back of our first successful film, The LastProjectionist, released in 2012, we are in development forour first feature-length narrative film, Club Cinematicaplanned for filming in the autumn,” beams Tom.

While not quite the Road to Perdition, the journey’s notbeen without its Run for Your Wife moments.

C I N E M A A N D B A R

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“Trying to keep up with my ideas and not spreading myself toothinly between them was one of the challenges” admits Tom.“Cash flow during the initial startup was also challenging. Iworked all the hours and sacrificed holidays and weekends forsome time!”

But no film epic is complete without a happy ending and that’scertainly the case for the Electric Cinema.

If you wish to hire the cinema for a birthday, or weddingcelebration, product launch, independent film screening,gaming party or educational event contact 0121 643 7879,

email info@theelectric.co.uk

For programming details and further information, go to

www.theelectric.co.uk

For more information call 0121 444 3555

We specialise in all aspects of accountancy including.IT Consultancy .Outsource your payroll .Company & Self Assessment Tax Return .Management Accounts .Bookkeeping .Business Planning.Audit; Limited Company Statutory Accounts

We are proud to support Electric Cinema and we wish them all the best for the future.

M.T.Manley & Co Limited 696 Yardley Wood Road, Billesley, Birmingham B13 0HY Email: advice@manleys.uk.com

anleysChartered Accountants

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Sit back, relax and enjoy a chilled bottled of Hogan's award-winning Cider at the Electric Cinema.

For more information on ouraward-winning craft ciders and perry

call: 01789488433email: allen@hoganscider.co.uk

www.hoganscider.co.uk

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Rich and Creamy Ice Creams of Distinction

For Luxury ice creams, fruit sorbets and delicious desserts Call:

01531 650639

info@justrachel.com

Just Rachel, founded by Birmingham girl Rachel Hicks, is delighted to supply top-quality, award-winning ice creams to The Electric Cinema. Film goers can enjoy our unusual flavours such as White Chocolate & Raspberry,or Honeycomb Ice Cream (winner of a 2** Great Taste Award), all made with rich Herefordshire cream and pure natural ingredients.

The Old DairyChurches Farm

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Relax...ourpersonalised servicetakes care of.Business Insurance.Home Insurance.Jewellery Insurance.Art, Antiques & Collections Insurance.Let Property Insurance

Plus much more Visit our websitefor more information

www.fineinsurance.co.uk

Greenfield Insurance Services are proud to support Electric Cinema and we would like to wish them all the best in the future.

Green�eldINSURANCE

Services

InsuranceBrokers toBusiness &Private Clients

Tel No: 01489 579 808 Fax No: 01489 579 801Email: mail@greenfieldinsurance.co.uk58c Botley Road, Park Gate, Southampton SO31 1BB

telephone: 07930406066 | email: ianccsuk@gmail.com

Fully persoanlised quotes for customers based on their needs

Cleaning Catering Supplies (CCS) Ltd Supply chemicals, paper prducts, glassware, barware and table ware

Quality products at quality prices.Independant local business (Harborne).No minimum orders.Next day delivery.7 day a week service

We are proud to support Electric Cinema and wish them all the best for the future

Cleaning & Catering Supplies

ccsLTD

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The company is constantly investing in and upgrading their vehiclefleet and have recently also refurbished the company’s centralreservations and operational offices together with upgrading their ITinfrastructure, with the help of Computerworld Business Solutions(CBS www.cbs.cc )

The company has recently expanded into bus and coach servicesfor local transport authorities and gained contracts with majorinternational manufacturing companies to provide shuttle services forlarge numbers of shift workers from offsite car parks tomanufacturing facilities.

In the latest expansion phase, the private hire taxi business of CrownCars, with an owner driver fleet of some 300 private hire vehicles, isbeing merged into the business. “With our portfolio of servicesranging from private hire taxis to chauffeur drive and service busesto executive coaches, Silverline can truly offer a one stop shop forlocal and long distance journeys, for both individuals and groups fortheir business and social travel requirements” said Danny Matthews.

Visit the web site for more informationwww.landflight.co.uk

or telephone on 0121 705 5555 for a competitive quotation.

Quality without Compromise

Comfort, reliability and attention to detail, together with affordabilityand professional uniformed drivers, is the standard offering fromSilverline LandFlight.

The company, established in 1974, has grown into the premiercoach hire and executive chauffeur drive company in the Midlands,and remains proudly independent.

From their base in Solihull, close to the motorway network, they offerlocal, long distance, and airport and city transfers, together withcorporate and event services for individuals or groups.

The company has a large fleet of air conditioned vehicles available tomeet any requirement, from chauffeur driven executive saloons andpeople carriers to midi and full size executive coaches offeringseating capacities from 22 to 49 seats.

Services are available 24/7, with a helpful professional team ofexperienced advisors, reservation staff and operationalmanagement, always on hand.

Airport transfers form a substantial part of their business, with thecentral reservations and operational office monitoring arrivals for allmajor UK airports to ensure that your chauffeur is waiting when youarrive. Clients highly value this prompt efficient service, and whatcould be better for business men and women arriving from overseasthan to be met on arrival, and transported efficiently to their meeting,home, office or hotel, arriving unruffled, having had time to relax andprepare during the journey.

Silverline LandFlight’s expertise in this area has been recognised bymany international airlines that have contracted with the company totransport their business and first class passengers and flight deckand cabin crews between Birmingham International airport, localhotels and other UK airports.

Danny Matthews, Business Development Director of SilverlineLandFlight said “As well as meeting the needs of the airline industryfor over thirty years, we have also been servicing the many varyingneeds and demands of our discerning business and private clientsand are proud to have received many written plaudits and accoladesfrom our clients for the services we have provided.”

At JLT Specialty we provide our clients with specialist

insurance broking, risk management and claims

consulting services.

We have been working with local businesses in

the Midlands since 1903. Through our in-depth

understanding of regional business issues and the

wider resources of the JLT Group, our clients benefit

from informed advice and support on their doorstep.

To find out how we can help you make more profitable

insurance and risk management decisions please call

our Birmingham office on 0121 633 3377.

www.jltgroup.com

JLT Specialty Limited. Lloyd’s Broker. Authorised and Regulated by the FinancialServices Authority. A member of the Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group. RegisteredOffice: 6 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2PH. Registered in England No.01536540. VAT No. 244 2321 96. 266365

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CBS offer comprehensive andcompetitive IT support throughoutBirmingham and the WestMidlands, and are proud of theiroutstanding customer service.Their friendly experienced accountmanagers will ensure you get firstrate service, jargon free advice,and help with any issues from their expert technical personnel.

Amongst their many other accreditations they have achievedthe coveted status of Microsoft Gold partner in server platformand virtualisation. This accreditation marks them out as expertsin these fields.

CBS provides hardware and software support services, as wellas installation services. Their portfolio includes networkimplementation, on-going IT Support Services, DisasterRecovery, Cloud and Telephony technologies, networkingsecurity, online backup, email, remote working, Internetconnectivity, and managed wireless solutions.

The company has seen many changes during their 30 yearhistory; their experience and expertise has stood them in goodstead through the many ups and downs the industry hasexperienced, capitalising on their early lead and always stayingone step ahead of their competition in innovation, service andcompetitiveness.

Stephen emphasised: “CBS is built on solid financialfoundations and is ideally positioned to provide products andservices now and to be around for another 30 years to support them.”

For further information about CBS’s services, go to

www.cbs.ccor contact Sales Manager, Stephen Hennessy

Email: steve@cbs.ccTelephone: 0121 643 5362

Computerworld Business Solutions (CBS) are celebratingtheir 30th successful year in business providing ITsupport to Midlands companies, helping to reduce costsfor small and medium sized enterprises.

