Professional Documents
Culture Documents
BusinessMatters
March-April 2011
www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk
Sailing away
Leisure and tourism - our 300m industry
Philosophers tome England legend speaks Its a family affair The next millennium bug?
Odd,
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BusinessMatters
The Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce magazine
Executive Editor Ann Morris 01524 381331 ann.morris@lancaster-chamber.org.uk Editor Julian Healey Springtide Marketing 01524 405892 julian@springtidemarketing.com www.springtidemarketing.com Editorial Board Ann Morris, Chief Executive, Chamber of Commerce Julian Healey, Director, Springtide Marketing Vicky Lofthouse, Events and Membership Officer, Chamber of Commerce Michael Gibson, Managing Director, Fat Media Judith Coyle, Judith Coyle Editorial Mark Beeching, Director, Printing.com Marianne Turner, Director, PrintingPlus Rachel Gibson, Director, Quay Creative Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce Commerce House, Fenton Street, Lancaster LA1 1AB Tel: 01524 381331 www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk President: Jon Price Company Secretary: Gill Gardner Chief Executive: Ann Morris Finance & International Trade: Janet Askew Events & Admin: Vicky Lofthouse Membership & Marketing: Kirstine Bond Business Liaison: Mike Ashton Designed & Published by: PrintingPlus 7 Woodgate Park, White Lund Industrial Estate Morecambe LA3 3PS 01524 888509 sales@pplancaster.co.uk Advertising Peter Fletcher Fletcher Sales and Marketing The Slack, Windermere Road, Grange over Sands Cumbria LA11 6JT 07800 974 607 peterfletch@aol.com You can see an e-version of Business Matters by logging on to www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk and following the links.
Chamber Views
By Ann Morris, Chief Executive
The recent announcement from the Justice Ministry to remove prison services from Lancasters historic castle ended speculation about when such a move might take place, but has created new uncertainty about its future. In our last issue, local solicitor Gill Gardner gave her view about the enormous tourism potential a change of use could have for this district and the need for openness and collaboration to deliver that vision. It will be interesting to see what types of proposals come forward. The Chamber is currently talking to other interested parties with a view to forming a Trust where those parties can work together to protect our heritage and ensure the castles future as a visitor attraction. Leisure and tourism is a major contributor to our local economy, worth an estimated 300 million per year to the district, and we focus on this sector in our feature pages 11-14. Hotel Manager Tim Bell from Lancaster House acknowledges the challenges of current economic conditions for the hospitality trade and his strategy for dealing with the impact. From a different angle, English Lakes Hotels Group is focusing on a local procurement policy which aims to meet the growing demand for quality local produce. Keeping it in the family is the secret of success for Pilling Pottery and Northern Kilns, manufacturers of pottery and kilns for pottery, ceramics, glass and jewellery. Rachel Gibson interviewed Adrian Cross, who talks about his passion for the business founded by his father Jim over 40 years ago (p16). There are two major internet issues at the fore in this issue. Glyn Jones gives his advice on IPV6 (p18) the techies amongst you will understand that one no doubt! - and Julian Healey provides his views about new regulations on advertising standards for online communications coming into force on 1st March (p22). My sincere thanks to all contributors to this issue, including the hard working editorial and publishing teams.
Ann Morris
Business Matters 3
news
This will be our flagship development This proposed design will mirror with a choice the highly of five different successful room types to suit CityBlock sites all requirements in Lancaster and budgets. Our and in research shows Leicester, where students benefit construction from a city centre is currently location and prefer underway on an the en-suite, alladditional site inclusive package due to open in that encourages An artists impression of the proposed new September 2011. independent living. development at Victoria Court, Lancaster.
