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Entrepreneurship UK: 2011/12

Is collaboration the key to success? �

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MANAGING DIRECTORSimon George

EDITORJenna Gouldeditor@businessindependent.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORSBecky LewisKatie Richardson3KLO�&DXOœHOGMike ChidzeyPeter GroucuttAndy CoxChris DaviesVictor SavageDavid ShareStuart BrooksChris HardyEddie YuJo ParkerAlyssa SmithDaren HowellPatricia WilsonAndy Lopata

DESIGNERKaren Birchwww.velvetagency.com

ADVERTISINGTerry Sullivanterry@businessindependent.co.uk

Sona Shahsona@businessindependent.co.uk

TEL : 0844 358 5800www.businessindependent.co.uk

Published by :Business Independent Ltd.Old Batford MillLower Luton RoadHarpendenHertfordshireAL5 5BZ

COPYRIGHTCopyright: 2010 Business Independent LtdAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior consent of the publishers. The views expressed in any of the Business Independent series of regional magazines are not necessarily the views of the publishers Business Independent Ltd. Whilst Business Independent Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, neither they norany contributing author can accept any legal responsibility for any consequences that may arise from errors or omissions contained in this publi-cation or from acting on any opinions or advice given. In particular, this publication is general and not a sub-stitute for professional advice and you should consult your own professional advisors where appropriate.

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04

Hertfordshire County Council has coordinated a campaign lobbying BT for higher speed broadband at Maylands Business Park and now needs local businesses to get involved.Hertfordshire County Council, The Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Daco-rum Borough Council have lobbied BT to review the business case for superfast broadband at Maylands. BT has been receptive to the views of partners and has indicated that it would consider installing superfast broadband at Maylands provided businesses can demonstrate WKDW�WKHUH�LV�VXIÀFLHQW�GHPDQG�IRU�WKH�VHUYLFH�DW�WKH�SDUN�David Lloyd, Executive Member for Resources and Economic Well-Being, said: “This represents a rare opportunity for businesses to group together and convince BT that the delivery of su-perfast broadband is a commercial imperative and viable proposition in this location. If your business is located in this area, please get in touch and let us know if you want BT to bring superfast broadband to Maylands.”BT would like businesses in the Maylands area to answer two simple questions:1) Would your business take superfast broadband if it was made available at Maylands?2) Would you be willing to pay circa £20/month for that superfast broadband service?If 100-plus businesses are able to respond positively to this question then BT has said they are willing to reconsider the proposal for installing superfast broadband at Maylands.Chair of the Interim LEP Board, John Gourd, said: “Having good broadband is essential for the future well-being of Hertfordshire’s economy. Businesses in Maylands have an opportunity to VKRZ�WKDW�WKHUH�LV�UHDO�GHPDQG�IRU�JHWWLQJ�VXSHUIDVW�EURDGEDQG�LQ�WKHLU�DUHD��2QH�RI�WKH�+HUW-fordshire LEP’s main priorities is to improve the county’s broadband connections and speeds and we will continue to work with partners to achieve this.”The process of pulling this demand together for BT is being coordinated by Hertfordshire Coun-ty Council following discussions with senior BT representatives as part of your local county council’s wider broadband delivery work. For more information visit: www.hertsdirect.org/your-community/broadband/

Welcome to the November issue of The Hertfordshire Business Independent. With Christmas fast approaching, there are just weeks to go to get everything in place for the big day. We know that the pressure is on to make sure that business runs smoothly over the Christmas period, so this month we brought you a business continuity special! Here at HBI we hand-selected some of best expert advice out there on how you can avoid any mis-haps. We asked them what small businesses can do WR� KHOS� LPSURYH� FDVK� ÁRZ� DQG� VSRNH� WR� WZR� VSHFLDOLVW�business continuity companies about what businesses should be thinking about when they put a continuity plan in place.We also caught up with Aggie McKenzie, AKA the Queen of Clean for a chat about her new cookery book and inter-viewed local entrepreneur Alyssa Smith about her success with her recent news that she was shortlisted for the Shell Women of the Future awards in the Entrepreneur of the Future catagory. We also bring you some of the best gift ideas for Christmas and expert advice on how to organise your staff party. Enjoy your fun packed issue!Best wishes : Jenna

EDITOR’S WELCOME

MAYLANDS BUSINESSES THROWN A

BROADBAND LIFELINE

AITCHISON RAFFETY CLIMBS INTO EG’S TOP 30 Aitchison Raffety has climbed into the top 30 com-mercial property agents table published by Estates *D]HWWH�����������������7KLV�LV�WKH�ÀUVW�WLPH�WKH�FRP-SDQ\�KDV�EHHQ� LQ� WKH� WRS����DQG� UHÁHFWV�DQ����SHU�cent increase in turnover from 2009 to 2010.“It is particularly pleasing to reach this milestone in VXFK� GLIÀFXOW� WUDGLQJ� FRQGLWLRQVµ� VD\V� -RKQ� +HDUOH��Chairman. “The last few years have not been easy but with hard work from all our staff we are delighted to have been able to increase turnover by this amount. The future focus will be on maintaining growth whilst SURWHFWLQJ�SURÀWDELOLW\�DQG�ZH�ZLOO�EH�FRQWLQXLQJ�RXU�investment in people, training and technology to this effect.”Aitchison Raffety provides a full range of commercial SURSHUW\� VHUYLFHV� ZLWK� RIÀFHV� WKURXJKRXW� +HUWIRUG-shire including St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamstead and Hitchin.

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GOLDSMITH

CENTRE FOR

BUSINESS

HOSTS MBA

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The Goldsmith Centre for Business is hosting two specialist ‘mas-terclasses’ this November with Hany Wells of the UH Business School. These MBA ‘tasters’ focus on effective project management - a crucial business skill that is growing in importance within the extended marketplace. Delegates will take away practical tools and techniques that could make a big difference to the way they operate on a daily basis and improve their organisation’s effectiveness. The two-session programme takes place at the GC4B in Letchworth Gar-den City on these dates:

Wednesday 9th November: 1.00pm to 7.00pm...The key concepts of project management...The tools that exist to support project management...How IT can enable business change

Wednesday 30th November: 1.00 to 7.00pm...The impact of social media and e-media...Strategic management...The risk management culture and its implications for businessTo ensure individuals gain the most from the sessions delegates ZLOO�QHHG�WR�SURYLGH�D�PLQL�EXVLQHVV�SURÀOH�EHIRUHKDQG�FRQÀUPLQJ�which aspects are relevant to their business. Hany Wells is the Head of Information Systems and Project Management Group at the University of Hertfordshire. Her experi-ence includes working as a Business Analyst and Project Planner in companies such as IBM, British Nuclear Fuels Plc and SDX Busi-ness Systems.

GRAHAM 0$56+$Ŵ�TEES OFF AT LUTON HOO Graham Marshall has been appointed Golf Manager at Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, marking a new appointment DW� WKH� ÀYH�VWDU� KRWHO� RQ� WKH�Bedfordshire and Hertford-shire border.With 18 years’ experience in the golf industry, and a career working in both the UK and America, he joins Luton Hoo from a management position with Burhill Golf and Leisure Limited, one of the UK’s largest owners and operators of golf courses.

Graham, 34, who lives in Harpenden, started working at a private members golf club in Surrey and then embarked on a degree in leisure management. As part of the degree course he spent one year working at a golf and country club in Connecticut. He joined American Golf, which was acquired by Crown Golf to become the largest owner operated golf course group in Europe, and worked at Pyrford Golf Club in Surrey prior to being promoted to Assistant Manager at Abbotsley Golf, Hotel & Country Club, Cambridge.He joined the Burhill group in 2006, working at the Aldwickbury Park Golf Club and Redbourn Golf Club in Hertfordshire. For the past year he has been Relief General Manager the Thornbury Golf Centre in Bristol and Shropshire Golf Centre in Telford.“I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know all the members and their guests,” said Graham. “We have a fantastic course here at Luton Hoo and I am excited to have been given the opportunity to raise the club to one of top leisure destina-tions in the South East.”Reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to providing top class golf facilities, Paul Keen has become the club’s resident golf pro on a permanent basis. Paul, from Dunstable, joined Luton Hoo in ������ZKHQ�WKH�FRXUVH�ÀUVW�RSHQHG��WR�ORRN�DIWHU�FOXE�PHPEHUVKLS��Set in the 1,065-acre Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa estate, the course is 7,107 yards long and par 73 off the championship tees. Sculpted amongst 250 acres of Capability Brown landscape, it ZDV�GHVLJQHG�WR�EH�V\PSDWKHWLF�ZLWK�WKH�KLVWRULFDO�VLJQLÀFDQFH�of the surrounding parkland and gardens. No trees were removed to make way for the course and vast areas of wild ÁRZHU�SDVWXUHV�ZHUH�SODQWHG�WR�JLYH�WKH�FRXUVH�D�QDWXUDO�IHHO��,W�LV�LUULJDWHG�WKURXJK�D�UHVHUYRLU�ÀOOHG�E\�ODNHV�RQ�WKH�FRXUVH�For further information on golf days, special golf offers and membership packages at Luton Hoo call 01582 698856 or visit www.lutonhoo.co.uk.

EXEMPLAS WINS EUROPEAID CONTRACT IN SERBIA

KPMG TO RELOCATE HERTFORDSHIRE OPERATIONS)ROORZLQJ� WKH� VDOH� RI� WKH� $TXLV� &RXUW� RIÀFH� EORFN� RQ� )LVKSRRO�Street by its owners, KPMG has announced the relocation of its +HUWIRUGVKLUH�RSHUDWLRQV�WR�LWV�H[LVWLQJ�&ODUHQGRQ�5RDG�RIÀFHV�LQ�Watford..30*·V�6W�$OEDQV�RIÀFH�ZDV�RQH�RI�WKH�ÀUP·V�ÀUVW�VDWHOOLWH�KRPHV�in the late 1980’s due to the high demand from local companies wanting good business advice on their doorstep. There are cur-UHQWO\�RYHU�����VWDII�ZRUNLQJ�DW�WKH�RIÀFH�RIIHULQJ�VHUYLFHV�LQ�$XGLW��Tax and Advisory with sector specialists from the building & con-struction and retail and leisure industries based there.,Q�DGGLWLRQ�WR�WKH�UHORFDWLRQ��WKH�QHZ�RIÀFH�KDV�EHHQ�UHQDPHG�DV� WKH� .30*� /RQGRQ� 1RUWK� RIÀFH�� UHFRJQL]LQJ� WKH� ZLGH� JHR-graphical area that its specialists cover, across the Home Coun-ties and North London. Mike Coughtrey, Senior partner for KPMG in Hertfordshire said : “For over 25 years KPMG has been committed to supporting our clients with teams that are based locally who have the support RI�D�JOREDO�ÀUP�EHKLQG�WKHP��.30*�LV�FRQWLQXLQJ�WR�LQYHVW�LQ�+HUW-fordshire and will be relocating staff currently based in St Albans WR�RXU� ODUJHU�:DWIRUG�SUHPLVHV� LQ������� �2XU�:DWIRUG�RIÀFH� LV�D�very modern working environment which has excellent infrastruc-ture to London and the rest of the country and will allow us to ex-pand the number of people and range of services that we have to offer our clients from Hertfordshire.”

Exemplas, in partnership with German consultancy GFA Consulting *URXS�*PE+��OHDG�FRPSDQ\��DQG�WZR�VPDOOHU�FRQVXOWDQF\�ÀUPV��LV�GHOLJKWHG�WR�KDYH�ZRQ�D�(XURSH$LG�FRQWUDFW�ZRUWK�������PLOOLRQ�Euros. The project is to build capacity within Serbia for supporting LQQRYDWLRQ�LQ�VPDOO�FRPSDQLHV��RI�ZKLFK��D�VLJQLÀFDQW�SDUW�LV�DF-FHVV�WR�ÀQDQFH�´7KLV�LV�D�PDMRU�ZLQ�IRU�([HPSODV�DQG�RXU�ÀUVW�ELJ�(XURSH$LG�FRQ-WUDFW�µ�FRPPHQWHG�+LODU\�2DNOH\��,QWHUQDWLRQDO�'LUHFWRU�DW�([HP-plas. “For nearly 20 years, Exemplas has been at the leading edge in the delivery of business and enterprise support programmes, and work-based learning activities and skills development of individuals. We have been building and nurturing meaningful relationships with PDMRU� LQWHUQDWLRQDO�FRQVXOWDQF\�ÀUPV� LQ�RUGHU� WR� LQFUHDVH�RXU�impact in helping developing countries to grow their capacity.”Exemplas, part of the University of Hertfordshire Group of Compa-nies, has an extensive record of successful national and interna-tional project management covering employability, enterprise and skills development - working in partnership with private and public sector partners to deliver innovative and robust services to customers. As one of the UK’s largest providers of business support with wide experience of managing complex delivery partnerships, last year Exemplas helped create over 5,000 new businesses across its contracts and supported in excess of 27,000 individuals with skills development and employment related support.

06

HERTFORDSHIRE -(:(Ŵ(5�,1�7:2�INDUSTRY ‘HOT’ LISTS Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design www.hkjewellery.co.uk based in Halls Green has been recognised by two leading jewellery industry magazines in their industry ‘hot’ lists.The UK’s leading bespoke jewellery design company is number 25 in Retail Jeweller’s list of top 50 Inspiring Independents and is also in Professional Jeweller’s list of the Hot 100 jewellers.Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design has also recently been awarded the UK Jewellery Award for Business Initiative of the Year and on Wednesday, 14 September, Harri-HW�ZLOO�DOVR�ÀQG�RXW�ZKHWKHU�VKH�KDV�EHHQ�VXFFHVVIXO�LQ�winning the Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards for Entrepreneur of the Year, for which she has been shortlisted.Harriet Kelsall, Managing Director, said: “Being rec-ognised in this way by the jewellery industry is a real honour.´$W�RXU�ÁDJVKLS�GHVLJQ�VWXGLR�LQ�+DOOV�*UHHQ�ZH�GHVLJQ�and make all of our jewellery and we have recently revamped our studio in Cambridge.“We hope it encourages people to consider bespoke jewellery as a viable, affordable option and that it helps champion British designers and British-made products.”Retail Jeweller cites the 50 jewellers in the list as being ‘the cream of UK and Irish retailing’.The list represents true industry recognition as the most inspiring independents are voted for by the industry.The Editor of Retail Jeweller, Laura McCreddie, said: “It is amazing to see the industry getting behind this initiative.“We had a record number of votes this year and be-cause it is peer-voted it really means a lot to those who make the list.”