2012 was a record year and 2013 sees the 20 strong teamlooking forward to welcoming 4 new staff members to servicethe company’s expansion, which has included the developmentof a new Data Centre and Cloud Computing solutions.

Sales Manager at CBS, Stephen Hennessy, explains that therecord growth has come from the continued shift from thehistorical in-house IT Support Manager to fully outsourced ITservices saving customers thousands of pounds every year.

“Our service is designed with excellence in mind while beingvery good value for money, we are committed to deliveringindustry leading IT solutions suitable for all sizes of business.”

“From our dedicated support centre at Smallbrook Queensway,in Birmingham, our fully qualified personnel ensure problemsare always resolved quickly and efficiently,” assures Stephen.

Computerworld are pleased to support Silverline Landflight, having recently been involved in theextensive upgrading of their IT provision.

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Print | Web | Design A double triumph heralded thestart of 2013 for Kimberley-JaneDesign Ltd - and the year looksset to get better and better.

The graphic and website design company scooped two honours inthe Tamworth, Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield Business NetworkingAwards 2013; winning the Promotions Business of the Year andbeing Highly Commended for the Business of the Year title.

The January success was a landmark moment for proud founderKimberley-Jane Turrell, who sees it as recognition of all her hardwork building up her Tamworth business in the last two years.However, the honours are also tribute to Kimberley-Jane’sdetermination to succeed in the face of harsh circumstances.

“I graduated from Loughborough University in 2008, just as themarkets crashed and, by 2010, competition for design jobs wasextremely fierce,” she remembers. “I wasn’t sure how long it wouldbe until I found my dream job so, to keep my portfolio fresh, in myspare time I worked on setting up as a graphic design freelancer.”

As her confidence grew, so did the referrals and contracts and,encouraged by a friend, she took up web design.

“I absolutely loved it,” she says. From there she never lookedback and ‘took the plunge’, launching Kimberley-Jane Design Ltd.Business turnover doubled during 2011-2012 and, early last year,she moved into premises on the Tame Valley Industrial Estate.

Today the company offers a service that provides all design andwebsite requirements, right from designing and printing theperfect business card to taking an organisation online. We nowhave a graphic design intern and web designer and we havemoved into new offices. We are based in St Pauls Square.

The business is already going global, having secured clients fromAustralia and America and prestigious happy customers includeMcDonalds and UK Innovation, alongside Tie With A Twist, anonline range of stylish ties with a humorous message on theirflipsides. Its smart website, developed by Kimberley-Jane DesignLtd played a key role in its launch into the gift market place.

We are small, but growingpublishing company only formed 3years ago, however we have one ofthe largest historical image librariesin the UK and are recognized by thelikes of Collins Bartholomew (HarperCollins) and the National Library inScotland as the leading specialistsin the procurement of historic mapsfor use in prestigious publications asthe Times atlases.

We have published our own rangeof publications, the most recent

Bradshaw's Railway Atlas of GreatBritain and Ireland continues to sell

well, with a second book runimminent it continues to receive

excellent reviews.

The concept of the working studio is to welcome the community in sharing our historical resources and an insight into

the work that we are producing, adding a new and exciting interestin the High Street and Retail generally.

Proudly supporting Kimberley, freelance graphic artist, who was the illustrator for the Bradshaw's Railway Atlas

01922 458288 www.mapseeker.co.uk 30 High Street - Aldridge - Walsall - WS9 8LZ

“Although I started this business in a tough economic climate Ihave been fortunate to not experience any hardship - touchwood,” reflects Kimberley-Jane. “I truly believe I owe a lot of mysuccess to the digital age. I have been able to embrace the socialmedia whirlwind, learn from it and share. My business has grownalongside the explosion of social media marketing, so for that Iam fortunate and delighted by.”

No matter what the requirement may be, Kimberley-Jane DesignLtd is here to help.

“We love working with clients of all sizes,” says Kimberley-Jane.“From multi-national organisations to freelancers running part-timebusinesses. We can help your business grow - perhaps biggerthan you ever dreamed.”

For further details, go towww.kimberley-janedesign.co.uk

To make an enquiry email enquiries@kimberley-janedesign.co.uk

or telephone 0121 2703 753

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People have brilliant ideas every day; that eureka momentthat makes you stop and think, if I could turn this into abusiness, I would be very successful. But where do yougo from there? Having a great idea is the easy part,progressing from that point is the challenge.

Setting up a new business is like planning an adventure holiday,with finite time and resources. To get the most out of yourjourney you need a budget for your costs; your choice of routewill match the time you have available and your choice of activitywill depend upon your interests, skills and passions.

If you have an idea, my advice would be to only considerdeveloping it further if you feel passionate about it. Businesses,almost by default, go through hard times and good times so bychoosing an idea that you are passionate about, you will havethe drive to get through any bumps in the road.

Once you have an idea that you are passionate about, analysingyour skill set is the next step. I always recommend that buddingentrepreneurs get experience in their industry of interest. Thishelps in foreseeing business issues that can arise in the futureby providing a platform for the entrepreneur to gain bothproduct knowledge and tips on running a successful business,often from the ground up.

At this stage I would recommend seeking advice from abusiness mentor with expertise knowledge. A mentor can helpguide you through the initial start-up phase by using theirexperience, perspective and contacts. If you want to embark ona project that needs specialist expertise, a mentor is essentialas you need to make sure that you are trained or supported bythose who know the industry.

With this in place you need to undertake competitor analysiswhich is vital when setting up any business. You need to asksome hard-nosed, objective questions. Is there space in themarket for your business? Is there a real need for it? Can thisneed be fulfilled, or overcome, in a cheaper way? In today’sharsh financial climate, everybody is cautious about the waythey spend their money so, market research is essential butwithout giving your idea away.

Now that you have established that you have a great idea whichthe market needs, how are you going to secure funding?Business finance is increasingly hard to come by so you need tobe realistic about how much funding you need and rememberthat every start-up nearly always requires more time and moneythan budgeted for so try and be flexible to accommodate thesechanges. I believe one of the best places to start when it comesto securing funding is your family if they have some extra moneyto invest.

If that is not an option, there are plenty of other alternatives outthere. Start-up finance options include bank funding andbusiness bank loans, overdrafts, credit cards, private equity orprivate investment, angel investment and small business grants.

Start-Up Loans, the government backed initiative to encourageentrepreneurship, could be a great way to secure a small loan toget your business up and running.

Once you have successfully turned your idea into a business thehard work begins! You need to make sure that people knowabout your business and that the idea takes off. Efficient, well-planned sales and marketing is the most important element tothis and without it your business will fall flat. Therefore it isimportant to think through your marketing plan during the earlystages starting up so that the right messages are conveyed tofuture customers.

Whatever route you take, turning your idea into a successfulstart-up takes time, hard work and patience. You need to bedetermined to succeed and have the courage to stand yourground. It can be a daunting process but one that is incrediblysatisfying and worthwhile.

Bev James is a business mentor, best-selling author ofDO IT! or DITCH IT and CEO of the Coaching Academy

www.bevjames.com @Bev_James

Bev James

CEO of The Coaching Academy and Director of Mentoring at Start-Up Loans

Introducing our new regular columnist

Bev JamesHow to turn a good idea into a successful start-up

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“We stayed top for all of our SEO terms last year when Googlemade more changes in one year than it had ever done before whichjust confirms that we are the best in our field and really do know ourstuff!” he says. “That can only be good for creating confidence – ifwe can stay top for our own site we can definitely get clients topage one!”Bright spark Ian immediately saw the potential of the internetwhen it first arrived. “I thought it was an amazing idea and wantedto be a part of it,” he smiles.He founded Chameleon in 2001 as a web design company andquickly achieved high levels of growth and success. In 2006 itstarted following Google closely as it began to dominate the searchengine industry and now SEO forms 70% of its business model.“As our reputation grew, our client base grew and the size ofbusinesses that we worked with became larger, including somemulti-nationals,” says Ian. “Our motto of ‘Big Enough to Cope, YetSmall Enough to Care’ has given us one of the best reputationsfor customer satisfaction in an industry where many are scepticalof trusting.”The company continues to grow, gaining new clients almost daily,and is now evolving again. Ian explains: “We are developing Appsas the mobile internet market has exploded and we know that ourclients and we need to be a part of it.”To find out more about Chameleon Web Services and its servicesvisit www.chameleonwebservices.co.uk which also has awealth of information on SEO, AdWords, Web Design and otheraspects of internet marketing, including free SEO tools for you tosee how your own website is performing.

