Designed and produced by Brentwood Borough CouncilTown HallIngrave RoadBrentwood Essex CM15 8AYwww.brentwood.gov.ukVision for Business is produced
quarterly. The next edition will
be July 2008.
Contributions and
advertisements need to be
submitted by 2nd June 2008.
If you would like to
contribute, or have any
comments or enquiries
please contact:
Shelley King, Information OfficerT: 01277 312630Jonathan Phillips, Sales &Marketing AssistantT: 01277 312693F: 01277 312635E: vision4business@ brentwood.gov.uk
Welcome
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n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10BusinessVISION FOR
Every effort is made to ensure that the content of this publication is accurate butthe publisher accepts no responsibility foreffects arising there from. We do not accept responsibility for loss or damage tounsolicited contributors. Opinionsexpressed by the contributors and advertisers are not necessarily those of thepublisher. This publication is protected bycopyright and no part may be reproduced inwhole or in part without the written permission of the publishers.
Please recycle this magazine carefullywhen you have finished reading.
Welcome to the April issue of Vision for Business.
Working in partnership with Essex County Council, we are
beginning an exiting new initiative to enable residents of Brentwood
to influence spending on local highways matters.
For the first time, Brentwood people will have far greater say on a
whole range of initiatives to improve the highway environment, from
junction improvements and new cycle paths to highway tree and
verge maintenance.
To make this programme work, we need residents’ views.
Brentwood Borough Council will be consulting through Vision,
the Citizens’ Panel, the new Highways Surgeries and through
online, postal and face-to-face surveys.
As a local business and one of our key stakeholder groups
(many of you are residents also) and we are seeking your views
too. Please take the time to complete the survey on pages 5-7.
Also in this issue of Vision for Business, you will find news about a
new discount card for Chamber of Commerce members, business
rate changes and our up coming Business Conference on 13th
June at Ford’s HQ in Warley.
Joanna Killian, Chief Executive
We can provide this publication in other formats, free of charge,
such as large print, on audio tape or a translation.
For more information, please call: 01277 312629.
APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
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Discuss the big issues online
- EEDA
Shot Down
- Phoenix FM
CCTV for business
- Wortley Byers
Airport Visitor Centre
- Stansted Airport
New faces
- Wortley Byers
Best companies 2008 accreditation
- Wollastons
Landlord’s guide enfranchisement
- Pinney Rogers
Protect your software
- Wortley Byers
Flexible working
- Essex Business Partnership
Partnership news
- Brentwood Borough Council &
Essex County Council
Initiative to boost local business
- Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Starting a new business?
- Mid Essex Enterprise Agency
Top of the class
- Beresfords
Brentwood rate changes
- Brentwood Borough Council
New events programme launched
- Business Link
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14
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17
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19
20
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5
8
9
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Contents
10 1812
Opened by the Mayor of Brentwood, Councillor Francis
Kenny, this year’s Tourism and Leisure Show at the
Brentwood Centre had a unique “buzz” about it.
With over 100 exhibitors from all over Essex and
neighbouring counties to inspire the audience, there
was certainly an impressive choice of visitor attractions
including Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, Cadbury
World, Hylands House, Sample the Thames
Experience, Hever Castle, Kent The Bank of England
Museum and many more. Lots of borough, district and
town councils were also there representing their areas,
also providing ideas for great days out and short
breaks.
Tourism & Leisure Show
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Flexible Working - the hot topic for 2008!
Employers – still unclear what flexible working
means to you?
The last few years have witnessed an
unprecedented series of significant and
substantial changes to UK employment law.
During 2007, the spotlight was turned on the
concept of ‘flexible working’, with the
government expressing an interest in
developing this area of law.
