Island usiness May 2013 Company Profile RJR Solicitors The Interview John Curtis Feature Growing Business
Island Business
Mar 31, 2016
The edition for May 2013
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Islandusiness
May
2013
Company Profile RJR Solicitors
The Interview John Curtis
Feature
Growing Business
pReSiDent’S fOReWORD
23Chamber newsMember benefi ts, new members, events
Personal ViewKelly Burke, YMCA28
20 Briefi ngThe burden on business
A big welcome to the May edition!As I write this the weather has at long last warmed up and the spring fl owers are coming out - the Island always looks especially good during the spring months, I think.
In this edition you will fi nd a feature on RJR Solicitors - a long established law fi rm on the Island, dating back to the later part of the 19th Century. They have been members of the Chamber for many years and are actively involved in supporting many local worthy causes.
Closer to home (that’s my home) are features on horticulture including information about the Ventnor Botanic Gardens. I am interested as I grow many types of fruit and veg myself for the guests. Not only does this help keep the costs down, but you cannot beat freshly harvested fruit or vegetables. I am also a keen grower of anything tropical and have bought plants from the botanic gardens, which are just down the road from me.
I have successes and failures depending on how hard the winter has been. Of course the last four winters have been very challenging and have consequently lost a few plants along the way. But I have in the past been able to keep very delicate plants going such as birds of paradise, bougainvillea and several other types which I forget the names of.
John Curtis, who runs the gardens, is very enthusiastic about the future development of the area and has many plans of which some have already taken place, such as the
Island Business Magazine Published by the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry
editorKevin [email protected]
Managing editorZoe [email protected]
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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 off ered here.
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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
04 Isle of Wight LotteryNew loans, new winners
new restaurant, and it is good to see smaller businesses like Eddington House Nurseries investing in their future here.
I promised last month to update you on the work we do regarding the Policy Board that I chair. We have several sub boards that report to me at a meeting prior to the main board meeting. Here the chairs of each board report back on their group’s achievements during the last two months. We have boards for Tourism led by John Allen, Investment & planning (Chris Scott), Eco Hub (Rob Stewart), Construction (Geoff Banks) and Strategic Infrastructure (David Bottom).
This ensures that your local Chamber is at the heart of the Island’s economic health (or wealth), and it means any current problems can be tackled with a united voice across each sector of the Island’s business community.
Working together is something the Island can do very well, and I’d like to end by encouraging you all to set aside some time to visit the B2B Enterprise Expo event being held on June 4 and 5 at the Haven Events Centre in Cowes. This will be a great chance to meet other businesses, and explore ways you can work with them for mutual benefi t.
David GroocockPRESIDENT, ISLE OF WIGHT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOURISM AND INDUSTRY
Company Profi leRJR Solicitors12
FeatureKeeping the Island green16
The InterviewJohn Curtis, Ventnor Botanic Garden11
May 2013 01
Whether you need short or long term temporary cover or looking to recruit on a permanent basis - Pertemps can provide you with all the support you need.
Experienced Island based consultants, who not only understand the Isle of Wight market but who will commit to working closely with you and your business to understand your needs. We make sure we get it right first time around so all you need to do is sit back and relax, Pertemps have it covered.
let Pertemps take the strain this summer
Island company thinks globalAn Isle of Wight company operating in more than 30 locations worldwide, delivers activities to over 300,000 children every year.
02 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
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Radio partnerVisit Isle of Wight Ltd (VIOW) - the organisation working to establish the Isle of Wight as the UK’s Holiday Island – announced today that Isle of Wight Radio joined VIOW as a marketing partner for the 2013 season.Now there’s
a new way to explore the IslandAnthea Payne has created the Isle of Wight Antiques Trail, complete with a fold out map/leaflet including a calendar of antique and collectors fairs, book fairs and auctions, a cross section of retailers and some places of interest.
Anthea, who suggests that ‘antiquing’ could become a top Island activity, also runs Anthea’s Emporium, which has been trading at fairs and festivals here, and in Dorset and Hampshire. She opened her first permanent retail premises, Number 20, in Yarmouth, in March,
Lobbying for the IslandLocal Government Minister Brandon Lewis MP got a close up of Island partnership working in action at a Chamber of Commerce meeting last week.
He was briefed by business leaders, Council and Chamber of Commerce representatives on measures to help young people into work, and lobbied on the Island’s bid for assisted area status.
Kevin Smith, Chief Executive of the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, also briefed the Minister on Chamber Health and Young Chamber, and said the discussions had been ‘very useful’.
“We made the point that the Island is doing great things, but assisted area status would enable us to compete on an equal footing with other parts of the country that get support that is currently denied to us,” he said.
In2action has developed a schools’ education and adventure sector to help children extend their learning outside of the classroom, develop new interests, skills and self-confidence through residential school trips.
It is run by husband and wife team, George and Karen Ross.
George said: “The company is looking forward to expanding, and bringing important experiences to more children in these difficult economic times.”
In addition to its UK residential educational and adventure sector, the company also designs and delivers leisure concepts to a range of companies such as TUI, First Choice Holidays, Hoseasons, Canvas Holidays and Centre Parcs.
For further information, send a message to [email protected]
Sam’S giant leapOne small step out of unemployment was a giant leap into business for Sam Stagg.
Out of work and desperate to work for himself, he found a route into a new future by signing on.
“I didn’t want to register as unemployed,” he said. “I didn’t want to have to rely
George Ross
Children make a splash on an activity trip
and is also working closely with Red Funnel to develop and promote antiques events.
Anthea said of the Trail:
“I realised there was a need for a guide to the antiques network on the Island, and wanted to create a map style leaflet to make it simpler for visitors to plan their visits, and find their way to our doors.”For more information, send a message to [email protected]
on other people for my income. But it was the way I could put myself forward for the IsleWork scheme.”
Now Sam, who lives in Shanklin, has formed Staggtronics, specialising in laptop and smartphone repair, and component sales.
Working on electronics has always been a passion, but getting into IsleWork – the scheme that helps young people start up a business - was the big breakthrough. The programme is run by the Council and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce,
Tourism and Industry, working with JobCentre Plus.
Sam, aged 23, said: “It has been fantastic for me. The scheme included mentoring support, and that was really helpful. The business is going really well now. There were times when everything looked pretty bad, because I felt I was on my own, but the scheme has made a big difference and I feel hopeful about the future.”
To find out more, go to www.facebook.com/staggtronics
On the networkMore new members are signing up for membership of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry – and the opportunity to network is one of the biggest attractions.
Speaking at a networking event at the Innovation Centre last month, Anthony Luxton of AFX Design, said he had experienced a number of networking events run by other organisations, but paid tribute to the ‘professionalism’ of the Chamber.