NEW APPRENTICESHIP :,Ŵ�2))(5�6:((7�REWARD SAYS IT FIRM

On Tuesday 27 September, business leaders from Hertfordshire will be meeting to discuss their role in helping to reduce re-offending in the county. Business in the Community (BITC) is calling for more organisations to join the Right Step Employer )RUXP�WR�ÀQG�RXW�DERXW�DQ�LVVXH�WKDW�LPSDFWV�RQ�WKH�HQWLUH�EXVLQHVV�FRPPXQLW\��The Right Step initiative is funded by the European Social Fund and delivered by BITC in the East of England. It aims to increase:��WKH�QXPEHU�RI�VNLOOHG�SHRSOH�WKDW�WKH�HPSOR\HUV�KDYH�DFFHVV�WR��E\�SURYLG-LQJ�EHWWHU�LQIRUPDWLRQ�IRU�HPSOR\HUV�RQ�WKH�VNLOOV��TXDOLÀFDWLRQV�DQG�WUDLQLQJ�WKDW�ex-offenders have.�� WKH� HPSOR\PHQW� SURVSHFWV� RI� H[�RIIHQGHUV�� E\� HQJDJLQJ� ZLWK� HPSOR\HUV�across the region and encouraging them to consider providing training, work experience or job opportunities. This will give ex-offenders a very real alternative to crime, ultimately reducing re-offending. The Hertfordshire Right Step Employer Forum has been set up to help organi-sations in the county to understand the issues and barriers involved within this agenda and how engaging with the Prison and Probation Service, as well as H[�RIIHQGHUV��FDQ�EHQHÀW�WKHLU�EXVLQHVV�LQ�D�YDULHW\�RI�ZD\V��“Crime has a huge impact on our society and particularly on businesses, and reducing re-offending is one of the best ways to reduce crime levels,” says Mike Brophy, BITC’s Regional Director for the East of England. “Evidence shows that having a job is a major factor in preventing future offending because it means SHRSOH�KDYH�D�UHDO�DOWHUQDWLYH�WR�FULPH���%XW�PDQ\�RIIHQGHUV�IDFH�VLJQLÀFDQW�EDU-riers to entering the labour market even when they are committed to changing their lives.”The next Hertfordshire Employer Forum is being sponsored and hosted by BAM Construct UK. “The Right Step Employer Forum has provided us with an opportuni-W\�WR�ÀQG�RXW�PRUH�DERXW�WKLV�DJHQGD�DQG�VKDUH�H[SHULHQFHV�ZLWK�RWKHU�EXVL-

nesses and organisations,” says Ellie Halkett, Community Engagement Manager at BAM Construct. “Being able to talk to representatives from our local Prison and Probation 6HUYLFHV�KDV�EHHQ�KXJHO\�EHQHÀFLDO�EHFDXVH�ZH�QRZ�XQ-derstand far more clearly the role BAM Construct can play in helping to reduce re-offending in our community

HERTFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES INVITED TO DEVELOP COMPETITIVE EDGE BY SHARING BEST PRACTICE ON WORKING WITH EX-OFFENDERS

A recognised shortage of IT workers in the UK has prompted a North London IT business to ‘grow its own’ workforce for future expansion rather than recruit staff from overseas, thanks to a new Apprenticeship and a partnership with its local college.(GJZDUH�EDVHG�,7�FRPSDQ\��&2%5$��ZKR�DUH�DQ�IT support and solutions specialist for local SMEs in and around North London and Hertfordshire, have taken advantage of funding support from the National Apprenticeship Service to employ nine-WHHQ�\HDU�ROG�'HDQ�%HFNHWW�DV�WKH�FRPSDQ\·V�ÀUVW�recruit on the Advanced Apprenticeship in IT.Developed by the National IT Partnership, part of the Microsoft Academy, in association with the

computing trade association, CompTIA, the seven month training programme is being delivered in partnership with the College of Haringey, (QÀHOG�DQG�1RUWK�/RQGRQ�/HDGLQJ�WR�D�/HYHO���QDWLRQDO�TXDOLÀFDWLRQ�ZLWK�D�SDWKZD\�WR�VLJQLÀFDQW�FRQWLQXLQJ�SURIHVVLRQDO�GHYHORSPHQW�RSSRUWXQLWLHV��$SSUHQWLFHV�are trained to strip down and repair computers, change faulty parts, troubleshoot and diagnose software and hardware faults on a PC and understand the basics of a server network.According to e-skills, the Sector Skills Council for the IT and Telecoms industries, the demand for employees with specialist computing skills KDV�RXWVWULSSHG�VXSSO\�IRU�WKH�ÀUVW�WLPH�LQ�WZR�\HDUV��9DFDQFLHV�IRU�,&7�VWDII�URVH�WR���������SRVLWLRQV�LQ�WKH�WKLUG�TXDUWHU�RI�������ZKLOH�WKH�QXPEHU�RI�¶UHDG\�FDQGLGDWHV·�GHFOLQHG�WR�MXVW�RYHU����������7KH�LQFUHDVHG�GHPDQG�UHÁHFWHG�WKH�IDFW�WKDW�,&7�VWDII�DUH�OHVV�OLNHO\�WR�EH�unemployed than workers in other sectors. Unemployed ICT workers fell to 3.1% compared with 8.3% for the workforce as a whole. 5HVSRQGLQJ�WR�WKH�FKDOOHQJHV�IDFHG�E\�EXVLQHVVHV��&2%5$�KDV�GHYHORSHG�D�¶3LFN�Q·�0L[·�DSSURDFK�WR�,7��7KLV�SURYLGHV�FOLHQWV�ZLWK�D�completely bespoke and organic approach, as opposed to more traditional ‘boxed in’ IT support packages.&RPPHQWLQJ�RQ�WKH�QHZ�$SSUHQWLFHVKLS��'DYLG�6KDUH��0DQDJLQJ�'LUHFWRU��&2%5$��VDLG�“Succession planning is crucial for any business and we see Apprenticeships as a foundation of the UK’s future economy. We want to develop home grown talent and skills over a sustained period, so we can recoup the rewards that skills investment will bring. It’s our intention to offer more opportunities to young people.”Research has shown that companies investing in training are 2.5 times more likely to survive during an economic downturn or recession. In a nation-wide poll carried out by Populus in 2009, the overwhelming majority of employers (92%) felt that apprentices made a valuable contribution to the business within six months of them completing their apprenticeship or earlier. The survey also found that businesses be-lieved that investing in apprenticeships made them more competitive (80%), provided higher overall productivity (76%) and contributed to lower staff turnover (80%).

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Harriet Kelsall, Founder and Managing Director of leading bespoke jewellery design company www.hkjewellery.co.uk has been named Woman of the Year 2011 at the Specsavers Everywoman in Retail Awards.At a glittering ceremony held last night at London’s Savoy hotel, Harriet won the top award of the evening.Harriet had been shortlisted in the Entrepreneur of the Year category but went on to triumph over all of the other nominees to clinch the highly-coveted Woman of the Year award.The judges said that “Harriet’s vision, innovative approach and success make her an outstanding role model that will inspire more women to choose a career in retail.“The Woman of the Year Award recognises the woman who is a truly inspirational and visionary individual and Harriet Kelsall is an exceptional role model for the industry”.Harriet Kelsall started the business in 1998 from her spare bedroom and in just over 10 years she now employs nearly 30 staff with an annual turnover of £1.5 million.Harriet said: “I am absolutely amazed and thrilled to receive this award, it is a huge honour and to be recognised by the retail industry for our efforts and successes is very rewarding.“I see this as an award for the whole team rather than being just about me. “They are so brilliant and we all passionately drive the business forward together”.Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design has had a fantastic year so far.In February, the company’s Cambridge studio was revamped making it the UK’s ÀUVW�DQG�RQO\�WUXO\�EHVSRNH�KLJK�VWUHHW�MHZHOOHU\�VWXGLR�The company was also one of only 20 jewellers in the UK chosen by the Fairtrade Foundation to offer Fairtrade and Fairmined gold.As a result of its achievements in 2011, the company won Business Initiative of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards, was one of Professional Jeweller’s Hot 100 and was placed number 25 in Retail Jeweller’s list of the top 50 Inspiring Independents.Now, the company has received an outstanding accolade from the retail industry as a whole.Harriet is passionate about inspiring designers and entrepreneurs and is embarking on a number of initiatives to help develop the next generation including working with Doug Richard on his Creative School for Start-ups and running a bespoke jewellery design competition with the University for the Creative Arts in Kent.Harriet is also gaining a celebrity following and is designing a bespoke pendant for 79�SUHVHQWHU��'-�DQG�PRGHO�/LVD�6QRZGRQ�

BESPOKE ART AT A STROKE FROM LOCAL FLAMSTEAD BUSINESSWOMAN

NEWS IN BRIEF

BAKER WATKIN GOING FOR GOLD IN ‘NOT THE OLYMPICS 2012’ While athletes around the world prepare to trans-port the Olympic torch from Athens to London for next year’s Olympics, Stevenage-based chartered DFFRXQWDQF\�ÀUP�%DNHU�:DWNLQ�KDYH�EHHQ�JHDU-ing up for a challenge of their own a little closer to home.7KH�ÀUP�WRRN�SDUW�LQ�WKH�8.���*URXS·V�´1RW�WKH�2O-ympics 2012” charity campaign, to raise thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Society. Participating PHPEHU�ÀUPV�ZHUH�WDVNHG�ZLWK�UHOD\LQJ�DQ�2O\P-pic-style torch by imaginative forms of transporta-WLRQ� DFURVV� WKH� FRXQWU\�� ÀQLVKLQJ� DW� WKH�2O\PSLF�Stadium in London in time for the group’s annual conference in November. The event kicked off in Perth, Scotland, in May.

DIGITAL AGENCY CELEBRATES THEIR GROWTH WITH TREESHertfordshire-based digital marketing agency, Distinctly Digital, today announce their support IRU�WKH�7UHHV���%XVLQHVV�&DPSDLJQ���'LVWLQFWO\�MRLQ�a growing number of leading UK businesses sup-porting Carbon Managers, the people behind the campaign, who wish to do something positive for the environment. The trees are planted on the Alladale wilderness re-serve in Scotland by children from the Challenger Trust, a charity that takes children from an urban background and gives them an experience of a lifetime at Alladale. For every tree planted a dona-tion is also made to the Trust. Tom Shurville, Director for Distinctly Digital explains WKH�UHDVRQLQJ�EHKLQG�WKHLU�QHZ�YHQWXUH��´2XU�ZRUN�is solely web-related, requiring a lot of electricity. We want to do what we can to negate the impact RI�WKDW�SRZHU�DQG�WKH�7UHHV���%XVLQHVV�&DPSDLJQ�LV�a really worthwhile UK cause.”

@JMJ Accountancy - Have you tried twellow yet? The yellow pages for twitter? ,�MXVW�UHJLVWHUHG�P\�SURÀOH

@ Herts Social Stuff - You are just a click away from a ready made social life www.hertfordshiresocialstuff.co.uk

@PopdanceUK - Let’s get Popdancing! Classes return and new classes launch. Come and join us http://www.popdance.co.uk

@Mercerhole - offering complimentary accountancy advice sessions from at the Hertfordshire Sustainable Funding Fair in October

@UHEnterprise - The University of Hertford-shire Enterprise Events FB page is mov-ing... more details to follow once the new page is live.

T: 01763 274440 mark@marketingzone.co.ukThe Manor House, High Street, Buntingford, Herts SG9 9AB

www.marketingzone.co.uk

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A LOOK AT WHAT SOME OF 7+(�+%,�)2Ŵ2:(56�$5(�SAYING ON TWITTER...

With your reputation as a grime buster, do you ever feel under any extra pressure to have your house spotless when guests visit?<HV��GHÀQLWHO\�� ,�DOZD\V� IHHO� WKH�KRXVH� LV�QHYHU�DV� LW� VKRXOG�EH��EXW� ,�don’t let it bother me too much. I certainly wouldn’t let it stop me from having people over. 2QH�RI�P\�VRQV�GRHV�PDNH�WKH�PRVW�PHVV�� ,·YH� MXVW�GHFLGHG�QRW�WR�JR�LQWR�KLV�URRP�DQ\PRUH��0RVW�RI�WKH�WLPH�LW·V�FRQÀQHG�LQ�WKHUH�²�EXW�DW�WLPHV�,�ZLOO�ÀQG�DQ�RYHUÁRZLQJ�DVKWUD\�O\LQJ�DURXQG��ZKLFK�LV�KRUULG�My new cook book actually has a chapter on how to keep your kitchen VSDUNO\�FOHDQ�²� WKHUH�DUH� VXJJHVWLRQV� WR�PDLQWDLQLQJ�D�FOHDQ� IULGJH�and freezer, blitzing your cupboards and even how to get those really stubborn burnt bits of old food out of the oven.

You were a presenter on ‘How Clean is Your House?’ what were your personal highlights during your time on the show?,·G�VD\�WKH�PRVW�IXOÀOOLQJ�SDUW�RI�P\�WLPH�RQ�WKH�VKRZ�ZDV�EHLQJ�DEOH�WR�KHOS�SHRSOH��2Q�PDQ\�DQ�RFFDVLRQ��WKHVH�SHRSOH�ZHUH�LQ�WKH�PLGVW�of a depression and couldn’t really see a way out of their situation. We were able to give them a leg-up, so they could actually see it was WKH�VDPH�KRXVH��WKHLU�EHORQJLQJV��MXVW�FOHDQHG��7KH�EHQHÀWV�RI�VHHLQJ�someone genuinely so happy and knowing you played your part in making that chance is the best feeling.

You’re a patron for charity Ukuthasa which supports people in townships in South Africa. How did that come about and how is it going?It’s a very small charity geared towards children who have been orphaned through AIDS. It allows them to have a formal education DQG�FRXQVHOOLQJ� ²�RQH� WKDW�KHOSV�SURWHFW�DJDLQVW� WKH�GDQJHUV�RI�unprotected sex. With the average life expectancy there predicted to be no more than 34 in some communities by 2040, helping children to GHDO�ZLWK�WKH�UHDOLW\�RI�+,9�$LGV�KDV�WR�EH�D�WRS�SULRULW\�I’ve seen a little money can go a long way and I’ve seen some big FKDQJHV��,·G�OLNH�WR�EH�DEOH�WR�JR�RXW�DJDLQ�EHIRUH�WKH�\HDU�LV�RYHU�²�EXW�,�ZLOO�GHÀQLWHO\�EH�PDNLQJ�D�WULS�LQ�������,·P�VR�SURXG�WR�EH�SDUW�RI�the charity.

You have four published books to your credit and now you’ve recently launched a new one. What’s it about and what made you want to write it? ,·YH�DOZD\V�ZDQWHG�WR�GR�D�FRRNHU\�ERRN�� ,W·V�UHDOO\�D�UHÁHFWLRQ�RQ�how I live my life with my family. There are lots of different chapters: for when you’re on the run, when you’re throwing a dinner party, sit down Sunday Roasts, everything we eat, really. My favourite recipe in the book is the one for the special meatballs. There are also lots of pudding chapters, I love my sweets! For those who remember me winning the “F Word” Pudding Challenge, the UHFLSH�IRU�WKDW�WULÁH�LV�LQ�WKHUH�I think I got my love of cooking from my mum. When you have a mother who can cook, you should really appreciate it! Her food is always lovely: her roast beef is the best ever. I’d like to think my book is similar to her way of cooking: wholesome, gorgeous, and unpretentious. You’ll have to judge that for yourselves!

You also have a new cleaning product out too!I do! Aggie’s Probiotics are essentially the opposite of an anti-bacterial agent. When we bleach everything into oblivion, we are actually preventing the good germs from doing their job that helps keep the bad ones at bay. With a probiotic cleaner we are preventing the growth of nasty germs that can cause us harm, but keeping the good ones that help us, and then letting them do their job. I’m really keen that people

EHJLQ�WR�XQGHUVWDQG�WKH�EHQHÀWV�RI�SURELRWLF�FOHDQLQJ��QRW�MXVW�VR�WKDW�they can buy my products, but so that we can spread the word about making use of the good germs to help us all stay healthier and safer in the long term. I’ve created these products to make cleaning quick, easy and more effective. It’s been a very exciting project.

'R�\RX�HYHU�WKLQN�DERXW�\RXU�RZQ�ÁDJVKLS�VKRZ"Well, with the new book coming out this month and my new Probiotic cleaning product hitting stores a couple of months ago, I’ve been keeping very busy!I would love to have my own cookery show though. I’ve had a couple of meetings with producers and agents in the last few months. It would be a mammoth venture, but an exciting one! I’d love it.

www.businessindependent.co.uk09 INTE

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AN INTERVIEW WITH

AGGIE MACKENZIE$JJLH�0DF.HQ]LH�ÀUVW�FDPH�RQ�WR�RXU�VFUHHQV�LQ������DV�WKH�'LUW�'HWHFWLYH�LQ�&KDQQHO��·V�+RZ�&OHDQ�LV�<RXU�House? Since then she’s appeared in many different TV programmes; from reporting on The One Show and The Politics Show to cooking on Come Dine With Me. With a background in women’s consumer magazines, Aggie’s work covers a broad range. She writes a food page every month in Good Housekeeping, covers numerous subjects for other national publications, often participates in advertising campaigns and takes on public speaking engagements.She is now embarking on new projects – a cookery book and Aggie’s Probiotics. The HBI caught up with the domestic goddess to talk about her new business ventures.

