IB August 2013

Islandusiness

August

2013

Company Profile James Todd and Co

IsleWork The Young Ones

Feature

Green for Growth

presidenT’s ForeWord

23Chamber newsMember benefi ts, new members, events …

20 Briefi ngCutting Red Tape

August is here and what a spectacular month July was for hot weather!I cannot believe it is seven years since we had a heatwave of this type and last month’s holidaymakers certainly hit the jackpot. It was great to see the beaches packed and the traders doing well.

During armed services week, I attended a fl ag ceremony in St Thomas’ Square, and on behalf on the Chamber, signed a pledge that anyone leaving the armed forces would not be disadvantaged on the Island regarding job opportunities and housing. I had the opportunity to speak to some veterans afterwards, and realised how proud these men were of their past and how interesting each of them were.

In this issue, there is a feature on several small businesses and their investment into going green. As you will see, this is paying off in monetary terms and PR. With the Isle of Wight being an Eco Island it is good to see that some businesses are taking such positive steps.

The company profi le is about an accountancy fi rm based in Chichester that has opened an offi ce on the Island, and it is good to see there is enough business here to warrant such a step.

Last year, the Chamber and Isle of Wight Council got together to fund a programme called IsleWork, to get young people into running their own enterprise, and through training and guidance, we have had a

Island Business Magazine Published by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry

editorKevin [email protected]

Managing editorZoe [email protected]

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of Island Business magazine the publishers do not accept any liability or provide any guarantee that the information is accurate, complete or up to date. The publisher and its employees and contractors have used their best e� orts in preparing these pages and this publication but make no warranty of any kind, expressed

or implied, with regard to the information supplied. The views of contributors do not necessarily represent those of the IW Chamber of Commerce. The IW Chamber of Commerce and its employees and contractors shall not be liable in the event of incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or arising out of, the providing of the information o� ered here.

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Island Business magazine is printed by Crossprint, an ISO 9001 registered printer based on the Isle of Wight.

DesignAaron Rudd Creativewww.aaronrudd.co.uk

Advertising salesMary [email protected]@iwchamber.co.uk

Isle of Wight Chamber of CommerceMill Court, Furrlongs, NewportIsle of Wight, PO30 2AA

Tel. 01983 520 [email protected]

In this Issue...

09 experts Viewfrom Glanvilles

02 newsBusiness news from the Island and beyond

very good success rate with over 30 out of 40 youngsters going on to start up their own business.

The Island has always boasted a pool of young talent and it is good to see Rapanui’s continued success and commitment to continue to provide employment and skills training to young people. Also on the theme of young people running their own business, we report on another success story about a young man running his own metal work company.

Sailing is always important to the Island, and there are several companies involved, including Richardson’s Yacht Services based at Island Harbour, which celebrates 25 years in business this year.

I hope everyone has a good August. Carnival season is here again and at the time of writing, it looked as though they will enjoy success with this great weather, so fi ngers crossed!

David GroocockPRESIDENT, ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOURISM AND INDUSTRY

Company profi leJames Todd and Co12

featureGreen for Growth16

11

August 2013 01

IsleWorkThe Young Ones

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Starting youngRapanui’s new store in Newport is a showcase for youth training and development, as well as for its eco clothing.

02 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

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August 2013 03

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Big win for StrainstallStrainstall has won one of its biggest contracts.

It has been awarded a multi-million pound contract to supply an Integrated Marine Monitoring System (IMMS) for Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) of Korea, for a drilling platform it is building offshore at Congo, West Africa.

The IMMS provides centralised monitoring of a number of hull-based monitoring and control systems, including tendon tension monitoring, load cells, riser monitoring, draft gauging, load management software, winch monitoring, corrosion monitoring and a Metocean system to monitor a range of sea and air conditions.

There will be provision for several-hundred lines of input/output running directly into the system.

The project is due to be delivered to the customer in March 2014.

Top in businessThe Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Student of the Year Award was awarded to Samantha Henton.

Samantha, who also received a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Business at the Isle of Wight College awards ceremony last month, said she had enjoyed her studies but was surprised to win.

She already has a full time job as a letting administrator at Maher Ross.

Graham Joliffe, of Maher Ross, said: “We are really proud of Samantha. She has worked part time here for the last three months and we were so impressed we took her on full time.”

Silver seaRichardsons Yacht Services have maintained a steady course and avoided rough patches for 25 years.

Founded in Yarmouth in 1988, the family firm soon outgrew its premises after picking up contracts to build bigger and bigger boats, and moved to Island Harbour on the Medina.

The move led to a gradual expansion of the range of services, and now the company can claim to be a one stop shop for all boats up to 50 tons.

The business is now in the hands of Terry Richardson, who – with his wife Carla - heads up a team of 14 people, including marine engineers and boat builders.

He said: “We are proud to have built some very impressive Nelson boats, but the biggest proportion of our work – apart from equipment and chandlery – is repair and refit. We do a lot of work for the RNLI and also pick up our fair share of insurance work.”

Facilities include a boatshed, 50 ton travel hoist, 20 ton boat mover, 10 ton mobile crane, and a forklift and rack system for dry sail power boating.

The store - in The Courtyard at Wight and Green, Lugley Street - has outdoor seating, a pizza oven and wood burning stoves.

The company already has a base at Sandown, and the expansion means new job opportunities for four young Islanders. Among the new recruits are apprentices who will benefit from the brand’s youth training & development programme that was recently recognised by the Big Venture Challenge, a lottery-funded social impact prize.

