Island Business

Wedding March

Feature

Islandusiness

September

2012

Spotlight Getting the

Island working

The Interview David Groocock

Company Profile The Needles

President’s Foreword

28 Island ActionThe Chamber: Tackling Island issues

12 Company ProfileThe Needles Park

16 FeatureWedding March

20 SpotlightGetting the Island working

23Chamber NewsMember benefits, new members, events

Welcome to the September issue of Island Business magazine and my very last foreword as President of the IW Chamber.

Firstly, I just wanted to congratulate the organisers and competitors of ‘Team GB’ for putting on such a great show at London 2012. As someone who was initially completely under-whelmed by the whole project, I proudly got caught up in the sporting action and loved every minute of it.

Please forgive me if I don’t talk about specific business issues this month while I look back on the last five years in the role that I have cherished and held with immense pride. It has given me the privilege of working with some of the most respected names associated with business on the Island as well as having had the opportunity to meet a wide range of interesting people from across the country.

I would like to thank the members, Directors and staff of the Chamber for all of their support (even when I went off on a tangent), but my special gratitude goes to our Chief Executive, Kevin Smith, who has not only guided me and helped me grow into the role, but has also become a good friend along the way. A special thanks goes to my co- Directors, Managers and staff at my ‘day job’ – not only have they covered my many absences over the years but they have succeeded in turning a good business into a fantastic one.

It is my firm intention to carry on as an active Chamber Board member and I will (hopefully) still be chairing at least one board for the next twelve months. It’s also rumoured that there may be the occasional paragraph written by me on topical subjects in future issues of this magazine.

The passion and belief that I have for the IW Chamber has grown the longer that

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

Editor Kevin Wilson [email protected]

Managing Editor Zoe Stroud [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 efforts 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 offered here.

Certified as FSC mixed sources - ideal when an environmentally friendly paper is required.

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

Design Aaron Rudd Creative www.aaronrudd.co.uk

Advertising Sales Mary Collis [email protected] [email protected]

Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Mill Court, Furrlongs, Newport Isle of Wight, PO30 2AA

Tel. 01983 520 777 [email protected]

In this Issue...

11 The InterviewDavid Groocock

09 Experts ViewFrom Glanvilles

02NewsBusiness news from the Island, and beyond

September 2012 01

I’ve been involved with it. Although we are a not-for-profit organisation, our core work of lobbying, business support and economic sustainability is underpinned by the wide range of commercial activities that we undertake. Therefore, I’m going to appeal to you all again to support our health and tourism products, IB magazine, the IOW Lottery, Young Chamber, persuade others into membership and generally use every opportunity to extol the virtues of ‘The Voice of Island Business’.

I would like to wish my successor, David Groocock, all the very best for the next three years and would like to thank him for his great support as my Vice-President.

Many things have changed over the past five years – local authorities, regional government – even national government - with the constant change of policies along the way. However, with over one hundred years under its belt, the IWCCTI has remained a constant champion for all our businesses and, in my opinion, is still the ultimate network for business support and growth.

If you’ve been a reader of these forewords - nearly 40 of them - I commend your stamina and thank you for your support also. Finally, my heartfelt thanks go to Mrs.P for putting up with me, the motorcycle racing, the endless round of meetings, the non-stop talking and for always mentioning her in these forewords!

Steve PorterPRESIDENT, ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOuRISM AND INDuSTRY

02 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight

NEWS

A programme to steer young people off benefits through sailing and water sports courses has been launched by uKSA.The maritime charity took 12 young adults who were living on benefits and gave them on-water experiences, and the chance to work towards maritime qualifications.

At the end of the first course, nine moved into full-time employment. Now, more are being planned.

Kerrie Honey, partnership manager for Jobcentre Plus, worked with Lee Jones, uKSA youth development co-coordinator, to create the unique course, which is available only on the Island to young unemployed people. It was funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Funding for a new futureNew funding means Quay Arts can plan for a new future as the Island’s arts hub.

The organisation has been awarded £93,000 through the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts scheme - a significant boost after last year’s announcement that the Council would no longer provide core funding.The money will fund projects for 18 months, helping Quay Arts on the road to realising its vision of becoming a hub with a focus on nurturing Island talent.

Jo Cowan, Quay Arts Director, said: “The funding will support two project strands which will not only offer opportunities for people to engage with and create great art, but will also develop the Quay’s capacity to deliver and sustain an excellent artistic offer in the longer term.”

She said creating opportunities for young people would be a priority, but developing the organisation and its leadership were critically important, too, if Quay Arts was to achieve longer term viability.

“The target is that within three years, we will be able to operate without core funding, while still delivering our vision,” she said.

Quay Arts is keen to cement the links between arts and business.

Jo said the organisation had proved itself good at trading through the shop, café and events.

“But we want to work with businesses in a number of new ways, and we would love to hear from companies that want to work with us,” she said. “For example, we are very interested in the concept of pop-up spaces for arts, perhaps using empty commercial property like shops, in ways that generate traffic for a whole area.”

For more information, go to www.quayarts.org

CLA deFends LAndowners over PAths reFormThe CLA has told the Government it can only support the reform of public rights of way if the proposals are made more efficient for landowners.

The Association said Defra’s proposed improvements to the policy and legal framework for public rights of way, should be about making the process more efficient to benefit both landowners and users.

CLA South East Regional Surveyor Tim Broomhead said: “Reform of rights of way is desperately needed but the Government must address the unfairness of the current system if the CLA is to continue to support reform.”

steering A new

Course

Jo Cowan, Quay Arts Director

September 2012 03

NEWSNEWS

It opened in April – just five weeks after the concept was born, in partnership with Godshill Organics, who have a chilli farm.

Peter’s returnOil spill and chemical control systems company, Vikoma International Ltd, has appointed a well-respected industry figure as its new managing director.Peter Tyler will build on the company’s track record for delivering environmental technology and solutions for the energy industry.

Vikoma International, part of the Energy Environmental Group, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of oil spill containment and recovery equipment.

Peter has experience in the marine and architectural composites sectors as well as in oil pollution control. He re-joins Vikoma after 12 years, having most recently successfully managed an international sales team in the marine sector.

He will take over from Vikoma’s current managing director Denis Healy, who has held the position for two years, as he moves on to head up Vikoma’s sister company, Rotawave Ltd.

Quick startThe House of Chilli in Godshill could lay claim to the fastest business start up ever.

dAvid’s ArkDavid Dunjay made the most of the bad weather that was battering his coastal camping and caravan site earlier this year.

David, who runs the Grange Farm site off the Military Road near Brighstone, was worried that high winds could leave some campers without tents. So, while the site was quiet, he began building wooden camping pods, or arks, and they have proved to be a big hit with holidaymakers.

David said: “We used to use a couple of old caravans as emergency shelters, but they were well past their best.

We had a quiet spell earlier in the summer when the weather was keeping people away, so we started building the arks.

“We’ve got four now, ranging from small to large, and our newest one sleeps four and has an electricity supply.

“It was a good move, because as soon as we had finished making the first one, the weather improved and we got busy! People love them, and now they are just using them for fun.