´$JJLH·V�)DPLO\�&RRNERRNµ�LV�DYDLODEOH�IURP�3DYLOLRQ��priced £20.00.The stunning, collection of mouth-watering and delicious recipes to suit every occasion will have you heading for your kitchen to get cooking. Classic recipes include EDNHG�FKLFNHQ�ZLWK�OHPRQ��KHDOWK\�ÀVK�DQG�FKLSV��chunky apple pie and seriously gooey yummy chocolate brownies. With brilliant ideas for cooking with leftovers, clever ways of bulking out a dinner for four so that it serves six, indulgent breakfast treats and all the bits and pieces that make life so much better, Aggie’s Family Cookbook is the one kitchen essential you won’t want to be without.$JJLH·V�SURELRWLF�FOHDQLQJ�SURGXFWV�DUH�WKH�ÀUVW�LQ�WKH�8.�

WR�PDNH�XVH�RI�WKH�EHQHÀWV�RI�SURELRWLFV�IRU�KRXVHKROG�cleaning. They are available in Homebase, Sainsbury’s,

Lakeland and Booths. You can choose from the multi surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner and toilet

cleaner, and look out for the new washing up liquid

coming soon.

Having proven their technical skills and excelled in examinations, two Hemel Hempstead apprentices employed at Brayley Honda, on Two Waters Road, are now in charge of their own workshop ramps at the dealership.Having both gained work experience with Brayley Honda whilst still at school, before being accepted onto the three year Hon-da Apprenticeship Programme, eighteen year-old Danny Wishart and nineteen year-old Simon Edwards are now part of the four-strong technician team and contributing to the company’s im-pressive customer satisfaction performance.Since joining Brayley Honda, the two apprentices have consistently achieved top scores in their technical studies at the Honda Insti-tute in Colnbrook, near Slough. Simon Edwards has just complet-ed his full apprenticeship at just 19, whilst Danny Wishart is now on his second year. Each apprentice is mentored by an experienced Honda technician in the workshop.Commented Simon Edwards:“My late grand-dad was a brilliant mechanic and I became interested in cars because of him. I hope to become as good as he was and maybe have my own garage one day. At Brayley Honda, I’m encouraged to do the best I can and am hoping to DFKLHYH�P\�GLDJQRVWLFV�TXDOLÀFDWLRQ�YHU\�VRRQ�µHaving started his own career as a body repair apprentice,

9LFWRU� 6DYDJH�� 6HUYLFH� 0DQDJHU�� %UD\OH\� +RQGD� +HPHO�Hempstead is keen to support the ambitions of young people wanting to enter the retail motor industry. Brayley Honda Hemel has already offered 17 work experience placements this year to ORFDO�VFKRROV��WKDQNV�WR�LWV�DIÀOLDWLRQ�ZLWK�WKH�+HUWIRUGVKLUH�&DUHHUV�Service.9LFWRU� 6DYDJH�� 6HUYLFH� 0DQDJHU�� %UD\OH\� +RQGD� +HPHO�Hempstead, said:´2XU�EXVLQHVV� LV�DERXW�HPSRZHULQJ�SHRSOH�WR�GR�WKH�EHVW� WKH\�can for our customers as well as for their own professional devel-opment. An Apprenticeship provides an excellent start to life in the motor trade and Danny and Simon have already shown they have what it takes to forge a great career for themselves, whilst making a valuable contribution to the company.”Research has shown that companies investing in training are 2.5 times more likely to survive during an economic downturn or recession. In a nation-wide poll carried out by Populus, the over-whelming majority of employers (92%) felt that apprentices made a valuable contribution to the business within six months of them completing their apprenticeship or earlier. The survey also found that businesses believed that investing in apprenticeships made them more competitive (80%), provided higher overall productivity (76%) and contributed to lower staff turnover (80%).

APPRENTICES SHOW THEIR METTLE AT HEMEL HEMPSTEAD DEALERSHIP

An Apprenticeship provides an excellent start to life in the motor trade and Danny and Simon have already shown they have what it takes to forge a great career for themselves, whilst making a valuable contribution to the company.

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Stephen McPartland, MP for

Stevenage, has joined NHC’s

Support Young People campaign

and is helping young people gain

the work skills needed for

employment.

Stephen is recruiting a local

student each year to work

QBSU�UJNF�JO�IJT�PGmDF�BT�B�Constituency Assistant.

Last year NHC business student

Kara Duffy worked for two full days

B�XFFL�BU�UIF�DPOTUJUVFODZ�PGmDF�JO�Stevenage alongside her studies.

Kara explained: “I applied for the

position because it looked really

interesting and would look good on

my CV. I’ve learnt what an MP

does and I could relate some of

my work at college to my

experience here.”

Stephen McPartland commented:

"I am delighted to be working with

NHC to offer young people the

opportunity to gain vital work

experience alongside their studies.

Kara impressed us all with her

enthusiasm and willingness to

learn. I am proud of the

contribution Kara has made and

TIF�JT�B�mSTU�DMBTT�FYBNQMF�PG�UIF�talent and calibre of

NHC students."

Stephen is currently recruiting this

year’s Constituency Assistant and

looking forward to continuing the

successful arrangement with North

Hertfordshire College.

Show your support to building our

future workforce and sign the

NHC Employer Pledge.

MP Stephen McPartland pledges his support to young people

Need motivated, competent staff with energy and enthusiasm?Apprenticeships help ensure employeeshave the skills and qualifications neededfor business success – both now andin the future.

Call 01462 650246 or email business@nhc.ac.uk

Employ an ApprenticeThey’re good for business

www.apprenticeships.nhc.ac.uk

www.supportyoungpeople.nhc.ac.uk

Over 80% of employers with Apprentices agree they make their workplace more productive. Survey by the National Apprenticeship Service

$867,1ĵ6�6&223�$:$5'�)25�(;&(Ŵ(1&(

Staff at Austin’s Funeral Directors are celebrating after scooping top prize at a prestigious business awards ceremony. 7KH�����\HDU�ROG�ÀUP�ZKLFK�KDV�EUDQFKHV�WKURXJKRXW�(DVW�DQG�1RUWK�+HUWV�EHDW�RII�VWLII�FRPSHWLWLRQ�WR�ZLQ�WKH�6HUYLFH�([FHOOHQFH�category at the East of England Business Champions Awards. Claire Austin, who is the tenth generation of her family to run the company, said she was thrilled the company had won. “This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff who work so hard to provide a personal, caring service to our clients. The whole Austin’s ethos is about being welcoming to all and it’s fantastic to have our efforts acknowledged,” she said. 7KH�DZDUGV�DUH�VSRQVRUHG�E\�WKH�)HGHUDWLRQ�RI�6PDOO�%XVLQHVVHV��)6%��DQG�WKH�ÀQDOV�ZHUH�KHOG�DW�7HZLQEXU\�)DUP�+RWHO���,DQ�&RUGLQJ��Regional Chair of the FSB and the head of the judging panel said: “I was extremely impressed by the high standard of entries and it is refreshing to see how many successful businesses the region has in what continues to be a very tough economic climate.” (QWULHV�ZHUH�UHFHLYHG�IURP�EXVLQHVVHV�DFURVV�VL[�FRXQWLHV�²�+HUWIRUGVKLUH��%HGIRUGVKLUH��&DPEULGJHVKLUH��1RUIRON��6XIIRON�DQG�(VVH[��A number of staff joined Claire at the awards ceremony where the judges praised them for “never sitting on their laurels and always striving for perfection”. Austin’s, which also owns and operates Harwood Park Crematorium and Memorial Gardens in Stevenage, has eight branches and employs 43 full-time members of staff.

Photo (L to R) Alan Coleman, Gary Ford, Claire Austin, Jackie Lawrence, Annette Bird, Brian Lawrence and Peter Hope

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'LYLGHQGV�FDQ�RQO\�EH�SDLG�RXW�RI�GLVWULEXWDEOH�SURÀWV��ZKLFK�DUH�calculcated on the basis of the company’s accounts. An accurate DFFRXQWLQJ�RI�GLVWULEXWDEOH�SURÀWV�FDQ�RQO\�EH�GRQH�DQQXDOO\��EXW�interim dividends at stages through the year, based on anticipated SURÀWV��$Q\�GLYLGHQG�SDLG�ZKHUH� WKHUH�DUH� LQVXIÀFLHQW� SURÀWV� WR�cover it is illegal.Dividends are therefore very different to a salary. The company’s outgoings (e.g. HMRC, employees, suppliers, landlord, lender) must be paid before the shareholders receive dividends. Individual financial planning can’t be taken into consideration when deciding whether to declare a dividend. In practice, if shareholders choose to take the majority of their income as dividends there is D�ULVN�WKDW�WKHUH�ZRQ·W�DOZD\V�EH�VXIÀFLHQW�IXQGV�DYDLODEOH�WR�SD\�their anticipated income.,I�D�FRPSDQ\�SD\V�GLYLGHQGV�ZKHUH� WKHUH�DUH� LQVXIÀFLHQW�SURÀWV�available, money can be clawed back from any shareholder who ‘knows or has reasonable grounds for believing’ that the dividend shouldn’t have been paid. Director-shareholders should consider the company’s financial position carefully before declaring dividends so it is likely that most director-shareholders would have reasonable grounds for believing that a dividend shouldn’t be SDLG�ZKHUH�WKHUH�DUH�LQVXIÀFLHQW�SURÀWV�DYDLODEOH�IRU�GLVWULEXWLRQ�,I�D�FRPSDQ\·V�SURÀWV�DUH�LQ�GHFOLQH��LW�PD\�EH�SRVVLEOH�WR�LQFUHDVH�salaries of director-shareholders to a level which an employee

in similar circumstances might expect but, as we mentioned last month, directors’ must act in the best interests of the company and the company’s interests rank above the interests of the shareholders involved. The important thing is to show transparent decision making - the safest way to do this is to make a clear decision when the company is set up as to how director-shareholders are going to be paid, by balancing WKH�SRWHQWLDO�ULVNV�DQG�EHQHÀWV�LQYROYHG�LQ�UHO\LQJ�RQ�GLYLGHQGV�For advice on all aspects of corporate law, please contact Gillian +DUGLQJ�RU�'DYLG�+RZDUG�DW�RXU�+LWFKLQ�RIÀFH�RQ��������������

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Many owner managed businesses as set up in companies. In addition to the benefits of limited liability there are potential tax efficiency savings to be made when shareholders choose to take relatively small salaries and take the remainder of their income through dividends. As long as the company remains sufficiently profitable, this approach can provide sub-stantial benefits to shareholders but what happens if profits fall?

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Congratulations! How does it feel to be shortlisted for the Women of the Future Awards?To be shortlisted for an award of this nature feels absolutely phenomenal! I feel like the luckiest person in the world and still can’t believe it really.I have never actually put myself forward for an award before - this ZDV�WKH�ÀUVW�RQH� ,�KDYH�HYHU�HQWHUHG��DQG� ,�KRQHVWO\�GLGQ·W�H[SHFW�to get any further than just submitt ing my entry, so it was a complete shock for me when they sent over the shortlisted can-didates and my name was on it! I naturally had to open a bottle of bubbly straight away, run around screaming a lot, and go out for dinner to celebrate!

What will you be up to while you are there?7KH� MXGJLQJ� IRU� WKH�DZDUG�ZLOO� WDNH�SODFH�PLG�2FWREHU� DQG�ZLOO�include an informal interview/chat with the judges for my category which will last about half an hour. I am going to take along some sparkly jewellery to show the judges as well though!The actual award ceremony will be held on the 16th November 2011 at the London Marriot hotel. The night will include a champagne reception, three course meal and, of course, the award announce-ments!

Do you know how many other people you are up against?Yes, there are six of us all together who have been shortlisted for this award and all shortlisted candidates have completely different busi-nesses. I am the only jeweler!

You set up Alyssa Smith jewellery on your own. What advice would you give to other young people out there that want to do the same?My honest advice would be to never, ever give up your dream. If you are passionate about something and determined enough to suc-FHHG��WKHQ�\RX�ZLOO��,W�LV�DOVR�JRRG�WR�ÀQG�D�QLFKH�LQ�WKH�PDUNHW�DQG�make yourself stand out from other businesses around you. Setting up a business is not easy and can be a very lonely path, so I would advise anyone starting up in business to surround yourself with likeminded people - whether it be friends, family, or a networking group who you can talk to on a regular basis and throw some ideas around with - but this is very important, especially to help you stay ‘sane’! Loneliness for me was a big problem at the beginning of my career... all of my friends were out having fun and travelling around the world, while I was sitting at home trying to start a business, but I am lucky now to have the right support network around me and have met some great new people who are similar to me!Hold on to your dreams and if you have a good idea, run like the wind with it and do everything you can to make it work! And lastly, here is a little thing to think abou t- if people don’t know you are there, how are you going to succeed? Tell everyone and anyone about your business! The more people who know, the better!

Is there a lot of help available for younger people that are hoping to start a business?Yes, if you know where to look! I am ‘resident entrepreneur’ at the new ‘Peter Jones Enterprise Academy’ at North Hertfordshire College DQG�WKLV� LV�D�FRXUVH�VSHFLÀFDOO\�GHVLJQHG�IRU�\RXQJ�EXGGLQJ�HQWUH-preneurs (16-19) and younger people who want to start a business! It is a really great course and they really give the students a helping hand in starting up their businesses and advising them with savvy ‘business know how’! This course is something that I would have jumped at the chance to do when I was younger, so I am thrilled to be on hand to give the students advice when they need it.7KHUH�DUH�DOVR�RWKHU�RUJDQLVDWLRQV�VXFK�DV�¶6WDUW�8S�%ULWDLQ·�DQG�¶9LUJLQ�Media Pioneers’ which offer all sorts of start up business advice too. You can easily access information from their websites.

What are your top tips to building a successful brand? Be original! ...Don’t be a second rate version of someone else, be a ÀUVW�UDWH�YHUVLRQ�RI�\RXUVHOI��,�FDQ·W�UHPHPEHU�ZKR�ZURWH�WKDW�TXRWH��but I think its so true!

SPARKLING SUCCESS!��� \HDU� ROG� $O\VVD� 6PLWK� IURP� +LWFKLQ� RQO\�launched her business full time just over a year ago but since then she has been made the face of Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones’ Entrepreneur Academy and has been making jewellery for the stars including Suzi Perry, Carol Vorderman and Caroline Flack! Alyssa has just recently found out that she has been shortlisted for the Shell Women of the Future awards in the Entrepreneur of the Fu-ture catagory. So we caught up with her during KHU�SUHSDUDWLRQV�WR�ÀQG�RXW�KHU�SODQV�

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Are you working on anything new at the moment?I am currently working on a new jewellery collection which will launch before &KULVWPDV�������DQG�DOVR�D�OLPLWHG�HGLWLRQ���FDUDW�JROG�¶WZHHWLH�ELUG·�QHFNODFH�ZLWK�D�diamond for its eye! I also have some larger ‘corporate’ projects in the pipeline with large UK companies who want to collaborate with me, so that is very exciting!

What are your best selling items?0\�EHVW�VHOOLQJ�SLHFHV�DUH�GHÀQLWHO\�������WKH�¶7ZHHWLH�%LUG·�QHFNODFHV��7KH�¶RULJLQDO·�7ZHHWLH�ELUG�necklace was inspired by the social media craze, Twitter, and has been a best seller since I launched it last October. I hand make each necklace to order, and have just launched a new range of Tweeties! Some are made in 9carat gold, and some are made in a gorgeous hammered silver with gemstone eyes! My personal favourites Tweetie are the ‘Pink Ruby Tweetie’ (which just happens to be my birth stone!) and the little ‘Gold Tweetie’ necklace. The gold Tweetie is smaller and more delicate looking than the others in the collection, but is quickly becoming a best seller! I know lots of my regular customers have the new Tweeties on their Christmas wish lists!