Rob Drake-Knight, Co-founder of Rapanui , said: “Mart and I are passionate about giving young people a chance to work their way out of youth unemployment. We offer work experience placements, do enterprise talks and create jobs for

Getting down to workThe Chamber of Commerce has been working behind the scenes to support new and developing businesses.

Almost 30 young Islanders have set up in business with the help of the Isle Work scheme.

The scheme - which is now on hold pending a Council spending review - aimed to help young people off benefits and into self-employment, and was delivered by the Chamber of Commerce, working with JobCentre Plus, which ran workshops and one to one mentoring.

Of the 40 young people who joined the scheme, only eight remain on benefits. Most of the rest qualified for grants ranging from £500 to £1,000.

Bussing with dinosaursIsle of Wight bus operator Southern Vectis has launched four buses in dinosaur liveries to run on their Coaster route.

It is part of preparations for the December launch of ‘Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie’.

Matt Kitchen, General Manager of Southern Vectis, took a new liveried bus to one of six new ‘meteorites’ on the new Island trail. By downloading

a free smart-phone app, visitors can be photographed with an animated dinosaur based on those found in that area.

“It looked like our bus was being chased by a dinosaur,” said Matt. “We are delighted to support the campaign devised by Visit Isle of Wight by promoting the film and the related tourist attractions, which will become even more popular as a destination once the film is released.”The Coaster route runs from Ryde to Yarmouth along the south coast, calling at attractions including Isle of Wight Zoo, Dinosaur Isle, Blackgang Chine, Isle of Wight Pearl and The Needles Park .

For more information, go to www.islandbus.info

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young people like those at the new Newport store. It’s about a hand up, not a hand out.”

Rapanui’s store manager Oli, aged 22, runs the Newport and Sandown shops, and his team includes 18 years old George, Jarrett, aged 21, and Ryan, 17.

Six of the seven other Rapanui team members are aged under 25.

Rob said:

“We know it is tough to get work on the Island, and we wanted to give young people real experience and the chance to prove what they can do. Our wholesale department is run by Anya, who is 18 years old, and our operations director is Luke, who joined us on work experience just over two years ago.”

samantha is pictured received her award from Zoe stroud, Group Marketing Manager of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.

Matt Kitchen on the dinosaur trail

The company may have a proud history but is equally excited about the future. The new owners of Island Harbour are planning major redevelopment

which would mean new boatsheds, workshops and offices for Richardsons, as well as bigger chandlery.

Terry said: “The company has always grown organically. We are careful to keep a close eye on the overheads, the same as any business, but we like to feel we have always offered the best service and the best craftsmanship through the years. We have a skilled team, and that’s the most important thing.”

For more information, go to www.richardsonsyacht.co.uk

“We introduced a shop soon after we moved to Island Harbour and it has built an excellent reputation. We stock a massive range of equipment, right up to complete new engines.”

Terry and Clara Richardson

A nelson built by Richardsons

Chamber staff have also been mentoring established businesses, and operating an Enterprise Hub.

Almost 70 businesses with 160 employees between them, have received 89 hours mentoring, ranging from newly established to over 30 years of trading.

The Hub has operated every Wednesday between 9am and 2pm allowing anybody to come in for advice. Staff have supported 140 people in less than a year, including 39 who were already established in business.

Questions have included how to go about starting up, finance for start-ups, marketing, market research, bookkeeping, staffing, networking and whether there is any training available. see also page 11.

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04 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight August 2013 05

But demand escalated three years ago, as outlets on the Island and on the mainland snapped up the jars.

Robin and Erica met when he was working for an oil company in Libya. Eventually, they came back to the Island where Erica was born, and finally settled here completely to concentrate on building a rural business.

Robin said: “We also operate a vegetable box scheme, and have self catering and bed and breakfast trade, so we are kept pretty busy. But we are now putting plans in place for others to keep the business running.

“Erica’s homemade conserves are a premium product, and we think it is an interesting issue for many small Island businesses – making that judgement call about whether and how far to grow the business.”

For more information, go to www.horringford.com

An Island business has resisted the temptation to go big.

Erica and Robin Oulton have opted for artisan, rather than going into mass production of Erica’s homemade conserves.

The couple, who live in a rural setting just off the main road through Arreton, reached a key point this year when business continued to grow.

Robin, aged 72, said: “We can produce about 130 jars a day from the kitchen of our house, and we have decided to keep it at that level. We were worried that if we expanded, we would lose the home made, personal feel of the product, and that it would be better to carry on as we are, concentrating on the quality.”

Erica, aged 69, who has been making jams and chutneys for 30 years, starting by making them to help raise church funds. Word spread almost as well as the jam, and soon she was supplying shops on the Island.

Thinking small

Festival of the SeaA new Festival of the Sea is being launched this year.The nine day event will celebrate the Island’s maritime history, heritage and holiday appeal.

The programme of events will include sea shanties, beach art displays, fishing, cookery displays and food-tastings, boat charter,

sailing lessons, kite festivals, talks, and organised cycle rides..

The Festival of the Sea will be anchored by headline events such as The Red Funnel Cowes Food Show, The Sea Shanty at the Spyglass Inn Ventnor, a Beach Arts Festival in Fishbourne, and a new competitive Fishing Festival.

All other events and promotional activities on the same theme are then being brought under the Festival banner to ensure that this and all future years will include a lively mix of events to draw in the crowds.