“But it can get pretty wild here at times, so they’re good to have as back up.”

Grange Farm has 60 pitches for tents, 12 static caravans, four cottages, and space for tourers.

The aim is to be the largest producer/growers of chillies in the uK, and now the target is to franchise the brand over the next two years.

Owner Lisa Peterson said: “Our fantastic Island suppliers have been instrumental in supporting us in driving this small concept into a thriving new business. As an Island we are extremely lucky to have such a variety of great quality foods being made by passionate people, so we just had to tap into that and success hopefully will follow.”

Products include Minghella ‘Spice Creams’ , alcoholic sorbets, a balsamic range, candles, clothing and chilli beer specially produced by Yates Brewery.

Bob Rooney, chairman of Energy Environmental Group, said: ““Peter has a proven track record in developing and implementing international business strategies and growing organisations globally in the marine sector. We look forward to him re-joining Vikoma, injecting his technical and commercial knowledge and experience into the company and being instrumental in driving the business forward.”

Peter Tyler, Managing Director, Vikoma


Angie Brett

NEWS

The Island is set to become a test bed for hydrogen fuel with a project that will build a hydrogen energy production, storage and vehicle refuelling system.The Ecoisland Partnership CIC will play an integral role in the £4.66m project, which will be led by the energy storage and clean fuel company ITM Power.

The project will design, build, install and operate two grid-connected hydrogen refuelling platforms: a refueller will be used in a marine location on the south coast of the Island, and a another will be installed on a business park for the operation of a fleet of hydrogen vehicles.

The project will see collaborative working between EcoIsland partners SSE, Toshiba, IBM, Cable and Wireless and Cheetah Marine, as well as the National Physical Laboratory, Arcola Energy, and the universities of Glamorgan and Nottingham.

For more information go to www.innovateuk.org

Appy daysThe Island’s most modern and interactive source of visitor information is now available on Android and iPhone.

The GoWight app provides up to date event listings, what to do, and where to stay, as well as videos of the Isle of Wight.

The app is produced by the Island’s Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, which said Chamber members qualify for a free listing.

Group Marketing Manager Zoe Stroud said: “The aim was to make it easy and fun for visitors, and Islanders, too, to get around and stay informed. “

Investing in the futureA Shanklin hotel is making a big investment in the future – and guests are loving it.

The family-owned Cliff Hall Hotel has built a new reception area, two new suites and adapted an existing premier sea view to form another suite.Pippa Sharp, who runs the 26 room hotel with her identical twin sister Toni, and their partners Mark Vinici and Mike O’Brien-Fury, say the new accommodation is part of their drive to raise standards.

Pippa said: “These are really spacious rooms with a separate sitting area, and super king size beds. Two of them are wheelchair friendly and rooms of this calibre are hard to find on the Island.

“It’s been a long slow process, getting planning approval. The original paperwork goes back to 2007, but we have stuck to our guns and we are getting really good feedback from our guests.

“It has been a pretty tough year all round, and we have been affected by the economy and the weather like everyone else. But the year isn’t over yet. We just have to keep improving facilities and standards so that we stay viable and competitive for years to come.”

Future FueL

ALL yeAr round winter gArdensWork on the £4 million-plus redevelopment of Ventnor Winter Gardens is due to start in November.

The scheme, which will provide a combination of high quality food, accommodation and entertainment, is likely to mean doubling the number of staff currently employed by the new owner – Michelin starred chef Robert Thompson.

Robert – who currently runs The Hambrough and Pond Café - said: “We are aiming to be open by Easter 2014. There’s a lot of interest from the construction industry in the project and we should be able to announce the successful tenderer very soon now.”

Ingredients of the redevelopment include fine dining for 60 covers upstairs, and a relaxed and social bistro on the ground floor.

The hotel rooms have been made bigger and reduced in number to around 32. Several smaller rooms will serve as conference facilities or health and beauty treatment areas.

September 2012 05

Niton Primary School won first prize in the Help a South African School Competition, and the prize money will go towards new equipment and school facilities. The year 6 children showed organisational and creative skills by putting together a project book on South Africa covering the country’s history, culture and ‘A day in the life of a farm child’.

The Help a South African School Competition aims to educate youngsters in the uK about South Africa, whilst helping less privileged children living in the country. As well as producing a project book, schools that entered the competition were also encouraged to donate their unwanted text books. 200 boxes of books will be shipped to South Africa during the summer, and distributed to rural farm schools.

Primary skillsPrimary school children in Niton showed they already have some core business skills – and won £2,000.

Expert export adviceLocal businesses looking to expand overseas will have the opportunity to tap into expert advice at a free breakfast event next month.

The joint uK Trade and Investment (uKTI) and Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce event Exporting for Growth, will be held at The Riverside Centre, Newport, starting at 8.30am on Friday October 12, and will highlight the business advantages of international trade.

Companies will get expert advice on how to grow their business overseas and find out more about the support available to them.

In a recent uK Government survey of small and medium sized business that currently export products or services:

58 per cent said that exporting led to a level of growth not otherwise possible for their company;

59 per cent developed or modified a product as a result of exporting; and

44 per cent reported a direct link between exporting and more turnover

Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP said: “This is a great opportunity to learn more about exporting and network with fellow local businesses. Some of the biggest opportunities for uK are in markets like India, China and Latin America.

“Starting to export to these countries can be a daunting prospect for a small or medium sized business, but there is a considerable amount of support available and this seminar will highlight where help is available.”

uKTI’s Isle of Wight-based International Trade Adviser, Pauline Rippon said: “There’s a diverse range of Island companies which are already exporting – from creative industries to wind turbine manufactures, from data marine experts to in-flight entertainment specialists. Companies based here are used to selling goods and service to the mainland – so to some extent already have an exporting mentality!

“Targeting the right export markets is essential for overseas success and that’s where uKTI and our partner organisations such as the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce can provide invaluable support.”

The event will include a keynote address from Andrew Turner, presentations on the support and services available to overcome the barriers to exporting and win business overseas, and a presentation from an Island business that has successfully developed new international sales.

To find out more or book a place, send a message to [email protected] or call 01983 530808

NEWS

we 3 Are oneAn Island web and design company is celebrating its first birthday by urging businesses not to let their websites get dated.

we3create was formed in partnership with Vectis Holdings, which also owns Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill. It has already done the rebranding for Wightfibre, as well as building sites for Isle of Wight Radio, Cowes Yacht Haven, and Bembridge Harbour.

Director Ben Jayston said the main lesson learned from the first 12 months was the need to help smaller businesses understand the importance of a modern and efficient online presence.

We3create’s response has been to develop a free mobile website builder, and a basic website development package.

Ben said: “At the same time, we are trying to operate at the higher level. Basically, we want to create software solutions for the Island – using technology in a smart way.”


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NEWS

Health checks are good businessChamber Health works with local businesses to help staff improve their health, through the delivery of on-site services such as:• Free Private and Confidential Health Checks

• Stop Smoking Support

• Healthy Eating Advice

• Weight Management Referral

• Access to accredited exercise

• Information about reducing Alchohol

It has delivered around 450 health checks in the last five months.

The checks cover blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, diabetes risk, and include practical advice that will fit into people’s busy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise patterns.

