Winter 2007 - Brentwood Borough Council

VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
Welcome
Designed and produced by
Brentwood Borough Council
Town Hall
Ingrave Road
Brentwood
Essex CM15 8AY
www.brentwood.gov.uk
Much has happened since the last
Halladale Group announced the
issue of Vision for Business.
sale of The Baytree Centre to O
The Brentwood Working Group for
Twelve Estates. This deal not only
the 2012 Games met for the first
provides new opportunities for the
time in October and subsequently in
shopping centre, it also allows
November. The partnership between
Halladale to concentrate their efforts
Brentwood Borough Council, Essex
on the exciting development of
If you would like to
contribute, or have any
comments or enquiries
please contact:
County Council and other local
William Hunter Way.
groups and organisations will act as
Looking to the future, there will be
a channel for consultation and
another edition of the Brentwood
Lisa Stroulger, Corporate
Communication & Marketing
Manager
T: 01277 312629
Shelley King, Information Officer
F: 01277 312635
E: vision4business@
brentwood.gov.uk
communication with the residents
Business Directory later in the
and businesses of Brentwood.
spring. Preparations are being
November saw the third annual
made
Business
Leisure & Tourism Seminar for
Vision for Business is produced
quarterly. The next edition will
be Spring 2007 and is
distributed in April 2007.
Contributions and
advertisements need to be
submitted by 5th March 2007.
Please recycle this magazine carefully
when you have finished reading.
Every effort is made to ensure that the
content of this publication is accurate but the
publisher accepts no responsibility for
effects arising there from. We do not
accept responsibility for loss or damage to
unsolicited contributors. Opinions expressed
by the contributors and advertisers are not
necessarily those of the publisher. This
publication is protected by copyright and no
part may be reproduced in whole or in part
without the written permission of the
publishers.
2
in
the
Community
for
an
Accommodation,
Conference and Exhibition, which
SMEs
proved so popular that it was
particularly in light of the potential
‘standing room only’ for many
demands that the 2012 Games will
delegates. It also saw the launch of
bring in that area and a fourth
an Olympic Vision for Brentwood
Business
and our first DVD to promote the
Conference
Borough and its businesses in the
November. The Council is also
run up to the 2012 Olympic and
planning to introduce a Business
Paralympic Games.
Forum for the Borough building on
In December Brentwood Borough
existing links and relationships.
Council,
Further details of each of these
in
partnership
with
and
interested
in
the
will
parties,
Community
be
held
in
Brentwood Town Centre Partnership
projects
produced a new Shopping and
in future issues of Vision for
Eating Guide for Brentwood town
Business and on our website at
centre.
www.brentwood.gov.uk
will
be
published
Yet another major company has
Councillor Brandon Lewis,
invested in Brentwood as last month
Leader of the Council
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
FOR
Business
c o m m e n t s
Contents
4
you protected?
4 Are
- Wortley Byers
Transport
5 2b- Motorcycle
courier service
Environmentally friendly supply chains
6 - How does your business fare?
you made a copy?
7 Have
- The importance of file backup
in the Community Conference
8 Business
- Brentwood Borough Council
multilingual Olympics
9 A- Adult
Community Learning
Olympics comes to town
10 - Benefits to the community
Wise
11 Water
- Becoming more water efficient
years at the top
12 30- Ford
still the nation’s favourite
6
8
business rate relief scheme changes
13 Small
- Simplification of the current scheme
shop rate relief
14 Village
- Support for rural areas
FM
15 Phoenix
- Full licence for community radio
your carbon footprint
16 Reducing
- Treble Twenty Taxis leading the way
for SMEs
17 Training
- Brentwood Town Centre Partnership
rate increases
18 Bank
- Advocate Finance
to Gain
19 Train
- Adult training in the workplace
Step
20 Shell
- Undergraduate placement
We want your views
- Brentwood Borough Council
England to go smoke free
From 6am on 1 July 2007, virtually all enclosed or
visiting www.smokefreeengland.co.uk or calling the
substantially enclosed public places and workplaces
Smoke Free England Information Line on 0800 169 1697.
will be smoke-free.
Southwest Essex Primary Care Trust regularly runs
This means that it will be against the law to smoke in
free smoking cessation courses during evenings or
the indoor parts of places such as pubs, bars,
day times over a 7-week period. Encouragingly, they
nightclubs, cafes and restaurants, lunch rooms,
have a 70% success rate at supporting people to quit
membership clubs and shopping centres.
smoking. Smokers can obtain free nicotine replace-
At work, smoking inside will become a thing of the
ment products from participating chemists.
past, and indoor smoking rooms will no longer be
For further information about both of these services,
allowed. Public transport and work vehicles (includ-
please contact the PCT on 0800 389 6183.
ing company cars) used by more than one person will
also be smoke-free.
You can register to receive more information by
You can also obtain further information from the
Council’s Environmental Health Service
on 01277 312512
3
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
Are you protected?
- How to protect or obtain
rights in software
4
Software developers must be vigilant in protecting
areas requiring protection include confidentiality
their work and careful that they do not use other
(protecting source codes as a trade secret), trademark
programs without permission.
registrations for brands and logos and design rights.
Copyright protection arises automatically and if you
Once the software is finished, agreements are
suspect an infringement, you may be able to take
needed to protect both developer and customer. If
action against anyone who has copied not only your
you are a business using software, you should
source code, but also any graphics, designs, music,
consider how many present and potential future
functional or technical specifications.
employees or other third parties (you may wish to
Employment contracts should have a “catch-all”
outsource your IT systems in the future) will need
clause to ensure employer-created software remains
access, whether you have other sites or group
the property of the employer. If you ask another
companies that may need access and how the
company to develop some aspect of software, you
software will be supported.
should ensure that an agreement passing copyright
Purchasers of software should take care not to
ownership to you is in place.
innocently breach the above rights – for example,
Beware of infringing anothers software developer’s
making a back-up copy of software is only allowed in
rights. In addition to outright copying, writing a
certain circumstances.
program which reproduces the same screen display
For further information about IT or intellectual
as another, or even loading a program without
property law, please contact Sue Dowman, an
permission, could infringe copyright. Other important
Associate at Wortley Byers on 01277 268355
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
2b Transport
If you need documents or small packages collected and delivered
urgently, on time, and as quickly as possible, a motorcycle courier is going
to be your best bet.
