Spring 2014 - East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

LIFE
business
The magazine of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
David
Grant
Brewing up
Issue 8 Spring 2014
Debating Chamber
How do we make it
in manufacturing? Page 12
Sector Spotlight
Professions are
keener and leaner Page 14
District Eye
Pendle powers on Page 16
WECOME AND CONTENTS
Women need business
role models
Girl Guiding Society and
the Chartered Management
Institute, identify a lack of
appropriate role models across
industry as a serious problem.
At age 13, girls feel that any
career is open to them, but this
changes and the majority go
on to stereotypical course and
career choices. In its last round of Council
appointments, the Chamber
saw three senior directors of
manufacturing companies join
the board on merit – and they
were all women.
But irrespective of this
encouraging sign locally,
the headlines in the national
news as we start 2014 are
generally negative. 60 per
cent of graduates with first
class honours degrees are
female, yet fewer than than 20 per cent of board
positions are held by women. Where is this talent disappearing to and at what
economic and personal cost?
LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW
The magazine for commerce and industry
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I have been appointed the representative for
Women’s Enterprise on the British Chamber of
Commerce board to help unlock this potential.
I will be visiting Chambers across the UK
finding out how we can support our members
in encouraging young women into every type of
industry and retaining them.
Reports recently conducted by Ofsted, the
The economy grew by 1.9 per
cent in 2013, putting us among
the fastest growing advanced
economies. Moreover, British
Chambers of Commerce have
upgraded their forecast for
2014 to 2.7 per cent.
It is heartening to see that the
recovery is across all sectors,
construction, services and
manufacturing, and consumer
confidence is returning.
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One continuing lag is private sector investment
and many of the largest companies are sitting on
cash mountains. However, as the very positive
AT THE
CHECKOUT
networks
CONTENTS
Round-up
My Business Life
The Debating Chamber
Sector Spotlight
District Eye
International Trade
Inside the Chamber
Yes / No / Maybe
Chamber Life
4
8
12
14
16
18
20
22
23
Business Life is published by Northpoint
Publishing in association with East Lancashire
Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
In an age where we face huge skills gaps in
engineering, nuclear and manufacturing, we
need to act quickly to find ways to encourage
girls to consider what have always been
assumed are ‘male’ careers.
Editorial contacts: Darren Grantham d.grantham@
chamberelancs.co.uk / Roger Edworthy
r.edworthy@chamberinternet.co.uk 01254 356400
If you are a woman in science, technology or
engineering we would love to hear from you.
Artwork by Jennifer Roocroft at Fettle PR
Wendy Bowers
President & BCC Board Member
president@chamberelancs.co.uk
Invest and revitalise
As one note of caution though, we’ve historically
been concerned in the North that monetary policy
is dominated by house values in London and the
South East. The Chamber routinely meets the
Bank of England Agents and we will be seeking
reassurance that the objective is truly to achieve a
national balance.
products and services
It is interesting to note that
roughly equal numbers of girls
and boys take physics GCSE
but only 14 per cent of physics degrees are taken
by women.
/3
Advertising contacts: Stephen Bolton stephen@
northpointpublishing.co.uk / Valerie Lomas
val@northpointpublishing.co.uk 01254 297870
Printed by Peter Scott Printers
Photography of The Debating Chamber and David
Grant by Clive Lawrence
Views expressed by contributors are not
necessarily shared by East Lancashire Chamber.
Northpoint Publishing:
East Park Lodge, East Park Road,
Blackburn BB1 8DW 01254 297870
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce:
Red Rose Court, Clayton Business Park,
Accrington BB5 5JR 01254 356400
Manufacturing Debating
Chamber in this edition (p12)
shows, local companies are
investing and getting a big
productivity advantage.
Once investment starts to flow
we need to be sure that local
companies are in the fore for
supply chains. The Chamber is
already part of the NW Energy
Task Force where Lancashire
could attract considerable
investment and become a supply-hub; and
we’re launching a revitalised construction
group to help create employment in an underrepresented sector.
CHAMBER CONTACTS
Wendy Bowers President
president@chamberelancs.co.uk
Michael Damms Chief Executive
m.damms@chamberelancs.co.uk
Mandy Lockett International Trade Director
m.lockett@chamberelancs.co.uk
Stef Heywood International Trade Manager
s.heywood@chamberelancs.co.uk
Christine Lambe Training Director
c.lambe@chamberelancs.co.uk
Roger Edworthy
Internet Services & Facilities Manager
r.edworthy@chamberinternet.co.uk
Louise Gaskell
Finance Manager & Company Secretary
l.gaskell@chamberelancs.co.uk
To miscoin a phrase, ‘if you want a job doing –
get the private sector to do it’.
Mike Damms
Chief Executive
m.damms@chamberelancs.co.uk
LIFE
business
4\ ROUND-UP
/5
ROSSENDALE
INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT OPENS
FOR BUSINESS
PM+M land firm of year accolade
Blackburn and Burnley Accountants PM+M won
the Accountancy Firm of the Year title in the 2013
North West Society of Chartered Accountants
(NWSCA) awards.
Members of the team joined top accountancy
practices from across the region at a ceremony
at The Hilton Hotel, Blackpool. The awards, now
in their tenth year, celebrate the outstanding
achievements of businesses across the region
along with individuals and professional advisers.
The judges praised PM+M’s style of presenting
and were particularly impressed with the
enthusiastic team and the series of innovations
it has introduced to assist clients and their
businesses. Also highly praised was the firm’s
approach to training, development and succession.
Managing partner Stephen Anderson said: “This
award would not have been possible without
the hard work and dedication of our team. It is
their high levels of commitment and motivation
that ensure we continue to build long standing
relationships and deliver excellent client service”.
Business in Sport or
Sport in Business?
We are passionate believers that a commitment to our
local community is good for business. Furthermore we
believe that local success in sport reflects well on the
area and, certainly in East Lancashire, most of the major
sporting clubs demonstrate a heavy commitment to the
communities they exist within.
PM+M are NWSCA accountancy firm of the year
It stands to reason then that a positive engagement with
sport can only be good for business and vice versa.
SPORT
Developer announced for Burnley Knowledge Park
Lifelong aviation fans Steve and Vicky Everson
might not have opened an airport just yet but
they can offer the next best thing with new
Rossendale business ‘Flightdeck Experience’.
What began as a hobby, based in their home,
has now expanded into a fully- fledged flight
simulator experience where individuals and
corporate groups can come and find out what
it’s like to pilot a jet airliner complete with a
12-seater cabin, air bridge and departure lounge.
Steve said: “ I started out with a desktop
computer and some flight simulator software
when I trained as a glider pilot so that I could
practise my flying at home but I had always had
a keen interest in commercial aviation since
visiting the cockpit of an airliner on a trip to
Spain as a child.
“My desktop setup soon expanded until it
eventually became a complete cockpit replica
of a Boeing 737 in our spare room at home. It got
to the point where we had to cut a door in the
bathroom wall to access the flightdeck.”
After having lots of friends and family visiting the
flightdeck the couple (who incidentally married
on Concorde in Manchester) realised that the
experience might appeal to a wider audience
and secured a business unit in Stacksteads.
Steve then began the massive task of moving
and assembling the simulator and cabin at his
new premises.
Flightdeck Experience opened for business
in January and so far the response has been
excellent with customers ranging from a
12-year-old would-be pilot to a business
owner who brought along his family to enjoy
him captaining a flight to Alicante. Visit www.
flightdeckexperience.co.uk to find out more.
Kirk completing Chertsey works
Kirk Environmental, part of Kirk Group, is
currently completing refurbishments at the
Chertsey Sewerage Treatments Works in Surrey
for Thames Water Utilities.
stage of the project will be to design, supply
and install a ground-mounted Biodome double
membrane gas holder to replace the ageing gas
bell system currently in place.
The site treats and disposes sewage from the
Chertsey area, serving a population of around
86,000 which is expected to increase to some
92,000 in 2021.
The existing gas bell is made up of a glass-fusedto-steel inner and outer shell, complete with a
glass-fused-to-steel roof on the inner tank. The
inner tank is on runners and moves up and down
as the volume of the gas is stored and used.
By replacing this system with KIRK’s industry
leading Biodome gas holder the end user will
benefit from a more efficient and cost effective
solution to store the biogas produced at the site.
The renewable energy created at the plant will
then be re-used to power the facility itself.
The first stage of the refurbishments started
at the end of 2013 with the replacements of
two glass-fused-to-steel roofs for the existing
digester tanks at the site. These are currently
being constructed on site and should be
completed by the end of January. The second
Training 2000 welcomes
first Powered Access
learners
Blackburn-based Training 2000, the largest
group training association in England, has
launched a dedicated International Powered
Access Federation (IPAF) training centre and
welcomed its first cohort of learners.
The group, from BAE Systems, is the first
to complete the IPAF training course at the
newly-accredited centre, based on Challenge
Way in Blackburn. Delivered by qualified IPAF
instructors, the course provides on-site and insitu training for people who work with powered
access equipment, such as cherry pickers, fork
lift trucks and scissor lifts.