Cowes Week charityToe in the Water’s three year status as the official charity of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week comes to an end this month.

Cowes-based Next Generation Results (NGR) are specialists in the field of race results and information services, and have been the technology partner at Cowes Week for the last 20 years. The company also hosts the official event website, designs the race documentation and marketing materials, and runs the event’s TV station, EventTV.

Crossprint has produced the event’s printed material, including waterproof sailing instructions and the official regatta programme, for around 20 years too.

Tim Sell, Managing Director, says he is keen to support and encourage local enterprise and major events. “We are proud to work with the organisers of this world-class event. Cowes Week plays a vital role in the local economy and provides an immense global PR opportunity for the Island, which has far reaching tourism benefits and subsequently further business opportunities.”

Cowes Week just the business Cowes Week attracts around 100,000 visitors a year and organisers are keen to emphasise the benefits to Island businesses.

Examples include Red Funnel, who provide the bulk of the transportation to the Isle of Wight., Blue Funnel which lays on a dedicated passenger service from Lymington to West Cowes, and Sally River Taxis, based in East Cowes, who provide support for the event’s launch service at peak times.

Tregear Pottery, in Niton, won the contract to design and produce the trophies for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013. Cowes-based marine photographer, Rick Tomlinson, is the event’s official photographer.

The charity uses competitive sailing to re-inspire injured service personnel to see beyond their injuries, and perform to their limits.

Tanya Brookfield, Co-founder, said:

“The support we receive from the sailing community has been pivotal to our success in re-inspiring so many wounded and profoundly injured servicemen and women and we couldn’t have done it without them.” Cowes Week Limited will begin the process of appointing an official charity for the next three year period immediately after this year’s event. Any charities that are interested in becoming involved should register their interest with Michelle Warner: [email protected].

For more information on this year’s event, go to www.aamcowesweek.co.uk.

David Thornton, CEO of Visit Isle of Wight, said: “Cowes Week is one of the main events in the Island calendar and an important element of our tourism and leisure product. It provides numerous benefits not only for the individual businesses in and around Cowes but for the wider community, making it an extremely valuable contributor to the Island economy.

The Island Chamber of Commerce has a presence on the Parade for Cowes Week this year. It is sharing space with some of its members, and will also be offering tourist information and promoting the Isle of Wight Lottery.

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The Isle of Wight Council is seeking a meeting with Michael Fallon, minister of state for business and enterprise, to push the case for Assisted Area Status and for the Island to be viewed more favourably as an area requiring economic aid under a European designation called structural funding.

The Island ‘s case is supported by organisations including the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, The Solent Local Economic Partnership, the Partnership of Urban South Hampshire and the IW Association of Local Councils. The IW Trades Union Council is also campaigning for recognition of the Island’s economic disadvantages.

“For many years I have believed that the Island should qualify for economic assistance to recognise the particular challenges we face, not least our separation by sea which can increase many business costs.” said Councillor Ian Stephens, Isle of Wight Council leader.

“I am delighted that this new push for

recognition of these challenges is backed with support not just from our partners on the Island but from those in the wider southern region as well.

“While we will continue to support all the businesses that flourish here already and indeed work to attract other inward investment, our overall aim of stimulating the Island’s economy will be helped greatly if we are given Assisted Area Status or we have our distinct problems recognised by Europe. If we are successful in that, then there will be significantly more leverage for us to attract new business and commerce and also to help those already here to expand.”

The Island’s MP Andrew Turner said: “I am very pleased to add my voice to the Council’s in seeking proper recognition from the EU of the unique challenges we face here on the Island. We all realise that this will be an uphill battle – but it is one that we must all fight together for the good of the Island.”

Ateca apprenticesAteca Consulting is investing in apprenticeships.The recruitment company, which operates throughout the Middle East, recruited two apprentices through HTP in March and is looking to recruit four more apprentices this year.

Steve Slater, Managing Director of Ateca Consulting, said: “I always anticipated growing my team by recruiting experienced consultants - apprentices simply weren’t on my radar. The HTP team persuaded me that apprenticeships were a robust solution to my resourcing needs which really suited me - I was really pleased to be able to be working with local talent.

“I grew up on the Island and I wanted to give young, talented people an opportunity to choose a career other than tourism.” Ateca specialises in IT and telecoms recruitment, and is a preferred supplier in the Middle East to many big name companies, including Hewlett Packard and Huawei.

Taking The lead on skills

Special caseThe Island is to take its case for more economic aid straight to the Government.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry has been appointed chair of the Solent Employment and Skills Board by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Sarah, Finance Director at GKN Aerospace, will deliver Solent LEP’s employment and skills agenda.

Local Enterprise Partnerships have been given a pivotal responsibility for setting local skills priorities and strategies specifically designed to meet the needs of their economy.

Sarah was deputy leader of Portsmouth City Council for five years before becoming Portsmouth North MP between 2005 and 2010.

Sarah said: “The Solent has a strong pool of skilled workers, especially in the marine, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. We are also lucky to have such fantastic universities and education institutions.

“It is important to recognise that we still face significant challenges in producing the skilled workforce tomorrow’s Solent economy needs in order to thrive and I look forward to working in my role as ESB Chair to ensure local people have the skills required to take up the new job opportunities that colleagues at the Solent LEP are working to create.”