This is where 2b Transport comes in. Unlike most courier companies, 2b
Transport specialises in motorcycle courier work. Their in depth
understanding of this niche market, plus a strong customer focus, results in
an outstanding service.
Clive Tooby turned a hobby and lifelong passion for motorcycling into a
business and established 2b Transport two years ago.
Clive places a high priority on rider safety. Indeed the majority of 2b
Transport’s couriers have received extensive advanced rider training. For
their customers, this translates in to safe, reliable deliveries every time.
2b Transport is now a well-established family business. Calls are answered
24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A quote will be provided immediately and
includes a realistic estimate of the collection and delivery time.
Once the
quote is
accepted a
motorcycle
courier can
be with
you within
30-50
minutes,
sometimes
less.
Delivery
will be
direct and
by the
fastest
route.
If you
need a
motorcycle
courier
give Clive
a call on
01277
FOR
Business
Fitness First @
Baytree Centre
Fitness First, the world’s largest
fitness group, has opened a new
club in Brentwood’s Baytree Centre.
The full-service club offers a fully
equipped cardiovascular and
fitness floor, a dedicated studio for
classes, sauna and steam room
as well as personal training.
Fully air-conditioned, Brentwood
Fitness First features the top
equipment, all connected to the
club’s own music video channel.
There is also a complete range of
resistance machines and a
dedicated free weight area.
Qualified exercise professionals
are on-hand to provide free fitness
advice and ensure that members
continue to get the most out of
their workouts.
The dedicated studio features a
wide choice of 30 classes a week.
Fitness First promotes relaxation
inside and outside the clubs.
Brentwood offers an in-club café
and members are encouraged to
pick up a free daily newspaper
and sit back and enjoy. In addition,
the gym will offer a DVD/video
library featuring the latest
releases, free of charge on
overnight hire.
For more information about the
club, including special
introductory membership
offers, please call
01277 238080
Brentwood
Health Week
Local businesses, schools, the
local
Primary
Care Trust,
Brentwood Leisure Trust and
Brentwood Borough Council are
to raise health awareness during
Brentwood Health Week, which
will be running 19th-24th March.
Local businesses are encouraged
to join in and be apart of an exciting new project by partaking in the
health themes: healthy eating;
physical activity; smoking/drinking/drug addictions; well-being;
and sexual health.
For more information, contact Jo
Cory, Sports Development Officer
at Brentwood Borough Council,
on 01277 312692 or email
[email protected]
626677.
5
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2006 ISSUE 5
Around the clock living
A
new
apartment
up the clock each
released for sale is
week!
set to get house-
Tim Sargeant, Chief
hunting
Executive
horologists’
pulses racing.
Award
&
winning
Country
comments:
restoration and con-
Country
version
renowned
specialist,
City & Country Group,
sensitive
has
and
created
of
‘The
City
Group,
“City
&
Group
for
is
its
restoration
conversion
of
Clock Tower’ apart-
listed and period prop-
ments
The
erties. The company
Galleries, its highly
always endeavours to
at
acclaimed
conversion
of
Warley
Hospital
in
retain as many original features as possible. ‘The
Brentwood. If the future residents of one of the apart-
Clock Tower 5’ triplex apartment retains the original
ment are keen horologists, they can even indulge
clock workings along with other features including a
their passion by taking on responsibility for winding
20ft long entrance hall and exposed brickwork.”
How to make your supply chain
more environmentally friendly
Have you checked the companies in your supply
line to ensure that they are doing all they can to
or services with less natural resources, less
minimise their environmental impact? To do this
wastage, and less pollution which can often save
you should:
both parties money and
Look at exactly with whom
improve profitability. If they
and on what you spend
don’t supply you with what
money and identify which
you want, switch to new
suppliers and their products
suppliers who already
and services have the
produce products and
highest environmental
services using less
impacts – for example,
resources and with less
consuming natural resources
pollution
or polluting the environment
Review any environmental
reports your suppliers might
Look for suppliers who have
environmental management
systems or who have
produce to see if and how they are improving their
products and services that come from
environmental performance, and see how their
sustainable sources and those that encourage
suppliers are rated by various organisations that
take-back, re-use and recycling of their products
produce ratings and rankings of how green
rather than landfilling or disposing
companies are
6
Ask your suppliers to produce the same products
For information visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
Have you
made a copy?
- the importance of
backing up your files
As businesses become increasingly
dependent
on
technology,
case of property damage
If your computers are
Business Link is calling on small
networked, try and have two
and medium sized enterprises to
servers in different in locations
make sure they are prepared with
so there is a back up should
continuity plans that will mean
one become damaged
minimal impact on their business
should disaster strike.
Where possible, ensure there
PCs, PDAs and mobile phones - is
is an uninterrupted power supply
higher than it has ever been
Even for small micro-businesses,
before, but a simple power cut can
taking precautions such as backing
spark real disruption as staff are
up files and data, and ensuring that
unable to access work files, plans
contact numbers and emails are
and even contact details.
logged somewhere other than your
There are numerous reasons why
PC can be extremely valuable
a business could become unable
should something untoward hap-
to access its IT system, from
pen to your computer, mobile or
large-scale damage as a result of
blackberry.
fire or flooding, through to a
Business Link offers businesses
computer virus or system crash.
the opportunity to carry out an
Businesses should think about
initial IT Risk Assessment online at
what their plan B will be before the
www.businesslink.gov.uk/essex/IT
event, so that they are prepared
Risk. It forms part of a package of
should anything go wrong.
advice
Business
suggests
continuity. Additional advice on
businesses keep the following bits
continuity planning and making the
of advice in the forefront of their
best use of your IT can be found at
minds:
the
Make sure you back up all files
www.businesslink.gov/essex.