What you need to know
This seminar will:
• Explain the concept of ‘flexible working’ and
the work-life balance that it seeks to achieve
• Discuss the various statutory rights to
flexible working which employees currently
enjoy, and the various corresponding
statutory obligations imposed upon
employers
• Give practical guidance on the steps that
employers should take to ensure that they
comply with all of the relevant legislation and
regulations
Our presenter is the much respected and
entertaining Alan Massenhove.
An employment and commercial law specialist
for Wortley Byers LLP, Alan has over 10 years
experience of advising businesses on all
aspects of business law.
Always popular with audiences at Essex
Business Partnerships breakfast meetings, he
is a true master in de-mystifying law – giving
clarity to how such changes will impact on your
business.
Booking details
16 April 2008
Times: Start 7:45am for 8:15am End: 10am
Holiday Inn, Basildon
Please book the event here:
www.bookevents.org/events
HIGHWAYS LOCALISM – CONSULTATION SURVEY
Decisions made over a spending of the £2m budget of highway related work in Brentwood will now
be taken locally. Residents of Brentwood now have the opportunity to influence where their local
highways spending is directed and what priorities matter to them regarding maintenance, repairs
and improvements to the highways. To ensure your views are heard, please complete the
questionnaire below and return it to: Highways Localism, Brentwood Borough Council,
Town Hall, Ingrave Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 8AY
1. Are you a Brentwood resident? Yes No
2. Gender Male Female
3. Age 18 - 24 25-34 35-44 45-55 over 55 Declined
4. Disability Do you consider you have a disability? Yes No Declined
5. When thinking about your local highways, number three of the following options that are most
important to you (1 being most important):
1). Footway repairs
2). Highway repairs, such as resurfacing
3). Verge and highway tree maintenance
4). Pedestrian crossings
5). Waiting restrictions & yellow lines
6). Traffic management, including calming measures & signals
7). Junction improvements, including traffic lights & mini roundabouts
8). Speed limits
9). New street furniture
10). Repairing bus shelters
11). Clearing weeds and overgrowth
12). Clearing of litter and fly tipped items
13). Provision of residents’ parking
14). Don’t know
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
BrentwoodBorough Council
Partnership News
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6. Thinking about the Borough as a whole, in your opinion, name two specific areas most in need of
highway improvements, please give reasons for your suggestions
1.
2.
7. In your opinion, which of the following statements best describes the current appearance and
condition of the highways in Brentwood?
Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know
Please give reasons for your answer
8. How do you prefer to be communicated with by Brentwood Borough Council?
Vision (the Council’s quarterly magazine)
Letter
Telephone
Face to face
Text
Don’t have a preference
Don’t wish to receive communication from Brentwood Borough Council
Other, please specify
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
9. Do you have a suggestion for how Brentwood Borough Council could effectively engage with
residents and businesses across the Borough? Yes No
If yes, please give details
10. Would you be willing to supply an email address, telephone number or postal address in order
that the Council could consult with you on local issues in future? (Please be assured that all
information is treated in the strictest confidence and will not be shared with any third party or
used for any other purposes than that stated) Yes No
Name (optional)
Email Address Tel. No.
Postal Address
11. ETHNIC ORIGIN How would you describe your ethnic origin?
White Black or Black British
British Caribbean
Irish African
Any other White background Any other Black background
Mixed Asian or Asian British
White & Black Caribbean Indian
White & Black African Pakistani
White & Asian Bangladeshi
Any other Mixed background Any other Asian background
Chinese & other ethnic groups
Chinese
Other ethnic groups
12. Any other comments
Continue on a separate sheet if necessary.
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n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10BusinessVISION FOR
Brentwood Chamber initiative to boost local businessBrentwood Chamber of Commerce is very
pleased to announce the launch of a new
product designed to boost business locally.
It is the Chamber’s Member Discount Card,
and all paid-up members of Brentwood
Chamber have now received their cards, which
look like credit cards (see the illustration right).
These Chamber Member Discount Cards can
be used to make purchases at the businesses
of Chamber members who have agreed to be
‘Acceptors’.