To make an enquiry, telephone 0121 314 5504 or email info@chameleonwebservices.co.uk

ISO 9001 : 2008 Audited and approved.SSAIB approved.

Design, installation and maintenance of HD CCTV systemsAccess controlVehicle barrier systemsGate automation.

We are proud to supportChameleon Web Services andwe would like to wish them all the best in the future

Please contact us on0121 5448470

‘ unisoncctv.co.uk12 Oak Court, Crystal Drive, Sandwell Business Park, Birmingham, B66 1QG, UKEmail sales@unisoncctv.co.uk

‘

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Landlords Shops

O�cesMotor Fleets

Catering Vehicles

HotelsBuildings & Contents Pubs

Charity

Motor Trade

Restaurants Wholesalers and much more...Bars

Sandwell Accountancy Services Providing Professional Accountancy Services at Competitive PricesFrom self assesment to start up advice we have a tailored service to suit you.We are proud to have helped Chameleon Web Servicesachieve their successes to date.

OFFICE: Old Bank Buildings, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath B64 5HY

Call us on 01384 569 197 or visit our web siteto discover how we could help your business.www.sas-accounts.co.uk

Sandwell AccountancyServices Ltd

Successfully keeping up with the myriad changes constantlyimplemented by the world’s biggest search engine showsChameleon Web Services more than lives up to its name.

Ian Bevis and his team are continually on their toes but theirexpertise in instantly adapting their services to fit in with their fast-paced, ever evolving online world - like the famed ability of theirnamesake creature - means they remain number one with theirclients. And, perhaps even more critically - Google.Based in Upper High Street, Birmingham, and with offices inCheltenham and London, Chameleon Web Services offer a full rangeof internet solutions, such as business website designs and adverts.Where it really clicks, however, is as a Search Engine Optimisation(SEO) specialist and with its management of Google AdWordsaccounts. That it really does know its metadata from its metatagsand its HTMLs from its HTTPs couldn’t be better demonstrated by aa quick search for ‘chameleon’ on Google itself. The businessautomatically comes up before you’ve even finished typing the letters.Holding the number one spot over the years and through manyGoogle updates which have previously done for competitors - isone of Ian’s proudest achievements.

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Research is the way to answer thesequestions, reliable data, is a criticalfactor for start up businesses, and thecontinuing success of existing firms.

What is your product and where is themarket for that product? How to identifyyour likely customers, where they are, andhow best to reach them? Then there isthe importance of keeping abreast ofmarket trends and the current technology.

In order to establish a realistic pricingstructure for your product you will haveneeded to take all your costs intoaccount; including raw materials, the costof manufacture, transportation, premises,staff availability and wages.

Where do your raw materials come from?Who is producing the materials you needand will your suppliers be able to producethe quantity, and maintain the right qualityat the right price? Does it make economicsense to source from the UK or fromoverseas?

Then there is the consideration ofpremises - can you work from home, orwould rented premises be more suitable;do you need to purchase somewhere, andjust how much space do you need? In thecase of an existing business, do you needto rethink your existing space, extend ormove?

Advice is literally everywhere, the internet,business consultants, accountants,commercial property agents, architects,office furniture suppliers, telecomsproviders, and IT consultants, mostly at acost, but who can you rely on? Try thegovernment’s own statistics.

The 10 yearly government census wastaken on 27th March 2011, and now thatthe numbers have been crunched asteady stream of data has started to flowfrom the Office for National Statisticscovering everything from the number, sexand ages of the population, to our livingconditions, health, occupations, whetherwe have more than one address, how wetravel to work and our educationalqualifications.

But what has this got to do with yourbusiness?

Well, depending on the type ofcommercial activity that you undertake,census statistics can tell you an awful lotabout your employees and customers.And that can help you to arrive atimportant decisions about where to locateyour business and how you can developand target your products and services.

Major business decisions invariably carryan element of risk, so anything thatincreases confidence and minimises risk is

to be welcomed. Census statistics caninform growth plans and providemanagement, board and investors withreliable evidence and the confidence toenable them to make those importantdecisions. The data can also help toidentify where your business might benefitfrom more detailed market research toaddress specific business developmentissues.

One great advantage of census statisticsis that they are available down to verysmall geographical areas. So, as well asinformation about the population at anational level, you can also drill down toindividual local authorities and even topostcodes.

Another advantage is that census data isusually free of charge. Only whensomeone needs a specific piece of datathat does not form part of the standardrange of statistical output tables will anycharge be levied.

While dozens of statistical tables arederived from the census, help is availablewhen it comes to finding the informationthat you need. Alongside the statisticsthemselves, ONS publishes StatisticalBulletins that summarise the key issuesfor each set of figures published. Thereare also a number of ‘short stories’ thatoffer some analysis of some themes suchas methods of travel to work, theprovision of unpaid care and families andhouseholds. There is even a selection ofinteractive maps and graphics that makefinding the data you need easier and moreinteresting.

To explore the range of census data,visit the Office for National Statisticswebsite at www.ons.gov.uk/census, orcontact Census Customer Services(01329 444972 orCensusCustomerServices@ons.gov.uk)

While you may still need the advice of aprofessional, you will have a clearer basison which to make an informed decision.

What? Who?Where? How?

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Law firms turn to Lexcel for growth

Undeterred by the taxing economic climate, an increasingnumber of law firms in England and Wales are investing inrobust management systems as part of their growth strategy.

The Law Society's law management quality mark Lexcel hasalready been adopted by over 1400 English and Welshpractices that see effective management practice as the basisfor growth.

Lexcel is developed specifically for the legal profession. It is anoptional, recognised accreditation scheme for law firms and in-house legal departments, which gives assurance that apractice meets high client care and business managementstandards.

As well as a robust application and assessment process togain Lexcel, practices must reapply annually to maintain theLexcel status, undergoing background checks and on-sitevisits from Lexcel assessors to ensure they meet the highstandards expected for Lexcel.

Lucy Scott-Moncrieff, president of the Law Society of Englandand Wales, said:

"Gaining and maintaining Lexcel is no mean feat. There aremany facets of being a Lexcel accredited law firm, includingclient care. A commitment to customer service in today’severmore competitive legal services market is vital.

“By undergoing the rigorous Lexcel application andassessment process, practices can show the positive stepsthey are taking to help clients in the increasingly diverse,complicated legal services market.

"Similarly, by securing Lexcel for their in-house legal teams,organisations can signal that they acknowledge the importanceof legal teams and send a message to their clients andcompetitors that they invest in high standards in legalservices."

Clients and staff are often the main beneficiaries of a firmreceiving Lexcel accreditation. They can be assured that theway the practice is managed has their interests at heart andruns efficiently. There is a lot of choice in the legal servicesmarket, but being Lexcel accredited demonstratescommitment to client care and best practice.

"The scheme is a beacon of quality to clients and potentialclients alike", Scott-Moncrieff said.

According to Scott-Moncrieff, Lexcel can also bring benefits tofirms that have offices in other countries or are looking abroad,as the practice management quality mark is known incountries as far afield as Dubai and Poland.

