OFFICIAL MAGAZINE FOR KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • August - September 2016
Flexing and Adapting: What the future holds for the construction sector in Kent following Brexit - page 20
ARDULA - Hauling Construction Forward
Also Inside: International Trade • 24 Hours with... • Spotlight on Ebbsfleet • Big Interview with Colas
CONTENTS
Welcome
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Finding optimism amongst the post-Referendum uncertainty Ahead of the vote, more than 50% of businesspeople indicated in polls that they would vote to Remain but we are where we are and our politicians need to make sure that they support the economy and ensure that the terms of Brexit protect our businesses. In this edition of Thinking Business, we have tried to seek out causes for optimism among the anxiety.
Welcome to the latest edition of Thinking Business, which has its usual mix of news and views from around the county and which appears at a time when Britain is entering a new Brexit world. I could not let this welcome go without commenting on the EU Referendum vote in June, which delivered the stunning decision to leave the EU. As I said in my welcome to the last edition, written as we approached the vote, the key thing now is certainty to give business the chance to grow rather than slide back into recession.
We have a strong focus on construction in this edition ahead of the construction Expo in October and our Spotlight feature looks at how work is continuing at pace in the new Ebbsfleet Garden City with developers pressing ahead with everything from new homes to infrastructure projects designed to boost local business. The project is an exciting one with millions of pounds being ploughed into the area to give the local economy a much-needed boost. You can read more about the work on page 16. Such major infrastructure projects means that these are potentially exciting times for the construction industry and we are delighted to feature Lee Rushbrooke, the CEO of Colas, in our Big Interview on page 32, in which he expresses optimism for the future.
Business hates uncertainty because it can damage customer confidence so not only do we need a period of stability after all the economic and political upheaval but we also need our politicians to provide the right focus. As our new Prime Minister Theresa May says, the people have spoken and whatever each of us may think of what they said ‘Brexit means Brexit’.
Cover image: Windchimes, East Kent Children's Resource and Respite Centre, in Herne Bay, which provides support and respite care for children with special needs. Photograph by Lee Simpson.
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Members Corner Chamber News Business News Focus on Finance Members News Members News International Trade Members News 24 Hours with.... Spotlight On... Members News Cover Feature Construction
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Editorial and General Enquiries Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Sevington, Ashford, Kent. TN24 0LH Tel: 01233 503 838 Fax: 01233 503 687 Email: info@kentinvictachamber.co.uk Web: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk Chief Executive: Jo James Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published August 2016 © Benham Publishing Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com
Industry Comment Big Interview The Economy & Us Members News Ask the Expert Members News Getting Started Chamber Events Chamber Exhibitions Business News New Members Movers & Shakers The Last Word
Production Manager Mark Etherington Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: mark@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1484 Disclaimer Thinking Business is published for Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Views expressed in Thinking Business are not necessarily those of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2016 Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.
August - September 2016 ThinkingBUSINESS
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MEMBERSCORNER
Members Corner from
Stability the key for businesses
by Jo James
If you have seen the
Linda Marsh Director of Membership Services
film Annie, then you will remember the song ‘Tomorrow’.
What’s been happening in Kent’s Schools over the past six months? Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has been actively working with the British Chambers of Commerce, The National Apprenticeship Service and local Kent Businesses to help young people develop their future careers. This project has enabled us as a Chamber to provide careers fairs, C.V Workshops, Interview Techniques and Chamber Challenges. Jo James, CEO of KICC said “Over the past six months the support from local Kent Businesses has exceeded our expectations, the time and effort has been wonderful, and all for the young people in Kent” without the help from these businesses the Chamber could not have achieved the success it has. At #yourfuturekent, the pictures and coverage is all available to see” so a personal “Thank You” to all who took part! Kent Invicta Chamber has been involved with the Young Chamber programme for a number of years. This programme provides a
range of different ways in which Chambers of Commerce can help schools and colleges tap into the knowledge, skills and experience that local businesses can provide to students for them to succeed in the world of work. Students gain insight into the world of work, and get the chance to learn about the different careers they could choose, as well as the routes that they can take to get there. They will also learn what skills - both technical and soft - that they need to pursue a successful career once they leave education. Best of all, Young Chamber helps schools and colleges meet Ofsted (or relevant school inspectorate) requirements around provision of careers advice, preparation of pupils for employment, and engagement with employers. What better way for young people to assess employability and enterprise skills. Giving a real opportunity to practice key employability skills via challenges and networking.
What does the Business Community gain from this Project? An opportunity to raise the profile, branding and image of the business by the interaction and connectivity it has with schools and students. The chance to shape the quality of future employees by explaining the qualities and attitudes required. By adding real value in actively assisting in students’ development of C.V writing, using social media such as LinkedIn and interview skills, encouraging communication and confidence to young people in these all important areas.
Diverse industries will have better access to attract young people with a wide range of abilities into filling industry skills’ gaps such as construction, engineering, manufacturing and science related sectors. A real benefit for some has been having direct access straight into schools to employ young people, offer real work placements, apprenticeships and to engage with the Chamber, the school and the parents to help young people make the right choices for their future.
If you see yourself getting involved, contact linda@kentinvictachamber.o.uk
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
Actually I’m probably now showing my age and most of you will have no idea what I am talking about. In the film, Annie sings a song called ‘Tomorrow’ and its starts off with ‘The Sun will come out tomorrow’. So where am I going with all this, the point I am making is the sun will be out tomorrow, the day after etc. etc. You could be excused from thinking that it had gone in for good, with the dire consequences cast our way prior to the Referendum. The sun is certainly shining today, there might be a few dark clouds later but the sun will come out again! We have all had time now to settle down and get used to the fact that we will be coming out of the EU. It is categorically far too early to say what impact the referendum decision has had on most firms across Kent, as we have as yet had only anecdotal evidence from those facing challenges, those holding steady, and those seizing new opportunities. The impact of the referendum will require many businesses to take decisions whose impacts will take time to show up on the bottom line. Yet it is not too early for us to say what business wants to see: stability in markets, clarity in politics, and action on the issues that matter for growth. At a time of
transition, all the businesses I speak to want Westminster to lead by example by making bold decisions to progress key infrastructure and construction projects, by guaranteeing that EU workers can stay in British firms, and by seeking the best possible future terms of trade for the UK. Business confidence would be buoyed by strong and clear leadership, both on the timeline for EU negotiations and on the big decisions unrelated to our future relationship with the EU. Confidence has risen by the quick decision on a new Party Leader/Prime Minster and now is the time for decisive action to give out clear messages to both home and abroad that the UK is a strong nation and an important player. Government has a big job to do in this, they need to play their political part and for us as businesses they need to step up major infrastructure investment. But let’s not forget, you too, as business owners make investments, create the jobs and create the economic wealth of our Country. So how we progress going forward is as much down to you as a business/stakeholder in UK Plc as it is the job of the Government. Things I do know about businesses in our County, is that they rise to a challenge, are outward looking and entrepreneurial. So yes, the future is uncertain but you as a local business can have an impact on how the Country responds to these challenges. But isn’t that what we are good at ‘turning challenges into opportunities.’
It is categorically far too early to say what impact the referendum decision has had on most firms across Kent, as we have as yet had only anecdotal evidence from those facing challenges, those holding steady, and those seizing new opportunities.
CHAMBERNEWS
Chambers of Commerce - In My Opinion businesses of purpose Dr Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Adam Marshall recently spoke alongside a range of senior business leaders at the 15th Annual Responsible Business Summit on the theme of ‘creating a business of purpose’. He used the opportunity to highlight Chambers of Commerce - some of the UK’s original ‘businesses of purpose’ — to the 500-plus delegates present. This is an expanded version of what he had to say. Business is once again back in the headlines. We’ve heard loud business voices on both sides in the EU referendum debate, and we’ve also seen some business leaders taken to task recently for poor corporate practice - with consequences for shareholders, employees and for the reputation of business as a whole. So it is a pleasure to have the chance to talk about great businesses, and an even greater pleasure to talk about the positive role that Chambers play in local communities and in society as a whole. If what I have to say today sounds a bit like a love letter to the work I’ve been involved in for the past seven years, that’s probably because it is. The network of Chambers of Commerce contains some of the UK’s oldest, most dedicated, and most emblematic businesses of purpose. Some have been in existence for more than 250 years, and have changed with the times in order to meet the changing needs of their members. Yet a few things have remained constant throughout Chambers’ decades or centuries of work on behalf of local businesses. Chambers have always been about helping businesses to
connect with each other locally. They have always fought to make the towns, cities and counties they call home better places to live and work. And they have always helped local businesses achieve success in the wider world, and boost international trade links. As membership organisations, owned by and for local business communities, Chambers are a unique form of ‘businesses of purpose’. Direct, democratic accountability is at the heart of each Chamber — making each a business democracy. As companies limited by guarantee, with no distributions to their members, Chambers avoid conflicts of interest — and can serve as trusted partners for other businesses, and for the public sector alike. We at the British Chambers of Commerce — owned by that network of Chambers, who in turn are owned by their members — have the privilege of amplifying their voice. Working as a network, we can represent members’ interests locally, nationally and internationally. Together we set, and live by, high standards. A robust Chamber accreditation system demonstrates a commitment to quality services, stable finances,
and the highest standards of governance — both here in the UK and now in British Chambers across the world. Chambers also ‘walk the talk’ — through apprenticeships, through promotion of local procurement, building strong supply chains, supporting local charities, and through sharing good practice with each other. While our business membership is diverse and growing, we know we have more to do to demonstrate that diversity — and get a wider cross-section of our members into senior leadership positions. Put simply, Chambers are intimately involved in so many facets of local life. They have been businesses of purpose since their very creation — a fact which motivates the more than 1,600 people who work for accredited Chambers across the United Kingdom each and every day. Government initiatives come and go — and indeed, so too do many businesses. Yet Chambers remain, because our purpose remains as strong today as it was two centuries ago. We look forward to being part of the transformation of business, the development of local communities, and the building of a better business culture, for many more years to come.
A robust Chamber accreditation system demonstrates a commitment to quality services, stable finances, and the highest standards of governance — both here in the UK and now in British Chambers across the world.
Louise Wilson Associate Solicitor Private Client
In the summer Budget, the Government announced their long awaited plans to increase the Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold. A Main Residence Nil Rate Band (MRNRB) will be introduced which allows parents and grandparents, who wish to pass on their family home, (their main residence), to their direct descendants, to do so without incurring any IHT liability where the estate, including the main residence is worth up to £1million for a couple or half a million for a single person. The MRNRB will be phased in gradually between 2017 and 2020. In addition to the current IHT threshold of £325,000, from April 2017 each person will get a MRNRB of £100,000. The MRNRB will rise to £125,000 in 2018, £150,000 in 2019 and in 2020 to £175,000 to total an IHT threshold of half a million per person. At the moment, if the first spouse to die leaves the main residence to his/her surviving spouse, the property benefits from spouse exemption. In future the unused MRNRB can also be transferred. The result is that married couples or civil partners will be able to leave estates worth up to £1million to their direct descendants without any IHT liability. Direct descendants are classed as children, step-children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, Individuals without children will not benefit from the MRNRB even if they wish to leave their property to their nieces or nephews. Also the MRNRB only applies to a main residence and not buy-to-let properties. If you own more than one property at the time of your death that is (or has previously been) your residence, your executors must choose which one will benefit from the MRNRB. In my opinion many people who thought they may no longer have an IHT liability under the new legislation may be disappointed and need advice. For higher value estates in particular, it is advisable to seek advice on how to legitimately reduce the value of an estate so it can utilise the MRNRB. This could involve lifetime trusts but both legal and financial advice will be required. Louise Wilson can be contacted on 01227 768374 louisewilson@girlings.com www.girlings.com
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BUSINESSNEWS
South East economic champion appoints Managing Director The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has appointed Adam Bryan as Managing Director. He will lead the organisation’s day-today work as the economic champion for Kent, East Sussex, Essex, Medway, Southend and Thurrock, and its 344,000 businesses. Christian Brodie, Chairman of SELEP, said: “Adam’s experience and knowledge of what is the second largest LEP in the country, his understanding of the key economic opportunities and challenges facing the area, made him a natural choice for the position. “While he may have had the knowledge, what was also very clear when he met the interview panel was his passion for the job, his straight talking approach and vision as to how best quicken the pace of delivery by SELEP. I look forward to working with him.” Adam will lead the SELEP team and work closely with the four federal areas of Greater Essex, South Essex, East Sussex, Kent and Medway, and their respective Vice-Chairs.
Adam added: “These are exciting times for our area. We will do everything we can to shine a light on the impact of investing in the South East and we will play our role in making sure major new initiatives and infrastructure – such as the Lower Thames Crossing – happen as soon as possible and bring about the wider benefits our communities deserve. We must also build stronger relations with London and our neighbouring LEP areas, as the economic success of the South East and the capital are inextricably linked.”
A week after Britain voted to leave the EU, two thirds of Kent businesses said they are confident about the year ahead. of Kent business people believed their company would be better off ifBritain remained in the EU.
Adam’s appointment follows his time spent as Interim Director after the departure of David Godfrey to the Department of Communities & Local Government.
Darren continued: “Although the terms are yet to be finalised, the businesses we spoke to felt it was unlikely there would be a higher amount of legislation and therefore were confident opportunities would be greater.
Prior to joining SELEP in December 2014 and previously leading its establishment in 2010/11, Adam worked for Essex County Council in various senior roles around economic development, as well as having roles at the East of England Regional Development Agency. He is also the ViceChairman of the national Chief Economic Development Officers’ Society (CEDOS).
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Kent businesses confident after Brexit
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
A poll conducted at the North Kent B2B exhibition by audit, tax and advisory firm Crowe Clark Whitehill found that 65 per cent of the 55 respondents were feeling positive about the next 12 months. Darren Rigden, Partner at Crowe Clark Whitehill, said: “Many of the people who voted in our poll felt Brexit provided an opportunity for their businesses to see a faster pace of growth with potentially less obtrusive legislation affecting the way they operate.” In contrast, Crowe Clark Whitehill conducted a poll prior to the referendum vote when 67 per cent
“In the lead up to the referendum there was a lot of uncertainty politically, socially and economically. Those businesses that voted ‘no’ when asked if they were confident about the year ahead felt the referendum result had done little to appease the uncertainty. Some people commented that the shocks felt in both the currency and stock exchanges would take a significant amount of time to recover, and may not do so until Britain had demonstrated how it operates outside of the EU. “A large number of the ‘no’ voters said that had our survey covered a period of five years rather than the next 12 months, they would have voted ‘yes’, indicating that confidence levels in businesses in Britain still remain high but for some this is more medium than short term.” Crowe Clark Whitehill has Kent offices in Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.
Many of the people who voted in our poll felt Brexit provided an opportunity for their businesses to see a faster pace of growth with potentially less obtrusive legislation affecting the way they operate.
FOCUSONFINANCE
Landlords’ new obligations for border force Paul Nixon Partner 01233 629255 (Ashford) Paul.Nixon@wilkinskennedy.com www.wilkinskennedy.com
From 1st February 2016 the Government introduced
new obligations for managing agencies and landlords to check that their tenants are legally eligible to live in their rented properties. At the moment, the law only applies to property in England, but the Scottish Government has highlighted a concern that this negates the need for the Home Office and Border Agency, instead passing the onus on to landlords. These new measures have also been recognised by landlords in England as a further strike out against them after the recent changes to SDLT, mortgage rate relief and other taxes. Now, it seems as though landlords will need to carry out these additional checks which isn’t part of their job spec – they simply have a property to rent. However, if landlords fail to comply with these new obligations, they could be fined up to £3,000. There are three types of “rights to rent” under these new obligations: • Unlimited rights to rent – this applies to British citizens, EEA and Swiss nationals as well as those who have been given the right to remain in the UK;
• Time-limited rights to rent – as the name states, this applies to people who will need documentation to prove that they are entitled to remain in the UK; and
Homes owned by local authorities, social housing, care homes, hospitals, hostels and refuges are also excluded, as is tied accommodation, student accommodation and mobile homes.
• Those with no right to rent – this applies to everyone else who falls into neither of the previous categories.