On successful completion of the course,
operators will receive an IPAF PAL card allowing
them to work in any environment that involves
the use of such equipment.
Janette Bury, business manager of forklift truck
and logistics at Training 2000, said: “We are
delighted to be an IPAF accredited centre and
offer this qualification as it is an essential safety
requirement in many industries.
“Now that the first learners have completed
their course, we are expecting more demand
and as the centre is also delivering Certificate
of Professional Competence (CPC) courses for
LGV drivers we are confident that the centre will
attract learners from across the county.”
Tim Whiteman, CEO and managing director of
the International Powered Access Federation,
said: ”IPAF operator training is available in
28 countries and nine languages, but we are
especially glad to add Training 2000 to the list of
accredited training centres as they are just 50
miles from our head office in Cumbria – we wish
them great success.”
Trebor Developments has been named as the
developer for the Burnley Knowledge Park. The
scheme is set to provide 130,000 sq ft of commercial
floor space on a brownfield site adjacent to the
town’s £84m university and college campus.
advanced manufacturing and digital industries
who can tap into the advanced research and
development and the unrivalled manufacturing
and robotic technologies from the adjacent
Knowledge Quarter education campus.”
Trebor will work alongside University of Central
Lancashire (UCLan), Burnley College and the
Homes and Communities Agency. Offices and
workshops are planned, while an enterprise
centre with incubation suites and managed
workshop could also be built.
Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of Burnley
Council, added the project would help to make
Burnley a “regionally significant centre for
advanced manufacturing”.
Burnley Council leader Julie Cooper said: “The
Knowledge Park will provide a unique offer to
“The council is working hard to promote the
borough to attract new investment and to
put in place the infrastructure to attract new
businesses,” he said.
Council in running for more honours
Burnley Council is in the running for another top
award.
The Local Government Chronicle has nominated
the authority for its Driving Growth Award in
recognition of ‘the impact the council’s initiatives
are having on the local economy’. Judges praised
the council for its ambition and for its ‘positive
working relationships with local businesses’.
Council leader Julie Cooper said: “I’m delighted
Burnley Council has been shortlisted for this major
award. The council is committed to securing
economic growth for Burnley and plays a major
role in developing the right infrastructure and
environment in which our businesses can thrive. “
Burnley business leaders are working with the
council on a major event in London in April.
Grab a slice of Lancashire’s tastiest event
The 17th annual Lancashire Food Festival takes
place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April at
Accrington Town Hall and promises to entice
hungry crowds in with weird, wonderful and
downright delicious delicacies to be tasted.
A spokesperson for the Lancashire Food Festival
said: “The festival gives people from all over the
region the chance to enjoy a warm Lancashire
welcome and tantalise their taste buds with the
very best food and drink our county has to offer.
Last year’s event was attended by special guest,
celebrity chef Ed Baines, and saw shoppers
sample classic Lancashire dishes like hearty
pies, chimney cake, handmade cheese and black
pudding as well as more exotic delights like
kangaroo burgers, flavoursome fudges, spicy
sauces and energy-boosting health juices.
“It’s a real community affair and showcases
what’s great about Lancashire. We’re looking for
like-minded businesses to get involved with us
and help to make 2014’s event pack even more of
a culinary punch by making it bigger, better and
tastier than ever!”
This year, more than 50 exhibitors from Lancashire
and beyond will gather to proffer up their mouthwatering must-haves to the general public.
Organisers are looking for sponsorship partners to
help promote the event and tempt even more big
names to exhibit. For details contact Sue Lawson
on 01282 426846 or sue@scottdawson.co.uk
BUSINESS
COMMUNITY
We feel we have demonstrated this ourselves in our tie
-ups with several sporting organisations.
Over the last year or so, we are proud to have been
able to provide HR Consultancy to both Burnley FC and
Accrington Stanley FC. We believe this has helped them be
more efficient, compliant and business like.
We also like to feel we played our part in Burnley FC
becoming joint host to the Chamber Curry Club, which
we achieved by effecting the introductions between the
Chamber and the Club, both of which we are closely
connected to. The result? More networking opportunities
for Chamber members in Burnley, which can only be good
for Chamber members, and more visitors to Turf Moor on
non-matchdays which can only be good for the Club.
Commercially, we have then been able to plough back
what we earn from this revenue stream into various local
sponsorships, both professional and amateur, which has
directly benefitted the clubs, the community and ultimately
ourselves as you would hope any advertising or marketing
activity would do.
We would strongly advise any local organisation to
engage through sport – done correctly it’s one of those
priceless win-win situations in business.
To find out more about our HR Consultancy offer, our
class leading Recruitment Service or about our sporting
connections, and how any of these might benefit your
business, just give us a call anytime –or come and
speak to us at Turf Moor on Match Day in the Neville
Gee 1882 Lounge!
Tel: 01282 430138, email: enquiries@nevillegee.co.uk
Visit our website www.nevillegee.co.uk or follow us on
twitter: @geejobs
Tim Oldfield is a director
of Neville Gee Ltd, who are
Diamond Ambassadors and
East Lancashire’s longest
established independent
recruitment company
LIFE
business
6\ ROUND-UP
/7
A tasty business at
Victoria Park Pavilion
Tyre firm hits
the road
Petra Wilson and her business partner Louise
set up their new café business in Victoria Park,
Nelson.
A new mobile tyre fitting company has hit the
road in East Lancashire supplying specialist
services to private vehicle owners and
businesses right on their doorstep.
“Our jobs were under threat as community
development workers and career-wise, our path
was challenged,” said Petra.
Hometyre provides full roadside tyre fitting,
repair and wheel balancing services to
customers at a location of their choice.
“I had always enjoyed spending time walking in
Victoria Park when we saw the Pavilion Building.
We investigated and contacted Pendle Council.
We knew we wanted to continue to make a
difference to our community and we thought this
could be the way.”
In between Petra was made redundant and had
to make a claim for Job Seekers Allowance and
was referred to the New Enterprise Allowance
(NEA) scheme, a project run across East
Lancashire by East Lancashire Chamber of
Commerce.
For Petra, this came just at the right time as
she was losing faith with her business ideas.
The NEA scheme helped her with her business
plan through Sylvia Hopwood of Recycle Works,
someone who Petra describes as a professional,
inspirational, knowledgeable and supportive.
Petra added: “NEA gave me hope and boosted
my confidence. The NEA allowance was a
cushion in my first few weeks of trading. It’s
great to be back in the world of work!”
Petra and Louise set up their own community
interest company and with the help of Burnley,
Pendle and Rossendale CVS, were able to
“Travelling to a fixed site for tyres is now a thing
of the past,” said franchise owner Chris Wood.
“We travel to the customer. It’s more convenient
for motorists and allows us to pass on the
benefits of lower running costs.”
Petra and Louise at Pavilion Cafe
write a bid and successfully receive £30,000 for
refurbishment of the Pavilion.
Petra said: “We have already restored the
car park and railings surrounding the Pavilion
Building itself with the Café open every day but
Monday and Wednesday. We also have a Friends
Group who are always looking for volunteers
to help run the café, gardens and as well as
enhancing the business side of the company.”
Lian Frankland, who runs the project at the
Chamber ,said: “NEA provides expert mentoring
and financial support to claimants who want to
start up their own business and helps people
to come off benefits and to turn their business
ideas into successful enterprises.”
The service, which supplies and fits tyres for all
types of cars, vans, caravans and motorhomes,
covers Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington, Nelson,
Colne, Clitheroe, Whalley and the surrounding
areas. Chris set up the Blackburn-based
Hometyre branch after a 25-year driving career.
A former lorry driver and courier, who has
racked up over 1.6 million miles, he understands
the importance of tyre safety.
“Eight years ago I had a tyre blow-out on an
articulated lorry on the M62 near Hull. Fortunately
I could stop the vehicle safely,” he said.
12,000 miles?
No problem
Staff at Rossendale based smart card specialist
Universal Smart Cards were scratching their
heads trying to locate New Caledonia after a
customer request.
And having ruled out favourite Canada, the
French overseas territory was finally discovered
to lie in the South pacific, off the north East Coast
of Australia, more than 12,000 miles away.
An IT product and support based company,
based in the capital Nouméa, found Universal
Smart Cards through the web and purchased
cards to supply to their customer to support their
access control system.
Despite an 11 hour time difference, both parties
have communicated further via email, proving
online marketing and electronic communication
is vital to trading globally. As active members
of the Chamber’s International Trade Club,
Universal successfully fulfilled and shipped the
smart cards to the South Pacific.
Marketing executive Amanda Hatton said:
“Trading outside the UK and Europe is something
we do on a regular basis but getting a sales
opportunity from somewhere we’d never heard
of was very interesting.”
MEMBER NEWS IN BRIEF
• Send news to Darren Grantham d.grantham@chamberelancs.co.uk
Cummins Mellor Recruitment, with the support
of Barclays Bank, are hoping to raise £10,000 for
Blackburn Youth Zone with a ‘Black and Gold’
charity ball at Stanley House Hotel on March 14.