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SAFE WINTERMOORINGS INYARMOUTH HARBOUR

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Please apply through our website, follow ‘special offers’, complete the ‘visitor’ form and follow the instructions, or call us to discussavailability of berths.

www.yarmouth-harbour.co.ukTELEPHONE: +44 (0)1983 760321 EMAIL: [email protected]

06 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

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Experts View: DIY Probates can be costly

volatile market, two share holdings have lost £5000 in value. Overall however the portfolio is now worth £120,000. Mark sells the shares in his capacity as executor, but the gain of £20,000 is subject to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) at 28%. Mark as executor only has one annual exemption worth £10,600. So over £2,600 of CGT is due.

Instead Mark could have sold the shares with the loss of £5000 and claimed loss relief for Inheritance Tax – saving £2,000 of IHT; transferred the remaining shares to himself and his sister, each selling their own shares. Each would have had an annual exemption of £10,600 and therefore no CGT would be due.

So, by getting it right over £4,600 of tax could have been saved!

Also since 2009 a new penalty regime has been introduced for IHT. Even an innocent error could cost a further 30% of the tax due. HMRC now rigorously check IHT accounts – so even the smallest errors will be picked up.

If you are the executor of an estate, it is worth getting specialist advice.

For more information contact Claudia at Glanvilles – [email protected] or 01983 527878

With the internet having opened the possibility of an almost unlimited means of access to information, more and more people decide to deal with the probate process themselves. But beware - there are many pitfalls; not least of all, adverse tax consequences. For example … Fred (single) dies with an estate worth £500,000. £100,000 of that is in shares. He has left his estate to his son and daughter and appointed his son Mark as sole executor.

Mark deals with the estate himself and it is decided to sell the shares. In the current

aTTracTing businessAround 60 years of leisure industry experience is the foundation of a new advisory service.

Simon Dabell, former director of Vectis Ventures and current chair of Visit Isle of Wight, has created a new company, Attraction Advisors.

He has been joined as an associate by Tim Belgrove, former manager of the Needles, who was also on the board at Vectis Ventures until two years ago.

Simon said: “We are offering support and advice to visitor attractions and tourism destinations across the south. Our approach is not to just come up with reports, but to

Tim Belgrove and simon Dabell

Navigate IT & Telecoms held a business card draw at the Chamber of Commerce B2B Expo, with a prize of an iPod Shuffle. The winner was Helen Mason, Project Director of the Isle of Wight Studio School.

Caroline Wood, business owner, commented: “The Chamber B2B event was a great opportunity to meet Island and mainland companies, and generated opportunities for our IT, telecoms and cabling services.”

Our picture shows Helen being presented with the iPod shuffle by Pete Collinge, of Navigate IT and Telecoms at a breakfast meeting at the Isle of Wight Studio School..

Prize winning

Double winEarl Mountbatten Hospice (EMH) was in winning form last month.

It won a national award for Innovation in Charity Retailing, and Mike Hayward a fundraising events volunteer won the Isle of Wight Radio Local Heroes Volunteer of the Year Award.The retail award was for the Prison Products project, beating 16 other charities of all sizes across the UK. This is the second award the Hospice has received for its Prison Products project, winning the Most Inventive Hospice Retail Initiative at the Help the Hospices Retail Awards in May 2013.

Mike Hayward was presented with his award at the Isle of Wight Radio Local Heroes Award ceremony, for the support he has given to the fundraising team.

Steve Porter Transport has announced a new sponsorship deal with Shanklin Cricket Club.

The three year agreement delivers investment in the club’s equipment and facilities, and the cost of travel for mainland fixtures.

Malcolm Gibson, Managing Director of Steve Porter Transport, said: “As a major employer on the Island, we always try to connect with the Island community through sport. As a former player for Shanklin Cricket Club, it is an opportunity to put something back into a club that I have a long standing affiliation with.”

Steve Porter also sponsors of a number of other Island based sporting clubs including the Raiders Ice Hockey team and AFC Bournemouth-IOW Football Club.Our picture shows Shanklin CC 1st team with new Steve Porter sponsored kit.

08 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight August 2013 09

help organisations convert ideas into action, and with our combined experience, we believe we can offer something special.

“We love getting stuck in, and it seemed logical to maintain our involvement in an industry we love. We are available to any business of whatever size, and can advise on business development, marketing, events, retail and catering.

“A lot of people fall down on the practical stuff, and it is important to compare what you want to do with what the customer actually wants.”

Simon and Tim recently provided advisory support leading up to the launch of the new Coastal Activity Park at Bournemouth.

For more information, go to www.attractionadvisors.co.uk

Sporting gestureSteve Porter Transport has announced a new sponsorship deal with Shanklin Cricket Club.

Will Jackson (pictured above left) and Daniel Harris are the latest to be awarded grants to get them out of unemployment, and their business ideas off the ground.

Daniel Harris has turned his life around – by turning his love of all things aquatic into a business.

Out of work most of the time since leaving school at 16, Daniel has always loved tropical fi sh and built up a loyal following on his Facebook forum.

Now he has established DH Aquatics, which will initially supply everything except the fi sh themselves.

Daniel, aged 22, is the latest to benefi t from the Isle Work grant scheme, which was established by the Council and is operated by the Chamber of Commerce, working with JobCentre Plus. Its aim is to help young people off the unemployment register and into self employment.

Daniel said: “I was out of work and feeling depressed, but the scheme has really helped me, and I plan to get a licence to sell and keep fi sh, too, from next year. I am running the business from a spare room in my dad’s house at the moment, but I want to build it up and hopefully have my own shop premises before too long.

