the best of bolton may 2013

Take a look at your Business

The people behind the business

New members this month

Tip of the monthand More...

www.thebestof.co.uk/bolton

Tirelessly working to make your business the best it can be...

Continued...

May 2013 Update

Choose The Form Of The Destructor!

So now you’re probably thinking ‘What’s that got to do with anything?’ Well, pull up a chair and I’ll explain…

In the film, the Ghostbusters are asked to choose. They then all try desperately to avoid thinking of anything to prevent the inevitable final battle. Of course, Ray can’t help but think of Mr Stay Puft, something he remembered affectionately from his childhood, something that could never harm them.

Those of us who remember great films from the 80s will probably have a place in their heart for Ghostbusters. Over the recent bank holiday, I was chuffed to bits to see it on the TV schedule and duly settled down, popcorn in hand for an hour and a half of pure fun. It was all that has ever been. I laughed in all the same places and revisited all the old quotes, “Smells like barbecued dog hair” is still one of my particular favourites!

Then it got to the best bit in the entire film!

“Choose the form of the Destructor!” In less than a minute a hundred foot tall Mr Stay Puft the Marshmallow Man is stepping on a Church as he makes his way towards our heroes. Oddly enough, as I am seemingly, totally immersed in the film a quote popped into my head, “It’s choice - not chance - that determines your destiny.”

Bestof-Bolton-May 2013.indd 1 15/04/2013 17:05

www.thebestof.co.uk/bolton Update May 2013

Offer of the MonthRefer a friend to Red Chilli Design and get £100 Selfridges card or £100 donation to your chosen CharityFancy getting your hands on a £100 gift card from Selfridges, courtesy of Red Chilli design? Of course you do!

All you need to do to receive this free gift card is fill in the simple form on the Red Chilli website, telling a friend all about their great service, then once they’ve placed an order worth over £750 and made the initial payment you get the £100 gift card from Selfridges. It really is that simple.

If you’d prefer your reward to go to charity, let Red Chilli know and they’ll donate £100 to the charity of your choice.

Have a great month...

Gaynor & David

It’s all too easy in business to do the same thing. We put off making decisions thinking that doing so will maintain the status quo. We say, “I haven’t decided yet” thinking that we have made no choice. The truth is, we have made a choice, a choice to do nothing and leave the outcome to chance. Well as far as I know, chance doesn’t care if we stay in business or not.

The key to success is action. If we make a decision and own it, it may not always be the right one, but at least we will be in control of it instead of it in control of us.

If you’ve got a decision that you’re avoiding making, you might want to try tackling it like this:

• Give yourself a deadline - Preferably a short one…. that sense of urgency will give you clarity.

• Understand the problem – make sure you know what you want the outcome to be and why

• Investigate the options – know the consequences of your actions and accept them

• Act! Make the decision and own it. If you’re in control, I promise you, even a bad decision will be less damaging than chance being in control

I will never enjoy making difficult decisions, but if the alternative is a metaphorical hundred foot Mr Stay Puft, I’ll take control everytime!

Oh how wrong was he; the giant Marshmallow Man appears, hell bent on death and destruction, the ground shaking beneath his feet.

The Ghostbusters’ strategy here is clear. They decided the best course of action was to do nothing and in doing so avoid The Destructor….. it didn’t work! What did work was making the choice to risk everything and fight back.


The People Behind The BusinessJim Turner, JKT DesignJim Turner is one of our longstanding, fantastic thebestof Bolton members and owner of JKT Design. An experienced graphic designer, Jim shows real passion and flair in all his work, enjoying working from concept to completion on a wide range of design projects. Jim is not only an excellent designer, he is a fantastic artist and a keen Rotarian.

This is what Jim had to say when we put a few questions to him earlier this month.1 What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning?Well the first thing is that I have to take my daughter to school but the real reason I get up is that I’m the only person in my business, so if I’m not there then nobody is!

2 What’s the best advice you have ever been given and who gave it to you?I was told early in my business life that the best way to build your business is to have great belief in your own abilities and have the confidence that what you are offering is as good if not better than anyone else doing the same thing. That was from my Father In Law, Doug Farnworth, who is himself a very successful businessman and mentor.

3 As a child, what did you want to be as an adult?I always wanted to be a Fighter Pilot! From my early days holidaying in Wales, close to RAF Valley, I would watch the Jet Pilots training and I dreamed that one day I would be one too. To this day I am very interested in aviation.

4 What advice would you give to someone who wants to set up their own business?I would suggest they try to identify a niche market, one where they are able to offer something unique

and not something in which there is lots of competition.

5 What’s the one local business you couldn’t possibly live without?My own!

6 Who is the most interesting person you have met and why?My namesake, Jim Turner, who is currently leader of the Red Arrows. As I mentioned earlier, I always wanted to be a fighter pilot and of course he is living the dream!

7 There are a few Graphic Designers around, what makes you one of the best?The service I provide is a very personal one, the client gets me, 1-2-1 from concept to completion of any project. They get the very best of me the whole time.

It could

be you!



