The Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce magazine

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?

page 8 page 10 page 16 page 18

Odd,
We do.

but not everyone knows we do offices insurance.

Call 01539 722422 for a quote or pop into the office at Prospect House, Meadowbank Business Park, Kendal LA9 6NY
Email: kendal@nfumutual.co.uk

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

We do right by you

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.

How to feature in Business Matters

In order to make the most of Business Matters we need your input. Please email a few lines outlining your story or a press release with corresponding photographs if you have any. Would you like to be featured on our Business Profile page? Get in touch and we will arrange for a member of the editorial board to come and interview you for the feature. Our Viewpoint page is open to all readers. If you feel strongly about a local issue and would like to share your views with other businesses, send us an email and we will endeavour to include it in Business Matters. Please contact Ann Morris at the Chamber on 01524 381331 (ann.morris@lancaster-chamber.org.uk). Front cover: image courtesy of Morecambe & Heysham Yacht Club Training Centre

Ann Morris
Business Matters 3

news

CityBlock development approved Six of the best

Lancaster planning officers have given the thumbs up to a multi million pound redevelopment of a prime city centre site to provide landmark student accommodation and retail units. CityBlock, a provider of high quality, purpose-built, city centre student accommodation, teamed up with award winning architects Union North for the redevelopment of Victoria Court, a largely empty retail and office unit in Penny Street, Lancaster. Planners have voted in favour of the scheme which will comprise private, en-suite, study bedrooms, shared communal spaces and individual townhouses centred around an attractive internal private courtyard. Work is scheduled to start in May this year and the development will open in September 2012. Trevor Bargh, who founded CityBlock in 2003, said: We are absolutely delighted the City Council has given the go-ahead. This is a challenging development and I have appreciated the robust and professional approach of Lancaster planning officers. Both Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria have expressed their support for the proposal with the former welcoming the provision of good quality, well managed accommodation. Union North proposed a unique design solution for Victoria Court which retains important features of the original building and introduces exciting new architecture to simultaneously evoke an engaging past and an engaging future. English Heritage commented that the development will preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation Area while design advisory panel Places Matter describes the development as a sophisticated and clever scheme which will provide a strong architectural statement for the historic city of Lancaster. A team of Lancaster students were involved in a consultation period which has informed the design for the building, originally constructed in the 1930s as a car showroom. A major new source of finance for businesses in the north west has been launched. The North West Fund is the umbrella name for six funds totalling 185m that are now available to SMEs in the north west in the form of debt, equity and quasi-equity. The Fund is one of the largest public sector funds of its kind in Europe and the largest in the UK. It comprises six specific funds with an initial investment period from now until 31st December 2015. Six Fund Managers, under contract to North West Business Finance Ltd (NWBF), will manage the Fund and will operate from 13 offices across the north west. The Fund is made up of a 92.4m European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant, making it the biggest ERDF project of the 2007-13 programme, and a 92.4m loan from the European Investment Bank. The fund managers have also been targeted with securing over 200m of co-investment capital from a wide range of sources. Specific funds are: Development Capital (45m), Business Loan (35m), Venture Capital (30m), Biomedical (25m), Energy & Environmental (20m) and Digital & Creative (15m).

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

Lancaster lawyers new role

Lancaster lawyer and Chamber of Commerce director Gill Gardner has joined law firm Brabners Chaffe Street as a Partner in its expanding corporate team. She previously headed up the corporate department at Oglethorpe, Sturton & Gillibrand. Gill has specialist expertise in mergers and acquisitions, bank and venture capital financing and company structures and shareholdings. With over 20 years experience, she has practiced in the City and spent time working in Sydney for one of Australias top law firms. She is also a Council Member of 4 Business Matters Lancaster University. She joins a corporate team comprising more than 40 lawyers. Ross Shine, a Partner in the firms Preston office, comments: Gill will bring a wealth of experience to our corporate team. She has an excellent reputation and brings with her a proven track record of success. Gill Gardner and Ross Shine of Brabners Chaffe Street

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.

Lancs makes good

Lancashires manufacturers can play a vital role in leading the county to economic recovery, according to a leading business advisor. After figures revealed UK manufacturing output hit a 16-year high in December, Rachel Marsdin, director at Moore and Smalley, said she believes Lancashires economy can benefit from its larger than average manufacturing base.

Yeti.
White Lund Industrial Estate Morecambe, Lancashire LA3 3BN Tel: 01524 844666 Email: sales@davidian.skoda.co.uk www.davidianskoda.co.uk

Happy everywhere (even award ceremonies).

Yeti is fun combining all the rugged strengths of a traditional 4x4 with the practicality and running costs of a hatchback. Yeti is a true crossover vehicle and is available from as little as 14,645 RRP. For more information or to organise a test drive contact: David Ian Limited, Middlegate

koda. Manufacturer of happy drivers.

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

the must-read magazine Written, produCed and printed at the heart of the County We understand the issues that matter Call 01254 297870 www.lancashirebusinessview.co.uk
The magazine for commerce and industry
6 Business Matters

advertising feature

Would you like a Green Lease?