Link
provided
Business
on
Link
business
website
and stored information and put
in place a data recovery
strategy, which could include
offsite storage of information in
Business
Sponsor a
Flowerbed
Designed and planted for
maximum appeal and visibility,
Brentwood has a range of
beautifully colourful flowerbeds at
selected locations throughout the
Borough.
Our
flowerbeds
contribute to make Brentwood an
attractive
and
pleasant
environment for everyone to
enjoy. Why not link your company
name to a positive, eye-catching
floral display and sponsor a
flowerbed?
If you have any questions or are
interested in sponsorship, please
contact Jonathan Phillips at
Brentwood Borough Council
on 01277 312693 email
jonathan.phillips@
brentwood.gov.uk
Bad Hand Day
Try and ensure there is more
than one power supply source
Business reliance on technology –
FOR
By Marcus Fernandes,
Business Link Adviser
Brentwood Borough Council is
joining the Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) in a campaign
to cut out dermatitis in the
hairdressing industry.
The ‘Bad Hand Day?’ campaign
sends a stark message to the
industry:
look
after
your
employees’ hands or suffer the
financial consequences.
Dermatitis is caused not only by
exposure to products like
shampoo and colours but also by
prolonged wet-work; leaving
sufferers with hands that are dry,
red, flaky, cracked, itchy and
blistered, making normal activities
very difficult.
Dermatitis doesn’t just ruin your
employees’ health; it can ruin your
business too. Financing cover
when a member of staff is absent
from work is expensive, for a
small business possibly fatal; it is
imperative that staff are not lost to
something easily preventable like
dermatitis.
The health and safety team has
sent out information packs
detailing what action salons need
to take. Officers will then make
unannounced visits between
January & March 2007 in order to
ensure that they are taking the
correct action.
For information visit
www.badhandday.hse.gov.uk
or call the HSE infoline on
0845 345 0055
Tel: 0845 717 1615
7
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
Business in the
Community
conference
Brentwood Borough Council’s third annual Business
Brentwood ‘on the map’ with a wide network of both
in the Community Conference and Exhibition, proved
national and international groups and organisations.
a resounding success.
Distributed nationally and internationally, the DVD
Over 110 delegates attended the event at the BT
will
Offices in London Road, Brentwood, in November.
businesses and individuals locally; it will be screened
They were addressed by Councillor Brandon Lewis,
in the Town Hall’s Main Reception area and is
Leader, Brentwood Borough Council, Robin Bailey,
accessible online at www.brentwood.gov.uk.
available
to
groups,
organisations,
Director of Capricorn Media Group & freelance
Further information about future conferences and
sports presenter, Rod Sellers OBE, former Chairman
copies of the production are available from
of the Commonwealth Economic Benefits Initiative
Lisa Stroulger on 01277 312629 or
for Manchester, and Bob McLintock, Chief Executive
email [email protected]
& Town Clerk, Brentwood Borough
Council.
The conference also saw the launch of
‘2012: A Vision for Brentwood’, an
exiting new DVD to promote Brentwood
as a host Borough for the 2012 Olympic
Games.
The DVD is a showcase of the best of
Brentwood and has contributions from
local business leaders, Councillors and
local athletes. The DVD aims to raise
the profile of the Borough and put
8
be
VISION
WINTER 20076 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
A Multilingual
Olympics
There were some very thought-provoking ideas put forward by
speakers at the Olympic Business in the Community Conference in
November 2006.
Underpinning the general message about using the Olympic Games to
generate a legacy to benefit Brentwood, was the need to understand
what has to be done to ‘raise our game’. How to acquire an edge over
national companies competing for the ‘hundreds, if not thousands’ of
contracts arising from the Olympics and how to exceed visitors’ expectations.
As the Team Leader for Languages at Brentwood’s Adult Community
Colleges, run by Essex County Council, I was immediately struck by
the opportunity and challenge presented by the Games for a country
which still largely sees itself as monolingual. This perception is not truly
justified, but a business that seeks to pitch successfully to provide
products and services linked to the Games, must recognise the need
to build a strategy for including language skills into its planning.
There may be certain aspects of the need for language skills in
Business, which have not yet occurred to those intending to get
involved in the Olympics. Language skills are all about communicating
effectively, from using professional interpreters and translators for
establishing lasting international business links, to training existing
staff in simple greetings and cultural awareness. Between these two
aims lies a huge range of ability levels often already existing in a
company but not fully developed.
Adult Community Learning in Essex has a long-established history of
providing high-quality language tuition at all levels. We have a team of
tutors, many of whom are native speakers, in a wide range of
languages, and access to many others across the county.
We can use our local knowledge and experience to help a business
assess its current language competences and develop a plan to
achieve the level of expertise it will need to gain the edge over its
competitors in the Olympics.
If you would like to discuss how we might work together to identify
potential language skill benefits to your organisation, assess the
FOR
Business
Why wait for a
disaster before
planning for one
One of our members recently called me
and asked for the FSB Legal Help Line
number. They then went on to say that
their entire premises had gone up in
flames, destroying the machinery and
equipment.
Obviously, words of sympathy were of
some help but the numbers I gave were
a bit more important so they could
check out various legal, insurance and
taxation positions. What came to light
during the conversation was that
EVERYTHING had been destroyed
including all the information that would
enable the business to restart with the
minimum of delay.
It was not easy to say to the
businessman, who had run a successful company for a good many years,
that he had committed a cardinal sin in
not keeping duplicate copies, away
from the actual premises, of anything
that was essential to the business.