Where does your inspiration come from?Most designers are inspired by themes such as nature and organic forms, but for me, inspiration works a little differently! I am inspired by trends like ‘social media’. In fact, I have a whole jewellery collection based around social media. It is called ‘social EXWWHUÁ\·�DQG�FRQVLVWV�RI�QHFNODFHV�VD\LQJ�¶7ZHHW�0H·��¶)ROORZ�0H·�DQG�WKH�ZHOO�NQRZQ�KDVK�WDJ�symbol ‘#’. This collection is a fabulous seller, and I actually had help from celebrity journalist Dawn Porter to come up with these designs! I always try to listen to what my customers want as opposed to what ‘I’ want... So I would probably say that my customers inspire me most for my new collections, as well as for my bespoke items!Do check out my website if you would like to have a look at my collections- www.alyssasmith.co.uk and of course, follow me on Twitter if you are on there! @AlyssaJewellery

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Registered Charity: 1117148 (England and Wales) SC038632 (Scotland)

Be a Red Hot Runner for Crohn’s and Colitis UK

Crohn’s and Colitis UK supports people who are affected by these bowel conditions which can have a devastating impact on everyday life. Around 240,000 people in the UK are affected, many of them children, teenagers and young people. There is no known cure.

Call: 01727 734485 Email: fundraising@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Visit: www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

Join Us!

Santa Run (Greenwich) - 4th Dec Brighton Marathon - 15th Apr Edinburgh Festival Marathon - 26&27 May London 10k - 27th May Great North Run - 16th Sept

RED HOT DAYJack Camp, Chair-man of the National )HGHUDWLRQ�RI�5RRÀQJ�Contractors, and his wife Carole (left) got a warm welcome at Crohn’s and Colitis UK on Friday 14th 2FWREHU��ZKHQ�they stopped off to drop off a cheque for £3,500 raised over the past twelve months, and bumped into the charity’s Ambassador, 79�2QH�6KRZ�SUHVHQWHU�DQG�FHOHEULW\�YRFDO�FRDFK��&DUULH�*UDQW�&DUULH� ZDV� YLVLWLQJ� WKH� FKDULW\·V� 6W� $OEDQV·� RIÀFHV� WR� FHOHEUDWH�Red Hot Day, which kicks off a month of fundraising activity by its 30,000 members, fundraising supporters and friends. Around 60 lo-cal business representatives, volunteers and supporters attended a complimentary “Red Hot Continental Breakfast” to hear Carrie talk about her own experience of living with Crohn’s Disease, and what it has meant to her to part of the charity’s active community of pa-tients where her condition is understood, where she no longer feels alone and where she has a vital role to play in support of others.“We know of 5,000 Crohn’s or Colitis sufferers and families in Herts” says Director of Fundraising, Suzi Clark. “This year, our Welfare Fund, has been under huge pressure to make modest individual grants of XS�WR������ZRUWK�RI�JRRGV�²�RIWHQ�D�ZDVKLQJ�PDFKLQH��D�QHZ�PDW-tress, or a short respite care break, to those most in need. Hardship LV�JURZLQJ��DQG�IXQGV�DUH�LQFUHDVLQJO\�GLIÀFXOW�WR�UDLVH�²�RXU�FKDULW\�has been stretched to maintain its level of support.”

From left, charity fundraiser Alex Demain with Mr Bizz Whizz, Martin Gladdish, “the business wizard” who, when he ZDVQ·W� VHWWLQJ�ÀUH� WR�����notes, was making money appear out of thin air … a trick that the char-ity’s fundraising team watched with great in-terest. “If only it was that easy,” sighed Alex.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY

SPECIALP20 : MANAGING RISK

$�3URÀOH�RI�'DUHQ�+RZHOO�DW�6XQ*DUG�DERXW�KHOSLQJ�EXVLQHVVHV�WR�XQGHU-stand and manage risk

P21 : BUSINESS AS USUALAdvice from Adam Continuity on most common causes of company

downtime and how to rectify it

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stable during the Christmas period

P23 : A BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN IN ACTIONPerry Scott Nash

P24 : BUSINESS CONTINUITY VIA THE CLOUDEddie Yu explains how to maximise business and keep continuity

via cloud computing

3�����+2:�72�($7�$1�(/(3+$17��/,7(5$Ɓ<��Project Management expert Jo Parker explains how sound

project management can help keep businesses ticking over in a crisis

P26 : DISASTER RECOVER STRATEGIES from Data Barracks

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Tell us a little more about SunGardSunGard Availability Services provides disaster recovery services, managed IT services, Information Availability consulting services and business continuity management software to over 9,000 FXVWRPHUV� LQ�1RUWK�$PHULFD�DQG�(XURSH�� �:LWK�DSSUR[LPDWHO\�ÀYH�million square feet of data centre and operations space, SunGard assists IT organisations across virtually all industry and government sectors prepare for and recover from emergencies by helping them minimise their computer downtime and optimise their uptime. Through direct sales and channel partners, we help organisations ensure their people and customers have uninterrupted access to the information systems they need in order to do business.

What services in terms of business continuity can you offer your clients?6XQ*DUG·V� ÀYH� GHFDGHV·� H[SHUWLVH� LQ� ORRNLQJ� DIWHU� RUJDQLVDWLRQV·�most critical data has led to a wealth of business continuity services over the years. SunGard provides both the consultancy and technical solutions to ensure business operations remain continuous, while DOORZLQJ�FRPSDQLHV�WR�PDWFK�5HFRYHU\�7LPH�2EMHFWLYHV��572V��DQG�5HFRYHU\�3RLQW�2EMHFWLYHV��532V��WR�WKH�FULWLFDOLW\�RI�WKHLU�DSSOLFD-tions. Its Dedicated Recover Anywhere service, meanwhile, broadens full desktop and telephony recovery to a higher percentage of an organisation’s workforce. Integrating both physical and virtual work-place environments, it allows business-critical workers to operate via secure remote access to an organisation’s existing IT and telephony in the event of a business disruption.

You are a global company but have just opened up DQ�RIÀFH�LQ�%RUHKDPZRRG��:DV�WKLV�GXH�WR�Hxpansion and if so, has 2011 been a successful year for SunGard?2XU�%RUHKDPZRRG�IDFLOLW\�RSHQHG�WKUHH�\HDUV�DJR��LWV�DGGLWLRQ�WR�our UK-wide recovery centre portfolio gives organisations in and DURXQG�/RQGRQ�WKH�ÁH[LELOLW\�WKH\�QHHG�WR�WDLORU�WKHLU�EXVLQHVV�FRQWL-nuity plans to the needs of their organisation and staff. In addition to providing 1,800 positions for local and London-based businesses and government organisations’ staff to relocate to in the event their own premises are inaccessible, Borehamwood helps them remain connected to their mission critical information in the event of a disaster as it is linked to three resilient data centres. Borehamwood’s opening also increased the total number of availa-ble workplace recovery positions that SunGard offers in the London DQG�KRPH�FRXQWLHV� UHJLRQ� WR�RYHU� ������� WKH\�DUH� VSUHDG�DFURVV�nine strategic locations, of which six encircle outer London, and are situated along the main commuter routes. Forward thinking organi-sations can develop recovery solutions based on a multiple site recovery strategy allowing managers to pre-select the most appro-priate site(s) for business recovery based on anticipated incidents and convenience for staff.Since introducing Borehamwood, additional solutions to help busi-nesses keep more of their people productive in the wake of disruptive events have been made available, including our more recent LQQRYDWLRQ�²�'HGLFDWHG�5HFRYHU\�$Q\ZKHUH�²�ZKLFK�KHOSV�RUJDQL-sations to mitigate against a wider range of disruptions*, for, example the recent UK riots. Recover Anywhere enables workers who have a desk based PC at work to access their usual business data and telephony via secure remote access. You don’t need to lug your RIÀFH� 3&�DQG�SKRQH� KRPH�� <RX� VLPSO\� XVH� \RXU� RZQ� KRPH� 3&��Mac, tablet or smartphone. This continued innovation and invest-ment is indicative of continued demand for SunGard services during 2011.

Who are your main customers?SunGard Availability Services has over 9,000 customers worldwide including, in the UK, the likes of Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer,

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What advice would you give to any small business that is looking to start out that might need a business continuity plan?Follow the advice in the Source for Consulting report. Keep plans simple. Make sure instructions are clear and easy to understand. 8VH�%&�SODQQLQJ�VRIWZDUH��,I�\RX�FUHDWH�WKH�SODQ�LQ�2IÀFH�VRIWZDUH�and your business changes rapidly you will spend all your time play-ing catch up and administering the plan. BC software takes away admin pain by automating all the updates to relational data and processes.Make sure your staff are aware of the plans and you test those plans. Align your plan to the BS standard which is BS 25999. But remember, having a plan doesn’t make you resilient. Practicing it GRHV��%&�LV�QRW�D�WLFN�ER[�H[HUFLVH�IRU�WKH�EHQHÀW�RI�WKH�DXGLWRU��7KLV�about protecting your business. The same business that you have spent years developing. If you buy BC software from a well-known source it will give your plan currency and value that your customers will recognise. It says you take their business seriously. Get a return on investment by marketing that you have a BC plan. Add it to your proposals as part of the quality management process at your busi-ness. It will differentiate you from your competitors.

+RZ�GR�\RX�UHDFW�WR�WKH�QHZV�WKDW�DURXQG�����RI�companies could make improvements on their busi-ness continuity plans?7KH�VDPSOH�RI�ÀUPV�WKDW�ZHUH�VXUYH\HG�DUH�VRPH�RI�WKH�EHVW�ÀUPV�who do BC very well. If you were to spread the sample out to the SME community that figure would drop to less than 50%. It’s a statistic that suggests a call for immediate action. In the current economic environment, it’s corporate suicide to have large swathes of your workforce out of action as a result of a business disruption.

What are the most common needs for businesses that call on you?2XU� DQQXDO� DQDO\VLV� RI�PDMRU� FDXVHV� RI� EXVLQHVV� GLVUXSWLRQ� LQ� WKH�8.�KDV�IRXQG�WKDW�WKH�RIÀFH�LV�QRZ�ÀUPO\�WKH�PDLQ�VRXUFH�RI�EXVL-ness disruption, with almost three times as many problems caused by workplace incidents such as power and communication failures than by technology failures involving hardware or other IT issues. Set against the drop in technology invocations is the substantial rise in communication failures ( i.e. disruptions relating to network or tel-HSKRQH�RXWDJHV���ZKLFK�LV�WKH�VHFRQG�KLJKHVW�FDXVH�RI�GLVUXSWLRQ�²�topped only by power outages. In 2008, less than 2% of invocations ZHUH�EURXJKW�DERXW�EHFDXVH�RI�FRPPXQLFDWLRQV�²�D�ÀJXUH�WKDW�KDV�risen substantially to 25% last year.

Does SunGard offer any other services besides business continuity services?SunGard’s business is built on availability, resilience and recovery. We’ve taken these principles and extended them to our cloud (Infrastructure as a Service) offering. With SunGard’s cloud, customers gain access to our infrastructure, people and experience, whilst still PDLQWDLQLQJ�IXOO�FRQWURO�RI� WKHLU� ,7��2XU�HQWHUSULVH�FODVV�FORXG�RIIHUV�scalable, on-demand performance and comes with ‘baked-in’ availability and resilience. Customers can put their own IT environ-PHQWV�LQWR�RXU�IDFLOLWLHV�ZKDWHYHU�VL]H��VKDSH�DQG�ÁDYRXU�WKRVH�HQYL-ronments might be, with interoperability between hosted and cloud environments: enterprise customers with their own data centres are able to interact securely with SunGard’s cloud environment. Similar-ly, customers’ cloud environments can interact securely with hosted SunGard environments. What’s more, with SunGard’s ‘Flex’ option, FXVWRPHUV� FDQ� UDSLGO\� SURYLVLRQ� DGGLWLRQDO� FDSDFLW\� ²� LQFOXGLQJ�YLUWXDO�PDFKLQHV�DQG�SURFHVVRUV��PHPRU\�DQG�VWRUDJH�²�E\�XS�WR�100% of their existing allocation, allowing them to scale rapidly as their business dictates.

As part of our Business Continuity Special, this month we went in search of a locally based company to answer a few burning questions.6XQ*DUG��ZKR� KDYH�RIÀFHV� DURXQG� WKH�ZRUOG�� VSRNH� WR� XV� IURP� WKHLU�%RUHKDPZRRG�RIÀFH�DERXW� WKHLU�H[SHUWLVH�RIIHULQJV� LQ�GLVDVWHU� UHFRYHU\�services. We interviewed Daren Howell, Marketing Manager of SunGard Availability Services.

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PROFILE

MANAGING RISK WITH SUNGARD

Businesses rely on a huge variety of IT systems that range in size from vast complex data centres through to small local networks, but all systems have one common denominator. When they ‘go down’ a business is very quickly and very severely impacted and the time taken to restore ‘normal’ service is critical.There are many reasons why technology systems fail, the most common being simple human error, this can be attributed to many factors such as poor training, inadequate procedures and a shortage of resources. 3K\VLFDO�FDXVHV�FDQ�EH�GRZQ�WR�LQVXIÀFLHQW�HOHFWULFDO�VXSSO\�RU�FRROLQJ�capacity and of course hardware failures. There are other factors that are much harder to plan for such as natural GLVDVWHUV��LQFOXGLQJ�ÁRRGLQJ�RU�ÀUH��RU�WKLUG�SDUW\�DFWLRQV�VXFK�DV�FDEOH�thefts or vandalism to premises.5HJDUGOHVV�RI� WKH�FDXVH�RI�D�V\VWHP�RXWDJH�RQH�WKLQJ� LV�FHUWDLQ�� LW�will have a severe impact to a business and its people. This can take PDQ\�IRUPV�DQG�ZLOO�UHVXOW� LQ�DQ�LPPHGLDWH�ÀQDQFLDO�ORVV��EXW�LW�FDQ�also have much longer term implications in terms of a loss in customer FRQÀGHQFH�DQG�GDPDJH�D�KDUG�HDUQHG�UHSXWDWLRQ��A system outage can impact any business at any time and of course most have taken some steps to minimise the impact, but are these enough? Many business owners are confident that should an incident occur ‘they’ll be alright’ because they are meticulously backing up their data to tape. How many stop and think about what this really means?2QH�RI�D�EXVLQHVV·V�PRVW�YDOXDEOH�DVVHWV��LWV�GDWD���LV�GXO\�ZULWWHQ�WR�tape, a notoriously unreliable media and then control is passed to a third party who take it away, along with hundreds of other similar items and deposit it in a ‘secure’ location.How many of these businesses have ever tried to actually restore their data from tape? Experience shows that it is a process that LV� IUDXJKW�ZLWK�GLIÀFXOWLHV�� )LUVWO\� WKH�FRUUHFW� WDSH�KDV� WR�EH� LGHQWL-ÀHG�DQG� ORFDWHG� LQ� WKH�VDIH�VWRUH�DQG� UHWXUQHG�WR�VLWH��D�SURFHVV�that can take several days. Secondly the data needs to be made available in a useable format and again experience demonstrates that on average 40% of tape based restorations fail due to integrity issues with the tape itself.$W� $GDP� &RQWLQXLW\� ZH� ÀUPO\� EHOLHYH� WKDW� DQ� (OHFWURQLF� 9DXOWLQJ�Service otherwise known as a Tapeless Backup Solution is now the most cost effective solution to remove the uncertainty and dangers associated with tape based backup solutions. This solution provides backing up exclusively to disk in a live environ-PHQW��WKHQ�WUDQVIHUULQJ�WKH�EDFNXSV�WR�RQH�RI�RXU�VHFXUH�'DWD�9DXOWV��WR� SURWHFW� WKH� GDWD�� � 7KLV� PHDQV� VLJQLÀFDQWO\� HQKDQFHG� UHVSRQVH�WLPHV�WR� UHTXHVWV� IRU�VLQJOH�ÀOH� UHVWRUHV�²�HYHQ�DFURVV�PXOWLSOH� LWHUD-WLRQV�²� VLQFH�WKHUH� LV�DOZD\V�E\�GHIDXOW���PRQWKV�ZRUWK�RI�EDFNXSV�available. This is achieved without the need to recall tapes from an offsite store and should the worst happen, we are able to deliver UHSODFHPHQW�KDUGZDUH�WR�DQ\ZKHUH� LQ� WKH�FRXQWU\�²�SUH�EXLOW�ZLWK�our client’s latest data.$QRWKHU� VLJQLÀFDQW� IDFWRU� LQ�PLQLPLVLQJ� WKH� LPSDFW�RI�DQ�RXWDJH� LV�UHKHDUVDO��0DQ\�EXVLQHVVHV�ÀUVW�H[SHULHQFH�RI�D�GDWD�UHVWRUH�LV�DV�D�result of a ’live’ incident. This is far from ideal, people are often under prepared and working in a very stressful conditions and when the dust eventually settles, a post mortem is held and the outcome often OHDGV�WR�WKH�LGHQWLÀFDWLRQ�RI�VHYHUDO�SRLQWV�RI�IDLOXUH�LQ�WKH�SURFHVV�At Adam we believe that rehearsal is vital and we work proactively with each of our clients to schedule regular formal rehearsals. These are carried out at a convenient time either on site or at our clients. The procedure is carefully planned and fully documented. The result being that in the event of a ‘live’ incident, everybody knows their individual role and responsibilities and down time is kept to a minimum. In the future our use and reliance of data will continue to grow and

while steps can be taken to minimise the impact risk every business has the potential to suffer a system failure. Every business owner, 0DQDJLQJ�'LUHFWRU�DQG�&,2�KDV�WR�EH�SURDFWLYH�DQG�WDNH�UHVSRQVL-bility to ensure that they have implemented a robust disaster recovery and data continuity solution.