“My advantage is that I have learned a lot about people’s experiences of buying and keeping fi sh through my forum on Facebook, so I hope that will help give the right sort of advice and service.”

Daniel is offering home delivery and a 10 per cent discount to members of his forum, The Original Tropical Fish Forum Isle of Wight.

Will Jackson, aged 25, specialises in promotional videos for small to medium sized businesses, after years trying to find employment following his media production studies at Winchester.

He believes the Island’s small businesses could make more of video.

“Even the smallest can use video as part of their website and social media presence,” he said. “Internet video is very under-used and I am keeping my costs down to make it as aff ordable as possible.

“I have tried to fi nd employment, but there was nothing doing, so I decided to form my own business. The IsleWork scheme was really helpful, and I got loads of good advice and support from the business mentors at the Chamber of Commerce.”

For more information about his services, go to www.castlehillproductions.co.uk

August 2013 11

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Fish and fi lm businessThe IsleWork scheme has produced two more young entrepreneurs, operating in two very diff erent spheres.

10 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Richardsons YACHT SERVICES LTD SLIPWAY Travelift up to 50 tons. Mobile crane to 99 tons. Short or long term storage REPAIRS From minor scratches to major structural damage. Supply & fit equipment. Insurance work undertaken ENGINEERING All aspects of marine engineering. Installations, re-builds, servicing & repairs (Agents for Lombardini & Vetus inboards & Hidea outboards) REFITS Complete interior refits PAINTING Approved application centre for Awlgrip, International & Blakes Paints ELECTRICAL From minor faults, to supply& fit electronic equipment or complete rewires INSTALLATIONS Air-con systems, plumbing systems & alternative or additional propulsion systems CHANDLERY Open 7 days a week Island Harbour Marina Mill Lane, Newport Isle of Wight PO30 2LA [email protected] www.richardsonsyacht.co.uk Tel: 01983 821095

“We are here to stay,” Michelle said. “It is a great place to do business, and we fi nd that Island companies are very receptive to our way of working.”Michelle Daniels

Taking the mystery out of money

KeVIn WIlson Goes ThRouGh The BooKs WITh JAMes ToDD AnD Co

CoMpAny pRofIle

frank Cope

12 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

And money comes in many diff erent guises. You can have a massive turnover and be eff ectively broke. You can make nice looking profi ts, but if the cash fl ow is out of sync, you’re in trouble.

Understanding the way the pounds and pence ebb and fl ow is key to business survival, and James Todd and Co are here on the Island to persuade local businesses that their proactive approach to accountancy is just what they need.

The company was founded in Chichester around a century ago, and works out of a rural barn just outside the town.

Director Michelle Daniels has been with the practice for 15 years, and a partner for 12, working alongside the other partner in the business, Kevin Coppard.

Now she divides her time between Chichester and Cowes - where the company has a base on the fi rst fl oor at Haven Events Centre.

“We set up here about a year ago,” she said.

They say money isn’t everything, but it comes pretty close to being all powerful for businesses.

their budgets. We can, and sometimes do, do everything, but it is usually much more productive if the business owner takes at least some of the responsibility.

“Personal contact is paramount. Sitting down with someone means all sorts of opportunities and issues come to light, and we know our clients appreciate this. People need and expect more contact.

“They also want value for money, of course, and though we are not the cheapest, we are not the most expensive, either. I suppose we bring the skills and expertise of a big company and the personal service of a much smaller one.”

This approach seems to be working.

The company has grown in the recession, and Michelle believes an investment in improved communication, including the publication of monthly newsletters, has been a big factor.

But the core of the business remains the same – providing tailored advice and support to the level that clients need and can aff ord. Services include compliance, management accounting and advisory services, payroll, tax planning and book keeping.

CoMpAny pRofIle

Continued on page 14

“We already had clients on the Island and we believe in face to face contact, so it made a lot of sense to get a base here.”

James Todd has steadily built up around 50 Island clients including Fynn Marine, Social Heroes, Net Guides, and Charlotte’s Academy, and is looking to expand, with the prospect of employing Island people.

Their way of working is built around the principle that James Todd works with the client to help them realise their dreams. New clients are encouraged to take part in training to ensure fi nancial systems are up to scratch, and the company has developed a full programme of training courses through the year in response to demand.

“Our clients say we make them feel special,” she said. “We don’t work on a stop watch basis because we want clients to feel they can call us at any time. We quote in advance for our services and we work really hard in the fi rst year particularly to help the client through the process of achieving complete fi nancial control.

“We aim to get to the stage as soon as possible, where business managers are planning their taxes as they go along, and stay on top of

Michelle ran through some of the golden rules for businesses …

• Establish a monthly profi t and loss balance sheet, and from it, estimate the tax that needs to be put aside each month

• Budget for at least one year ahead, but ideally for fi ve years

• Produce and update a cash fl ow forecast

• Have a plan for 90 days, one year ahead, fi ve years ahead

• Establish key performance indicators – more detailed information specifi c to the business that provides a measure of how things are going (for example, the number of people coming through the door).

August 2013 13

Michelle Daniels

CoMpAny pRofIle

14 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

James Todd is making full use of new technology, too. It has developed a tax app which includes tax calculators, tips, up to date rates, and key dates, and it links up with social media.

The company website includes business news, hot topics, interactive tools, sections to allow clients to promote their business, and even books to buy, including a recommended book of the month.