He said membership of the Chamber was something of a no brainer:
“Overall, there is a true feeling of belonging to an organisation which takes the success of its members very seriously, and all members are treated equally. It does not matter if you are a ‘one man band’ who has recently started out or a long, established company with hundreds of employees.”Anthony added that Chamber membership should be seen as an integral part of a business strategy, on the same level as having a website.
Chamber Membership Officer Kerstine Andrews told the meeting that event attendance had grown over the last few years, and that feedback from members proved that regular and diverse networking opportunities was important. see events, p26.
Building a new futureAfter leaving school with a BTec in sports and exercise science, Daniel changed course to learn a trade – encouraged by his father, who runs a carpentry business.
Although work was hard to come by, Daniel signed up for courses at Isle of Wight College, as well as signing on at JobCentre Plus
Then IsleWork came on the scene, offering young people the chance to progress from unemployment into self employment, and Daniel jumped at the chance to set up his own business.
Daniel Mew is building a new life for himself, with a little help from the IsleWork scheme.
Daniel, aged 24, said: “It was a great opportunity and I am glad I did it. It means I can carry on with my studies, and fit the work in around it. Being registered for work meant I was getting offers of full time jobs in Southampton or Portsmouth, “Now I have set up Daniel Mew Carpentry and Joinery and it is going well. I am slowly getting work through word of mouth, and IsleWork was good because it gave me some money to help me get started, and lots of advice on things like tax and insurance.”
Daniel is now studying for the BTec in construction and the built environment, and NVQs in bench joinery, and his aim is to qualify in every aspect of building so he can take on a wider range of work.
IsleWork was established by the Council in partnership with the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry, and JobCentre Plus.
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To be held on June 4 and 5 at the Haven Events Centre, Cowes Yacht Haven, the free event will be open from 10 to 4 each day, and will include a range of seminars and a ‘Networking Zone’.
Organiser Zoe Stroud, the Chamber’s Group Marketing Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all businesses of any sector to come and meet other organisations that can help their business grow and succeed. We are grateful to CrossPrint for sponsorship of print and design.”
Kevin Smith, Chamber Chief Executive, said: “This event is a demonstration of our commitment to supporting Island businesses, and our belief in the power of coming together. Organisations of all shapes and sizes tell us that these opportunities make a real difference to the bottom line, and we will continue to do what we can across our full
range of services to help them grow.”
Businesses already committed to display stands include: Steve Porter Transport, Booker, Navigate IT, Wight Energy, The Coffee Bean Co, Open Sauce Systems, Alex Tana, Utility Warehouse, Betapak, WP Recruitment, Click4Internet, Smart Training, Island Printers, ICR, Acclaim Logistics, Rapanui, Symmetry Coaching, CrossPrint, Solar Renewable Installations, The Mottistone, Paul Wheeler, HTP, Aegir Nautical, HRD Commercial, Wight Digital Solutions, Net Guides, Glanvilles, Asperiti, RJR Solicitors, FATE, and IW Ambulance.
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Lottery loan biltongAn interest free loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery made all the difference for Isle of Wight Biltong.The company’s future growth hinged on acquisition of a packaging machine, and it had already had a grant application approved by DEFRA. But the grant depended on matched funding.
Sarah Greeff, of Isle of Wight Biltong – which produces nutritional ‘safari snacks’ made from Island beef – said: “We had tried other sources of finance, but have always been active members of the Chamber of Commerce, and decided to approach the Isle of Wight Lottery for support.
“We are delighted we did – the machine is now installed and gives us huge potential for growth because of the speed of operation. The air tight seal it gives our products means they have a much longer shelf life, too, which makes us more attractive to big distributors, supermarkets and wholesalers.
“It is a big step forward for us. We are a very small company, and the Lottery loan comes with the support of a business mentor, so in the end it was a no brainer for us!”Isle of Wight Biltong was recently Highly Commended in the Rural Start Up Category of the Countryside Alliance Awards. The snacks are distributed by Medina Food Service, and sold in the Local Flavours range of Southern Co-op on the Island, and in their Bramber House shop on the Sussex University campus. The company also supplies the Hampshire county cricket team.
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Winning holidayIsle of Wight Lottery winner Barry Young will be spending his top prize on … a holiday to the Isle of Wight!
Barry, who lives in Romsey, has come to the Island every year for the last 20 years, and is investing part of his £2,000 winnings in this year’s break.
It’s the second time Barry has won the top prize – he also won £2,000 in 2007.
Barry, whose father lived in Sandown, said: “The Isle of Wight Lottery is a very good cause. I run a small business in Romsey so I know how important it is to support local businesses.”
For more information, go to www.isleofwightlottery.com
An Island weddingFlorist Leanne Arnold’s wedding this month will be very much an Island affair.
Leanne, who bought Bay Tree Florist in Cowes two years ago with the help of an Isle of Wight Lottery loan, is making sure that other Island businesses benefit from her big day.
Not surprisingly, Leanne is supplying her own flowers, but she said: “We are getting just about everything from Island suppliers: the rings and presents from Taylors, my wedding dress from Elizabeth Smith in Ryde, photography by Stephanie Mackrill, video by APV, and we booked our honeymoon through Bath Travel!”
Leanne marries Stewart Brine, who works at Price’s Garage, at Holy Trinity church in Cowes on May 11, followed by a reception at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club with around 110 guests, including many of Bay Tree Florists customers.
Leanne said: “I got a good start in my business life thanks to the Isle of Wight Lottery, and it seemed natural that other businesses should get something out of our big day, too.”
She has chosen a lime green and white colour theme for the occasion, so all eyes will be on her bridal bouquet, for which Leanne is planning to use lime green orchids.
04 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight May 2013 05
Truly local A new approach to development is on the launch pad at Brighstone.Plans have been submitted for a community housing scheme that would be the first on the Island to meet the Government’s ‘localism’ agenda, in the way it has been specially designed to meet local needs.
The scheme at Blanchards Field would provide low cost starter homes, and assisted living for older people, as well as a doctor’s surgery, an Abbeyfield House, and open space.
It has been made possible by executors of the estate of John Cheverton, who wanted to provide facilities for the elderly in Brighstone.
The development will be managed and controlled by a trust made up of Parish Council members, and local people.
Affordable and elderly housing will have to be offered to local residents,
or people who have worked in the parish for three years – a rule which will be established permanently to ensure that accommodation cannot be snapped up by second home owners in the future.
House prices will start at around £75,000, and affordable rents will be available.
Housing will be provided for local older people wanting to downsize from larger accommodation, and the Brighstone Abbeyfield House will include 13 flats for single people.
If planning permission is granted, developers hope the scheme will be completed next year.