"Lexcel is the recognised practice standard by which legalteams and their respective clients in different jurisdictions canacknowledge certain high standards in their dealings."

International corporation Carillion and law firm Trowers &Hamlins, which has several offices in the Middle East, recentlysecured the quality mark.

"Lexcel has also reached into countries such as Canada andthe Republic of Ireland. I see Lexcel as establishing itself asthe legal quality mark for firms and in-house legal teamsacross the world”, Scott-Moncrieff continued.

There are currently more than 1,400 Lexcel accredited lawfirms and in-house legal teams, including practices inScotland, the Middle East, Poland and the Republic of Ireland.

17 Berkeley Square • Clifton • Bristol BS8 1HBTel: 0117 929 9001 • Fax: 0117 922 5697 E: info@bobbetts.com

Web: www.bobbetts.co.uk

We are an established local 1rm o0ering awide range of accessible and a0ordablelegal services suited to small businesses,professional practices, professionalsand individuals.

Services to small businessesand professionals include: • Employment, Civil Litigation, Legal

Disputes, Dispute Resolution • Conveyancing, Commercial Leases,

Remortgages• Health and Safety Regulatory O0ences,

Company and Director Fraud, Motoring O0ences, General Criminal Litigation

• Wealth Management, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Wills and Probate

• Separation and Divorce• General Family Matters• Personal Injury Claims

In the Summer of 2012 we were awardedaccreditation to LEXCEL and theConveyancing Quality Standard.

Bobbetts Mackan is completely committed toproviding our clients with an individual focussedand cost e0ective service designed to meettheir needs.

For advice please contact us by telephoneor email (quote LEXCEL)

The Lexcel Office, The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A1PL

T: 020 7320 5933 F: 020 7320 5785 E: lexcel@lawsociety.org.uk

www.lawsociety.org.uk/lexcel

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To gain and retain Lexcel accreditation, practice must undergoa rigorous initial then annual application and assessmentprocess.

Lexcel; which overlaps with Investors in People award whichEnoch Evans LLP have held for over 15 years; is only awardedto solicitors who meet the highest management and customercare standards, which means that the Black Country firm willcontinue to provide the highest level of service to all clients.Managing Partner, David Evans commented: “I am delighted

that our Firm has achieved this highlyregarded accreditation. At Enoch Evans LLPwe are committed to providing the very beststandards of service to our clients through ourvarious specialist departments. In these highlycompetitive times, Lexcel will provide clientswith the additional comfort that they willreceive the very best professional andpersonal service from our highly qualified legaladvisors”.

Based in Walsall Enoch Evans LLP haveprovided specialist legal advice to businessesand individuals throughout the Midlands foralmost 130 years

For more information please visit our website

www.enochevans.co.uk

Call: 01922 720333

Email: ee@enoch-evans.co.uk

Visit Us6-9 Hatherton Road

WalsallWest Midlands

WS1 1XS

Enoch Evans LLP secures top accolade from nationalLaw Society

Enoch Evans LLP Solicitors in Walsall has secured the national Law Society's law management quality mark, Lexcel.The leading Black Country firm has a proud history of delivering client satisfaction across all departments includingbut not limited to Company and Commercial, Corporate andPrivate Dispute Resolution, Matrimonial and Family and Wills,Tax and Probate.

Lexcel is developed by the Law Society of England and Walesas a recognised accreditation scheme for law firms. Lexcel isdesigned to provide customers and suppliers with a certifiedassurance that a practice meets high client care and businessmanagement standards.

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Is yours one of the 200+ businesses in Birmingham with more than 500 employees, faced with implementing auto

enrolment by the end of 2013? Our latest Business Barometer research (October 2012) shows that only 16% of businesses

have made detailed plans around auto enrolment. As the adage goes, ‘to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail’.

Here’s our guide to the potential pitfalls you might face when implementing auto enrolment:

Not allowing sufficient time to prepare and plan

Auto enrolment involves finance, HR, advisers, consultants, lawyers, tax experts, as well as IT and payroll providers. It takes time to

consult such a wide group.

Assuming existing schemes will work for auto enrolment

You can’t assume that just because you have a pension in place, it will work for auto enrolment. The provider that runs the scheme

may not want to take on all your staff or may increase member charges in order to do so. If so, you might need to take a split-scheme

approach and work with a low cost provider such as NEST or The People’s Pension.

Not re-examining your default fund choices

You can’t assume that your existing default fund will be appropriate – many older style default funds won’t promote good outcomes for

new scheme members. In any case, best practice is to review your choice annually.

Focusing too much on the scheme and not enough on the administration

Many employers will need to bring in new skills and processes to enable them to continually assess their workforce and ensure they keep

on top of auto enrolment. It’s important to remember that this is an ongoing workstream and not a one-off activity.

Failing to integrate the pension system with other business systems

Most pension providers offer a ‘black box’ system free of charge that in theory links your systems – but in many cases we find these only

do part of the job. A more bespoke system (full disclosure – we offer one of these, 4pensions, which was built to address the issues some

of our major clients were having) may work better.

Neglecting the communications

This is a great opportunity to engage with your workforce. Done well, your communications plan can turn auto enrolment from an extra

cost of doing business into a really worthwhile activity that generates a measurable return on investment.

Where do you start?

Tip 1: Appoint an individual to manage auto enrolment.

Tip 2: Develop a detailed project plan with tasks, deadlines and action owners.

Tip 3: Consider what level of outside help you will need in terms of payroll, HR systems, risk management and pensions consultancy.

To download our employer guide to auto enrolment, visit www.rsmtenon.com/autoenrolment

Implementing auto enrolmentBeware the common pitfalls

The term “partner” is a title for senior employees, none of whom provide any services on their own behalf. RSM Tenon Financial Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, FSA register number 192618. A subsidiary of RSM Tenon Group PLC. RSM Tenon Group PLC is an independent member of the RSM International network. The RSM International network is a network of independent accounting and consulting firms each of which practices in its own right. RSM International is the brand used by the network which is not itself a separate legal entity in any jurisdiction. RSM Tenon Financial Management Limited (No 03953153) is registered in England and Wales. Registered Office 66 Chiltern Street, London W1U 4GB. England. MSO39771012

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As the process ofrolling out autoenrolment gatherspace, a few issuesconcerned withadministration andimplementation arestarting to surface.

It is perhaps inevitable that when implementing a project ofsuch a scale that some problems will become apparent as themany differently structured businesses try to decide whichmembers of their staff the process applies to.

The phased introduction of automatic enrolment began inOctober 2012. In that first month it only applied to businesseswith more than 120,000 employees, but by the end of 2013 itwill apply to those with 500 or more employees, and byFebruary 2018 it will apply to every employer in the country.

Those employers which have already become subject to theautomatic enrolment requirements have highlighted a number ofproblem areas, which suggest that the system is not workingas well as it might do.

Businesses in the hospitality, agricultural and retail sectors arefinding it a particularly cumbersome process, given thenumbers of part time workers and seasonal staff they employ,and the various ways in which they are paid.

It is reassuring therefore that the government are listening tobusinesses’ concerns, and that the review, promised within oneyear, in January by Steve Webb, the Minister for Pensions, hasbeen brought forward.

On 11 February the Government confirmed that it will beginconsulting on proposals in March to simplify the automaticenrolment process - somewhat sooner than expected.

Areas that are being flagged up as needing attention includesimplifying the assessment process for employers, establishingwhen and to whom the regulations apply, who they must enrolinto a qualifying scheme automatically, who they need to enrolby request, and who they do not need to enrol at all.

Employers need clearer guidelines in order to establish that themoney purchase schemes that they have in place meet thescheme’s quality requirements, and to make it simpler to usetheir existing pension arrangements. This is an area wherespecialist advice is critical, in order to ensure that companiesdon’t fall foul of any regulations.