Michelle said:

“It’s all about encouraging best practice. Even the biggest businesses need support and we work with commercials across the south of England, and many of our clients are in construction. We also support a number of franchise businesses.”Michelle is a passionate advocate for the James Todd approach to accountancy.

She trained in Chichester, moved away to work for Deloitts, but came back and joined James Todd.

“The most important thing is to have a goal and to focus on getting there. The businesses that tend to do well are those that realise the importance of growing and developing. Standing still is not an option!”

“A big factor in my decision was the company’s more informal and friendly approach,” she said. “It is very professional, and we stick to what we know. If we identify a need that we can’t meet ourselves, we are happy to refer clients to others.”Advisory services include company formations and set ups, training, acquisitions and mergers, valuations, and business development.

The company may have been born and bred in Chichester, but Michelle says they are on the Island to stay.

“We have already built up a loyal and appreciative client base, and we hope and expect to keep growing,” she said. “It was great to be part of the Business to Business Expo at the Haven Events Centre in June, and to feel that Island businesses are receptive to what we have to offer.”

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16 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Green for growthKeVIn WIlson fInDs ThAT, foR MAny BusInesses, GReen ReAlly Does MeAn Go

feATuRe

August 2013 17

feATuRe

“ The amount of oil spill in the world is signifi cant. People usually remember the spectacular disasters at sea, but wherever oil is used – on land, on rigs, in refuelling – there is a risk of spillage, and our job is to be the industry’s equivalent of the fi re brigade, providing the right equipment that can be deployed to tackle any situation, and do it well.”

Island success story Vikoma has been making the world a cleaner and greener place since it was founded by BP after the Torrey Canyon oil spill in the 1960s.It has grown to become a world leader in oil and chemical pollution control, and its pioneering equipment, designed and built at its East Cowes plant, is regularly shipped all over the world.

Vikoma’s clients range from the Ministry of Defence to giant global companies, and 94 per cent of its output is for export, whether that is infl ating booms, oil skimmers, storage tanks, dispersant spray systems, vessels, and pumps. Its catalogue runs to hundreds of pages, and products are sold in 120 countries.

The company has recently established a new trading arm in China, and Peter Tyler, Manageing Director said: “Maintaining competitiveness on a global basis is the big challenge. Unlike many of our competitors we do not receive Government support. The Scandinavian government, for example, provides subsidies towards the cost of attending trade events.

“But we concentrate on delivering the best in terms of quality and service, and it is pleasing that we achieved double digit growth last year.

“Of course, we can never aff ord to stand still, and we pride ourselves on the innovation that we bring to the market.”

Vikoma is one of a few manufacturers of oil spill response equipment in the world to hold the BS ISO 9001:2008 certifi cation for sales, design, development, manufacture, installation and commissioning. It is part of Energy Environmental Ltd (EEL) - a holding company for companies in the environmental technology market.

Danny Fisher, Chairman of Pure Green Energy, says the commercial case for renewable energy has never been clearer.

Danny – a former High Sheriff of the Island, and sharing his expertise across a range of organisations – is the major shareholder in Pure Green Energy, after taking over the company in 2007.

He said: “Many businesses are realising that there is a signifi cant cash return on renewable energy installations. For example, a 50kw solar PV system delivers a guaranteed annual 10 per cent return on outlay.”

The business case for going green means the company will do a dozen commercial installations this year, and is clocking up an annual turnover of around £1 million.

Around 70 per cent of activity is Island-based, but Danny said Pure Green Energy was rapidly expanding its mainland interests.

“We are growing steadily into a major company and will be cementing our base on the mainland,” Danny said. “We already install across the south up to the M4 corridor.”

“But it has not all been plain sailing. We have been bedevilled by late changes in Government regulations, including the reduced feed-in tariff for solar PV that sent many companies to the wall. But we have survived and grown because we invested in a diverse range of technologies, and put the emphasis on the highest quality.”

The company’s services include solar PV, biomass, solar thermal, heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, under fl oor and wall heating, and is particularly active in the country house and

farms markets, where properties are often off the grid.

Danny, former MD of Yokogawa Marex, was recently appointed chair of the Island Chamber of Commerce Eco Board.

He said: “We are accredited for all renewable energies, except wind, and we are the only accredited supplier of biomass on the Island.”

Joshua Matthews, who runs Solar Renewable Installations, says many Island businesses are simply not aware of the significant returns they can achieve from investing in renewable energy.

“I think a lot of people were put off when the government cut the benefi ts of switching to solar,” he said. “But now is a good time to invest because the day isn’t too far away when the carbon tax will really start to punish companies that have not cut their carbon footprint.”

Joshua set up the company three years ago to off er a complete electrical and mechanical service to domestic and commercial customers; advising, installing and maintaining the full range of systems that generate heat, light and power.

“We are accredited for solar thermal, solar PV, heat pumps and biomass, as well as for the Green Deal.”

In three years, Joshua has built up the business to a workforce of 15 and a turnover of £1 million, and recently moved into new 400 square metre premises at Dodnor Park.

And he is practicing what he preaches - the building has been fi tted with solar and biomass systems, and visitors can see a range of systems in operation.

“It can be a confusing market,” he said. “But we are not tied to any particular areas of expertise, so we can give open and independent advice.”

Laurie and Ann Tennant’s company Engenius has been trading for 22 years and is enjoying substantial and sustained growth.