It is worth noting that if your tenant’s rental agreement started before 1st February 2016, then a landlord is not required to take any action. However, it is recommended that you always carry out due diligence as the responsibility of the scheme falls back to the landlord – and they are the ones who are liable for the fine.
The only people exempt from these categories are those under the age of 18 and in those circumstances, landlords may allow those tenants to occupy the property but when the child reaches 18, further checks should be carried out in the event of an agreement renewal. Holiday accommodation is also exempt as long as the letting period is stated in writing as being short term (less than three months) and the tenants will not remain after this period.
If you would like to know some further information in relation to the new scheme, or you would like to discuss any other issues in relation to property tax or upcoming changes in the sector, then please don’t hesitate to contact one of the property and construction team at Wilkins Kennedy today to see how we can help.
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MEMBERSNEWS
The European School of Osteopathy – an integral part of Maidstone’s business community since 1971
Versapak’s T2 Seal leading the way Versapak, the distinguished manufacturer of tamper evident bags, pouches and security seals has launched their newest security seal – the T2.
The ESO provides more than 20,000 subsidised treatments each year from its clinic on Tonbridge Road.
The T2 has a unique patented design allowing for easy scanning and readability of numbers and barcodes. The T2 Seal can be uniquely numbered and personalised allowing Versapak bags to be easily tracked. It features two prongs for extra security offering the ultimate level of tamper evident protection. It has numerous applications in the secure movement of valuable items such as cash in transit or for preventing the loss of retail stock. It will be of particular interest to organisations that want to track the contents of their Versapak bags through their business systems. Versapak’s current range of carriers includes ATM Collection Bags, Secure Cash Bags and Medical Records Holdalls. Ian Denny Anderson, Versapak’s Founder and Chairman, said: “The T2 Seal is a major advance and will ensure our customer’s cash, documents and stock can be traced every step of the way. Most of all it confirms our commitment to provide the highest standard of tamper evident sealing systems.”
The School also supports a number of sporting events, with free massage and advice, and brings a multinational flavour to the town, with a student body representing more than 20 countries contributing to the local economy. CEO/Principal Charles Bruford said: “As a charity, we can offer substantially lower treatment costs at our clinic, and it’s our charitable aim to never turn a patient away due to financial difficulty. “Patients benefit from one-toone attention from our 3rd and 4th year undergraduates, as well as from the overseeing
support of a qualified osteopath, ensuring diagnosis, treatment and management is professionally and safely managed. “Our speciality clinics support mothers-to-be, babies, chronic fatigue sufferers (through our registered Perrin Technique approach) and chronic headache sufferers, all overseen by experts in their field.” ESO Training Services translates its charitable aims to Health and Safety. From basic to paediatric first aid, all courses are accredited by Qualsafe and delivered by registered trainers.
As a charity, we can offer substantially lower treatment costs at our clinic, and it’s our charitable aim to never turn a patient away due to financial difficulty.
ww.versapak.co.uk
Work begins on new warehouse The new warehouse/external storage yard for FloPlast at the Eurolink Business Park in Sittingbourne Kent, is a £8.5million extension to its existing factory facility. The project comprises the construction of a large portal frame warehouse structure with “Euroclad” aluminium cladding, “Brett Martin” roof-lights and rapid rise roller shutter doors together with an external storage yard surfaced with “Marshall” block paving. Attached to the warehouse is a fabrication workshop and the development is completed with a single storey office building of similar
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appearance, with traditional interior partitions, suspended ceilings, rest room facilities, wall and ceiling finishes. Within the buildings are substantial mechanical and electrical installations to provide a specific storage climate for the Client’s products as well as appropriate levels of lighting for the operations staff.
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
The interior of the warehouse is designed to house a heavy duty moveable racking system with finished floor levels to fine tolerances. The structure is supported on driven piles, chosen to minimise the impact on the environment, with traditional concrete pile caps and ground beams. The exterior works comprise of a large product storage area, lorry parking and circulating area, car parking for staff
and visitors, a new Section 278 road connection to the estate road system, as well as associated infrastructure, utilities, drainage, fencing and gates. The perimeter of the development will be landscaped to complement the existing system of natural drainage and to promote the local ecology. Having started on June 6, the works are scheduled to be completed in 48 weeks.
MEMBERSNEWS
Buss Murton announces four partnership promotions Following its recent status change to an ABS (Alternative Business Structure), Buss Murton has announced that Alex Smith, Practice Manager, has been made Equity Partner of the firm.
Left to right: Edward Walter, Alex Smith, Melanie den Brinker, Andrew Linton and Helen Batt.
Edward Walter, a senior Solicitor and Partner heading up the Private Client Department has also been promoted to Equity Partner. Two further senior appointments have been made with Helen Batt being promoted to Partner within the Property Team and Melanie den Brinker becoming Partner within the Family Department. The status change to an ABS allows professionals with business backgrounds and non-lawyers to become Equity Partners and owners of the business and reinforces Buss Murton’s meritocratic culture and
commitment to giving all of its staff equal opportunities for reward and career progression. Alex Smith joined Buss Murton in 2007 as a Business Analyst. He then headed up Buss Murton’s IT and Management Information team and then became Financial Controller in 2013. He was appointed as the firm’s Practice Manager in 2015, in charge of the Finance and Operations functions. Edward Walter joined Buss Murton in 2014 having previously practised in Kent and East Sussex for over fifteen years. Edward advises clients
on a wide variety of issues ranging from Wills and Probate to Lasting Powers of Attorney as well as Trusts and Tax Planning. Helen Batt is well-known amongst both the business and local community having dealt with residential property transactions at Buss Murton for the past eight years. With wide-ranging experience in all areas of Family Law and as an experienced Barrister and Collaborative Lawyer, Melanie den Brinker has over the past 14 years at Buss Murton, advised clients on a wide range of cases. Andrew Linton, Managing Partner at Buss Murton, said: “These promotions mark an important step in the firm’s growth and plans for the future. We are extremely proud to have such highly skilled professionals in our business. Not only does this show the longstanding commitment and expertise of our employees but also our desire to support all of them in continuing to build successful and fulfilling careers within our firm.
From the Caribbean to Lydd…
Pilot James joins Atlantic Bridge Aviation A pilot whose career has included flying island-hopping holidaymakers all over the Caribbean has joined Kent-based aviation specialist The Atlantic Bridge Aviation Group (ABA). James is no stranger to LyddAir, having previously worked for the airline from May 2013 to September 2014, flying passengers and freight around the UK and Europe. Prior to that he was a flight instructor at The Pilot Centre and Carlisle Flight Training before joining Harlequin Air in St Lucia. He moves to LyddAir from Norwich-based Saxonair, where he spent two years carrying VIPs in and around Europe. The 34-year-old, who recently moved from Hertfordshire to Hythe with his wife and four daughters to take up his new role, says: “I decided to return to LyddAir because it was a fantastic opportunity to join a rapidly
growing company. The work is varied and enjoyable and it gives me the chance to fly some very good aircraft.” ABA has been providing commercial and business aviation services globally for more than 25 years. Demand for its range of air services has shown strong growth since the beginning of 2016, enabling the group to continue expanding its business. Last month it invested over £450,000 in two executive Piper Chieftains, which will be used to provide ad-hoc on-demand charter flights to a range of destinations across the UK and Europe, and recently refurbished its King Air B200 with new livery.
In January, ABA reported an increase in business across a range of sectors, particularly its fastgrowing cargo division. Aircraft movements linked to freight have risen by 45% in the past year as customers seek faster alternatives to rail and ferry services to transport urgent freight across the UK and Europe. visit www.aba.aero
Give yourself a 4D leading edge One of my clients, let’s call her Emma, is typical of those who come to me. With many facets to her growing business, she met me and found out what I provide. Leaders drive businesses Over a series of sessions we investigated her personal and business values. We identified which ones consciously or unconsciously were guiding her objectives. Listing her values, Emma began articulating more clearly where she is leading her business.
Do you know your values?
Leaders inspire the workforce People skills attract and inspire followers, creating leaders. Emma explored her communication skills, including levels of listening and working with different personalities. In raising her level in one area of listening, for instance, she noticed improvements in relationships and greater teamwork, increasing productivity.
How do you listen to others?
Constant change is essential Honing business skills are vital when growing, knowing theory and managing change well. To aid growth, Emma developed her art of delegation, organisation and presentation. She increased her confidence to act on the goals she set herself. You can’t change what you don’t know, so make the unknown visible – uncover your strengths and weaknesses to develop and better bring about business growth and change more quickly and smoothly.
Do you have problems with change? Give yourself the 4D edge through continuous personal development: know yourself, what drives you, the ways you communicate, and refine your business skills. Coaching gives you self-assurance and empowerment to act. If you would like to know more, contact me for a 1-1 meeting to explore your areas of development need. Rosemary Williams RW Coaching 07532162087
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MEMBERSNEWS
Your chance to get into the fast lane Introducing www.racingevents.info who operate from within the iconic motor racing circuit which is Brands Hatch, the world-famous circuit which has hosted 12 F1 Grand Prix races (between 1964-1986) and today boasts a variety of world, British and club motor racing events.
Brands Hatch is a natural amphitheatre, providing what most say is the best viewing circuit in the UK if not the world, with bike, car and truck racing throughout the season spanning March through November, providing a great spectacle of events. RacingEvents, in their 9th year at Brands Hatch, provide hospitality for the discerning motorsport enthusiasts be they teams, drivers, riders, sponsors,
Corporates or one of their USPs, bringing fantastic hospitality for individuals and all at affordable prices.
The VIP treatment through RacingEvents will be within your grasp. VIP or hospitality may sound expensive but this familyowned partnership affords ‘the best of Brands’ at prices you can afford no matter what size your group. Views to the track from their ground floor suite opposite the Pit Lane with the Start-Finish line only a few metres away provide private, secure viewing together with hospitality packages to suit all with some of the best views of the circuit. So if you’re looking for a great day out, look no further than RacingEvents (who also provide Event Management at a variety of other events and venues).
VIP or hospitality may sound expensive but this family-owned partnership affords ‘the best of Brands’ at prices you can afford no matter what size your group.
Taking a diligent approach to project management Having undergone a major rebranding, Diligence are relaunching their project management consultancy. They believe that successful projects and caring people make for long-term relationships, the key being the interest of their staff and their motivation to achieve. Inspired by the people who gave her opportunities throughout her career, Nicola Coppen has the vision to ensure that Diligence’s Specialist Infrastructure Project Managers become a successful provider of professional management services by ensuring that the individuals providing services are not only top performers but are motivated and valued personnel. Their Project Management and Project Support is delivered by people that care and they adapt to customer requirements. The team also believe that successful businesses should be a contributing member of their communities. Diligence sponsors Mind in Bexley and the Huntington’s Disease Association as their charities of the year and are on the verge of finding other businesses to work with. Diligence are hoping to be able to work with schools mentoring young people and offering advice and support as they choose their careers, and to establish an apprenticeship scheme for those with an interest in project management. For further information please contact us. We are: Managing Director Nicola Coppen t: 07961 781981 email: Nicola@diligence-pm-services.co.uk Operations Manager Alison Scrivener t: 07932 546551 email: Alison@diligence-pm-services.co.uk Or contact us on our office number: 01322 838004
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Mobile Commerce As mobile commerce (m-commerce) grows in popularity, British retailers must consider their mobile strategy both for selling internationally and at home in the UK.
Peel Ports London Medway opens new markets for Kent grain The shipment, loaded onto a 4,400-tonne Arklow Falcon, represents the cropping from about 550 hectares (1,400 acres) sourced primarily from 30 farms in Kent and East Sussex by Glencore Grain. The new facility will cater for large vessels, opening a route for rapid access to the European and North African export markets from Sheerness, North Kent. Glencore Grain UK managing director, James Maw, said: “Creating a new grain export facility at Sheerness is an outstanding opportunity for farmers of Kent, Sussex and the south east.” Mr Maw said exporting Kent grain was now more efficient and cost effective. “Kent and Sussex are relatively isolated from the main grain supply regions of the eastern counties, which makes a local export facility even more important,” he added. The new route means Glencore Grain has the facility to export grain quickly and efficiently from ports all around the UK. A warehouse previously used for paper storage was converted as part of the investment and can hold up to 2,000t of grain. Highlighting the fact the facility was geared up to handle multiple commodities, port director Paul Barker said: “We have been able to handle and store the grain thanks to our partnership with Glencore, which means we are able to invest in the facilities it needs in order to be able to reach its overseas markets." The South East region produces an estimated two million tonnes of wheat a year, along with 240,000t of barley. Despite challenging world trade conditions, the UK is set to export about three million tonnes of wheat from the 2015/16 season, one of the biggest totals in history.
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The rise of m-commerce Online retail has made it easier than ever for British retailers to reach customers around the world. M-commerce has quickly gained ground as consumers are choosing to use mobile devices over desktop computers to access the internet – particularly in countries where site connections aren’t strong. According to Nielsen, some online retailers in India have already moved to a mobile-only model. In the US, mobile devices accounted for 57 per cent of all online shopping traffic during Black Friday 2015. Almost half of UK e-commerce transactions now take place on mobile devices, and it’s predicted that £32 billion of retail sales will be made via mobile devices in 2019.
Reach customers anywhere, at any time, with a mobile site Since mobile technology gives customers around the world immediate access to enormous product availability and choice
(often at highly competitive prices), it’s no surprise that it’s set for continued growth. 72 per cent of young shoppers research their in-store purchases online before buying, and many visit retail websites during in-store shopping trips to check if they can find better deals. If you’re selling on your own website, rather than on an online marketplace like Not On The High Street or Alibaba, having a responsive and mobile friendly site is key to reaching customers who are shopping on the go. According to the IMRG Capgemini eRetail Sales Index, transactions via smartphone grew by 79 per cent year-on-year in May 2016, and “continue to grow at twice the overall market rate”. Overall, making your portable online buying process short and simple can considerably improve your customers’ shopping experience.
Taking mobile technology further Having a responsive or mobile website isn’t the only part of
online retail that relates to mobile communications. You should also consider how your customers might use their mobile throughout the whole online shopping journey. A lot of people use social networking sites on their mobiles to keep track of their favourite brands and to get updates on upcoming sales. Your customers are likely to be connected first thing in the morning, during their lunch breaks, whilst watching TV, and last thing at night before they go to bed. Making social media a part of your online growth strategy can definitely help increase the reach of your business. Mobile tracking also plays a significant role in the customer experience. For example, did you know that deliveries are often more successful when customers know when to expect them? Mobile tracking and notifications let your customers know where their delivery is at each stage of the journey.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Brexit: Growth was 'softening' before EU referendum says British Chambers of Commerce Sales in a variety of industries remained stagnant or grew at marginal amounts shortly before the EU referendum, according to a survey of bosses. There were low levels of growth for the services and manufacturing sectors in the second quarter of the year, said findings by the British Chambers of Commerce. Its Quarterly Economic Survey found the number of firms in Kent recording improved sales grew by three points to 41%. However, the amount saying turnover had decreased also grew by two points to 22%. Orders improved slightly, with those saying they were increasing up three points to 35% and those saying they had declined down four points to 17% on the previous quarter. Export sales were stagnant in the county, with companies enjoying growth remaining at 21% and 68% recording constant levels, up 15 points. Meanwhile, growth in overseas orders halted, with 71% saying levels remained constant, compared to 51% three months earlier. Only 12% said the situation had worsened compared to 31% in the first quarter of 2016. However, responses to the survey itself in Kent were down 30% compared to the previous two quarters’ average.
Jo James, chief executive of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, which compiled the county’s results, said: “It is too early to talk about the impact of the referendum as we only have anecdotal evidence. “Conduced just prior to the referendum, responses were significantly down, which just goes to show that businesses didn’t feel certain enough about the future to complete the survey. “Those that did respond were obviously those that felt confident therefore the results from the survey are fairly upbeat for the county.” Nationally, the balance of firms in the manufacturing sector reporting improved overseas trade rose slightly to 9% from 8% in the first three months of the year, although fewer firms reported an increase in advance orders. Ahead of the referendum, fewer services companies reported an increase in export sales and orders at 11% and 13% respectively, down from 13% and 16%. Dr Adam Marshall, acting director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, which had 8,200
responses to the survey, said: “Even before the EU referendum, both business confidence and economic growth were softening in many parts of the UK. “Our latest survey results, captured just before the vote, suggest that many businesses have been operating in
something of a holding pattern for some time. “Business confidence would be buoyed by strong and clear leadership, both on the timeline for EU negotiations and on the big decisions unrelated to our future relationship with the EU.”