The development is being managed by Christopher Scott, Development Consultants and Town Planners, working with Rainey Petrie Architecture, Mayer Brown and Natural Enterprise.
Care in the Garden A community care company has been helped into growth by an interest free loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery.
Care in the Garden, based at Palmers Brook Community Nursery, aims to bring people who need help with their garden together with people on day care supported work placements.
It was formed about a year ago by John Goodenough and Gillian Smith, and has already built up a loyal clientele.
John said: “We have about 10 day care clients who are learning new skills, and we do garden work all over the Island. Our philosophy is that we want to provide people who need support with meaningful work and training, and at the same time give our customers a high quality service.
“The new premises mean we can really raise our game and we are excited about the future, with plans to increase the number of assistant gardeners.”
The loan from the Isle of Wight Lottery was awarded last year and helped Care in the Garden get off the ground.
The new nursery will offer plant and craft sales, and provide a bigger range of work and learning opportunities.
John, a former social worker, said: “It feels like we have come a long way in the last year, and now we are ready to take the project to the next level.”
For more information, go to www.careinthegarden.co.uk
The place to B2BMore than 30 businesses have already booked exhibition space at a brand new Island event – the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce B2B Enterprise Expo 2013.
For more information, send a message to [email protected]
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Charity charts course to a new lifeThe charity Toe in the Water and Cowes Week go together like sea and sailing.
May 2013 07
The school will work closely with local businesses to shape its curriculum and will specialise in marine manufacturing and offshore energy. The bid was supported by Gurit, Vikoma, Navitus Bay, Vestas, IFPL and the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Tourism and Industry.
Between ages 14 and 16 students at Isle of Wight Studio School will gain GCSE qualifications in English, maths, double science and information technology and take part in work placements, developing their employability and work skills and a full range of extra curricular and physical activities. Post 16 they choose from a variety of qualifications, including A-levels and apprenticeships.
Helen Mason, Project Director of Isle of Wight Studio School, said:
Go ahead for studio school Proposals to open the first studio school on the Isle of Wight have been approved by the Department for Education.
The Isle of Wight Studio School will cater for up to 300 14 to 19-year-olds when it opens from its campus in Grange Road, East Cowes, in September 2014.
Studio schools are a brand new state school model for 14 to 19 year olds of all abilities, and the Isle of Wight Studio School will offer students the opportunity for learning, combining study for traditional examinations with real experience of the world of work.
But while this year marks the end of their three year fund raising relationship, the charity is happy to let the future take care of itself.
Toe in the Water uses competitive yacht racing as a tool to re-inspire wounded and profoundly injured service personnel. It was founded in June 2008 and is run by Capt Lloyd Hamilton MBE and Tanya Brookfield.
It works closely with specialist clinicians at Headley Court and the other military Regional Rehabilitation Units who identify the patients who will most benefit from being referred. Its able-bodied volunteer race crew are drawn from highly-experienced sailors primarily from within the military, but also include a number of top level civilian sailors from a full range of disciplines including record breaking round the world sailors Dee Caffari MBE and Brian Thompson.
Tanya said: “We first tested the concept at Cowes Week in 2008 and we have a special bond, but this is our third and final year as a charity partner and we must move on – though we hope to get a great send-off with lots of generous donations, of course!
“Our approach to rehabilitation works because it takes Armed Forces personnel out of themselves and back to what they know –
teamwork, discipline, uniform, and challenge.
“We don’t adapt the boats; they are the ones who have to adapt. We like to tell people that we don’t take any passengers. And it is clear that competitive sailing gives them physical and psychological benefits.”
The charity has worked with around 200 service men and women in the last five years, but Tanya is philosophical about the future.
“We are here to fulfil a need, and we will happily wind things up when the need reduces. Our formation came at a time when there were lots of casualties coming through, from Iraq and Afghanistan, for example. We hope and expect that the need will reduce considerably in a couple of years. We work with people who have suffered major injury – including amputees, burns, gunshot wounds …
Toe in the Water is supported by a number of Island businesses including Spinlock, UKSA and Minghella ice cream.
Tanya, who used to run a professional yacht racing team, said: “We are based in Gosport, but it feels like the Island is home. This may be our last year as a Cowes Week charity partner, but we’ll be back!”
For more information, go to www.toeinthewater.org
“We are delighted that our bid to establish Isle of Wight Studio School has been successful. It will give parents across the island a real choice when it comes to their children’s education as it marries academic excellence with vital work experience, employability and vocational skills.”
Chamber advert (Crossprint)
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Experts View: GlanvillesSteps onto the property ladder
to cover the risk of the child getting divorced or otherwise into trouble. A loan or part ownership still forms part of the parents’ Inheritance Tax (IHT) estate and therefore neither is a good IHT planning arrangement. With parental ownership/co-ownership capital gains tax (CGT) may be payable by the parents if the property is later sold or gifted to the child.
Therefore if the parents don’t want and/or need the money back a gift may be a better solution. However this means loss of control and risk of the child ‘blowing it’.
To protect against this a trust can be used. This will overcome many of the issues, protect against care fees, save IHT and CGT and protect the monies from a wayward moment in the child’s life.
For more information or tax advice contact Claudia Roberts, Partner at Glanvilles @ c.roberts.glanvilles.co.uk or 01983 527878.
More and more young people struggle to get on the property ladder.
As a result an increasing number of parents help out by putting monies up for the purchase or part purchase of their child’s property.
But what form should this ‘assistance’ take?
Essentially there are three options: 1. A loan
2. Parental ownership or co-ownership with the child
3. A gift
A loan is a simple solution but if a mortgage is needed for the balance then there will likely be issues with the mortgage company. Also, a loan can be called in to pay for care fees if the parents have to go into care. Parental co-ownership raises similar issues to a loan but if set-up properly can provide more protection especially if a parent has to go into care and will usually be more palatable to a lender.
Often the parents never expect repayment but use a loan or ownership/co-ownership
BDma qualifieDIsland company Chem-Dry First has announced that two of its technicians are now qualified with the BDMA (British Damage Management Association).
The BDMA controls the standard of workmanship that insurance companies require for restoration works to be carried out, to stabilise the environment and minimise secondary damage.
The BDMA establishes uniform standards of care and codes of practice, underpinned by technician and corporate training.
Insurers and Loss Adjusters previously had few means of judging the competence and expertise of the recovery or restoration contractors appointed.
One of the students learns the ropes on reception at a Valencia hotel.
(From left) Breezer drivers Wayne Coulter and John McToldridge stop to enjoy the views from the Battery with national Trust Custodian Hannah Griffiths.
Sport, tourism and business students from Ryde Academy went to Valencia to complete a two week work placement as part of a European funded project.