Among the businesses that have taken advantage of the checks recently are GKN, Artigiano, Island Line, Ryde School, Southern Vectis, Betapak, BAE, Pascalls and Gurit.

Angela Hart, Chamber Health Co-ordinator, said: “Businesses in the know are well aware of the high cost and unsustainability of sickness to their company. The most important thing is to identify problems early, so they can be nipped in the bud.

“Health checks make a difference to people’s lives, and evidence shows that they make staff feel valued, as well as improving productivity.”

Planning costsPlanning fees are due to rise by 15 per cent this year.

The Government says the increases simply keep pace with inflation.

But businesses say planning services aren’t generally up to standard and it is unfair to impose extra charges.

The rise means that the current fee per dwelling of £350 for housing developments up to 50 units goes up to £385.25 per dwelling; and the £150 fee for a householder application, such as an extension, will go up to £175.50.

Meanwhile, the Government is consulting on measures to make the planning system more straightforward.

The aim is to make the application process clearer and easier to use, and speed up the appeals process.

Island-based Britten-Norman has announced a contract for the supply of aircraft to a new customer in the Asia Pacific region.

The contract is for the supply of two Rolls Royce powered turbine Islanders - the first under a new supplier agreement with the company’s key sub contractor in Bucharest, Romania.

In the past these aircraft have been supplied from Britten-Norman’s supplier as ‘green’ aircraft which were then flown to the uK for final fit out. In a major strategy review in 2010, the company

decided to commence repatriation of aspects of its manufacturing, where sub components are manufactured at the sub contractor and then shipped to the uK for assembly, fit out, first flight and delivery.

The original agreement to manufacture aircraft in Eastern Europe back in 1968 was ground breaking and Britten-Norman believes it is again leading the trend in uK manufacturing by being amongst the first to reverse the trend of outsourcing to Eastern Europe, the sub continent and the Far East, helping create employment in the uK.

new isLAnders ContrACt

Angela Hart sets up a healthy eating banner.

Members of the Chamber Health team with their purpose built mobile unit.


NEWS

Lottery 10kMary Wakefield has become the Isle of Wight Lottery’s biggest ever winner.

Mary, who lives in Newport, picked up the top prize of £10,000 and said: “It was the biggest and best shock of my life.”She has had two numbers in the Lottery since it began 10 years ago, and although she has already won two prizes of £2,000 since then, she said winning the new £10,000 prize would change her life.

“I don’t have much money,” she said. “I had just come back from a holiday and I was trying very hard not to spend too much. Then I got home and found out I’d won this prize.

“I have never seen that amount of money before, and I really don’t know what I’ll do with it, but it will make a difference to my life in my old age.”

Mary, who has two sons and five grandchildren, said the only thing she had planned was to get the family together for a celebration.

Mary received her cheque from Steve Porter, President of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber’s Group Marketing Manager, Zoe Stroud, and celebrated with a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a bouquet of flowers donated by Jayne Roberts, of The Flower Garden in Newport.

The Isle of Wight Lottery changed its prize structure in April, to provide a weekly £2,000 prize, a monthly £4,000 prize, and a £10,000 prize in July and January 2013.

For more information about the Lottery, and to sign up, go to www.isleofwightlottery.com

Four star mysteryLook out... a new mystery shopping business has launched on the Isle of Wight.Claire Boscq-Scott first set up in Jersey three years ago, and now her company – 4 Star Services – also has operations in Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.

Mystery shopping uses trained and experienced people to anonymously evaluate customer service, operations, merchandising, product quality and other elements of the consumer’s experience.

Many companies use mystery shopping results to improve employee training or reward employees for excellent scores, as well as compare evaluation scores on a per-shop or per-region basis to identify positive trends but also to benchmark their services against the competition.

4 Star Services became operational on the Isle of Wight last month. For more information, got to www.cbs4starservices.com

PArAde oPPortunityBusinesses are being offered the chance to run a prime waterfront location during the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week from next year.

Expressions of interest are being sought by the Council for to set up and run the Parade Village from 2013. It is a key venue for members of the public to view activities afloat and to mingle with crews socialising after a day’s racing.

The Parade Village is one of a number of shoreside venues providing entertainment, retail outlets and food and drink during the event, and is a hub of activity.

The current arrangement comes to an end after this year’s event, following the voluntary liquidation of Mainsail, so Isle of Wight Council is seeking a company to enter a three year agreement to deliver entertainment, food and drink and retail on Cowes Parade and Esplanade from 2013.

Organisations interested in finding out more about the opportunity should send a message to [email protected]

The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 14 September.

NEWS

09

Experts View: GlanvillesInternet Living

Facebook will either ‘memorialise’ the account or delete it on request. With other sites it depends on their terms and conditions – have you checked them out?

Legislation is currently being drawn up both in the Eu and the uS to seek to address the issues. However these are complex and, as has rightly been commented: ‘legislation will always be the tortoise to technology’s hare’.

Increasingly people include login details and passwords in their Wills - however, unless securely stored, this could create serious security issues and also makes it cumbersome to keep records up-to-date.

Alternatively, the Will could refer to a sealed envelope securely stored with the Will to contain the relevant information. This may be more secure and also allow for details to be updated in a simpler and quicker way.

If you would like to make a Will to deal with your actual, as well as virtual, asset and aff airs contact Claudia at Glanvilles.

Email [email protected] or go to www.glanvilles.co.uk

Our lives are increasingly lived online – by socialising on Twitter or Facebook or by online purchasing and banking. The emergence of the ‘cloud’ – i.e storage of data on a remote rather than local server – means that our photos, music, personal information etc are all part of a new digital property.

We live our lives by the click of a button and often fail to consider the future … few think about what will happen to their internet life when they die.

If the issue is not considered the information could be misused. Also, online assets and accounts can easily be missed if there is no paper record and the Executors have no knowledge of them.

Neither Facebook nor Twitter hand over login information to Executors. On receipt of a death certifi cate, Twitter will delete an account and

Deadlines approachingThe clock is ticking down towards deadlines for the next series of offi cial Island tourist guides.The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry has announced the following deadlines for advertisers: Offi cial Winter Pocket Guide 2012/13 - 14 September; Offi cial Accommodation Guide 2013 - 21 September; Offi cial Summer Pocket Guide 2013 - 25 January; Offi cial Eating Out Pocket Guide 2013 - 1 February.

The Chamber has also announced that advertisers booking space in any of its offi cial tourism guides will qualify for a 20 per cent discount off video production with Wight Productions. The video will be loaded on to a dedicated page on the Gowight website and the new Gowight app.

For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce on 01983 520777, or send a message to [email protected]

Deadlines approachingDeadlines approaching

seCuring AwArdsLifeline Alarm Systems has reached the fi nals of this year’s National Security Excellence Awards.

The Newport-based company is through to the fi nal six in the small to medium sized business category.

It faces a nervous wait to fi nd out if it can clinch the top title – the award ceremony will be held at the London Hilton on 17 October.

Managing Director Mark Lee said: “I am so pleased not just for our entire hard working team, but also for the confi dence it instils in our current and future customers.”