Chamber Member wins KEiBA Success in International Markets
Horizonscan Location: Sandwich Key Product/Service: Fire safety Number of Employees: 10 Established: 2012 www.bcptesting.com
The dramatic scenes of a 63-storey hotel on fire in Dubai on New Year’s Eve served as an untimely reminder of the work done by Horizonscan. The company provides business continuity services, crisis management and fire safety training, specialising in the growing number of tall buildings around the world. It was started as a consultancy run by chief executive Russ Timpson, a former head of safety for Virgin Atlantic, who saw an opportunity to share his knowledge with companies across the globe. Its growth has been rapid. In 2014, international business accounted for £43,803 of revenue. In its latest financial year, it has brought in £325,000, around 80% of total turnover, with a quarter still to go. “We work with the UK or European sectors of our clients and the companies
are so impressed with the quality we are delivering they ask us to go to their other divisions across the world,” said administration manager Will Scobie. “They want continuity throughout their organisation so if we do their training in Germany or over here, they ask us to do the same in their divisions in the US, Canada or Australia.” Horizonscan, based in Discovery Park, Sandwich, provides training and advice for clients in retail, higher education, healthcare, aerospace, telecoms, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. The majority of its work takes place in the US and Europe but it has begun to expand into China, Dubai, India and Australia. Turnover reached £251,000 last year, up from £162,000, as it doubled its number of staff, many of whom are former firefighters in east Kent. Revenues are expected to reach £565,000 this year.
Mr Timpson, who lives in Ash, has forged strong links with insurance companies which have recommended them to clients and is secretary of the Tall Buildings Fire Safety Network. The team has just spent three weeks in the USA before jetting off for a couple of weeks in Mexico. Mr Scobie said: “We have done that by providing a quality product, building a good relationship with our clients and making sure we go the extra mile when doing work. “It can be challenging. We have had times when we have got back from China after delivering two days training and then the next morning been in London doing the same thing. “But the travelling does have its perks. We went to Niagara Falls as a team and visited the Great Wall of China.”
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MEMBERSNEWS
Looking after our clients Haines Watts Kent, part of the award winning top 15 Haines Watts Group of accountants, cover the whole of Kent with offices in Maidstone and Canterbury and specialise in the owner managed business sector. We offer a winning combination of expert local knowledge and premium services you would expect of a top 15 firm. We support business owners’ aspirations and help them to achieve their goals. Considering the long-term financial implications for our clients is important, especially in the current climate. Businesses need to adapt in order to survive and grow, be it due to technological changes, new regulations, or a changing market place. Our aim is to ensure businesses are more robust, adaptable and ready for whatever lies ahead. Optimising tax allowances and reliefs available isn’t always easy, given the complexity of UK tax laws. This is where our tax experts come in. We’ve got some of the best tax people in the business to ensure our clients are not only compliant but save tax with a structured tax planning strategy. This includes all areas of tax planning, from inheritance tax and estate planning, to income, corporation and international tax. Haines Watts assist clients to run their business and personal finances costefficiently and profitably. We are also members of AISMA (Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants) and specialise in dealing with the complex financial affairs of medical practitioners. Boasting up-todate knowledge, we provide expert advice on funding, financial modelling and ideas to help GPs achieve greater efficiency and profitability whilst reducing the burden of tax.
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
Are you your own worst enemy? Are business owners and managers their own worst enemy when they’re pitching and negotiating?
According to recent research, it’s very rare for them to understand the serious hidden and subliminal aspects of both low levels of stress and high levels of anxiety that can sabotage their efforts to develop businesses. Although, obvious tell-tale signs of sleeplessness, poor diet and a general lack of self-care can lead to acute stress or chronic anxiety, they are only the tip of the iceberg!
There are subtler effects that owners and managers don’t notice and yet they can powerfully undermine their pitches for new business and negotiations for growth and expansion. Victoria Sheridan, CEO at the Secret Calm, said: ‘Running and growing a business requires astute negotiation skills but all levels of business professionals also need to make sure their stress levels are working for them and not against them.’ Current research into microsignals in facial expressions during meetings show their powerful messages reveal depths of hidden tension and worry.
These are decoded unconsciously by all parties involved and can make or break a situation. Therefore, business decisions and negotiations shouldn’t be undertaken by owners and managers who are only superficially, calm and confident. This is because an apparent ease which is not genuine, ultimately leads to confused messages and weak collaborations. However, focused improvement of stress levels to achieve a deep state of calm will ensure that micro-signals are authentic and in-line with conscious goals so that business decisions and negotiations are super-effective.
‘Running and growing a business requires astute negotiation skills but all levels of business professionals also need to make sure their stress levels are working for them and not against them.’
Taking a caring approach Share The Care Ltd is a domiciliary care company which was formed by sisters Ruth and Memory in 2015. Between them they have more than 30 years’ worth of experience within the health sector, in Paediatric and adult nursing. They have both worked within private sector, National Health sector and Palliative care, as well as many years in home care. Share The Care offer a wide range of services to ensure you or your loved ones are provided with the best service.
They understand and empathise with the fact that for some people, as much as they might want to help themselves or their loved ones, there are certain things that may make this difficult. Services range from personal care which includes: • help with bathing, • dementia care, • respite care • incontinence care.
Home help services include but are not limited to: • light housework, • washing clothes and • meal preparation. They also offer a range of companionship services such as; • escorting to appointments, • reading, • going to events or entertainment venues, • recording family history and • stimulating mental awareness,
24 HOURSWITH 24HOURS
What does a general manager of a hotel actually do?
It’s a question that Michael Regenhardt, GM of Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Bearsted, is often asked. So, here’s the answer….
Michael Regenhardt Since joining Tudor Park two and a half years ago, Michael Regenhardt has not only immersed himself in the daily life of a busy four-star hotel and country club, but has also made it his mission to get involved in the Kent business community. He quickly became an active member of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and now holds the post of vice chair. And with his human resources team, he has formed close links with schools and colleges, giving talks to inspire youngsters to seek careers in the hospitality sector. With 30 years' experience in the German and English hospitality industry, Michael did an apprenticeship as a waiter and became a trainee chef before embarking on a management training programme. He moved to London 26 years ago and has worked for independent and Marriott hotels in the capital, the Midlands and Bournemouth before arriving as general manager of Tudor Park in August 2013.
“I get involved in all aspects of the hotel. I have very experienced heads of department, so my role is to support them with any challenges they face, as well as be the public face of the hotel, meeting and greeting our regulars and newcomers.” Management by walk about is one of Michael’s mottos and everyday he does at least two hourly walks through the hotel to speak to guests and staff alike. Every morning he passes the first tee to speak to members and day guests before they tee off and gives the aqua ladies a wave, before walking through all back and front-of-house departments to say hello to staff and see that everyone is ok. Regularly, he is a lobby host, greeting guests as they check in, and will make a point of meeting the organiser of every conference taking place in the hotel before business begins. “It’s important to understand how the hotel works from both a guest and staff perspective,” he says. So, at 6am Michael begins his day with a workout in the hotel gym, not only for his own good, but to experience it as a hotel guest would. Then it’s off to the staff canteen for breakfast, via the hotel’s Conical restaurant to cast a watchful eye over the guests’ Breakfast buffet.
He hasn’t caught the golf bug yet, despite Tudor Park having an 18-hole championship golf course, but once a week one of the green keepers will take him out in a golf buggy to check the condition of the course. If it’s his turn to be a lobby host, he will be greeting guests between 7.30am and 9am. If not, it will be a quick catch up in his office for emails and phone calls before the daily 10 minute meeting at 10am with head of departments. An update on how business went yesterday is given, followed by a focus on the day ahead. Any guests with birthdays and special anniversaries will be mentioned, and personalised chocolate plates for dessert or free glasses of prosecco will be organised for them. Once a month, at 11am, he chairs what’s called the `town hall’ meeting “ to communicate latest developments to as many members of staff as possible. A skeleton staff is left to run the hotel for an hour while the rest come to learn about company and hotel initiatives and the latest news, such as Marriott’s recent merger with Starwood hotels. Financial and guest satisfaction results are shared and discussed, in addition to the all-important rewarding and recognising individual staff members for outstanding customer care. The meeting finishes off with a game
of heads and tails in which an associate can win an overnight stay in another UK Marriott hotel. Lunch is taken every day with all the management team in the canteen before he sets off for his afternoon visits to local colleges, fellow Marriott hotels and clients. He will later return to his office for more emails and phone calls. Michael’s day normally ends around 7.30pm, but before he leaves he carries out a final check of the restaurant and conference rooms. If it’s a busy night, he will often stay and support if required. “It’s only for a short period, but it’s an extra pair of hands to help the team get through that peak period and to ensure that our guests have a great experience.” Even at home, he is not off duty. Recently he was called at 1am when a sprinkler went off, flooding a guest bedroom, and then four hours later woken again to be told high winds had blown out a window in the hotel’s marquee. “I don’t have to physically go and help, but be available on the phone for support and advice.” Most evenings he will still be working on his laptop, catching up on emails… although this time with a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc by his side.
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SPOTLIGHTON...
Work continues at pace as garden city takes shape Work is continuing at pace in Ebbsfleet Garden City and seven developers will be on site during 2016/17. Countryside has returned to the Garden City for the first time in four years to build more than 120 new homes at its Springhead Park development and Redrow is preparing the ground for 180 homes on the Ebbsfleet Green site. There will be 600 starts on site in the next year with an estimated 300 completions due to take place. There have been 1,400 homes consented since October 2015 and a new primary school has been approved for the Eastern Quarry site. The school is planned to open in September 2017. Ebbsfleet Development Corporation (EDC), which is speeding up the delivery of up to 15,000 homes in the Garden City, is working with EIGP
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(Land Securities/Tarmac) and HS1 to develop a new city centre for Ebbsfleet around the International Station. This should create up to 32,000 jobs across the Garden City as it sees the creation of a major new work, leisure and residential destination. This will include up to 4,000 new homes. The corporation works with house builders and developers to deliver growth in four key development areas – Eastern Quarry, Ebbsfleet Central, Northfleet Riverfront and Swanscombe Peninsula. A major announcement is also due shortly for the Northfleet Riverfront area. By 2021, there will be a projected 5,200 new homes in the Garden City, rising to 10.964 by 2026.
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
For 2016/17 the EDC will deliver: • Completion of 400 high quality homes, and a forward pipeline of delivery to achieve 1000 homes per annum from 2017/18 • Investment of £40m to deliver the essential and early infrastructure required to unlock development and to increase market confidence in the Garden City, including highways, utilities and employment land • Start onsite on delivery of Phase One of Core Utilities Network (completion 2017/18) • The completion of the new Garden City Master Plan agreed and owned by all landowners and
developers to guide the development process • Agreed major new public transit system for the Garden City, to include an upgraded plan for FASTRACK • Support and facilitate the development of Paramount through co-ordination of master planning proposals and collaborative working to address strategic transport and access issues • Balance housing delivery in the Garden City with appropriate jobs with a major new employment site at Northfleet and at Ebbsfleet Central
SPOTLIGHTON...
Where is Ebbsfleet Garden City? • Ebbsfleet is in the Ebbsfleet Valley in Kent and is part of the Thames Gateway. It is sited to the south west of Gravesend. • The town is named after the river that it sits on, the Ebbsfleet River. Ebbsfleet is within the Borough of Dartford, although it extends slightly into Gravesham. • The Civil parish is Swanscombe and Greenhithe and the post town is Swanscombe. Ebbsfleet International station is to the east of Swanscombe where Eurostar trains provide quick access to Europe. • The River Thames is immediately to the north and the A2 runs to the south. • The Bluewater shopping centre is to the west, which provides all residents of Ebbsfleet with easy access to one the best shopping centres in the UK.
Ebbsfleet Garden City factfile • Ebbsfleet is Britain’s first new garden city in 100 years • A significant advance was made in 2007 when Ebbsfleet International railway station was opened, opening up high speed services to Kings Cross St Pancras and Stratford, as well as Eurostar services to Europe. When it first became operational it was billed as “the ultimate park and ride station” • In 2007, in an attempt to promote a sense of identity for the area, the local football team Gravesend and Northfleet FC changed their name to Ebbsfleet United FC • Much of the land that will be built on for the new garden city was formerly used by industrial companies and manufacturers
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MEMBERSNEWS
Rural businesses access high speed internet with Kent company’s innovative model Businesses can escape to the country while benefitting from reliable, high speed internet access, with the help of Herne Bay-based company Catch IT.
Evegate Business Park in Kent
In June, Jude McCann, Chief Executive of charity Rural Support, called on the Government to honour its pledge to provide rural businesses and homes with the same standard of broadband access as their urban counterparts. She said: “Rural communities rely heavily on small businesses and the self-employed. In the 21st Century, reliable access to the internet is an essential component for the running of a successful business.” Catch IT is working with rural enterprises to help them achieve the access they need, despite the lack of government support on digital issues. By installing dedicated fiber connectivity via leased line connections of up to 100mbps, Catch IT enables non-urban businesses, industrial estates and business parks to access high speed internet and IT Hosted services. “Many rural business parks are quite a distance from the nearest BT exchange and the further away you are, the less connectivity and speed will be available,” said Gavin Pereira, Managed Services Director at Catch IT. “ “That’s the main problem faced by remotely located businesses – BT and other service providers don’t deploy
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
dedicated fiber to these areas because they’re focusing on the larger commercial towns and more compact business areas and the ROI will not be commercially viable. But internet access is a vital modern day commodity, just like gas, water or electricity and a poor service is a hindrance to business.” The capital expenditure involved in installing IT infrastructure can be prohibitive for small businesses and start-ups, which is why Catch IT has created a model that makes high speed fiber connectivity accessible for all. Evegate Business Park, near Ashford, has been among the first to take advantage of Catch IT’s innovative solution. Located in an attractive rural setting, the park hosts a wide range of local businesses, from hair and beauty salons to professional services, artisans and even a micro pub. Gavin said: “These days, lifestyles have changed and people don’t necessarily want to commute to large cities; they want to work from home or in the area in which they live. It’s only right that they should have the IT support required to do that.”
MEMBERSNEWS
D&D Autos races support BEN with motorcycle donation
Award-winning Ashford garage D&D Autos has shown its support to BEN – the automotive charity – by making a significant donation following the annual auction that takes place at the BEN Ball.
Having attended the glitzy annual event, Matthew Pestridge of D&D Autos decided to dig deep and back the charity by bidding on – and ultimately winning – a Suzuki motorcycle listed as a key lot at the evening’s auction. Having now taken delivery of the
GSX-R600 bike, the garage has finalised its donation to BEN, totalling a figure in the region of £11,000. “As a garage we have long been aware of BEN, but this is definitely our biggest involvement with the charity to date,” said Matthew Pestridge Director at D&D Autos. “I attended the awards as part of the Bosch Car Service Forum, and having seen the great work the charity does I decided to get involved and support what is a very worthy cause.” The donation follows what has been a busy 12 months for the garage, a highlight of which was being named as Business of the Year in the 2015 Kent Invicta Chamber Awards. As a well-known employer of apprentices and shirt sponsor of local football team, Ashford United FC, the garage is an active member of its community. Suzuki donated the bike to Ben. BEN is a notfor-profit organisation, dedicated to those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents.