Part of the Centerprise International group, Adam Continuity is a leading provider of Disaster Recovery and IT Continuity solutions.Adam Continuity has recently relocated their Hemel Hempstead RIÀFH�WR�QHZ�ODUJHU�SUHPLVHV��7KH�QHZ�RIÀFH�KDV�IXOO\�VHFXUH�DFFHVV�control, 60 work area positions, a large server recovery suite and on site car parking. Adam Continuity Ltdt: 01256 378001e: advice@adam.co.ukw: adam.co.uk

It is now a simple fact that for virtually every business, data and IT systems have become an essential part of everyday life. This is probably best demonstrated by the rise in use of the smartphone, a device that often contains more data than a laptop and is even more vulnerable.

BUSINESS AS USUAL... ADAM CONTINUITY

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www.businessindependent.co.uk

By Richard Smith, Head of Product Development and employment law expert at Croner, the UK’s largest provider of workplace information, software and services, part of Wolters Kluwer.

KEEPING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS IN BUSINESS!Planning and preparing for contingencies are considered business best practice but sometimes we miss the obvious and simple steps we can take to avoid additional challenges like holiday periods and planned downtime. There are some easy steps to keep control of your business during these peri-ods, used by my clients and in my business:

��$QWLFLSDWH�DQG�SODQ�ZRUN�ÁRZTry to plan early for work coming in just before a holiday peri-od. Ask your clients and customers if they have any work that needs to be done early to avoid holiday delays. This will help you and your customers and it might even bring some ad-ditional work with it simply because you have been in touch with your customers.

��$QWLFLSDWH�DQG�SODQ�FDVK�ÁRZUse a simple system of sending statements and chasing up on late payments. This way you will reduce the time between LQYRLFLQJ�DQG�EHLQJ�SDLG�� ,W�DOVR�ÁDWWHQV�RXW�WKH�SHDNV�DQG�

WURXJKV��5HPHPEHU�LI�\RX�VHW�GHDGOLQHV�IRU�SD\PHQW�WHUPV�²�stick to them.

��6FKHGXOH�DQG�SULRULWLVH�\RXU�RZQ�DFWLYLW\�DQG�your teamPrioritising is key. Managing time is a challenge for all of us and when we don’t do it we end up overwhelmed and then tend to achieve nothing. Put key dates and milestones into the diary and planner especially relating to deadlines before KROLGD\�EUHDNV�DQG�WKHQ�ZRUN�EDFN�²�VR�WKDW�\RX�DUH�EULQJ-ing work in earlier and scheduling who will be responsible for actions and setting realistic and negotiated deadlines with your team. Break your working time available into 45 minute FKXQNV�²�LW�KHOSV�IRFXV�DQG�PDNH�VXUH�\RX�WDNH�D�TXLFN�EUHDN�in between tasks.As business owners we get bogged down in ‘doing’ the work RI�WKH�EXVLQHVV�²�VR�LW�FDQ�EH�KDUG�WR�VWHS�EDFN�DQG�ORRN�DW�the bigger picture. This is where the value of planning really NLFNV�LQ��2YHU�WKH�ORQJHU�WHUP�LW�ZLOO�KHOS��PDNH�PRQH\��VDYH�money and help you keep your business IN business.

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ENSURE A STRESS FREE CHRISTMAS WITH A HEALTHY CASH FLOWThe months leading up to Christmas are renowned for being one of the busiest times of the year with a higher volume of LQYRLFHV�ÁRZLQJ�WKURXJK�WKH�V\VWHP�WKDQ�XVXDO��DV�ÀUPV�UDFH�to ensure goods from around the world arrive in UK warehous-es in good time.However, it is important business owners and managers give careful consideration to orders they place at this time as one RI� WKH�ELJJHVW� SUREOHPV� IRU� ÀUPV�JRLQJ� LQ� WR� WKH�1HZ�<HDU�is excess stock from over estimating Christmas demand. This FDQ�OHDG�WR�EXVLQHVVHV�VWUXJJOLQJ�WR�PDLQWDLQ�ÀQDQFLDO�OLTXLGLW\�DW�WKH�WXUQ�RI�WKH�\HDU�DV�FDVK�ÁRZ�LV�WLHG�XS�LQ�XQVROG�VWRFN�and many customer invoices are left outstanding. 2QH�SULRULW\� VKRXOG� EH� HQVXULQJ� FXVWRPHU� LQYRLFHV� DUH� VHQW�out promptly and correctly ahead of the Christmas period, tightening up credit management processes to help keep FDVK�ÁRZLQJ��,W�LV�DOVR�ZRUWK�FRQVLGHULQJ�UHQHJRWLDWLQJ�WHUPV�with suppliers or shopping around to ensure you are getting WKH�EHVW�GHDO�DQG�NHHSLQJ�RXWOD\�WR�D�PLQLPXP�²�SHUKDSV�E\�securing longer credit terms.

With the Christmas Holidays looming so quickly upon us, it is also the time for businesses to decide how to ensure their invoices and cash flow remains stable during the Christmas holiday period. We spoke to two businesses who told us how they are keeping their finances in check.

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What do Perry Scott Nash specialise in?Perry Scott Nash Associates (PSN) specialise in helping businesses ensure that they are compliant with a wide range of laws and regulations and wherever possible, adopt best practice guidelines so as to ensure safe, hygienic and prosperous businesses.,Q�SDUWLFXODU�ZH�VSHFLDOLVH� LQ�KHDOWK�DQG�VDIHW\�� ÀUH� VDIHW\�� IRRG�VDIHW\��HQYL-ronmental standards, disability discrimination and construction design & safety.

Talk me through your Business Risk and Crisis Management offeringsBusiness risk and crisis management is a critical exercise that all businesses VKRXOG�JR�WKURXJK���,W�FDQ�EH�UHDOO\�VLPSOH�²�ZKDW�FDQ�JR�ZURQJ"�+RZ"�:K\"�When? And what will we do if it does?

We can help businesses understand the need for a Business Risk / Business Continuity review and set out with them the key stages they need WR�JR�WKURXJK�WR�HQVXUH�WKDW�WKH\�KDYH�D�SODQ���,W·V�OLNH�VD\LQJ�²�\RX�KDYH�3ODQ�$�EXW�ZH�DOVR�QHHG�3ODQ�%�²�MXVW�LQ�FDVH�

2QFH�WKH�GRFXPHQWV�DQG�SURFHGXUHV�KDYH�EHHQ�LGHQWLÀHG�DQG�ZULWWHQ�GRZQ��361�FDQ�KHOS�WKH�EXVLQHVV�WUDLQ�WKH�SODQ�LQWR�WKH�EXVLQHVV�DQG�test out that it works.

As part of the HBI Business Continuity Special, we went on the hunt for a business that executed its own business continuity plan and we came across Perry Scott Nash. Here we speak to Pat Perry who is the Founder and executive Chairman.,

A PROFILE WITH PERRY SCOTT NASH

Do you implement your own Crisis Management Strategy within your organisation?:H�GR�KDYH�RXU�RZQ�&ULVLV�0DQDJHPHQW�6WUDWHJ\�²�IRUWXQDWHO\�ZH�KDYHQ·W�KDG�WR�LPSOHPHQW�LW�\HW���2XU�&ULVLV�0DQDJHPHQW�6WUDWHJ\�ORRNV�DW�ZKDW�ZLOO�KDSSHQ�LI�ZH�FDQ·W�JHW�LQWR�RXU�RIÀFHV�IRU�DQ\�reason, if all staff fall ill at the same time, if the IT system collapses, or our phone lines go down etc.

Have you ever had to use it?Fortunately no, however as you can see from above, we would have the systems in place to deal with any eventuality should it arise.

What do others say about your service (feel free to include a testimonial here)We were involved in developing a Business Continuity Plan for a major London nightclub operator and implemented training for all employees on the plan. A few weeks after we had completed our project they had to use the plan due to a bomb explosion in the vicinity of the nightclub. We received extremely positive feed-EDFN�IURP�WKH�&KDLUPDQ�&(2�VWDWLQJ�WKDW�ZLWKRXW�WKH�SURFHGXUH�and the training they may well have had casualties.

What common business continuity features have to be in place to be successful?Common business continuity features are:��$Q�DVVHVVPHQW�RI�DOO�WKH�ULVNV�ZKLFK�FRXOG�DIIHFW�\RXU�EXVLQHVV�� 7KH� LPSDFW�RI� WKRVH� ULVNV� ²�KRZ�ZLOO� WKH\�DIIHFW� WKH� UXQQLQJ�RI�your business��$�UHYLHZ�RI�ZKDW�\RXU�FXUUHQW�SURFHGXUHV�DUH��$�SODQ�WR�UHGXFH�WKH�OLNHOLKRRG�RI�WKH�ULVNV��$�SODQ�WR�VKRZ�ZKDW�\RX�ZLOO�GR�LI�WKH�ULVNV�GR�RFFXU��$Q�HPHUJHQF\�SODQ��*RRG�WUDLQLQJ�IRU�DOO�HPSOR\HHV��0RQLWRULQJ�DQG�UHYLHZLQJ�WKH�SODQA good Business Continuity / Crisis Plan is simple to understand, practical and achievable. It must be kept where people know ZKHUH� DQG� KRZ� WR� JHW� WR� LW� ²� LW·V� QR� JRRG� RQ� WKH� FRPSXWHU� LQ�WKH�RIÀFH�LI�\RX�FDQ·W�JHW�LQWR�WKH�RIÀFH���1E��7KLV�PD\�EH�ZKHUH�

“Cloud” storage would be ideal).A good Business Continuity Plan clearly shows who should be do-LQJ�ZKDW�²�3ODQ� WKH�GHOHJDWLRQ�RI� WDVNV� LQ� WKH�FROG� OLJKW�RI�GD\��i.e. now, ready to delegate tasks and make people accountable.

What basic advice do you give to SMEs looking to start implementing a business continuity plan?SME’s need to accept that a Business Continuity Plan is a good thing, no matter how small they are.Keep it simple and start small!$VN� \RXUVHOI�ZKDW� ULVNV� FRXOG� VWRS� \RX�RSHUDWLQJ� \RXU�EXVLQHVV� ²�whether they are risks caused by you or your staff or risks that you may be affected by i.e. caused by others.Have a “Plan B”.There’s lots of free advice available on the internet and good consultancies will always be able to help you implement a prag-matic plan.

Where are you basedWe are based in the Arlington Business Park in Stevenage.

A good Business Continuity / Crisis Plan is simple to understand, practical and achievable...

... and clearly shows who should be doing what

23www.businessindependent.co.uk

DISASTER RECOVERY PROTECTING YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET

Whereas stock can be insured and replaced, data cannot. Customer databases, supplier contacts, orders, emails - all the information needed to run a business - could be wiped out as a UHVXOW�RI� WKHIW��ÀUH�RU�GDPDJH���XQOHVV� WKH� ULJKW�SURYLVLRQV�DUH� LQ�place. ´8QSUHGLFWDEOH�HYHQWV��VXFK�DV�H[WUHPH�ZHDWKHU�FRQGLWLRQV��FLYLO�XQUHVW��ÁRRGLQJ�DQG�ÀUH�UHLQIRUFH�WKH�LPSRUWDQFH�IRU�HYHU\�EXVLQHVV��large or small, to back up their data, and most importantly to do it off site,” says Peter Groucutt, Managing Director of Databarracks /LPLWHG��RQH�RI�WKH�ÀUVW�FRPSDQLHV�LQ�WKH�8.�WR�RIIHU�IXOO\�PDQDJHG�online backup and Disaster Recovery (DR) services. ´:KDW·V�PRUH��WKHUH�DUH�WKH�KLGGHQ�FRQVHTXHQFHV�RI�GDWD�ORVV�WR�take into account – a breakdown in communication with customers DQG�VXSSOLHUV�FDQ�OHDG�WR�D�ODFN�RI�FRQÀGHQFH�LQ�WKH�FRPSDQ\��FDXVLQJ�GDPDJH�WKDW�LV�GLIÀFXOW�WR�TXDQWLI\�µ�DGGV�*URXFXWW��´(YHQ�LI�D�FRPSDQ\�LVQ·W�SK\VLFDOO\�DIIHFWHG�E\�D�GLVDVWHU�VXFK�DV�ÁRRGLQJ�RU�HYHQ� ULRWLQJ��ZKHQ� ODUJH�DUHDV�DUH�FRUGRQHG�RII�RU�EHFRPH�QR�JR�]RQHV��LW�FDQ�UHVWULFW�HQWU\�WR�RIÀFH�SUHPLVHV��PDNLQJ�LW�LPSRVVLEOH�WR�RSHUDWH�D�EXVLQHVV�µ�VD\V�*URXFXWW��́ 7KDW·V�ZK\�UHPRWH�access is an essential part of an IT Disaster Recovery (DR) Plan.”Databarracks has compiled a list of key factors to consider when devising a DR strategy:

REMOTE ACCESSRemote access can be achieved by a Disaster Recovery portal, so providing there is an internet connection, staff can log on and start using their own accounts, allowing them access to servers, GDWD� DQG� EXVLQHVV� FULWLFDO� DSSOLFDWLRQV� OLNH�0LFURVRIW�2IÀFH�� DV�well as any other bespoke applications to do with their business.

BACKING UP AND RESTORING SYSTEMSThere are three main routes to backing up and restoring systems, all of which allow remote access. The solution implemented is dictated by business requirements and recovery time objectives.´7KH�IDVWHVW�ZD\�WR�SURWHFW�\RXU�,7�HQYLURQPHQW�LV�WR�UHSOLFDWH�LW�WR�D�GDWD�FHQWUH�µ�UHYHDOV�*URXFXWW��´7KH�LQLWLDO�VHHGLQJ�FDQ�KDSSHQ�on site and within hours your entire infrastructure can be uploaded. Any changes you make to your systems after the replication are then sent online.”´3OXV��ZLWK�D�UHSOLFDWHG�HQYLURQPHQW�\RX�FDQ�EH�XS�DQG�UXQQLQJ�again within minutes rather than hours,” adds Groucutt.´:H� XVH� PDUNHW� OHDGLQJ� UHSOLFDWLRQ� SURGXFWV� VXFK� DV� 9HHDP��PlateSpin and Double-Take for DR and failover,” says Groucutt.

´5HSOLFDWLRQ� GRHVQ·W� KDYH� WR� EH� PXFK� PRUH� H[SHQVLYH� EXW�companies should assess how costly downtime would be to their business.” Alternatively, an enterprise can choose to back up to a virtual environment of their business, allowing for smooth restoration and medium recovery times. Thirdly there is the option to backup and restore physical environments. Although this will take slightly longer to get up and running, recovery times ultimately depend on the amount of data that needs to be restored.