Lifeline won the Small Business of the Year award at last year’s Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards, and was Highly Commended for its staff training policies.


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The InterviewDavid Groocock calls for united action

After around 40 years in the tourism industry, David Groocock’s enthusiasm for all things Island shows no sign of diminishing.David and his wife have run the St Maur Hotel in Ventnor since the late 1980s, when they bought it from David’s parents. His day begins at 5.30am and ends around midnight, and they have one month off a year.

David was born in Leicestershire and remembers idyllic family holidays at an aunt’s hotel in Bonchurch. David was nine years old when his parents bought St Maur and moved to the Island, and it wasn’t long before he was helping out in the hotel.

“In those days, the trade was seasonal and there were no short breaks,” he said. “We’d have whole families staying, on full board, for a week or two weeks.

“Tourism changed in the late 1970s, when people began to demand higher standards, such as en suite facilities, and short breaks. “My wife and I took over the hotel in the late 1980s and we fi nally found a bank that would lend us the money, but the Easter to October trade was hardly enough to pay the mortgage, so we had to do something to extend the season.

“I think most tourism businesses live on a knife edge. It’s a juggling act and it is so important to have a good relationship with a bank.”

As President-elect of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, he says the urgent need for the development of tourism is a united approach. “We all want the Island to be a wonderful place to live and work and visit,” he said. “But let’s be honest, we could achieve more if there was a little less squabbling and more working together. I hope to use my infl uence to encourage more people to put personal ambition aside, and work together for the greater good of the Island.”

David said bringing the tourism industry together had always been a challenge. But he is hopeful that the creation of the

new Destination Marketing Organisation, of which he is a director, will prove to be a positive step forward.

“It’s all about working with the industry and I believe it will work,” he said. “Becoming President of the Chamber will be a huge honour. I want to concentrate on improving communication with members, bringing people together, developing learning and skills, and growing the Isle of Wight Lottery so it generates more funds to help businesses grow.”

David is aiming to step back from working seven days a week in a few years. But by the sound of it, he is going to be busy for a lot longer yet …

“I think most tourism businesses live on a knife edge. It’s a juggling act and it is so important to have a good relationship with a bank.”

September 2012 11

Staying sharp

KEVIN WIlSoN GoES BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE NEEDlES PArK

CoMPANy ProFIlE


He’s General Manager of The Needles Park – an attraction which welcomes around half a million visitors every year; the equivalent of one in three of all Island visitors.

Customer service has always been in his blood, but at the same time, the pressure he lives with is to keep driving up the numbers of people who come through the door. In the wrong hands, this kind of balancing act could lead to disaster, with the risk of over worked and over stressed staff , and a lot of dissatisfi ed customers.

But Marino has devoted 25 years of his life to The Needles Park – about half of them as General Manager, and he has learned how to improve service and reduce costs by informing and involving staff . More than anything else, though, he believes in going back to basics.

“It’s important to get the basics right,” he said. “We have looked at every aspect of our business here, to see how it operates and what might need to change. One of the outcomes of that was that in 2010, when everyone was feeling the full eff ects of recession, we were paying our staff bonuses because we were exceeding revenue targets.”

The Needles Park covers 20 acres of land and seabed at Alum Bay, right next door to what is one of the uK’s most iconic landmarks – the Needles.

One of its busiest features, the famous chairlift which recently carried the Olympic torch, gives thousands of visitors the ultimate view of the Needles. It also provides a view of the park’s attention to detail.

It is built to stand up to 60 knot wind speeds, and the cable and wheel mechanism has a life of six years before needing renewal. But the chair ride is halted when winds reach 30 knots, and the mechanism is renewed every three years. More than £150,000 was spent on reinforcing the embarkation pier in Alum Bay, just about every chair on the ride earns its keep by carrying a sponsored message, and members of staff are trained to give the same careful and attentive support to every passenger.

Marino Zanti has got the job of keeping The Needles sharp.

Marino said: “When you break down a business into components, you can control costs as well as looking at it objectively, from the customer’s point of view.”

This approach lies behind a continuing programme of investment that this year saw the opening of the stylish Marconi’s licensed tea rooms, the installation of the Spin Cycle ride; and improvements to the toilet facilities.

In recent years, improvements included the Pier Head Shopping Emporium - a shop modelled on the old Victorian Alum Bay Pier, and the Water Walkerz ride, as well as aesthetic improvements to railings, signage and cladding.

CoMPANy ProFIlE

Continued on page 14

September 2012 17September 2012 13

It’s a formula that appears to be working.

The Needles Park turns over around £7 million a year, and employs 30 full time staff year round, with about 85 seasonal staff joining the company from Easter to October. Special events like the summer fireworks and Father Christmas in December are bringing people in at off peak times and off season days.

And the clock never stands still: plans for the future include a 4D cinema, more events, and increasing joint work with schools to build on the activity that has already put Alum Bay sand and sweets made on the site into the curriculum.

Marino joined The Needles Park after a career in hotels. His father ran the Café Royal in London, and Marino qualified at university before moving to the Island to manage a hotel complex in Sandown in the late 70’s.

He joined the team at the Needles as Operations Manager, and was then promoted to General Manager.

The park forms part of the portfolio of Heritage Great Britain plc, alongside other landmarks such as Land’s End, John O’Groats, Snowdon Light Railway, and Lightwater Valley. The parent company turns over £30 million a year and Marino is its Group Purchasing Manager.

He said: “It works well because all the buying is done during the winter months, when it is quieter here, so it means I am pretty much freed up to focus on The Needles Park during the peak months.”

Heritage Great Britain took control of The Needles Park in 1999 after a management buy out, and Marino says one of the strengths of the relationship is the access to expertise it brings. Heritage GB has its own marketing company in Manchester, and is keen to extend its portfolio in the future.

Marino said: “We never stand still. The company has invested £25 million across all its properties, and I am now actively seeking to acquire an undercover business – one that is not so dependent upon the weather.

“We have looked at every aspect of our business here, to see how it operates and what might need to change.”Marino Zanti General Manager, the Needles Park

Marino Zanti

Sarah Johnson and Kym Kullander

CoMPANy ProFIlE


“We have several options that we are working on at the moment. Meanwhile, the improvements at The Needles Park will continue. We will be looking at taking on more staff later this year, I should think.”

“We made the decision that we didn’t want to go down the route of becoming a theme park,” he said. “unlike many theme parks on the mainland that are experiencing a big downturn in visitor numbers, ours are holding up because we don’t impose heavy entrance fees. In theory, a family could park in our car park for £4, take a walk through the site, use the toilets, and have a picnic, without spending any more money.

“We have set ourselves up to be a good value destination. But that also means we have to provide people with things to do, things that will interest them and encourage them to stay a bit longer, whatever age they are. We get school trips, we get coach trips, and everything in between.

“Visitors can watch Island sweets being made, Island glass being made, and they can make their own sand gifts, as well as enjoying rides, or shopping, so there is plenty of variety. And the gift shop, catering, sweets and glass shop stay open all year.

“It’s because we are here all year round that we introduced our residents permit, which has been running for many years.”