Boosting prosperity
Business Minister, Mark Prisk said: Along with the Governments 1.4bn Regional Growth Fund and other economic development initiatives, this fund will play an important role in boosting the prosperity of local businesses, creating new private sector jobs and driving economic growth across the north west. The Fund is expected to support 800 businesses, create or safeguard almost 14,000 jobs and improve the economic performance of Englands north west with an estimated GVA (gross value added) increase of 700m. More details at www.thenorthwestfund.co.uk
news
Closer link
The Heysham M6 link has moved a step closer after Lancashire County Councils funding bid received the green light. Changes to the design have cut the cost of the scheme from 139m to 123m. The Department for Transport (DfT) will contribute 111m, with the county council to fund the remaining 12m. Changes include raising the height
of the road in places to avoid large excavations; slip roads redesigned to avoid altering two bridges; lighting to be provided only at junctions; and length of construction reduced from three and a half to two and a half years. The new road has long been the councils highest priority major infrastructure project. County Councillor Tim Ashton said: The M6 link will generate thousands of jobs during construction, promote The UKs manufacturing sector has been buoyed by growth in export markets, helped by increased demand from overseas and the weak pound. The monthly survey from Markit/CIPS showed the manufacturing index rising far ahead of economic forecasts. Rachel Marsdin said: While manufacturing alone will not offset job losses in the public sector, these latest figures suggest that it can at least play a role in the recovery by encouraging growth and confidence elsewhere in the economy. White Lund-based Design Plus Packaging, is one business thats
ongoing economic growth in the region and reduce traffic congestion in Lancaster City Centre. Over 3,000 construction workers will be needed, with at least 100 local unemployed people receiving training and jobs. An amended Planning Application will now be progressed and an inquiry timetabled to hear objections to Compulsory Purchase Orders. Construction could begin in late 2012 with the road opened to traffic in 2015. benefiting. The company, which has 38 staff, makes sachets and impregnated wipes, as well as contract filling of tubes and bottles, and has recently opened up new markets in Canada and the US. MD Andrew Appleyard said: Our American markets are still relatively new, but were growing there and receiving new enquiries all the time from large multiple retailers. The weak pound has undoubtedly made it more appealing for us to trade overseas. The north west manufacturing sector is the largest in the UK, generating 20.3 billion and employing over 400,000 people.
Yeti.
White Lund Industrial Estate Morecambe, Lancashire LA3 3BN Tel: 01524 844666 Email: sales@davidian.skoda.co.uk www.davidianskoda.co.uk
Model shown is Yeti Elegance 1.2 TSI 105bhp at 18,780 RRP, including metallic paint at 410 RRP, optional front parking sensors at 270 RRP and optional silver roof rails at 105 RRP. Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the Yeti range: Urban 28.0 (10.1) 42.8 (6.6), Extra-urban 40.9 (6.9) 60.1 (4.7), Combined 35.3 (8.0) 52.3 (5.4). CO2 emissions for the Yeti range 189 140g/km.
Business Matters
news
Happy anniversary
In a double celebration, 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of The Dukes summer shows in Williamson Park and the 40th birthday of the Lancaster theatre itself. The venue is also celebrating an increase of 30,000 in attendances. Dukes director Joe Sumsion said: People travel from across the country and from abroad to see Lancasters outdoor theatre and you would be hard pressed to find any other city of this size
producing work thats so nationally recognised. Twenty-five years ago, outdoor theatre was a new idea which The Dukes championed and now its an institution. The anniversary show will be Merlin & The Legend of King Arthur, from 8 July to 13 August. Local solicitors Joseph A Jones & Co are again the main sponsors.
The growth in audiences generates more money at the box office, were finding more sponsors and encouraging more people to join our Friends scheme, says Joe. The Dukes is a charity and the more people who invest with their time or donations, the better we will be able to deliver for our audiences.
World premiere
The Dukes continues to champion original work such as the world premiere of Quicksand, a new play set on Morecambe Bay. And its enthusiasm for plays rooted in the North is reflected in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (March 24-April 16). A former director, the Olivier Award winning David Thacker, returns with Arthur Millers The Price (May 3-7). new types of stalls rather than direct competition for existing stallholders. Trades being sought include sportswear, ladies OS wear, foam products, gold and silver, health foods, cycles, denim wear, fishmongers, cobblers, tableware, motor accessories, lighting, fashion footwear, toys, army surplus/camping, dry hairdresser,
Curtis Cole (Leo) and Cristina Catalina (Elka) in the Dukes production of Quicksand Photo: Darren Andrews dressmaking services and decorating. The Market will be running a number of events to attract customers such as discounts for pensioners and a Wheres Eric? competition. An Easter Eggstravaganza is also planned for April. More details from Tracey Bruce on 01524 414251.