When a cardholder presents the card at an
‘Acceptor’, they will receive a discount on
purchases made Acceptors can be identified by
a window sticker (see below), which
demonstrates the welcome they will give to
cardholders who want to do business with
them. Acceptors will gain extra business and
cardholders will benefit from discounts.
Whilst at the outset all Chamber members are
receiving one card each, it is highly likely that
members, perhaps especially the larger ones,
will want a number more for members of
staff - so the scheme could grow rapidly.
If you are already a member of Brentwood
Chamber of Commerce and want to become
an Acceptor, please get in touch with us by
phoning 01277 214814 or emailing us at
[email protected]. If you are a
new or existing business in the Borough of
Brentwood, which is not yet a member and
would like to join - to take advantage of this
and the other benefits we have to offer –
again, please get in touch and we will offer
you a warm welcome.
Mike Hawkins, Executive Secretary01277 214814
The Mid Essex Enterprise Agency is here to
help you, we provide advice and guidance
from experienced advisers, all given in total
confidence. Our qualified Business Advisers
can provide advice on:
How to raise finance
How to market your product or service
What you need to know about
employing people
Taxation, NI and VAT matters
Training to equip you with key business
skills
And we will continue to give you advice and
support through the start-up period and during
those first critical months.
Are you running a small Business?
The Business Health Check has been designed
specifically for existing businesses that employ
under ten people and have been trading for
more than a year.
The Health Check will consider key areas,
such as finance, marketing, quality control,
employing staff, expansion and training, plus
any other issues you want to discuss.
An Adviser is on hand weekly at The Old
House, which is located by Wilson’s Corner on
Shenfield Road.
For more information, please contact: 01245 496712
enquiries@midessexenterpriseagency.co.ukwww.midessexenterpriseagency.co.uk
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
Starting a new business?
The wraps have been pulled off the new
three-door Fiesta and its stylish five-door twin
by Ford Britain’s Central Office in Warley.
Taking much of its exterior and interior design
from the striking Verve Concept, the next
generation of Britain’s best-loved small car,
sold and marketed from Ford at Warley,
promises to shake up the supermini scene at
its global premiere. More than 12 million Fiesta
models have been sold since its
introduction in 1976, and the arrival of this
latest Fiesta opens another chapter in the
story of Ford’s most successful small car.
www.ford.co.uk
New Ford Fiesta
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n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10BusinessVISION FOR
Essex Police is warning local businesses to be
aware of a group of people conning people out
of hundreds of pounds through sleight-of-hand
and ‘ringing the change’ scams.
The group specifically hit bureaux de change
outlets but also shops. Their method involves
changing predominantly £20 notes for either
smaller notes or foreign currency and then
explaining that there is a misunderstanding
and that they wanted Canadian not American
dollars, or a different denomination or some
other similar confusing tactic. Before
exchanging any money back, seek the
assistance and support of colleague and
make absolutely sure that you count very
carefully the money being handed back and
forth.
www.essex.police.uk
Beware of cash swindle
Top of the class
left to right: Tim Stranks (Sales Negotiator),Mark Baker (Trainee Negotiator), MargaretNicol (Senior Negotiator), Martin Young(Assistant Manager), Ray Norris CeMap.(Mortgage and Protection Adviser) and MichaelWilson (Branch Manager)
Beresfords Groups’ Shenfield branch has good cause to celebrate following receiving top marks
from a recent Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) survey, which highlights the excellent and
professional customer service that the branch provides.
Every year 20% of OEA members are randomly selected for a confidential survey amongst a
mixture of its buyers and sellers on the service that they provide. Participants are asked how
professional, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful the agents are. Beresfords’ Shenfield branch
received a remarkable 9.8/10 for each category.
Tel: 01277 212111 www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
Wollastons have handed over
to Farleigh Hospice a cheque
for £44,534.00, the total
raised by the runners and
businesses who supported
their 2007 Race for Business.