Graham Jones, MP for Haslingden and
Hyndburn, visited Isothane to see the innovative
work being done in tackling the huge problem
of insulating hard-to-treat cavities throughout
the UK. He said: “It was an eye opener to visit a
UK manufacturing firm who are world leaders
in their field and who have designed developed
and created a product in my constituency which
is transforming how properties can be protected
and safeguarded for the future”
World famous Accrington runner Ron Hill MBE
will lead hundreds onto Hyndburn’s roads as he
puts his name to a new 10K event in the borough.
Hill – world record holder, Olympian, clothing
entrepreneur and Freeman of the Borough – is
encouraging Hyndburn residents to shape up for
2014 by signing up to the Ron Hill Accrington 10K
run set to take place on March 30.
Lancashire-based pub operator, Ribble Valley
Inns, has reported excellent December trading
with more than 20,000 diners served.
Chamber member Ross McWilliam, a freelance
speaker and author, has been re-selected to be
the key deliverer for the national programme of
self-esteem and body confidence in Lancashire.
The scheme is sponsored by Dove and
administered by the charity Beat and education
specialists Randstad.
Preston-based financial advisory group, Taylor
Patterson, raised £6,000 for The Space Centre
in Lancashire - its chosen charity of 2013. The
Space Centre is the UK’s largest multi-sensory
environment, which is designed to help people
with special needs.
Blackburn commercial law firm Taylors has been
appointed as the only North West Legal Affiliate
of the national organisation Anti-Copying in
Design (ACID) and joins a network of intellectual
property firms working with ACID’s UK-wide
membership.
“I’ve always taken a keen interest in tyres. Every
time I had the tyres changed on my own car, I’d
ask a lot of questions. The business idea grew
from there.
The Hometyre brand has been operating
successfully since 2003 and it now covers over
20 geographical areas of the UK.
Forbes appointed New gallery opens
by ICO
Forbes Solicitors has been appointed as the
provider of employment law advice to the
Information Commissioner’s Office for new
matters following a competitive tendering
process.
The ICO is the UK’s independent authority set
up to uphold information rights in the public
interest, promoting openness by public bodies
and data privacy for individuals. The ICO
regulates and enforces the Data Protection Act,
the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy and
Electronic Communications Regulations and the
Environmental Information Regulations.
Longitude Gallery is a stunning new art gallery in Clitheroe. A bright and dynamic exhibition
space exhibiting both local and national modern British artists, the gallery will be showcasing
contemporary art and staging changeable exhibitions every two months throughout the year. The current exhibition includes paintings and sculpture by world renowned artists Matthew Lanyon,
Sir Terry Frost, Neil Canning, Dennis Hawkins, Margaret Lovell, Todd White and Henrietta Dubrey but
also supports local professional artists such as Victor Alan Herbert, Clare Bigger and Angela Baptie.
Open to the public Wednesday through to Saturday, visitors will be able to view paintings, prints,
photographs and sculpture. The gallery is housed in the former Lee Carter Gym.
Forbes’ employment team will provide advice on
all aspects of employment law to the ICO, which
employs 400 staff, across the UK.
Jonathan Holden, partner at Forbes Solicitors,
said: “I am sure that a combination of
partnership working and the aim for collective
success between both organisations is going to
lead to a very positive relationship.”
Neil Canning Landscape 1997 Oil on Canvas
LIFE
business
8\ MY BUSINESS LIFE: DAVID GRANT
/9
MOORHOUSE’S BREWERY
NO SMALL BEER FOR
EXPANDING BREWER
Burnley-brewed beers like Blond Witch and Black Cat
continue to cast their spell on real ale lovers across
the North West.
The next trick for David Grant, managing director of
Moorhouse’s, is to use his company’s magic touch to
bewitch drinkers across the country with its range
of brews.
His vision is to turn the regional brewer into a national
brand, building on the £4m investment in a new
brewery made over two years ago.
The independent brewer, which began life in 1865, has
won numerous accolades for its range of real ales and
it continues to grow, despite the challenges facing the
pub sector, and the explosion of microbreweries in
recent times.
David hit the headlines at the turn of the year when he
warned that campaigns to encourage an alcohol-free
January could hit jobs in the sector.
Explaining his stance at the time he declared: “Pubs
are part of our heritage and the best place to drink
sensibly and socialise in a secure and controlled
environment. We should all encourage that.”
And he has no regrets about defending his industry. He
says: “If people were talking about not going shopping
in January there would have been uproar from the
likes of Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
“My fear is that we are going to lose more and more
pubs, and we will lose too many. There are already too
many breweries in the marketplace for the number of
outlets and eventually something will give.
“We’ve now got 1,200 brewers and that’s more than
since before the First World War.”
The casualties of pub closures include the General
Scarlett, the closest one to Moorhouse’s brewery. It
was the company’s first pub but its doors shut during
‘dry January’.
It had been losing money and struggling to attract
customers for some time. David says: “If it’s not used you
lose it, and that’s what I was saying about dry January.
“You don’t have to go in and drink, you can go and have
a soft drink and meet your friends. But if you don’t use
your pub and sit at home then you will have
no choice eventually but to sit at home.”
The 55-year-old Mancunian has spent
the majority of his career in the brewing
industry, with the exception of spells
working for a confectionery firm and a tobacco
company. “I’ve always been in the vices,” he jokes. His
background is in sales and marketing.
He says the investment made in the new brewery
is working for the company which has a 38-strong
workforce. Last May it announced it had broken the five
million pints a year mark in production of its cask ales.
“We had to do something,” he explains. “We were
at full capacity at our old brewery and it was pretty
dilapidated; it was built in 1870.
“The choices were to stay where we were and go
backwards or invest in the future. We did the latter.”
David says that other regional or larger UK breweries,
facing pressure from the microbrewery sector, are
downsizing their operations, while Moorhouse’s
continues to grow, with more opportunities and routes
to market.
That includes exports. Last year the company’s
award-winning beers headed for the
Chinese mainland for the first time.
The company has also been looking at
the lucrative North American market.
Turnover is over £5m and David is looking to
double that in the next five years. He says he has
“some really stretching budgets to achieve.”
However, he is confident that the growth will continue
and the majority of that will come from UK sales. The
regional brewer, he adds, needs to go national and is
making progress in that direction.
He says: “Our beers are found on the south coast and
in London, but not on a permanent basis. I’d like to see
that happening; we’d like to become a national brand.”
The same goes for supermarket sales of bottled beers.
David says: “We do trade with most of the national
supermarkets, but only locally in the North West. The
plan is to go national with that and to grow. The brands
are good enough. When you see our products on the
supermarket shelves they always sell out, and that’s
one of the biggest problems we have.”
Me and my Chamber
Social media will play an increasing role in raising
that brand awareness. It is becoming an increasingly
important part of Moorhouse’s marketing.
“We’ve been longstanding members of the Chamber. When we joined the
organisation originally it was because we didn’t have a high profile and
being a member helped to change that.
Part of the plan is to encourage drinkers to use Twitter
to let the brewery know when a pub has run out of its
cask ales – so its sales team can contact the landlord
and urge them to order more to meet demand.
The Chamber’s knowledge has also been a great help, particularly when it
comes to exporting, we’ve been on some of their trade missions as well.
David explains: “It’s a way of using social media to
ensure that everyone’s a winner.”
It’s also a great opportunity to network, but it is networking with a value, which
is important. You can ask the Chamber to set something up on a particular
topic, and if enough people are interested it will deliver, which is fantastic.”
LIFE
business
DIAMOND AMBASSADOR PROFILES
The Chamber is proud to mark the first anniversary
of its Diamond Ambassador membership group.
We launched the programme to mark Queen
Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. Since then we have
successfully created a group of 60 East Lancashire
businesses who work closely with the Chamber
to support a range of topics and opinions that
span all sectors. We cap the number of Diamond
Local commercial Radio stations 2BR and The Bee
broadcast to the M65 corridor as two distinct brands from
studios in Clayton-le-Moors. Now reaching over 180,000
listeners from Colne to Chorley, the stations offer bespoke
creative-led advertising and sponsorship solutions to local
and national businesses. 2013 saw an increase in turnover and profitability which MD
Simon Brierley says is down to a recent change of emphasis in the
business: “By placing our employees at the heart of everything
that we do, we have created a team of people that share our
passion and vision. This ensures that we deliver the very best for
our customers – be they listeners or advertisers”.
We are a medium sized further education college (turnover
£18m), serving the boroughs of Accrington, Rossendale and
the Ribble Valley. We are a passionately vocational college,
with a strong focus on developing the workforce of the
future. We aim to raise access, aspiration and achievement
in our local communities, and add value to our local
economy. We have over 9,000 students of all ages, including
450 apprentices and 500 Higher Education students.
Working in partnership with local businesses is a key focus for
us, and we work closely with around 2500 local employers. We
are also one of the largest employers in the area, with over 500
staff. We are very proud of our reputation for excellence, rated
Outstanding by Ofsted and with success rates in the top 10%
nationally.
We are Granby Marketing Services Ltd. We have a long
established reputation for providing award-winning
marketing services which support our customers’ needs.
