The Somerset Business Magazine

Chamber
SOMERSET
20th
May 2015
Of Commerce & Industry Ltd
REPRESENTING AND WORKING FOR SOMERSET BUSINESSES
www.somerset-chamber.co.uk
BCC QES
The Somerset Business
Magazine
Q1 2015 Findings
See page 4
International Trade
“It is encouraging that the South
West continues to perform ahead
of the national average in terms of
manufacturing sales, both
domestically and in export terms”
Overseas Network
See page 13
Hustings
– Neil Murphy
Full story page 5
Pre-Election Hustings
Summary
See pages 14 & 15
Skills Agenda
Bridging the Gap
See pages 16 & 17
Events
Scan this code with
your smartphone to
visit the Chamber
website.
Upcoming Events
See pages 18 - 20
Follow us @chambersomerset
Find us on LinkedIn
About Us...
Contents
3 A Note from Neil
4 BCC QES Findings and What this means for Somerset
6 Business News
7 Town Chamber News
8 New Members
10 Members’ News
13 International Trade and Export Support
14 Pre-Election Hustings Summary
16 Skills—Bridging the Gap
18 Somerset in Business Conference ‘Made in Somerset’
19 Upcoming Events
20 Events Calendar
Magazine Editor
Jenn Chidley-Sanders
Address:
Somerset Chamber of Commerce
& Industry Ltd
Equity House
Blackbrook Park Avenue
Blackbrook Business Park
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 2PX
T: 01823 444924
E: [email protected]
W: www.somerset-chamber.co.uk
Working in conjunction with the
following Somerset Chamber Members
to produce and distribute this edition:



Character Graphics
Dome Marketing Ltd
Mailadoc Ltd
With Thanks to our Patrons
AgustaWestland
EDF Energy
Somerset County Council
A-Plant
Bradfords Group
Laing O’Rourke
Somerset County
Cricket Club
Bridgwater College
Peninsula Enterprise
Thales
Front Cover Image: ©Images courtesy of the SSP and the Corbin O’Grady Studio
Wates
BT
Somerset College
Yeovil College
A Note from Neil
My role at the
Chamber
involves a great
deal of travel,
and most of it by
car. While no one
has a greater
appreciation of
the beautiful
Somerset
countryside than
I have, I must confess that recently I have
spent longer than I would like stationary on
the A303 – enjoying the views, of course,
but also ending up late for a meeting or
two.
The road links in and around Somerset are frustrating
at times, and this is something that is likely to get
worse as Somerset and the South West become an
increasingly popular destination for business and
tourism alike.
So I’m sure you will understand my unbridled delight to
read the A303 feasibility study that was recently
published by the Department of Transport. The report
outlines constructive solutions to the challenges that
certain sections present, and it is the clearest signal
yet that the essential dualling of the A303 and A358
will get the funding to make it happen in the near
future. It looks likely that the years of lobbying,
following collaboration with the Somerset County
Council and local businesses, will finally give us the
connectivity with the South East we so clearly need.
With electioneering in full flow, barely an hour goes by
without claim and counter claim from the various
parties. Our own part in trying to balance the debate is
also in full flight and we have already hosted a number
of ‘Political Hustings’ across the county that have
received very favourable feedback from attendees.
With election opinion polls so close, it is looking
increasingly likely that another coalition style
government will be formed, which could lead to a delay
that sees us without leadership for several days, if not
weeks, after the results are received.
That said, Somerset is a robust county and businesses
can continue to rely on the Somerset Chamber of
Commerce’s full support throughout these slightly
frustrating times.
Whatever the result of the upcoming Election, we will
continue to work closely with the British Chambers of
Commerce and Somerset County Council to put
pressure on the next government to start work on the
dualling of the A303 and A358 as soon as possible.
Neil Murphy
CEO of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce
For the cynics out there that may be guilty of thinking
the timing of the announcement and the General
Election are linked, well, I’ll leave you to your own
conclusions.
3
BCC QES Findings and What This Means for Somerset
Each quarter we ask our members to
complete the online British Chambers of
Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic
Survey. The BCC’s Quarterly Economic
Survey is the first major economic indicator
of the year, and is closely watched by the
Bank of England and the Treasury.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly
Economic Survey (QES) – one of Britain's largest and
most authoritative private business surveys based on
more than 7,500 responses from firms, employing
around 850,000 people – shows that manufacturing
and services firms reported slightly weaker growth for
the start of 2015 (including exports, domestic markets
and investment), but this follows very strong findings in
Q4 2014.
John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, says that
“while it is a fact that growth in the economy continues,
these figures are a reminder that the path to great,
sustainable, long-term growth is bumpy and
challenging. As the general election approaches
support for growth must be at the heart of the debate,
with a much needed focus on boosting exports and
business investment.”
While the Q1 2015 results show weaker balances in
most areas compared with Q4 2014,
quarter-on-quarter trends support the BCC’s view that
the economy is growing at a steady rate. However,
balances are lower in the key areas of export sales and
investment, which are crucial to the rebalancing of our
economy.
Key findings in the Q1 2015 Quarterly Economic
Survey:


4
After very strong increases recorded in Q4 2014,
almost all the national balances for
both manufacturing and services weakened in Q1.
In both sectors, a number of key Q1 balances are
now lower than their pre-recession levels in 2007.

In manufacturing, domestic balances were
down; domestic sales (+30%, down from +36% in
Q4 2014,) and domestic orders (+27%, down from
+38% in Q4 2014).

In services, the domestic balances were
down; domestic sales (+34%, down from +38% in
Q4 2014) and domestic orders (+28%, down from
+33%).