The Race for Business is
organised each year by
Wollastons, starting in
Chelmsford town centre and
finishing at Wollastons offices
in Brierly Place, New London
Road. Details of the 2008
Race for Business will be
announced in March when
entry forms will be available
from Miss Terry Webber on
01245 211281 or email
A groundbreaking ‘business
dating agency’ was launched
in February to help companies
based in the East of England
compete for business
opportunities helping deliver
the London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games.
“CompeteFor” will help
companies in the East of
England compete for London
2012 direct and supply chain
contracts and is funded by
EEDA. It will also connect
companies with local Business
Link services which will help
boosting the long-term
competitiveness of companies
in the East of England.
The Olympic Delivery Authority
(ODA) and London Organising
Committee (LOCOG) expect to
allocate over £6 billion of work
as part of an estimated 75,000
future business opportunities
covering direct contractors and
their supply chains over the
coming years.
www.london2012.com/business
Dating agency for
business to
compete for
London 2012
contracts
Business rate changes
Race for Business
The Government has reformed unoccupied property relief with
effect from 1 April 2008.
Offices, shops & all other properties excluding
industrial/storage properties
Providing a property has been occupied for the previous six
weeks, when it becomes unoccupied, it qualifies for a three
month unoccupied rate free period. At the end of the three
months a 100% unoccupied charge will be payable. The same
as if it were occupied.
Industrial/storage properties - factories, workshops,
warehouses, & storage units/land
Providing a property has been occupied for the previous six
weeks, when it becomes unoccupied, it qualifies for a six month
unoccupied rate free period. At the end of the six months a
100% unoccupied charge will be payable. The same as if it
were occupied.
Exceptions to the above
The rates liability of unoccupied property that is held by a
charity and appears likely to be next used for charitable
purposes, or that is held by a community amateur sports club
and appears likely to be next used for the purposes of the club,
will be reduced from 10% of the basic occupied rate to zero.
Listed buildings, property that has statutory protection, property
with a rateable value below £2200 and property owned by
companies in administration, will be exempt from unoccupied
rate. If the property is unoccupied the leaseholder or, if no
lease is in existence, the landlord will be liable for the 100%
charge.
For more information: www.brentwood.gov.uk
Businesses and entrepreneurs in Essex are now able
to benefit from the brand new Business Link events
programme.
A huge variety of topics are covered in the programme
including workshops aimed at people who are starting or
considering starting a business, finance and legislation,
marketing, family businesses, developing people, IT,
business practice and much more, all of which are heavily
subsidised or free of charge.
Over 28,000 delegates have attended Business Link’s
events in the region since April last year including people starting out, business owners, company
directors, sales and marketing professionals, HR managers and team leaders from all types and
size of organisation. The workshops fit easily into the working day without taking too much time
away from the business.
The new programme features a wide variety of briefings, workshops, courses and networking
opportunities, designed for the customer’s needs.
The easy to use programme is divided into two sections, ‘Briefings and Workshops for New
Businesses’ and ‘Briefings for Growing Businesses’, enabling users to simply select the right
event for their needs.
If you would like to receive a copy of the programme, please call Business Linkon 08457 17 16 15, or visit www.bookevents.org
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Bringing the cup home In March, four companies from Shenfield High
School attended the Easter Trade Fair
organised by Young Enterprise at the Eastgate
Shopping Centre in Basildon. They joined 11
other Young Enterprise companies from a
variety of schools and colleges, each selling
a variety of products.
All four of the companies from Shenfield found
the trade fair a very worthwhile experience.
Neon, were selling ‘Tucks’, a material pouch
that can carry an ipod, phone, keys etc.
The Black Thunders from Essex FM ordered a
staggering 200 Tucks.
XY Ties, who were selling customised ties, won
Best Overall Company. They received £100 for
their company bank account and the Big Cup,
which will be proudly displayed at the school.