They worked in hotels, restaurants and sports centres in the FALLAS project (Fun Accelerated Language Learning with Artisans in Spain).
As well as taking up work placements, students also attended Spanish classes and got the chance to visit some popular destinations in Valencia such as the oceanographic centre and the football club.
The attached photo shows one of the students at work in a hotel and the other learning how to make traditional Paella.
Student Holly Mulas said:
Learning in Spain
Night fareHovertravel is offering a new evening fare to promote its new summer timetable, which includes a 2145 service from Ryde and a 2200 from Southsea.
For May, the Hovernighter fare is a £5 single ticket available for travel on the 1945, 2045 and 2145 services from Ryde and the 2000, 2100 and 2200 services from Southsea. This ticket can be bought on the day of travel from 1915 only.
Neil Chapman, Managing Director at Hovertravel, said:
“With the clocks moving forward, we appreciate that people are going to want to make the most of their evenings during the summer and our new Hovernighter fare has been created to encourage customers to enjoy the night-time attractions on both sides of the Solent.”
Little Britain Reunion Around 80 people joined the Little Britain Challenge Cup reunion party which included supporters, representatives from the regatta’s designated sailing charities, and three team members from the medal winning Skandia Team GBR Paralympic Sailing Team.
The 2013 Little Britain Challenge Cup takes place from Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 September , in Cowes. The three day programme includes five races for all classes, afternoon and evening entertainment and the Saturday Regatta Charity Dinner.
For information on taking part or sponsorship, send a message to [email protected]
Breezer bus The 2013 Needles bus tour has been relaunched this year by Isle of Wight bus operator Southern Vectis as the Needles Breezer service.
The Needles Breezer will operate open top buses on a circular route from Yarmouth and Freshwater Bay to the famous Needles headland in conjunction with the National Trust until 3rd November.
Considered by many as one of the most scenic bus routes in the UK, passengers enjoy spectacular views across the Solent and Alum Bay north towards the Hampshire and Dorset coastline. Inland there are the green West High Down hills through which the bus climbs close to 120 metres to the historic defences where, in 1895, a gun battery was built as part of the realm’s defences. The National Trust acquired the battery, and surrounding down land in 1975.
Matt Kitchin, General Manager at Southern Vectis, says that they expect that the Needles Breezer service will prove popular again this year:
“The open top service is one of our top selling summer routes and very popular with tourists as it coincides with the daily opening times of the Old Battery. “
“I have definitely become more independent and confident in terms of living and working in a foreign country. I believe that I am more prepared for University life and will know how to approach working in foreign placements and meeting new people in other countries. I have also become a lot more fluent in Spanish and Italian, which I hope to study and continue learning, so that I will be able to move abroad and work someday.”
08 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight May 2013 09
The InterviewKeVIn WILsOn MeeTs JOHn CURTIs
John Curtis has always had a fascination with fi xing things: cars, bikes, businesses …
It started at an early age when he was growing up by Long Island Sound, and followed him all the way to the Isle of Wight, where he is now working with staff and Friends to revitalise Ventnor Botanic Gardens.
John recalls: “A big memory for me is going along with my dad to visit a huge bakery. I was aged six, and was fascinated by the scale of it.”
John graduated from business school and became a specialist in helping big businesses become more effi cient and eff ective – skills that he has put to good use ever since, and are now being deployed to turn Ventnor Botanic Gardens into an international centre of botanic excellence, a model of sustainability, and also a great place for visitors to spend a few hours.
While we’re on that subject, one of the fi rst decisions when John took over last July was to change the admission system, which was based on putting money in the parking meter, and timing the visit to avoid getting a parking fi ne. Now, visitors pay an admission to the gardens and can take their time, and the new approach is working.
Visitors now stay twice as long because they don’t need to clockwatch.
John said: “Our fi rst job was simply to save the garden, get it open and keep it open. For the future, we want to be known all over the world as a centre of excellence, and dramatically improve the visitor experience.”
“To achieve that, we need to be fi nancially self sustaining because we can’t just lurch from one donation to the next. We have already made big improvements, and we want to keep on raising our standards of quality, both in the infrastructure and in the welcome our visitors get.”
John’s journey to the Island was partly motivated by familiarity. “I was brought up by an estuary very much like Yarmouth,” he said, “so when we fi rst visited the Island in 1990, it felt very much like home.
“Living here makes you more aware of the environment. I spent the last few years of my career working in environmental management, and I am keen to make Ventnor Botanic Gardens a sustainable resource.
“The staff and the Friends are working together to restore the
potential of these amazing gardens.”
John says there is no quick fi x. But he has a vision, a map of how to get there, and still retains his love of the process of transformation.
see the horticulture feature, p16.
“ Our fi rst job was simply to save the garden, get it open and keep it open. For the future, we want to be known all over the world as a centre of excellence, and dramatically improve the visitor experience.”
10 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight May 2013 11
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“Because of our roots, we want to provide a service to all sections of the community, but some of the things that are happening now – like the cuts in legal aid – will certainly not help the lower paid, and the danger is they will just not get access to legal advice.Ian Pratt, senior Partner
Faith in the lawKeVIn WILsOn FInDs OUT WHAT MAKes RJR sOLICITORs TICK
COMPAnY PROFILe
Ian Pratt, senior Partner
12 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
Sound business sense and a strong Christian ethic are key drivers for an Island legal fi rm that dates back to the late 19th century.
A succession of managing partners laid down the principles that RJR (aka Robinson Jarvis and Rolf) Solicitors still hold dear – and is illustrated by the fact that not only was it the fi rst on the Island to off er legal aid, but that it continues to off er it despite national cutbacks in the service which make it less fi nancially viable.
It has modernising its structure and its image radically since then, but Senior Partner Ian Pratt said: “We have a strong Christian heritage, and that is important to me. It’s not to say we have a monopoly on religious belief in the legal profession, and of course we do have to make a profi t, but it does infl uence the way we do business.
“In an age when everything seems to be handled by faceless call centres we remain committed to the principle of personal service. This policy of ‘legal advice with a human face’ seems to resonate with our clients, too, because nearly 90 per cent of our business is made up of return visits or personal recommendations.
“We do put people fi rst, and while we have to be successful because we are in business, we try to be compassionate, too.”Ian currently chairs the local branch of Solicitors for the Elderly – an independent national organisation that gives legal advice to older, vulnerable people, and says he also values the fact that Island solicitors work together and support each other.
“The Isle of Wight Law Society is very active, and one of our partners Hannah Lisseter is the current president – and the youngest in its history, too.”
The day job is such that there is no shortage of opportunities to show compassion. Among other things, Ian specialises in probate and wills, which very often means meeting clients who are in diffi cult circumstances.