We adopt a collaborative and consultative approach to deliver
credible business solutions to clients in both the public and
private sector.
In essence we offer a complete range of integrated services from
multi-channel contact, response management and handling to
outsourcing and fulfilment logistical services.
These services are provided from our facility in Blackburn
and are delivered through our multi-channel platform, which
provides our clients with a fully integrated service.
Ambassadors to just three per sector.
Diamond Ambassadors benefit from regular business
leaders lunches providing CEO level networking and
access to keynote speakers plus a range of other select
benefits. If you feel that your business would benefit from
becoming a Diamond Ambassador, please call Darren
Grantham on 01254 356433 or email d.grantham@
chamberelancs.co.uk.
Comprising Hillendale Land Rover; Hillendale Jaguar Bolton,
Hillendale Vehicle Contracts and Image Red; The Hillendale
Group pride ourselves on delivering a world class level
of customer service and truly appreciate the support we
receive from our customers: whether a first time customer or
longstanding- we never take custom for granted.
We have won many awards over the last 15 years and have a
very loyal and dedicated team with a first class reputation for
Customer Service. We continue to look for innovative ways to
further develop and grow our business opportunity and we are
passionate about being the best at what we do and in helping
local people and local charities wherever possible.
Our services include:
• Call Centre Services • Direct Mail • eCommerce Fulfilment
• Contract Packing • Handling & Fulfilment • Collation & Kitting
• Database Management • Warehouse & Distribution
For more information, please call 01254 350350
www.2br.co.uk www.thebee.co.uk
For more information, please call 01254 389933
www.accross.ac.uk
For more information, please contact Joanne Varey
jvarey@granbymarketing.com
For more information, please call 01282 723723
www.hillendale.co.uk
An independent marketing agency offering a range of bespoke
creative design solutions across a wide variety of media.
M65 Recruitment was established seven years ago, in the
worst downturn on record, from a standing start, we have
grown and survived by consistently delivering a service with
pride and professionalism.
Neales Waste Management offers customers environmentally
friendly solutions for the collection and processing of
general waste, hazardous waste, recycling, and onsite
facilities management services. With our state of the art
Materials Recovery Facility going live in April 2014 waste
will be diverted from landfill, materials will be recovered
for recycling, and any residual waste will be used as an
alternative fuel replacing fossil fuels.
Operating 2,500 services every day, Northern Rail serves
an area stretching from the Scottish Borders down to
Nottingham and Stoke and from Southport and Sellafield
in the West to Whitby and Hull in the East. It’s a wide
ranging landscape of rural communities, market towns and
bustling urban centres where rail services are at the heart of
economic regeneration.
A true one stop shop where our designers sit side by side
with our software developers ensuring a seamless approach.
Incorporating all forms of traditional and digital media we can
offer a solution to your business requirement whether it’s a
new website, direct mail, point of sale materials, press or radio
advertising, stationery, corporate design or logo development,
brochures, newsletters, web-banners, email or sms campaigns,
promotional workwear, vehicle livery, the list goes on and on!
Supporting clients across a wide variety of B2B and B2C industries
with a particular specialism in the Premium Automotive sector our
skills can add benefit to any business – large or small.
Our core business is working with our clients along the 25 mile
stretch of the M65, though we do cover the North West. Many
engineering & manufacturing companies choose M65 as we strive
to meet their demands and expectations. Dealing with people isn’t
the easiest commodity and clear communication is essential for
both clients and candidates alike. It’s no good providing a short
term solution and forgetting about the long term impact a wrong
placement can make. Hence we have built rapport with both
clients and candidates alike, gaining loyalty and retention of both.
For more information, please call 01282 442460
www.imagered.co.uk
For more information, please call 01254 697596
www.m65recruitment.co.uk
We have 5 sites in the North West servicing a range of
organisations including Local Councils, Leyland Trucks, Inbev
Brewery, and 2 nuclear power stations, as well as medium and
small businesses across a range of sectors. Whatever the size
of business we can offer a tailor made service unique to the
customer’s needs.
For more information, please call 0845 644 6404
www.neales-waste.co.uk
The franchise was let in 2004 and originally set to run until
September 2011 with no forecast of significant growth in
passenger numbers. Fast forward ten years and customer journeys
have increased by an impressive 42% with journeys on target
to total 96 million by the end of the year. After an automatic
extension for meeting performance targets, and a seven period
continuation enacted by the Department for Transport (DfT), the
latest review of the franchising programme means the team at
Northern is now talking to the DfT about potentially operating for
a further 22 months until February 2016.
For more information, please call 0845 000 0125
www.northernrail.org
12\ THE DEBATING CHAMBER:
MANUFACTURING
Mohammed Azam, REM UK
/13
Steve Williams, Performance Springs
Michael Damms,
East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce
Claire Whelan, BCW Engineering
Richard Ingram, REM UK
Tony Grimshaw, What More UK
Bob Jones, F D Sims
Manufacturing employs 100,000 people in Lancashire and is vital to our economic health. Business Life brought together
manufacturers from all sectors to ask them what challenges they face and what government can do to help.
What are the biggest issues facing
manufacturers?
conflict as a manufacturer, growing our home
Lancashire base but also competing with Europe.
Tony Grimshaw: Getting a level playing field.
Most of our competition is Italian and they seem
to get a lot more government support than we do.
Is there a skills problem in manufacturing and
what can we do to bridge the gap?
Bob Jones: The biggest issue for us is the cost
of energy. Everything we’re doing to improve our
efficiency is going right into the pocket of the
energy companies. Last year we were faced with
Mohammed Azam: We face stiff competition from
the Italians. We beat our competition in efficiency,
but we’ve seen some of their work and what they
can do. They have the same machines we can get
over here, skills is the difference.
Everything we’re doing to improve our efficiency is going
right into the pocket of the energy companies. Last year we
were faced with an 11 per cent increase in electricity prices.
It’s never ending.
an 11 per cent increase in electricity prices. It’s
never ending.
Steve Williams: One of the biggest issues is
the trend for tier one manufacturers to move
outside the UK. The trend for the last 20 years
has been multinational buyouts, so family-run
businesses, particularly in the UK, have been
bought out regularly. The UK-based business is
the one that closes.
Richard Ingram: We deal a lot with Italy. They
invest a lot in machinery. They get government
backing and the quality of the stuff that they can
turn out is amazing.
Claire Whelan: What the customers are telling us
is that there is cheap labour in Eastern Europe;
they’ve also built up their skill base. There’s a
Bob Jones: Isn’t that a by-product of our
schools? When I was young, secondary school
kids were told that maybe they were not
academically gifted to get to the top and needed
to take on board a craft skill.
Steve Williams: It’s almost worse today because
they’re extending the time kids stay at school,
forcing them more down the academic route,
rather than a practical one.
to the providers with exactly the message you’ve
been delivering. I know several people who can’t
get machinists. If a group of you would say it,
believe me, a college would lay on a course; if
one of you says it, they won’t. We’ve got to pick
up your collective message. Employers tell us
consistently, ‘give us people who can read, write,
attend, have the right attitude and we’ll then
skill them, we’ll give them apprenticeships.’ The
trouble is if you don’t have the raw material, it
doesn’t happen. Come and talk to the skills board,
there’s more of a market in education than there’s
ever been. For manufacturing, this skills issue is a
big issue. We’re here to lead the charge.
How can we deal with the problems facing the
UK’s energy supply?
Bob Jones: Unless we start to invest in nuclear
or other power sources I cannot see the solution.
There’s a wind farm off the Lancashire coast and
where were all the turbines made? In Europe.
There’s not one manufacturer in the UK. All the
main companies were bought out and moved
abroad; there was no support, there was no
government investment.
Mohammed Azam: In my time, apprenticeships
were sought after. We’ve advertised for
apprentices and some come across as if they’ve
been forced to come in for an interview. They
don’t want to do it.
Tony Grimshaw: It’s a failure of government
to govern. Wind turbines have proved next to
useless, so what do we do? We’re now looking at
solar power. For our company, over 25 years it will
save us nearly £4m for an investment of £800,000.
But that’ll not solve our problem this year.
Michael Damms: I chair the local employment
and skills board for the Chamber and have talked
Michael Damms: Every manufacturer says the
same things: we want a proper energy policy;
we want a proper energy pricing structure. You
can cover the whole country with wind farms,
but you don’t solve the problem, so you’re going
to have to address one of the older technologies,
whether it’s nuclear or coal or gas.
authority for extraction and that is a huge
responsibility. The LEP is taking great steps to
understand what regulation will allow and is also
conscious that if it takes too long, the ‘Aberdeen
effect’ will be lost, as whoever gets there first
How you sell to international markets ought to be part of
the education process. We train engineers to be brilliant
engineers, but we don’t train them to be commercial.
Bob Jones: There’s going to be an investment
in a nuclear plant. It’s privately funded, but it’s
not even a UK company that’s going to provide it
and they have a guaranteed price when it’s built.
Where is that nuclear expertise coming from? It’s
not coming from the UK.
is most likely to get the wider benefit. It is about
moving the technical argument forward without
prejudicing the regulatory discussion.