How many of us do backup copies of
computer files then place the disc in a
desk draw, about 6 inches from the
equipment? How many businesses
don’t keep duplicate copies of their
clients’ and suppliers’ contact details in
a totally separate place to their
business? How many don’t have
details
of
where
replacement
equipment can be located at short
notice, where their staff lives and their
contact telephone numbers? How
many know to the penny who owes
them money and their details to enable
contact to be made to get at it?
Local councils will have some form of
contingency plan that can be adapted
for individual businesses. Make one of
the first tasks of 2007, taking time to
look at what your business would need
if it literally started from scratch. Look
at the contacts and information you’ve
built up over the time you’ve run the
company and ask the question – if you
woke up one morning and the
premises wasn’t there, or event the
street was closed off due to a major
disaster, would you have the means to
restart within days? If you can’t say
“yes”, do something about it NOW.
existing strengths of staff and provide the opportunities to develop
current and future employees, please contact:
Christine Lester, Team Leader of Languages for Adult Community
Learning, West Essex Tel: 01277 265135
Terry Taber,
FSB Essex Regional Organiser
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01702 554242
Email: [email protected] www.essexcc.gov.uk/acl
9
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
Shop ‘til you drop,
then ‘do lunch’
B r e n t w o o d
Borough Council
has teamed up
with Brentwood
Town
Centre
Partnership to produce a brand new
shopping and eating
guide
for
Brentwood town
centre.
Detailing shops
and eating places
in the High Street,
Baytree Centre, Off the High Street,
Crown Street, Ropers Yard & Hart
Street, Ongar Road, Kings Road and
Warley Hill, the publication is the
shopper’s essential guide to
Brentwood.
As well as listing some 350 shops,
services and eating places, the guide
also features a brief description of
the individual areas, a map of the
town centre and travel information.
5,000 copies of the guide have
been printed and are available
from the Town Hall, Information
Centre and many town centre
retailers and eating establishments, as well as online at
www.brentwood.gov.uk
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
Olympics
come to town
With just 5 years to go with the London Olympics suddenly it starts to
seem not far away at all. However, the ‘Olympic’ Borough of Brentwood
is already ahead of the game and has certainly become alive to the
opportunities which the build-up to the Olympics present to our community – as well as the 2012 games themselves.
Just a few weeks after the original announcement in 2005, Brentwood
Chamber of Commerce held our annual summer networking event in
BT’s offices.
A couple of questions came up about what Brentwood was going to do
to make sure that local businesses and residents could take full advantage of this unique opportunity. These were addressed at the Council’s
‘Brentwood Business in the Community’ conference, held before
Christmas, which was all about what the Olympics could mean for
Brentwood.
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce’s Vice Chairman, Rob Bristow, has
been elected as Chairman of the town’s ‘Brentwood 2012’ Committee.
The group will be taking a close look at all the angles necessary to
Baytree sold
for £41.6m
make sure that Brentwood enjoys a successful and positive Olympics.
Halladale Group Plc, has announced
the disposal of The Baytree Centre to
property fund O Twelve Estates Ltd
for £41.6 million.
In June 2004 Halladale announced
the acquisition from Brentwood
Borough Council of the freehold interest in Baytree and Becket House.
Since the acquisition, Halladale has
completed a complex and extensive
redevelopment of the site including a
comprehensive refurbishment and
extension of the shopping centre.
David Lockhart, Chief Executive of
Halladale,
said:
“Halladale’s
excellent track record of asset
management and development
which has resulted in a high quality
shopping centre and facilities
being delivered that significantly
enhance the retail environment
in Brentwood.”
www.halladale.co.uk
ing thousands of visitors and the world’s media. Everything must run
The opportunities are not just about the few weeks of the games themselves, when the mountain biking event will come to Weald Park bringsmoothly and visitors must be given the best possible impression of
Brentwood – so much so that they might want to come back to visit,
work, live…. or at least shop!
We could see thousands of spectators and media representatives wanting to stay in this area, eat, drink here or just look around. That goes
just for the period immediately surrounding the games themselves. But
there will be other high profile pre-Olympic mountain biking events
(required by the IOC as ‘dress rehearsals’) which could also provide
business opportunities. For any business with ambitions to take advantage of the trading possibilities on offer, now is the time to start planning.
And, of course, for the residents of Brentwood, this once-in-a-lifetime
event should be hugely exciting. If we give the Council and other local
bodies involved in the preparations our 100% support, Brentwood will
be placed firmly on the map for many years to come.
Mike Hawkins, Executive Secretary
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
10
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
FOR
Business
Success for
‘Gift of Life’ team
Water wise
Essex & Suffolk Water has extensive experience of helping
businesses manage their water resources more effectively. It supplies
around 22,000 million litres of water a year to more than 40,000
business customers in the region.
A triathlon is a challenge enough for
many people but in this year’s London
Triathlon, a team of transplantees
sponsored by Beresfords raced the
Docklands course to raise awareness
of the vital need for more organ donors.
Proving that an organ transplant is no
barrier to leading a full and active life
were Russell Clinker (pictured below
left), Ernesto Antonio (right) and Helen
Hayton (centre). Ernesto had a heart
transplant following multiple organ
failure whilst Russell and Helen have
received a kidney transplant.
The London Triathlon is the biggest
event of its kind in the world and it is
believed the ‘Gift of Life’ team are the
first ever transplant team to compete in
a triathlon.
Apart from raising awareness of organ
donation, the team also managed to
raise over £3000 for heart and kidney
research.
Essex & Suffolk Water wants its commercial and industrial customers
to get the maximum value out of every litre of water they use. It can
help businesses to ensure water is not wasted.
Water used by businesses is metered, which means that wasted water
comes straight off the bottom line. Many business leaders have found
that there are valuable financial and operational savings to be made
by getting the best value from water services.
Essex & Suffolk Water provides guidance in helping businesses to
tackle any water worries that they might have.