Most export balances weakened in Q1
2015; manufacturing export sales fell by 7 points to
+19%, while service export sales fell only slightly by
1 point to +21%.
Employment Levels
Labour force
growth slowed
somewhat in Q1
2015 for both the
manufacturing
and service
sectors but
continues a
positive upwards
trend.
Both manufacturing and services firms have lowered
their investment intentions for training, as well as plant
and machinery.
The only exceptions to the general pattern of quarterly
falls in the Q1 balances are a small rise in
the manufacturing balance for profitability
confidence (+47%, up from +45% in Q4 2014) and an
unchanged balance for manufacturing export
orders (remaining at +23%).
unchanged position, in Q1
2015.
John Longworth, (BCC), said, “It is not a huge surprise
to see slightly weaker numbers at the start of the year,
after a very strong fourth quarter for many firms.
Crucially, our survey demonstrates that businesses
remain optimistic, though they expect to grow at a
slightly slower rate over the coming months.
“But the UK recovery remains
unbalanced - growth is still too
reliant on consumer spending
and the current account
deficit remains unsustainable.
While a healthy consumer
"Our conclusions are by no means a cause for alarm,
sector is vital for the
but they are a salutary reminder that the UK still faces economy’s well being, much
obstacles on the path to sustainable, long-term growth. greater efforts are needed to
John Longworth,
BCC
Unless support for exports and business investment is increase the contributions of
placed at the heart of any future government,
exports and capital
consumption and government spending will continue to investment to Britain’s growth. The Q1 2015 results
drive an economic recovery that is unbalanced and
show falling inflationary pressures, particularly in
unsustainable.
manufacturing, and easing pressures on capacity; this
reinforces our view that the MPC must maintain interest
“With these results in hand, our message to the
rates at their current low level at least until early in
politicians is simple: the national interest must come
2016.”
before short-term political point scoring. Given that all
parties ag-ree that the UK needs to strengthen its trade Neil Murphy from the Somerset Chamber of Commerce
comments, “While overall the Quarterly Economic
performance, and that we need to encourage our
businesses to invest more, these should be issues that Survey is still showing positive trends, the fact that
these trends are below those reported in Q4 2014 is a
unite - rather than divide - the parties over the weeks
warning to the future government that the economic
ahead."
recovery cannot be taken for granted.
David Kern, Chief Economist of the BCC said, “After
unusually strong results in Q4 2014, almost all the
national balances weakened in Q1 2015, for both
manufacturing and
services. But taking
the QES results for
the last two Quarters
together probably
gives a more
representative
picture of the
David Kern, BCC
business outlook.
“It is disappointing that most Q1 balances recorded
quarterly falls, and some are lower than the 2007
pre-recession levels, however the balances still point to
solid economic growth continuing in 2015. While the
national balances of our survey reflect accurately the
overall momentum in economic activity, they do not
necessarily replicate quarterly GDP movements as
published by the ONS. It would not be surprising if the
ONS reports an upturn in GDP growth, or at least an
“It is encouraging that the South West continues to
perform ahead of the national average in terms of
manufacturing sales, both domestically and in export
terms.
“Somerset businesses are still reporting strong demand
for products and services, but while confidence is on
the rise it is still very much a case of ‘steady as she
goes’. The recovery is still fragile, and margins are tight.
Inflation is virtually zero, and wage inflation this year
will place a further squeeze on profits.
“Q1 results are traditionally less optimistic than later in
the year, and this year is likely to be no exception. The
Somerset Chamber remains confident that Somerset
businesses have a strong future and with interest rates
likely to remain low, it could be a good time to invest.”
For further information on the BCC’s QES results
visit: www.economicsurvey.org.uk
5
Business News
Currently the law is unclear and has failed to keep
up with the huge demand for digital products
Shared Parental Leave comes into force
Parents in work can now share responsibility for
looking after their newborn or newly adopted child
following the Shared Parental Leave law which came
into force at the start of April 2015.

Consumers having a clear right to demand that
substandard services are redone or failing that
receive a price reduction

A 30-day time period to return faulty goods and get a
full refund. The law is currently unclear on how long
this period should last

Consumers being entitled to some money back after
one failed repair of faulty goods (or one faulty
replacement) even if more than 30 days have
passed, rather than having to put up with repeated
attempts to get a repair done
An estimated 285,000 couples a year will be able to
take advantage of this change in the law.

Consumers being able to challenge terms and
conditions which are not fair or are hidden in the
small print
Biggest overhaul of consumer rights in a
generation
National Minimum Wage regulations
amended as part of Government's Red
Tape Challenge
Eligible couples whose child is due on or after 5th April
2015 can now share up to 50 weeks of leave and 37
weeks of pay in the first year of their child’s life.
Couples who adopt a child can share the same benefits
as parents to the first year of the child’s adoption.
Parents can take the time off at the same time as each
other or separately.
Consumers will have enhanced, easy to understand
rights following Royal Assent for the Consumer Rights
Act being granted at the end of March.
The Act is a major part of the government’s reform of
UK consumer law and is predicted to boost the
economy by £4billion over the next decade by
streamlining complicated law from eight pieces of
legislation into one place.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) offers protection
to workers while incentivising work. To increase the
clarity of NMW rules, new regulations, the National
Minimum Wage Regulations 2015, came into force in
early April 2015. These regulations will merge a
number of amendments into one single set of
regulations as part of the Red Tape Challenge, to make
it simpler for businesses to understand their
obligations.
It will also introduce a range of new rights for
consumers when it comes into force on 1st October
Since they were first introduced, the National Minimum
2015 including a 30-day time period to return faulty
Wage Regulations 1999 have been amended over 20
goods and replacement rights for faulty digital content. times. As well as the annual changes to the minimum
wage rates, there have been a number of substantial
Business Secretary Vince Cable said, “This is the
changes to the rules. For example, changes have been
biggest shake up of consumer law for a generation,
made in relation to exemptions to the NMW and also to
bringing legislation in line with the fact many people
what counts as hours worked. It is important that
now buy online.
employers understand their obligations and workers
understand their rights.
“Consumers will now be much better informed and
protected when buying goods or services on the
internet. They will now be entitled to get for the first
time a free repair or replacement for any faulty digital
content.”
Under the Act, consumers and businesses will have
clearer rights and responsibilities. These include:

6
New rights for consumers to get a repair or a
replacement of faulty digital content such as online
film, games, music downloads and e-books.
The regulations contain detailed rules which underpin
the minimum wage regime. The regulations now group
topics together so that, for example, all exclusions to
the NMW sit together – whereas previously rules were
scattered across a number of disparate regulations.
This consolidation has not made policy changes to the
NMW regime.
Source: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-forbusiness-innovation-skills
Town Chamber News
The Somerset Chamber of Commerce welcomes Cheddar Chamber of Trade & Industry
as its latest Affiliated Town Chamber.
Cheddar’s Traders Association has a new name – Cheddar Chamber of
Trade & Industry – to mark its recent affiliation to the Somerset
Chamber of Commerce.
Its aim is to increase membership by appealing to businesses on the
trading park and in the non-retail sector. Cheddar’s commercial sector has grown significantly over recent years
and the Cheddar Chamber wants to be at the forefront in supporting
all the business within the village.
The Somerset Chamber promotes and lobbies for businesses and
business development specific to Somerset and, by combining with
town chambers, represents over 2,000 businesses across the
diverse economy of Somerset.
Cheddar Chamber, in collaboration with the Somerset Chamber, is
committed to promoting economic growth, opening pathways to
businesses which would or could not access them, and working with
other local organisations that are looking to create opportunities for Somerset and specifically Cheddar.
Come along and meet Cheddar Chamber on Tuesday 26th May at The White Hart Inn, Cheddar. Time: 18.30.
Membership enquiries can be made through the Chairman Mike Latham: [email protected] or
Secretary Huw Davies: [email protected]
Affiliate Town Chambers
Axbridge Chamber of Commerce
Ilminster Chamber of Commerce
01460 240554
www.ilminsterchamber.org.uk
[email protected]
Wells Chamber of Commerce
01934 733078
www.axbridgechamber.co.uk
[email protected]
Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of
Commerce
Levels’ Best Community Interest
Company
Wellington Business Association
01278 238959
www.burnham-on-sea.com
[email protected]
01935 851280
www.levelsbest.co.uk
[email protected]
Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce
Shepton Mallet & District Chamber
www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk
[email protected]
01749 344995
www.shepton.biz
[email protected]
Cheddar Chamber of Commerce &
Industry
Street Chamber
01934 742326
www.cheddartradersassociation.co.uk
[email protected]
Crewkerne Area Business Chamber
01460 200115
[email protected]
www.streetchamber.co.uk
[email protected]
Taunton Chamber of Commerce
07808 776244
www.taunton-chamber.co.uk
[email protected]
01749 685236
www.wellschamberofcommerce.co.uk
[email protected]
01823 673245
www.wellingtonbusinessassociation.co.uk
[email protected]
Wincanton Businesses Together
01963 34327
www.wincantonbusiness.co.uk
[email protected]
Wiveliscombe & 10 Parish Business
Group
01984 684777
www.10pbg.co.uk
[email protected]
Yeovil Chamber of Commerce
01935 804999
www.yeovilchamber.org
[email protected]
Exmoor Business Group
01643 851895
www.businessexmoor.co.uk
[email protected]
Frome Chamber of Commerce
01749 342255
www.wessexchambers.org.uk
[email protected]
IS YOUR TOWN CHAMBER OR BUSINESS GROUP MISSING?
To find out more about the benefits of affiliating to the Somerset
Chamber, call: 01823 444924 or
email: [email protected]
7
New Members
The Somerset Chamber of Commerce membership consists of more than 585 Somerset
businesses and represents over 40 sectors. With a growing list of membership benefits
as well as sector specific events and workshops, membership is growing all the time.
For more information on how to get your business listed in this New Members page or the Business Directory
which appears in the back of all quarterly magazine editions, email: [email protected]
or call 01823 444924
April’s new members
Bill Bradshaw Photography
Creative Freelance Photography
Bill Bradshaw
07957 195699
www.billbradshaw.co.uk
South West Bookkeeping Co. Ltd
Bookkeeping, Accounts, Payroll
Mike Walentek
01275 545762
www.southwestbookkeeping.net
Bright Financial Planning
Independent Financial Planning
Michael Raymond
01460 57971
www.brightfinancialplanning.co.uk
Southfork Caravan Park
Holiday Park & Workshop
Nancy Broadley
01935 825723
www.southforkcaravans.co.uk
Cadbury Cars Ltd
Katie Shaw
07837 115683
www.cadburycars.co.uk
Stand Against Violence
Violence Prevention Charity
Adam Fouracre
0300 456 4223
www.standagainstviolence.co.uk
Chalmers & Co.
Complete Business Support
Simon Bachrach
01460 279000
www.chalmersaccountants.co.uk
8
T.F. Stearn & Partners NFU Mutual
Adam Mitchell
01749 673786
www.nfumutual.co.uk/wells
Elite Staffing Solutions
Recruitment & Staffing Services
Emma Warren
01823 429566
www.elitestaffingsolutions.co.uk
Twose of Tiverton Limited
Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers
Tim Coleridge
01884 253691
www.twose.com
Enlightened Business Ltd
Business & Leadership Consulting
Joolz Lewis
07748 113538
www.joolzlewis.co.uk
Vistaworx
Unmanned Aerial Photography
Howard Rockcliffe
01934 844978
www.vistaworx.co.uk
Knightstone Housing Association
Community Housing Association
Jill Cowles
01934 526000
www.knightstone.co.uk
White Bruce LLP
Accountancy, Tax, Business Finance
Simon Bruce
01749 600591
www.whitebruce.com
NFU Mutual Bridgwater
Insurance & Financial Services
Naomi Parker-Jones
01278 663216
www.nfumutual.co.uk/
bridgwater
Yeovil Innovation Centre
Innovation Centre
Gerard Tucker
01935 385900
www.yeovilinnovationcentre.co.uk
New Members
Stand Against Violence
Stand Against Violence (SAV) is a local charity that was set up
following the tragic murder of Taunton student Lloyd Fouracre.
The charity aims to reduce violence through engaging young
people in education. It runs workshops for both primary and
secondary age children and over the last year alone has delivered
workshops to over 60 schools, reaching over 9,000 young people.
A recent evaluation by the Centre for Public Health found that the work done by the charity is having a
significant impact on improving attitudes toward violence. Stand Against Violence has branched out beyond the
South West over the last year and is now delivering workshops in large pockets around the UK. In order to