Marino has now appointed a wholesale co-ordinator to market Alum Bay Glass, home made sweets and sand gifts to outlets on the Island and mainland.

He is also proud to be an active member of the Island’s new destination management organisation, which has the remit to re-establish the Island as a top destination.

“The Isle of Wight is one of the top attractions in Europe,” he said. “We pack so much into a tiny space, it is amazing. We are investing in the destination management organisation with a contribution of £10,000 because we believe we have to work together to bring people to the Island.

“Once they’re here, we can all be as competitive as we like. But we have got to raise our game in the way other destinations have done. Jersey went into serious decline because it didn’t put tourism high enough up its list of priorities, and its visitor numbers dropped by 50 per cent.

“I believe we are at the point of no return now. If we don’t get our act together, the Island will suff er badly. It doesn’t matter how big or small the business is, we all depend on each other, and we all stand to benefi t if visitor numbers increase.”

The Alum Bay area has long been home to innovation and creativity.

In early December 1897, Marconi set up his revolutionary wireless equipment in the Royal Needles Hotel, above Alum Bay, and sent the very fi rst wireless transmission. Between 1955 and 1971 a top secret space rocket and missile development centre was built on the site of the old Needles Battery, where the Black Night and Black Arrow were developed.

The continuing evolution of The Needles Park suggests that we should very much be watching this space …

Mark Piper

September 2012 15

Whether you’re planninga wedding on the Isle of Wight or looking to be a first choice supplier, visit us at

www.wightweddingdays.co.uk

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Project5:Layout 1 2/4/12 12:01 Page 1


Weddingmarch

THE ISlAND’S MArrIAGE BuSINESS IS MAKING GrEAT STrIDES

FEATurE

Later this month, hundreds of people are expected to make tracks for the Isle of Wight Wedding Exhibition.

Organised by Island companies Finishing Touches, Ryde, and The Bridal Room, based in Shanklin, it’s a showcase for everything the Island can off er to make the big day happy and glorious.

It will feature cat walk shows, and an impressive range of exhibitors covering essentials like cake, entertainment, catering, fl owers, gifts, photography, transport, video, hairdressing, venues, and hen parties.

It’s proof if it was needed that weddings are big business...

More than 750 couples get married on the Isle of Wight every year, and the national average cost of each wedding is around £20,000, so Katie Radburn believes her new one stop wedding service stands a good chance of success.

Katie set up Wight Wedding Days with her business partner Marianne Waite this year, after two years research and planning showed that brides and grooms needed support, to save time and reduce stress levels.

Katie said: “I was at university doing event management, and Marianne and I began looking at weddings as an event. From talking to people, it became clear that people don’t know what’s out there and usually don’t have the time to fi nd it.

“Our fi rst step is to develop a directory of businesses that are involved – or believe their services could be of interest.”

Katie, aged 26, and Marianne, 25, will be using all available channels to help spread the word about their new business, including a blog, social media, and networking through events such as the Isle of Wight Wedding Exhibition, to be held from 11am to 4pm on 30 September at Medina Leisure Centre.

Katie said: “I have lived here most of my life. And part of what we’re trying to do is to promote the Island as a great destination for weddings. We want to bring together all the expertise on the Island and enable people to use the business talent that’s already here to make their wedding day special.

Appuldurcombe House

September 2012 17

FEATurE

“Our first step is to develop a directory of businesses that are involved – or believe their services could be of interest.”Katie Radburn, Wight Wedding Days

“Apart from anything else, there can’t be many places that offer such a range of amazing venues that can host weddings, ranging from Osborne House to Afton Park apple farm.”

And just to reinforce the importance to the Island of attracting couples here for their big day, it is perhaps significant that Wightlink is offering discounts to mainland couples wanting to attend the exhibition.

Approved premises for civil ceremonies – according to the Council website – include the Puckpool Tea Gardens at Seaview, and Ventnor Botanic Gardens.

Securing a weddings licence has certainly been a good move for Appuldurcombe House in Wroxall.

Owned by the Owen family since the day after the 1987 hurricane, the historic property has been blown away by its popularity as a wedding venue.

James Owen said: “We did our first wedding about four

years ago after someone twisted our arm a bit. Then the floodgates opened, and we are now pretty much booked up this year and next.

“Our approach is simply to rent out the space, and then help the couple choose the options and suppliers that will meet their needs. It’s amazing that every wedding here is completely different. We just provide them with a lovely atmospheric backdrop, and the rest is up to their imagination.”

Last year, Appuldurcombe hosted a lavish wedding for people from London who brought in Michelin chef Robert Thompson to cook the food. Soon after, it was the setting for a simple Japanese wedding. Others have opted to hire the cellars which date back to Tudor times, with anything ranging from a heavy metal disco to ghost walks for wedding guests.

“We started off as dairy farmers when we first moved here,” said James. “But that side of the business has become secondary, and now we rely more and more on visitors, the falconry, and events, including weddings.

“Most people who come to view the place fall in love with it, and we think we are good value, too. We don’t charge corkage, either. We also recommend Island suppliers for things like marquees, catering and dressing the event. We think it’s a formula that works.”

Chris Cowley says he loves to do things a bit differently, too.

With a background in festival and music photography, his approach is to try to capture what he calls the ‘spirit and fun’ of the wedding day.

He said: “I love telling a story through photos. I love capturing natural moments in my images and I use photography to show the world how I see it - full of colour, happiness and love.

Continued on page 18

Katie radburn, Wight Wedding Days

James owen, Appuldurcombe House


“2012 has been an amazing year for me so far, having photographed some fantastic weddings and worked with what have honestly been the most awesome couples I could ever have hoped for.

“I’ve also had my wedding photography featured in national wedding magazines and blogs such as Rock’n’Roll Bride, English Wedding Blog, Wedding Idea’s magazine and the current issue of unique Bride magazine. This has led to a lot of enquires from couples all over the uK looking to get married on the Island so it certainly seems like we live in a wedding hotspot!

Chris is exhibiting at the Isle of Wight Wedding Exhibition in September.

Tracey Hamilton and Claire Critchison created Wight Vintage last year and have expanded the catering side due to what they say is the increasing popularity of vintage style and traditional homemade produce.

They have a collection of vintage crockery and tableware to hire for weddings, and other events, and also specialise in the extras to give an event a vintage feel.

Claire said: “We don’t just do catering, though. We have more than 10 years’ experience organising weddings of all types. We work on the basis that nothing is impossible. We work with our clients to create a bespoke celebration or function that is unique.”

FEATurE

“2012 has been an amazing year for me so far, having photographed some fantastic weddings and worked with what have honestly been the most awesome couples I could ever have hoped for. Chris Cowley

unique seems to be the key word, and businesses are working hard to deliver a flexible approach that acknowledges that for a wedding day to be special, it has to be driven by personal choice.

And there really are no boundaries. under new rules from October, couples will be able to marry at any time of the day or night. Meanwhile, one Disney-mad couple in Kent renewed their vows on their 20th wedding anniversary by dressing up as Minnie and Mickey Mouse.