Katy is named Young Achiever of the Year
Katy Murray won Achiever of the Year in the 2016 Constructing Excellence in London & South East Awards. The coveted award was presented on the 30th June at the annual awards dinner at Lancaster London. More than 560 construction industry professionals attended the ceremony. Tim Whitehill, from sponsors Project Five, said: “There’s no doubt that Katy will be an effective champion for architect-led design and build. In the role of designer and site manager, Katy showed impressive levels of collaborative working and demonstrated how the dual role complimented the project – delivering value to the client and other stakeholders.” After joining the family design and build business, Directline Structures, Katy has already made an outstanding difference to the company. Although combining her workload with final studies and exams for RIBA qualification has
been a challenge, she has come through it with well-deserved praise from all parties. While her contemporary Part 3 architects may be handling small parts of large projects, she has been at the forefront of projects, involved from tender design, client discussion, planning and, to top it all, she took on the role of site manager to complete the experience.
New venture helps small businesses in Bexleyheath and Bromley A Bexleyheath man has launched a new venture aimed at helping small businesses to connect online. After 12 years of running his own company Adrian Goward has set up ‘it’seeze Bexleyheath,’ a website design company. Adrian said: “I know as well as anyone how tough the marketplace can be for start-up business so I wanted to do something that I would enjoy as well as something that could benefit the local community.” His new business venture was founded as a result of the research he did with small businesses in the local area. Adrian’s research revealed that on the whole, small businesses simply don’t know how to source an effective website. The world of technology and the ever changing internet can be a frightening prospect for small business owners when looking to have web presence. Adrian has nearly 13 years’ experience running his own business in the Bexleyheath and South East London Area. He said: “I hope to be able to use my previous business experience to help local businesses overcome their challenges or fears about websites and I promise to only speak a language they understand... after all, that’s why the business is called ‘it’seeze’ pronounced as ‘it’s easy.”
Mick Jagger becomes Rolling Stone after getting no satisfaction from jobs firm
Kent-based HR GO Recruitment prides itself on finding jobs for most candidates. But it offered no satisfaction to the teenage Michael Jagger when the Dartford lad strolled into Dartford Staff Employment Bureau (now HR GO plc) in the early Sixties looking for a job. The soon-to-be Rolling Stone was then an A-Level student at Dartford Grammar School. The long-haired youth was interviewed by the late company founder Betty Parkinson. Her son Jack, chairman of HR GO, now a national company based in Ashford with eight Kent branches, remembers that after Mick became famous, she would often recall that encounter. She had told Jack, a Stones’ fan: “I sat him down and took his details. But we did not have anything suitable on the books and I told him we would contact him if and when we did.” She admitted that with his appearance, she would have found it hard to recommend him to any of her major clients. But of course, time was on his side – and you can’t always get what you want. For millions of pop fans worldwide, it’s a good job that - for once – HR GO could not satisfy a client! www.hrgo.co.uk
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CONSTRUCTION
Flexing and Adapting:
What the future holds for the construction sector in Kent following Brexit In a recent Guardian article, Frank Cottrell Boyce said that he didn’t recognise the hopeful, tolerant and fond nation, full of dancing nurses and pioneering industrial revolution capitalists that he and Danny Boyle created in the London 2012 Olympic Ceremony. Since the Brexit campaign, he asked, simply: “What the hell happened?” Such hand-wringing may be somewhat overdone, but there is a definite understanding that we are in a new era, economically as much as culturally. There seems to be little doubt that we are heading into a recession. How big it is, the degree to which it will affect construction in the South-East, and what may be coming after it, we simply do not know. We have no idea if and when Article 50 will be triggered and the impact on trade this will have. And we certainly have no clarity about how things might play out after it. Will all these new trade deals with the USA, India and New Zealand come to fruition and, if so, how quickly, or will we be weighed down by duty? So it is that any article about the past year and future outlook for Kent Construction must start with a heavy caveat: the past is not the future. First the past. Confidence in the South-East was stable between April 2015-2016 according to the
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Building Magazine Tracker. However, even before Brexit, it was slipping slightly, down one point to 60. The leading activity indicator, employment and tender prices all showed the same trend: a gradual, if unsteady, rise yearon-year, peaking in the first quarter. Similarly, the price of work in the South-East, year-on-year, was broadly flat in the first quarter, slipping a couple of hundred thousand pounds to £2.5bn. Both repair and maintenance and new orders showed a similar small slippage, but a slippage there was, and where one might expect growth - and if that was a trend, it is reasonable to conclude that the second quarter would have reflected that metric even before the referendum. Although we will never know. What about Kent itself? In a Q1 survey of Kent Invicta Chamber members, net 13% of exporting respondents reported a drop in orders over those reporting and increase, suggesting (as is likely) that international confidence is having
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
a knock-on effect despite sterling’s declines against the Euro. More seriously, 35% reported worsening cash flow - the highest figure for three years. In other indicators, this time from Kent County Council, we can see that, while houses prices in Q1 in 2016 were up £297.8, a rise of 12.38%, property transactions were down 19% - a significant fall. Correspondingly, figures year-on-year for second homes in Kent at October 2015 were fractionally down by 0.6%. Jo James, chief executive, of Kent Invicta Chamber says “There are so many opportunities in the County over the coming years. We have key projects like Ebbsfleet Garden City, the £2bn Paramount development at Swanscombe as well as most of our towns/districts with ambitious growth plans. Ashford has eight key development opportunities which will create jobs, economic wealth and enhance the lives of local people.
Kent businesses and external investors need to retain their confidence and keep the economy moving.” Adam Worrall, operations director at main contractor, Willmott Dixon Construction in Cobham which oversees activity in Kent agrees with Jo saying that whilst the commercial sector appears to be “waiting and watching” there is still a large pipeline available in the county. “The government still needs to provide school places, that need is unlikely to be impacted by the referendum.” Peter Head, director of £5m pa turnover Dartford subcontractor, Express Drylining, who wavered before voting “remain”, believes that, due to its position in the very buoyant possibly overheated South-East, the region will continue to be “buffered” from uncertainty in the future, even should we “talk ourselves into a recession,” particularly for companies like his which are “good at what they do”
CONSTRUCTION
(This is, indeed, the case as the firm’s turnover has doubled in its first three years of trading.) “Kent will still be very much in demand,” he says, “not least because we don’t build enough houses in the South East… and a cheaper pound should increase tourism.” This is, he adds, is his personal view. Meanwhile, Head says the firm has not seen a shortage of commercial work although much work has been in education, from primary via secondary to university, as well as a lot of “health-driven” work. Certainly, public sector work seems to be holding up well, according to soundings from local experts. An obvious caveat: capital work is scheduled and budgeted for way in advance of its construction, and worsening economic conditions are not going to have an impact on investment cash flow as it can with commercial construction. Where houses go, schools and hospitals must follow, he reasons. Certainly, while 96.7% of Kent children got their first-choice primary and junior schools, education consultant, Peter J. Read points out that the figures
“show a sharp contrast between pressure on spaces in urban districts and those in more rural areas. The multitude of local pressures focused on the towns see the biggest problems this year coming in: Sevenoaks - no empty spaces, Maidstone - one space, Gravesham - three and Tunbridge Wells - seven, each in just one school. Then come Ashford, Faversham and Tonbridge, each with two per cent of their places empty.” “Yes, there may be constraints on local authority spending, but they have to keep building,” agrees Worrall. “There is no alternative. There is still a big programme for primary and secondary school places.” He points to an £18m scheme for schools in the Dartford area. In higher education, Willmott Dixon is currently in the middle of constructing a £26m building for the University of Kent. John Morley, Assistant Director of Estates and responsible for construction projects says that the university sector still has major plans for relocation or expansion, based on income from research. With the potential demise of EU research funding and the effect
of a possible reduction in EU student numbers, Morley says, “there is a bit of nervousness about.” The University of Kent Vice-Chancellor, Dame Julia Goodfellow, told the BBC that she is very concerned about the lack of research funding following Brexit. “We really want the government to start negotiating as soon as possible so we can stay in some of these big research networks," she says. Another concern about Brexit is, of course, to do with the large numbers of EU citizens who make up a large percentage of the workforce in certain areas, particularly steel and metalworkers and up to 90% of people in dry-lining. With labour costs remaining high due to a shortage of skilled tradesmen, are companies worried that workers are going to head back to their home countries if things get nasty, or are they concerned about the potential shut-off of labour in two or so years? Head says not. He opines that many of the workers have been here a long time and are naturalised. And while they may still call Eastern Europe home, their kids don’t.
So, to sum up, Kent Construction activity seemed to have reached its peak shortly before the referendum vote taking the edge of some high labour costs, although materials costs had been easing slightly before. With Brexit, a “short, sharp shock” is working its way through the system, and there is no visibility as to how this will play out. One potential upside may be a boost to UK manufacturers as foreign materials grow relatively more expensive with the weak pound. But that’s unclear. In the current situation, does Willmott Dixon’s Worrall have any advice for clients? “In the short term we have seen little impact from the Brexit decision, what the future holds isn’t 100% clear. The key to success in this changed environment is flexibility and innovation which are two things Willmott Dixon have in spades. Our outlook for areas like Kent remains hugely positive, the potential is massive if you have the ability to flex and adapt to it.” The world watches and waits to see what is going to happen in Kent and the rest of the UK.
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CONSTRUCTION
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
CONSTRUCTION
Construction sector to take centre stage The Kent Event Centre welcomes Construction Expo back on Thursday 6 October 2016. 2015 saw over 3,000 people attend along with some of the UK’s largest contractors and with plans for more than 200 exhibitors alone this year, the Expo is set to be bigger and better in 2016. Construction Expo 2016 will again have a full conference programme that combines keynote speakers tackling critical sector issues in practical and manageable ways along with interactive workshops offering businesses of all sizes actionable take-aways to implement and grow their business.
Free Meet the Buyer
Run by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the Construction Expo brings together construction professionals from across the South East and beyond, combining a free to attend exhibition, conference and large demonstration areas.
As one of the few completely free Meet the Buyer opportunities in the UK, this year will see over 600 appointments available with 30 top purchasers and decision makers. This is the perfect opportunity to get your business in front of some of the leading contractors, suppliers and public sector departments. Appointments will be offered initially to exhibitors and then opened to all delegates on a first come first served basis.
Professional timber and damp treatments to keep your project on track
Wouldn’t it be great if you could find professional, reliable, honest contractors to make your projects run to time and to budget? If you need timber and damp expertise, South East Timber and Damp tick all these boxes – and you can meet them on Stand 178. South East Timber and Damp understand your commercial needs. Their expertise enables them to carry out treatments swiftly to the highest possible standards. What they quote is what you pay – and they’ll only suggest treatments when they’re necessary. They’ll also fit around your deadlines, they’re easy to get hold of, and they’ll provide you with one point of contact and immediate updates. South East Timber and Damp deliver high quality as standard – from survey to certification – using premium materials applied with expert workmanship. Established for more than 10 years, their surveyors are CSRT, CSJK and or CSSW qualified and they use only qualified PCAQT
technicians and operatives. They are pre-qualified Constructionline and Chas-accredited contractors, members of the Property Care Association and they offer 10-year GPI cover on their timber and damp treatments. South East Timber and Damp provide comprehensive services for damp, timber and condensation problems, basement waterproofing and conversions and invasive weeds. They have bespoke expertise to protect the integrity of historic buildings and provide a range of surveys, including snapshot, comprehensive and fast-track. For a quality job, delivered on time and on budget, visit South East Timber and Damp at Stand 178.
Tel: 01732 884535 • www.timberanddamp.co.uk
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Leading Business Speakers The Construction Expo will offer a balance of high level industry speakers tackling current issues affecting the construction sector along with updates from senior figures of some the South East’s largest projects. David Testa, CEO, London Paramount who will be offering an update on the multi-million pound entertainment resort in North Kent along with Paul Spooner, Chief Executive, Ebbsfleet Development Corporation who will be updating on Ebbsfleet Garden City. Join senior Director’s from leading national construction businesses such as Kier Group Plc, Balfour Beatty and Golden Houses Developments Ltd. Learn why supply chain should be incorporated into your business strategy and let Leonardo Wood, founder of LGX Ltd, show you how to multiply your customers and sales using the 3 step iMarketing process. Inspirational, contemporary architect, Richard Hawkes will be discussing the house he
designed and built - the Grand Designs Eco Arch – the House with no Bills. There will also be a business breakfast with Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade.com, who will be looking at why people are more important than business and a business dinner with Gyles Brandreth. Jo James, Chief Executive of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, comments, “We’re thrilled to be back at the Kent Event Centre for Construction Expo. As the only event of this type in the region it’s always a brilliantly productive day. Packed with networking, learning and information, it’s free to attend and I would really urge anyone involved in the construction sector to come along.” To find out more about visiting please go to www.constructionexpouk.co.uk or text book to 66777. If you are interested in exhibiting please call Penny on 01732 758530 or email bookings@kentinvictachamber.co.uk
Providing all round planning excellence Profile Construction Consultants Ltd, founded in 1994, is a leading specialist construction planning consultancy as part of the PDSI Group of Companies. Profile provide expertise in all aspects of construction planning and time management within all sectors of the industry based on your project requirements on both a national and international scale. Based in West Malling, we are able to offer our Construction Planning services throughout all stages of development, including preconstruction, construction and post construction periods. Our extensive list of services include; feasibility programmes, advice on procurement options, tender and construction programming, monitoring and critical path analysis. We also provide expert witness and extension of time assistance. We at Profile believe in multi-disciplinary coherence and understanding, therefore alongside the clear and concise nature of our programmes, we also provide bespoke detailed 2D and 3D logistics to visually aid the understanding of every
construction project which, when incorporated with our BIM services, delivers communication in 4D planning, time and efficiency. With our extensive list of clients from all sectors of the construction industry, we are greatly involved in projects as diverse as leisure, transportation, residential, commercial, retail, education, healthcare, industrial and many more. Most notably in Kent we have carried out works to the Kent Cricket Ground in Canterbury. Profile are determined to help you achieve your objectives successfully and most importantly on time. To find out more about our services please visit our website; www.profile.co.uk Contact us via email or phone; info@profile-ltd.co.uk 0203 714 2440
CONSTRUCTION
Hauling Construction Forward At the end of June, the population of the UK, through the democratic process, made a decision on membership of the European Union, which will be as far reaching as the original decision to join the Common Market over 40 years ago. on the list to move. It's this level of diversity that then led to the acquisition of associated haulage businesses. Firstly the Presneill family haulage business in 2013, which gave Ardula its first foray into aggregate haulage by artic bulker tipper and which now consists of a fleet of 15 vehicles serving major aggregate suppliers throughout London and the Home Counties.
Whilst much speculation exists regarding the political, economic and social impact, what is certain is that there will be change and for those best equipped to manage the changes, the future will provide many opportunities. The construction industry has long been recognised as a barometer to the economy and despite initial reduction in housebuilder share stocks, the fact remains that Britain needs to build. Indeed both pre- and post-Brexit, organisations such as the Mineral Products Association (formerly the Quarry Products Association), are forecasting growth in construction output at a rate of 18% by 2020. Whilst the political process continues, for the Ardula Group of companies, it will be very much business not only as usual, but business planned to adapt and evolve to the changing needs of the
construction market place. To keep pace and maintain its position as one Kent's largest independent construction logistics providers, the Ardula group will need to be competitive, collaborative and use it's initiative in a manner which will make the most of the opportunities to come in the coming weeks, months, and years. The platform to this positive approach is a business which in its original form is over 22 years old, with a loyal and established customer base, from major national contractors, to small customers, who benefit from the high levels of service across the business that the company has become renowned for. This core business of tipper haulage sees Ardula move all manner of waste and minerals - if it can go in a lorry, then the blue and red liveried vehicles should be high
Secondly, and more recently was the Acquisition of Mantransco, a small business running a fleet of 13 rigid vehicles with Hiab cranes and drawbar trailers, commonly known as wagon and drags. These vehicles haul brick and block products across the south east and have already proved to be an excellent fit within the group. In fact, the structure creates a scenario whereby, for one particular major aggregate producer and product manufacturer, the tipper business collects aggregate from its location at Cliffe for onward sale, the bulker business collects aggregate and delivers on behalf of the customer and the wagon and drag business collects block paving products manufactured by the customer, for delivery right across the south east of England. In fact the diverse capability encourages organic growth across the group, with increasingly alternative products hauled by the bulker fleet. This fleet has recently seen flatbed trailers added to offer a haulage solution for all manner of building products, from blocks to bags, and steel to shoring equipment. Additionally the wagon and drag fleet has recently registered as a Waste Carrier to allow it to move baled waste products.
