There are many steps along the road to growth and we hope Buckinghamshire Business First offers support for most of them. We know that growth can be determined in many different ways, whether it is recruiting more staff, moving to more

suitable premises, improving turnover, exporting or one of countless other signifiers. Buckinghamshire Business First can help with most aspects of your growth journey and no matter what issue your business faces we are here to help you find a solution.

The work we do every day is geared towards facilitating business success and our 2015/16 Annual Review details the impacts we have made over the last twelve months and since our inception in 2012. On top of this we have worked hard on setting our priorities for the year ahead, all of which you can read more about in the Annual Review.

Now is a great time to get involved and see how we can help your business. Buckinghamshire Business First exists to help you find the support you need to start, grow and make a success of your business, so get in touch and come and see how we can support you.

Philippa Batting, Managing DirectorBuckinghamshire Business First01494 56895007795 161385philippa@bbf.uk.com

BuckinghamshireBusiness First Matters Issue #8

Summer 2016

In this Issue

Buckinghamshire Business Awards

A round-up of the glamorous and

prestigious ceremony

Things have changed

Co-investment opportunities offer a different kind of membership

Happy and productive members

Westfourstreet wax lyrical about our new website whilst Meteor

Power gain £2.2 million investment

Business Confidence Indicator

A look at the health of the Buckinghamshire business

community

The Post Brexit Landscape

A summary of the UK’s decision to leave the EU and how it may affect

businesses in Buckinghamshire

LEADER grants

The funding programme returns with a new team and the same

mission

A digital future

The latest on getting everyone – including the final 5% - superfast

broadband

Creating a dynamic business environment since 2012In 2012 ten local business leaders grouped together and invested £10,000 each to form Buckinghamshire Business First and help shore up the future of Buckinghamshire’s business community.

Our day to day activity has always focused on ensuring that Buckinghamshire remains the Entrepreneurial Heart of Britain and one of the net contributors to the Exchequer. Here are a few of the key impacts that Buckinghamshire Business First has delivered since 2012:

“Until we joined we didn’t realise how powerful Buckinghamshire Business First was and after our first meeting we were not sure on whether this was actually the correct route for us. However, the more mail outs we now read from BBF the more we can see how we can benefit from the networking.”

“Thank you so much for your prompt reply and interest in our new business. I have in the past come across a number of organisations who have promised much, and delivered little! To have meetings confirmed with individuals who can help move our business forward at this moment in time is most valuable.”

Our members say... Our members say...

2,131 jobshave been facilitated through ourgrants and project activity

11,538 businesseshave benefited directly from ourbusiness support services

479 apprenticeshipshave been facilitated through ourbusiness support activity

1.2 million tonnes COhas been reduced by businessesinvolved in our sustainabilityprojects

49 new companieshave moved to Buckinghamshireas a result of our inward investactivity

Things have changed at Buckinghamshire Business First

Have you registered or updated your business profile on the Buckinghamshire Business First website? If not, log on now!

bbf.uk.com/news/make-sure-your-information-is-correct-on-our-business-listing

We are a not-for-profit community funded by our members and partners. Membership is free for every business in the county, but now through our new co-investment model we have created different ways for businesses to gain and give back to our business community. More information on ourco-invest packages can be found overleaf and on our website.

Our brand new website with interactive features will let you shine a light on your business, get visibility on to local and national contracts, forge new partnerships and support our community with the benefit of your knowledge and expertise.

• Get your business noticed

• Win new business

• Grow your network

• Stay ahead of the curve

• Learn and share

• Forge new partnerships

• Get space to think

Upgrade your profileand get your

business featuredtop of the search

Enjoy up to 20 hoursof free meeting

room space

Network and attendevents for free

Support a thriving Buckinghamshire

economy

Share your expertiseby answering queriesfrom members or byhosting a workshop

We would like to say a big thank you to those members who have already invested and contributed almost £20,000 to support the community since April 2016 which means that even more local businesses can benefit from support.