For more information, go to www.theisleofwightweddingexhibition.co.ukthe FACts

oF wiFe• The UK wedding industry is worth

£10 billion a year

• Around 280,000 couples were married in 2010, according to the Office for National Statistics

• A year earlier, the number of weddings was its lowest since Victorian times

• Two-thirds of civil ceremonies are held at approved premises like stately homes, hotels, golf clubs, rather than register offices

• The average number of wedding guests is just under 100

• The average length of a British marriage is 11 years and six months

• Data shows that married people have a much higher sense of well-being than people who co-habit, or are single, divorced or separated

• Couples are most likely to marry between the ages of 25 and 29, but there has been an increase in marriages among men in their late 40s and women in their early 30s.

Chris Cowley

September 2012 19

SPoTlIGHT


It’s never too early to prepare for the world of business. The key themes of early years education include helping children from as young as two years old to think about ‘the wider context’ and improve their knowledge and understanding of the world.

Windmills Pre-School in Bembridge helps deliver this through use of information technology. Manager Karysha Clark said the aim was to give children a love of learning, and full use was made of objects which are now regarded as everyday items – smartphones, computers, cameras and printers.

This wider aspect of education is at the heart of the Young Chamber movement which was founded on the Isle of Wight, and aims to bring young people and businesses closer together to improve understanding.

There is no doubting its importance. unemployment remains at high levels, and more and more eff ort is being put into encouraging people of all ages to set up and run their own businesses.

Here on the Island, a concerted eff ort has begun under the brand name IsleWork, to provide vital support to young people, and established businesses, together with a bid for money that could fund a business support project in the tourism sector.

One of its aims is to support at least 40 people aged from 18 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training, to set up their own business.

Getting the Island working

KEVIN WIlSoN rEVIEWS THE lATEST IN BuSINESS SuPPorT

Funded by the Council, the programme will be delivered by the Isle of Wight Enterprise Agency – a division of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, which will work closely with Job Centre Plus.

Young people need to complete an application form which sets out a business idea, and those selected then go forward onto a one day workshop, after which they begin a 26 week support programme, which includes mentoring by Enterprise Agency business support experts.

They will also get an allowance of £65 a week for the fi rst 13 weeks of the course, and £33 a week for the second 13 weeks, and be entitled to a grant of up to £1,000 to buy equipment and services to help set up their new business.

And in another new scheme being run in partnership by the Enterprise Agency and the Council, at least 60 SMEs that have traded for less than three years are now eligible for 10 hours free mentoring.

Businesses just need to complete an application form, and a decision on acceptance to the scheme will be made in less than ten days.

Above: Windmills Preschool children start young... getting to grips with some of the tools of business life – fi les, computers, smartphones, and the never to be replaced clipboard.

Pictured are Ellis yardley, Emma Clark, Polley Townson, Amalie yardley, Grace King, and Holly Clark.

“The Lottery funds our Start up Business programme, which has so far helped create and retain more than 1,000 jobs on the Island.”Kevin Smith Chief Executive, Chamber of Commerce


SPoTlIGHT

An initial mentoring period of three hours of support will help establish the needs of the business and how best they can be met.

The third new initiative is the creation of an Enterprise Hub, where Island people looking to start or develop a business can access advice and support every week until at least the end of April next year.

The Chamber of Commerce offices at Furrlongs will be open for this support every Wednesday between 9.00am and 2.00pm from 12th September.

Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Kevin Smith said: “Our collaboration with the Council is very positive, and I am delighted that we are able to use our expertise in a way that plugs the sizeable gap in the provision of business support services on the Island.

“We have a strong tradition, and years of experience, in understanding the needs of new and developing businesses, gained over the last 10 years through the work of the Isle of Wight Lottery.

“The Lottery funds our Start up Business programme, which has so far helped create and retain more than 1,000 jobs on the Island.”

Meanwhile, the Council has submitted three projects for grant support under the next round of the Regional Growth Fund.

A decision is expected in November on the Island’s bid, which includes funds for business support project in the tourism sector, to establish a marine business hub, and a £1 million tidal energy project.

And as the drive to create the conditions for the economy to fight back continues, the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has established a £12 million Growing Places Fund.

It’s part of a national programme to finance the building work for infrastructure to enable the creation of much needed new jobs and homes in the region.

The LEP identified infrastructure as a key area, as part of a commitment to create 10,000 new jobs in the region by 2026, and says it will use the funds ‘innovatively’; creating a recyclable loans fund to ensure as many projects as possible can be supported.

Types of projects which could be supported by the fund include early development of strategic link roads and access work, provision of flood storage capacity to enable development, and works to improve local connectivity and reduce congestion.

Kevin Smith, Chief Executive, Chamber of Commerce

Funding awards will be made on a loans basis and successful bidders will need a public sector organisation on board to act as an accountable body, to administer funding and ensure repayments are made to the Solent Growing Places Fund on schedule.

To FIND ouT MorE …www.isleofwightlottery.com

www.iwchamber.co.uk

www.iwight.com

www.businesslink.gov.uk

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment

www.solentlep.org.uk/growing_places



CHAMBEr NEWS

Its decision means that a worker who falls ill during a period of paid annual leave should be entitled to rearrange that period of paid annual leave; even if this means that it will be carrying it over to the following leave year.

Kerstine Andrews, Membership officer

Experts believe it is highly likely that this will be observed by uK Courts, although best practice guidance may well be the subject of further changes.

One possibility is for employers to specify in the contract of employment and/or sickness policy that employees will be allowed to rearrange holidays during which they were ill, but only if they report their sickness as normal and provide medical evidence.

A disadvantage of such an approach is that it will bring the issue to the attention of employees, increasing the likelihood of such requests being made.

It will be often very difficult for employers to establish if employees are being truthful or are abusing this right.

The issue has its roots in Spain.

under a collective agreement, a worker whose period of annual leave overlapped a period of “temporary disability” could reschedule that period of annual leave to a subsequent date. For the purposes of this collective agreement, “temporary disability” encompassed absences by reason of pregnancy, but made no reference to general absences or “temporary incapacity for work”.

New rules on holiday sicknessEMPloyErS ArE oN HIGH AlErT AFTEr A EuroPEAN CourT oF JuSTICE rulING oN SICKNESS DurING ANNuAl lEAVE.

Getting the benefitThe Chamber of Commerce offers a massive range of benefits – but then, so do many of its members.The Chamber’s member to member discount scheme is an oasis of savings in an ever more expensive world …

Examples include a 20 per cent discount for Chamber members on training courses run by Angelcare Domiciliary Services, including health and safety, food hygiene, moving and handling, and medication management;

10 per cent off purchases at Isle of Wight Pearl;

up to 20 per cent off international PR, translation and copywriting at Sam Jennings PR;

And 10 per cent off retail purchases at the Wootton Bridge premises of Minghella ice cream.

Members will need to produce their membership card.

Non-members will need to join the Chamber first!

For more information, send a message to [email protected]

You’ll find full details of the benefits of membership on the Chamber website www.iwchamber.co.uk or email [email protected]

Trade unions challenged this and sought a ruling that if workers who were covered by this collective agreement, fell ill during the period of paid annual leave, even on grounds of “temporary incapacity for work”, they should be allowed to take that paid annual leave later.