Trading places
Morecambes Festival Market is offering special introductory rates during March to encourage more traders to start their own business or relocate to the busy site. The market is looking to attract
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Philosophers tome
Among Lancasters famous sons, the philosopher John Langshaw Austin has his centenary this year. Chris May, Professor of Political Economy at Lancaster University, believes a blue plaque is in order. John Langshaw Austin is best known as the originator of the idea of the speech act, set out in his book How to do Things with Words (1962). It used to be common among philosophers and linguists to focus their theories of language exclusively on statements that convey information. However, as Austin demonstrated, there are many other kinds of John Langshaw Austin, speech act. Philosopher
Often, speaking is intended to perform an action rather than just convey information. For example, when I say I promise ..., I am not just conveying information about myself, I am making a promise. More generally, Austin urged philosophers to look carefully at the ordinary uses of words, and the different contexts in which theyre used. In April the Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion is holding a commemorative conference, where Austins work will be discussed. The City Council, the citys Civic Society and the owner of the house in which Austin was born have all agreed that a blue plaque on the house in Hillside, near to the castle, would contribute to Lancasters historical character. However no funding is currently available. If any Chamber member is willing to donate 250 to sponsor the production and fixing of the plaque as a contribution to the continuing recovery of Lancasters unique history, they should contact: Brian Garvey [b.garvey@lancaster.ac.uk]. Chris May
Inspired awards
The search is on to find the cream of Lancashires entrepreneurial talent with the annual BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards). With nominations for the fifteen categories due to close at 4pm on 24 March, the BIBAs 2011 are on target to achieve a record number of entries. Organisers are looking for businesses that are exceptional, fast growing and a household name of the future. To qualify, businesses must be based in or have an office or franchise within the county of Lancashire. Shortlisted companies will be announced week commencing 26 April, with the awards ceremony itself on Friday 10 June at Blackpools Tower Ballroom. www.thebibas.co.uk
Field of dreams
Businesses in Lancashire and Cumbria will have the opportunity to bid for contracts in the new Rhyl gas field in the East Irish Sea. Centrica Energy (operating as Hydrocarbon Resources Limited) has applied to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to drill the well, which lies approximately 25 km west of Walney Island, near Barrow. Subject to necessary consents and approvals, drilling operations are due to start in July 2011, with gas being transferred by pipeline to the Morecambe North platform. A new pipeline to onshore terminals at Barrow is planned for the third quarter of 2012. If all goes to plan, the rig is expected to be on site at Rhyl field for 43 days. Centrica have also applied to drill two exploration wells at the nearby Bootle and Whitehaven fields. Likely contract opportunities include drilling, pipeline and route survey services, building facilities management, project support, light well intervention services and provision of supply and anchor-handling vessels.
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Fine arts
Lancaster districts arts sector is taking centre stage in the local economy, boosting it by 50 million annually, a new report reveals. Some 600 businesses and organisations in the district are directly or indirectly involved in the arts and cultural sector, supporting up to 2,400 jobs. Lancaster Arts Partnership (LAP) commissioned the report, whose findings provide evidence for funders faced with difficult decisions and suggest ways in which the arts can further improve their contribution to the economy. Partner companies of LAP are The Dukes, Storey Gallery, Litfest, More Music, Ludus Dance, Live at LICA (Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts), folly, and Green Close Studios. Between them they generate 7.5 million annually, produce 800,000 worth of media coverage outside the district, and provide more than 20,000 separate activities for young people each year. Audience research shows that of visitors attending arts events in the district, 85%
said it was the event itself which was the prime reason for their visit. According to the report, LAP offers good value for money for its core funders the Arts Council England, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council who together provided 1,651,155 of funding in 2009/10.
LAP now hope that there will be more recognition of the value of the arts sector in Lancaster, especially as the report has identified opportunities for both local businesses and for the image of Lancaster generally. According to the report the district has 114 visual artists, 29 potters and glass or ceramic artists, 19 dance schools or classes,13 entertainment and stand-up artists, 53 live music venues, 43 bands, 31 musicians, 18 professional actors, 18 theatrical companies, 10 digital arts companies including film studios and production companies.
Nationally recognised
Joe Sumsion, Chair of Lancaster Arts Partnership, said: Long-term investment in a small cluster of excellent arts organisations has paid off. The Lancaster and Morecambe district has become nationally recognised for arts and culture and its no coincidence that there are now so many other artists and arts businesses making such a strong contribution to the local economy. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), part-funded the study with a 30,000 grant in 2010. Lancaster district is the third largest recipient of funding from Arts Council England NW, behind Manchester and Liverpool. This recognises its excellence and innovation, particularly in dance, digital media, visual arts and live performance.