Become a Stakeholder

This package is ideal for anyone looking to grow or get more local business. Your feature rich profile comes with its own unique URL and the ability to post content around the site including special offers, events, contracts and jobs. By logging into your account you can see how many times your profile has been viewed. Our Stakeholder package also gives you free entry to ‘Simply Networking’ events and more free meeting room hours in our Business Hubs.

Benefit from additional features and services

All the benefits of aMember plus…

Visit bbf.uk.com/packages for a full list of Stakeholder benefits

A feature rich profile at your fingertips

Promote your business more widely by posting offers and events

Free networking to help you find new customers and suppliers

•

•

•

Exclusive member offers

Post offers to promote your business

Our Partner package is a perfect way to shine a light on your business and raise your profile locally.

You can get more visibility onto your business with prominent placement in search listings and can position yourself as an expert in your field by hosting your own member to member workshops.

Become a Partner

All the benefits of a Stakeholder plus…

Visit bbf.uk.com/packages for a full list of Partner benefits

Enjoy a higher profile and more opportunity

“Becoming a partner in Buckinghamshire Business First is a great way to showcase our business locally, and find out more about other local businesses.”

Johnathan Lane, SR Consulting

bucks.business/sr-consulting

Your business will be featured at the top of the search listings

Host and attend workshops for free

Your content will be featured around the website

•

•

•

Become an Ambassador

“I have worked with businesses all over the country and when I tell them about Buckinghamshire Business First they say ‘wow, that sounds like just what we need’, there is nothing like it where they are.

Buckinghamshire Business First offers an excellent platform that makes it easy for businesses to network, offer services and host workshops for each other. I wanted to contribute to all of this and play a bigger role in the Buckinghamshire business community, which is why I am proud to have become an Ambassador of Buckinghamshire Business First.”

Mathew Moslehi, IMSM Ltd

bucks.business/imsm-ltd

The Ambassador package is ideal for those who want to influence the future of the Buckinghamshire business community and be seen to be making a positive contribution to local business. With access to exclusive, high profile events, as well as increased promotion on our website, this package gives you a seat at the top table of Buckinghamshire’s business network.

Get more involved and help your business and our community grow

All the benefits of a Partner plus…Contribute to strategic conversations

Get recognition of your support to the business community

Network with your peers at free Business Leaders’ Dinners and invitation only events

Visit bbf.uk.com/packages for a full list of Ambassador benefits

•

•

•

Business community ambassadors

It’s time for businesses to formthe post-Brexit landscapeThe UK’s decision to leave the EU means businesses are entering a period of uncertainty unrivalled in living memory. This means the short term future is not simply business as usual, but there are reasons to be optimistic for the long term future in a get-up-and-go county like Buckinghamshire, the UK’s beating heart of entrepreneurism.

With no concrete plans in place among government ministers for what an independent UK will look like and no formal negotiations on the horizon with EU ministers there is a danger that we enter a period of stagnation that could have damaging long term consequences for businesses.

Buckinghamshire’s businesses are forward thinking and creative though, and don’t have a need to sit around and wait for politicians to form a plan. Instead, the impasse over EU negotiations provides an opportunity for business to set out its case to those who will eventually negotiate the UK’s exit. Buckinghamshire Business First is feeding business’s opinions into the heart of government, so we need to know how Brexit and the current uncertainty is affecting your business. This is a huge opportunity for businesses to help shape the future of a post-EU landscape, so please take part in our review here.

We have already heard from many local businesses on the subject of Brexit and views range from exporters feeling the benefit of a weak pound, to companies losing business, scrapping plans to hire and some even forging plans for relocation. Brexit is following hot on the heels of major changes to pensions and the introduction of the National Living Wage, so the likes of hospitality, retail and small manufacturers are likely to feel the affects more acutely than others. With uncertainty over the pound and question marks over how we buy and sell food, the food sector could be hugely affected too, as a Radio 4 show delved into recently.

There is reason to believe that Buckinghamshire could be shielded from some negative consequences of Brexit because the county receives less EU funding than any other in the UK and so will have less of a financial shortfall to make up should future domestic funding not match the current figures from the EU.