The original tipper business was very much centred around mid-Kent, but in recent times has increased its reputational area across the whole of Kent, into Sussex, and into south east London. This is due in no small part to the fact that the other two businesses operate in a much wider area, and as a consequence by association, the Ardula brand is now seen as much more geographically diverse. A consequence of this increase in operational area is the level of compliance required for the businesses to operate in central London. Whilst the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme is aimed at both HGV and now van operators, essentially covering any types of commercial haulage, the Construction Logistics Standard (CLOCS) is very much centred on the construction industry and in particular its interface with vulnerable road users. The Ardula group is already accredited in both of these standards as another example of preparation for securing it's future in the construction logistics market place. With ongoing training and changes to the standards, this too links into the evolution of Ardula as a compliant haulier operating in excess of fifty vehicles. By managing and implementing changes aimed at, to quote the company tag line,"hauling construction forward" it's the firm intention for all involved that Ardula will build on its diverse capability to put the group in a strong position not only to meet the challenges to come, but also make the most of the opportunities that will follow.
Ardula Limited www.ardula.co.uk T: 01622 873300
The original tipper business was very much centred around mid Kent, but in recent times has increased its reputational area across the whole of Kent, into Sussex, and into south east London. CLOCS Champions
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CONSTRUCTION
Walker Construction completes the new Albert Hugo Friday Bridge Walker Construction has recently completed a Design & Build Contract for the construction of a new 52 metre pedestrian/cycleway bridge with associated footpaths and lighting to provide access to the new Altira business park in Herne Bay, Kent in collaboration with NuSteel Structures, WSS Construction Consultants, Urban & Civic and Kent County Council. Works included concrete piling, foundations, abutments, surface water drainage, existing service diversions, lighting, fencing, associated landscaping and the construction of adjoining footpaths alongside the east of Margate Road to connect to the boulevard within Altira Park. All the enabling works which included, excavation, piling, shuttering, reinforcement, concreting and reinstatement was carried out in a green zone working area with Site Wardens monitoring the sites. NuSteel Structures carried out the bridge design and off site construction with Walker Construction (UK) Ltd carrying out the installation and all associated works. The civil engineering design package was carried out by Walker Construction (UK) Ltd in-house design division, WSS Construction Consultants.
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The final design called for steel sheet driven piles to the perimeter of the foundation with reinforced concrete piles installed to specific areas with the design location. The retaining walls and bridge bases were fabricated on site using reinforced concrete to a specific design mix and placed on top of the pile caps.
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
To install the main footway bridge a specific methodology and programme was devised and agreed with all parties. By liaising with all parties, an installation date was agreed upon for the bridge to be delivered and lifted into place with the minimal disruption To lift the 52m bridge into position in a single lift a 1000t crane was required to carry out this task. Two smaller cranes were used to erect the 1000t crane on the day and were used again to dismantle the 1000t crane upon completion. Once the crane was erected and in position with the bridge attached and the 12hr disruptive possession on the rail lines had been imposed the bridge was lifted into place while the crowds on residents, onlookers and press were watching from a nearby vantage point. Once the main footbridge was set into position and the plant removed from site, the groundwork to the surrounding area on both sides of the bridge were carried out, including; new footpath works, fencing,
road widening, lighting, signage and landscaping works. The bridge has been named “The Albert Hugo Friday Bridge” after a World War II RAF pilot who tragically lost his life nearby and to remember his sacrifice to the country it is a befitting way in honouring him. Blacksole Footbridge, Herne Bay - Value: £1.2m
Walker Construction Ltd, Park Farm Road, Folkestone, Kent CT19 5DY www.walker-construction.co.uk Tel: 01303-851111 Email: admin@walker-construction.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION
Passionate about construction Gallagher is Kent’s premier building, civil engineering, quarrying and property business, with an enviable reputation for doing things properly and getting things done, while still caring about the local community and environment. At the heart of the Gallagher Group is Gallagher Aggregates Ltd, engaged in the mineral extraction industry and the only remaining company actively quarrying Kentish Ragstone. Gallagher operates two quarries in Kent; Hermitage Quarry in Barming and Blaise Farm Quarry near West Malling, supplying over 70 different products including primary aggregates, recycled aggregates, ready mix concrete, soils and block stone for new build and heritage projects. Product development and innovation are key for Gallagher Aggregates Ltd, and over the last two years it has developed a range of new construction materials designed to increase efficiency and reduce costs on building and construction schemes across Kent and the South East. Our new product range includes: Gallapave - our range of Hydraulically Bound Mixtures, which are cost effective alternatives to traditional pavement construction methods. They can be used in roads and pavements as a structural cement bound layer, reducing construction costs by up to 25% and leading to less excavated material going to landfill.
Gallapave RCC (Roller Compacted Concrete) a zero-slump concrete that is compacted by vibratory rollers. Up to 5000m2 can be laid in one day, no formwork is required, there is no need for reinforcing steel and no finishing. Gallaflo - a range of high quality selflevelling flowing anhydrite screeds which are a cost effective alternative to traditional sand cement screeds. The product can be laid as thinly as 25mm, and with high thermal conductivity it lends itself perfectly to underfloor heating areas. It is suitable for use in both residential and commercial properties, including apartments, schools, shops, hospitals and single dwellings where higher loadings and more durable screed floors are required. Kentish Ragstone Masonry Gallagher is the only supplier of Kentish Ragstone, one of the most widespread stones used throughout the South East since Roman times.
With its experienced team along with modern machinery and facilities at its Hermitage Quarry, Gallagher is able to supply stone for repairs to historical buildings. It also supplies stone for new build projects, upholding and maintaining the unique local character of Southern England’s historic architecture. Gallagher takes its responsibilities to the environment and local community extremely seriously. Land reinstatement
is an ongoing policy and phases of Hermitage Quarry are infilled and restored once the Kentish Ragstone has been extracted. Over 40 acres of land at Hermitage Quarry have been restored to a combination of agriculture, hedgerows and broadleaved woodland. Gallagher prides itself on being a “big” small Kent company, and is excited to be an integral part in the future of Kent’s construction industry.
based MPW Insurance Brokers have Construction Maidstone continually served the construction industry for the past 30 years. Insurance Founded in 1986 as a specialist independent construction insurance brokerage, we have developed close and long term relationships with major UK construction insurance companies and their senior underwriters and as a result, have developed enhanced insurance policy wordings and risk management solutions for the exclusive use of our clients. MPW work closely with trade associations, members include housebuilders, electrical contractors,
roofing contractors and specialist underpinning and basement contractors offering them tailored insurance programmes and widest covers. It is vitally important the correct cover is in place and this can only be achieved by gaining a full understanding of the precise activities undertaken by the client, resulting in an insurance programme tailored to their needs and arranged at the best possible terms.
Our knowledge of the construction industry has resulted in the appointment of a wide range of clients throughout the UK. Working closely with principals, developers, building contractors and professional services providers, their bespoke insurance packages include employer’s liability, public liability, contractors all risks, performance bonds, special indemnities and building warranties for commercial and residential properties. In addition to annually renewable
policies, we regularly arrange single project insurance programmes on behalf of property owners, developers and contractors. Our experienced team of brokers have a close understanding of matters such as contract conditions, site procedures, construction methodology, health and safety issues and more. MPW will be attending the forthcoming Construction Expo, please visit us at stand 187.
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CONSTRUCTION
Civil engineers need the Diligence difference We are a team of specialists providing quality project management services to utilities, large construction organisations and consultancies.
We typically take the headache out of infrastructure, power and utilities projects and will complement your larger projects with our expertise and experience. We are experts at looking at all aspects of projects and liaising with authorities, subcontractors and the public to ensure smooth delivery on time and on budget. No project is too small or too large; we have worked as a
tripartite collaboration between the contractor, South Eastern Railway and Network Rail on depot station improvements, for UK Power Networks on a new 33kV power supply from Barking to Abbey Wood, and for Thames Water on the Tidal Thames Quality Improvement Programme. The services are delivered with an attention to detail (diligence) by specialist project managers and
Buildings Built on Teamwork Delivering construction solutions across Kent and the South East
T: 01892 833344 W: www.baxallconstruction.co.uk E: info@baxallconstruction.co.uk
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
project teams who are not just committed to the work they do, but also pledge to provide personal service delivery for the customer and to Diligence (PM) Services Ltd... going the extra mile. We understand the importance of budgets and being cost efficient, but as a consultancy with personality we also value an individual’s motivation and achievements.
To get in touch please contact: Nicola Coppen at Nicola@diligence-pm-services.co.uk or Alison Scrivener at Alison@diligence-pm-services.co.uk, Or call us on 01322 838004 You can also find us on the Utilities Vendor Database And don’t forget to visit our website www.diligence-pm-services.co.uk
INDUSTRYCOMMENT
ASBESTOS – What we should know The UK possesses one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, largely because the UK government allowed the use of asbestos long after other countries outlawed the mineral’s use.
In 1983 the Health and Safety Executive in Britain required all contractors working with asbestos to be licenced. The Asbestos (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Regulations 1999, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Prescott, came into force on November 24 1999, five years ahead of the European deadline. Chrysotile had been the only type of asbestos permitted in the UK since amosite and crocidolite were banned in 1985. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials. It was used because it is fire resistant, durable and an efficient insulating material. Whilst banned in 1999 by law it usually takes years for mesothelioma to develop. Asbestos has been, and in many cases still is, embedded in the homes we live in, our workplaces, schools and retail premises. Few of us know much about asbestos, which in fact describes a group of 6 minerals, which get their name from the word “asbestiform” which describes their strong and flexible structure. Three of the six substances have been commonly used in the building trade. Chrysotile, which is more frequently known as White Asbestos is the most common found in buildings today. It is less lethal than other forms of asbestos, but is still considered a major health hazard. More dangerous are Amosite, known as Brown Asbestos and Crocidolite, known as Blue Asbestos. Britain was once the largest importer of Brown Asbestos and it is suggested that there is strong evidence, though indirect, that this is a major factor in the high mesothelioma rate in the UK There are many licenced asbestos firms who carry out different works in relation to asbestos.
Management Surveys – This is a standard asbestos survey, its purpose is to locate as far as reasonable practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs (Asbestos Containing Materials) in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation and to assess their condition and formulate a remediation strategy. Qube Construction Management Plc are fully accredited and trained to provide these surveys. These surveys will often involve minor intrusive work and some disturbance. The extent of intrusion will vary between premises and depend on what is reasonably practicable for individual properties. This type of survey should include an assessment of the condition of the various ACMs and their ability to release fibres into the air if they are disturbed in some way. This will provide an initial guide to the priority for managing ACMs as it will identify the materials which will most readily release airborne fibres if they are disturbed. Refurbishment and Demolitions Surveys are required before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. This survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work will take place or in the whole building where potential demolition and construction work is planned. The survey will be fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. There is a specific requirement for all ACMs to be removed as far as reasonably practicable before major refurbishment or final demolition. Removing ACMs is also appropriate in other smaller refurbishment situations, which involve structural or layout changes to buildings
(e.g. removal of partitions, walls, units etc.) Under CDM Regulations (Construction & Design Management), the survey information should be used to help in the tendering process for removal of ACMs from the building before work starts. The survey report should be supplied by the client to designers and contractors who may be bidding for the work, so that the asbestos risks can be addressed. In this type of survey, where the asbestos is identified so that it can be removed (rather than managed), the survey does not normally assess the condition of the asbestos, other than to indicate areas of damage or where additional asbestos debris may be present. However, where the asbestos removal may not take place for some time, the ACMs’ condition will need to be assessed and the materials managed. Refurbishment and demolition surveys are intended to locate all the asbestos in the building (or the relevant part), as far as reasonably practicable. It is a disruptive and fully intrusive survey, which may need to penetrate all parts of the building structure. Aggressive inspection techniques will be needed to lift carpets and tiles, break through walls, ceilings, cladding and partitions, and open up floors. In these situations, controls should be put in place to prevent the spread of debris, which may include asbestos. Refurbishment and demolition surveys should only be conducted in unoccupied areas to minimise risks to the public or employees on the premises. Ideally, the building should not be in service and all furnishings removed. The Government introduced the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR 2006) in direct response to the current mortality rates associated with asbestos exposure and to fulfil its commitments under European Law. One of the key aspects of the legislation is to reduce the future exposure through the management of asbestos in non-domestic premises. If you have already had asbestos surveys conducted you should have key information available such as a Material Hazard Assessment, which provides a basic indication of how liable an asbestos-containing material (ACM) is to release airborne fibre. It is then up to the duty holder to determine the specific risk that each ACM poses based on the level of occupation in the area where it was found, and then to produce an Asbestos Management Plan. It is therefore very important to understand that the asbestos survey
report you have commissioned is only the beginning of your asbestos management duty; not the end of it. It is understandable that many duty holders need further assistance in putting together and maintaining a procedure, required by law, that helps protect all people that enter their building from breathing asbestos dust. With our wealth of experience Qube Construction Management Plc can take away that burden and produce and manage a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan. To give you a brief outline of your responsibilities under Regulation 4 CAR 2012 the HSE have put a short guide together on how to successfully manage asbestos in premises. Qube Construction Management Plc are able to assist you with all aspect of your asbestos management duties and can provide you with the following services: • Asbestos Surveys both Management and R&D. • Labelling Programmes to warn other trades of the asbestos containing material and location of material with-in the building which will be reflected in the survey report. • Preparation of site specific management plans to comply with Regulation 4 in the HSE control of asbestos regulations 2012 document. • Advice on remediation (i.e. encapsulation or removal). • Preparation of asbestos removal specifications. • Evaluation & selection of licensed asbestos removal contractors. • Preparation of tender documentation. • Assessments and critical evaluation of method statements. • We hold a full asbestos removal licence granted by the HSE. • Asbestos air monitoring and completion of Certificates of Reoccupation can be arranged using a UKAS accredited company. • Annual re-inspection of ACMs to update asbestos register. If you would like further information on asbestos management or would like to discuss your particular requirements please call us on 0800 468 1700. alan@qubecmplc.co.uk
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BIGINTERVIEW
BIGINTERVIEW
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
Optimistic times ahead for diverse company Lee Rushbrooke’s journey from Trainee Estimator to Chief Executive of a company turning over more than £300 million a year is a testament to the rewards that a commitment to fostering young talent early in a career can bring. The Chief Executive of Colas, a company that delivers sustainable solutions for the investment, design, construction, maintenance and operation of the UK's transport infrastructure, rose to the top job five years ago having spent his entire career with the company, combining employment with part-time studies as he worked his way up to achieve a degree. Lee, himself a Kent resident, now oversees more than 1,800 employees and thinks that his career path has helped him develop as a Chief Executive.
He said: “I have been with the company man and boy and Colas supported me throughout my studies in those early years.
doing the job, which gave me a useful insight. Since then, I have gained experience of just about every part of the company.”
“I think it is to my benefit that I came up through the ranks and it is an experience that I bear in mind when people come to us looking for a job.
With an annual turnover of £320m, he has 30 years’ experience in the industry, with the past ten years spent at Board level.
“I think it also helped that I have worked at all levels of the business before becoming Chief Executive.
Responsible for mobilising and managing the UK’s first Highways Private Finance Initiative project in Portsmouth, Lee is also a Director of joint venture South West Highways and a Director and past Chairman
“Certainly, when I was studying, I was spending one day a week doing that and the rest of the time
Despite the continued financial pressures on the public sector, there are opportunities out there, particularly with the continued investment in transportation infrastructure.
of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Southern. He was appointed to the top job at the age of forty, 24 years after first joining Colas and has guided its continued growth since then. The company has a long history, beginning life in 1922 as Asphalt Cold Mix Limited, before changing its name to Colas Products Limited when it merged with Colas Mix Manufacturing in 1925. Since 1995, when Colas became part of the International Colas Group headed by Colas SA in France - itself owned by the Bouygues Group - it has continued to thrive, developing new products, markets and techniques across the highways, airfields and civil engineering market sectors. The company has asphalt plants, quarries, contracting and production depots across the country, including in Kent through its A-one+ joint venture.