24/7/365 CUSTOMER SUPPORTIt is essential when choosing a Managed Service DR provider that WKH\�RIIHU� IUHH� ����� \HDU� URXQG�FXVWRPHU� VXSSRUW�� 7KH\� VKRXOG�RIIHU�D�WHFKQLFDO�WHDP�RQ�FDOO�����GD\V�D�\HDU�UHDG\�WR�VWDUW�WKH�recovery process immediately.

IS THE DATA CENTRE RESILIENT AND SECURE?Companies need to make sure that their data is being stored in the most secure environment possible and on the best possible hardware, or they could still be vulnerable. Databarracks’ ultra-VHFXUH��7LHU����GDWD�FHQWUH�XVHV�VRPH�RI� WKH�PRVW� UHVLOLHQW�KDUG-ware available and is located in a low risk area in a nuclear EXQNHU��ZKLFK�LV�PDQQHG�ZLWK����KRXU�VHFXULW\�DQG�KDV�LQGHSHQGHQW�power supplies.

ALTERNATIVE OFFICE PREMISESMany business owners will have backed up their systems but after D�GLVDVWHU� VXFK�DV�ÀUH�RU�ÁRRGLQJ�ZLOO�KDYH�QRZKHUH� WR�RSHUDWH�from. ´:H� KDYH� D� EDVHPHQW� RI� IUHH� RIÀFH� VSDFH� IRU� FXVWRPHUV� ZKR�have to relocate in an emergency,” reveals Groucutt. ´$OWHUQDWLYHO\��LI�D�EXVLQHVV�KDV�DOUHDG\�EDFNHG�XS�LWV�GDWD�WR�WDSH�or a hard drive, we can upload it to the data centre and provide the environment at home or elsewhere to get the company up and running again as a cloud service. ´,W�PHDQV�WKDW�EXVLQHVVHV�GRQ·W�KDYH�WR�RXWOD\�FDSLWDO�H[SHQGLWXUH�on hardware and instead operate their IT infrastructure on a utility basis, paying at the end of each month.”

Databarracks Limitedwww.databarracks.com�������������

While it’s relatively easy to put a value on stock for insurance purposes, pricing one of your most precious as-sets – your company data – is far more challenging.

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S H O W G U I D E

TUESDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2011

THE HERTFORDSHIREBUSINESS

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INTRO & SPEAKERSINTRO )520�&281&,Ŵ25�(''<�52:/$1'��0$<25�2)�%52;%2851(

Hertfordshire Business Independent has held a number of successful events across Hertfordshire, including the Hertfordshire Business Expo in Watford. We are looking forward to them emulating that success here in Broxbourne. The event will give local businesses an opportunity to promote their brand in the area, but also to meet and network with other businesses across Hertfordshire and attend one of the many seminars and workshops that are on offer.

In 2011/12, Broxbourne Borough Council has prioritised improving the economic wellbeing in the area and supporting town centres as one of it’s key objectives. This includes a strong focus on business development, whether it be helping new businesses to become established, or existing businesses to grow. The Council’s support for engaging businesses is underpinned through events such as the Hertfordshire Business Expo.

We are in the fortunate position to be welcoming the London 2012 Games to the Borough next year when the Lea Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross will host the canoe slalom events. In Hoddesdon town centre, the Council recently approved the redevelopment of the Tower Centre and is working with developers to expand DQG�LQFUHDVH�WKH�RIIHU�DW�%URRNÀHOG��7KLV�LV�DQ�RSSRUWXQH�WLPH�IRU�EXVLQHVVHV�WR�YLVLW�Broxbourne as there are such a large number of investment opportunities in the area.

A WORD FROM THE ORGANISERSWelcome to the Autumn 2011 Hertfordshire Business Expo Special.We're delighted to be hosting our second EXPO in Broxbourne and have been thrilled at the enthusiastic response to this exciting day for Hertfordshire business. We would like to thank our sponsors, supporters, speakers, exhibitors and the business community in general for their support.We have an action packed day planned and this show guide will help you to plan your day effectively.If you haven't registered yet, just visit www.hertsexpo.co.uk where you can also book your own personal itinerary of networking, seminars, workshops. You can also catch a video clip of our Spring event, which attracted over 700 delegates and was an inspring and motivating day for all concerned.We look forward to seeing you there...Simon George, The HBI,Katrina Sargent & Karen Birch, The Business Club : West Herts

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INTRO & SPEAKERSRUBY WAXRuby Wax, best known for her T.V. documentaries and interviews, involvement with the Royal Shakespeare Company and her work as script editor for various shows including Absolutely Fabulous, brings her inimitable style to The Herts EXPO. Previously Ruby studied psychology at the University of Berkeley, California and Regent’s College, London and is currently studying for an MSt in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy at Oxford University. Ruby also facilitates leadership groups to improve their communication skills as well as coaching and advising individual executives. Clients include: BAe, Orange, The Welsh Assembly, KPMG, Skype, eBay, London Business School, Women in Retail, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, 0LFURVRIW�� 5RIIH\� 3DUN�� 7KH� +RPH� 2IÀFH�� -RKQVRQ� DQG� -RKQVRQ� 3KDUPDFHXWLFDOV��Bayer Pharmaceuticals, GMT Communication Partners, O2.

WARREN CASS0RVW� RI� \RX� UHDGLQJ� WKLV�ZLOO� KDYH�SURÀOHV� RQ�PDQ\�RI� WKH�PDLQ� VLWHV� �)DFHERRN��LinkedIn and twitter). You are there because you feel you ought to be, after all everyone else is, but you probably still don’t understand the opportunity, aren't achieving a return on investment and I doubt you have a strategy in place.

Come and join me, Warren Cass on the 8th November at XXXXXXX where we can put this right. I will give you a framework for implementing a strategy having already GHP\VWLÀHG�WKH�RSSRUWXQLW\�IRU�\RX��:H�ZLOO�ORRN�DW�ORDGV�RI�H[DPSOHV�RI�KRZ�RWKHU�businesses large and small have used social media…. The good, the bad and the ugly!

I promise we will have a bit of fun in the process! Hope to see you there!

DAVID KEYDavid is one of the UK’s leading behavioural strategists and has 27 years extensive business experience, delivering training programmes for sales, goal setting, motivation, leadership, management and customer services. He understands the important link between learning new ways of thinking and how WKRXJKWV�DIIHFW�EHKDYLRXU��ZKLFK� LV� LPSHUDWLYH� LI�\RX�ZDQW� WR�DFKLHYH�VLJQLÀFDQWO\�improved business results, quickly. )URP� ODUJH� FRUSRUDWH� FOLHQWV� WR� DZDUG� ZLQQLQJ� +ROO\ZRRG� ÀOP� SURGXFHUV�� 'DYLG�teaches, guides, coaches and installs new behavioural strategies enabling people to get the best from themselves and those around them, effortlessly. David insists that properly trained, coached and motivated employees are the key to business success, period!'DYLG�LV�FXUUHQWO\�ÀQLVKLQJ�D�QHZ�ERRN�´6723�6(//,1*�12:�&RPH�WR�<RXU�6HQVHVµ�and has created a 16 CD and 2 DVD based Business NLP Home Study Program which is recognised internationally, as leading edge.

KIMBERLY DAVISKimberly Davis is an accomplished marketing entrepreneur, author, and business mentor. She is the owner of Sarsaparilla Ltd. where she pioneered the concept of ©0DUNHWLQJ�3XULÀFDWLRQª�²�WKH�SURFHVV�RI�KHOSLQJ�FRPSDQLHV�PDNH�PRUH�PRQH\�ZLWK�less by detoxing their marketing programme and protecting them from The Flash, Fluff and Fakers. Her passion for helping SMEs led to the creation of The Marketing Masters Series which is a collection of full day events offering training, inspirational talks, and networking in critical areas of marketing such as social media, PR, advertising, branding, websites, writing & communications, customer service, and more. Kimberly’s Mentoring Club allows business owners and professionals from all across the UK to access individual advice and attention from Kimberly so that they can accelerate growth and fast track results.Kimberly is also known from The Apprentice Series 5, where she quickly gained the UHSXWDWLRQ�DV�©WKH�QLFHVW�FDQGLGDWH�HYHUª��7KH�*XDUGLDQ��

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DAVID BAUM : DEANEM COLLECTIONSIMPROVE YOUR SETTLEMENT DAYS WITHOUT UPSETTING YOUR CLIENT

It’s a fact that more business fail through lack of cash than lack of orders. Another fact is that the majority of business owners do not know how to maximise their credit control. The workshop will be conducted by David Baum the Chief Executive of 'HDQHP�&ROOHFWLRQV�/WG�ZKR�KDYH�VLQFH������EHHQ�ÀQDOLVWV�LQ�&UHGLW�7RGD\·V�'HEW�Collection Awards. David can and will provide you with the tools of how to improve \RXU�FDVK�ÁRZ��7KH�LQWHUDFWLYH�ZRUNVKRS�ZLOO�WHDFK�\RX�KRZ�WR�DYRLG�EHLQJ�WKH�subject of fraud, how to recognise the 3 stages of Bankruptcy and when to divorce the client who is a liability.

MIKE WOOLNAUGH : PENINSULAREMPLOYMENT LAW/HEALTH & SAFETY MASTERLCLASS

Established in 1983, Peninsula is the UK’s largest Employment Law and Health and Safety consultancy; providing fast and practical 24 hour advice to 25,000 employers. We leave nothing to chance, providing insurance indemnity, TaxWise - a tax free SURWHFWLRQ� VHUYLFH� DJDLQVW� LQYHVWLJDWLRQ�� DQG� %XVLQHVV:LVH� ²� WKH� FRPSOHWH� +5�management tool aimed to ease the burden on employers. We are there to inform and aid you every step of the way, giving your business a more certain future. Our aim is to take care of all your Employment Law and Health & Safety issues, meaning you can focus on growing your business. Protecting your Business is our Business.

SHIRISH CHAUHAN : TOTAL WSIHOW SMART IS YOUR MOBILE STRATEGY?

How Smart is Your Mobile Strategy? Background: Growth in smartphones has been rapid and continues to grow as do sales of tablet pcs. Is your business maximising the opportunities this penetration and growth provides? Content: The mobile phone landscape. Current Trends Why should you care How to improve Engagement and lead generation 5 Key Takeaways to add value to your mobile strategy.

CLIVE MULLIGAN : SIMPLY CONSULTINGPLAY YOUR MARKETING CARDS RIGHT

Traditional marketers talk about return on investment, but lets be honest most small businesses don’t know how to get the best return our of their marketing spend if they have any spend to spend. Most small businesses don’t know where or how to start with their marketing activity. Using a pack of playing cards as the back drop to this SUHVHQWDWLRQ�\RX�ZLOO�OHDUQ�KRZ�EHVW�WR�´SOD\�WKH�KDQG�\RXU�DUH�GHDOWµ

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GARY EVANS : ACTION COACHTHE 7 DEADLIEST SMALL BUSINESS SINS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

What are the 7 deadly sins that successful companies have learned to avoid, but all too many businesses still manage to fall foul of? In this interactive and engaging session, you will learn what they are and how to avoid them. You will walk away with a different perspective on your business, the choices you’re currently exercising as well as strategies you need to make sure your business is set up for long term success Gary owns and runs a business growth and development practice founded on the EHOLHI�WKDW�EXVLQHVV�RZQHUVKLS�VKRXOG�EH�IXOÀOOLQJ��UHZDUGLQJ�DQG�YHU\�SURÀWDEOH��%\�turning 25 years of sales, business growth, and customer service experience with some of the world’s most innovative organisations, into practical strategies, tools and business education for small businesses, he helps business owners, who have the commitment and courage to face their challenges and take positive action, to become masters of their businesses rather than slaves to them.

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6WUHHWV� &KDUWHUHG� $FFRXQWDQWV� LV� FHOHEUDWLQJ� LWV� ÀUVW� \HDU� RI�EHLQJ� LQ� 6WHYHQDJH� IROORZLQJ� WKH� RSHQLQJ� RI� LWV� QHZ� RIÀFH�only last September. The last 12 months have been both busy DQG�SURGXFWLYH� IRU�ÀUP��QRW� OHDVW�ZLWK� LWV�PHUJHU�ZLWK� WKH�ZHOO�established Stevenage based practice ISA Accountants. Following the merger the new practice of Streets ISA Chartered Accountants, which was based in Stevenage old town, has EHHQ�UHORFDWHG�WR�6WUHHWV·�RIÀFH�ORFDWHG�DW�WKH�FRQWHPSRUDU\�*DWHZD\������%XVLQHVV�3DUN��DW�-XQFWLRQ���RI�WKH�$���0����$V�D� WRS����8.�DFFRXQWDQF\�SUDFWLFH�� 6WUHHWV� ,6$�&KDUWHUHG�Accountants and Tax Advisers, bring a fresh approach to the SURYLVLRQ�RI�DFFRXQWDQF\�VHUYLFHV���6WUHHWV�,6$·V�HPSKDVLV�LV�RQ�SURYLGLQJ�FRPPHUFLDOO\� IRFXVHG�DGYLFH� WR�KHOS�FOLHQWV�DWWDLQ�WKHLU� JRDOV�� � 7KH� DELOLW\� WR� SURYLGH� VSHFLDOLVW� WD[� DGYLFH� DOVR�HQVXUH�FOLHQWV·�PLQLPLVH�WKHLU�WD[�OLDELOLWLHV�QRZ�DQG�LQ�WKH�IXWXUH��7KH�ÀUP� ORRNV�DIWHU� WKH�QHHGV�RI�FOLHQWV� UDQJLQJ� IURP� VWDUW�XS�ventures, through to larger owner managed and corporate HQWHUSULVHV���2YHU�WKH� ODVW����PRQWKV�WKH�ÀUP�KDV��DORQJ�ZLWK� LWV�FRQWLQXHG�support for established businesses, been providing support and JXLGDQFH�WR�D�QXPEHU�RI�QHZ�DQG�HPHUJLQJ�PDUNHWV���:LWKLQ�WKH�ÀHOG�RI�HGXFDWLRQ�6WUHHWV�,6$�KDV�EHHQ�ZRUNLQJ�FORVHO\�ZLWK�ORFDO�VFKRROV�LQYROYHG�LQ�WKH�SURFHVV�RI�FRQYHUWLQJ�WR�$FDGHP\�

VWDWXV�� � ,QFUHDVHG� LQWHUHVW� LQ� UHQHZDEOH� HQHUJ\� DQG� EURDGHU�JUHHQ�LVVXHV�WRR�KDV�VHHQ�D�IRFXV�IRU�DGYLFH�RQ�VSHFLÀF�WD[�DQG�ÀQDQFLDO�SODQQLQJ�LVVXHV���(TXDOO\�EXVLQHVVHV�ORRNLQJ�IRU�JHQHUDO�business advice around funding and growth strategies have EHHQ�D�NH\�DVSHFW�RI�WKH��ÀUP·V�ZRUN�7KH�EHQHÀW�RI�KDYLQJ�JRRG�UHFRUG�NHHSLQJ��HVSHFLDOO\�IRU�VPDOO�EXVLQHVVHV�� KDV� � � EHHQ� NHHSLQJ� WKH� ÀUP� EXV\�� � $V� 6$*(�� WKH�popular accounting software, resellers and trainers Streets ISA has been providing support and assistance to clients and non FOLHQWV�NHHQ�WR�JHW�WKHLU�ERRNV�LQ�RUGHU�/RRNLQJ�WR�WKH�\HDU�DKHDG�6WUHHWV�,6$��DORQJ�ZLWK�WKH�ÀUPV�RWKHU�RIÀFHV�ORFDWHG�DFURVV�WKH�(DVW�RI�(QJODQG�DQG�/RQGRQ��ZLOO�EH�IRFXVLQJ�RQ�WKH�QHHGV�RI�H[LVWLQJ�FOLHQWV�DV�ZHOO�DV�VHHNLQJ�WR�JURZ�LWV�FOLHQW�EDVH���,Q�SDUWLFXODU�IRU�HVWDEOLVKHG�EXVLQHVVHV�WKH�HPSKDVLV�ZLOO�EH�RQ�GHDOLQJ�ZLWK�WKH�FKDOOHQJHV�WKH\�IDFH�LQ�WKH�FXUUHQW�FOLPDWH���$V�RQH�RI��� LI�QRW��WKH�PRVW�WUXVWHG�DGYLVHU�WR�businesses the role and importance of the external accountant KDV�SUREDEO\�QHYHU�EHHQ�VR�LPSRUWDQW���&HUWDLQO\�6WUHHWV�,6$�VHH�WKDW� WKH\�KDYH�NH\� UROH� WR�SOD\�SDUWLFXODUO\� IRU� WKRVH� WKDW�DUH�ORRNLQJ�IRU�DQ�DFFRXQWDQW�WKDW�FDQ�GR�PRUH�WKDQ�DGG�XS���

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We understand that you have a choice, which is why we pride ourselves on our ability

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Established in 1932 Moffatt Saunders is a member of the CCV Group, one of the UK's

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We specialise in Corporate, Commercial and Personal Insurances and provide a wide range

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SPONSORS

www.myincubator.co.uk 0845 026 2081

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Business Incubation Centres across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire designed to support entrepreneurs and create successful businesses. My Incubator facilities include:

Access to a hot desk with a PC, telephone & broadband A professional business address Ongoing advice & guidance from a dedicated advisor Bespoke business planning & project fundraising advice With brand new training courses launched to support businesses

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0<�,1&8%$725Intensive support for start-up businesses My Incubator is Wenta’s new business incubation service offered to pre-start clients free of charge for up to 3 months. This unique concept provides pre-start clients with a dedicated workspace and advisor support, in-house or virtual, to help fast track their business ideas. For a small À[HG�IHH��WKHVH�IDFLOLWLHV�DUH�DOVR�DYDLODEOH�WR�QHZ�DQG�early stage businesses not wanting to work from home.