So please let us know what Brexit means for your business in both the short and long term, whether it’s positive, negative or somewhere in between.

There is plenty of online advice for businesses post-Brexit, including this from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Our Business Support team is on hand to discuss any day to day issues you are facing with your business:

01494 568941

BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com

Business Confidence IndicatorWe recently asked our members to let us know what changes their business had experienced in the previous six months. Their responses provide an insight into the strength of Buckinghamshire’s business community during this period.

May 2015 Dec 2015 June 2016

92 96 94Ambitions to GrowAlmost 19 of every 20 businesses has ambitions for growth, with no difference between home based business and those with premises.

28Increase in ExportsA big jump on the previous results, saw 28 per cent of respondents increase exports over the last three months. Almost a fifth of businesses run from home increased exports, rising to 42 per cent of businesses with premises.

30 32Employed New StaffUK employment reached a new record level of 31.6m in the first quarter as almost a third of respondents employed new staff, including 15.2 per cent of those that work from home.

22Increased Prices

More than a fifth of respondents increased prices in the last quarter, falling to only 16 per cent of home based businesses.

65 72Experienced Growth

Almost three quarters of respondents saw their businesses grow in the last six months, with 37 per cent of them also employing new staff.

Your guide to the latest information and intelligence on Buckinghamshire’s economyRupert WatersHead of Economic ResearchRupert@bbf.uk.com

Research Headlines

Buckinghamshire’s educational attainment is among the highest in the country, with 48.2% of working age (16-64) residents holding at least degree level qualifications, well above the 37.1% recorded across Great Britain. This is the 2nd highest share among County Councils and 3rd highest among Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

Buckinghamshire’s population is projected to increase by 54,172, or 10.4 per cent, between2014 and 2026, but only 15,045 will be of working age, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Buckinghamshire’s rate of growth will be above the national rate and the 6th highest of the 27 county council areas, ranking 10th highest among the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

Working age residents made up 61.7 per cent of Buckinghamshire’s population in 2014, but this is projected to fall to 59.8 per cent in 2021, 58.5 per cent in 2026 and 57.1 per cent in 2031. Although at 4.7 per cent Buckinghamshire’s working age population is projected to have the 10th highest rate of growth among the 39 LEPs.

Demographic change inBuckinghamshire to 2026

Aylesbury Vale is projected to account for more than two thirds of Buckinghamshire’s population increase to 2026, with particularly strong growth projected in the number of older residents. At 41.2 per cent, Aylesbury Vale will have the 6th highest rate of increase in residents aged 65 and across 326 local authorities in England, while Wycombe and South Bucks will also see rises above the national level.

Happy customers make for productive businesseswestfourstreet became a Buckinghamshire Business First member in 2015 after a recommendation from Buckinghamshire New University. Having always sought out the experiences of other business people, MD Richard Bateman already knew the value of accessing business support, but it was the launch of our new website in March 2016 that really opened his eyes to what Buckinghamshire Business First could do for him.

“The new website is a great resource,” Richard confirms. “The business support section is full of useful information and I found out about a great tender opportunity through the contracts section of the website.”

Having been through the start-up phase, Richard knows what first-time business owners need. “In the early days of running a business - especially your first business - you don’t have a lot of know-how and you need information presented to you in a way that is accessible and not full of corporate buzzwords. The content on the Buckinghamshire Business First website is relevant and the tone is formal but not impersonal, which is important as it needs to be accessible to all different kinds of businesses.”

It was soon after Richard set up westfourstreet that he realised a lack of manpower would hold back the growth he wanted for the business. “Everything was on my shoulders,” explains Richard. “The big hurdle I faced was how to plan and manage the expansion, which meant employing people, something that brings greater responsibility and additional challenges.”

Richard knew that reaching out for advice was crucial to success. In early 2016, Richard expanded westfourstreet and the one man band turned into a team of seven offering a full range of marketing expertise from web and print design to social media and copywriting. Among those to sit up and take notice was The Guardian, who included Richard in a feature on entrepreneurs.