Lee said: “As a company we are constantly seeking growth but our strategy is based on sustainable growth with more focus on shareholder return than turnover. “To date, growth has been largely organic but with our ambition for further growth we are also looking at acquisition options. “Despite the continued financial pressures on the public sector, there are opportunities out there, particularly with the continued investment in transportation infrastructure. “We are very interested, for example, in the devolution process and see opportunities in areas such as the Northern Powerhouse and the South East Thames Gateway growth area. We are expanding our offering in these regions accordingly. Proud of our record of commitment to and promotion of social value, we always aim to create a lasting legacy in the communities in which we work.
“One of our strengths is our diversity which has helped us to cope with the peaks and troughs in investment that local authorities and Highways England experience. Our approach is very much a blended offer.” Colas' strategic offering covers investment, design, construction, maintenance and operations delivered through three vertically integrated workstreams: industrial, contracting and asset management. Lee said: "Being an investor able to finance transport infrastructure is becoming increasingly important, as is being able to bring bespoke design solutions to differentiate our offer." Key clients include Highways England, local authorities, the MoD, the aviation industry and the private sector. Colas’ status as a Tier 1 and Tier 2 supplier also puts it in a strong position. A recent example of the company’s diverse offer came when it secured its place as a delivery partner to Colas
Rail in The Midland Metro Alliance, which has been formed to build four light rail extensions in the West Midlands over the next ten years. Lee is optimistic about the future. He said: “The market place in many sectors is still pretty aggressive but we remain confident about the future. One unknown is the effect of the recent European referendum vote and Lee said: “There will be some effects for businesses of course, for us specifically with our French parent company the changes in exchange rates is one example, but overall, our strategy until 2022 envisages a period of continued growth and I firmly believe there are plenty of opportunities for us and businesses like us. “What is important is that the ‘business as usual’ message being given by the Government is quickly and firmly backed up with their continued commitment to infrastructure investment.”
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ECONOMY&US
The Economy & Us
Brexit: Seeds sown – Harvest Unknown “To overturn the Just Cause with the Unjust Cause, solely by deploying the weaker arguments, is a real art worth £millions” Aristophanes, Athenian sketchwriter 423 BC So, the cradle of democracy had much the same problems as we do.
The confusing...
The confused...
The sense-makers...
Brexit victory “celebration”
“Shocked” voter Adam on BBC
The late Jo Cox MP
Johnson, sacked by The Times in 1988 for fabricating a quote … seized every chance to mock or denigrate the EU, filing stories that were undoubtedly colourful but also grotesquely exaggerated or completely untrue.
I’m shocked that we actually have voted to leave…. My vote, I didn’t think was going to matter too much because I thought we were just going to remain.
Today Jo would have remained optimistic & focussed on what she could do to bring our country back together around our best values.
The Telegraph loved it. So did the Tory Right. Johnson later confessed: “Everything I wrote from Brussels, I found was sort of chucking these rocks over the garden wall and I listened to this amazing crash from the greenhouse next door over in England as everything I wrote from Brussels was having this amazing, explosive effect on the Tory party, and it really gave me this I suppose rather weird sense of power”. Martin Fletcher, The Times Foreign Editor 1984-2012 ------------------------------------------------Michael Gove has refused to name any economists who back Britain’s exit from the EU, saying that “people in this country have had enough of experts”. Financial Times ------------------------------------------------Victory came “without a bullet being fired”. [Mr Farage] seems to have forgotten Jo Cox. Washington Post
Adam, Manchester voter
Brendan Cox, Remembrance Tribute
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The bulk of Brexit voters … wanted the strong welfare state and solid communities of their youth.
If you, over years if not decades, tell citizens that something is wrong with the EU … you cannot be taken by surprise if voters believe you.
Nick Cohen, Observer columnist ------------------------------------------------My name is “Death to traitors, freedom for Britain”. Thomas Mair, charged with murder
Jean-Claude Juncker, EU President ------------------------------------------------We will make Britain a country that works not for a privileged few, but for every one of us.
------------------------------------------------Yesterday, people in my constituency received a leaflet from the BNP saying Jo Cox took misguided action by helping Muslims in the country, who may now go on to join Isis, alongside some other horrendous allegations.
Theresa May PM acceptance speech
Paula Sherriff MP, speaking in the House of Commons ------------------------------------------------We need a second referendum – not to replay the first, but to define the mandate that comes out of last week’s unfocused result. Kazuo Ishiguro, novelist
Nick Rowell Director of Policy Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Direct line: 01622 753568 Email: nick@tpbs.co.uk
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MEMBERSNEWS
Group rebrands whilst continuing to innovate The Bradley Group, based on Sittingbourne’s Kent Science Park, has undergone a rebrand as it continues to grow as a business. Established in 2000, The Bradley Group offers businesses of all sizes throughout the UK risk management expertise and services, including consulting and health and safety training courses. Jan Mills, Managing Director, said: “For us, this isn’t just about developing a new logo, it’s about putting forward an image that is more representative of what our business has evolved into. “Above everything else, Health and Safety is about people. It’s about the people on the ground, working on construction sites or in factories, who need to do so safely.” The rebrand of the business comes at a time when The Bradley Group is continuing to develop the way it delivers its core services to clients. Jan said: “We have seen an increasing demand from clients for more bespoke learning packages that are tailored to the specific needs of their organisation. We are continuing to develop the courses we offer so there is a wider selection of ‘off the shelf’ options available. “We also have a strong team of experienced tutors who are able to ‘custom build’ courses as needed.”
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Changes to water and waste water supply’s as from April 2017. Are you ready? From April 2017, 1.2 million eligible business customers (businesses, charities or public sector) mainly in England will be able to choose who supplies their water and wastewater (also known as ‘sewerage’) retail services. Retail services include things like water meter reading and customer services. Throughout the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Membership area we have South East Water, Southern Water, Infinity Water and Thames Water. However not all of these Companies will retail their water resources, and it would be in your interest to find out whether your current supplier will be a future retailer as well as a wholesale provider. Once open, the new market will be the largest retail water market in the world, delivering an estimated £200 million of overall benefits to customers and the UK economy. Being able to switch water and wastewater retailer will mean that business customers are able to negotiate the best package that suits their needs. Or by successfully applying for a licence, business customers can also choose to supply themselves with retail services. Ofwat (the economic regulator of the water sector in England and Wales), Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and MOSL (Market Operator Services Limited) are working together to open the market. If you buy water, wastewater (also known as sewerage) or both services for a business, charity or public sector property or number of premises, you may be able to switch your retail service supplier from April 2017. This
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
is because the Open Water market in England will be opened to competition. Retail services include things like water meter reading and customer services. If you are eligible to switch supplier, the opening water market means that you can shop around and may be able to: • Choose a new supplier for water and wastewater retail services • Choose a new price and service package • Negotiate a better deal with your existing retailer If you are eligible, you also have the option of supplying retail services to yourself (instead of using a retailer). This is after you have successfully applied for a licence. The benefits of the Open Water market include: • Improving service levels • Increasing flexibility of services • Delivering better value for money • Creating more choice How will the Open Water market work? The Open Water market will work like many other open utility markets (such as telecoms, electricity and gas). In the Open Water market, retailers will buy wholesale services, (the physical supply of water and removal of wastewater), and package them up with other retail services. This will provide better value, better service and greater opportunity.
Retailers will compete for your business for services such as billing, water meter reading and customer services. Services that are not affected include: • Water and sewage pipe networks • Water and wastewater treatment works If your property is eligible, in the Open Water market you can switch your retail services for: • Water • Wastewater • Both water and wastewater services You will also be able to apply for a ‘self-supply’ licence. If you become a licensed self-supplier you: • WILL receive wholesale services direct from the local regional monopoly company and pay only the appropriate wholesale charges • WILL NOT receive any retail services such as meter reading or help from a supplier if there is a problem on the network. For example, if there is an interruption to your water supply, or a blockage in the public sewer you would need to speak to the local wholesale company direct. Ofwat (the economic regulator) plans to open the licence application process for new suppliers and selfsupply from April 2016.
MEMBERSNEWS
KCC Healthy Business Programme The past year has seen new innovation in partnerships, between Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Kent County Council and Medway Council Public Health and businesses to improve workplace health and wellbeing.
Health and wellbeing is often a subjective state that many of us take for granted, until we become ill. With an ageing population and expectations that we need to work for longer, this places a burden on both employers and employees. In particular how do we support our older workers, retain talent, reduce sickness absence and increase productivity, whilst managing long term conditions, caring responsibilities and other health related issues. The Number of people in Kent living with Dementia is expected to increase from just under 20,000 in 2012, to 25,000 in 20201 Our people can be costly in both time and money for businesses, health and the wider economy; poor mental health and musculoskeletal conditions being the highest reason for sickness absence nationally and locally.
It is estimated that poor eating habits, such as skipping breakfast or lunch costs employers £16.85 billion a year = a loss in productivity of ~97 million working days2 Work is changing for us all, most of us are less active, have different working patterns and consequently new diseases are increasingly impacting on our workforce such as diabetes, dementia and obesity. The government ‘Independent Review of Sickness Absence’4 in 2011 concluded that high
quality work is good for our health, particularly in comparison to unemployment. Therefore as employers it is beneficial to our business as well as our workforce to focus on health and wellbeing in our workplace. You could lose, on average, 33 hours per employee who smokes per year due to illness, plus lost productivity due to smoking breaks of 230 hours per year - (4 x 15 minute breaks per day over 46 weeks). Smoking is still the major cause of premature death, with an estimated 79,100 smoking related deaths3 For the Public Sector, working with employers and employees is essential to sustaining the health and social care system. Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce have facilitated these conversations though Breakfast networking events, B2B events and holding conversations with businesses to escalate messages around lifestyle choices that can improve workplace health and improve business performance. It is estimated that an average of 28.1% of people in Kent are inactive, costing the Kent economy approximately £264
million annually. An inactive person will spend 38% more days in hospital than an active person. By 2030 the average British person will expend just 25% more energy than if they spent the day in bed5 It’s not just what we eat, but where we work, live and play that impact on our health and wellbeing. People in lower paid work are likely to have up to seventeen years less disability-free life compared to those with higher incomes: therefore a thriving business economy is essential. The Chamber has hosted many events that can still positively impact on our health and wellbeing. The impact of transport, in particular Operation Stack, new developments such as Paramount, airport debates, the Thames Crossing, and managing change provide benefits as well as challenges. We need to have the opportunity to hear and discuss both sides of the debate to make fully informed decisions to ensure economic regeneration benefits both local business the health of our people. Partnerships between Health, Local Authorities, Chambers, and Businesses will be essential in driving this vision forward.
For further information, please contact: kenthealthybusiness@kent.gov.uk or for Medway: healthimprovement@medway.gov.uk 1 2 3 4 5
http://www.kpho.org.uk/health-intelligence/disease-groups/dementia#tab1 BaxterStorey WorkplaceProductivity Survey 2007 (conductedby Ipsos Mori) Cited in: www.bitc.org.uk/sites/default/files/healthy_eating_toolkit.pdf Tobacco Free Futures Community Interest Company. Published 18 August 2014 Independent Review of Sickness Absence www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-the-sickness-absence-system-in-great-britain www.kpho.org.uk/joint-strategic-needs-assessment/jsna-behaviour-and-lifestyle/jsna-physical-activity
August - September 2016 ThinkingBUSINESS
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VAT and Brexit
VAT is a European invention, theorised by a German businessman and introduced by the French. Most of our current VAT laws filter down from EU directives and regulations. It's no surprise that we are likely to see significant changes to VAT as we extricate ourselves from the EU. So what VAT changes should we expect a result of Brexit? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
The advantages:
1. The government will have ultimate control over VAT rates.
Whereas EU states are restricted from lowering standard rates below 15%, and reduced rates to below 5%, the UK could set VAT rates at any level, allowing greater control and creativity when refining the 'tax mix'.
2. The UK could also extend VAT reliefs to new types of supplies. Whether it’s sanitary towels or domestic energy, we could see more use of the reduced-rate, zero-rate and of VAT exemptions.
Although we expect plenty of lobbying from special interest groups, we are unlikely to see significant increases in reliefs potentially jeopardising the tax take.
3. B2C supplies of services to EU countries are likely to escape a VAT charge.
When a UK business currently makes business-to-consumer ('B2C') supplies of services to the continent, a UK VAT charge is almost inevitable. If after Brexit, EU countries were instead treated the same way as the US, China or any other 'third country', then most B2C services would escape a VAT charge, potentially providing opportunities for the UK's services industry.
4. B2C supplies of goods between the UK and EU would no longer be subject to distance selling rules.
Currently, when a business makes B2C supplies of goods to other EU member states, it charges UK VAT, but must observe the distance selling thresholds in those other countries. When the thresholds are met, an obligation to register and account for VAT in those countries follows.
Distance selling rules would instead be replaced by import and export rules, which have their own issues (see below).
5. Cross-border suppliers of financial services and insurance could see better VAT recovery.
In theory, this could present some cross-border opportunities and may bring down the cost of financial services and insurance.
6. Some compliance burdens lifted.
The UK will no longer be required to complete EC Sales lists and Intrastat declarations for cross border trade.
7. UK VAT rules would be more dynamic.
The EU has made slow progress on reviewing certain areas of VAT, e.g. on financial services.
The UK could perform its own reviews and devise its own definitive rules, potentially supporting key sectors, such as financial services. The risk of EU infraction on the basis of ‘illegal state aid’ should also disappear.
The disadvantages: 1. After Brexit, supplies of goods between the UK and the EU will be considered exports and imports instead of dispatches and acquisitions.
The associated formalities mean a host of additional administration and compliance.
Whether a mist of paperwork descends on UK ports remains to be seen, but the cost of moving goods across the EU border will inevitably increase, as will the time it takes to clear them.
2. No UK VAT would apply to exported goods, but import VAT is likely in the destination country.
In some cases, sales contracts will shift responsibility of import VAT to consumers. In other cases, the UK exporter will also be the EU importer, potentially leading to an obligation to register and account for VAT in the country of import.
The additional compliance stemming from this would have associated costs. Businesses should also plan for the cashflow implications of delayed recovery of import VAT on a VAT return.
3. Deviating from VAT, there is also a good chance that customs duties will be levied on goods traded across the EU border. This will increase the cost of goods.
As with other non-EU countries within Europe, preferential duty rates are likely to be agreed. However, there may need to be concessions negotiated in order to access these rates.
The UK would also need to agree trade deals with all other trading nations, which could see a myriad of changes to duty rates with other non-EU countries.
4. Simplified arrangements for supply chains involving 3 different separate member states (i.e. triangulation) will no longer be available to UK businesses.
In such situations, VAT registrations in EU member states should be expected along with the associated compliance costs.
5. In the wake of the Brexit vote, the five year ‘tax lock’ may be repealed, paving the way for VAT rate increases. And, just as we may see some new reliefs, we may see some old reliefs taken away.
There are still many uncertainties. Even things we feel fairly confident about could change when law makers re-write sections of VAT law. Therefore, it’s worth noting the above points may be subject to change.
VAT has long had a shifting landscape. Our job now is to be fully prepared for the changes that Brexit may bring to ensure a smooth transition to this new landscape whilst minimising unnecessary cost.
Kursat Osman
VAT SENIOR MANAGER MHA MacIntyre Hudson Victoria Court 17 - 21 Ashford Road Maidstone Kent ME14 5FA Tel: 01227 464 991(Canterbury) 01622 754 033 (Maidstone) kursat.osman@mhllp.co.uk
www.macintyrehudson.co.uk
MHA MacIntyre Hudson is the trading name of MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP, a limited liability partnership, registered in England with registered number OC385090. A list of partners’ names is open for inspection at its registered office, 201 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 1LZ. MacIntyre Hudson LLP which also trades under the name of MHA MacIntyre Hudson, controls MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP and is an independent member of MHA, a national association of UK accountancy firms. The term ‘partner’ or ‘partners’ indicates that the person (or persons) in question is (or are) a member(s) of MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP or a member, an employee or consultant of its affiliated businesses with equivalent standing and qualifications. Further information can be found via our website www.macintyrehudson.co.uk/information.html MHA MacIntyre Hudson (Kent) LLP is registered to carry on audit work in the United Kingdom and Ireland and is regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. MHA MacIntyre Hudson is an independent member of Baker Tilly International. Baker Tilly International Limited is an English company. Baker Tilly International provides no professional services to clients. Each member firm is a separate and independent legal entity and each describes itself as such. Baker Tilly UK Group LLP is the owner of the Baker Tilly trademark. MHA MacIntyre Hudson is not Baker Tilly International’s agent and does not have the authority to bind Baker Tilly International or act on Baker Tilly International’s behalf. None of Baker Tilly International, MHA MacIntyre Hudson, nor any of the other member firms of Baker Tilly International has any liability for each other’s acts or omissions.