The Tribunal Supremo made a reference to the ECJ and sought clarification on this point by referring a number of questions.

The ECJ held that “the point at which that temporary incapacity arose is irrelevant”.

Therefore, a worker who fell ill during a period of paid annual leave should be entitled to rearrange that period of paid annual leave; even if this means that it will be carrying it over to the following leave year.

The ECJ did state that only periods of illness which overlapped planned annual leave may be rearranged, and this suggests it may be limited to days of illness, but there is no clear guidance on this as yet.

For more information or to apply:

T: +44 (0)23 9284 8200E: pbs.postgradadmissions@

port.ac.ukW: www.port.ac.uk/mba

Show you mean business. Go back to school.

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) will provide you with the opportunity to develop your strategic problem-solving skills whilst mastering the latest business knowledge and practice:

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To find out more about our wide range of degrees, come along to one of our regular open evenings – details of which can be found at www.sharpenyourcompetitiveedge.com.

The Portsmouth MBA has been a life-changing experience and one that I wouldn’t have wanted to miss.’

Heather Short, Entrepreneur

www.port.ac.uk


Money is often very tight when starting a business and professional advice is usually one of the �rst causalities from the budget. No one wants to spend money on something they feel they can do without until the business has grown and certainly not when there are more pressing purchases to get on with, such as stock and all that new stationery. However, whilst good quality legal advice will not be your cheapest start up cost, if you obtain it at the outset it will almost certainly prove to be money well spent as the potential time and money savings that are likely to be made in the long run will outweigh the cost of the initial advice, as Solicitor Steven Bull explains.

The following issues are common to all business structures and getting advice on these issues before you commence trading or enter into the relevant agreements can increase your ability to negotiate a better position for your business:-

• All businesses need somewhere to operate (even if it is from your home) and it is important to understand whether or not there are any restrictions that will apply to operating from that property or the terms of any lease you are asked to enter into.

• When buying or selling goods and services you will need to be clear about your rights and obligations under the contract governing the transaction and those implied by law.

• If you have come up with a name for your business or designed a product, you may require advice on the options available to you to prevent people stealing your idea or trading on the back of your name.

• As your business grows you will almost certainly need to take on sta�. Employment law is a fast changing area of law and a Solicitor will be able to assist you with employment contracts and appropriate dismissal and grievance procedures and policies.

• If additional funding is required you should carefully consider the terms of any loan or third party investment. If any security is required for the loan, you should try to limit what you have to give as it will almost certainly have an impact your options for future trading and funding. Many lenders will circulate ‘standard form’ security documents, but there are always points that you should at least consider negotiating and certainly a number of practical considerations that should be thought about before agreeing to grant the security.

The Business and Commercial Services Team at Glanvilles have extensive experience in advising individuals and companies on all matters relating to start-ups.

When starting a business one of the most important decisions you will need to make is to decide what legal structure will be the most appropriate for you and your business from the outset. No one structure is better than another (each have pros and cons) but whether or not you decide to trade as a sole trader, partnership, limited liability partnership or limited liability company will often be determined by the following factors:

• the differences in taxation;

• the way that you want to operate and manage your business;

• the type of documents and records that will need to be produced and retained;

• the ability to raise finance and attract investors in the future;

• the way profits are dealt with;

• your succession planning; and

• your personal responsibility for liabilities of the business.

Once you have decided on which structure you are going to proceed with, you should ensure that the structure is correctly put in place and, especially when entering into business with another individual or company, that you are aware of, and satisfied with, the rules governing your relationship (be it a partnership agreement or articles of association). It is advisable to have these governing documents prepared by a professional adviser to make sure that they accurately represent the parties’ intentions as regard their rights and obligations to each other and also correspond with how the business will operate in practice. Whilst you can trade as a partnership without a partnership agreement or operate a company using model or standard form articles of association, you risk finding yourself bound by legislation and contractual terms that you will almost certainly later find to be onerous and/or extremely prohibitive.

Are you thinking of starting a business?

Glanvilles o�er a practical approach that re�ects our understand-ing of issues a�ecting you when starting a business. Good decisions taken now can save time and money in the future. You can contact Steven on 01983 527878 or [email protected]. You can �nd out more by visiting www.glanvilles.co.uk.

Steven BullSolicitor at Glanvilles

Apprentices For BusinessSimon Greenleaf

Training Providers

023 9229 7229

[email protected]

www.apprenticesforbusiness.co.uk

Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth. Hants. PO1 2AB

Apprentices for Business is a not-for-profit organisation who specialise in providing business with a simple, professional,

cost-effective and flexible solution to recruiting high-calibre apprentices. Our mission is to both increase the number of job opportunities available to young people and support the economic growth of businesses through apprenticeships. We work in partnership with some of the largest FE Colleges and training providers in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the South East and the initiative is endorsed by the National Apprenticeship Service and the Solent LEP.

Cheekie MonkiesMaz Booth

Retail

[email protected]

6 St James Street, Newport, Isle of Wight

Second hand baby clothes, equipment and toys.

Vectis Equine Vets ltdKathryn Manners

Animal Care / Pet Supplies

01983 533799

[email protected]

www.vectisequinevets.co.uk

24 Bloomsbury Park, Manners View, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 5FA

Equine veterinary practice providing stable-side and clinic based veterinary services to horses, ponies and donkeys across the Isle of Wight.

New Members

Brook House CottagesBelinda Walters

Self Catering

01983 740535

[email protected]

www.brookhouseiow.co.uk

Brook House, Brook, Isle of Wight. PO30 4EJ

Holiday cottages.

Volks IsleSue Beere

Transport and Travel services

07794290319

[email protected]

www.volksisle.com

Mayfield Road, Ryde, Isle of Wight. PO33 3PR

Volkswagen Campervan hire.

We are a small fleet of Volkwagen campervans that live on the Isle of Wight. Perfect for a quick weekend away, a much needed break, or maybe even a birthday bash!

We can get our gladrags on for weddings or prom hire too!!

Island Classic BikesJames Bailey

Activity and Leisure Services

07528 796115

[email protected]

www.islandclassicbikes.com

Classic motorcycle hire (exclusive bikes). Gourmet picnics

Care In The Garden CICJohn Goodenough

Community services

01983 719703

[email protected]

www.careinthegarden.co.uk

Cobbs Cottage, Clarendon Place, Newport, Isle of Wight. PO30 1RB

Community Gardening Project.

A new level of day care provision taking people with extra needs as trainees to gain work experience in gardening out in the community. Often gardening for people with their own needs. We also offer workshop sessions in pot making, woodwork to follow.

All That JazzJojo Green

Hair and Beauty

0797420249

[email protected]

Heatherwood Lodge, Church Hill, Totland, Isle of Wight. PO39 0Eu

Hair and beauty salon.

Contact Kerstine to find out more about Chamber membership: [email protected]

September 2012 25

APr EngravingAlan Robinson

Sign Makers

07765015679

[email protected]

2 Fort Street, Sandown, Isle of Wight. PO36 8BA

Engraving of signage, memorial plaques, control panels, identification tags and badges. Bespoke service for personal and corporate needs.