My Incubator facilities include:- Access to a hot desk with a PC, telephone & broadband- A professional business address- Ongoing advice & guidance from a dedicated advisor- Bespoke business planning & project fundraising advice- With brand new training courses launched to support businesses

7KHUH�DUH�FXUUHQWO\�IRXU�0\�,QFXEDWRU·V�ORFDWLRQV��7KH�%XVLQHVV��7HFKQRORJ\�&HQWUH��EWF��LQ�6WHYHQDJH��7KH�:HQWD�Business Centre in Watford, The Enterprise Centre in Potters Bar and the fourth, at the Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber RI�&RPPHUFH�RIÀFHV�LQ�/XWRQ��%\�HDUO\������:HQWD�DUH�SODQQLQJ�WR�RSHQ�D�IXUWKHU�WZR�0\�,QFXEDWRU�FHQWUHV�7R�ÀQG�RXW�PRUH�DERXW�WKH�QHZ�0\�,QFXEDWRU�IDFLOLWLHV�SOHDVH�YLVLW�ZZZ�P\LQFXEDWRU�FR�XN�RU�FRQWDFW�XV�GLUHFWO\�on 0845 371 0891 or email info@myincubator.co.uk.

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Switch your business web access from slow-mo to fast-forwardStruggling with slow internet access and need faster speeds to use web-based applications? Vtesse is deploying the latest EFM (Ethernet First Mile) technology in Hertfordshire to provide fast, reliable and affordable business internet access at speeds of up to 40 Mbit/s.

Sponsoring

Contact us today: 0800 644 8678 or sales@vtesse.com or visit www.vtesse.com

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9,7(66(�1(7:25.6Vtesse Networks, headquartered in Hertford, provides networking solutions to organisations which need fast, reliable and cost-HIIHFWLYH�QHWZRUNV�WR�VXFFHHG��2SHUDWLQJ�QDWLRQDOO\��9WHVVH�SURYLGHV�VHUYLFHV�RYHU�D�ÀEUH�RSWLF�QHWZRUN�FRYHULQJ�DOO�PDMRU�WRZQV�and cities in the UK.

)RU�EXVLQHVVHV� VWDUWLQJ� WR� XVH� ´FORXGµ�EDVHG� VHUYLFHV� VXFK�DV�&XVWRPHU� 5HODWLRQVKLS�0DQDJHPHQW� �&50��DSSOLFDWLRQV�� FRVW�HIIHFWLYH��IDVW�LQWHUQHW�DFFHVV�LV�D�PXVW���9WHVVH�LV�GHSOR\LQJ�WKH�ODWHVW�´()0µ��(WKHUQHW�)LUVW�0LOH��WHFKQRORJ\�LQ�+HUWIRUGVKLUH�WR�provide fast, reliable and affordable business internet access at speeds of up to 40Mbit/s. For companies that need to connect multiple sites together, this technology also provides connectivity for Vtesse’s national Ethernet VPN service. Vtesse's high speed Ethernet VPN service allows businesses to centralise applications and reduce costs of running IT infrastructure.

Underlining its commitment to the East of England, Vtesse recently opened a 30,000 sq ft data centre in Hertfordshire, which provides a secure environment for companies to house their IT equipment. Close to the M25, the data centre is attracting business customers looking to move out of costly and outdated London facilities.

SPONSORS

Peninsula Seminars:

The employment law seminar will cover both recent and forthcoming changes to employment law and will provide practical advice and offer time to have any questions you may have answered by our experts. Comprehensive hand-outs will be distributed at the end of the event, covering all topics discussed in the seminar.

The seminar will be presented by one of Peninsula’s senior legislation specialists who will go through each topic in a manner which is easy to understand and which offers easy to follow advice. The event will show you how much there really is take into consideration, however don’t get scared by it.

The information you will gain from attending the seminar will show exactly how you can win back control of YOUR Business by understanding the world of Employment Law.

For further information please call Mike Woolnough on 07966112083 or Claire Woolnough on 07896037029.

Unravelling The Red Tape: Peninsula consultants, Mike and Claire Woolnough, will be on hand at The Hertfordshire Business Expo to help you through day to day issues you come across.Don’t get wrapped up in red tape. With so many changes in Employment Law some employers feel that they don’t want to take on staff. Unravel red tape with Peninsula with a 1 hour presentation. Presentation 11am – 12pm.

3(1,168/$5Established in 1983, Peninsula is the UK’s largest Employment Law and Health and Safety consultancy; providing fast and practical 24 hour advice to 25,000 employers. We leave nothing to chance, providing insurance indemnity, TaxWise - a tax free protection VHUYLFH�DJDLQVW�LQYHVWLJDWLRQ��DQG�%XVLQHVV:LVH�²�WKH�FRPSOHWH�+5�PDQDJHPHQW�WRRO�DLPHG�WR�HDVH�WKH�EXUGHQ�RQ�HPSOR\HUV��We are there to inform and aid you every step of the way, giving your business a more certain future. Our aim is to take care of all your Employment Law and Health & Safety issues, meaning you can focus on growing your business.

Protecting your Business is our Business.

:DQW�WR�ÀQG�RXW�PRUH�DERXW�ZKDW�3HQLQVXOD�FDQ�RIIHU�\RXU�EXVLQHVV"�*HW�LQ�WRXFK�WRGD\��&RQWDFW�&ODLUH�:RROQRXJK�RQ����������7029 or via email, Claire.Woolnough@peninsula-uk.com. Alternatively Mike Woolnough is available on 0796 611 2083 or on email; Mike.Woolnough@peninsula-uk.com

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Sorry to break it to you but you are going to die!We don’t have a crystal ball, but at Abbotts we can help you to ensure everything is in order when that day arrives.

Top Tips for Business Owners�Ensure your business can continue if you die or develop a mental incapacity �Have a partnership agreement that details clearly the Buy-Sell Agreement

�Appoint�Appoint those you trust to work on your behalf as business executors/attorneys

�Look at insurance to buy out the deceased partner’s family

Abbotts Wills & Probate Services will be exhibiting at the Hertfordshire Business Expo on November 8th at Broxbourne Civic Centre. Pop along and have a chat and qualify for a 10% discount.

Abbotts Wills and Probate Services, Conbar House, Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire, SG13 7AP0845 313 3313 info@abbottswills.co.uk www.abbottswills.co.uk

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63(('�1(7:25.,1*�:,7+�7+(�%86,1(66�&/8%�11:00 - 12:00 FREE63(('�1(7:25.,1*�KDV�EHFRPH�VRPHWKLQJ�RI�D�VLJQDWXUH�HYHQW�IRU�7KH�%XVLQHVV�&OXE�DQG�LV�D�TXDUWHUO\�À[WXUH�RQ�WKHLU�HYHQW�calendar.This dynamic, fast-paced, business-generating event allows delegates to meet everyone in the room. It is designed to build connections, start new business relationships and is one of the fastest ways of building your contact base.The Business Club’s unique matrix ensures you have the chance to promote yourself and your business to ALL attendees on a table-by-table basis and make many new connections that could lead you to new business.

Bring heaps of business cards, promotional literature, a big smile and lots of energy...

Book in for your session now at www.hertsexpo.com

1(7:25.,1*�%5($.)$67�:,7+�1(7/,1.('08:00 - 10:00 £10 21�7+(�'2257KH�FUHDWLRQ�RI�QHW/LQNHG�LV�WKH�UHVSRQVH�WR�D�JURZLQJ�PRYHPHQW��IDFLOLWDWLQJ�WKH�IXVLRQ�RI�RIÁLQH�DQG�RQOLQH�EXVLQHVV�QHWZRUNLQJ�and lead generation. We have created both a real and a virtual business network environment which helps businesses grow,educates both individuals and companies to exploit the full power of a combined virtual and real network and promotes continuous learning via membership of a powerful national network Group.

Book in for your session now at www.hertsexpo.co.uk

EXPO

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ARE YOU CONFIDENT YOUR CURRENT PENSION ARRANGEMENTS WILL GIVE YOU ENOUGH MONEY

TO RETIRE ON?

DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN EASILY CHANGE THOSE ARRANGEMENTS?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BUILD A PORTFOLIO THAT’S AFFORDABLE WITHOUT GETTING YOUR FINGERS BURNT?

At SLR we will help you to review your existing pension arrangements and show you how to increase your future income and capital growth. We offer property, land and green investment products designed to diversify our clients’ portfolios.

For your free consultation call us on 020 3245 1126, Freephone 0800 083 1349or e-mail lesley@slric.com.

H O S T E D T E L E P H O N Y S E R V I C E

Interested in a cost effective yet contemporary, new phone system? Consider our Broadband based, Hosted Telephony Services; fully

scalable future proofed solution reduces up front and replacement setup costs for traditional phone equipment.

Within the next three years it is estimated that more than 50% of corporate telecommunications will be hosted using Broadband Voice over IP networks. Education and innovation have led to greater understanding and demand for IP telephony - and we are currently on the edge of an unprecedented increase in its use across all industry sectors.

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Contact us today on 0800 0522323 or email sales@expresstelephony.co.uk to fi nd out more or

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CALL FREEFONE 0800 0522323 or visit www.expresstelephony.co.uk

EXPRESS TELEPHONY & YOUR BUSINESS! Hosted Telephony holds signifi cant value and cost-saving attributes for any business, by removing the additional responsibility and cost of buying and operating a typical PBX system. Hosted Telephony offers a simple approach that decreases cost, responsibility and resources while increasing functionality, growth/scalability and fl exibility. Our Express Telephony Service is designed to allow you to focus on your business aims and objectives rather than the cost, ownership and support of its telephone network.

EXPRESS TELEPHONY BENEFITS? Keep your existing fi xed line phone number and use it anywhere in the UK!

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THE CHAMBER COMMUNITY BUSINESS AWARDS 2011

A lavish dinner/dance marked the culmination of the fourth St Albans District Chamber of Commerce Community Business Awards ����� DV� WKH�ZLQQHUV� RI� WKH� ÀHUFHO\� IRXJKW� FRPSHWLWLRQ�ZHUH� DQQRXQFHG�� 7KH� DZDUGV� FHUHPRQ\� WRRN� SODFH� DW�2OG� $OEDQLDQV� LQ�Harpenden Road, St Albans, at the end of September where 130 guests enjoyed a three course meal before the ceremony began. The event was hosted by two chamber Directors June Cory and Paul Rosenthal7KH�ZLQQHUV�LQ�WKH�VL[�FDWHJRULHV�FROOHFWHG�WURSKLHV��ZLWK�WZR�UXQQHUV�XS�LQ�HDFK�FDWHJRU\�FROOHFWLQJ�FHUWLÀFDWHV�The business awards recognise outstanding contribution to the business community and are open to individuals and businesses whose business strategy encompasses policies and projects that have a positive impact on the St Albans district.

IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF BUSINESS TO THE COMMUNITY OF THE ST ALBANS DISTRICT

´:H�DUH�GHOLJKWHG�WR�KDYH�ZRQ�WKH�Green Business Awardthis year. Lussmanns strives to be an ethical and sustainable restaurant, championing the best British suppliers, managing our resources effectively, engaging with the community and minimising our impact on the environment. We hope that this important recognition by the St Albans Chamber of Commerce will encourage more restaurants to do the same.” Andrei Lussmann

´7KH�DZDUGV�HYHQW�ZDV�HOHFWULF��WKH�&KDPEHU�GLG�D�IDE�MRE��:H�DUH�GHOLJKWHG�to win this prestigious award in the local community & would like to thanks all patrons of Chez Mumtaj for voting for us” Chad Rahman, Managing Director

´,·P�DEVROXWHO\�

delighted for

Debenhams Ottaway

to be recognised with

the Award for Best

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selected following

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all the more satisfying.

Our CSR programme

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effort with so many DO people giving freely of

their time and energy. It’s excellent recognition

for all at DO.”

Ian Hopkins, Chief Executive

Being nominated for the Young Person Award, was a wonderful surprise. It was also a real pleasure to meet with the judges and talk to them about my career, life and future aspirations. Being named as a ÀQDOLVW�DQG�WKHQ�DWWHQGLQJ�WKH�LQFUHGLEO\�ZHOO�organised awards ceremony, with the support of such fabulous friends and family was so exciting. I was really moved, and delighted, by the kind words that people said and wrote about me.Sitting at the back of the venue on the night, I never expected to win anything and when my name was called out I was astounded! From VWDUW�WR�ÀQLVK�WKLV�KDV�EHHQ�DQ�H[SHULHQFH�WKDW�,�ZLOO�QHYHU�IRUJHW��Katie Cairns, Cardif Pinnacle

‘We were very surprised and

pleased to win this award,

especially when we saw the other

candidates who were nominated in

our category. It is always good to

receive recognition of your

efforts and this award has made us

feel very upbeat and positive for

the future. The awards dinner was

very well planned, fun and it was

really nice to be able to network

with other different St Albans

businesses and discuss our

concerns and opportunities for the future.’

Jo Mathers, Cup Cake Clothing

´,W�LV�DQ�KRQRXU�WR�EH�UHFRJQLVHG�E\�WKH�&KDPEHU�of Commerce by receiving this award. Over the SDVW����\HDUV�PDQ\�SHRSOH�KDYH�EHQHÀWHG�IURP�the funds raised by the thousands of participants

in the Half Marathon. I accept the award on behalf of everyone who has been involved in

organising what is now a major event in the St. Albans sporting calendar.” Phil Gibson, Chittenden Autos

28

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDENot too sure what to put in the box for your secret santa this year? Whether you need inspiration for that hard to buy for member of your family or a fellow colleague, let Hbi bring the shops to you this Christmas.

health

& beauty

%DFK�5HVFXH�&UHDP���������IRU���J�DQG�������IRU���J%DFK�5HVFXH�%DOP��������Both of these are great for those with sensitive skin. :LWK�QDWXUDO�KHUEV�DQG�ÀYH�ÁRZHU�HVVHQFHV��WKHVH�DUH�the perfect gift for the long winter nights as they help to keep skin protected through the cold seasons.Lee Stafford Poker Straight Mini Box - £10Four Poker Straight mini must haves make the perfect VWRFNLQJ�ÀOOHU��7KLV�HVVHQWLDO�PLQL�NLW�IRU�FUHDWLQJ�3RNHU�Straight Hair includes Poker Straight Shampoo and Conditioner, Dry Shampoo and Poker Straight 'HKXPLGLÀHU�

Choc On Choc - Available from www.chocolateon-FKRFRODWH�FR�XN������

Calling all chocolate lovers! This extensive range is VXUH�WR�VDWLVI\�WKH�FKRRVLHVW��RI�SHRSOH�²�WKH\�DUH�HYHQ�

decorated with edible glitter!7KRUQWRQV�+RQH\FRPE�5RFNV��������

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Union Jack Business Card Holder – £9.99Racing Car Memo Holder – ������Golf Club Bag Pen Pot – ������'HVN�&DGG\���������'HFLVLRQ�0DNHU�²�������3HDFRFN�1HVWLQJ�%R[HV�²����World Explorer Nesting Boxes – ������Rose Photo Frame Desk $FFHVVRU\�²������Summer Garden Desk and Letter Organiser - £12Crocodile Desk $FFHVVRU\�²�������Jane Austin Writing -RXUQDO��������

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29www.businessindependent.co.uk

The thought of planning the company Christmas party is, for many, an uncertain and scary prospect. This is often due to the large amount of pressure, lack of time and the stress of wanting to organise a really good night for the people you work with. So we let the experts at Chilli Sauce (http://www.chillisauce.co.uk/) lead the way and let us into their top tips of successful oraganisation of that all-important Christmas party.