Tony Grimshaw: I can’t see a problem with
fracking. But any benefits should come to the
area that it’s coming from.
What can government do to help you export more?
Steve Williams: I wonder whether a lot of this
fracking issue is hype. Is the technology there
yet to get it out in the quantities the government
likes to talk about?
Bob Jones: It should only be considered as a
short-term solution, because it’s a finite resource
and what we ought to be looking at is nuclear
and maybe going beyond nuclear.
Michael Damms: The Local Enterprise
Partnership (LEP) board is looking at fracking;
it has to balance different responsibilities.
Lancashire County Council is the regulatory
Steve Williams: Isn’t the fracking debate a big
distraction from the real issue, which is the lack
of an energy policy?
Mohammed Azam: Help with the funding for
exhibitions abroad. We have great scope for
doing business in Russia and South America. Our
competitors go to every exhibition and they are
being funded by their government.
most productive way of meeting new and existing
customers. We’re doing a lot in Germany. We’ve
no grant and when we had it, it was £1,000. To
stage an exhibition costs us £100,000.
Steve Williams: It’s down to self-motivation;
getting up and getting out there. I’m a great
supporter of what’s been done with the UKTI and
the Chambers.
Claire Whelan: It’s all about education. The
government maybe needs to educate itself about
exporting so that we can really compete and win
business back to the UK.
Michael Damms: How you sell to international
markets ought to be part of the education
process. We train engineers to be brilliant
engineers, we don’t train them to be commercial.
Claire Whelan: In our mind set we’re an island,
we like to deal with each other when we need to
expand, to get out more.
Tony Grimshaw: Lancashire manufacturers are
achieving success despite government.
We’ve advertised for apprentices and some come across as
if they’ve been forced to come in for an interview. They don’t
want to do it.
Richard Ingram: Help us get out there, because
we’re trying to fight on so many fronts. Help us to
get our name out there.
Bob Jones: I don’t just think it’s despite
Tony Grimshaw: I agree totally. Exhibitions are the
manufacturing is the backbone of the economy.
government, it’s despite successive
governments. Governments need to understand
LIFE
business
14\ SECTOR SPOTLIGHT:
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
“I have seen a number of new law firms open in
East Lancashire in the last two years that seem
to be doing extremely well,” she said. “Also, I’m
working with a number of businesses from the
area that are entering overseas markets and
the potential growth means law firms are also
changing the way they work by becoming more
and more commercially focused.”
ARCHITECTS
PROFESSIONAL FIRMS EMERGE FROM
RECESSION KEENER AND LEANER
The recession has had a transformative effect on
East Lancashire’s professional services sector
as firms have adapted or expanded their service
offer – and even collaborated with competitors.
The downturn has also sorted the wheat from the
chaff, prompting service-users to shop around
in a search for greater value and higher levels of
performance.
The upshot is that practices have emerged
stronger and fitter, with a bolder and more
entrepreneurial approach that bodes well as the
process of recovery gathers pace.
ACCOUNTANCY
“Most accountancy practices are now much
leaner than they were in 2008,” said Damian
Farragher, director at FS Accountants in
Clitheroe. “There has also been a number of
firms that have merged, looking for economies of
scale. The result is that in general the profession
should be well-placed to benefit from the upturn
in the economy.”
The mainstay of accountancy work during the
downturn has been compliance work, such as
the preparation of accounts and tax returns,
which is recession-proof because it is required
by law. However, Damian believes the recovery
will herald fresh developments for accountancy
firms in areas such as outsourced bookkeeping
and payroll, as well as business advisory work
and the corporate deals market.
One of the few positive aspects of the recession
is that it has prompted many people to start their
own businesses, which will increasingly use the
services provided by East Lancashire professionals.
“Many employees became frustrated that the
recession resulted in a lack of opportunity and
took matters into their own hands by starting up
on their own,” explained Damian.
“Some will undoubtedly thrive as the recovery
picks up and they will require the assistance
of the professional service sector to provide
guidance in areas that they are not used to.
For accountants, this will be dealing with tax
planning, managing expansion, or getting
specialist advice on corporate deals.”
Established in 2010, FS Accountants was born
into a tough business climate and underscores
the theory that firms launched in a recession do
especially well when the recovery arrives. The
firm has grown substantially in a relatively short
space of time and in February located to new,
larger offices.
“Going forwards, the main challenge for
professional service providers is to ensure that
the lessons of the recession are not lost in the
recovery,” added Damian.
LEGAL SERVICES
Legal services have undergone sweeping
changes in recent years that have required
lawyers to take an entrepreneurial approach to
practice and service delivery.
One of the major changes is ‘public or direct
access’ which means individuals can approach a
barrister directly without going through a solicitor.
“Certainly in the last year, I have received
instructions from a number of individuals and
businesses under the public access scheme,”
said Shysta Habib.
Shysta is a barrister who went into partnership
with her solicitor sister Sajida to form UK
International Lawyers in May 2013 and is the
only Asian female barrister in East Lancashire to
become a partner in a law firm.
“Legal aid funding cuts have meant a significant
reduction in the number of law firms licensed
for criminal and legal aid, which means greater
client demand for more fixed fee pricing or
flexibility in pricing,” said Shysta.
Architect practices are undergoing fundamental
changes, with government regulations on the
energy use of buildings continually tightening
and forcing building owners and operators to
look for ways of cutting costs.
“Building design is becoming more technically
complex, with a requirement for exacting
standards of workmanship and quality,” said
John Dickinson, a director at the Intelligent
Design Centre in Accrington.
“Architecture is changing in a similar way to
car design over the last 20 years. Most of my
parents’ generation were comfortable opening
the bonnet of their cars and doing routine
servicing works, but cars today are somewhat
more complex.
“Similarly, buildings must be highly insulated, built
in an air-tight manner and incorporate mechanical
ventilation, electronic control systems and
renewable energy solutions. The days of people
being able to build their own extensions without
professional assistance are numbered.”
Another major change for architects has
been new planning laws. These, known as the
National Planning Policy Framework, mean there
is an assumption that sustainable development
should be supported.
“We are seeing increasing support from local
planning officers for our schemes and this will
drive development opportunities,” said John.
“The convergence of the need for energy
efficient buildings and the changes in planning
laws have created opportunities that increasing
numbers of our clients are looking to take
advantage of.”
East Lancashire’s chartered surveyors have
also faced stiff challenges – and met them with
innovative solutions.
“As chairman of RICS Lancashire Local
Association, the local surveyors I speak to
across the county are seeing an upturn in work,
but many have had to widen their geographic
The introduction of Alternative Business
Structures (ABS) has also heralded radical
changes by allowing non-lawyers to own and
invest in law firms.
“The benefits of becoming an ABS are many,”
explained Shysta. “For example, equity can
be raised from a broader base of investors,
including barristers, as well as from sources
outside the legal sector, without the need for
non-lawyer involvement at management level.”
Nonetheless, ABS structures also bring
potential risks, such as non-lawyers
understanding the obligation of solicitors,
along with complex compliance issues if a firm
accepts outside investment.
reach, working across the UK and, in my case,
even to European clients in Brussels,” said David
Inman, a director at chartered environmental
surveyors DIEM in Blackburn.
“Also, more collaborative working means
professionals may now have to work on projects
alongside competitors.”
Smaller surveying practices have survived – and
in some cases thrived – due to specialising in
particular areas of practice or geography. DIEM
is among businesses that have prospered as a
result of looking for international business during
the difficult times.
Prospects for the Intelligent Design Centre
are encouraging. “We increased turnover and
staffing levels last year and the order book is
growing, so we hope this will continue, providing
us with increased opportunities to provide our
services,” said John.
CHARTERED SURVEYORS
/15
“Venturing into work outside the UK has given
us an appetite for working overseas and we are
aiming to develop further markets. Saying this,
the key focus is to maintain services to existing
clients in the UK, many of which DIEM has
worked with for many years,” said David.
He believes the main challenges ahead
are embracing new ways of working and
managing relatively new areas of law, such as
environmental or energy law.
“Another challenge is to attract new members to
our profession, not just in the traditional methods
of qualification as a chartered surveyor, but new
qualification for membership, such as associate
membership and the professional experience
route,” added David.
SUPERFAST
LANCASHIRE
COUNTYWIDE FIBRE BROADBAND
FREE TRAINING
FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT
Talk to us and learn more
Despite the challenges of the recession and
wide-ranging legal reforms Shysta believes there
is a sustainable upturn in the East Lancashire
professional services sector.
@superfastlancs www.superfastlancashire.com
EUROPEAN UNION
Investing in Your Future
Damian Farragher, FS Accountants
Shysta Habib
UK International Lawyers
John Dickinson,
Intelligent Design Centre
David Inman,
Diem Chartered Sureveyors
European Regional
Development Fund 2007-13
LIFE
business
16\ DISTRICT EYE: PENDLE
Pendle is taking off
with high growth and
ambitious plans
/17
new housing and regenerating our town
centres,” explained Stephen.
to access support, such as Accelerating Business
Growth grants,” said Stephen.