Business Exhibitions Its almost here, our 4th ‘In Business In Bolton’ Expo and the success we have seen from these events has been phenomenal for many local businesses. If you think that exhibitions are not for you then you’re wrong, we all need to find ways of getting our businesses in front of as many people as possible. We are making

exhibitions accessible to ALL businesses and that means YOU! So come on, get out there and get your business in front of 100’s of local people, make contacts, build relationships and do business.

John Hynes Copyprint Services said “I’ve just secured my biggest contract ever and this came directly through a contact made at the first ‘In Business In Bolton’ Expo over 2 years ago. It’s taken a while but through staying in touch and gently reminding them about my products and services, I have now secured a contract with them for the next 5 years. If you’re wondering if exhibiting is for you, then it’s a BIG yes from me, do it! What have you got to lose?”

Jim Turner JKT Design said “A brilliant Expo, I took a stand but wondered whether I would make any contacts but had a conversation with a local school who were also exhibiting there and managed to secure a very large contract from them for all their interior and exterior signage as well as school prospectuses and brochures.”

Our next Expo will be on 18th June 2013, give us a call to book a stand from only £75 plus vat for thebestof bolton members and £125 plus vat for non-members.

Guest Speaker- Nigel BotterillNigel will be talking about the practical day-to-day things that separate the best from the rest? In this high energy impactful talk Nigel will give outsiders’ perspective on what it takes to achieve super success as a business owner in the 21st Century.

90 Minutes of Marketing WorkshopsThey’re back with a vengeance but this time we are inviting just a restricted number of members. Many of the businesses we work with ask us on a daily basis for advice and support around helping their business grow so these workshops are happening monthly and we will be covering topics such as ‘Knowing Your customer’ ‘Getting More Stuff Done’ and ‘Pricing - taking control of your profits’ and much more. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in a session,

please email [email protected]

Working Well...

“Share your

successes and let

Gaynor & David

know what bits

of thebestof are

working

for you.”

At thebestof Bolton we are on the lookout for other great members. This month we are looking for....

• Restaurants

• Hair Salons

• Beauty Therapists

• Florists

If you know a business that fits the bill please contact the team...

01204 382 785


Give them a call & make them feel welcome

We’ve uncovered more hidden gems over the last few weeks. A big welcome to the following businesses who have joined us recently:

Toms ToysToms Toys is a wonderland for children of all ages. As an independent retailer in Bolton, Toms Toys offers a wide selection of traditional toys as well as more modern items

01204 684072

Dominos Pizza BoltonDomino’s Pizza, Bolton, is a pizza takeaway renowned throughout the World. Whilst specialising in classic and premium pizzas, the store also sells side orders, desserts and drinks

01204 522822

ABC PrintwearABC Printwear has been in business in Bolton for over 20 years, supplying, printing and embroidering a wide range of promotional wear

01204 395888

FireglowFireglow Ltd is a family owned and family run company that has been operating in Bolton for over 25 years. Local experts when it comes to the supply and installation of quality fires, fireplaces and stoves, Fireglow Ltd have built an enviable reputation across the area for great products and exemplary customer service

01204 684092

Ultimate LinensUltimate Linens provide hotels, consumers and the hospitality service with high quality bedding, linen and kitchen supplies. With a factory shop open to the public, you can call in for some fabulous offers

01204 684544

Dental Design StudioDental Design Studio is based in Edgworth, Bolton, and offers quality, affordable and state-of-the-art dentistry to clients in the town and the wider area. The studio uses all the latest equipment and techniques to produce the best possible results

01204 876646

The Jolly CarterThe Jolly Carter is a modern fusion of a traditional English pub, excellent quality restaurant serving English classics, and a Bed & Breakfast offering a personal and intimate service. Located in Bolton, The Jolly Carter extends a warm welcome to all who visit

01204 876693

Go-BoltonGo! Bolton is Bolton’s largest monthly local business magazine, distributed to over 50,000 households and businesses across the town for free.

01204 684052

Laser Hair RemovalThe Laser Hair Removal Centre, located on Blackburn Road, Bolton, is one of the most advanced and affordable laser hair removal centre’s in the area with exceptional customer service

01204 602693

Snack In The BoxSnack In The Box, Bolton, operates a delivery service for local businesses and those in the North West, providing drinks and snacks to employees on a cost-effective system where you only pay for what you use.

01204 684075

Crompton Way MotorsCrompton Way Motors have over 20 years experience in the motor industry, with over 50 quality used cars currently available at their showground in Bolton

01204 684043



The sad thing is, our high streets are in decline; and as the Banks and the struggling national chains move out we are either left with rows of empty, unloved buildings or Payday Lenders and Betting Shops.

Now don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with the odd Payday Loan firm or Betting Shop. A place for everything, and everything in its place. However, as Ed Milliband rightly pointed out in April while speaking in Ipswich; these types of retailers have increased by 20% in the last year, leaving our high streets devoid of variety, individuality and more importantly, people.

“Every day I am asked to predict the future of the British high street. I don’t have all the answers, but one thing I do know is that high streets won’t be only about shops.” Mary Portas.