“The opportunity to connect with other businesses is another plus to membership. At westfourstreet we’ve often relied on word of mouth to act as our promotion, but this year I have promised myself that I’ll attend more networking events, so I look forward to meeting my fellow Buckinghamshire Business First members soon.”

Or visit the resources on the business support page bbf.uk.com/business-support

Call our Business Support Teamon 01494 568941

Richard Bateman, Founder & Director of westfourstreet.com

Get up and go attitude paysoff for Meteor PowerBuckinghamshire Business First work tirelessly to promote a range of funding schemes to our members.

One such Buckinghamshire Business First member is Meteor Power, a technology company specialising in innovative solutions in electric vehicle development. Managing Director Mike Edwards was on the lookout for funding that would help him advance Meteor Power’s Research and Development (R&D) and deliver on their long term goals, including to develop a new standard of electric motorcycle.

Soon, Innovate UK, appeared on Mike’s radar and he read about available funding from the UK’s innovation agency, specifically through its intergrated delivery programme (IDP) competition. This scheme match-funds technical feasibility studies and collaborative R&D projects to encourage technologies for road vehicles that will deliver significant reductions in CO₂ and other emissions. Mike set about applying for funding with great success; Meteor Power was awarded more than £1.6million towards a project to develop a compact hybrid engine for motorcycle and lightweight vehicles.

Funding schemes are only as good as their take-up and despite it being one of many excellent sources of funding available not enough businesses, especially small businesses, are taking up the funding on offer from Innovate UK.

Mike proves that with perseverance and patience applying for Innovate UK funding can pay off. “It can take some time to benefit from the funding as the IDP grant is awarded on a yearly basis, but we were accepted on our second application for funding after taking heed of the feedback from the assessors.”

Buckinghamshire Business First works in partnership with Innovate UK so get in touch with our Business Support team who can let you know all about the latest funding opportunities available:

01494 568941

£2.2million later and Meteor Power’s goals are closer than ever. “We are expanding rapidly and are currently looking for larger premises,” Mike says. “Our first prototype electric motorcycle will be ready towards the end of August.”

BusinessSupport@bbf.uk.com bbf.uk.com/business-support

A digital future for BuckinghamshireHigh quality digital infrastructure is an absolute must if businesses are to fulfil their potential, which is why Buckinghamshire Business First has been busy with many different approaches to supporting the digital revolution.

The Connected Counties project, a partnership involving Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire County Councils, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnerships (BTVLEP), Buckinghamshire Business First and BT, has achieved 100% of its targets for the first phase of rollout of superfast broadband to cover 90% of premises in Buckinghamshire. Not only that, this rollout to more than 45,000 homes and businesses in Buckinghamshire was achieved on schedule and under budget.

‘Buckinghamshire Broadband – The Final 5%’At the end of April 2016, our event hosted in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), brought together local businesses, politicians, councillors and policy advisors to kick start a discussion on the alternatives for those areas not included in the current connection plan within the county. As expected a lively discussion ensued and covered a review of alternative technologies and solutions to deliver sufficient connectivity to rural areas.

An interesting outcome of the event was the fact that some people eligible for superfast broadband had been under the impression they were not eligible.

The postcode checker on the Connected Counties website is the place to go for anyone unsure of the status of superfast broadband in their area.

Full speed ahead with the Connected Counties team, BT and Rt Hon John Bercow MP

Michael Garvey, Joint Chair of the Connected Counties broadband delivery board, at our ‘Final 5%’ event

Michael Garvey @MichaelGarvey66: Good turnout for the @bbfuk and @fsb_policy broadband event in Amersham. I’m speaking shortly. t.co/ja7ggNcl57

After the success of last year’s Digital Summit, we are delighted to announce that this year’s event will be held at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre on 19th October 2016.

Plans for the event are progressing well and we are currently looking for businesses that would like to exhibit on the day and show off their innovative products and services. We are also on the lookout for businesses wanting to sponsor and associate themselves with this prestigious event.

If you are interested in exhibiting, sponsoring or simply attending the Digital Summit, email events@bbf.uk.com with the subject line ‘Buckinghamshire Digital Summit’.