Ian said: “I have been administering the estate of a family following a murder, visited clients who are in prison, and any number of sad and testing situations. There are so many sad circumstances, and we have to be there for our clients. One of the hardest things is getting information from the big institutions, at the time when people need help the most.”
Testing situations are nothing new in the legal profession, of course. One of the company’s founders, Percy Rolf, became a household name for his work on the Alfi e Hinds case.
“The Isle of Wight Law Society is very active, and one of our partners Hannah Lisseter is the current president – and the youngest in its history, too.”
‘Houdini’ Hinds had escaped from jail several times after being arrested for a crime he maintained he did not commit – a jewellery robbery. He ended up in Parkhurst in 1960.
In 1964, advised by Percy Rolf, Hinds won a £798.98 settlement in a libel suit against an arresting offi cer, a former chief superintendent of Scotland Yard’s ‘Flying Squad’, after he had written a series of articles in the London Sunday Pictorial criticising Hinds’s claims of innocence. After failing to prove to a London jury the accuracy of his statements regarding Hinds’s original conviction, the high profi le policeman was ordered to pay Hinds damages.
It’s an example of the challenges of legal work, but it wasn’t long after that everything changed.
Ian qualifi ed as a solicitor in 1977. “There wasn’t a lot of change up to the 1960s, but everything is diff erent now,” he said. “We used to have set fees for everything, but now it is a business and law fi rms can charge what they like, for instance. When I started, you could get struck off for touting for business, but now it’s actively encouraged! Not only that, the world is a far more complex place, and there are rules and regulations and requirements coming out of our ears.
“Because of our roots, we want to provide a service to all sections of the community, but some of the things that are happening now – like the cuts in legal aid – will certainly not help the lower paid, and the danger is they will just not get access to legal advice.
“It is predicted that changes to personal injury legislation will force a number of law fi rms out of business.“The media is good at portraying this picture of fat cat lawyers, but it is certainly not the caseRJR has responded to change throughout its history, and as the complexity increased, changed its management structure around specialisms in the 1980s.
“The days of clients being able to come in and chat about every issue with the family solicitor have gone,” Ian said. “There is just too much to keep on top of, and we couldn’t give the quality of advice if we didn’t adapt.”
COMPAnY PROFILe
Continued on page 14
May 2013 13
COMPAnY PROFILe
14 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
Hugh Calloway
nick Gale
sara Higgs
Hannah Lisseter
RJR peOpleResidential property: Sara Higgs, Nick Gale, Sara Streeter, Dawn Grannum
Wills, probate, tax and trusts: Ian Pratt, Hugh Calloway, Lyndsey Denham, Malky Chaloner
Commercial property and business law: Nick Gale, Sara Higgs, Sara Streeter
Family law, children and divorce: Mark Samuel, Hannah Lisseter, Catherine Young, Carolyn Ward
Personal injury and dispute resolution: April Ross, Lesley Tilbury
Criminal law: Ron Gould, Ghaff Khan, Eve Taylor, Lorna Ford
support team: management and accounts: Virgil Philpott, Michele Kelleway, Mandy Allen, Joy Furmidge, Alison Mitchell, Pam Parker, Ann Warr, Jemma Jones, Sarah Game, Andrea Butcher, Bryan Couch
support team: secretarial: Lynne Adams, Caroline Burgess, Sam Murphy, Natalie Kennett, Shirley Lee, Danielle Wharton, Hayley Lake, Michele Halliday
Now RJR has specialists in litigation, family, conveyancing and probate, as well as a Practice Manager responsible for compliance with legal practice, and a Managing Partner with special responsibility for fi nancial administration – both of which come with a statutory duty to report to the Law Society and the Solicitors Regulatory Authority.
RJR, which has 45 staff across four Island offi ces, works to a rolling business plan which is formally reviewed every six months.
And times may be tough, but its founding principle is never up for discussion …
The fi rm recently instituted a quarterly ‘good cause draw’. Staff and local organisations are invited to nominate their favourite good cause. These then go into the RJR ‘hat’ with a sizable donation made to the cause which is drawn out.
Ian said: “I love my job and the people I meet and work with. My Christian faith is very important to me, but I like to think of my work as a solicitor as my calling. A few people told me I ought to be a priest, but I said I felt I could do good through my work in the legal profession, and I hope that in some small way, I have done.”
“I love my job and the people I meet and work with. My Christian faith is very important to me, but I like to think of my work as a solicitor as my calling. A few people told me I ought to be a priest, but I said I felt I could do good through my work in the legal profession, and I hope that in some small way, I have done.”
Pref
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Reg. 1938
Lifeline Alarm Systems LtdThe Island Security CentreRiverwayNewportIsle of Wight, PO30 5UX
W. E. T. F.
[email protected] 52162101983 523250
Prof
essi
onal
Prot
ectio
nPerformanceSolution
Heritage
Intruder
The RJR team present a cheque to the earl Mountbatten Hospice
16 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
Growing business
KeVIn WILsOn MeeTs sOMe OF THe PeOPLe WHO ARe HeLPInG KeeP THe IsLAnD GReen, AnD ReD, AnD YeLLOW, AnD …
FeATURe
May 2013 17
FeATURe
“ What’s really pleasing is that since the ownership changed, the length of time visitors stay here has gone up to around two hours. It’s so rewarding to see people linger, and our new food and drinks outlets are certainly helping.”
Chris Kidd
Gardening is one of the country’s top leisure activities, and the Island can justifi ably lay claim to the title of ‘garden isle’ with its wide range of shows, events, garden centres and related businesses – not to mention its unique landscape.
The horticulture business sector has responded to this in diff erent ways as garden centres and nurseries have become destinations in their own right, and contractors have adapted to changes in commercial and public sector contracting, while also maintaining a service to householders – one that is increasingly important particularly for an older population that still wants to enjoy the garden, but can’t quite keep up with the maintenance any more.
We caught up with three very diff erent members of this diverse sector …
Ventnor Botanic Gardens is a major destination, with 22 acres open to the public, and around 7,000 plants grouped according to their geographical origins, to keep visitors engrossed. Even so, it has had to adapt over the past year, under new ownership (see The Interview, p11).
Chris Kidd, Curator, said: “We aim to show plants in an appropriate way, working with plants that are suited to the climate here, delivering landscapes that show complete ecologies. That way, the plants fl ourish, they attract wildlife, we work with nature, and the visitor experience is enhanced.
“No-one else in Europe is doing this, and if we achieve our biggest challenge - to run the park sustainably, and on a self-funded basis – we will be the fi rst in Europe to achieve that, too.”
VBG is a fairly young garden, about the average size for European botanic gardens, and is run by Chris, supported by two gardeners, two apprentices and a band of enthusiastic volunteers.