We would like to say thank you to Neil Adams
of IBM and Michael Locke of Copyright Repro
Ltd who have acted as business advisors and
have given a lot of help and support.
Clare Burr, Shenfield High School
New events programme lauchedby Business Link...
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has
become the first regional development agency (RDA) in
England to launch an online blog.
This new development will help EEDA and its partners
discuss how to respond to the big issues facing the region
such as climate change, growth and competing in the
global economy.
The blog (short for weblog) is a regularly updated website
that creates a two-way, online conversation between
EEDA and businesses, public sector and community
sector partners and residents. It will provide a platform for
regional leaders and the public to engage directly with
EEDA by offering the ability to add publicly-viewable
comments on every entry that is posted.
David Marlow, chief executive of EEDA, said: “The East of
England is the ideas region and this bold new initiative will
enable us to share EEDA’s ideas and aspirations for the
region with partners, businesses and residents. We want
to improve the way in which we can engage with people
in the region to help drive sustainable economic
development.”
To access the new blog visit: www.eeda.org.uk/blog.
Discuss the big issues online
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n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10BusinessVISION FOR
Direct flights to the world’s
fastest growing city of Dubai
will soon be available from
Stansted following an
announcement that Eos
Airlines is to begin daily
services in July. The airline
will also launch a new
connection to Newark, New
Jersey from May.
www.stanstedairport.com
The Government has
announced up to £37 million
to prevent work place
disputes unnecessarily going
to employment tribunals.
The measures are part
of package designed to
simplify the dispute resolution
system, saving business and
employees over £175m a
year.
The extra funding, over three
years, will allow Acas to boost
its helpline and advice
services and offer help at any
stage of a dispute to make
sure it is never too late to
choose an informal
resolution.
www.acas.org.uk
Extra cash to aid
early resolution of
workplace
disputes
Direct flights to
Dubai £500k to skills andemployments
A £500,000 grant from the East of England Development
Agency (EEDA) will mean Brentwood’s post-war housing
estates of East Ham, Three Arches and Thriftwood will get a
new community-owned ‘hub’ that will provide much-needed
essential services and help raise the skill levels of local
residents and to help them find jobs.
After nearly ten years of being without any kind of community
asset since the closure of the old building, Ingrave Community
Association Ltd (ICAL) with support from Brentwood Borough
Council, Essex County Council, Newham Council and the local
Primary Care Trust (PCT) has been successful in its application
to EEDA for a grant under its Building Communities Fund.
www.eeda.org.uk
Shot down by ‘Simon Cowell of Radio’The Phoenix FM presenter
rejected by ‘radio's Simon
Cowell’ before joining Essex's
community station has hosted
her 40th show. Muthamma
Prasad, 27, made the
headlines after her offer to
volunteer at a London
community radiostation was
met with a blisteringly rude
response.
In contrast, Phoenix FM, open
minded to new programme ideas, invited Muthamma to its
Brentwood studios to hear more. Station bosses were so
impressed by her literary knowledge and enthusiasm that
Muthamma's radio show, called the Book Club, was added to
its schedule.
Muthamma is part of the Phoenix team of presenters,
technicians, researchers and fundraisers who help broadcast
35 live weekly shows on 98FM and at www.phoenixfm.com.
Radio hopefuls equally keen to get on air or to help behind the
scenes on the 24-hour station for Brentwood and Billericay
should contact the station manager via the website.
www.phoenixfm.com
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
Keep your business safe
CCTV for businesses- are you keeping watch?
If you are running a business it is highly likely
that you use CCTV to protect your property,
but are you using CCTV legally?
Under the Data Protection Act (DPA),
businesses have a number of duties
regarding the recording of individual’s personal
information. Using CCTV is one method of
collecting this information, and failing to follow
the DPA correctly can lead to criminal offences
being committed.