An increasing number of major companies already working with the
company and are experiencing the benefits of lower costs, greater
efficiency, regulatory compliance and peace of mind.
Essex & Suffolk Water can now offer a range of services that can be
tailored to a client’s particular needs. They include:
Water audit
How much is going on to the site, how much is being used and where,
how much is being lost through leakage?
Water minimisation
Is the water being used effectively and efficiently, could less be used,
could it be recycled?
Organisations with large numbers of sites often have special needs in
areas such as water audits, metering and billing services.
The company can provide services for a range of organisations from
retail or finance chains to local authorities and higher education
organisations.
For further information about Essex & Suffolk Water
To donate to Kidney Research UK
or Heart Research UK, visit
www.justgiving.com.
You can register online
as an organ donor at
www.uktransplant.org.uk
Fines for
minimum wage
non-earners
Employers who refuse to pay the
minimum wage could face a £200 fine
for every worker they had underpaid.
Employers already have to pay back
arrears they owe to the worker and
now those who refuse to pay up will be
penalised.
In cases where workers complain they
are not getting the minimum wage,
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
investigate the employer. If the
complaint is upheld and the employer
will not pay then he is given a warning
to repay the arrears. Employers who
do not pay within seven days risk a
fine.
www.dti.gov.uk
please call 0845 782 0999
11
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
Ford tops 30 years
as the nation’s
favourite
Ford’s sales performance in its 30th successive year
as top-selling UK car brand secured leadership on all
fronts for the blue oval in 2006. The team at Ford
Britain’s Brentwood headquarters achieved a trio of
key successes:
Ford cars: Number one marque every year 1977
to 2006
Ford commercial vehicles: British-built Transit
drives increased 2006 volumes in 41st
consecutive year as CV leader
Ford 2006 market share: 16 per cent of total car
and CV sales – up 0.6 per cent on 2005.
Industry figures show that Ford S-MAX, Car of the
Year 2007; Ford Focus, Britain’s favourite car; and
Other Ford highlights:
Ford Fiesta are current stars in a range which has led
Ford Fiesta, first choice once again among private
the UK car market for three decades. This
buyers, saw sales leap 24 per cent from 83,803 to
performance extended the sales gap between Ford
103,856
and its nearest rival to over 42,000 cars last year.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
enjoying growing popularity with a 14 per cent
(SMMT) confirms that new Ford Transit drove a near
registrations surge
five per cent rise in Ford commercial vehicle sales in
Ford S-MAX and Galaxy attracted 12,335 MPV
2006. Transit, voted International Van of the Year
buyers – over 3,000 more than the previous year
2007, helped Ford win almost 93,000 commercial
150th Ford Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV), capable
vehicle customers – up from 88,800 in 2005.
of running on bioethanol or petrol, delivered to
Roelant de Waard, Ford of Britain chairman based at
National Farmers’ Union
the company’s Warley Central Office, said: “This
12
Small car stable-mate, Ford Fusion, is also
Ford Transit Connect and Transit together take
great result proves our formula of product, quality,
almost 30 per cent of medium commercial vehicle
pricing and service is finding favour with increasing
segment.
numbers of UK customers. Together with our dealers
Ford product introductions set to increase Ford’s
we will continue to work hard on this in 2007 – which
momentum in 2007 include Ford Focus Coupé
is really the year of the new Mondeo!”
Cabriolet; new Mondeo, as spied in the current
Ford of Britain’s 2006 results include higher total
Casino Royale Bond film; and revised C-MAX. All will
vehicle share and volumes despite a depressed
be on display in Ford Central Office’s foyer on Eagle
market.
Way through the year.
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
FOR
Business
c o m m e n t s
Small business rate
relief scheme changes
Under new arrangements ratepayers will be required to
relief from the day after the date of change until the
apply for small business rate relief only once every five
day on which the Council is notified.
years, at the time of the revaluation of business properties.
If the change of circumstances is such that the
The new arrangments will first apply where
ratepayer will no longer be eligible for the relief, e.g.
applications for relief are made in respect of the next
because the ratepayer occupies a new property with
financial year, 2007/08. Provided their circumstances
a rateable value above the £2200 threshold, relief
do not change, the ratepayer will not be required to
would be ended from the date of change.
make a further application until financial year
2010/11.
An additional condition of entitlement to small
Tel: 01277 312892
www.brentwood.gov.uk
business rate relief will be that the
ratepayer must notify the Council of
particular changes in circumstances that
may affect their entitlement to the relief,
within four weeks starting on the day after
the change occurred.
These changes are:
Increases in rateable value of a property
occupied by the ratepayer which is not in
the Council’s area - these changes will
have to be notified in writing; and
the ratepayer occupying any other
property which is not mentioned in
their application for relief - these
changes will have to be notified
through a fresh application for small
business rate relief.
As notifying the council of these changes,
within four weeks starting on the day after
the date of change, will be a condition of
their entitlement, failure to notify the
Council will mean the ratepayer would no
longer be entitled to the relief.
If the ratepayer notifies the Council after the
four week period, the ratepayer would lose
13
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
Vacant commercial
property register
Brentwood
Borough
Council’s
Planning
Services
department
produces a register of vacant
commercial properties.
Whilst the Council does not own the
properties
listed,
the
register
provides brief details of each
property together with the estate
agents dealing with them.
All specific enquiries on properties in
the register should be directed to the
estate agent concerned.
General
enquiries
should
be
directed to Charles Sweeny at
the Town Hall on 01277 312610
or by emailing:
[email protected].
Currently, agents contributing to
the register include:
Douglas Duff 01277 226222
Glenny 01268 540771
Hilbery Chaplin 01708 745000
Kelmsley Whiteley & Ferris
01245 358988
Mass & Co 01277 201300
Walkers 01277 210011
The drive behind
Britain’s
female
entrepreneurs?
Setting up in business alone has either
lived up to or exceeded their
expectations, say 94% of women
surveyed by everywoman and
Natwest.