“I suppose I serve as the living encyclopaedia,” said Chris. “I know every plant, but it’s important to realise that it is a very fl uid process. We are always looking for new species and testing them out to see how they settle in.”
Plans for this year include establishing a national collection of the complete genus of Puya, a South American plant related to the pineapple, and growing the giant water lily.
Chris has worked in the sector since he left Kew in 1993. He came to Ventnor as head gardener in 2000, and became Curator two years ago.
He said: “What’s really pleasing is that since the ownership changed, the length of time visitors stay here has gone up to around two hours. It’s so rewarding to see people linger, and our new food and drinks outlets are certainly helping.”
Ian Chadwick of Eddington House Nursery, runs on a slightly smaller scale.
He set up the business about fi ve years ago, extended the nursery two years ago, and opened to the public last year.
Ian, a self confessed plants fanatic, said business was building up steadily, and quite a few garden designers now use him for supplies.
He said: “We pride ourselves on listing all of the plants that we grow on our website - 700 varieties at present and the most unique feature is that we are planting many large display “dry gardens” and display beds to show people the plants we grow.
“These give people a better idea of how the plants grow in the ground and inspiration with planting combinations. These also act as stock beds for us to propagate as we grow most things from scratch.
“We pride ourselves on being a plantsman’s nursery, growing many rare plants you would not fi nd in your average garden centre. We are building quite a collection of salvia, and are testing out a new propagator spray system called Magic Leaf, invented by Phil Kaye, who lives in Arreton.
“I like to get involved with the plant groups on
the Island and with Ventnor Botanic Garden, where I have given a couple of talks about the establishment of the nursery and dry garden. I also have stands at the major garden events, and the bigger gardens involved in the Open Gardens scheme.”
Ian is working to a carefully staged expansion plan, with a policy of continuous improvement. Plans include the introduction of a new vegetable patch this year, and a climbing frame, so the children have something to entertain them.
Looking further ahead, Ian is also considering the option of providing a café, that would run on a small scale.
Ian added: “The important thing is to keep the focus is on the gardens though. They are going to be fantastic this year. But I do want people to think of this as a place to visit as well as somewhere to buy plants.”
Plant is an important element of the business for Ann Gustar, co-director with her husband John, of Islandwide Grounds Maintenance. For them, plant means expensive machinery as
Continued on page 18Ann Gustar Chris Kidd
18 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
FeATURe
well as fl owers, trees and shrubs.
They launched the company at the end of 1994 when schools started to have control over their own budgets and were able to shop around looking for good value and a responsive service.
At the time, Ann and John both worked for another company and were approached independently. Once a few schools followed suit, they decided to have a go on their own and have never looked back.
They were interesting times, though, recalls Ann.
She said: “Us setting up in business together coincided with me having a baby, so my older daughter ended up working on contracts with John for a while.
“Now most of the family is involved – my daughter and two sons - and when I am not doing the admin I am out on landscaping and planting work. Now we have 15 full time staff and a turnover of half a million, and the
business takes a lot of managing.
“When we fi rst started out, we were just workers keen to do a good job. But we have had to learn so much since then about health and safety, payroll and fi nance.
“We occasionally turn work away so that we don’t over stretch ourselves. We have built up a good reputation for the quality of our service, and have also been awarded ISO 9000 for quality management and ISO 14000 for environmental management.”
The company has this year won contracts for grounds maintenance at 23 Island schools and one high school.
Ann said: “We know we are not the cheapest, but we believe in quality and service, and our customers know they can rely on us. The contracts run for diff erent lengths of time, and it is good that so many schools choose to stay with us.
“We also manage the Island’s fl ood defences on behalf of the Environment Agency, which can be hard work, particularly this winter! We are on a 24 hour call out to keep rivers clear, issue sandbags, and keep an eye on up to 12 locations that have to be kept clear to allow for effi cient drainage.”
When Ann isn’t keeping a close eye on the administration, she is out there herself. Recent contracts include landscaping at Cowes High, and planting schemes for Ryde town centre – proving that, at its roots, the horticulture sector plays a vital role in making the Island an attractive place to live, work, and visit.
April 2013 19
Ian Chadwick
Islandwide Grounds Maintenance
We are an Island business devoted to the Island providing the council, schools, Environment Agency, and the community sector with a high quality of service. We have over 40 years’ experience and we are qualified in grounds Maintenance, tree works, fencing and landscaping.
Reg. Office: 1 Lee Brickyard Cottage, Main Road, Bouldnor, Nr Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0XN
Tel: 01983 761766 Fax: 01983 761961 e-mail: [email protected]
Open Mon to Sat 10am to 5pm March till October.Tel: Ian Chadwick: 07837 589 478(October till March by appointment please)
www.eddingtonhousenursery.co.uk
A Plantsmans ParadiseSpecialising in Island grown alpines, perennials & dry garden plants.
Also many Choice Shrubs, Trees, Roses & Herbs.
Come and see our fantastic display gardens. "This secret garden is a little gem" - (Tourist Board Website)
For Events & Shows, Plant List, Directions & Information about us please visit:
Eddington House NurseryEddington RoadNettlestone/SeaviewPO34 5EF
Residential and Commercial Conveyancing
Wills - Probate
Lasting Powers of Attorney
-
Friendly Professional Service -
Visit our stand at Expo 13 -
Tel: 01983 533938 69b High Street Newport www.pwsolicitor.co.uk
Paul Wheeler Solicitor
Helping you Achieve your Aims in Life
The Coffee Bean Company are a local coffee and hot beverage Company that provide
hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and catering outlets on the Island with a range of coffee and hot beverage ingredients, coffee machines, service and repairs by fully trained on - call engineers. Including support items
such as: crockery, menus and barista training.
Is it time for a change? Call 023 80812194
www.coffeebeancompany.co.uk
Or why don’t you come over for a coffee on our stand at the Enterprise
Expo 2013…?
January / February 2012 21
BriefingThe state of the nation
20 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight May 2013 21
BRIeFInG
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) shows that the economy has made progress, but there are still some mountains to climb before it is fully back on track.
The survey,based on responses from more than 7,000 businesses, shows that most key balances in both the manufacturing and service sectors strengthened in the first quarter of 2013.
Export balances in services are particularly strong, with deliveries and orders near the all-time high in 1994. Business confidence and investment are also up, and cash flow, although still relatively weak, is now positive for both manufacturing and service sector businesses.
Despite these improvements, most indicators are still below their pre-recession levels seen in 2007.
The findings suggest the economic outlook will improve gradually, and that growth will be positive but subdued this year. The results also demonstrate resilience among UK businesses, many of whom are confident and looking to invest and increase exports this year
KEY FINDINGSFor both manufacturing and services, the key domestic balances are stronger in Q1 than in Q4 2012 but overall the improvements are fairly modest and are still below pre-recession levels seen in 2007.