An important development in adhering to the
DPA is the issuance of a new Code of Practice
by the Information Commissioner, which sets
out guidance on the best way to legally operate
CCTV. Replacing a Code issued in 2000, it
takes account of new technology, increases
protection for the public, and now includes
nearly all CCTV systems, rather than just
systems focussed on a specific individual. The
2008 Code varies in a number of other ways
from the previous version which means that
your adherence to the old Code may not mean
that your actions are now legal under the new
Code. This means that just because your
actions were in line before, there is no
guarantee as to their legality now.
The Code merely provides guidance on best
practice. You will not necessarily be in breach
of the Code if you do not follow it but it is an
important factor aspect should your processing
and data protection policies be investigated.
If you would like advice on adhering to the new
code, or any other Data Protection issues,
please contact Sue Dowman at Wortley Byers
LLP on 01277 268355.
www.wortleybyers.co.uk
Over the last few years, security equipment has become far more efficient with the use of Digital
Video Recorders (DVRs) and with cameras monitored on a network or over the internet. Prices
have also fallen on equipment, and with the use of DVR’s and LED infra-red, maintenance needs
are lower too.
Formed in 1995, All Ways Wired’s range from local government and schools to commercial and
domestic customers. Along with CCTV and access control, we also supply services for car park
barriers, fire alarms, electrical installations,
emergency lighting, telephone systems,
fibre optics, mobility vehicles & audio/visual.
We have been involved with the various
ad-hoc installations and improvements to
existing systems. We are not agents for any
company and will look for the options best
suited to our customers’ needs.
For more information, contact Andrew on01277 200844, Fax 01277 248199 or e-mail
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BAA Stansted has welcomed
news that permission for a
state of the art visitor centre
has been given approval.
Up to 40 visitors at any one
time will have access to the
state of the art facility that will
include a lecture theatre,
parking for up to 20 vehicles
and a coach bay for school
parties and organised trips.
It will open up the exciting and
interesting world of airport
operations to those who want
to learn more about Stansted
and hear more about the scale
and scope of what happens at
the airport.
www.stanstedairport.com
Airport visitors centre
gets go ahead..
A leading business growth consultant in Essex
has made practical suggestions for businesses
trying to cope with the fall out from the current
financial situation.
Alan Briggs, MD of Dynamic Business
Strategies Ltd has highlighted some jitters in
consumer confidence; especially amongst
those who had fixed rate mortgages that have
come to an end, but feels this will just mean
some belt tightening. The biggest impact of this
has been seen on the high street and some of
the big retailers are downgrading their growth
expectations but others have performed OK.
As an experienced consultant, he is telling his
clients that they should always plan for the
worst and make gains from the best by
planning for a slowdown but reap the rewards.
Alan’s key steps are; plan sales and growth
realistically, based on sensible estimates and
market research, look at what is happening to
your customers’ markets.
For a free business health check, contact Alan
Briggs on 07917 446068 today.
Alan has more free tips on his blog
http://thebusinessexpert.blogspot.com or visitwww.dynamicbusinessstategies.co.uk
Every business in
Brentwood that employs
workers from outside
Europe must get
a licence as part of massive
changes to the UK’s
immigration system.
New fines for employers
who hire illegal workers and
a tough new points system
so only the best can work
here are among the other
measures introduced.The
scheme is designed to
attract the most talented
people with the skills the UK
needs to remain a global
leader in business, and
technological innovation.
The Government is also
introducing a licensing
system for employers who
want to recruit from
overseas.
www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk
Business expert’s tips for copingwith the ‘credit crunch’
New
immigration
system
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APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
New faces atWortley Byers
Wortley Byers has appointed David Chapman Managing Partner and four new partners:
Sue Dowman, Wendy Beach, Nick Traill and Michael Callaghan.