More than 90% of the women had
positive advice for women considering
setting up in business and less than
1% of women cited the “work/life”
balance as an issue when starting out.
Increasingly women are starting up in
business in order to set their own
agenda and dictate their own working
hours. The primary factor for setting
up is the desire for autonomy.
Women believe that there are three
critical
factors
essential
for
entrepreneurial success: determination; perspiration; and personality. 7
in 10 thought self belief and
determination as crucial, and 1 in 3
claimed that hard work and long
hours would pull you through.
www.everywoman.co.uk
www.natwest.com
|
c o m m e n t s
Village shop
rate relief
Rate relief was granted to anumber of village shops in the Borough for
the current financial year which ends on 31st March 2007.
To qualify for relief a business must fist be located in a rural settlement
of 3000 people or less. The map indicates the areas within the Borough
that currently qualify. It is now available for inspection prior to its
adoption on 1st April 2007. To comment or see a larger, more detailed
copy, please contact the Business Rate section at the Town Hall during
office hours, or call 01277 312892.
New Stansted routes
Airline Manx2.com brought a flavour of the
Isle of Man to London Stansted in October
to launch its new daily service to the Island.
A troupe of Manx dancers from the Manx
Folk Dance Society entertained passengers.
Manx2.com is offering up to three flights a
day which are now available to be booked
through manx2.com, or call centre on 0870 2422226.
Norwegian, Scandinavia’s largest low cost carrier, has started a new
route from London Stansted to Kristiansand in the South of Norway,
flying three times weekly.
14
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
Phoenix FM
Phoenix FM is a community radio station broadcasting to Brentwood
and surrounding areas. A group was initially formed in 1996 to lobby the
Radio Authority to provide a frequency for a full time FM service for the
area. The new broadcast frequency will be 98.0FM. To attract and
consolidate support for this, a number of short-term broadcasts were
undertaken under a special temporary licence, with an emphasis on
local news, features, people and events.
While not on air Phoenix FM has developed its on line presence. In
2001, the station became the first community service in the country to
stream its programmes over the internet. The station’s website at
www.phoenixfm.com now has over 500 pages and attracts over 1,700
unique visitors per day – far higher than many established commercial
FOR
Business
20 years of
wedded bliss
The largest regional Wedding Fayre
is set to smash all records by
celebrating its 20th year in 2007. With
a fresh new look exhibition offering
every bride and groom an array of
options to plan the wedding of their
dreams.
The exhibition, which takes place on
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th
February at the Brentwood Centre,
will feature exhibitors focussed on
products and services for those wanting an individual perfect day. Show
organisers have ensured that there is
the essentials plus something to add
a real wow factor to your special day.
From wedding cars, to fire engines
perfect for a hen night with a
radio stations.
In early 2006 Phoenix FM was granted a full time licence and is now
preparing for the new full time service, including a proposed move to a
new studio at the Baytree Centre. The station’s unique status as a
non-profit making organisation means that with no shareholders
seeking large dividends it can offer excellent value for money for local
businesses, while offering a diverse range of programmes featuring all
aspects of local life from which commercial radio stations
normally shy away.
For more information about programming or advertising please,
contact Paul Golder on 07771 664661 or [email protected] or
Stephen Mead on 07795 411221 or [email protected]
Beresfords Truimph
Essex based estate agent,
Beresfords, has recently won
the silver award in the Best
Prestigious Homes category
at the 2006 Estate Agency of
the Year Awards.
The awards, hosted by GMTV’s news presenter, Penny Smith,
champion high standards, innovation and best practice among estate
agents of all sizes. The award for Prestigious Homes is open to estate
agents who deal solely with prestigious property (£500,000 and above)
or who have a specific prestige property department. The winner had to
best demonstrate outstanding service and delivery when it comes to
buying/selling exclusive homes.
difference, stationery, champagne
fountains to cakes, honeymoons, and
hair and makeup experts to an online
gay wedding company. There really is
something for everyone! Not forgetting your chance to win a massive
£1,000 on both days in our Essex FM
Runaway Bride competition, simply
listen in to Essex FM find out more.
This year introduces a new and exciting interactive zone where visitors
can pick up handy hints from the
experts along the way. The Essex FM
demonstration theatre allows you to
watch, listen and enjoy workshops
focused on different aspects of
planning
your
wedding.
An
inspirational fashion show is planned,
bringing a taste of the very best of
local bridal wear to Essex.
Visit www.essexfm.co.uk or call
01245 524528 for more
information and a chance to
make a saving
Left to right: Terry Holmes and Chris White from Beresfords, with host
Penny Smith and category sponsor, Chris Bevan from Cobalt Capital
15
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
Reducing their
carbon footprint
Taking government advice to evaluate the effect their
Utilising renewable fuels, where available
energy use is having on the planet, Treble Twenty
Recycling end of life vehicles
Taxis has already started reducing their overall car-
Reducing energy consumption
bon footprint by introducing a number of measures.
Buying green electricity, generated by wind,
By developing the LPG/electric hybrid Toyota Prius,
Treble Twenty Taxis have produced an ultra low
Recycling waste products
emissions dual fuel taxi, these taxis now form part of
Service for Business
the fleet currently on the road. Treble Twenty Taxis is
As one of the region’s leading taxi and courier serv-
the only company in the country to be using
ice, Treble Twenty Taxis already offers a range of
LPG/electric hybrids.
service features:
A Treble Twenty Taxis LPG/electric hybrid Toyota
Brentwood, Shenfield and Hutton’s only 24 hour
Prius emits 95g CO2 per kilometre, roughly half that
taxi service
of an average car. For instance, one diesel car emits
Fleet of 60 new air-conditioned vehicles
the equivalent of 20 LPG vehicles’ worth of nitrogen
Advanced satellite tracking
oxides and 120 LPG vehicles’ worth of particulates.