facilitate the expansion of such successful work, the charity has been fundraising hard.
Recently the charity held an annual ball, which raised over £10,000 with the
support of match funding by Santander. Adam Fouracre of SAV said, “The
SAV ball was a great success and we are extremely pleased to have hit our
target. This will be a huge help as we move forward with our plans to reach
more young people across the UK.”
This year the charity is also being supported by the Somerset County
Gazette to help raise their profile and generate donors.
If you would like to find out more about the work of the charity and how you
can get involved with this worthwhile cause, please visit the Stand Against
Violence website. The charity is also looking for business sponsorship and is
keen to hear from any businesses who might be interested in supporting
their work. If you would like to find out how you can help and what the
charity can offer in return, please email Kevin Smith on
[email protected].
www.standagainstviolence.co.uk
Join the Somerset Chamber of Commerce
Membership offers support and
advice to help you increase your
profits and also helps the Chamber
increase its influence.
Membership includes:
 Effective business lobbying and
representation at local, regional and
national levels through accreditation to
the British Chambers of Commerce and
membership of the South West
Chambers of Commerce.
 A range of FREE services provided
through the British Chambers of
Commerce.
 Access to exclusive Chamber offers from
national and local Premier Providers.
 Business Networking events with the
opportunity to network with up to 2,000
Chamber Members from across
Somerset and the South West.
 FREE publicity opportunities for
Members in the Chamber’s Somerset
Business Magazine and on the website
www.somerset-chamber.co.uk.
For more details please
Call:01823 444924
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.somerset-chamber.co.uk.
 Informative seminars to share knowledge
and best practice including
Meet-the-Buyer events.
9
Members’ News
42 under 42 Shortlisting
Abbie Kench, Founder of The
Team Experience Ltd – a
company specialising in
team-building and development
workshops – has been
nominated and selected as one of the 42 Under 42
brightest business talents of the South West region
by South West Business Insider magazine. Being an
exclusive member of the 42 alumni means Abbie has
been identified as an 'entrepreneur to watch'.
Miri Thomas, Editor of
South West Insider
explains, "Why 42? It
all started when we
realised that the
average age of the
South West Rich List
was 52. We decided to
take it back 10 years to
see how the next
generation
of the
region's most successful people were
doing. Insider's 42 Under 42 is an
exclusive group of the region's most
dynamic and successful entrepreneurs."
Abbie said, "It's incredibly exciting news for The Team
Experience, especially as we have just celebrated our
first anniversary. It's a very very proud moment for
me. It proves if you put your heart and soul into a
project, you can make it happen."
Paul writes for a number of
technical journals and local
papers. He is a regular
broadcaster on tax issues
and is frequently quoted in
the national press. He was
recently named as a
leading tax commentator on Twitter, where his
followers enjoy an insider’s comments on the tax
world as well as occasional glimpses of country life
with his wife Sharon and their border collie.
Paul was a finalist for Tax Writer of the Year in 2013,
when A C Mole & Sons was voted the UK’s Best
Single Office Tax Practice by the judges.
He was named Tax Personality of the Year in the
2007 Taxation Awards for the part he played in
persuading the government to reverse its decision to
shorten the tax return filing deadline. In 2009 he was
awarded an OBE for services to the accountancy
profession and for public service. He received an
award from HMRC in 2012 for his contribution to
improving the effectiveness of UK tax administration
and won the Outstanding Industry Contribution award
in the 2013 British Accountancy Awards.
Paul commented, “I feel very chuffed to have been
shortlisted. I enjoy writing and especially the
challenge of making a complex subject accessible
and understandable.”
Since starting the company in April 2014, Abbie has
enjoyed working closely with some of the region's
most prestigious businesses including Chamber
members The Royal Bath & West of England Society
and Red Berry Recruitment.
www.acmole.co.uk
www.theteamexperience.com
Andy Deavill, who is a
familiar face to
Samson Office
Supplies customers,
has successfully completed the Taunton half
marathon in 2 hours 21 minutes. Andy raised funds
for a charity close to his heart, Musgrove Park
Neonatal Unit, who looked after his son when he was
born seven weeks prematurely.
Somerset finalist for top tax award
Chartered accountant
Paul Aplin, of Taunton
firm A.C. Mole & Sons,
has been named as a finalist for the national Tax
Writer of the Year award. The winner will be
10
announced at this year’s
Taxation Awards at the
Park Lane Hilton in London
on 21st May.
Half Marathon Success
Andy said, “The day wasn’t about me getting a
Members’ News
personal best. I just wanted to make sure I completed
the race and stayed true to all my supporters’
goodwill. You have all made a real difference to
Musgrove Park Neonatal Unit and I can never thank
you enough.”
Owner of Samson Office
Supplies, Jonathan Rice,
said, “Myself and the rest
of the team at Samsons
are very proud of Andy’s
achievements. I
personally would like to
thank all our customers
who supported Andy in
raising funds for this very
important cause.”
Andy has raised over £500 to date.
www.samson.co.uk
Property Consortium Group rebrands to
Claims Consortium Group
The company
formerly known as
Property Consortium
Group has launched
a new brand identity, changing its trading name to
Claims Consortium Group to reflect its growth and
changes in the services it provides to its clients.
“It has been an incredibly exciting time for our
business,” said Claims Consortium Group’s CEO,
Jeremy Hyams. “We have grown considerably and
have decided
to create a
fresh, new
brand that
brings the look
of the company
in line with our
innovative
services to the
insurance
industry.”
Jeremy started the property claims management and
building repairs business in 1996. Today it employs
more than 200 people at its Culmhead head office
and counts many household insurance firms as