Michael Callaghan (far left) has more than 14 years litigation experience and was previously a
partner at a leading Essex firm before joining Wortley Byers in February 2008. He specialises in
all aspects of landlord and tenant law including business and residential tenancy cases, adverse
possession actions, rent reviews, dilapidations cases and trespass actions. He is a member of
the Property Litigation Association and he is also a CEDR accredited mediator.
Sue Dowman (second from the left) a former Associate, joined the firm in 2001 and advises on
corporate transactions and commercial agreements with specific expertise in IP and IT. Sue has
also been appointed Head of Marketing and is involved in promoting the firm and business
development.
Nick Traill (second from the right) a former Associate, joined the firm in 1998. He is a member
of the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Nick advises on a range of corporate and commercial
transactions with particular reference to tax issues.
Wendy Beach (far right) has more than 15 years litigation experience and was previously a
partner at a leading Essex firm before joining Wortley Byers in April 2007. Wendy has been
appointed Head of the Litigation Department and has experience of all commercial disputes
particularly in insolvency issues.
www.wortleybyers.co.uk
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n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10BusinessVISION FOR
The Small Business Rate Relief Scheme
entitles eligible properties with a rateable value
of less than £5,000 to 50% rate relief. This will
decrease on a sliding scale of 1% for every
£100 below £10,000 rateable value.
Eligible properties with rateable values from
£10,000 to £14,999 will not receive Small
Business Rate Relief, however, along with all
eligible properties, their bill will be calculated
using the small business non-domestic rating
multiplier.
The property must meet the qualifying
conditions on 1 April of the relevant chargeable
year and on every chargeable day. Relief is
only available to Business Ratepayers with
either:
One property with a rateable value less than
£15,000, or
One main property and other additional
properties, providing those additional
properties have rateable values less than
£2,200 and the total value of all the properties
remains under £15,000.
Other factors are:
Relief will only be awarded to one property
The rateable value threshold of £15,000 is
based on the location of the eligible property,
not the location of any additional properties.
The charge on the additional properties will
be based on the higher normal non-domestic
rating multiplier.
If a Business Ratepayer’s circumstances
change and they no longer meet the qualifying
conditions, the relief will be cancelled from the
day they are no longer eligible.
Business ratepayers who receive Charity
Relief, Rural Rate Relief or have an
unoccupied property are exempt from the
scheme.
If you have any questions or require furtherinformation www.brentwood.gov.uk
Small businesses could reduce theirbusiness rates by as much as half
‘Best Companies 2008’accreditation
Leading Essex commercial law firm
Wollastons LLP is one of only a handful of
law firms in the country to receive Best
Companies 2008 star status accreditation
for its outstanding workplace and investment
in people.
The elite national accreditation scrutinises
workplace engagement and sets a rigorous
benchmark for other companies. It follows a
‘Michelin star’ system, with Wollastons being
awarded one star for ‘first class performance’.
19
APRIL 2008 ISSUE 10 n e w s | v i e w s | c o m m e n t s BusinessVISION FOR
Working people need waterOne of the best and simplest ways towards a healthier lifestyle is to drink more water - at
least eight glasses (two litres) of tap water every day. Sickness absence costs employers at
least £11 billion each year and 33 million working days every year are lost to occupational ill
health. Medical research shows that well-nourished and hydrated employees are resistant to
illness and recover more quickly.
Many companies make drinking water accessible to employees by water coolers that use
bottled water. Bottle-free water coolers provide an economical and convenient method of
dispensing cool, fresh tap water for the workplace. The difference in cost is a large
consideration. Nineteen litres of bottled water costs between £5 and £7 and the same
amount from the tap, from a bottle-free water cooler, costs around 2p. The installation and
connection to the water main supply only takes about twenty minutes and removes the cost
and inconvenience of ordering, storing and changing large, heavy water bottles.
By connecting to the water mains supply, customers will be doing their bit for
sustainability and the environment by preventing the need for journeys involving
delivery vehicles and also the production and dispensing of plastic bottles.