ASKTHEEXPERT
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MEMBERSNEWS
Supporting public art
FrancisKnight is a public art consultancy based in Maidstone, established in 2004 by directors, Louise Francis and Laura Knight.
Don’t let your business be the victim of a bogus boss With fraud an increasingly common problem for businesses, Tom Bourne, an associate at law firm Cripps, looks at the issue of CEO or ‘bogus boss’ fraud. CEO fraud is when someone pretends to be a manager of your company and requests a wire transfer to be made to their bank account. The approach may be made to your finance department or a professional adviser who holds money on your behalf. It will probably be done at a time when the manager in question is on leave or otherwise engaged and is likely to be convincing: information to support the fraud may have been gathered by hacking into an email account, contact with a dishonest employee, research of publicly available information or intercepting post. This ‘bogus boss’ fraud is successful because staff are less likely to question instructions purporting to come from their own management. You should put in place procedures to help identify and prevent this risk – a solicitor should be able to help with this. The first step is to always check any unexpected requests for payments or changes to financial arrangements, especially if there is anything urgent or unusual about them. Protective measures could be set up, such as dual authorisation or an automatic 48hour delay between transfer and payment. These options are not practical for all businesses, but can help reduce the risk. If the worst does happen, you should immediately contact your bank and the beneficiary bank, in an attempt to prevent the dispersal of funds. The police should also be contacted. For significant sums of money you should seek immediate legal advice about the possibility of a freezing injunction, preventing the funds being used or moved. Finally, find out how the problem has arisen and review your policies.
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The consultancy commissions artists on behalf of clients in the public realm for developments, regeneration schemes and public consultation. Clients range from developers, local authorities and architects who are supported and navigated through the commissioning process, from the earliest stages of master planning, design collaborations, detailed design to final installation. FrancisKnight offer expert project management to help you bring an artist on board to be part of your team. A consideration for public art at the early stages of a development means that an artist’s contribution can be meaningfully and sustainably integrated into way finding, landscaping and
standalone features. It also assists in connecting with communities that will be a part of a development’s future. FrancisKnight get involved as part of consortium bids or help with a planning requirement through a Supplementary Planning Document or as a Reserved Matter. Local authorities often set out clear objectives on public art, principally the commissioning of public art using the S106 agreements. Support for public art can also be identified in a Local Plan. Nationally, it is recognised that public art can contribute and help to achieve delivering sustainable development as set out in National Planning Policies: Statement 1 –stresses the importance of good design, improve
quality and character of an area and active community engagement. Statement 3 - Highlights the importance of good design to high quality housing.
Facing up to referendum challenges Facts International’s Heather Norrington delivered EU referendum polling insights in an event at the University of Kent. The event, hosted in conjunction with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, saw individuals and businesses come together to discuss the future potential and challenges facing the Kent economy, in light of the EU referendum on the 23rd June. Central to the event, which was held a week before the poll, were the results of the Kent-wide EU referendum poll,
conducted by Facts International in partnership with the Kent Messenger (KM) Group. Facts International’s insight specialist Heather Norrington teamed up with Paul Francis, the KM Group’s Political Editor, to discuss the key findings of the poll revealing both influencing factors and the voting intentions of a representative sample of 1001 Kent residents. The polling results went live via the Kent online article ‘Kent backs Brexit in EU referendum poll’ on the 16th June,
which featured exclusive commentary on the results from Facts International’s CEO, Crispin Beale. This meant that the event at the University of Kent was the perfect place to present the key findings of the poll, which took place between 25th May and 1st June. Heather said: “The University of Kent and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce hosted this great event and it was wonderful to be invited to share the results of this poll with those attending.”
The Roffen
- your local Health & Leisure Club The Roffen Club has been serving The Medway Towns since 1981. Situated on New Road in a lovely ivycovered and brick-built Victorian building set over six floors, the club is a family run business and a unique combination of a Health Club, Leisure Club and Function Rooms, all in one. Unlike most modern Health Clubs, The Roffen boasts a much calmer atmosphere and a slightly older membership (and is adults only, no children or teens). Everything they
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
offer is in its own room - C.V Gym, Resistance Gym, Weights Gym, 15m Indoor Swimming Pool, Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi, a Beauty Clinic, and much more. Their team of experienced staff create a club that is a world away from the normal idea of a Health Club. More luxurious, nice and calm, no queues for machines.
As well as the health the club also offers a complete Leisure Club with a top quality restaurant, bistro and three bars. This gives the club a really buzzing social side. The Roffen also offers ‘The Roffen Suite’ and ‘The Venue Bar’, two lovely function rooms perfect for weddings, parties, dinners and events of all kinds for between 20 and 200.
GETTINGSTARTED
Getting Started All CSCS and CPCS and all with their own PPE and tools as and when required. Customers include Major UK construction companies, housing developers as well as independent builders and groundwork contractors.
Name:
Lee Parsons
Company:
Site Labour Supplies
Start up date: 1st July 2013 www.sitelaboursupplies.com Q1: Tell us a bit about your business? Site Labour Supplies is an independently-owned recruitment business specialising in the supply of temporary labour to the Construction and Trades industry throughout the UK. Labour supplied includes bricklayers, groundworkers, electricians, carpenters, painters and general labourers.
Q2: What gives your business ‘the x-factor’? Our staff, they work as a team and are amazing. We have created a positive and fun atmosphere with a work hard play hard ethos. Our focus is on service, reliable and transparency. To back up our credentials we ensure that all staff hold the Certificate in Recruitment Practice or are studying towards it currently. Q3: What motivated you to set up the business? My business partner Wayne Hodgson and myself had been discussing the idea for some time. We saw the housing market and the construction industry as a whole was making positive movements in mid2013 and decided it was the right time to launch Site Labour Supplies.
Q4: What do you like most about working for a start-up? Every day brings a new challenge. For me personally I love developing the individuals within the team. It is extremely rewarding coaching and mentoring individuals and seeing them develop in to skilled recruiters. Q5: What has been your greatest business success to date? One of our memorable successes was to be named as a Finalist in the Kent Chamber of Commerce Awards in the Most Promising New Business Category. However, our greatest success has been to successfully start the business and see the business grow to a turnover now in excess of £5m per annum. Q6: What has been your lowest moment? It is always disappointing when a customer you have worked with for some time has financial difficulties and goes in to administration leaving behind debt, these are our lowest moments.
Q7: In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next 5 years? Our five year business plan includes a number of positive developments including, increased internal recruitment, potential larger office space, opening an office in London and formalising our internal training process to ensure we can replicate the success we have seen with the existing staff. Q8: What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business? Know your industry, partner with an expert, outsource areas of the business that you are not proficient in. Most of all, be prepared to work long hours, don’t give up if it doesn’t ‘click’ straight away, stay positive and focus on your goal!
Ad Kent Chamber
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CHAMBEREVENTS
Chamber Events, Seminars & Workshops Muesli Mafia Breakfast
Business Breakfast Details (unless otherwise stated): Time: 8:00am - 9:30am Non-Members: £20.00 + VAT Members: £15.00 + VAT Join us for a delicious full English breakfast and lots of networking. 2 August 2016 Côte Brasserie – Bluewater Bluewater Shopping Centre, The Village, Dartford, DA9 9SE 26 August 2016 Guest speaker: Andrew Priestly Your Marketing Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford, TN24 0LH 1 September 2016 The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, Old Dover Rd, Canterbury CT1 3NZ 8 September 2016 Burlington Hotel, 3-5 Earls Avenue, Folkestone, CT20 2HR 15 September 2016 Guest speaker: Bibby Financial Services Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford, TN24 0LH 23 September 2016 Guest speaker: Damian Green MP Eastwell Manor Hotel, Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, TN25 4HR 30 September 2016 Guest speaker: Andrew Priestley Your Sales Process Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford, TN24
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Time: 07:30am - 09:30am Non Members: £20.00 + VAT £20.00 + VAT Members:
18 August 2016 The Royal Wells Hotel 59 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BE
Museli Mafia breakfasts enable you to do business in a less structured manner. You can share your views, share your latest news and discuss topics of interest.
14 September 2016 The Warren Metropolitan Police Club Hayes Ltd Croydon Road, Bromley, BR2 7AL
“The Meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances. If there is any reaction, both are transformed.” Carl Gustav Jung
Business Coffee Break 24 August 2016 29 September 2016 Holiday Inn Holiday Inn Rochester-Chatham Rochester-Chatham Maidstone Road, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9SF Chatham, ME5 9SF Business Coffee Break is the latest, and proving to be the most popular, addition to our Chamber events. You will have the opportunity of sharing your business ideas and growing your business network in a relaxed atmosphere over a cup of tea or coffee and Pastries. Time: Non Members: Members:
10:30am - 12:00pm £8.50 + VAT £7.00 + VAT
Business Afternoon Tea 27 September 2016 Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa Wilmington, Dartford, DA2 7QH Grow your profile and create new contacts over a selection of sandwiches, scones and tea or coffee. Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm Non Members: £20.00 + VAT Members: £15.00 + VAT
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
29 September 2016 The Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE
Networking Business Lunch 17 August 2016
Networking with Archery Kent Scouts Activity Centre Lower Grange Farm, Grange Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3DA Lunch Networking events are a great opportunity to network with new people still within working hours. Come along and participate in a free, fun session of archery. Time: Non Members: Members:
12:00pm - 2:00pm £25.00 + VAT £20.00 + VAT
CHAMBEREVENTS
After Hours Time: 6.00pm - 7.30pm
International Trade Taster Session
The After Hours Club is a popular and highly successful 'casual' networking event.
7 September 2016
The informal atmosphere and relaxed environment is the ideal place to relax and chat to fellow business people. This event is open to members and non-members. Come and join us for an evening of networking.
Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford, TN24 0LH Time: 8.30am - 11.00am Registration starts at 8:30am with tea, coffee and bacon rolls, for the event to start at 9:00am.
Complimentary Tea and Coffee will be served. 2 August 2016 Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre Brunel Way, Dartford, DA1 5GA
6 September 2016 Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre Brunel Way, Dartford, DA1 5GA
6 September 2016 The Conningbrook Hotel 2 August 2016 Canterbury Road, Ashford, The Conningbrook Hotel TN24 9QR Canterbury Road, Ashford, 13 September 2016 TN24 9QR Hythe Imperial Hotel Princes Parade, Hythe, 9 August 2016 CT21 6AE The Farm House 14 September 2016 97-99 High Street, West Royal Wells Hotel Malling, ME19 6NA 59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BE 9 August 2016 21 September 2016 Hythe Imperial Hotel Canterbury College Princes Parade, Hythe, New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3AJ CT21 6AE 10 August 2016 Royal Wells Hotel 59 Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8BE 11 August 2016 Holiday Inn Coniston Hotel & Restaurant 70 London Road, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME10 1NT 23 August 2016 Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE
21 September 2016 Bridgewood Manor Hotel Walderslade Woods, Chatham, ME5 9AX 27 September 2016 Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE 4 October 2016 Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre Brunel Way, Dartford, DA1 5GA 4 October 2016 The Conningbrook Hotel Canterbury Road, Ashford, TN24 9QR
FREE to members and non-members
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
Non Members: Members:
£25.00 + VAT £20.00 + VAT
Incoterms Rules 27 September 2016
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford, TN24 0LH Time: 8.30am - 12.45pm Registration starts at 8:30am with tea, coffee and bacon rolls, for the event to start at 8.45am. Non Members: Members:
£90.00 + VAT £75.00 + VAT
This course serves well as a complete guide to all eleven recognised INCOTERMS as designed in 2010 and introduced in January 2011.
If you are new to importing or exporting, or perhaps only just dealing with your first few orders or enquiries you may well be interested to come along to our taster session.
The course gives a complete description of the risks and responsibilities for buyer and seller, of each one of the terms and covers the practical and legal reasons for use.
The course will be presented by Graham Card MIEx (Grad) International Trade Adviser.
It provides a useful revision opportunity for experienced staff as well as those new to the shipping or export office.
Kent Manufacturing Focus Group KMFG is a business development and support group for Manufacturers across Kent and Medway. The group’s annual programme of meetings provides information sessions to keep the manufacturing sector updated on the latest legislation, funding opportunities and future developments. In addition to the information sessions, KMFG organise an annual programme of site visits to Kent’s key manufacturers.
14 September 2016
KMFG Information Meeting - R&D Tax Credits / Apprenticeship Levy Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Ashford Business Point, Waterbrook Avenue, Ashford, TN24 0LH Time: 8.00am - 10.00am KMFG is free to attend for all manufacturers 5 October 2016
MEP Site Visit MEP Ltd St Michaels Close, Aylesford, ME20 7BU Time: 1:30pm - 4:30pm
UK Export Finance with Phil Eckersley 29 September 2016
Medway Innovation Centre Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME5 9FD Time: 8.00am - 10.30am Registration starts at 8.00am with tea, coffee and pastries, for the event to start at 8.30am. Non Members: Members:
£90.00 + VAT £75.00 + VAT
The referendum has taken place and a major obstacle because of uncertainties about the outcome of the vote has been removed. Businesses now want to move forward and the purpose of the Event is to provide some detail about the UK economic landscape now and projections farther ahead. The Bank of England representative will be keen to hear from the audience and we anticipate an interesting Q & A session. UK Export Finance “UKEF” and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce are also keen to assist businesses which are both new or experienced in exporting.
To book either visit www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events or email events@kentinvictachamber.co.uk or call 01233 503838
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BUSINESSNEWS
Cinema expansion plans include Imax screen Plans have been submitted for an extension to the Cineworld cinema complex at the Eureka Leisure Park near J9 of the M20 in Ashford. The application, by Land Securities, is for a further three screens at the Cineworld site, to include an IMAX screen which, if approved, would be only the second in Kent. The expansion at Eureka will complement the proposed six-screen town centre cinema at Elwick Place. Developer Stanhope PLC was granted planning consent for the £75m scheme in December 2015. In a separate development, Ashford Borough Council has announced that the town centre cinema will be operated by Picturehouse, Cineworld’s boutique cinema brand. Kevin Frost, Property Director at Cineworld, said: “We’re committed to bringing the best cinema choice to our Ashford customers and that means providing both an out-of-town multiplex experience at Eureka, which will include new IMAX and 4DX
theatres, and an in-town boutique cinema offer with a best-in-class tailor-made food and beverage service at Elwick Place.” Commenting on the formal announcement regarding Picturehouse at Elwick Place, Gary Bourne, Director at Stanhope PLC, said: “Cineworld’s commitment to bring the boutique Picturehouse brand to Ashford town centre will make a real difference to the local economy, including in the evening. Alongside the new restaurants it will strengthen the existing leisure offer, drive growth and benefit the town as a whole.” In April, Ashford Borough Council announced it was to buy the Elwick Place cinema, hotel and restaurants complex, providing short-term funding to assist with their delivery.
The scheme will transform a brownfield site in the heart of Ashford town centre into a boutique cinema, family hotel and restaurants and cafes. The 6.42-acre site was originally part of the location of the town’s cattle market and will deliver new leisure facilities to transform the night-time economy.
Phase one of Elwick Place is likely to generate around 250 jobs and includes a six screen, 897-seat cinema, a 58bedroom family hotel, eight restaurant and bar spaces, 282 car parking spaces and attractive public space and landscaping. A second phase of up to 200 apartments is expected to come forward later in 2016.