Export balances are strong, with service export orders and deliveries almost at the all- time highs seen in 1994
Most employment balances weakened across both sectors (the manufacturing employment balance fell 4 points to +11%, and in services the employment balance fell 3 points to +6%).
Business confidence has increased further, with all balances much stronger than their average levels in the midst of the recession in 2008 – 2009.(Manufacturing turnover confidence rose 3 points to +44%, and by 2 points in services to +40%. Profitability confidence increased by 3 points in manufacturing to +33%, the highest it’s been since Q4 2007, but was unchanged for services at +22%).
Investment intentions rose slightly overall. The balance of manufacturing firms looking to increase investment in plant and machinery rose three points to reach +14% - the best level since Q1 2012. In services, this balance increased by 4 points to reach +9% - the best level since Q4 2007.
Intentions to raise prices are weaker in Q1, particularly for manufacturers where balances dropped 19 points to +17%, which reflects reduced pressures from raw material costs. The balance of service firms expecting to raise prices fell 2 points to +19%.
The Q1 cashflow balances, though still relatively weak, are now in positive territory for both sectors. Cashflow for manufacturing firms edged down 1 point to +2%, while improving in the service sector by 7 points to +6%.
QUOTESJohn Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said: “Although the progress seen in the first quarter of this year is modest, it is progress nonetheless. Business confidence has increased further, and it is really encouraging to see export orders and deliveries near to their record high levels in services. This showcases the determination and ambition of our businesses here in the UK, despite continued pressures both at home and abroad. But the fact remains that the economy is still not strong enough. The fall in most employment balances is disappointing, and reminds us that a strong labour market cannot be taken for granted.”
David Kern, BCC Chief Economist, said:
“The surge in the service sector’s export balances suggests that pessimism over UK exports is unjustified. However the UK is increasingly becoming a largely service sector economy, and developing the export potential of the service sector is critical to our future long-term prosperity. We need a two-pronged strategy that combines a commitment to cutting the deficit, with a relentless drive to boost growth and the economy’s productive potential.”
ABOUT THE QESThe Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK. Businesses are questioned on a wide range of issues, including: home sales and orders, export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment, recruitment difficulties, cashflow, confidence and price pressures.
The QES is the first economic indicator of the quarter, published in advance of official figures and other private surveys, and it consistently mirrors trends in official data. For this reason the survey is closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, the Bank of England and the new Office of Budget Responsibility.
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MeMBeR BeneFIT
The Isle of Wight Chamber HR website provides easy access to guidance on compliance and dispute processes in HR and employment law.Paid up members of the Chamber of Commerce can carry out a wide range of processes online, including contracts of employment and policies, and it is all backed up by a free telephone advice line.
Reference manuals covering issues such as redundancy, discipline and grievance, and absence management can be sourced online, too, and users can store the documents they use the most in a personal account area.
There is even a facility to build and customise an employee handbook unique to each business.
There is also free access to a health and safety reference manual, enabling businesses to stay up to date and legal across this complex subject area.
Chamber HR is part of a family of benefi ts that includes the Chamber Healthcare Plan, Chamber Fleet Assist, Chamber Vehicle Management Plan and Concierge (a new insurance package for the hospitality industry).
April 2013 21May 2013 23
CHAMBeR neWs
News that the Government has announced a timetable leading up to the creation of a business bank has been welcomed by the British Chambers of Commerce.
The BCC has been calling for a new approach since 2011, and Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy said it was pleasing to note that progress is now being made.
He said: “Now that a fi rm timetable for its delivery is in place, businesses will begin to feel that the promised business bank is starting to get momentum. It has to address the long-term structural gaps in the business fi nance market for it to be a game changer.
“That means lending directly to growing companies that have previously failed to get the growth capital they need, and building a bank on a larger scale than the current proposals suggest.
“The limited success of previous government schemes to boost lending all shared the fatal flaw of being totally dependent on the existing banking infrastructure in the UK. We would urge the government to
Business bank progress – at last
For more information about all the benefi ts and services provided by the Island’s Chamber, contact [email protected]
reconsider its current proposals and inject more capital into the business bank, while also ensuring it has a direct relationship with investment hungry, fast growing businesses. Only then will it be able to drastically improve the business access to finance environment, and drive growth over the long-term.”
The Government said the business bank would help smaller fi rms access fi nance, and that it will manage £2.9bn of existing capital, and £1 billion of new Government capital.
Around £300m of investment will be committed by the end of the current fi nancial year, and a new company will be set up next year to house the bank’s programme and appoint a chairman and board.
Kerstine Andrews,Membership Offi cer
22 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
Island Business wants to hear from you if you have a story to tell. Send a message to [email protected]
www.facebook.com/islandbusinessmagazine
May 2013 25
Ateca ConsultingSteve Slater
Telecommunications
0203 598 1691
www.ateca.co.uk
5 Sandown Business Centre,College Close, Sandown,Isle of Wight. PO36 8EB
Claire’s Bookkeeping servicesClaire Pateman
Financial services
07733376302
44 Dudley Road, Ventnor,Isle of Wight. PO38 1ER
The Flyer MasterScott Bennett
Design Services
07895109842
thefl [email protected]
www.thefl yermaster.com
Animals At Home IOW LtdAlice Winter & Diane Eason
Animal Care / Pet Supplies
01983 242999
iow.animalsathome.co.uk
The Old Sun, Main Road, Wellow,Isle of Wight. PO41 0TD
symmetry CoachingMadeline Paterson, Director And Lead Career Coach
Training Providers
07941 668841
Skype: symmetrycoaching
www.symmetrycoaching.co.uk
4 Stephenson Road, Cowes,Isle of Wight. PO31 7PP
Chem Dry FirstCaptain Robert L Kemball
Cleaning Services
01983 29551801983 293407
chemdryfi [email protected]
www.chemdry.co.uk/franchise/chemdryfi rst
Unit 8 Somerton Industrial Park,Cowes, Isle of Wight. PO31 8PW
New Members Mind Works
Dan Giff ord & Dana Molecki
Business & Life Coach
01983 209788
[email protected] [email protected]
265 Arctic Road, Cowes,Isle of Wight. PO31 7PJ
The Island Kitchen CompanyGary Ward
Home Improvements
0777198496901983 855450
www.theislandkitchencompany.co.uk
12-20 Albert Street, Ventnor,Isle of Wight. PO38 1EZ