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Up for auction on the night were a framed and signed Steven Gerrard shirt and photo, and a framed and signed Ryan Giggs shirt and photo, accompanied by a 2008 Champions League Final programme (Moscow). Both lots raised very tidy sums for The
Friends of Morecambe Football Club. Raffle prizes included a Southampton shirt signed on the night by Matt Le Tissier, vouchers for Morecambe Football Club Matchday Hospitality and 24 bottles of Shrimps wine!
Pictured at the Sportsmans Dinner are (l to r): Rod Taylor (Chief Executive, Morecambe FC), Dave Salmon (The Bay), Mark Dixon (Commercial Director, MFC), Matt Le Tissier, Lester Crabtree, Mark Lillis (Assistant Manager, MFC), & Sammy McIlroy (Manager, MFC). sales, marketing, technology, time management and planning, differs from most training as it is delivered by business owners with expertise in their specific topic areas, rather than an academic. James Brown, Director of AWOL Recruitment Ltd, who completed the course last year, said: Its developed every aspect of our business. The quality of the speakers and the information given was such that it all fed into what we do, giving our business the ability to grow and improve. Joanne Allday, Director of Showing Off Academy, said: Weve been amazed at the results weve achieved and are thrilled we can now open the course to Marianne Turner from Printing Plus employs two apprentices: For us embracing apprenticeships has worked really well, and everybody wins, she said. The apprenticeship programme has enabled Printing Plus to get the skills we need and a motivated team at an affordable cost, allowing us to operate in an extremely competitive market with confidence. The college is also holding an Apprenticeship Jobs Night which will be advertised in the local press and by direct mail to all local school leavers. The event on Tuesday 15 March will be an ideal opportunity for businesses to place apprenticeship vacancies with the college and promote their company to potential future employees. business owners across the country. The Academy gives 10% of its profits to the Ambassadors in Sport charity in support of its work in South Africa.
Well trained - Joanne Allday (2nd from R) with a group of AIS workers at a recent training session. On the night, businesses will be encouraged to hold one to one discussions with potential candidates for apprenticeship vacancies. For businesses contemplating training courses for apprentices there will be the opportunity to take a tour of the training facilities on the campus. For anyone unable to attend the event the college is offering to advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on the night. A Vacancy Matching Service will then be offered and potential candidates lined up for interview. More information from Lancaster & Morecambe College on 01524 521511 or c.gregory2@lmc.ac.uk.
Youre hired
Employers celebrated the launch of Lancaster & Morecambe Colleges 100 in 100 campaign during National Apprenticeship Week in February. This new initiative will recruit 100 apprentices in 100 days for the mutual benefit of employers and those becoming an apprentice. Guests heard from current apprentices and their employers, learning more about what the programme entails and how it is of real benefit to businesses. According to the college, taking on an apprentice is a cost-effective way to develop highly skilled, productive and motivated employees.
10 Business Matters
Each issue of Business Matters features a special review section focusing on a specific business sector, and we encourage Chamber members to submit relevant articles for publication. The May-June 2011 issue will feature Legal Services, so if you are involved in this area of business and have something to say, why not say it in Business Matters? Articles should be topical and impartial, and can be up to 750 words in length. Copy deadline for this feature is 31 March. For advertisers, the special review section provides an ideal opportunity to run an advert
alongside highly relevant editorial. Our thanks to all those who have contributed to the current issue. For editorial, contact: Ann Morris on 01524 381331, or ann.morris@lancaster-chamber.org.uk For advertising, contact: Peter Fletcher, Fletcher Sales & Marketing, on 07800 974607, or peterfletch@aol.com
A trip is advised
Visitor numbers to Lancaster could be set to increase, according to the latest Economic Activity Report from the City Council. The city has been voted in the top ten of emerging holiday destinations by TripAdvisor.com, the worlds largest travel website. Lancaster was named as seventh in its poll of the Top 10 fastest growing, up-and-coming hotspots. The results were based on an increase in popularity by holidaymakers browsing the website over the past 12 months. The site lists top hotels, B&Bs and restaurants, with customer reviews and ratings. It also lists the most popular attractions and things to do in the city. Most popular activity was visiting the Castle, followed by Williamson Park, the Cottage Museum on Castle Hill and the City Museum in Market Square.