Pendle’s Gearing up for Growth programme of
financial support for businesses has a proven track
record. In 2012/13, it resulted in 29 new enterprises,
supported growth in 31 businesses, led to the
creation of 96 new jobs and stimulated increased
private sector investment of more than £4.5m.
Many Pendle retailers are also seeing vigorous
growth, for example Boundary Mill, which
employs nearly 1,000 people and attracts over
two million visitors annually – with ambitious
plans for the future.
“We also help fund improvements for premises
and new production processes for our existing
companies,” said Stephen. “On top of this, we’ve
introduced a graduate scheme to improve skills
in the workforce by recruiting graduates from
Pendle into local businesses.”
The council’s deep-rooted tradition of working
with the private sector to improve the area’s
future is reflected in Pendle Vision Board, which
is overseen by Dennis Mendoros OBE, managing
director at leading aerospace business Euravia.
“We are a founder member of Regenerate Pennine
Lancashire and actively direct our local companies
In the leisure sector, Pendle is home to
fast growing cottages4you and is strongly
represented in the technology industry by
leading communications company Daisy plc,
which is going from strength to strength.
Meanwhile, service sector organisation Liberata
continues to expands its outsourcing business
with other councils in the country and now
employs over 500 staff in Nelson.
Educationally, Pendle has much to shout about.
Nelson and Colne College – rated ‘outstanding’
by Ofsted and a beacon top ten college in the
UK – is instrumental in supporting growth by
delivering a skilled workforce.
Businesswise
protect Protec
Cost reduction and purchase management
specialists Businesswise Solutions has helped
Pendle neighbours Protec Fire Detection reduce
its energy bills across its five UK sites.
Businesswise Solutions was approached
by Protec, the UK’s largest privately owned
business of its kind in the country, for advice on
its gas and electricity prices to ensure minimum
price rises in a volatile market.
Company secretary and financial controller, Tom
Fairnie, said: “We gave Businesswise our energy
bills to analyse and they came back very quickly
with a full report advising us to change our
incumbent supplier in favour of more competitive
prices from Gazprom.
“Better still, as we operate from the same
business estate in Pendle, they delivered the
contracts in person and with a smile. You can’t
beat that for service!”
Businesswise Solutions director, Frazer Durris
added: “We are passionate about saving
businesses money on their energy, ICT and
communications bills and we are delighted
that we have been able to do this for one of our
Pendle neighbours.”
Dean Cockett and Frazer Durris
Roosters flying high in Higham
Brothers Simon and Nick Mellin set up
Roaming Roosters at the back of their dad’s
butchers shop in Nelson, back in 2009, boxing
up their free range chickens and grass-fed
meat to meet online sales in a tiny back room.
These are exciting times as
Pendle drives a new jobs and
growth strategy designed to create
ideal conditions for commercial
expansion and wealth creation.
These include more employment
sites, a flexible and skilled
workforce along with strong
business support, improved
transport links, better digital
networks and a wider range of
housing options.
Pendle already has an impressive
business base, and is home to
internationally renowned, Queen’s
Award-winning companies such as
Rolls Royce, acdc LED and Euravia.
“We’ve a history of developing
home grown companies with a
strong allegiance to Pendle, such as
Farmhouse Biscuits who’ve grown
from a market stall to an international
company,” said Pendle Council chief
Stephen Barnes
executive Stephen Barnes. “That’s
why
it’s
important
for us to extend our successful
The strategy will play a major role in creating
Lomeshaye industrial estate alongside the M65 to
4,500 jobs and 3,000 new homes in Pendle over
support the growth of local companies.”
the next decade.
Another major employment project is the
transformation of a Victorian mill on a seven acre
site alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal
and M65. Known as Northlight, this will become
a new destination for the North West. The
council’s Masterplan includes a hotel, canal-side
marina, cultural and leisure facilities with rooftop
apartments and public spaces to enjoy stunning
views of Pendle Hill.
The site will be transformed by the council’s
pioneering joint venture company PEARL, which
has a turnover of more than £50m and is operated
in partnership with local developer Barnfield.
“PEARL has a huge portfolio of major projects,
from transforming historic buildings to building
As specialists within the charities and housing sector, Ashberry offers
something bigger city firms don’t: a full consultancy service from
beginning to end with a personal touch. The company demonstrates a true
passion and commitment to finding the right person for every job; not only
in terms of skills and experience but also attitude, personality and ability
to fit into the team.
Today, the business boasts a purpose-built farm
shop, bistro, coffee shop and education centre in
rural Higham and a thriving online meat box model.
Simon said: “There was no question where we
would choose to set up our business which
prides itself on being steeped in family history
and traditions.
Ashberry thriving with its
Pendle roots
Nick Mellin
“We have farming contacts dating back three generations, which is vital
when offering customers full traceability of their meat.
“Most of our suppliers are just down the road, and the rest is reared right
here on our own farm. You can’t get better than that.
“Pendle has a real warmth about it and we have felt that people have been
really rooting for us since we took the step to open our retail arm of the
business in Higham.
“In return, we have some exciting plans to introduce to our fellow Pendle
businesses in months to come and we think they’ll like them.”
Director Jennifer Berry said: “With recruitment agencies traditionally being
based in the big cities, it was a challenge launching in Barrowford but it
has allowed us to build an excellent local team of consultants who are
keen to put a personal touch to the recruitment process, for businesses
and individuals.
“Our consultants invest a large amount of time and effort into the process
of recruitment, ensuring all clients are met on a face-to-face basis in order
to familiarise themselves with their business and its operations to make
sure clients work with us on a repeat, sole basis.
“It is for this reason that we have a number of nationally recognised clients
on our books, and year on year, every one of these clients has increased its
use of our expertise. Recruitment is on the up in Pendle and we are excited
to be playing a part in that.”
LIFE
business
18\ INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Blackburn exporter tastes
success in MINT markets
Traveller‘s Tales: Milan
Antonio Parente,
European business development manager at acdc LED
Nortex have been awarded the contract to pack and load the runway
lighting systems and signs for this new airport. These items will be loaded
into five 20 ft containers for their seven-week journey to St Helena.
Despite a few glitches, Prestige Medical’s export business manager
Fairouz Marshall believes the MINT territories represent valuable exporting
opportunities.
Prestige Medical started as a result of an inquiry made by UNICEF for
non-electric sterilisers to support vaccination programmes in developing
countries.
“Prestige houseware group supplied modified domestic pressure cookers
and the business began,” explained Fairouz.
The formation of Prestige Medical as a separate business unit in the
houseware group enabled the development of electric autoclaves. The
business also started to establish itself as an expert in infection control
equipment.
Prestige Medical underwent an MBO and subsequently moved to bespoke
premises in Blackburn, where it has expanded its product range to
incorporate a series of complementary decontamination products which
are sold to a broad range of sectors, including dental, medical, podiatry,
beauty, veterinary and laboratory.
Fairouz added: “There are a number of other European manufacturers and
all our competitors produce units with similar capacities and specifications
with varying degrees of sophistication. Our products are the most direct
competitive product for virtually all of our competitor models.”
Wham have hit in Korea
Demand is taking
off in Soth Korea for
Wham, the Altham
manufacturer.
Pictured is their Wham
Box 6.7ltr pack of four
on the Gondola End of
a fixture in one of the
140 stores of their new
South Korean customer.
Emart Korea ordered
24,000 sets of four and
sold them out.
Wham boxes on sale in Emart Korea
Nortex International are helping one of the most remotely populated
places on earth to finally achieve modern transport links with the rest of
the world.
Since 2012 this British overseas territory has been constructing its first
ever airport which is scheduled for completion in 2016 at which point the
ship serving the island will be retired.
Prestige Medical’s export business accounts for around 50 per cent of the
company’s £5m turnover – including the growing MINT markets of Mexico,
Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.
“Sales are truly international and we sell to partners across Europe, North
America, the Middle East and Asia. Depending on the level of development
in the country, and the specific market sector, we can tailor our approach
and maximise the growth potential.”
Take off in St Helena Top Tips: Shipping
Saint Helena, a remote island in the South Atlantic Ocean, located more
than 2,000 kilometres from the nearest major land mass can currently only
be reached by ship. This takes five days from Cape Town with only one
sailing every three weeks.
A Blackburn business that started out by adapting domestic pressure
cookers for use as non-electric sterilisers for vaccination programmes
has entered the MINT export markets.
“We experienced some delays in launching our product into Mexico
because of product registration bureaucracy,” said Fairouz. “Turkey
started well, but slowed due to a poor local economic climate, and we have
a very good, loyal and dedicated dealer in Nigeria – although we are facing
extensive competition with low price products made in China.
/19
The dreaded trade fairs. Anyone in sales who
regularly attends these exhibitions will know
how horrendous they sometimes can be. Long
hours on the stand, a forced smile at the end of
the day and those aching feet! Here’s my tale
of woe.
The Euroluce Exhibition is a one week long
international lighting exhibition. As with most large exhibitions,
hotel rooms nearby go very quickly. We did eventually find some
accommodation in a beautiful town called Gallarate, some 30km away.