There also needs to be some changes to the rules so thatpeople who have special tax protection on their existingpension benefits because they had already saved more thanthe lifetime allowance, do not have to be automatically enrolledinto a qualifying scheme. This is currently a problem becausethese people are at risk of losing their protected status - andbecoming subject to a significant tax charge - if, once enrolled,they do not opt out sufficiently quickly.

These seem to be the main areas to be addressed, but, doubtless,as the roll-out continues other issues may become apparent.

As yet, the time scale for the introduction of any changes to thesystem has still to be confirmed, and employers will be given timeto update their systems. Those companies who still have to puttheir arrangements in place will be made aware of potentialchanges in order to incorporate them into their planning.

Employers who have already made their preparations may needto revisit their plans once any changes from the consultationhave been implemented and amend them accordingly.

Auto enrolment is a saga that continues to roll on, it is to be hopedthat the scheme will deliver the benefits which are hoped for.

For more information visit the government web site

www.gov.uk/workplacepensionsor speak to a qualified advisor

Call us now rather than miss out!

Tel: 01746 716767AEEBS LTD. Email: admin@aeebs.co.uk www.aeebs.co.uk

Every company must comply with the new regulations - most over the next 2 years. We have 3 versions of a Middleware system that will handle Auto-Enrolment Compliance for your company. Cost and tax efficient solutions for all employers and accountants that offer payroll services.

AUTO ENROLMENT IS HERE!

Workplace Pensions

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Communicating auto-enrolment to your employees52%* of people haven’t heard of auto-enrolment and don’t know what effect it will have on them.

This is an alarming statistic especially as all employees are to be auto enrolled by 2017. Communicating auto-enrolment poorly can trigger a number of problems for employers, for example employees asking why they’ve had reductions taken from their payslip without any prior warning.

Getting the initial communication right could save you a lot of pain in the long run, and save your HR department from experiencing unusually high volumes of queries.

What has to be communicated to your employees by law?Each employee must receive a letter that communicates auto-enrolment. Which letter an employee receives will depend on the workforce category they fall into and the decisions you make on your scheme.

Each letter explains to employees the reasons for being auto-enrolled whilst letting them know which worker category they belong to and what they have to do next.

Will sending these be enough?Only 16%* of people who have heard about auto-enrolment got this information from their employer.

Offering your employees with a pension is probably the largest

communication right. Simply sending standard letters may not be enough to truly engage your workforce and additional communication needs to be considered.

Other ways to communicateMost workforces these days are diverse and not everyone will be communicated to in the exact same way. This is why auto-enrolment needs to be communicated through a number of different channels to make sure all employees receive it and understand it. Some examples of this are:

1. Employee handbooks

2. One-to-one communication

3. Group seminars

4. On-line micro-sites

5. Video

Designing and implementing a good quality communication strategy that features a number of methods is likely to engage employees.

Increase your employees’ awarenessThe way this new legislation is communicated and positioned to employees can have a huge impact on how your employees perceive auto-enrolment.

For more information on how to successfully communicate auto-enrolment to your employees, download our guides from

Our series of guides provide the knowledge needed to help you make those vital decisions regarding your auto-enrolment project.

Download our guides at:

Johnson Fleming Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

*September 2012, WS&B, page 11

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We understand small businessesand we’re here to help

ART (Aston Reinvestment Trust) specialisesin supporting small businesses and takes adifferent approach to the banks. There’s nocomputerised credit scoring involved. Thesmall team of lenders takes the time tounderstand individual circumstances andbase their decisions on those. If yourbusiness needs an injection of funds ofbetween £10,000 and £100,000, and youhave a viable plan for repaying a loan, giveART a call.

Chief Executive of ART, Steve Walker, ispassionate about the subject of access tofinance for small businesses. Hisenthusiasm, knowledge and willingness toshare information and encourageunderstanding of access to finance wererecognised in 2007, when he was awarded adoctorate from the University of Birmingham.

Steve joined ART prior to its inception 15years ago, keen to develop a new model ofaccess to finance for businesses which thebanks were unable to support. “The banksare taking an increasingly conservativeapproach to lending to small businesses,” heexplains, “so alternative sources are needednot only for start ups, but also for largerbusinesses where the banks have alreadylent all they can.”

ART is a Community Development FinanceInstitution, constituted like an old-fashionedbuilding society - owned by its borrowersand investors. “We lend for any businesspurpose, often alongside the banks andother providers as part of a financepackage,” says Steve. “We exist to facilitatebusiness growth and job creation. We areinterested in small businesses and keen tosee them flourish.”

Although it started in Aston, ART lends tobusiness based in Birmingham and Solihulland, with partners, across the wider WestMidlands. With their extensive knowledgeand understanding of small business finance,Steve and his team are able to helpbusinesses fund their requirements in themost effective way and also signpostapplicants to alternative sources of finance ifappropriate.

The Challenge for Small Businesses

According to Steve, one of the biggestchallenges small businesses owner-managers are facing today is not access tofinance – there is money out there – it’shaving the time to take a step back and seewhat is available to them. “We suspect small

businesses are not even approaching theirbanks, because they think they will berejected,” he says, “or, if they are turneddown, not looking for alternative sources offinance because they don’t know they exist.”

There are new finance schemes andinitiatives being launched all the time tosupport small businesses and Steve’s adviceis to seek professional help, look up thenational websitewww.businessfinanceforyou.co.uk or, if youare based in the Greater Birmingham &Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership area,see www.gbslepbusinesssupport.com.

Loans from ART

Since it was established in 1997, ART hashelped hundreds of small businesses, andsocial enterprises, operating in diversemarkets to access the finance they neededto grow, diversify, survive cashflow problems,or get started.

The application process is straightforward –start by calling ART to discuss yourrequirements and request an applicationform, or download one from ART’s website.Once you have supplied all the informationrequired your application will be assessed byone of the lending team and you will beinvited to a meeting. ART aims to provide ananswer within 21 working days from receiptof all the necessary information. Funds areprovided quickly after that. Repaymentterms can be from 6 months to 7 years andthere is no penalty for early repayment.

To find out more about loans fromART call 0121 359 2444 or see

www.reinvest.co.uk

BUSINESS LOANS

ART

The ART lending team (L-R): Andy King – Loan Manager,

Dr Steve Walker – Chief Executive,Martin Edmonds – Loan Manager.

ART has supported Birmingham-based Bakewaremanufacturer Utensa's growth plans. The ART loanhas enabled the company to invest in modification ofexisting tooling to meet demand for heavy gaugeproducts creating two new jobs. Managing DirectorRob Jones (pictured) is optimistic about thecompany's future and in particular its competivenesswith the Far East. www.utensa.co.uk

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If you feel the need to call on someone friendly, for non judgemental business advice,speak to Ben at Bridge Newland on 01788 544 544 or visit the web site

www.bridgenewland.com

The media seems to relish bad news, and is full ofeconomic doom and gloom, especially with the lateststring of high profile business failures; HMV, Jessops, andBlockbusters.

What we don’t hear about are the businesses saved fromfailure and turned around with the help of professionalinsolvency advice. After all, apart from the people personallyaffected, the fact that a company is still trading, doesn’t seemto be considered particularly newsworthy.

For the company concerned and its employees, living to fightanother day is critical. When difficulties occur, it is often notthrough inefficient management, lack of structure or poor creditcontrol. Problems often arise due to factors outside thecompany’s control; cancellation of a large contract, slow or latepayments affecting cash flow, the shortage of affordable credit,business rates and rent rises, all these factors can contribute totheir difficulties.

After personal experience, of the devastating effects ofinsolvency within his own family, Ben Robson set up BridgeNewland in 2011, to help businesses manage and often avoidthe process altogether.