The crunch came when the bottom fell out of the domestic solar energy market and their energy was focussed on the commercial sector.

Laurie said: “Before the government decision to slash feed in tariff s, domestic installations

Continued on page 18Chris Kidd

peter Tyler, Managing Director

peter Tyler, Managing Director

Danny Fisher

18 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

feATuRe

took up 100 per cent of our business. But we quickly switched our attention to the commercial market on the Island and on the mainland, and this now accounts for 80 per cent of our activiy.”

Laurie believes in planning for the long term and has successfully bid for maintenance contracts at all the major solar farms on the Island.

Such is the enormous output of these farms that the Island is pouring surplus energy through the underwater cables that link us to the mainland and the National Grid.

Laurie has already flagged up the need for investment to ensure that the Island doesn’t burn out if any of these connections break down. “Imagine all those kilowatts surging through cables, and suddenly finding they have nowhere to go,” he said. “Work is definitely needed to provide a fail safe in the event of a breakdown.”

The storage of surplus energy is becoming a big issue now, and Energis is providing installation and maintenance support to a new project developed by Southampton University which aims to pair renewable energy sources to advanced battery energy storage at trial locations in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Farms and businesses that are heavy users of electrical energy during peak times are being invited to join the trial, and reap the

potentially huge benefit of reliable power with reduced dependency on the grid and significant cost savings.

Laurie said: “It’s an exciting scheme and if all the funding is approved, we would be looking at doing the first installations in January and February next year.

“The Island is a net exporter of solar energy already, and our involvement in this and the continuing development of solar farms, and commercial installations puts the Island, and our business, in a very strong position.”

Energis was the first accredited solar PV installer on the Island and one of the first in the UK, and Laurie is in no doubt about the impact that going green in this way can have.

“As others will tell you, the financial returns on the investment make it a no brainer,” he said.

There appears to be no doubt that going green is a great way of staying in the black …

Ian Chadwick

Laurie Tennant

August 2013 19

January / february 2012 21

Briefi ngCutting red tape

20 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

BRIefInG

The net regulatory cost to businesses is around £45 million, and it’s not exactly value for money.Companies complain that the volume of regulation is too high, laws are poorly drafted, and continually tinkered with, hampering the ability to function, let alone grow, innovate and create jobs.

Although the Government says it recognises the fact that red tape is tying businesses in knots, and has introduced reforms to tackle the problem, research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) suggests there is plenty of work to do.

Key fi ndings were that …

• The regulatory process is not transparent or open to eff ective scrutiny

• More than 40 per cent of new regulatory proposals were adding to the burden, despite the national commitment to reduce it.

• There is no consistency between Government departments – some are deregulating while others are not.

• The volume of regulation remains too high.

The BCC said:

“Regulation aff ects businesses in all aspects of their day-to-day activities and whilst some regulations improve markets, excessive regulation can add unnecessary burdens and act as a barrier to growth. “Needless regulation creates uncertainty for companies and can detrimentally aff ect productivity with signifi cant time spent on compliance activity rather than innovation and expansion.

“Overall, the Coalition Government’s rhetoric on regulatory reduction is welcomed by business. Certainly, there has been some initial progress, for example the introduction of the ‘One-in, One-out’ (OIOO) policy, the deregulatory measures on employment law and the important work of the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC). Yet it is clear that there is still a long way to go before the Government can claim it has got to grips with red tape.

“The scrutiny of regulations often falls down as there is no ‘guardian’ to make sure it is being delivered. National Minimum Wage uplifts and the Agency Workers Directive are key examples where this was the case in 2011. ‘One-in, One-out’ has the potential to have a big eff ect, but the current exemptions and lack of transparency around Impact Assessments make it diffi cult to police. Brussels is still pumping out regulatory proposals in areas such as employment and health and safety.

“To be blunt, businesses the length and breadth of the country are yet to feel any concrete or positive change. Only substantive reductions in the regulatory burden will give companies confi dence and enable them to plan for future growth with certainty and clarity.”For more information, go to www.britishchambers.org.uk

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August 2013 21

April 2013 21Ausust 2013 23

ChAMBeR neWs

Island businesses looking to build their exports can now benefit from a cost saving offer from DHL Express.

The company is offering a 50 per cent discount off shipping costs in their first year of exporting with DHL, in association with the British Chambers of Commerce.

The offer is open only to members of accredited Chambers – which means members of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry can get the benefit.

To qualify, businesses must not have shipped

more than five times with DHL in the past year, and be aiming to boost their exports.

The offer is part of the Chamber of Commerce campaign to encourage more businesses to explore overseas markets. Research shows that businesses trading overseas are 11 per cent more likely to survive in tough times; and international trade helps develop innovation and new ideas.

Cutting the cost of exports

MeMBeR BenefIT

Statistics show that one to two per cent of the population has an irrational fear of being seriously ill - a figure that is set to rise.

Now, thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, Island businesses can arrange free counselling for any of their employees who suffer from the condition.

A major implication of this condition, called pathological health anxiety, is that both money and time could be wasted within the NHS that could have been used for patients who have a genuine illness.

Pathological health anxiety (also known as hypochondria) is a preoccupation or worry about having a serious illness when in actual fact the person is perfectly healthy.

Catherine O’Neill, Services Manager at the helpline charity Anxiety UK, said: “Pathological health anxiety is one of the things we get most calls about. The common fears are HIV, cancer and illnesses at the more severe end of the spectrum.