One major change is that visitors no longer come to resorts such as Morecambe as a destination where they will stay for most of their holiday, but will now visit the surrounding area or region. For this reason we should not be promoting individual towns or centres but marketing the attractions of the area as a whole. In our case we need to be selling the city of Lancaster, the coast of Morecambe Bay, and the surrounding countryside which between them offer a complete holiday package.
holidays this year. These people, I would guess, were mostly aged over 50 and represent a major opportunity for us. But we must move now or miss out, he said. A total of 126m holiday and business trips were taken by UK adults in 2009 and 398m bednights. Of these trips, 13.7m were taken to the north west and 38.1m bednights were spent here. Amongst UK regions the north west was the third most popular destination for British tourists after the south west and south east. (Source UK Tourism Survey (UKTS)
2009 www.visitbritain.org)
Higher standards
The main bed bank for the area is in Morecambe. Visitor expectations of the standard of accommodation on offer are increasing and most visitors are now looking for better facilities than they have at home. According to Roger Carter there is a shortage of tourist accommodation in the rural areas of the Lune Valley, so there are real opportunities for farming and other rural businesses to diversify into providing tourist accommodation.
Centre of attraction
Business generated by tourism is vitally important to the Morecambe Bay area, bringing in about 283 million annually. And it offers real potential for growth as long as businesses are prepared to respond to market changes and opportunities, says the chairman of Bay Tourism, Roger Carter.
Ive heard many people say they wouldnt be going abroad for their Top attraction Lancaster Castle of many drastic cost-control policies being put in to place by well-respected hotel chains and I passionately believe that this is the wrong strategy to maintaining your customer base. Weve just got to ride this storm out, accept the fact that the profit margins may not be equal to those of recent years and keep investing what we can in the product and customer service. We intend to continue our re-investment plans throughout 2011 with the primary aim that our customers will see and appreciate the improvements. So when the economic climate becomes more buoyant, we will have a hotel which will far out-shine our direct competition for many more years to come.
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All aboard
After a successful first season teaching people to sail on the bay, the Training Centre at Morecambe & Heysham Yacht Club is busy preparing for its second year. The north west is believed to be the fastest growing region in the UK for new marinas and sailing centres, and the new season sees the club keeping pace with more developments planned. John Parlane, the Training Centre Principal and main instructor, is hoping to attract plenty of new devotees. Richard Falk, Chief Cruising Instructor for the Royal Yachting Association, has congratulated John on the positive feedback he has received for his sailing courses. With every one of their hundreds of clients saying they would recommend the course to someone else, and 100% of them rating the instruction as good or very good, the feedback could not have been better.
Students at play on the bay The Training Centre has just announced the launch by the RYA of a new e-learning facility which means anyone can easily take a beginners theory course in navigation and seamanship online. Telephone and email support will be provided but candidates can study at a time and place to suit themselves. Despite disappointment over the cancellation of this years Liverpool Boat Show, John hopes that many people who have only ever dreamt of sailing will want to experience for themselves the sheer thrill of gliding across the water, powered only by the wind. Sailing has to be one of natures freebies and pretty green too, says John. Its a great way to get away from it all, creating some balance for us in the hectic lives many of us lead. www.bayseaschool.com Business Matters 13
Head chef Graham Aimson (c) with Sam Schofield (l) and Doug Fishwick. Photo courtesy of The Visitor.
Tasty and local - the Wild Boar Grill, with chef Marc Sanders
A good example of these policies in action is the four star Wild Boar Inn, Grill & Smokehouse, near Windermere. The inn, which was extensively refurbished and reopened last year, has enhanced how it actively uses the best local produce. The onsite smokehouse offers the opportunity to produce different flavours and create some special dishes. The corridors of the inn also display Morecambe Bay has the photographs Attitudes are best shrimps in the world. of many local changing. People producers and used to expect suppliers to The certain foods all the year round Wild Boar. such as strawberries at Christmas. At This is an edited version of an article for English Lakes we only serve food that the NFUs Farmer and Grower magazine, is in season, for instance we only use and is reproduced here with their kind locally grown asparagus starting around permission. Christmas and it is taken off the menu Quite Simply French Strathmore Hotel The Borough The Clarendon Hotel The Gatehouse Restaurant The Longlands Inn & Restaurant The Lothersdale Hotel The Midland Hotel The Mill Inn The Stork Inn The Sun Cafe Restaurant Verdes Cafes Bridge House Farm Tea Rooms Diggles JC Country Juicafe Ltd Lewiss Coffee Shops The Old Bell Coffee House White Cross Cafe & Sandwich Bar Cinemas/Theatres Apollo Cinema Lancaster Grand Theatre The Dukes Playhouse Ltd Sport Cartmel Steeplechases (Holker) Ltd Heysham Golf Club Ltd Kirkby Lonsdale Golf Club Lancaster City Football Club Morecambe & Heysham Yacht Club Training Centre Morecambe Football Club Visitor Attraction Wyreside Lakes Fishery Entertainers David Lancaster Entertainment The Two of Us
The following Chamber members provide leisure and tourism services. For full contact details and websites please see the Chamber website.