DCI Refrigeration & electrical LtdGareth Chambers
Electronics Engineers
023 9238 1799
www.dcirefrigeration.co.uk
Warrior Business Centre,Fitzherbert Road, Portsmouth,Hampshire. PO6 1TX
Kaputino LimitedStephen Smith & Joshua Bone
Home Food Delivery
01983 216151
www.kaputino.com
104 Worsley Road, Newport,Isle of Wight. PO30 5JB
shopper Anonymous Hants & IOWJim Smith
Business services
07721535429
www.shopperanonymous.co.uk
9 Wickham Court Road,West Wickham, Kent. BR4 9LN
The Cupcake CafeDeborah Denyer
Cafe/Bar
07894915377
2 Mill Hill Road, Cowes,Isle Of Wight. PO31 7EA
eddington House nurseryIan Chadwick
Garden / Horticultural Services
07837589478
www.eddingtonhousenursery.co.uk
Eddington House Nursery, Eddington Road, Nettlestone/Seaview, Isle of Wight. PO34 5EF
Dabells Floorings And RugsMr G W & Mrs L Pressey
Retail
01983 82166601983 822669
12 Holyrood Street, Newport,Isle of Wight. PO30 5AZ
Chavinore LtdCharles Moore
Business services
01983 200637
www.chavinore.com
69 Nelson Drive, Cowes,Isle of Wight. PO31 8QX
Gs engineeringGary Stevens
Retail
01983 405046
www.gsengineeringltd.co.uk
101 Jeals Lane, Sandown,Isle of Wight. PO36 9NS
elfi n (health, safety & Wellbeing) LtdPaula Dolton
Health and Safety Services
02380 902367
elfi n-hsw-hswltd.co.ukelfi n-hswltd.co.uk
21 Grafton Gardens, Lordswood,Southampton, Hants. SO16 5SQ
Toms eco LodgeTom Turney
Accommodation
07717666346
www.tomsecolodge.com
Larkfi eld Cottage, Newport Road,Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, PO41 0YJ
The Bee GardenHazel McGovern
01983 840295
www.bee-garden.co.uk/
Godshill Organics, Newport Road,Godshill, Isle of Wight. PO38 3LY
Cally LogsdonCally Logsdon
Business services
07900007300
19 Victoria Road, Cowes,Isle of Wight. PO31 7JQ
Projects By Design LtdPaul Jennings
Marine Services and Supplies
01983 24100301983 241004
Unit 4, 88 Place Road, Cowes,Isle of Wight, PO31 7AE
Wendy Hookey CounsellingWendy Hookey
Business services
01983 854357
Tall Timbers, Steephill Road, Ventnor, Isle of Wight. PO38 1UF
McGregors Gentlemens BarbersMalcolm McGregor
Hair and Beauty
01983 249228
www.mcgregorsbarbers.co.uk/site/Home.html
15 Carvel Lane, Cowes,Isle of Wight. PO31 7TF
Want to join the Chamber network?Contact Kerstine Andrews for the full story about the low cost and high value benefi ts...
24 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
solutions for sustainable building from our professional and experienced team delivering best value to customers at all times
128 Pyle Street, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 1JW | Tel: 01983 539730 | Email: [email protected] | www.ermc-ltd.co.uk
Sustainable Initiatives and Whole Life CostingEnergy E�cient DesignProtection of BiodiversityResponsible Material SelectionMaintenance Consideration
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For professional advice please contact:
CHRIS CHATWINMCIAT AssocRICSMaPS - Director
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Events13 MayChamber Training – Delivering service excellence, Chamber of Commerce Board Room
9.30am – 5pm
Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, in association with Blue Ark Consultants and TSE, are introducing a new Customer Service training course for IW Chamber members.
Delivering Service Excellence is a new course that covers all business sectors
and is part of the leading Welcome to Excellence training programme.
It is a highly practical, interactive one day training course that will show how service excellence improves your team’s performance.
The Delivering Service Excellence course will give your staff the confidence to immediately use their customer service skills effectively and will motivate them to provide world class service and boost sales. Delivering Service Excellence highlights why customer service is key to the success of your business.
It offers a practical, proven route for staff to deliver world class standards in their organisation.
Please call to book your places and make your payment
Members £45.00 per person
Non-Members £55.00 per person
15 MayVentnor Botanic Garden networking Lunch, Undercliff Drive, Ventnor
12pm – 2pm
Ventnor Botanic Garden would like to invite Chamber Members along to learn about all the changes and developments that have been taking place over the last few months and the future plans of the garden.
There will be a small presentation from John Curtis and then Head Chef Martyn Cutler shall provide a cookery demonstration and sampling session. Following this, guests are invited to walk around the gardens and use the facilities at their leisure.
Booking Essential
Free to Members
21 May non-Member networking event
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 find 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 benefits of your membership please email: [email protected]
4 & 5 JuneIsle of Wight Business 2 Business expo, Cowes Yacht Haven
10am -4pm both days
Free Entry to visitors
Whatever your size or age of business, this is a must visit for you to meet a whole host of organisations that can help your business develop and grow.
Come and meet the Chamber team as well as our key partners who can help your business succeed.
From Accountants to Planners, Solicitors to Surveyors – this is a one stop shop.
Find out about new legislations that will affect your business.
Seminars will be held across the day on a variety of subjects.
If anyone is interested in having a stand, please contact the office.
6 JuneBusiness Breakfast Meeting, The John Cheverton Centre, eMH Hospice
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
Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
26 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
Check our online calendar at www.iwchamber.co.uk for details of all business events.
neW memBeRDifferent by designBringing up a baby, building a home, and starting a new business … Michelle Clarke certainly doesn’t do things by halves.
But doing things differently is one of the key elements of her five month old design business, MooksGoo. As she says on her website, it’s about giving the everyday ‘an injection of wonder’. Michelle likens her approach to design to adding unusual ingredients together to create something new from something traditional.
She qualified in graphic design at The Arts University College in Bournemouth, and worked for an Island sign company before starting a family with partner Matt.
“Having the baby helped me to make the decision to work for myself,” she said. “I had always wanted to do it, and forming MooksGoo is a dream come true because I can fit my work around family commitments.”
Since the launch in November last year, Michelle has won work with Island Bakers, Browns golf course near her home in Sandown, and logo design for mountain biker Blake Samson.
She has also joined the Chamber of Commerce and said: “It is so great to be part of the network. So much of what I do comes from word of mouth, and the Chamber of Commerce has so many good events for networking.
“I like to think that my style is unique, and I do web and print design, as well as illustration.”
To find out more, go to www.mooksgoo.co.uk
May 2013 27
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28 The Business Magazine for the Isle of Wight
Have your say, become a member of your local NHS Foundation TrustThe NHS is changing. In the future the public, people who use our services, carers and staff will have more of a say in the way the Trust is run.
Membership is FREEWe will have a membership and a Council of Governors.The amount of involvement you have is your choice.
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