Bridge Newland are achieving an excellent track record inbusiness recovery, and the re-employment of existing workforces; sadly however, there are occasions when they are called in too late to help, and insolvency cannot be avoided. On such occasions they are able to bring sympathy, discretionand understanding, holding the client’s hand throughout the process.

The business is proving very successful; clients reallyappreciate the personal touch that a small family practice canoffer, while still able to provide the complete range of formalinsolvency services, including Liquidation, Administration, CVA’sand Pre Packs.

BRIDGE NEWLANDBUSINESS RECOVERY & INSOLVENCY

Ben gets great personal satisfaction, from helping clients stay inbusiness, often by means of the informal services they offer,such as repayment plan negotiations and acting as anintermediary during negotiations with creditors.

He is especially proud of the help he was able to give in thecase of Piccadilly AV where 30 jobs were saved when thebusiness was sold as a going concern.

Ben explained that companies facing difficulties can’t just burytheir heads in the sand, and hope it will all go away, they needto be pro-active. The business model that has been successfulfor the last 20 or even 50 years may not be appropriate totoday’s trading conditions. Sometimes a few minor changescan turn the whole situation round and restore the company to profit.

Although Ben can call on an extensive network of specialistadvisors, and has the support of a great team, his greatestchallenge has been coping single handedly with the everincreasing work load due to his turnover looking set to doublethis year. His fiancé has now joined the firm and a newmanager will be in place by April.

Ben Robson

31749 2pg 2_Multibrand 16/05/2013 11:11 Page 1

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For more information on our Property andMachinery & Business Assets Services,please contact:

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PROUD TO BEASSOCIATED WITHBRIDGE NEWLAND

are proud to work with Bridge Newland onbusiness turnaround and restructuring projects

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Valued Supporters of Bridge Newland are

For more information call 01788 579449

Helping owner managed businesses become more successful and rewarding to run for over 30 years

We are proud to support Bridge Newland Ltd and wish them all the best for the future.

Akhtar & Co11 Regent Place, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 2PJ Email: info@accountantslink.net

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTSkhtar &Co

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For impartial advice on Invoice Finance, form an Alliance with us.

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31749 2pg 2_Multibrand 16/05/2013 11:11 Page 2

77

The personal development and training needs of juniormembers of staff through a continuing nurturing andmentorship process is also high on the firm’s agenda.

The practice has been successful in attracting fast-trackgraduates from red brick universities as well as people wishing toattain qualification through vocational training and part-time study.

Based in a rural location Ballards also seem to be appealing tomore experienced accountancy professionals that have workedin some of the larger national multi-site practices. Mr Jonesbelieves that maintaining a ‘work-life’ balance is important topeople these days as onerous commutes in heavy traffic addsto a longer working day. As well as this, the opportunities andprogression that Ballards can offer is proving more and moretempting to staff working within national firms.

Mr Jones said: “We are delighted to have been recognised withsuch a high profile award as ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year’.The competition was very high this year and there were somevery good firms in the final. The accountancy sector is changingand I think it is down to our willingness to proactively changeand develop that has ultimately led us to being successful.”

For more information please visit their websitewww.ballardsca.com

or telephone on 01905 794504

Chartered Accountants

The Senior Management TeamSteven Jones, Michelle Hammett & Paul Gee

And the Winner is…Partners and employees at Droitwich-based accountancypractice Ballard Dale Syree Watson LLP are celebrating as theyhave secured the title Accountancy Firm of the Year 2013 in theWest Midlands.

The Accountancy Firm of the Year award was bestowed uponBallards by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Englandand Wales (ICAEW). They won the title in the category forpractices with no more than 5 partners.

The prestigious ICAEW awards seek to recognise theachievements of its members throughout the West Midlands.Rurally based Ballards are thrilled to win the award, as theyfought off stiff competition from similarly structured rivals in andaround Birmingham City and some excellent practicesthroughout the region.

Business development director Steven Jones maintains that thefirm’s success is due to a number of factors, but having builtstrong relationships with its diverse client base has certainlybeen key.

The five senior partners at the practice, including founder BillBallard, pride themselves on investing a high degree ofpersonal contact with both existing and new clients.

Ballards have built up a substantial portfolio of clients fromprivate and public sector organisations. It specialises in providingservices to medical practices and other healthcare professionalsas well as farming and rural businesses. The firm also acts for abroad spectrum of businesses from emerging technologycompanies to £100m turnover corporate entities. It alsocontinues to support its ethos of looking after the accountancyneeds of local ‘owner managed businesses’ (OMBs).

Left to right - Philip Harrison (Meridian Private Client)presenting the award to BDSW partners, Jeremy Syree, Bill Ballard, James Syree, Liz Peters, Matthew Watson

Jeremy Syree with Accounts Trainee Amy Procter-Nicholls

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Are you confused about auto-enrolment and how much yourpension will provide you with, when you retire? Or are youworried that your current pension is not performing as wellas you hoped?

Our Independent Financial Advisers are here to help youmake sense of it, offering to meet the costs of an InitialPension Consultation!

Our Independent Financial Advisers can also offer youadvice in a range of other areas:

• Investments• Mortgages

• Protection Plans... and much more

We are also happy to meet the costs of an Initial Wealth CheckConsultation if you feel your financial portfolio needs a check up!

Call us on: 0121 270 1815

Cherish Wealth Management LimitedMalvern House, New Road, Solihull,

West Midlands, B91 3DL

www.cherishwealthmanagement.com

Workers from all over the UK will automaticallybe placed into a defined contribution scheme,providing them with a work place pension....

So what does this mean? And why is this agreat opportunity?

The 'automatic enrolment' process began in October 2012,allowing millions of workers to be enrolled into a workplacepension by their employer. This great change in legislationprovides workers with an easier, and hassle free way of savingfor their retirement! Although opting out is an option, there aremany reasons to support having a workplace pension.

Many forget the importance of saving for the future, but as lifeexpectancy is shown to be increasing within the UK, thegeneral state pension may not be enough. At Cherish, we fullysupport the government's initiative to help workers to save fortheir retirement, and strengthening their future ability to reachtheir retirement dreams.

If you find yourself being enrolled into a workplace pension, andare feeling slightly apprehensive, here are the main reasons asto why it is a great opportunity:

• The government and your employer will place contributionsinto your pension pot, and if you want to add a little extra,you can!

• Less stress for you, and when you come to retire you willhave a nice tidy sum

• Generally funds are not released until you are at the age of55; within this time your funds are invested - and dependingon what investments are best for you, could see yourmoney increasing quite substantially!

Our Independent Financial Advisers are committed to you. Ifyou are still slightly unsure about the above, or would like toknow more about how funds can be invested, we are morethan happy to help.

With 50 years experience between us, we are sure that we canhelp strengthen your financial portfolio and aid you in the rightdirection of investments that are right for you in terms of thelevel of risk.

Call us today on: 0121 270 1815, our friendly staff will be happy to help

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Bring on the Summer: NACFB and theCommercial Finance Expo

Adam Tyler, CEO, NACFB talks aboutthe forthcoming Commercial FinanceExhibition at the NEC.

The NACFB’s fourth annual CommercialFinance Expo is getting closer and closer.Although at time of writing we are lookingout of the window at scarves andsnowdrifts, before you know it we will bethrowing open the doors to the NEC onJune 26th, sheltering from midsummer sun,and talking about a number of topics,including, of course, the recent Budget andthe progress of the Business Bank.

The NEC is one of the few venues bigenough to hold an event of this size. That’swhy we keep coming back year after year.We expect a crowd in excess of 1100, aswell as keynote speakers and fifteenlenders from across all sectors who havebeen invited to participate in the day’sseminars. It’s a day full of networkingopportunities and impassioneddiscussions. And this year there is morethan ever to talk about.