clients.
In addition to a new logo and name for the Group, the
same visual identity has been applied to four of its
services brands, namely Property Consortium UK,
Building Claims Services, Property Consortium
Drainage and Motor Claims Services. The Group has
also launched a new website.
The award-winning business was recently included in a
list of the 1,000 most inspiring UK companies by the
London Stock Exchange (LSE).
www.claimsconsortiumgroup.co.uk
2015 Service Excellence Awards for SDS
2015 is revving up to be another
outstanding year of service recognition
for SDS (Southwest Digital Systems
Ltd). In 2014, SDS achieved a 4 Star
Service Accreditation from its main
supplier, Konica Minolta. It was also
winner of the Service Excellence Award category at
the Sedgemoor Business Awards, as well as being a
runner-up for Service Excellence in the Somerset
Chamber’s Somerset Business Awards.
This year, SDS has not only retained the Sedgemoor
Service Excellence Award but has also won its
Business of the Year (1-9 Employees) category.
Since the company was established in 2002, the
directors of SDS have believed in sustaining and
maintaining their customers on a very local basis.
This in turn has
helped
immensely with
response times
as and when a
customer has an
issue with their
print/copy/scan
equipment.
Dean Howard, marketing director of SDS, said, “It is
fantastic to see our service levels and support for our
customers recognised via third party independent
assessors. These awards and achievements can only
be achieved with a dedicated team and, as always,
SDS would like to say thank you to our dedicated
members of staff for assisting in achieving these
superb service levels.”
www.sdsltd.uk.com
11
Members’ News
Gregory Distribution acquires Framptons
Transport Services
providing a highly
professional, quality driven
and innovative operation,
particularly in the fast moving
consumer goods sector. Being part of a larger group
will provide the resources and dimensions to further
develop our services to customers of both businesses.”
Leading South West
distribution group
Gregory Distribution
(Holdings) Ltd has acquired the business of Framptons
Transport Services Ltd based in Shepton Mallet,
www.framptons.co.uk
Somerset, through the purchase of its parent company
PF Holdings Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
This acquisition further expands Gregory Distribution
Ltd’s activities within the West Country, and positions
the company for continued future growth. The
Framptons business will operate as a stand-alone
business unit within the distribution area of the
Gregory Group.
Framptons has an annual turnover of around
£17million, employs 245 people and operates 60
vehicles providing high quality transport services
including contract distribution and UK and European
pallet delivery. The acquisition includes over 220,000
sq ft of warehouse space in Shepton Mallet.
Successful Charity Quiz night in memory
of Ellie Harper
Red Berry Recruitment hosted a
Charity Quiz Night in March at
Yeovil Rugby Club to raise money
for the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society. The quiz night was
organised in tribute to Ellie Harper, a former
employee at Red Berry Recruitment who sadly passed
away in November last year.
The quiz night was a huge
success and an enjoyable
evening for all, with 21 teams
John Gregory, the Chief Executive of Gregory
taking part. The winners were
Distribution, commented, “The Framptons business
the ‘Monahan’s Quartet’ and
has a heritage and reputation which is similar to our
the unfortunate losers were
own and we both share the same business ethos, so
‘The No Brainers’. A raffle
we will be keen
was also held on the night,
to maintain the
including a Henry vacuum
first-class
cleaner kindly donated by
standards
fellow Chamber members Numatic International.
already in
place, and also
Helen Lacey, managing director of Red Berry
to build on
Recruitment, said, "Overall we raised £1,012 for the
Synergies
chosen charity which is absolutely amazing. We would
between both
like to say a BIG thank you to everyone that attended
businesses.”
and to all the people and companies that also
donated raffle prizes for the evening.”
Andrew Frampton, for Framptons Transport Services,
confirming the sale, said, “Our company’s
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the
diversification in recent years from pure haulage into a
world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to
highly complex warehousing and distribution operation
blood cancer. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia,
has led to significant growth in both turnover and
lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and
employment numbers. We hope to expand and improve
improve the quality of life of patients and their
on our offering to our customers and realise more
families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research
opportunities.”
around the world and provides free information and
support services.
Andy Walker, Managing Director at Gregory Distribution
added, “Framptons has an excellent reputation for
www.redberryrecruitment.co.uk
12
International Trade & Export Support
The Overseas Business Network
Somerset Chamber Export Support
Ever thought of trading overseas
but don’t know where to start?
The Overseas Business Network –
a British Chambers of Commerce
initiative – has connections into over 30 countries
worldwide and can put you in contact with the right
people who will help you expand into unknown
territories.
The Somerset Chamber is actively working with UKTI
and local partners to make sure that international
markets are seen as a viable option for members to
consider. We offer the right support, expertise and
network to allow your company to have the confidence
to consider or extend your overseas markets.
The Overseas Business Network is gathering pace in
high growth markets. Our partner British Chambers are
gaining accreditation, with Poland, Turkey, Romania,
the Czech Republic, China and Singapore confirmed as
meeting UK delivery standards in recent months, and
30 others providing great support to UK companies in
partnership with British Embassy teams.
Anyone interested can contact the Somerset
Chamber’s Overseas Business Network contact,
Sarah Hildersley, at
[email protected]
Export Report finds SMEs want more
support on a local level
The Somerset Chamber of Commerce is currently
offering its members:

Export documentation - Discounted for Chamber
Members

Access to UKTI Trade Advisors at the Somerset
Chamber offices in Taunton


Regular International Trade Newsletters
Trade Missions

Workshops on a variety of international trade topics
Upcoming International Trade Events:


24th June – Payment options for Exporters
23rd September – Developing an International
Marketing Plan
International Trade Fora:
 21st May – Selling into Europe
A recent report from FedEx Express says that small and  25th November – Working with Agents &
Distributors
medium sized enterprises (SMEs) still believe more
support is needed on a local level to help achieve
Creating Opportunities
overseas expansion.
79% of SMEs view their regional locality as a positive
factor in stimulating overseas growth and profitability.
However, more than a third of those surveyed
highlighted that they require more support on a local
level to achieve international expansion.
“Now is the time to encourage UK SMEs to embrace
their regional identities when building global
relationships,” says FedEx Express vice president for
operations in northern Europe, Trevor Hoyle. "Although
challenges still remain for some companies in doing
business abroad, they can be overcome by having
access to the right support,
expertise and network."
Some 94% of small businesses
feel optimistic about the year
ahead, with eight out of ten
expecting their export sales to
increase.
In the coming months we will be welcoming officials from
the embassies of China and Germany. We welcome
expressions of interest from businesses that are either
currently trading in these countries or wishing to do so
that would like to meet with these representatives.
Trade Missions
The Somerset Chamber, in partnership with UKTI, will
be running a trade mission to Cologne in Germany in
the autumn of 2015. During this trade mission, the
delegation will visit the largest food and beverage
festival in the world at ANUGA and have the
opportunity of creating essential trade links.
If you would like to know more about this mission and
how your business can get involved,
please email Linda Middleton-Jones on
[email protected]
For more information on our international trade
services, email: [email protected]
13
13
Pre-Election Hustings Summary
By Neil Murphy CEO of the Somerset
Chamber
including urban development plans elsewhere in the
country. I remain unconvinced that these were well
reasoned suggestions.
The Somerset Chamber
of Commerce Hustings
events, in association
with a number of Town
Chambers across the
county, can only be
described as an
overwhelming success,
and tribute must be paid to the tireless
work that went into the organisation of
these events by the Chamber’s
Membership Services team.
With so many similar events planned around the same
time and Election Fever reaching boiling point, the
Chamber team was both delighted and humbled by the
level of interest from local businesses and the appetite
that candidates from all parties had to participate.
There was growing evidence that the Somerset
Chamber is a brand with which key decision makers
and local stakeholders wish to associate themselves.
Without exception, the candidates articulated clearly
their respective party’s positions on matters that are
important to the Somerset business community, and
each party was given an equal share of the spotlight.
Taunton
Rachel Gilmour, Rebecca Pow, Neil Guild, Mike Rigby, Clive
Martin, Laura Bailhache, Neil Murphy
Opinion was divided on other key issues including
preparing the next generation for work. With the demise
of careers advisors in schools and colleges, our
members are increasingly feeding back to us that
students are leaving school without the appropriate
preparation and skills for work. Somerset also suffers
from a reducing population of people of working age.
While there was universal support for apprenticeships
amongst the panels, suggestions for bridging the gap
between education and work varied from more
Questions largely centred around topical business
challenges and it was fascinating to gain an
understanding of the various approaches the new
government might take.
In summary, it was perhaps a little surprising but
very encouraging to hear there was a unanimous
undertaking from all parties that a review of
business rates would take place in 2015, if elected,
with a similar level of agreement on matters such as
the need for 100% superfast broadband connectivity
for the county and road infrastructure improvements.
It was less clear where the parties felt the money to
finance the gap between the published target of 95%
and 100% broadband connectivity would come from,
although there were isolated suggestions that
funding would be ‘diverted’ from other projects,
14
Weston-super-Mare
John Penrose, Tim Taylor, John Munro, Ernie Warrender,
Richard Lawson
Nevertheless there was a
general acceptance that the
government itself could lead by
example and address its own
deficiencies in this regard.
Wells
Michael Johns, James Heappey, Tessa Munt, Helen Hims,
Chris Inchley, Jon Cousins, Neil Murphy
engagement between businesses and schools/FE (a
subject central to the Somerset Chamber’s strategy)
and reinstating careers counsellors.
There was also an interesting debate that centred
around changing the curriculum within schools to
one that reflects local business needs, and the
‘teaching students to learn vs. teaching to pass
exams’ argument.
There was also a general
acceptance that zero-hours
contracts were here to stay but
with modifications to the
scheme, releasing employees
from exclusivity to one employer
and automatically entitling