Later in the week a few of us decided that we should take in the sights
of Milan (the Duomo was a must as was the world’s oldest shopping
mall nearby) then finish off the evening with a nice meal and a bottle
of good wine. I’ve been to Milan before and can speak Italian so what
could possibly go wrong?
At the end of a great evening, being aware that our hotel was miles
away, we decided to make our way back to the train station. After
all, we did have an early morning start. I remember running along the
platform thinking we’re going to miss the last train back. I stopped and
in my best Italian asked a policeman where the platform was that would
take us to Gallarate. I distinctly heard “Binario Due” - Platform 2.
It took 30 minutes before anyone realised we were on the wrong train.
The only other passenger in our carriage announced that the next
stop was around 20Km away. Great!
We got off at the next stop, a very small town that was deserted. Now
was the time for all those with leadership qualities to take charge. It
appeared that that applied to us all!
Options: 1) Was there a train back? 2) Book into a hotel, travel back in
the morning, 3) Last resort, taxi.
During the discussions one of the team kept looking at a monitor and
at the train that had pulled into the station. As the train was pulling
away some 10 minutes later, he calmly announced ‘Hey guys, I think
that was the last train to Milan’. Oh Brilliant!
Our action plan was mobilised. Half an hour later we discovered that
the only two hotels were full and that no taxi services were available.
As we sat on the cold marble floor of the train station, the guys
decided that maybe we should get some sleep and get the first train
back in the morning. The girls decided, (and rightly so) that this was
not an option. The solution: an expensive taxi ride back!
Fortunately, someone had the phone number of our hotel. It’s
disheartening to hear laughter when you’re tired and de-motivated.
However, 45 minutes later, a seven-seater taxi cab arrived to pick up
our dishevelled group.
I still do not know to this day the cost of that taxi fare. I’m just glad it
didn’t go on my expenses. It was a memorable last day and the two
hours’ sleep ensured that the ten hours on the stand the following day
felt more like twenty. My interpreting skills have never been requested
since. Funny that.
by Steve Sadler, Nortex International
1Always choose a freight forwarder who is a member of BIFA (British
International Freight Association).
2
henever possible avoid FOB (free on board) terms of sale when
W
exporting as you are committing to unquantifiable costs.
3
ake sure that your quotation / pro-forma invoice is correct as a
M
minor error at this stage can become a major issue when you come to
arrange shipment.
4
hen dealing with letter of credit payments ask for a copy of the
W
application from your customer so that any amendments can be made
before the letter of credit is established.
5
I f you have any hazardous goods or are unsure always notify your
forwarder.
6
E nsure that goods are packed correctly for the mode of transport and
that all timber packaging is ISPM15 compliant.
7
e aware of container sizes as costs for shipping out of gauge
B
equipment are usually significantly higher.
8
hen shipping by air, wherever possible restrict sizes to allow
W
shipment on passenger aircraft as this allows more flight options (and
is often cheaper).
9
e aware that all shipping companies, airlines and hauliers operate
B
under limited liability conditions so ensure that you have adequate
insurance cover.
10 Talk to your forwarder in advance about any time-sensitive shipment
Steve Sadler, Nortex International
Export Life
so that dates and arrangements are in place.
by Mandy Lockett, international trade director
m.lockett@chamberelancs.co.uk
Battle of the global acronyms
It’s 12 years since British economist Jim O’Neill coined the term ‘BRIC’, the acronym for Brazil,
Russia, India and China, grouping together these countries as the next potential economic giants,
symbolising the shift in global economic power away from the developed G7 countries.
Breathing fresh air into the mix and joining the BRICs in this economic rush are the MINT
countries: Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.
So, what’s so special about these nations?
Apart from having large populations, they all have the benefit of a growing young population,
something China may be envious of over the next decade.
Their locations place them in positions to take advantage of large markets as patterns of world
trade change. Turkey has rising automotive, construction and electronics industries surpassing the
traditional textile sector. Mexico, Indonesia and Nigeria have the fuel and raw materials needed for
industrialisation to serve the demand in nearby Asia.
However the negative issues of corruption and sometimes heavy-handed governments within
these countries can dampen the spirit of free trade.
It is important to understand the significance of developing countries and their ambitions for the
generation of wealth. This can present exciting opportunities for countries like the UK to invest,
provide financial services and establish trade to help them with their growth.
The world is your oyster, but be aware that it’s imperative to select your own key countries to suit
your business style and strategy.
In conclusion, with just under 200 countries in the world its worthwhile coining your own
acronym on the best key countries for your own economic business growth and if this feels
a daunting mission, the Chamber is well placed to assist in this quest.
LIFE
business
20\ INSIDE THE CHAMBER
/21
Chambers ready to take Britain from good to great
Ed Balls, Theo Paphitis and Sir John Armitt
will join business leaders to discuss how to
move the economy from Good to Great at the
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Annual
Conference in April at the QE2 Conference
Centre, London
At a critical time in our economic recovery, the
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is hosting
its Annual Conference, titled ‘State of the Nation
– Good to Great’ to consider how Britain can
capitalise upon current growth.
Politicians, business leaders, and members of
the media will join together to debate the future
of British business in a globalised economy, and
consider how companies can break into new
markets.
Billed as Britain’s best ‘B2P’ – business to
politicians – summit, the event attracts a high
calibre of broadcast, print and online media
attention. Ahead of the UK General Election in
2015, and the European Parliament Election in
2014, speakers will be asked some of the key
questions facing British businesses at present.
Discussions will centre around rebalancing the
economy towards net exports, the importance
of infrastructure investment, and the skills of the
workforce of today and tomorrow.
Speakers at the conference include: Rt Hon Ed
Balls MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer;
Sir John Armitt CBE, chairman, Olympic
Delivery Authority; Stephanie Flanders, chief
market strategist for the UK and Europe for J.P.
Morgan Asset Management; Theo Paphitis,
Save the date:
President’s Summer Ball
This year’s Chamber President’s Dinner will be
a Summer Ball held on Friday June 13 at the
Dunkenhalgh Hotel.
The 2013 President’s Dinner received fantastic
feedback and was rated by our members and
clients as one of the best and most enjoyable
dinners in recent years.
The planning is starting to take place now and all
the guests can look forward to a warm welcome,
Bringing a dash of
New era dawns for
spice to the Curry Club workers’ health
entrepreneur; Justin Urquhart Stewart, economic
commentator, co-founder, Seven Investment
Management; John Longworth, director general,
British Chambers of Commerce and Nora Senior,
president, British Chambers of Commerce.
A new ingredient has been
added to the Chamber’s
Curry Club.
John Longworth, director general of the British
Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are at a
critical phase of our economic recovery. Long
term solutions must be implemented to safeguard
growth, wealth creation and national prosperity.
From 2014 the Curry Club will
alternate bi-monthly between
Burnley FC’s Turf Moor and
Blackburn Rovers FC’s
Ewood Park.
“This will require significant and structural
change. We cannot risk being derailed by shortterm political infighting. By bringing together
Britain’s political leaders across the spectrum
alongside the business community to debate
these issues, we can work to move our economy
from being just good to truly great.”
The first Curry Club at Turf Moor
was launched in January and
attracted a capacity crowd.
Over 170 delegates attended
Amy Stokes, Forbes Solicitors,
the networking lunch which
at the Turf Moor Curry Club
brought together Chamber
members and members of Burnley’s By Official Appointment group.
ChamberHR website
re-launched
Mark Crabtree OBE of Burnley based AMS-Neve was the guest speaker and
he delivered an inspiring talk of how his business developed from him being
a small boy tinkering with electronics in his bedroom to being a world leading
mixing console manufacturer creating products used by major film and
recording studios in Hollywood. Mark also discussed his role in the Burnley
Bondholders, a group of local business leaders aimed at successfully raising
the profile, image and aspirations of the town.
Anthony Fairclough, commercial director of Burnley FC, hailed the new
collaboration with the Chamber as a ‘huge success’.
a special guest speaker and a glass of Prosecco,
Pimms, and canapés on the lawn, and hopefully
the sun will shine.
Some of the biggest changes in the NHS’s history have taken place in
2013, raising questions around the future of treatment and care provision
in the UK and causing a shift in how people will access healthcare in
the future.
From rising dental price bands, to growing waiting lists for surgical
procedures such as cataracts and knee replacements, the signs of change
are already clear. As the health service strives to make efficiency savings,
services classed as ‘non-urgent’ are likely to be increasingly rationed as
the NHS focuses its resources to the areas of most immediate need –
cancer and heart treatment.
For employers, this could spell an increase in staff sickness absence,
as employees requiring ‘non-urgent’ procedures face a longer wait for
treatment.
Paul Shires, executive director at Westfield Health, said: “The NHS is
undergoing a period of immense change and, as we move closer to the
savings deadline, some of the biggest shifts in service provision could be
yet to come.”
In 2012, Westfield Health launched Hospital Treatment Insurance (HTI).