The National Association of CommercialFinance Brokers (NACFB) was createdtwenty-one years ago as a self-regulatorybody for the Commercial Finance Industry.A not-for-profit organisation, its purpose isto help businesses find funding from awide range of lenders and throughregulated and reputable commercialbrokers. The scope of commercial financeis right across the sector and all fallsoutside the remit of the FSA.

At the NACFB we have strong workingrelationships with SME trade and industrybodies, and we work with more lendersthan ever before, including a large numberof alternative lenders that you won’t find onthe high street (more than ninety in total).They’re active in the fields of commercialmortgages, leasing and asset finance,factoring, vehicle finance, buy-to-let,cashflow funding, and development loans.

We ask all our members to demonstraterecent experience and to pass a numberof mandatory qualifications. They have todemonstrate ongoing experience andtraining through each year, and must alsoadhere to our Code of Practice. Over fivehundred broker firms and well over onethousand individual brokers comply withthis voluntary code. They’re spread rightacross the UK.

A large amount of our time is spentlobbying on behalf of the whole SMEindustry. We recently moved our office fromExeter to Central London, partly to benefitfrom our increasing presence inWestminster. Our growing relationship withthe Federation of Small Businesses bringsus close to its quarter of a million SMEmembers. We are firmly part of the wholeSME cycle and our other relationships nowextend to the FPB (Forum of PrivateBusiness), ACCA (Association of CertifiedChartered Accountants) and the ICAEW(the Institute of Chartered Accountants inEngland and Wales).

The issues affecting UK SMEs haveremained broadly the same for the past fouryears; scarcity of funding, a reluctance tolend, and a less flexible attitude to finance.The lenders we work with, however, tryextremely hard to change that perception.Smaller funders, in particular, can offersome extremely specialised services, andsome of our brokers can also offer a veryparticular degree of expertise. And withinthe generally accepted bad-news picture,it’s encouraging to see more positive signs– for example, the massive growth in theasset finance sector through the first threequarters of 2012.

Bringing so many UK commercial financebrokers and lenders together gives theNACFB an opportunity to gather amountain of data. Last summer’s surveyrevealed that during the period 2011-2012,our members generated just under £9billion of new lending facilities, more thanhalf of it being specifically commercialfinance, including a 100% increase inLeasing and Asset Finance. Big increases inbridging finance, commercial mortgagesand leasing and asset finance were partlyoffset by falls in vehicle finance and buildingdevelopment funding. And while the use ofdebtor finance remained static during thelast twelve surveyed months, it hasnevertheless doubled in the period since2007. We also heard how 80% of SMEsthink about raising finance 3-4 days beforeit’s needed – and a similar percentagespend less than an hour on researchingwhom to approach before ending up attheir bank.

Recently we’ve seen significant growthreported in buy-to-let finance (Council ofMortgage Lenders) and bridging loans (astl).

Against the individual good news stories aresome less encouraging figures. Projectionsfor business investment growth have beenlowered from 4.9% to 1.9%. Thecontribution of net trade to GDP growth hasbeen revised from 0.3 to 0.1 percentagepoints. In this climate of loweredexpectations, people listened anxiously tothe details of the recent Budget.

I pick out a couple of highlights here:previously revealed in last year’s AutumnStatement, the Annual InvestmentAllowance (AIA) limit was increased from£25,000 to £250,000 for two years for allqualifying investments in plant andmachinery made from the start of January2013. Corporation Tax will be reduced byan additional 1 per cent to 20 per cent fromApril 2015. Importantly, there will be newand simpler income tax rules for aroundthree million eligible small businesses.

The stated aim of the Business Bank, asVince Cable explained in his 21st Marchstatement, is “encouraging new entrantsand the growth of smaller lenders in themarket.” This ties in with the efforts of theNACFB over the past two years, and Ihave been personally involved in a numberof meetings on this matter. Proposals arecurrently being invited, and it’s vital thatthe additional £300million of Governmentresources is targeted effectively. It’s afigure big enough to make a difference.But money achieves nothing if it’s notsmartly spent.

Our Commercial Finance Expo will be ourfirst and biggest opportunity to debate the2013 Budget, the Business Bank, and allthe other issues affecting the commercialfinance broker. We’d like to see as manythere as possible. If we overfill the venueand spill out onto the balconies, at leastthere is a slim chance of summersunshine outdoors…

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Truck tyre retreading specialist group Bandvulc iscounting down the launch of a brand new companydestined to power it into a successful new era.

There’s just weeks to go until it officially unveils its new tyrewholesale venture, BV F1RST, which has prompted the creationof a retrained telesales team to enable customers to buy bothretreads and new tyres in just one call.

The new arrival to the Group portfolio is the latest evidence ofthe planned growth strategy which Bandvulc has successfullydelivered ever since brothers John and Richard O’Connellestablished the Kingsbridge Tyre & Rubber Company in 1971.

From manufacturing 30 tyres a week, it now produces 4,000commercial retread tyres per week at its three-hectare purpose-built site on the Lee Mill Industrial Estate in Ivybridge, and haswarehouse and distribution depots in Wigan, Lancashire, andstocking points across Europe for supplying specific fleets.

In 2000 the addition of the Group’s management division,Bandvulc Tyre Contracts (BTC), enhanced the tyre packageavailable and, still a family business, it is now the front runner inthe UK truck retread industry.

Bandvulc offers not just truck tyre retreading, but fleetmanagement, new tyre sales, rubber compounding, tyreservicing and also has its own tyre support centre.

Patrick O’Connell, MD, comments: “We offer an environmentallysustainable tyre solution which encompasses all aspects ofcommercial tyre requirements for today’s fleet operators.”

“We have forged many strong commercial relationships throughmanufacturing and providing first-class retread tyre productsalongside leading-edge management services. Our growthdemonstrates the confidence major blue chip logisticcompanies have in our products and services, and importantlyhow we deliver these.”

CONFIDENCE in a CLIMATE of CHANGEGillard Way, Lee Mill Industrial Estate,Ivybridge, Devon, PL21 9LN

T : +44 (0) 1752 893559E : sales@bandvulc.co.ukwww.bandvulc.com

Truck Tyre

Retreading

Fleet Management

Rubber Compounding

Tyre Support Centre

Partner Network

Tyre Service Provision

New TyreSales

It is that support and confidence from such firms, combinedwith the acceptance and development of the Bandvulc brandand services, from tyres through to tyre management, thatPatrick rates as the firm’s biggest business successes.

Much of that, he says, is down to ‘brilliant employees’, whonow number 350.

“Dedicated staff and excellent customer service remain key inthe company's continued expansion,” he adds.

“We get brilliant results from brilliant people managing brilliantprocesses and are very well placed to continue flourishing inwhat has become a competitive market.

“We are convinced that the recycling of truck tyres throughretreading will play a significant role in the European plans toreduce the use of raw materials and waste production.

“Our constant investment in re-equipping our productionfacilities and ongoing research to develop new treadcompounds and tyre profiles ensures that we will meet theever-increasing demands of the modern transport industry.”

For details of the Bandvulc Group’s full range of servicesand products, go to www.bandvulc.comAlternatively telephone 01752 893559,

or email sales@bandvulc.co.uk

31743 1pg:HorseWorld 19/02/2013 17:43 Page 1

81

2012 was a record-breaker for Liberty Leasing - but thecompany expects to reach even greater heights in 2013.

Managing director Allan Clegg is predicting the Southamptonbased asset and vehicle finance and refinance business willmake a staggering £36m-worth of advances this year, faroutstripping last year’s chart-topping £27m.

“We can agree proposals to finance amounts from £10,000 upto and over £500,000 and have transacted more than 3,000different lease purchase, finance lease, refinance and loanagreements to date,” he says.