GAC PindarSimon Rhodes

Shipping & Logistics Services

02380 489924

[email protected]

www.gacpindar.com

Medina Chambers, Town Quay, Southampton, Hants. SO14 2AQ

GAC Pindar is a strategic partnership between global shipping, marine and logistics provider - the GAC Group and professional sailing team - Team Pindar. Launched in 2011 as the specialist arm of GAC and based in the sailing hub of Southampton, uK, GAC Pindar is now the go-to provider in the specialist field of marine leisure logistics, offering a complete range of services including yacht transportation, airfreight and ocean freight, land transportation, yacht spares logistics, ships agency, super yacht services and fuel, sailing event management and corporate hospitality.

The GAC Group established in 1956 has its corporate headquarters in Dubai and employs over 9,000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide. Over the past thirty years, Pindar has established itself as one of the most prominent and respected names in the world of sailing.

Anthea’s antiquesAnthea Payne responded to the recession by spreading her net wider.Anthea moved to the Island when her events and conference consultancy business hit hard times, and by chance encounter became a window dresser at a collectables shop in Freshwater. Word soon spread, and now she dresses other windows, as well as dressing events including weddings, and has her own antique sourcing and selling service Anthea’s Emporium, based in West Wight, which is due to open retail premises next spring.

Her latest move is to make the most of the interest in all things ancient, by setting up an Antiques Trail on the Island, and she is asking other antiques businesses to contact her.

“If any of them would like to get in touch with me, I’d be delighted to explain my plans for the trail. The more people who get involved, the better, and the aim is to increase the number of customers for all of us.”

Anthea joined the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce partly because of the networking opportunities it generates.

One of her first moves since joining was to join the Chamber’s member to member discount scheme.

“I offer a 20 per cent discount to Chamber members,” she said. “I like the concept of businesses helping each other, and that’s the idea behind the Antiques Trail, too.”

For more information, contact Anthea on 01983 754325.

Events

11 SeptemberTSE Networking Event Garlic Farm

6-8pm

Come along and join members for networking and a tour of the farm and shop.

Free for TSE members £5 non TSE members

Bookings essential. Call Marilyn on 0771781 7628 [email protected]

11 SeptemberChristmas Market open evening Isle of Wight Military Museum, Newport road, Cowes

6.30pm

If you are interested in getting involved in this event, as a trader or entertainer, or someone who thinks their talent can make this a great winter event, come along, enjoy some refreshments, and see how we can make things happen!

14 SeptemberBusiness Breakfast Meeting The 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

21 September2012 Charity Golf Challenge osborne Golf Club, East Cowes

In aid of the Earl Mountbatten Hospice.

Play a round of 18 hole golf

Teams of 2 - £65 + vat per team

First Tee off at 1.00pm

Dinner and Presentations 7.30pm

Charity Raffle

If you would like to take part please contact the Chamber office on 01983 520777 or email chamber@[email protected]

26 SeptemberTwitter Conference with AFX Design Cowes yacht Haven

5.30pm – 7.30pm

Come and learn all about Twitter and how to use effectively to help your business. Presentations will be made by AFX Design.


Free to Members

28 SeptemberAGM

We would like to invite members to join us for lunch and attend our Annual General Meeting. Networking opportunities will also be available before and after.

Lunch will be served at 1.00pm

Free to Members

5 OctoberBusiness Breakfast Meeting The 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.


£5.00 per person

12 October - 14 OctoberIsle of Wight literary Festival

The Isle of Wight is renowned for holding some of the best festivals in the world, and this will be no exception!

The Island’s first Literary Festival is a showcase of literary talents from all over the country, including some from our own fair Island.

Story walks, debates, talks, workshops, music, children’s story telling, pub quiz...there are events taking place this weekend to delight festival-goers of all ages... there is even a guided bus tour around the island, hosted by one of our celebrity speakers.

For more information visit: http://isleofwightliteraryfestival.org/ or call Margaret on 295178

23 OctoberChamber laser Quest Jr Zone, Manners View, Newport

6.30pm – 9.30pm

The only indoor laser gun arena on the Island.

Come and enjoy a fun way to network by competing in this laser quest.

Interactive laser gun wars in a massive three level arena with smoke and special effects.

Places will be limited so booking essential!

Price includes a finger buffet.

£6.00 per person

Pines meetingGurnard Pines is the setting for this year’s Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry annual meeting.The session begins with a free networking lunch for Chamber members at 1pm, and the formal meeting starts at 2pm.

The event is to be held on Friday, 28 September, and members need to confirm attendance by email to [email protected] by 24 September.


September 2012 27

58 Dodnor LaneNewportIsle of WightUnited KingdomPO30 5XDT +44 (0) 1983 533033F +44 (0) 1983 533034E [email protected] www.itgrp.co.uk

the leading island provider ofcommunication technologies for 25 years.

Fully accredited main dealers for NEC, Panasonic, Shoretel & IPCortex.

Providers of cutting edge connectivity including telephone lines,broadband, SIP Trunks, EFM and Leased Lines.

Expert structured cablers fully certified in ADC Krone, Nexans,Hellermann Tyton, Excel and advanced Fibre Optics.

Seven island-based engineers providing unmatched installations,rapid technical support and maintenance for all telephone systems.

Leading island provider of hotel hospitality PBX systems from NECand Shoretel.

Local clients include: Isle of Wight Schools and College, Isle of Wight NHS,Isle of Wight Council, Waitrose, Gurit, GKN, Doctors surgeries, local yachtclubs and many local businesses.

National clients include: P&O, Cunard, Carnival UK, Princess Cruises,Royal Carribean Cruises, BP, and many others.


Island Business wants to hear from you if you have a story to tell. Send a message to [email protected]

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Island ActionGeoff Banks reports on the work of the Chamber of Commerce’s Construction HubThe Chamber’s Construction Hub was formed to address the needs of the Island’s construction industry.

Progress has been made in opening positive dialogue about how the industry can tackle overburdening legislation and seek ways to secure Island work for its Island workforce.

One concern has been the changes in education leading to a multi-million pound schools reconstruction programme going ‘off Island’. There have been opportunities to subcontract for this work, but only a few companies here have the ability or desire to meet the qualification requirements.

The alarm bells also ring when we find that the Island’s Core Strategy target of 520 residential units yielded only 71 units in its first quarter. The Roads PFI is an opportunity for the construction industry to work with the mainland consortium which has been awarded the contract. But companies will have to adhere to stringent engagement compliances.

So what of the future in construction on the Island? Times are certainly difficult but many of us have been there before. It is a robust industry and it will come out of the recession, regaining its strength as it has in the past.

Now is the time to invest in training; to cut overburdening legislation; a VAT level which encourages construction and not discourages; a relaxation in the way we implement planning laws; and ensuring that Island construction opportunities are more open to Island companies.

The Construction Hub represents the Island on all these issues, but national policies and their local interpretation continues to add to the burden. We continue to work with the Council and the industry to see how we can kick start the industry.

But for those in business considering any construction work, now is the best time. With the fight for contracts, prices are highly competitive and the industry needs the work. Investment in ’bricks and mortar’ has always paid dividends and the Island has a highly skilled workforce ready to deliver.

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