Hotels/Restaurants/Pubs and Clubs Bay Horse Inn Cafe Bar Eleven Craigwell Crofters Hotel Headway Hotel Holiday Inn Lancaster Lakes Bistro Ltd Lancaster House Hotel Lancaster Lounge & Bars Ltd Mitchells of Lancaster (Brewers) Ltd Nice Bar and Restaurant Pizza Margherita Lancaster Ltd
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profile
Adrian is passionate about Pilling Pottery and would love to continue building on its success. The business Jim established the pottery in 1968 and and premises play an integral part in he was busy creating pieces on the potters wheel the day I visited. Jim also the village community and we have a runs workshops and evening classes for lot of school children who come from those itching to have a go themselves. further afield to learn more about pottery. The building was once the The company His role at Pilling Pottery village tea rooms, he says. At some I like to deliver and install had always meant manufactures stage in the future I would love to be the kilns myself. kilns for working with his hands able to expand the pottery and kiln pottery, until he took over the business into new premises nearby and ceramics, running of the company when his father turn this back into a caf. There would glass and jewellery, under the became ill. At be facilities to teach brand name Northern Kilns. Kiln first I found it Jim also runs workshops children the simple manufacturing and refurbishment is really hard to and evening classes for things in life such the expanding side of the business sit in the office those itching to have a go as making butter as today and the area that Adrian has built and pick up the themselves. well as continuing since taking over from his father. All the phone. I missed the pottery, glass and equipment is designed and created on the hands-on enamelling classes, he says wistfully. site to meet a customers required size work of building the kilns, but these and end use. days I really enjoy it. I realised that all I Im a sucker for self-help audio books. needed was to improve my sales skills They help me keep a positive attitude We have gained a reputation to gain the confidence and now I love when I need a little extra motivation. But nationwide for our customer service generating and the quality of I think some professional management sales. For some the kilns we supply, training might be required if I really It helps clear my head and people buying explains Adrian. Some the answer always comes to a kiln is a dream want to see those dreams become a modern frames will reality! me usually near the sea. theyve had for only last a few years a long time. but our products are Knowing that I still manufactured to the quality they Out of hours can supply exactly what the customer were in the 1950s or 60s. We use thick Audio book : The Dome by Stephen King, wants and help them achieve their steel and although they may cost a bit great for long journeys dream is a real privilege and extremely motivating. Book: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese Adrian was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, and moved up to iPod: The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale Pilling when his father was offered a teaching job. He lives in Preesall with Dinner companions : Nelson Mandela, his wife and two children Adam, 19, Martin Luther King, Johnny Cash, Winston and Jenny, 17. Adam now works in the Churchill and Jeffrey Gitomer (author of business too. He is very skilled at kiln The Little Red Book of Selling) manufacturing but Im not sure he has Holiday: South Africa any ambitions to take over the family Live act : Michael Buble business just yet. Jenny comes down and Adrian Cross 16 Business Matters
a truck driver when I was growing up, he says laughing. But because we offer a nationwide service I get to do a fair bit of driving too as I like to deliver and install the kilns myself. It gives me an opportunity to meet and connect with the customer. If you care for them they will stick with you.