South East LEP looks to secure further local funding through its Growth Deal Round 3 with Government Business groups and local authorities have undertaken significant work in recent weeks to develop a compelling case for investment in local projects that will accelerate economic growth across our area. A ‘snapshot’ of this case for investment was considered by the SE LEP Board at their meeting on 24th June 2016, and subsequently shared with Government Ministers. The projects supporting this case for investment focus on: • Development in the Thames Estuary; • Employability and Skills • Job Creation and Enterprise Zones • Homes, Communities and Culture; and • Strategic connectivity
Schemes must demonstrate private sector support and be able to deliver a good return on investment, create jobs and homes, and accelerate growth. SELEP officers, and officers from across Local Authorities, have been working together to ensure that the overall SELEP submission both reflects the requirements of local economies and meets Government objectives. Significant work has been undertaken in SELEP’s federal areas to develop project business cases. In Kent, the federated Board of the LEP is the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership Board.
This ‘snapshot’ formed the basis of discussions for a Challenge Session with Ministers on Thursday 30th June. This was a very positive session indeed – which indicated that the SELEP investment programme is in line with Government expectations. South East LEP was the first of all LEPs nationally to go through a Challenge Session – a further sign that the South East LEP has established for itself and developed effective networks across Government. Further details of the snapshot can be found in the papers discussed by the SELEP Board on 24th June 2016 on the SELEP website. Anyone looking to comment on this or suggest
developments should liaise with the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership Board; Geoff Miles, the SELEP Vice Chairman for Kent & Medway, or Kent County Council (sarah.nurden@kent.gov.uk). To keep up to date with the work of the SELEP you can sign up to our biweekly newsletters or visit our website www.southeastlep.com. If you have any queries about the work of the LEP or would like the LEP to be involved in a project or area of work relevant to your business, please do not hesitate to contact Zoe Gordon, Business Engagement and Communications Manager, zoe.gordon@essex.gov.uk
August - September 2016 ThinkingBUSINESS
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NEWMEMBERS
Welcome to new members ARC-UK Technologies Ltd London 020 7582 9000 www.e-arc.co.uk Cloud Based Software Solutions, Printing Hardware Sales & Printing Services Beaming Ltd St Leonards-on-sea 0800 082 2868 www.beaming.biz Internet Service Provider Butterfly Funeral Service Rochester 01634 927216 www.butterflyfunerals.co.uk Funeral Service Coniston Hotel Sittingbourne 01795 410560 www.conistonhotelkent.com Hotel, Restaurant, and Event Venue Create a Cabin Canterbury 01227 389 895 www.createacabin.co.uk DIY Modular Buildings Cyclopark Trust Gravesend 01474 831400 www.cyclopark.com Cycle Park Durty Media Ltd Maidstone 01622 535345 www.durty.co.uk Website Production and Video EC Safety Solutions Ltd Chatham 01634 790207 www.ecsafetysolutions.com Safety Solutions Eonic Associates LLP Pembury 01892 534044 www.eonic.co.uk Websites European School of Osteopathy Maidstone 01622 671558 www.eso.ac.uk Osteopathic Educational Institution and Training Provider Flutterbee Me Rainham 07850 421223 www.flutterbeeme.co.uk Confectionery Gallagher Group Ltd Aylesford 01622 716543 www.gallagher-group.co.uk Construction, Quarrying, Property Development 48
Graham Construction Sandwich 02892 689500 www.graham.co.uk Civil Engineering, Construction Hadlow Manor Hotel Hadlow 01732 851442 www.hadlowmanor.co.uk Hotel Heart Radio Whitstable 01227 774425 www.thisisglobal.com Media & Entertainment Company Holiday Inn - Maidstone Sevenoaks Wrotham Heath 01732 781500 www.himaidstonehotel.co.uk Accomodation, Conference, Events, Restaurant & Leisure Club Horizonscan Ltd Sandwich 01304 806873 www.horizonscanbcp.com Risk Management Innergy Limited Ashford 0844 272 8990 www.innergy.co.uk Consultancy Services it'seeze Bexley Heath Chislehurst 020 8004 7576 www.itseeze-bexleyheath.co.uk Website Design Kent Pension Services Ltd Edenbridge 01892 871242 www.kentpensionservices.co.uk Workplace Pensions Consultant LR Legal Recruitment Beckenham 020 3771 9649 www.lrlegalrecruitment.co.uk Legal Recruitment Maidstone YMCA Ltd Loose 01622 749404 www.maidstoneymca.org.uk Venue Hire, Sports Centre, Cafe Meeting Place Mainstream Group Ltd Sittingbourne 01795 418100 www.mainstreamgroup.co.uk/ Training and Recruitment Services Mappin & Webb Greenhithe 01322 624104 www.mappinandwebb.com Jewellers
ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
MENA - Sales & Marketing Creators Ltd West Malling 01732 424515 www.mena-smc.co.uk Marketing & Sales Michael James Insurance & Property Service Maidstone 01622 691692 www.michaeljames.co.uk Insurance & Property Services MyLife Living Assitance Canterbury 01227 200391 www.mylifelivingassistance.co.uk MyLife Living Assistance is an exclusive and bespoke home assistance and companionship service NVC Awareness Ltd Maidstone 08450 564343 www.nvcawareness.co.uk Rick Managment Consultancy, Confilict Managment & Health & Safety Training Our General Counsel Ashford 07429 096415 www.ourgeneralcounsel.co.uk Legal Petits CanapĂŠs Rochester 01634 788857 www.petitscanapes.com Canapes Pharmadynamics UK Ltd Canterbury 01227 719 983 www.pharmadynamics.co.uk Pharmaceutical & Healthcare- Import & Export Supplier & Distributer Practical Car & Van Hire Dartford 01322 294800 www.practical.co.uk Car & Van Rental Hire Professional Legal Collections Ltd Gillingham 03333 327007 www.plcdebt.com Legal Services Progress- Pebble Shores Folkestone 01303 245673 www.progress.agency Creative Agency- Branding, Design & Marketing
S. E. Medical Ltd Dartford 0203 286 9993 www.semedical.co.uk Health & Safety Training, Event Medical Cover Shedpegs Rochester 01474 247842 www.shedpegs.co.uk Garden Products Smart Pension London 07963 26141 www.autoenrolment.co.uk Auto Enrolment Pension Provider Sprint Social Maidstone 07852 123026 www.sprintsocial.co.uk Social Media Marketing Tara Martins Community Project Gillingham 01634 566260 www.taramartinscommunityproject.com Social Housing Provider & Community Interest Company The Alternative Board (North Kent) Chatham 07896 080010 www.northkent.thealternativeboard.co.uk Business Coach The Best Connection Maidstone 01622 664999 www.thebestconnection.co.uk Recruitment- Industrial & Driving The Hideout Maidstone 01622 238535 www.thehideout.co.uk Creative Design & Digital Agency Versapak International Ltd Erith 020 8333 5300 www.versapak.co.uk Tamper Evident Reuseable Security Bags Viridor Waste Management Ltd Rochester 01732 229285 www.viridor.co.uk Waste Transformation, Recycling Your Move Ltd Sittingbourne 01795 429771 Estate Agency, Lettings, Mortgages
MOVERS&SHAKERS
Facts International’s support Paul likes to of apprenticeships recognised move it - move it!
Facts International received the Employer of the Year Award at Canterbury College’s annual Celebration of Achievement ceremony, held at the Canterbury campus. The accolade, which was received by Facts
International’s Human Resource Manager Janine Blower, was awarded to Facts International in recognition of their work over the past 12 months, acting as ambassadors of apprenticeships both in education and the local community. Across 2015 and 2016, representatives from Facts International have participated in a wide variety of apprenticeship based events including; business breakfast briefings, career days, exhibitions and an apprenticeship open day.
In July 2015, three of Facts International’s own apprentices took centre stage during a Royal Visit by HRH The Countess of Wessex. Janine said: “Having started my career as an apprentice, I am naturally a huge advocate of these schemes and what they can do, both for businesses and for young people beginning their own career journeys. “I speak for the rest of the team in saying that it continues to be a privilege to play a role in helping young talented individuals, take the first steps on their career paths.”
Globe-trotting chef takes up top post at Tudor Park Meet Tudor Park’s new executive head chef, Alfonso Salvaggio. He has recently swapped sand and the stifling heat of Dubai, for the lush green surroundings of the fourstar Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Bearsted. The experienced head chef has worked in fine dining restaurants and luxury hotels in Belgium, Brussels, China, Romania and recently Dubai. He now oversees a 13-strong team who create dishes for Tudor Park’s Conical Grill
restaurant, Mezzanine and Zest Bar, as well as catering for up to 250 people at business banquets, golf events, private functions and around 50 weddings a year. His travels, combined with Italian family connections, have a strong influence on Alfonso’s cooking which he hopes to bring to his new role. “I think guests at Tudor Park will see Asian, Balkan and Italian flavours coming through some of my dishes which I hope they will enjoy,” he adds.
Paul Gower has been involved in Freight Forwarding for almost 45 years. His career started with HM Customs & Excise as it was known then, working in the import entry processing section in central London. During the mid 70s Paul secured an Institute of Freight Forwarder’s diploma in import procedures while working at Davies Turner. Since that period Paul has embraced various roles within the Freight Forwarding sector including sales and marketing before settling in his current position with UK Freight Masters. Paul has now been with the company since it was
Raymond James Investment Services, Weald of Kent Branch appoints investment consultant
Tudor Park welcomes new golf director Albert Sinfield first held a golf club when he was aged five – now he holds the position of Director of Golf at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Bearsted, Kent. At the age of 25, he is the youngest person within the Marriot UK group to take up a post of this level, but has already made his mark, recently as Golf Operations Manager at Tudor Park’s sister hotel, the 5-star
Hanbury Manor. “This is a very exciting time to be joining Tudor Park and I feel privileged to be here and be able to have a career in the sport I love,” says Albert. “I am addicted to golf. It can be whatever you want it to be - peaceful, social or competitive - and I hope that I will be able to pass on my passion for the game to current members and new ones.”
founded 25 years ago, where he has been involved with both deep sea imports and exports. UK Freight Masters Limited is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Palletforce, the awardwinning pallet distribution network, in Dartford, Kent, and surrounding areas. Voted depot of the year 2014 and 2015.
Raymond James Investment Services, Weald of Kent Branch has appointed Robert Merrifield as investment consultant. He will focus exclusively on investment management and research. Robert has more than 30 years’ investment management and research experience gained at GAM,
Legal & General and Hansard Global. As investment manager of Majedie Investment Trust he developed a strong track record in global equity, bond and private equity investment. He subsequently joined Morgan Stanley Quilter where he spent 13 years, initially managing top quartile performing global and UK equity funds and later as head of research and deputy Chief Investment Officer. He joins Mark Beaney, Alison Jessop, Alan Ramsay and Nick Gray who provide investment management and financial advice to a wide range of clients, companies and new business introducers.
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LASTWORD
INBRIEF
The Last Word
Name: Paul Mannering Company: Gullands Job title: Practice Manager I am the Practice Manager of Gullands solicitors in Maidstone. I am a family man with 4 children and live in Medway. I have been with Gullands now for approximately 18 years and have been responsible for many changes within the firm itself in terms of changes in infrastructure and working practices. Q What was your first job and what was the pay packet? A In 1985 I embarked on a YTS at Lloyds bank earning the princely sum of £27.30 per week. Q What do you always carry with you to work? A My iPhone. It contains my entire life. And now with Apple pay I don’t even need my wallet! Q What is the biggest challenge facing your business? A Outcome focused regulation has rather thrown away the old rule book for the legal profession so good old fashioned business management has become a new challenge to a very old profession. Q If you were Prime Minister, what one thing would you change to help business? A Following Brexit we need to see some stability to the economy to give confidence back to the business markets, so negotiation for trade deals is probably top of the list. Q What can you see from your office window? A At the moment it’s a building site but beyond that the Maidstone County Court, the River Medway. Q If you could do another job what would it be? A Perhaps an Hotelier or restaurateur. I like entertaining. Q As a business person, what are your three main qualities? A Knowledge of the firm and its structure, Commitment to it and Creative thinking. Q What was your biggest mistake in business? A Fortunately, I haven’t really made any howlers, but I have “backed the wrong horse” occasionally. The trick is knowing when it’s wrong and stopping. Q What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs? A Listen to others. That’s why we have 2 ears and one mouth, so we can listen twice as much as we talk. That’s how you learn. Q Who do you most admire in business? A Sir Alex Ferguson for his leading style and Steve Jobs for his single mindedness and vision.
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ThinkingBUSINESS August - September 2016
Integrated Marketing Agency scoops Gold for Ashford website at Digital Awards Maidstone integrated marketing agency Pillory Barn was proud to scoop a Gold award for its AshfordFor website in the flagship “Website” category at the Kent Digital Awards. The second Kent Digital Awards is the only scheme in the county to celebrate the online achievements of our busineses, charities and schools and recognises Kent’s talent, entrepreneurial spirit and digital innovation. The AshfordFor website showcases the best of business and inward investment for the fast-growing Ashford region for location, innovation and success. Managing Director, Miranda Chapman said, ‘It is great to receive some recognition for our
hard-working digital team. We have a holistic approach for our clients at Pillory Barn, where websites reach beyond just web development. We ensure that they work on every level with user engagement which is constantly reviewed and revised and we are proud that the AshfordFor website is testament to this.’ Pillory Barn also received a Bronze in the B2B website category for the AshfordFor website. Accolades across 16 categories including “Website”, “Mobile App” and
“Use of Social Media for Business” were presented to deserving organisations at the Motorsport Vision Centre, Brands Hatch, on June 23. Compering the event was former BBC broadcaster Robin Bailey who presented Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes to a host of worthy winners. KDA16 was headline sponsored by IT firm Nero Blanco and backed by the Courier, Kent County Council, West Kent Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Sleeping Giant Media and Sevenoaks District Council.
Bringing talent together
What do a manufacturer, accountant and software company owner all have in common? The insight, experience and wisdom to help each other achieve their personal and company vision. The Alternative Board (TAB) celebrated its 25th anniversary last year in the USA, and has been established in the UK for the past seven years with subsequent expansion to countries all around the world. As an organisation it recognises that almost all business owners face the same challenges, regardless of size or industry and that fellow business owners rank as the single-most trusted advisor above and beyond business
coaches and consultants. Entrepreneurs are seeking advice from someone who is current, inthe-field, and whose motivation for giving advice isn’t personal or professional gain. TAB provides an approach that is unique bringing together owners, managing directors and business leaders of non-competing companies to meet in facilitated small groups. They meet once a month in a relaxed, confidential setting to discuss the challenges and opportunities they all face in their businesses; thereby leveraging up to 250 years of
collective business experience between them. Typical issues brought to TAB meetings include, but are not limited to: marketing and sales challenges, family business / partner issues, succession and retirement planning, and balancing personal and business life. The monthly meetings are complimented with a private 1on1 mentoring session where time is given to reflect on the advice received at the TAB meeting and to review other areas of the business that may need addressing.
TPA to present a course on Transport Assessments Planning applications worth billions of pounds are submitted every year in the UK by both private business and the public sector. Each application when considered by planning officers and committees needs to take into account the potential implications on Transport. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was introduced in 2012, in an attempt to simplify the planning system and to bring the power as well as decision making back down to a local level. As a result of this the previous guidance on best practice with regard to
undertaking Transport Assessments has been revoked with very little if anything replacing it. Guidance on the preparation of supporting documentation in highway assessment terms can be found in the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) suite of documents. The PPG guidance is general and does not provide much guidance. As a result ISelect Consultancy has provided the concept of a one-day course
to help organisations develop a better understanding of the process and details required for a successful Transport Assessment. The course has been prepared by Daniel Ekstrand, Associate Director at Transport Planning Associates (TPA) and will be presented in four sessions The course called “Rules for Undertaking Successful Transport Assessments for Developments” will take place on Wednesday 7th September in London.
Hauling Construction
Forward
Kent's leading independent provider of construction logistics Our 50 strong fleet hauls a wide range of building materials from Bags to Blocks, Shoring Equipment to Sand, and all types of construction and demolition waste.
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