PLANNING THE CHRISTMAS PARTY18 STEPS TO ORGANISING THE PERFECT CELEBRATION

����6(7�7+(�'$7(� Christmas is a busy period and diaries fill up fast, so get something pencilled in asap.Send potential dates around the office to find the preferred date and responses will give you an indication of numbers for the event. Usually when selecting a date, the majority rules and remember you can’t please everybody.To ensure a good turn out, send a save the date email to everybody as soon as you’ve settled on one. At this stage it doesn’t matter that you don’t know any details about the party, it’s more important to get as many people to the event as you can.

����*(7�7+(�%8'*(7 The size of your budget will ultimately impact on the type of Christmas party you organise.Allocate the budget by what is most important to your group. This will depend on the type of company you work for and the expectations of the people you work with.Do you have the budget to accommodate husbands, wives and partners? These are the people who support your people so it’s good to thank them if you can afford it – but don’t compromise the quality of the party over it.

����6285&(�7+(�9(18( The earlier you book the venue, the better – good venues go quickly!Make the most of the events team at the venue, they’ll know the space really well and will have seen plenty of events there – so fire your questions at them!Check that the venue will be willing to clear up afterwards, otherwise you may want them to hire in some extra help, rather than clear up yourselfBefore signing anything check back through the quote and ensure it includes everything you require and that there will be no hidden chargesFormally confirm the location.

����0$.(�,7�/22.�35(77<��7+(0,1*� Choose a theme and research thoroughly. Here are a few popular ideas: WUDGLWLRQDO�&KULVWPDV��YLQWDJH����V����V����V��TXLQWHVVHQWLDOO\�(QJOLVK��SDQWRPLPH��FLUFXV��&KLFDJR�MD]]��ZLQWHU�ZRQGHUODQG��EDOO-room, colours, film inspired, wild west, spy themed, Caribbean and Santa’s workshop.�� ��),//�%(//,(6��7+(�)22'��<RX·OO�QHHG�WR�GHFLGH�EHWZHHQ�XVLQJ� LQ�KRXVH�FDWHULQJ��ZKLFK�ZLOO�ZRUN�RXW�PXFK�FKHDSHU��RU�hiring in external caterers? This will depend on whether the venue allows external companies to cater for events and the budget available.Choose how you would like the food to be served, e.g. pre dinner nibbles placed on the tables or canapés taken round by waiting staff, a buffet or sit down three course meal with full silver service (and will this be a set menu or will guests need to choose beforehand)?

����620(7+,1*�72�0$.(�(9(5<%2'<�$�/,77/(�7,36<��25'(5�'5,1.6 Choose arrival drinks. Christmas favourites include Winter Pimms, Mulled Wine, Sparkling Wine, Christmas Cocktails or you could come up with a drink related to the theme.You’ll need to choose a serving process for drinks, either waiter service, order from the bar, drinks scattered around the venue or set up in one place so staff can just help themselves

����3/$1�72�0$.(�620(�12,6(��086,&� Usually dancing at the Christmas party is a must, but it depends on the type of group.Hire a DJ, musician, band or put together a Christmas playlist (have some music playing)Coordinate between the venue, DJ and band to ensure you have all the kit required, such as stage, dance floor, sound, lighting. Alternatively you may need to hire in some extra bits of kit.

����%22.�(17(57$,10(17� Choose entertainment. Here are a few popular ideas: comedian, juggler, table magician, casino tables, murder mystery, cocktail making or demonstration with flaring, caricaturist, dancers, after dinner speakers, cabaret act, stilt walkers, lookalikes, paparazzi, stunt show, circus performers, fun games (like giant scalextric, console games, air hockey, pool, jenga), impersonators, a firework show or karaoke.

����:$<6�72�(1+$1&(�<285�(9(17� Sometimes little changes can make all the difference. Here are some ideas:

Hire a photographer -so you’ll have visual reminders of the event. Good shots can be used on the company blog and website, in marketing materials and put up round the officePut together goody bags – but don’t just fill them with company collateral, things like chocolates and wine always go down well.Have a cloakroom – December is a cold month when large, heavy jackets are used, so take them off their hands when they arrive. If you’re expecting a large amount of guests, hire plenty of staff to manage when everybody arrives and leaves or suggest different arrival times (don’t have people waiting for ages in the cold).

�����25*$1,6(�75$163257$7,21 Get local taxi numbers and details on public transport for that night. Put details on one document and print copies out for when guests leave. Organise a coach (if required).

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Taking the UK’s obsession with smartphone Apps to the next level, ParamountZone.com is unveiling the Light-speed iHelicopter – the only remote-controlled helicopter on the UK market which can be piloted by iPhone or Android smartphones this Christmas.

The new technological gadget launched mid October and is exclusively available from ParamountZone.com. The iHelicopter takes App XVDJH�EH\RQG�WKH�VFUHHQ��JLYLQJ�JDGJHW�ÀHQGV�WKH�FKDQFH�WR�FRQWURO�DQG�Á\�WKHLU�RZQ�FKRSSHU�YLD�D�IUHH�VPDUWSKRQH�$SS��&RSWHU�Controller. 7KH�L+HOLFRSWHU�LV�WKH�SHUIHFW�&KULVWPDV�JLIW�IRU�WR\�ORYHUV�DQG�JDGJHW�DGGLFWV�RI�DOO�DJHV�DQG�FRPHV�DW�SULFH�RI�MXVW��������3DUDPRXQW=RQH�FRP·V�0DQDJLQJ�'LUHFWRU�-DPHV�0RUULV�FRPPHQWV��´:H·UH�FRQVWDQWO\�WHVWLQJ�KXQGUHGV�RI�FXWWLQJ�HGJH�JDGJHWV�DQG�WR\V�but the iHelicopter really impressed us – great packaging, a high quality concept and the innovative way it can be controlled from a smartphone. And for once, unlike other similar products on the market, this isn’t just about iPhones: this model is compatible with several Android handsets, making it a truly accessible Christmas gift. Having spent more than a decade playing with and selling helicopters of all shapes and sizes, we know our choppers and can honestly say this is also the most durable of ‘copters we’ve ever had the pleasure of crashing.” The iHelicopter is simple to use: just download the free App from the iTunes App Store or Android Market, plug in the IR transmitter (included) and away you go! The helicopter can be controlled up/down, left/right, forward/back and is easy to use, thanks to the in-built Gyro. The App itself will be frequently updated with new features, meaning users get the ‘new product’ feeling again and again without any additional expenditure – for example, budding pilots will soon be able to enjoy the Flight Recording mode, which allows them to record D�ÁLJKW�VR�WKDW�WKH�KHOLFRSWHU�FDQ�SHUIRUP�WKH�VDPH�PRYHV�DJDLQ�DW�WKH�SUHVV�RI�D�EXWWRQ��7KH�L+HOLFRSWHU�LV�FRPSDWLEOH�ZLWK�L3KRQH��L3DG��iPod Touch and supported Android phones including: HTC - Desire S, HTC - Desire HD, HTC - Incredible S, Samsung - 9100, Samsung - i9000, 0RWR���0%�����/*���3�����+7&���:LOG�)LUH��+7&���:LOG�)LUH�6��+7&���+HUR��+7&���6HQVDWLRQ��3DUDPRXQW=RQH�FRP�KDYH�DOVR�DGGHG�RWKHU�SURGXFWV�WR�WKHLU� UDQJH�ZKLFK�FDQ�PDNH�VRPH�JUHDW�VWRFNLQJ�ÀOOHUV� IRU�&KULVWPDV��7KHVH�include:��7KH�6RODU�L3KRQH�&KDUJHU��D�JHQXLQH�PXVW�KDYH�IRU�DQ\RQH�ZLWK�D�EDWWHU\�VDSSLQJ�DGGLFWLRQ�WR�WKHLU�L3KRQH��L3RG��PRELOH�SKRQH��3'$���or digital camera, priced at just £19.99��7KH�:LUHOHVV�:HDWKHU�6WDWLRQ�²�$GYDQFHG�+RPH�)RUHFDVWHU��SHUIHFW�IRU�VWRUP�FKDVHUV��VXQ�ZRUVKLSSHUV�DQG�EXGGLQJ�PHWHRURORJLVWV�everywhere, priced at just £29.99��7KH�$GYDQFHG�6XQULVH�$ODUP�&ORFN��LGHDO�IRU�WKH�QRW�D�PRUQLQJ�SHUVRQ�LQ�\RXU�OLIH��SULFHG�DW�MXVW���������7KH�5HPRWH�&RQWURO�0LQL�5DFLQJ�.DUW��D�JUHDW�6HFUHW�6DQWD�JLIW�IRU�WKH�RIÀFH�ELJ�NLG��SULFHG�DW�MXVW������

iHELICOPTER- 2011’S MUST-HAVE CHRISTMAS GADGETiHELICOPTER – THE ANDROID & IPHONE-CONTROLLED HELICOPTER

31www.businessindependent.co.uk

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The Ultimate Wedding Entertainment ServicesTailor made packages for your wedding include:

To arrange a consultation please contact us on:01727 841 025 or 07970 275 998

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putting thesparkle back intobusiness catering

sandwiches finger foods cakes & fruit breakfasts drinksdrinksdrinks

tel: 01707 331751email: buffets@eatlunch.co.uk

CALL TODAY TO ARRANGE A MEETING & FREE SAMPLES

We hold a variety of dates, menus and accommodationpackages available for you to enjoy over the festive season.

From party nights in November for those of you who can’t waitfor Christmas to start, to Christmas lunches in the run up toand including Christmas day and of course New Years Eve.

Christmas Parties atMercure Letchworth

Hall HotelFrom 27th November through to the end of January

Please book fast as dates are limited.Prices range from £16.95 - £41.95 per person

Tel: 01462 650 501kevans@mercureletchworth.com

Mercure Letchworth Hall Hotel, Letchworth LaneLetchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3NP

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THE ALL-NEW STYLISH FORD RANGEREqually capable on and off-road, Ranger’s durability, power and reliability mean it’s a match for even the PRVW�GLIÀFXOW�FKDOOHQJHV��$�UHVW\OHG�H[WHULRU�ZLWK�KHDG�WXUQLQJ�ORRNV�KDV�FUHDWHG�D�PRUH�LPSRVLQJ�SUHVHQFH.

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VERSATILE INTERIOR 2Q�WKH�LQVLGH��5DQJHU�;/�RIIHUV�VW\OH��IXQFWLRQ�DQG�ÁH[LELOLW\�ZLWK�KDUG�ZHDULQJ�QHZ�IDEULF�VHDWV��DQ�LQWHJUDWHG�&'�5DGLR�03��DXGLR�V\V-WHP�DQG�ÁLS�GRZQ�UHDU�MXPS�VHDWV��6XSHU�&DE��WR�PD[LPL]H�VSDFH��The XLT has premium features, such as air conditioning, a high-quality 6-CD/MP3 audio system with aux-in connection, sophisticated YHORXU�WULP�DQG�FKURPH�ÀQLVKHV��WKDW�DOO�FUHDWH�D�FDU�OLNH�IHHOLQJ�RI�FRPIRUW��Thunder offers real luxury. Behind the privacy glass there are two-tone black leather seats (front heated), footwell and rear passenger lighting, illuminated ‘Ranger’ scuff plates and a clever off-road information centre with inclinometer. For those who demand the absolute best, look no further than the Wildtrak. Its spacious interior delivers all the executive luxury and com-IRUW�\RX�ZRXOG�H[SHFW��,OOXPLQDWHG�¶:LOGWUDN·�VFXII�SODWHV��FXVWRP�ÁRRU�PDWV�DQG�WKH�SHUIRUDWHG�OHDWKHU�$OFDQWDUD��VHDWV��IURQW�KHDWHG��DOO�incorporate the Wildtrak logo. There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, chrome inserts, switches and handles, SOXV�IRRWZHOO�OLJKWLQJ�WR�HQKDQFH�WKH�YHKLFOH·V�ÀUVW�FODVV�IHHO��

HANDY STOWAGE An ergonomically designed interior will make your life easier whether you are using your Ranger for business or leisure. To keep things organised, there’s a two-tier centre console with a double lid, so no matter how wet or muddy things get outside, inside things will remain clean and dry. The upper compartment is ideal for mobile phones and sunglasses, while the lower bin stores larger objects, with space IRU�XS�WR����&'V��,Q�DGGLWLRQ��WKHUH·V�D�PDVVLYH�����OLWUH�ORFNDEOH�JORYH�ER[��ZKLFK�FRQWDLQV�D�����PP�[�����PP�SXOORXW�ZRUNLQJ�WUD\�WKDW�can support an impressive 10 kg in weight. 2I�FRXUVH��EHFDXVH�KDUG�ZRUN�LV�WKLUVW\�ZRUN��WKHUH�DUH�XS�WR�ÀYH�FXS�KROGHUV�ZLWKLQ�HDV\�UHDFK�RI�WKH�GULYHU�DQG�IURQW�SDVVHQJHU��SOXV�two, 1-litre bottle holders.

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Last week I spoke at the ‘Antreprenor 2010’ Conference in Bucharest, Romania. A number of people came up to me after my talk and asked me whether there were cultural dif-ferences between the UK and Romania and, if so, whether those differences would make it harder for networking to take hold.

ARE THERE CULTURES WHERE

NETWORKING JUST CAN’T WORK?ANDY LOPATA

More than once I was told that people in Romania are less willing to share ideas, contacts or advice with their competition. I was told that people are ‘closed’ to each other and it was unlikely that such interaction would be successful.

While I admit to not having a tremendous grasp of Romanian culture in just three days spent there, I would be very surprised if networking didn’t take off there. The people I met were very warm and friendly and they engaged with each other positively. I didn’t see people left alone or struggling to integrate them-selves into conversation as I often do in the UK.

Romania is a young country in democratic and market terms. Under communist rule until twenty years ago, entrepreneurialism is still growing and many complained that small businesses are not effectively supported by the Government.

It’s not that long ago that people in the UK would have made the same complaints and would have doubted the chances of networking working here. In fact, I still meet many people who write off networking as a serious business tool and see compe-tition as ‘dog-eat-dog’, rather than providing opportunities for collaboration.

I met young entrepreneurs in Romania who are very active net-workers, enthusiastic about forming groups of young professionals

such as Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCI) and independent groups. BNI Chapters are growing and other networks meet successfully.

As for a ‘closed people’, the journalist who interviewed me the day before my speech had the completely opposite view. “Why do we need such networks?” she asked me. “We do this naturally anyway.”

I may be naïve but I don’t believe that an existing culture is a bar to networking becoming an important and accepted part of business life. It may be slower to take off in some areas than others but a generation is coming through worldwide who want to work together and support each other.

3HUKDSV� WKH�PRVW� LPSRUWDQW� LQÁXHQFH� LQ�5RPDQLD�ZDV� WKH� IDFW�that networking hasn’t been widely discussed in such terms before. I hope that last week’s event is the start of a conversation that will change people’s perceptions.

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