them to full time rights after a
reasonable qualifying period.
It has to be said that the
candidates responded well to
the points put to them, and
hopefully it gave attendees a little more guidance on
where to place their cross on 7th May.
*The Yeovil hustings took place after the magazine print date.
Bridgwater & West Somerset
Steve Leahy, Ian Liddell-Grainger, Neil Murphy, Julie HarveySmith, Theo Butt Philip, Mick Lerry, Stephen Fitzgerald
Late payments from contractors and the impact on
cash flow was an emotive topic, and I was surprised
that so many candidates indicated their parties would
legislate on this in order to correct the habit. Late
payment is not a new problem, and successive
governments have failed to legislate previously.
15
Bridging the Gap - Somerset Skills
As a result, R K Bell approached Bridgwater College
with details of their requirements and have continued
to work closely with them to fulfil their apprenticeship
needs and help futureproof the business. So far two
apprentice positions within the R K Bell Group have
been identified, one filled on the Surfacing side of the
business and another in the office for which
interviews are currently taking place. Up to three
additional apprentice positions could be created as
R K Bell is a longstanding and reputable Somerset firm soon as the Hinkley Point C contract is awarded, which
with an ongoing focus on the future. Founded in
would be followed by an ongoing apprentice/training
Bridgwater in 1941 as an agricultural contractor, the
scheme for local people for the duration of the contract
company has grown significantly and now offers a full
and beyond.
suite of groundwork and civil engineering services,
including surfacing, plant hire, transport and recycled
Third generation and current Managing Director Nick
construction products.
Bell, who took the helm in January 2005, explains, “The
Case Study from a Somerset Chamber
Member
The family owned and run business recognises the
importance of evolving with the times and is continually
looking to the future. As a result, R K Bell is investing
time in proactively working to bridge the gap
between education and employment.
R K Bell has recently
partnered with
Skanska and Forest
Traffic Management
to form the Somerset
Infrastructure
Alliance, providing
NNB with a full roads
maintenance and
traffic planning
contract for the
Hinkley Point C Project.
In order to deliver this demanding contract over the
coming years while continuing to supply their ever
increasing client base, they realised they would need
to strengthen their training plan and embrace an
apprenticeship scheme.
Over time it has become increasingly difficult to
attract young people into the construction industry
and the added pressure of new health and safety
standards have put a stop to the ‘learning on the job’
scenario of bygone years. This means it is essential
that companies such as R K Bell look to entice young
people into the industry, offering fully inclusive
apprenticeship positions across all areas of the
business.
16
company was built on strong foundations. We have
invested and employed first class staff in key roles,
trusted their judgment and work ethics to manage
succeed and deliver professional friendly management
with fully qualified and experienced production teams.
“It is now my role to implement our future strategy with
longer term plans, part of which includes
apprenticeships and training. We have had to adapt our
recruitment policy and implement a longer term
strategy. In the past we were able to recruit staff with
ease but today it’s a different place and when you
combine that with an industry shortage, there is ‘no
quick fix’, to use a well-worn phrase.
“Training for the future is very much at the forefront of
our policy and we have implemented an apprenticeship
scheme throughout the business. Now and in the future
we will achieve higher standards implementing the
right culture across the business.”
www.rkbell.com
Bridging the Gap
BCC statement on skills and careers advice
The tech literacy initiative
is the start of a long-term
commitment by BT
towards inspiring kids,
supporting teachers and
equipping schools.
Following a number of
campaign announcements on
skills and careers advice, Dr
Adam Marshall, Executive
Director of Policy and External
Affairs at the British Chambers To help tackle this paradox,
the new BT Tech Literacy
of Commerce (BCC), said,
programme will start by:
"The career prospects of Britain's young people depend
on bridging the gap between the world of education
and the world of work. Universal careers advice would
help, but only as part of a much wider engagement
between local schools, colleges and businesses that
helps young people see the possibilities for dynamic
and rewarding careers.
"Historically, careers advice has been stale and
formulaic. We need to fix that broken model - with
constant engagement between local business and
schools, a business governor in every school across
the UK, and universal experience of the working world
too. The current model of a couple of weeks - out of
someone's whole time in school - simply doesn't cut it.
Young people need meaningful exposure to the world
of work. Only then will we have young people leaving
school ready for work, and businesses getting access
to people with the skills they need to grow.
"Chambers of Commerce are already bridging the gap
between schools and businesses. We want the next
government to work with us to step-change the role
that local firms play in schools and colleges, so that the
decades-long stand-off between the education sector
and employers turns into a mutual commitment to
success."