This allows staff to avoid lengthy NHS waiting lists to receive ‘non-urgent’
treatment sooner. Combined with Westfield’s health cash plans, staff can
also access pre and post-operative care such as physiotherapy and private
consultations without worrying about the cost.
For more information about the Chamber Plan, visit www.westfieldhealth.
com/chamber or call 0845 602 1629.
To reserve a table or individual tickets e-mail
Lydia.charnley@chamberelancs.co.uk
If you have any queries or wish to discuss
sponsorship opportunities contact Chrissy
Pilkington on 01254 356400.
Toni Robinson
The Chamber Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) team is celebrating a year of
operations in Liverpool.
ChamberHR, the human resources advice line
and website available exclusively to Chambers
of Commerce members has enhanced the
online support available to members that is
provided by Qdos.
Chamber members can now access a new online
document library with access to more than 400
improved and enhanced documents, policies and
standard letters and template forms.
The new library will see the introduction of a
number of new documents and subject areas.
The website also benefits from an improved
navigation and search facility system which also
allows members to access documents from a
number of different locations on the website.
The ChamberHR and health and safety service is
provided by Qdos Consulting, employment law,
health and safety, tax and VAT specialists.
Head of operations at Qdos, Toni Robinson said:
“We wanted to enhance the user experience.
The new website allows members to find
what they are looking for more easily. We are
confident that members will find the website
simple to use and will find the service a lot
quicker and user friendly. In the coming months
we hope to enhance the service further by
adding audio and video content and guidance
as well re-launching our newsletter services.”
LIFE
business
22\ THE ISSUE: AUTO-ENROLMENT
Auto-enrolment is underway and bigger businesses are already operating within the new workplace pensions environment.
GALLERY:
THEbusinesses,
CHAMBER’S
CURRY
CLUB
And, for smaller
it’s just
around the
corner. Independent Financial Advisor Mark Ashton of Ashton Hoyle believes East Lancashire’s business
community is largely unprepared for the changes. Meanwhile, Jane Caunce of family printing business Ellison Printing agrees; to a point.
Are we prepared for pensions plans?
“The legislation itself is the biggest
problem as there is a lack of
knowledge surrounding it and a lack
of understanding of the complexity
and workload to meet the necessary
requirements,” says Mark Ashton of
Ashton Hoyle, Clitheroe.
“I speak to employers all the time
and most know the dates they
must implement the legislation but
because it is 12- 18 months away
they don’t think it’s a problem.
There’s a lack of appreciation for timescales.”
He advises that businesses need to plan way in
advance of the staging date in order to properly
prepare themselves for the transition. There is
so much to think about: auditing the workforce
to find out who qualifies and who doesn’t, as
well as working out different contribution levels
dependent on employee’s wages.
He adds: “You may have employees with static
earnings, some with variable earnings and you
will have workers
who come and
go, so there are
lots of different
assessments that
need to take place.
What applies to
who and how do
you manage the
data input?
“Large employers are already
required by law to be participating in
the scheme. As a smaller employer
our staging date isn’t for at least 12
months yet so, whilst we know we
have to plan and be prepared for the
new rules, we aren’t fully aware of
the intricacies and aren’t yet ready
to implement a scheme. “My message would
Mark Ashton
be don’t just know
the legislation, but know the capacity of autoenrolment providers to meet your demands and
deliver. If you don’t understand that, then as an
employer you will face major problems.”
Jane Caunce of Ellison Printing, Rishton, says:
“The Government plans have been in place for
some time now so, as responsible business
owners and employers, we are aware of what it
entails and what our responsibilities are. But are
we ready? Yes and no.
“As a nation we should be
encouraged to save for our future.
Jane Caunce
However, we have all contributed
to state pensions that appear will soon be made
obsolete, with no money left in the pot. Where
has that money gone? Should businesses be
forced to pick up the can of Government failings?
“The recession has brought a tough few years
for everybody. Now is the time to be giving more
support to Lancashire business owners to help
them grow and provide increased employment,
not load them with more costs which will have
an adverse effect.”
WE HAVE GRANTS
FROM £5K TO £50K FOR
YOUNG LANCASHIRE
BUSINESSES, BACKED BY
EXPERT SUPPORT.
DO YOU KNOW
A YOUNG BUSINESS
LOOKING TO GROW?
CHAMBER LIFE
/23
Awards recognise international
trade excellence
The International Trade Club Lunch and Awards
Ceremony, sponsored by Sentinel Corporate Risk,
celebrated the success of the East Lancashire
business community. The awards lunch included
a presentation by Tracey Jones from Naturcopia,
Natural Healing services. Tracey brought to life the
world of herbs and natural remedies and produced
a traveller’s tonic for the club members.
Mandy Lockett, international trade and training
director at the East Lancashire Chamber of
Commerce, said: “These awards recognise
the hard work and success of local businesses
throughout the year as this directly benefits
everyone in the local economy. East Lancashire
businesses are good at what they do. We have
a deserved worldwide reputation for quality,
reliability and straightforwardness in commercial
dealings which gives us that fabulous creditability
when trading internationally”.
THE WINNERS:
• Newcomer to International Trade Award
Specialist Material Handling, Burnley
SMH specialises in material handling solutions,
fork lift trucks, warehouse equipment and racking/
storage product and secured its first export order
to Egypt worth £59,000. Nik Wilson, managing
director, said: “Exporting is where we can really
grow the business, especially with recycling
second-hand equipment that is no longer in
demand in the UK. On the back of our first deal, we
are confident our exports will rise to £300,000 over
the next 12 months.”
• Outstanding Achievement in Importing
Purple Cupcake, Barnoldswick
The company increased imports dramatically
throughout the year, whilst reducing overall costs.
Starting their business making cupcakes and
expanding into workshops and classes, over the
last two years they have created their own bespoke
designer range of cake and cupcake equipment.
Stephanie Clarke, managing director, said: “It’s not
going to end here because we’ve got an even busier
year coming up with new products being launched.”
• Outstanding Achievement in Exporting
Pipeline Induction Heat, Burnley
PIH specialises in onshore and offshore oil and
gas pipelines, and provide engineering equipment,
personnel and materials throughout the world.
They have doubled their exports from £28m to
£56m in the last year with their strongest growth in
two regions, Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico. Adam
Wynne Hughes, managing director said “Pipeline
Induction Heat is delighted with our success in
overseas trade this year.”
COMMENDED FOR THEIR INTERNATIONAL TRADE
EFFORTS WERE:
• Michelle Benson, West Pennine Soaps, Darwen
• Salma Chaudhry, The Halal Cosmetic Company,
Blackburn
• Precision Polymer Engineering, Blackburn.
To get front row seats at the next International Trade Club Awards and Luncheon on December 5, 2014,
visit www.internationaltradeclub.co.uk
Tracey Jones, Naturcopia
Awards Lunch & Presentation
Apply at: www.fusefund.co.uk
Contact an expert on 0800 612 2029
or email info@fusefund.co.uk
Supported by the Regional Growth Fund
Left to right: Jacky Heeps, Pipeline Induction Heat; Nik Wilson, Specialist Material Handling; Joanne Barlow and
Gary Rae, Precision Polymer Engineering, Stephanie Clarke, Purple Cupcakes; Michelle Benson, West Pennine
Soaps; Fiona Cross, Purple Cupcakes; Peter Millington, Sentinel Corporate Risk and Insurance services;
Mandy Lockett, East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Salma Chaudhry, The Halal Cosmetic Company
DIARY DATES
12 MarchUnique Women Lunch
& Learn – The Tithe Bar,
Cow Ark, Clitheroe
28 MarchCurry Club – Blackburn
Rovers FC, 12.00pm –
14.30pm
2 AprilThe Rush Hour
Networking Club –
Moorhouse’s Brewery,
Burnley
25 AprilHotpots for Hotshots,
Oswaldtwistle Mills
29 AprilChamber to Chamber
Networking – Group
First House, Mead Way,
Padiham
14 MayUnique Women Lunch
& Learn – Higher Trapp
Hotel, Simonstone
19 MayMeet & Eat – Haslingden
Golf Club, Haslingden
30 May
Curry Club – Burnley FC
For further details or to book, visit
www.chamberelancs.co.uk/events or
contact c.pilkington@chamberelancs.co.uk
NEW MEMBERS
• Neales Waste Management, Blackburn
• Equestrian Surfaces, Burnley
• HSBC Bank, Blackburn
• Bell Trailers (Rental), Nelson
• Dewhurst Digital Inks, Rossendale
• Hometyre East Lancs, Blackburn
• 48 Press, Accrington
• Michael Hodgkinson Consultancy, Nelson
• Get a Will Today, Darwen
• Dee Dee’s Squeaky Clean, Rossendale
• Georgie Boys Flowers, Burnley
• Encryption Box, Burnley
• Focus On Testing, Burnley
• Guttering Heights, Accrington
• Low Carbon Lighting, Blackburn
• Fahrenheit 451, Accrington
• Write Minded Publishing, Burnley
• Salute, Burnley
• Tangerini, Burnley
• Utility Smart, Rossendale
• BSM Joinery & Building Contractors, Darwen
• A* Tuition, Clitheroe
LIFE
business