See our recap of the 2015 event to see the kind of things in store this year:bbf.uk.com/news/the-best-bits-of-the-buckinghamshire-digital-summit

The 2016 Buckinghamshire Digital Summit

Just 4% of farmers are connected tosuperfast broadband, according to theNational Farmers’ Union.

The Queen’s Speech in May saw the announcement of the Digital Economy Bill. This Bill, the government said, “will modernise our climate for enterprise, making sure Britain remains at the forefront of the global 21st century economy so that our businesses continue to create jobs and our families remain financially secure”.

The road to 100% connectivity

This, coupled with recent developments includ-ing impending 5G technology and the offer from the Church of England of 10,000 rural church spires to use as communication towers, may help the government meet its target of every home or premise having access to superfast broadband by 2020.

It will include:

• Giving every household a legal right to a fast broadband connection

• New laws to help telecommunications providers build the infrastructure needed for faster broadband and better mobile networks

• Allowing consumers to be automatically compensated when things go wrong with their broadband service.

For the latest information on superfast broadband in Buckinghamshire visit the Connected Counties website connectedcounties.org

Or contact the team at info@connectedcounties.org

Buckinghamshire Business Awards Round-UpThe 2016 Buckinghamshire Business Awards were another rip-roaring success that made clear once more that absolutely nobody does business like the entrepreneurs and visionaries of Buckinghamshire. Congratulations to the winners and finalists all of whom exude the very best of business in the county. The full results from the night are as follows:

Company of the Year & Best in Wycombe District Monodraught Ltd

Apprentice and Young Person Employer Award Pinewood Group

Business Leader of the YearGraham Parr, Gartec

Enterprising Charity of the YearChiltern Rangers CIC

Excellence in Customer Service Award The Window Film Company UK Ltd

Food and Drink Producer of the Year Chiltern Brewery

International Trader of the YearThomas International

New Business of the YearThe Snaffling Pig Co.

High Performance Technology & Motorsport (HPT&M)Good Fabrications Ltd

Small Business of the YearExcel Office Supplies

Best in Chiltern and South Bucks DistrictsTims Dairy Ltd

Best in Aylesbury Vale District AwardThe Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital

No rest for the wicked…We are already thinking about the 2017 Buckinghamshire Business Awards, so if you would like to enter or sponsor an award let us know now and get ahead of the rest of the competition.

Email us at events@bbf.uk.com with the subject line ‘Buckinghamshire Business Awards’.

LEADER grants deliver benefits for rural businesses once more

LEADER has rural people at heart. In the 2008-2013 LEADER programme, projects delivered by Ngage (a wholly owned subsidiary of Buckinghamshire Business First) were some of the most successful in the UK. 124 projects were awarded funding which in turn sustained 206 jobs, created 117 new jobs and helped launch 39 new businesses. Whether it was helping a Post Office reopen, supporting a community group to purchase the freehold of its local pub, helping a farmer expand his meat processing unit in order to remain competitive, or enabling a florist to purchase a delivery vehicle and create a job, LEADER has a track record of delivering results for rural communities.

Rural businesses are becoming increasingly significant employers, accounting for almost 30% of all jobs in the UK. In fact, in the last decade or so rural areas have outperformed major urban cities, excluding London, on job creation.

LEADER grants of up to £50,000 are available to support rural businesses across the Chilterns and ‘Clay Vales’ which covers Aylesbury Vale and North Bucks. The aim of the grant is to help create jobs, develop rural businesses and generally support the rural economy.

• Support for Increased Farm Productivity• Support for Micro and Small Enterprises

and Farm Diversification• Support for Rural Tourism• Support for provision of Rural Services• Support for Increasing Forestry

Productivity• Support for Cultural and Heritage

ActivityAn example of the projects that LEADER can support include farm shops, wood processing machinery, glamping, local food initiatives, micro-breweries and many more.