Understanding how
parents, teachers and
young people really
think, feel and act about
tech concepts. We’re commissioning nationwide
research which will help design a new tech
programme that meets real needs

Supporting teachers better. We’re funding
workshops for another 1,000 schools and 6,000
primary school teachers this academic year. This will
extend the reach of the government-funded
programme which was planned to finish at the end
of March 2015

Equipping UK schools to champion tech literacy.
We’re analysing schools’ levels of connectivity to
understand the barriers and challenges they face
This is a long-term commitment for BT. We expect that
it will take a whole school generation. As our first goal,
we want to reach five million children by 2020.
The BT Tech Literacy programme builds on the work
we’ve already been doing with the Barefoot Computing
programme. We developed the teaching resources in
use nationwide, and many BT people have volunteered
their time to deliver many of the training sessions for
teachers.
Update from Chamber Patron BT:
Helping the nation become more tech
literate
Lots of other groups are working on different aspects of
the tech literacy challenge – including schools,
colleges, the government, not-for-profit organisations,
campaigning groups and social networks. We already
work with many of them, and we look forward to others
“While children today grow up
joining us.
surrounded by tech and may
be confident using it, too
many have no real idea how it www.britishchambers.org.uk
www.btplc.com
really works. In other words they may be great tech
consumers, but they’re not truly tech literate,” says
Teenage Students Using Laptop by Ambro - Image courtesy of
BT’s CEO Gavin Patterson.
FreeDigitalPhotos.net.jpg
17
Somerset in Business Conference ‘Made in Somerset’
Somerset in Business Conference 2015
The eighth annual Somerset in Business Conference
will take place on Thursday 4th June at Junction 24,
Bridgwater. It is heralded as one of the county’s largest
business events, regularly attracting over 250
delegates from across the county and beyond.
Entitled ‘Made in Somerset’ and hosted by the
Somerset Chamber of Commerce, this year’s event will
be facilitated by Dr Adam Marshall, Executive Director
of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of
Commerce. The conference will be split into three
sessions: Somerset - A Quality Brand; Advanced
Engineering and Manufacturing; and Fashion, Food and
Drink.
opportunity for delegates to attend one-to-one surgeries
with the Hinkley Supply Chain Team, SWMAS,
International Trade Services and the Somerset
Chamber of Commerce. These will be available to book
on the day.
In keeping with the interactive element of the
conference, the Advanced Manufacturing Research
Centre’s MANTRA lorry (Manufacturing Technology
Transporter) will be present – a specially customised 14
Speakers will provide metre HGV trailer, packed with the latest machinery and
information and
simulators, and designed to give delegates a hands-on
insight into how their experience with real cutting-edge technologies.
business has gained
In addition to attending the conference as a delegate,
a competitive
there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to
advantage through
promote awareness of their brand by taking an
the quality of their
brand and innovative exhibition stand, placing a branded item in the delegate
goody bags or advertising in the conference
advanced
programme. Discounted rates are available for
technologies.
Chamber members.
The impressive
line-up of interesting
and high profile
speakers from
Somerset
businesses includes
Graham Cole,
Chairman of AgustaWestland; Simon Howes, Managing
Director SWMAS; Chris Ormrod, Prime Minister,
Ministry of Cake; Chris Pratt, Managing
Director, Elecsis; and Douglas
Cordeaux, Managing Director, Fox
Brothers.
This year’s event, sponsored by EDF
Energy and SWMAS, will start at
09.00 with networking and an
interactive exhibition area comprising
over 30 trade stands. The first two
sessions will take place in the
morning, after which a buffet lunch
will be served, with a third session in
the afternoon. There will be an
18
For further information or to register for the event,
visit: www.somerset-chamber.co.uk/events/somerset
-chamber/made-in-somerset.htm
or call Lottie Francis on 01823 444924.
Next Events
Meet the Chamber: Street and
Glastonbury
Meet the Neighbours Business
Lunch, Bristol
Date: Thursday 7th May
Time: 12.30
Venue: Strode College, Street
Cost: Members £10.00 Non-Members £10.00 (inc
VAT)
Date: Tuesday 19th May
Time: 12.00
Venue: Leigh Court, Bristol
Cost: Members £25.00 Non-Members £35.00 (inc
VAT)
Food Provided: Buffet lunch
Food Provided: Two course lunch
For new and prospective members...
Somerset Chamber of Commerce and
Business West invite you to join us for
networking and a two course lunch...
Recently joined the Somerset Chamber? Interested in
joining us? Or from the area but never been to one of
our networking events?
Why not join us for a buffet lunch and networking at
Strode College, Street?
This lunchtime networking meeting will give you an
insight into the Somerset Chamber’s networking
events, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded
business people from the area.
Not sure whether this event is right for you?
To find out more, call 01823 444924 or drop us an
email at: [email protected]
Kindly sponsored by
Chamber members will recognise our familiar ‘Meet
the Neighbours’ event title and we are delighted to
once again be working with our colleagues at
Business West who represent over 6,000
businesses across their network in Bath, Bristol,
Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
This event will be hosted at the home of Business
West, Leigh Court a delightful manor house on the
outskirts of Bristol.
Usually attracting over 60 delegates from both sides
of the border, we would expect nothing less on this
occasion. We ask you to bring along your business
cards also as there will be plenty of ‘card swapping’
opportunities, both before and during this two
course lunch.
Spaces at this event are available on a first come,
first served basis, so early booking is recommended.
For queries, please contact Loren at
[email protected] or call our office
on 01823 444924.
Contact the Chamber Call 01823 444924 or visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk
19
Somerset Chamber Events Calendar
For more information on our events, including sponsorship opportunities, please email
[email protected] or call 01823 444924
(All costs inclusive of VAT except where detailed)
Meet the Chamber, Street/Glastonbury - Thursday 7th May
Partner/Sponsor
For new and prospective members of the Chamber. Recently joined the Somerset Chamber?
Interested in joining us? Come along for lunch and networking at Strode College.
Time: 12.30 Venue: Strode College, Street
Cost: Members Discounted Cost: £10.00 Non Members £10.00
Meet the Neighbours Lunch, Bristol - Tuesday 19th May
Partner/Sponsor
Partner/Sponsor
Together with Business West, we invite you to our annual joint business lunch where we can
expect to see over 60 businesses for a two course lunch and superb networking.
Time: 12.00 Venue: Leigh Court, Bristol
Cost: Members Discounted Cost £25.00 Non Members £35.00
A Business Guide to LinkedIn - Wednesday 27th May
Partner/Sponsor
Is your business maximising opportunities on LinkedIn? Working in association with Jim
Rowe Social Media and Wincanton Businesses Together, this breakfast event will focus on
how to use LinkedIn for business development for those selling B2B and B2C.
Time: 07:30 Venue: Wincanton Racecourse
Cost: Members Discounted Cost £20.00 Non members £25.00
Somerset in Business Conference - Thursday 4th June
We invite you to join one of the county’s largest annual business events with over 250
delegates and around 30 exhibitors. Hear from an impressive line-up of prominent Somerset
business people and maximise your networking opportunities in the interactive exhibition
space. Refreshments and a buffet lunch will be provided.
Various opportunities are available to raise your company profile at this event by taking an
exhibition stand, advertising in the conference programme, or placing a branded item in the
delegate goody bags.
Time: 09.00 Venue: Junction 24, North Petherton
Cost: Members Discounted Cost £25.00 Non Members £35.00
Somerset Young Professionals Event - Date TBC June
In your 20s and 30s? Our next Somerset Young Professionals event will feature a tour and
talk from a Somerset-based brand along with plenty of networking time.
More details will be revealed shortly. So keep an eye on the Events page of the Somerset
Chamber website.
Time: 18.30 Venue: Glastonbury
Cost: Members Discounted Cost £20.00 Non Members £25.00
Call 01823 444924
Email [email protected]
Partner/Sponsor