“Quite often, we get people who nursed someone through cancer and they become preoccupied with the thought that they have the disease too, or it develops because they have heard or read about someone with the illness.”

Westfield Health’s Chamber Primary Health Plan is available to all members of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry and provides employees with access to a 24-hour free phone counselling and advice line and up to six face-to-face counselling sessions.

The service provides round the clock access to teams of qualified and experienced counsellors and medical staff who can discuss and offer advice on a variety of issues including stress and anxiety.

In addition, a GP telephone consultation benefit enables employees to speak to a fully qualified UK GP at a time convenient to them.

For more information go to www.westfieldhealth.com/chamber

Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Chamber, said: “We know from our own experience of helping members with their export paperwork that trading in overseas markets opens up a huge range of opportunities that go far beyond increasing turnover.

“We are proud of our status as a nationally accredited Chamber, and delighted to be able to add this new benefit to our ever-expanding portfolio of benefits and services to members.”

Chamber members can register for the offer online at www.simplydhl.com/uk/chambers

Kerstine Andrews, Membership officer

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somerville Billy Cooper

Accommodation

01983 862821

[email protected]

www.thesomerville.co.uk

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Island GemJoyce Carter

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01983 855330

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07760614959

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Brooke houseHana Johnson & Steve Huggins

Hotels

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2 St Pauls Avenue, Shanklin,Isle of Wight. PO37 7AL

IsleofWightInformation.co.ukSteve & Kirsty Greer

Marketing & Media Services

01983 609974

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www.isleofwightinformation.co.uk

26 Denmark Road, Cowes,Isle of Wight. PO31 7SZ

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sales Torque limitedDavid Maskens

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07831 830303

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143 Mill Hill Road, Cowes ,

Isle of Wight. PO31 7EJ

purpose CoachingDarrin Hayden

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01983 216121

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http://www.purpose-coaching.co.uk

3 Little Preston Road , Ryde,Isle of Wight. PO33 1DG

Want to join the Chamber network?Contact Kerstine Andrews for the full story about the low cost and high value benefi ts...

[email protected]

It’s all in the nameGraham Filer didn’t set out to make a living from metalwork, but that’s the way it has worked out.

He studied sports science at university, but came back to the Island and realised that welding and fabrication was his fi rst love, and hasn’t looked back since.

Now at the age of 25, he has formed his own company G Filer Engineering and says business is brisk.

“I can do just about anything that anyone wants, and though I mainly do commercial work, I have recently done some domestic jobs too. My father has always been an engineer and I grew up working on steam engines, so I suppose it is in my blood.”

Graham, who works out of a workshop at Knighton, has found there is a high level of demand for his work, and puts that down to a simple formula.

“I just try to be honest about my pricing, and do the job well,” he said. “And people do seem to come back for more, so I have already been able to take on my fi rst employee.”For more information, go to www.fi ler-engineering.co.uk

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Please show your support by encouraging your staff to join.

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MAKE A diFFERENCEJoiN TodAy!

We are a well established firm of Chartered Accountants with over 30 years experience. Based in West Sussex, we are delighted to have now set up a second office in Cowes Yacht Haven, Isle of Wight. We look after small and large businesses and strongly believe that by offering training and education to help you succeed, your business can far outreach your expectations. We not only look after your

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24 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

neW MeMberIsland brandThe lure of the Island was too strong a pull for brand communications expert Mark Bate.

After years spending free time at their holiday home in Ryde, he and his wife made it their permanent base fi ve years ago.

Bate brand communications specialises in brand development, magazine production, and web development and has replaced its three-fl oor operation at Harwell with a team of 12 suppliers.

Mark, who recently joined the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, said: “We did work for some very big names, including Legal and General, Walkers Crisps, and Bendix, whereas now we see ourselves very much as an extra pair of hands for SMEs both here and on the mainland.

“We have always loved the Island, and have strong family connections here, and the sort of work we do lends itself to remote working anyway, so we bring teams together for specifi c projects.”

Bate has produced a new web development platform for small businesses, called NemoNet.

Mark said: “It seemed a logical next step, since we know there are so many new and developing small businesses on the Island. We thought we could enable them to create sophisticated websites at low cost.”

For more information, go to www.batebrand.com

Events13 Augustnon-Member networking event The Chamber of Commerce, newport

8.30am -10am

• Network with others

• Learn how to grow your business

• Hear how the Isle of Wight Chamber has helped other businesses - by them directly

• Refreshments provided

To fi nd out more or to book your place(s) please contact Kerstine Andrews on 01983 554541 or email: [email protected]

This event is aimed at non-Chamber members. If your company is already a member of the Chamber and you would like to know more about maximising the benefi ts of your membership please email :[email protected]

13 SeptemberBusiness Breakfast MeetingThe William Coppin, newport

7.30am – 9am

An excellent networking opportunity to meet and present your business to other members while enjoying a full English breakfast.

Places limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

£5.00 per person

13 Septemberfacebook for Business – by AfX DesignMedina Valley Centre, Dodnor lane, newport

6pm – 8pm

A Facebook page has many potential benefi ts for your business. While some of these benefi ts are similar to having a website, a number are unique to Facebook. Combined, the benefi ts listed below can lead to increased sales and profi ts for your business.

Come and learn how to use Facebook for your business eff ectively and learn some new ideas.

Free to Members

26 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

Check our online calendar at www.iwchamber.co.uk for details of all business events.

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Act now to protect your company from rising fuel costs.

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