Too right Mary! Our high streets are about way more than that. Originally our village greens, town squares and high streets formed the centre of where we lived. It was where we connected with other people and found out about what was going on in our town, as well as buying our groceries.

It was the noise of the market traders, the bustle of other shoppers, the wave from the butcher as you walked past, the smell of the freshly baked bread from the bakery…..it was about the experience. That experience and tradition doesn’t have to be consigned to history, we just have to drag it into the 21st century, however much it kicks and screams.

So now you’re all thinking, that’s great, but how on earth am I supposed to do that? I’m a printer/accountant/tattooist and my business isn’t a 4th generation family concern. Well that doesn’t mean that you can’t reflect the values and the history your community stands for. Each area has its own unique culture, its own achievements and its own local heroes as well as the universally British values of honesty, freedom, equality and justice. Every community has a story but without the story teller it will be lost forever.

Now I’m not going to start waxing lyrical about the ‘Great’ in Britain to the strains of Rule Brittania, but actually, it is those communities that have given us our history and traditions that attract 31 million visitors to the UK every single year (that’s half of our entire population by the way). Compare that to Spain’s 45 million visitors. A country two and half times the size with infinitely better weather!

As you already know I’m a massive fan of all things local. Recently I’ve seen some good articles from celebrities like Mary Portas on what’s happening to our town centres. It’s lovely to know that people do understand how important our high streets and local businesses are to our communities. Let’s face it, local communities are part of the fabric of our society; they have helped create what it is to be British.

Go Loco for Buy Local!


You want to go where everybody knows your name

Nothing can replace personal relationships in business, it’s one of the reasons Social Media has grown at such a meteoric rate; humans are social animals. Small, independent businesses have the advantage of being able to create personal relationships easily, something that chains really struggle to do. So don’t forget to strengthen it at every opportunity.

Be the face of your business

As independent business owners we all have our own style, our own personality and our own values. We need to shout about them at every opportunity. The area we grew up in helped shape that style and those values so chances are, your customers will connect with them.

Freedom of Choice requires something to choose from

Every small business is different! Those differences are what make our high streets interesting and make you unique.

Your History is our History

Ok, maybe you moved into the area recently so history for you is thin on the ground. Your premises, your street or even

your product and service do have history though, so utlilise it. Whether it be what you have on your wall, what you use in a blog, even a ‘Back to the 80s’ offer you might have, all these things tap into that history that is part of our lives.

Give a damn and do something about it

Don’t just care about your business and your customers. Support your local community projects, buy from great local suppliers, support your local charities, remind other people about why the area is great and effect changes that will make it even better. Whether it be getting together with other businesses to encourage the council to improve parking or something as simple as adding a couple of hanging baskets to your frontage to make the area look more appealing. All the little things add up to something big.

Making an exception can make you exceptional

There’s a local newsagent and grocer not far from where I live. They don’t offer a delivery service, and yet, I regularly see the owner personally taking groceries round to the older residents. For that reason alone, I make a point of spending money with him every week

which also means I can avoid the ‘Express’ round the corner!

And finally (please forgive me for the shameless plug), but supporting our Buy Local campaign, 3rd to 9th June, and encouraging others to do so is another way of raising awareness of our high streets and drawing attention to the things we can do to restore them to their former vibrant selves. Every pound that is spent locally is reinvested in the town up to ten times over and locally sourced products are easily traceable (the farmer down the road has never kept horses) and are better for the environment. This is our opportunity to join together to support our home; we need to grasp it with both hands!

Over the next month I will be making it my mission to gather as much support as possible for our Buy Local campaign, raising the profile of our shops and businesses and showing the world what a wonderful place to live this is! However, I can’t do it all by myself, I need you to join in! Heck let’s make a party of it if we can!

If you’re not already displaying your Buy Local sticker with pride or ordered your Buy Local Pack, please do get in touch. If we all join together it won’t take much to make a real difference.



Coming Soon

Our aim is to provide the best businesses in Bolton with aworld classmarketing service.We’ll raise your profile, connect you to new contacts and customers - and maximise your business potential.

We really do care about every one of our Business Mem-bers and we are there every step of the way to ensure that thebestof works for you.

Our 17 marketing tools

thebestof bolton is run by David and Gaynor Ramsden

At thebestof Bolton, visibility is everything! Helping our recommended businesses to set themselves apart from their competitors, we not only provide a unique vehicle to communicate a business message, but also support our members in developing winning strategies and achieving phenomenal growth.

Call Us: (01204) 382785Email: [email protected]

BUY LOCAL WEEK 3rd-9th June 2013At thebestof Bolton, Buy Local is at the heart of everything we do and as champions of local businesses, we want to support local businesses and encourage consumers to buy local.

We will be encouraging local people to pledge to ‘buy local’ and those that do will be entered into a draw for 5 x £100 prizes each day throughout the campaign - to be spent with a local bestof member.

In Business In Bolton Business Expo 18th June 2013Guest Speaker- Nigel Botterill

Give us a call to book a stand from only £75 plus vat for thebestof Bolton members and £125 plus vat for non-members.

01204 382785 or email [email protected]

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the best of bolton may 2013

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