Liberty Leasing’s success is putting the current difficult marketconditions firmly in their place, but it’s always been a winner.Ever since its 2001 launch, it’s grown by 20% year on year.

Acknowledges Allan: “It was a challenge in the early years toestablish a name due to vast competition from High StreetBanks and other long established finance companies, but ourcontinued growth throughout the financial crisis has brought usrecognition throughout the market and plenty of repeat custom.”

Fresh from the recent launch of its new website, the companyis gearing up to participate in this year’s Commercial FinanceExpo at Birmingham’s NEC, on June 26.

Hosted by the National Association of Commercial FinanceBrokers (NACFB), the event is a must for Liberty Leasing as it isa patron of this prestigious national trade body.

From its offices in Hamble, the dynamic and forward-thinkingfinance house helps small and medium sized businesses,limited companies and high net worth individuals.

And when it comes to assets, it has one of its own that it prizesmost highly - its independence.

“As we are not owned by a major bank we are therefore incharge of our own direction and that means we are easy todeal with and can be more flexible,” says Allan.

“We consider every proposal on its own individual merits anddon’t use credit scoring like many of the traditional banks.”

“Decisions here are made by humans and not computers, thanksto our people and relationship-based approach. Clients havetheir own account manager whom they can contact directly.”

Whether the customer is a new start business or well-establishedorganisation, Liberty Leasing works speedily and efficiently toarrange asset and vehicle finance and is also a specialist in helpingclients to release capital from their existing assets, such as cars,haulage and commercial vehicles, construction and engineeringplant and print and agricultural machinery to name a few.

“At the core of everything we do is a personal, professional andefficient service which we achieve through continual investmentin our staff and systems to keep pace with the ever changingfinance environment,” says Allan.

“We are regulated and governed by rules set out by The Officeof Fair Trading, The Consumer Credit Trade Association and theNACFB Code of Practice. We also hold a full Consumer Creditand Data Protection Licence.”

Need an alternative to Bank Asset Finance?

www.libertyleasing.co.uk

023 8045 6565info@libertyleasing.co.uk

Visit our website at:

Flexible Asset Finance & Refinance

Contact Us

Call: 023 8045 6565

Email: info@libertyleasing.co.uk

Online: www.libertyleasing.co.uk

31852 QPD_HorseWorld 27/05/2013 12:57 Page 1

82

Metal and copper theftis a huge concern for UKbusiness owners as record highcommodity prices have led to anenormous rise in metal theft across the UK in recentyears. In most cases of metal theft the replacement cost issubstantially higher than the cost of the stolen item, as thievescause damage in the process of the theft, especially in the caseof wiring theft which can leave rural businesses withouttelephones or internet for several days.

Prevention is key and industry professionals are urgingbusinesses to review their security procedures as a matter ofurgency.

Real-time remote security monitoring of businesses that canprevent crime before it happens is available. Directing operationsthrough remote CCTV and the use of advanced detectiontechniques, enables monitoring and intervention as soon as asecurity cordon is breached, alerting the intruders to the factthat they are being watched and that the police have beeninformed. This intervention is critical.

Traditional CCTV cameras provide a visual record of the incidentbut do not prevent the crime taking place. The ability ofIntervention Specialists to take action while the attemptedintrusion is taking place most often results in criminals leavingthe scene before doing any damage.

The Home Office estimatesthat crime costs the Britisheconomy more than £60billion per year while asurvey by the BritishChamber of Commerce foundthat 80% of businesses felt that crimewas a problem in their local area.

Crime can have a devastating effect on yourbusiness. There were over 9.2 million crimescommitted against businesses across avariety of sectors in the last year alone according to recentstatistics devised by the Home Office; it affects all sectors of theeconomy from manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation,storage, accommodation and even food services.

Theft is by far the most common type of crime experience bybusinesses accounting for 74% of all incidents. This translatesto a massive 6.8 million incidents and repeat victimisation iscommonplace.

David McCarthy, of Netwatch UK, a leading remote visualsurveillance company explains, “Opportunistic thieves aretargeting anything from small items that can be sold quickly, tofuel, scrap metal, copper and other valuable plant equipment leftunsecured at business premises.

“Heavy Goods Vehicles have become a major target for thievesacross the UK. They can contain up to 1,000 litres of fuel, whichwould cost approximate £1,350 at the pump. Fuel is easy to use orsell and is difficult to track making it an extremely attractive target.”

Protecting Your Business

netwatchcreating a fearless environment

No need for drastic security measures...

Netwatch has prevented over 35,000 crimes.

Contact Us: 0800 917 9909admin@netwatchsystem.co.uk

Security needs to be an integral part of your business strategy, according to leadingprotection specialists

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

TIME FOR A

NEW BREED OF BANK

Mark Stephens Deputy CEO Aldermore

Bank. British

THE NACFB SPEAKS WITH MARK STEPHENS, DEPUTY CEO OF ALDERMORE ABOUT THE BANK AND HOW THEY ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

“THERE HAS BEEN MUCH TALK IN THE PRESS ABOUT THE NEED TO REDUCE THE DOMINANCE OF THE BIG BANKS.

It isn’t simply about reducing the risk to the taxpayer of having to pay up yet again when an oversized bank gets into trouble. It’s also about freeing-up small and medium sized businesses from the constraints of the big banks’ controlling infl uence.

What do I mean? Quite simply that by withholding funding from British SMEs, the banks are effectively strangling the economy. Data released recently by the Bank of England confi rms that lending to businesses fell by a further £4.8 billion in the three months to February this year, which equates to a decrease of 4.4% in lending when compared to the same period last year.

In an attempt to encourage the big banks to lend more, the Bank of England has extended its fl agship Funding for Lending scheme to January 2015 and has stipulated that any banks which reduce their net lending will not be able to access the cheap funding beyond January 2014.

The big banks say British businesses don’t want to borrow, preferring instead to sit on their cash reserves and weather the storm. At Aldermore, we hear otherwise. Business owners tell us they want to invest for the future, but many are struggling to obtain funding from their primary relationship bank.

What’s needed is a new breed of bank that’s willing to challenge the status quo and Aldermore is just such a bank.

Launched in 2009 and British to its core, Aldermore is founded on a very simple business model: we raise retail deposits from consumers and businesses and then lend that money to homeowners and businesses throughout the UK. We’ve not been involved in any form of risky ‘casino’ banking and we don’t lend overseas.

It’s very much a ‘back to basics’ approach that requires us to be close to our customers, understand their needs and deliver a reliable and expert service. We’re focussed on what we do and have teams of specialists who can advise business owners about a range of funding issues, including the acquisition of commercial property and property development, fi nancing business assets such as plant and equipment and cashfl ow management.

We also have competitive savings accounts designed specifi cally for businesses, which are refreshingly free from deceptive short-term incentives. All our savings accounts can be opened online in a matter of minutes within the comfort of the customer’s own offi ce.

Our approach seems to be working, because we’ve lent more than £2.5 billion since opening our doors for business in 2009. We also have more than 15,000 business customers and 80,000 savers across the UK.

We intend to maintain our single-minded approach to helping small and medium sized businesses fund their future growth ambitions. The time is right for greater competition in the UK banking market.”

For more information about the services available from Aldermore, visit www.aldermore.co.uk

Find out more:

t 0333 321 4000w aldermore.co.uk

Aldermore Bank PLC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority for deposit taking and regulated mortgage contracts. Registered Offi ce: 1st Floor, Block B, Western House, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FZ. Registered in England No. 947662. AAF49-0413-000076

Edition3

8

The Midlands Leading Business & Lifestyle Publication

Tel: 08000 807 809Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

Tel: 08000 807 809 Email: hello@birminghambusinesspost.co.uk

www.birminghambusinesspost.co.ukGERRYMETSAW BLADES & TOOLING