For further information, and the solution to providing employees with fresh, cool water aspart of a healthy lifestyle, ring Essex & Suffolk Water on 0870 225 2656 or log onto
www.eswater.co.uk
A landlord’s guide to enfranchisementThe Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban
Development Act 1993 and the Commonhold
and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 have
introduced the right for qualifying tenants of
flats to extend their leases and the right for the
tenants to acquire the freehold of their building.
Participating tenants can grant themselves very
long leases and reduce or even completely
eliminate the ground rent payable. The tenants
may also acquire the management of the
building.
Although the legislation has made collective
enfranchisement easier, there are still a
number of exclusions that apply and not all
tenants who apply will actually qualify. In
addition, the price and other terms offered by
tenants are often insufficient or not in a
landlord’s best interests.
The landlord’s reasonable costs of assessing
the right of the tenants to enfranchise, dealing
with the notice and the costs of the valuation
and conveyancing fees are all payable by the
tenants. Costs will normally include solicitors
and surveyor’s fees. As soon as you are aware
of a tenant’s proposal to enfranchise, you
should seek specialist legal advice. This area
of law is quite specific and complex and there
will be no doubt that the tenants have already
instructed legal advisers.
Contact Sajel Patel, Residential Property Solicitor,
on 01708 229444 [email protected]
20
BusinessVISION FOR
Protect your softwareIf you are a business developing computer software or your
product incorporates some form of software, you are probably
aware of the importance in protecting your invention from being
copied. Following a recent case there are now increased
opportunities for UK software developers to protect software on
its own, as a patent.
Previously, the position was that standalone computer programs
as such were not patentable. The UK has now been brought
into line with the European Patent Office, and the UK
Intellectual Property Office can no longer automatically ban the
patenting of all computer programs.
The increased protection given through patents presents
immediate advantages for software developers. A patent gives
a 25-year monopoly over the process or product, and even
patent applications not yet accepted can be licensed or sold to
third parties. Small businesses will also benefit through reduced
costs for filing a patent application in the UK, compared to
previously being forced to using the more expensive ‘back door’
method of the European Patent Office.
If you would like advice on patenting your product or process, or
any other intellectual property issue, please contact Sue
Dowman at Wortley Byers on 01277 268355.
Writtle CollegeLordship Road, WrittleChelmsford, Essex CM1 3RRT: 01245 424112E: [email protected]: www.ader.org.uk
Corporate Communication Town Hall, Ingrave RoadBrentwood, Essex CM15 8AYT: 01277 312629F: 01277 312635E: [email protected]: www.brentwood.gov.uk
Pepperell House, 44 High StreetBrentwood, Essex CM14 4AJT: 01277 214814F: 01277 214814E: [email protected]: www.brentwoodchambers.co.uk
Information and Intelligence Centre4 Bishops Square, Hatfield,Herfordshire AL10 9NET: 0845 7171615E: [email protected]: www.businesslinkeast.org.uk
The Business CentreStation Road, HistonCambridgeshire CB4 9LQT: 01223 713900E: [email protected]: www.eeda.org.uk
Aquila HouseWaterloo RoadChelmsford, Essex CM1 1BDT: 01245 702400E: [email protected]: www.exdra.co.uk
T: 01253 336000F: 01253 348046E: [email protected]: www.fsb.org.uk
Coplestone Court, 1 Wells StreetChelmsford, Essex CM1 1HXT: 01245 496712E: [email protected]: www.midessexenterpriseagency.co.uk
T: 0207 215 5000E: [email protected]: www.sbs.gov.uk
Useful numbers, contacts & websites:
Agrilcultural Development in the
Eastern Region (ADER)
Brentwood Borough Council
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Business Link East
Federation of Small Businesses
Mid Essex Enterprise Agency (MEEA)
Small Business Service
East of England Development
Agency (EEDA)
Essex Development and
Regeneration Agency (EXDRA)