viewpoint
Panel is invaluable
A Dragons Den-style initiative, devised by management consultancy Charter Solutions to help regional businesses grow, has been hailed as invaluable. Charter recently held its fifth Lancashire Investment Panel to help growing companies access the right kind of
finance and advice. The consultancy partnered with Enterprise Ventures to get the project off the ground. The fivestrong panel was chaired by Charters CEO Trevor Bargh, with six companies taking part. It was extremely useful, said Sarah Goodall, the Managing Director of Clitheroe-based The Athena Programme, which offers consultancy and training to help organisations with safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. Sarah is looking for funding and advice essentials of tweeting and poking, delegates were taught how to use these tools strategically within their overall marketing activity and what benefits and opportunities they can bring. Amongst the course tutors were Nikki Garnett of Apparatus, Andrew Armitage of Armitage Online, Linda Merrills from Business Link, and Rachel Keller, currently a PhD student at the university. IFG aims to improve processes and practices within regional SMEs. The programme develops innovation through practical, interactive management workshop programmes and access to student resources. IFG provides SMEs with a network of likeminded businesses and world class
to help her launch a new web-based learning programme to support and expand her consultancy work. She said the panel members were very supportive and encouraging in a relaxed and friendly environment. The advice is going to be really invaluable as I move forward, said the former social worker. The next Lancashire Investment Panel session is lined up for April 7 2011 when another four companies will be invited to make a pitch. research from the Management School. LUMS has delivered business support to more than 1,250 North West companies over the past ten years. Upcoming programmes include Family Business Communication, Project Management and Customer Focus.
Poking fun
Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), recently hosted a Social Media Workshop Series for 25 regional businesses as part of its Innovation for Growth (IFG) Programme. The four workshops provided an interactive introduction to social media, with a specific focus on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The workshops were designed to help businesses and organisations take advantage of emerging social media platforms and technologies which are creating new opportunities to engage with audiences. After learning the
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Unit 7, Woodgate Park, White Lund Industrial Estate, Morecambe LA9 7HA E sales@pplancaster.co.uk www.printing-plus.co.uk
Positively Dependable
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advice
2.
3.
The upgrade to IPv6 has been progressing in the background for some time as the backbone of the internet is prepared. It is now the turn of the leaf nodes on the network, i.e. you and me, to It will affect hardware and understand the impact and plan for the software changes required. Both hardware (e.g. A UK wide The rapid global growth initiative called routers, computers) of the internet has resulted 6UK was launched and software in the available addresses to industry in (e.g. databases, running out browsers) use IPv4. November 2010 The upgrade to (www.6uk.org) and IPv6 means updates are required World IPv6 Day is planned for 8 June for both. 2011. In brief the steps you need to take are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Review your understanding of IPv6 and its implications Carry out an internal and external technology audit Look at training and awareness for technical staff Review the options for upgrades Select the appropriate actions to take Develop a project plan including acceptance criteria and a testing scheme Execute the plan Review your project Promote your success.
There is no fixed date The millennium bug had a fixed date which provided impetus for planning a solution. The uncertainty This upgrade has been compared to the over when the last IPv4 address will millennium bug which threatened to be given out leads to lethargy in disrupt computer systems at the end of preparing for it. IPv4 and 1999. The impact of the IPv6 If you use the internet for IPv6 will co-exist until upgrade will be business and rely on it for IPv6 is firmly established. wide spread but customer contact you must 2. The bits that need there are key act now. changing are known differences from Because of the age of the millennium some software at the end of 1999, bug that need to be understood. there was little documentation and Lets look at what IPv6 and the understanding of how it worked. millennium bug have in common: The situation is much improved with this upgrade as Internet Service Providers are a more recent breed and have good documentation. However, the average SME and domestic user will struggle. 3. There is little awareness or funding The IPv6 upgrade was first agreed in December 1998 but has not had any publicity.
IPv4 depletion graph
7. 8. 9.
If you use the internet for business and rely on it for customer contact you must act now. IPv6 software applications need to be tested and deployed, hardware needs to be upgraded or replaced. At Savant we have completed our IPv6 upgrades and are ready to help organisations develop and execute their plans. A brief survey is available at www.savant.co.uk/ipv6. Glyn Jones Business Development Manager, Savant
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news in brief
Five year plan
British Energy have announced plans to extend the life of Heysham 1 nuclear power station for a further five years. The move is expected to secure the jobs of some 500 full time staff and 150 contract workers. It is believed that investment of around 50m will be required over the next few years to support the extended life of the plant.