Business account facilities
The LPG/electric hybrid runs on electricity in urban
24-hour 365-day service for taxis and couriers
situations and is nearly silent, helping to cut down on
Strictly non smoking vehicles
noise pollution. It uses regenerative braking to help
Every driver CRB / Police checked
recharge the batteries.
Luxury Executive Car Service
These vehicles are easily identifiable by their distinc-
In addition to their green credentials, Treble Twenty
tive green liveries, and any customers wishing to
Taxis also provide a luxury executive car service for
specifically request them, can do so by simply asking
business clients and individuals, specialising in cor-
for a ‘green car’ when making their booking.
porate hospitality, meet and greet service, special
Treble Twenty Taxis is also taking a number of other
occasion and wedding use.
measures to further improve local air quality and
reduce their environmental impact, these include:
Reducing exhaust emissions
16
solar and hydro
For more information about any of the services
available, please call 01277 202020, email
[email protected] or visit www.202020.co.uk
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
FOR
Business
c o m m e n t s
Training for Brentwood SMEs
An
exciting
new
project
aimed
at
helping
the next few years and what skills its employees
independent small to medium enterprises with under
need to develop in order to be successful.
250 staff, has just been launched.
Essex Business Awards
The project is supported by Brentwood Town Centre
Brentwood Town Centre Partnership is once again to
Partnership, Brentwood Borough Council, Brentwood
be a sponsor of the Essex Business Awards.
Chamber of Commerce and members of the
Brentwood businesses thinking of entering, or who
Federation of Small Businesses.
would like further details of these awards, can
The programme is also one of the first being
contact [email protected].
delivered by Primum whose advisers will help the
Jane Ponder, Corporate Projects Manager
business to work out what it wants to achieve over
Brentwood Borough Council, 01277 264575
Rediscover French wine
In the face of huge competition from the New World, French
winemakers are being forced to apply themselves to the art of
marketing their goods in the UK.
You have only to travel around rural France to appreciate the
number of small vineyards which are either unable or unwilling to commit themselves to supplying supermarket shelves or large off licence
chains.
Often in these out of the way places, you can track down a real
passion for producing the best wine possible. In each area there will be
some vineyards that have a long family tradition of wine making and
other newly acquired properties, which are being rejuvenated and marketed for the requirements of the 21st century.
If you feel you would like to discover or rediscover the delights of
French wine, all produced by independent winemakers please
contact
Drinks
of
France
on
0800
8562056,
e-mail
[email protected] or visit www.drinksoffrance.co.uk
Thinking of starting a business
Come and talk through your idea. The Mid Essex
We will continue to give you advice and support
Enterprise Agency is here to help you, we provide
through the start-up period and during those first
advice and guidance from experienced advisers, all
critical months.
given in total confidence.
An adviser is on hand weekly at The Old House,
Our qualified Business Advisers can provide advice on
Wilson’s Corner on Shenfield Road.
How to raise finance
How to market your product or service
What you need to know about employing people
Taxation, NI and VAT matters
Training to equip you with key business skills
For more details contact:
T: 01245 496712
E: [email protected]
W: www.midessexenterpriseagency.co.uk
17
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
National survey
raises the bar for
sport in Essex
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
How to avoid
the recent
bank rate
increase
Approx 60% of businesses own their own commercial property but
The largest sport and recreation
survey ever undertaken within
England has set a major challenge
for sportessex, the new body with
responsibility for strategic sports
development in Essex, Southend and
Thurrock.
The Active People Survey questioned
over 360,000 people. It paints a
national
picture
of
sporting
participation and volunteering. The
results will be used by sportessex to
embark on an ambitious programme
of activity to increase participation
levels within the area.
On average, the percentage of
people across Essex participating in
at least 3x30 minutes of moderate
intensity physical activity is 20%. The
national average is 21%. Of the 14
authority areas within Essex,
Southend and Thurrock, 6 are performing below the national average,
5 at or about the national average
and 3 above the national average.
Whilst participation levels are below
the national average it is a different
story as far as volunteering is concerned. Essex is revealed as an
area where people are more than
prepared to volunteer and help in
local sporting activities. The survey reveals that on average
5.17% of the adult population
contribute at least one hour a
week volunteering to sport,
compared to a national
average of 4.7%.
Call 01245 702490 for
more information
unlike the residential property market, most businesses never
consider re-mortgaging to save them interest charges or to raise
finance against the properties increase in value.
Figures from the Council of Mortgage lenders (CML) show that in the
residential mortgage market over 40% of business transacted is a
re-mortgage with the driving force being
Customer seeking cheaper rates
Customer re-mortgaging to raise new funds from the rise in the
valuation of the house
These two points apply equally to the commercial mortgage market
and Advocate Finance has estimated that a typically commercial
mortgage, customers can save up to £50,000 in interest costs over
the life of a mortgage, simply by re-mortgaging with a specialist
intermediary who can look at the whole of the market to find them a
better deal.
With the recent increases in Bank Base rate to 5%, now is also the
best time to look at fixed rate deals. One lender is offering a 5 year
fixed rate deal at 6.19%, compare this with the typical Bank rate of
7%-7.5%, not only is the customer saving thousands of pounds but
they are also fixing their interest costs for the next 5 years. With base
rates forecast to increase again to 5.25% in February now is the ideal
opportunity to look to improve you commercial mortgage charges.
Competition is increasing in the commercial mortgage market with
new lenders introducing 85% mortgages, 30-year terms, flexible
offset arrangements and interest only mortgage for up to 5 years
For more information on commercial mortgages and accessing the
whole of the market contact David Tonks on 0560 0494072 or email
[email protected] or visit www.advocatefinance.co.uk
18
VISION
WINTER 2007 ISSUE 5
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
Train to Gain
Businesses can now get the training they need to succeed with the launch
of a new service, Train to Gain. The idea behind the scheme from the
FOR
Business
Working at
height & manual
handling seminar
and exhibition
Learning and Skills Council, is that education does not, and should not stop
when people leave school or college. Train to Gain is available for small
and medium sized businesses that do not regularly train their staff. More
than 22,000 individuals and 6,000 employees have already benefited from
the £1billion training programme.