To be successful, projects must contribute to one or more of LEADER’s six national priority areas:

“The LEADER funding helped to position us well for the future,” says Lorna. “As a result of the £15,000 grant, we were able to build a new workshop, purchase a new delivery van, upgrade our website, grow and sell our own flowers and create a job. As a result we have seen our profits increase year-on-year. That’s some outcome!”

Lorna Brooks, owner of Fullers Flowers

fullersflowers.co.uk

To find out more, contact the LEADER team by calling 01494 568970

Or email info@leader-programme.org.uk

leader-programme.org.uk

Buckinghamshire Business First recently launched a new weekly business radio show in partnership with Mix96 aimed at helping anyone in business succeed. Every week the show aims to tackle current business topics and deliver interviews with local entrepreneurs and companies as well as well-known names in the business world.

Guests have included, Amodeo Web Design, B P Collins, Cerub PR, The Chiltern Brewery, Enterprise Doctor, Five on a Bike, Green Dragon Eco Farm, Global Infusion Group, JUNE MEDICAL, Medical Supermarket, MOJO Skin and Haircare and Waddesdon Manor.

Business on the airwaves

• How to make it as a business leader• The benefits of hiring an apprentice • How to export successfully • How to build a great team • Pensions & Auto Enrolment • Protecting your businesses from cyber

threats• Focus on Food & Drink, Retail, Tourism• The master plan for Buckinghamshire• Celebrating Queen’s Award winning

businesses• Why Buckinghamshire is the

entrepreneurial heart of Britain• Looking at Buckinghamshire’s

successful Women

Topics covered on the show include:

mix96.co.uk bbf.uk.com

We want to ensure that as many Buckinghamshire Business First members as possible have the chance to appear on the show. If you would like to feature and have a great idea for a show topic, let us know at info@bbf.uk.com or on01494 568937.

The Buckinghamshire Business First radio show is broadcast every Monday at 7pm on Mix96 (96.2 FM) and is available as a podcast online too. Check the weekly BBF newsletter for the best bits of each weekly show every Thursday.

Upcoming shows• Exploring the benefits of working with

universities

• 3D Printing and how it can benefit your business

Events calendar

To book onto any of these events please see the events page on our website bbf.uk.com/events

Simply Networking - Chesham08/09/2016 | From £15Chartridge Lodge, Chesham

Buckinghamshire Business Leaders’ Dinner 15/09/2016 | £70Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton

Ask our Specialist Adviser - Export, Innovation and R&D Funding09/09/2016 | FreeBBF Hub, Saunderton

Member to member workshopsLegal Health Check For Your Business13/07/2016 | Free BBF Hub, Saunderton

Modernising Local Government Workshop20/07/2016 | FreeThe Clare Charity Centre, Saunderton

Making your marketing budget go further 21/09/2016 | Free BBF Hub, Saunderton

Is Your Business in Risk? ISO 9001 will safeguard your business06/10/2016 | Free BBF Hub, Saunderton

Join us at the following events

Rob Austin Racing Business Network at Silverstone 16/09/2016 | Free Silverstone Circuit, Northants bit.ly/1SZ5INm

Director’s Briefing – BTVLEP 21/07/2016 | From £18 Kings Chapel Old Amershambit.ly/1sHEXF9

IoD Connect21/09/2016 | Free Saracens Head Beaconsfieldbit.ly/29FGvuB

Director’s Briefing – Leveraging LinkedIn to build business 29/09/2016 | Free Hartwell House, Aylesburybit.ly/29zyypP

Out and about withBuckinghamshire Business First

Business Leaders’ Dinner at The Compleat Angler in Marlow

Heather Dean meets Anna Soubry, Minister for Small Business at BIS headquarters

Buckinghamshire’s MPs speak with members on the issue of the EU Referendum

Judging Day for the Buckinghamshire Business Awards

Businesses focus on their website at our popular event

The 2016 Buckinghamshire Business Award winners

Talking about superfast broadband and the final 5%

The benefits of working with Brunel University are explored

Our members ‘Focus on Social Media’ with Nigel Temple

‘Networking after work’ at Metro Bank in Aylesbury

‘Simply Networking’ in BuckinghamMember to Member workshop discussing money and success