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First Aid Appointed Persons Training Course 16th March 2011 Chamber of Commerce Time: 9.30am 4.30pm Cost: Members 80 + VAT Non-Members 100 + VAT First Aid Appointed Persons Training Course 17th May 2011 Chamber of Commerce Time: 9.30am 4.30pm Cost: Members 80 + VAT Non-Members 100 + VAT For further details of any of these events please contact me on 01524 381331 or vicky.lofthouse@lancaster-chamber.org.uk
Briefing/Seminar/Workshops
Developments in Commercial Law Informative Briefing 15th March 2011 Chamber of Commerce Time: 4.00pm 6.00pm
viewpoint
As long as you already implement good practice by only saying things that pass the legal, decent, honest and truthful test, you should have nothing to fear. A little extra care in what you say will ensure you steer clear of trouble. However dont assume the ASA only goes after the big boys: a glance at the latest ASA adjudications shows that businesses of all sizes are investigated. For example the estate agent in South Wales who claimed they sold and rented more homes last week than most agents did last month! When challenged they couldnt substantiate the claim and the complaint was upheld.
Julian Healey ASA website; remove paid-for search advertising linking to the non-compliant website; and place adverts online highlighting an advertisers continued non-compliance. Its worth remembering the ASA is not there to prevent you from creating good advertising. Sadly it isnt there to stop annoying adverts either (Go Compare, anyone?). The CAP code simply sets out standards that society has deemed necessary to protect consumers and businesses alike. It promotes and preserves organisations right to advertise responsibly and those that do shouldnt find it burdensome to comply with, says the ASA.
In a long anticipated move, the remit of the Advertising Standards Authority is being extended to cover areas of online communications previously outside its All it requires is for one person to control. From 1 March 2011, advertisers complain and the ASA is obliged to at own marketing messages on their own least investigate. As the regulator itself websites, and paid-for search engine says: Anyone can complain to the ASA. ads such as Google AdWords, will be Its fast, free and easy. policed by the ASA for the Financial services If your customers dont first time. complain, your competitors advertisers may be wondering what all the fuss This will probably will. is about. Youll already be apply to all accustomed to validating organisations everything you write, say, tweet or poke, operating from the UK, regardless of to your compliance people. For the rest type or size. In other words, all of us. of us, its time to review our websites to The ASA will also now have jurisdiction check we can justify everything we say over other non-paid-for space, such as there. You may want to involve your web Facebook and Twitter, and some user agency or marketing person in this. generated content. Paid for advertising on other sites - banner ads, for example - is already regulated. The CAP (Committee of Advertising Practice) Code will now apply to these communications. It includes perfectly sensible rules relating to misleading advertising, social responsibility and the protection of children. UK Advertising Codes are already some of the strictest in the world, but this move follows growing industry frustration at the inability of the ASA to clamp down on rogue online advertising. In 2009 alone, the authority was powerless to deal with around 3,500 such complaints. If your customers dont complain, your competitors probably will. This practice is widespread, and hardly discouraged by the ASA. They simply ask that if you are a business complaining about a competitor, you identify yourself as such.
Fat Media Sales and Marketing Director John French says companies need to be mindful of the new regime: We welcome the new rules, as organisations will no user generated content longer be able make can fall within the new claims on their websites remit. that are not factually correct. Companies that incorporate live social media or review feeds such as Twitter or TripAdvisor on their websites will need to be careful, as user generated content can fall within the new remit. If someone posts a comment that isnt honest or legal on one of these sites and it feeds through to your website, you could still be held liable. The ASAs new powers wont cause mass panic amongst website owners. What we should see, though, is an overall raising of standards and the elimination of most bad website content. And that has to be a good thing. For full details on these changes go to www.asa.org.uk. Information on training services to help website owners and agencies are at www.cap.org.uk . Julian Healey is Editor of Business Matters and Director of Springtide Marketing. julian@springtidemarketing.com.
Does the ASA have teeth? The regulator says it now wants to ensure the same high standards online as in other media such as newspapers and direct mail. Its often criticised for lacking real powers, and its true that the ASA cant issue What falls into the new remit? fines. But it can force A communication you to withdraw an Anyone can complain to for a product, advert, and with its service, opportunity the ASA. Its fast, free and online remit it will or gift that primarily easy. have new sanctions sets out to sell or that you ignore at promote something. your peril, especially if your business relies heavily on the What doesnt? internet. E-commerce retailers take Excluded categories include classified special note. ads, press releases, editorial content The ASA will now be able to name (phew!), political ads, corporate reports and shame the advertiser on the and investor relations. 22 Business Matters
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