The training available includes basic skills such as literacy and numeracy,
up to a level two qualification (five good GCSEs) with support for level
three. Specialist vocational qualifications such as construction or
hospitality and tourism are also available.
A leadership and management programme may also be available for small
and medium sized enterprises, which offers formal training and informal
support, such as mentoring and coaching, for managing directors.
A skills ‘broker’ will visit businesses at a suitable time for the organisation,
to carry out a free review to assess training needs based on the
In
November,
Brentwood
Council, in partnership with the
Health & Safety Executive (HSE),
held the Borough’s first free seminar and exhibition to raise
awareness of safety hazards
when working at height and
moving goods safely.
9.5 million working days were lost
in 2005/06 through musculoskeletal disorders caused or
made worse by work. On
average, each person suffering
took an estimated 17.3 days off
work in that 12 month period.
Falls are the biggest cause of
deaths in Britain’s workplaces.
Attended by over 100 representatives from local businesses, the
business’s goals. They will then create a tailor-made training package.
Companies with 50 employees or less may be eligible for wage
compensation. They can apply for a contribution to wage costs for
employees who achieve either their first full Level 2 or a Skills for Life
qualification. If eligible, they will receive a contribution towards wage costs
of £5 per
hour or the
actual
wages
costs, while
employees
are being
trained.
For further
information
about Train
to Gain in
the East
of England,
please
telephone
0800 387
326 or visit
www.train
togain.gov.uk
seminar gave delegates help and
guidance on the Work at Height
Regulations 2005, which can
be a complicated area for
businesses to understand and
implement.
The HSE, Speedyhire and
Youngmans gave presentations,
on the various solutions and
control measures available for
reducing the impact of manual
handling injuries.
The exhibition also highlighted
some of the equipment and
solutions available when working
at height and for reducing back
injuries. The equipment exhibited
ranged from simple sack trucks
to mechanical lifting platforms.
For further information, including
leaflets, contact Environmental
Health on 01277 312504 or
visit www.hse.gov.uk. The
Council is hoping to hold
a similar event later
this year.
19
VISION
FOR
Business
n e w s
|
v i e w s
|
c o m m e n t s
Agrilcultural Development in the
Eastern Region (ADER)
Shell Step forward
uates
to
work
with
them,
companies can save themselves
valuable time and money, whilst at
the same time get a fresh and
unique
perspective
to
those
problem projects.
The salary for a Shell Step
Essex
Development
&
placement student is £190 per
Regeneration Agency (ExDRA)
week. Every undergraduate will
has begun their search for small
have completed 2 years of a
and medium sized businesses to
typical 3-year degree course at a
come forward and take part in the
UK
2007 Shell Step programme.
companies is £1,770 plus VAT.
university.
The
cost
to
The programme gives businesses
For more information on Shell Step
the chance to employ the county’s
contact Essex Development &
brightest and most enterprising
Regeneration Agency on 01268
undergraduates over an eight-week
591436, email [email protected]
period starting in July.
or visit www.shellstep.org.uk or
Using highly motivated undergrad-
www.exdra.co.uk
We Want Your Views
Local business people - Brentwood Borough Council wants to hear your
views.
As
part
of
communication
the
Council’s
and
ongoing
continued
commitment
improvement
to
to
effective
services
for
businesses, an online consultation is being conducted to discover the
level of impact certain issues have on the business community.
The consultation invites businesses to submit their views and
experiences on how transport and accessibility; skills, training and
recruitment; and land and commercial premises availability effect their
business.
The results from the consultation will be used to further develop the
Council’s Economic Development Strategy and to develop an action
plan to promote business in Brentwood and the economic vitality of the
Borough and ensure that Brentwood continues to be ‘open for business’
and attract investment.
In order to continue to improve upon the current economic prosperity of
the Borough, the Council would like to hear from all local businesses
about the challenges they face, both in the short and the long term.
The consultation can be completed online at www.brentwood.gov.uk,
alternatively a postal version is available upon request from
Lisa Stroulger on 01277 312629 [email protected].
20
Useful numbers,
contacts & websites:
Writtle College
Lordship Road, Writtle
Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3RR
T: 01245 424112
E: [email protected]
W: www.ader.org.uk
Brentwood Borough Council
Corporate Communiations & Marketing
Department
Town Hall, Ingrave Road
Brentwood, Essex CM15 8AY
T: 01277 312629
F: 01277 312635
E: [email protected]
W: www.brentwood.gov.uk
Brentwood Chamber of Commerce
Pepperell House, 44 High Street
Brentwood, Essex CM14 4AJ
T: 01277 214814
F: 01277 214814
E: [email protected]
W: www.brentwoodchambers.co.uk
Business Link for Essex
Redwing House, Hedgerows Business
Park, Colchester Rd, Chelmsford Essex
T: 0845 7171615
F: 01245 241500
E: [email protected]
W: www.BL4E.co.uk
East of England Development
Agency (EEDA)
The Business Centre
Station Road, Histon
Cambridgeshire CB4 9LQ
T: 01223 713900
E: [email protected]
W: www.eeda.org.uk
Essex Development and
Regeneration Agency (EXDRA)
Aquila House
Waterloo Road
Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1BD
T: 01245 702400
E: [email protected]
W: www.exdra.co.uk
Federation of Small Businesses
T: 01253 336000
F: 01253 348046
E: [email protected]
W: www.fsb.org.uk
Mid Essex Enterprise Agency (MEEA)
8 Brockley Road
Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6HQ
T: 01245 496712
E: [email protected]
W: www.midessexenterpriseagency.co.uk
Small Business Service
T: 0207 215 5000
E: [email protected]
W: www.sbs.gov.uk