Alison Kinder is Head of Property Services at Oglethorpe, Sturton and Gillibrand, specialising in commercial property. In this issue of Business Matters Alison takes a look at how new green agenda initiatives could shape the future on environmental issues for commercial property owners. Alison, who has been a Partner in the practice since 1999, is an expert in property development and landlord and tenant law and enjoys guiding her clients through all the issues relating to property transactions. Two new green toolkits could encourage property owners and tenants to work together to shape best practice and, potentially, future legislation. The Better Buildings Partnership (BBP), a collaboration of Londons leading commercial property owners and organisations, published a Green Lease Toolkit in 2009 and more recently a Green Management Toolkit. The initiatives are supported by both the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency, The publications are designed to sit along side each other. It is hoped they will encourage landlords and tenants to work together on environmental issues, allowing them to put ideas into practice, which will prepare the way for eventual new law. The BBP believes it is essential for property owners and occupiers to work together to improve sustainability and reduce the environmental footprint of commercial buildings. The toolkits includes a set of best practice recommendations and a suite of model clauses for inclusion in new and renewal leases. To avoid having to wait for leases to be renewed, the toolkit also includes a Memorandum of Understanding between the landlord and the tenant. This Memo is not legally binding and does not change the lease terms but is an express agreed action plan between the landlord and the tenant. It is designed to represent cooperation and understanding between the parties. The Management Toolkit is designed to provide guidance to the Green Building Management Group, which would be collaboration between the building management, owners and occupiers on environmental issues. One key principal and foundation of this best practice and green clauses, is that neither the landlord nor the tenant should be penalised for trying to improve the energy efficiency of the building and reduce the energy consumed within the building. On the sale or grant of a lease, a landlord must obtain, at its expense, an Energy Performance Certificate and this new guidance encourages owners and occupiers of commercial property to share data on energy consumption. The Green Lease Toolkit suggests some initiatives which could be adopted and installed in commercial buildings. Some of the initiatives would be expensive and impractical for listed or period buildings. Whether leases will go green without a change in the law remains to be seen and the success of this voluntary code will be assessed in the future. Critics of the scheme believe that it may well be better to wait for a change in the law, which would make these measures compulsory, rather than implementing something which is not legally binding. Others have also commented that implementing the toolkits in London is one thing but adopting them across the rest of the country will be much more difficult. If nothing else, these kits will hopefully get landlords and tenants thinking about environmental issues and working together on new sustainable initiatives. It will also be an opportunity to put new ideas into practice, to see if they really make a difference prior to any consultation on a change in the law.
www.osg.co.uk

High value service for clients who demand the best

As well as giving expert, specialist legal advice, we go that extra mile and really understand our clients businesses. This personalised, pro-active approach enables us to deliver results and add real value.

Andrew Royce Head of Corporate Services

Alison Kinder Head of Property Services

David Park Head of Employment Law Services

David Gillibrand Head of Litigation Services

If you have a query or an issue we can help you with, call us on 01524 846846. 16 Castle Park, Lancaster, LA1 1YG

Business Matters

news

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.

Interested in becoming a Director of the Chamber?

Expressions of interest are being sought from senior representatives of Member businesses interested in helping to contribute to the future development of Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce. This is a voluntary position and not 8 Business Matters remunerated. It presents an opportunity to shape the strategic objectives of the Chamber in its role representing the interests of the local business community. If you would like to know more, please contact Ann Morris, Chief Executive, 01524 381331 or e-mail ann.morris@lancaster-chamber.org.uk

news

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.

The arts take centre stage

Photo courtesy of More Music

LMC Business
Big Opportunities for your Business
LMC Business is here to help you find the solutions for your business issues, BIG or small give us a call to see how our investment in your workforce can lead to BIG improvements in your business. We can offer training solutions in the following areas:

Health & Safety Catering, Retail & Hospitality Computing, IT, Business & Management Hair & Beauty Construction, Engineering & Gas Teacher Education & Child Care NVQs in the workplace

For more information regarding any of the above, please contact 01524 521511 or business@lmc.ac.uk

Business Matters

news

Saint Matt is the star

The inaugural Globe Arena Sportsmans Dinner, sponsored by The Bay, proved a real winner, with a sell-out crowd of local businessmen (and women!) and fans alike. Guest speaker was former Southampton and England legend Matt Le Tissier, who entertained guests with memories and witty anecdotes from his 18 year professional career, and signed autographs throughout the evening. He was ably assisted by local comedian and Master of Ceremonies, Lester Crabtree who kept the crowd laughing until late.

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.

Showing off around the UK

A business school in the North West is on a drive to grow small and medium businesses across the UK. With the launch of its 12-month programme in March, Lancaster-based Showing Off Academy aims to educate business owners on how to boost their profits and grow sustainably, putting wealth and jobs back into their local community. The course, which covers the fundamental elements of growing a profitable business, including finance,

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

Leisure & Tourism review

Supporting the visitor economy

Andrew Dobson, Head of Regeneration and Policy at Lancaster City Council, urges businesses to work with the City Council in attracting visitors to the area. The leisure and tourism sector is of key We would encourage any business in importance to our local economy, with this sector to get involved with our plans the visitor economy currently worth over for taking the district forward and to Of course, this sector is not just 300 million to our district and bringing take advantage of the help and support concerned with bringing visitors in more than six million visitors annually. available. to the district, it The sector also is as much about Accommodation providers can get Many local businesses plays a key role providing facilities help with the national quality assurance have a strong role to play in economic and opportunities for scheme, there is currently funding in attracting visitors development and those of us who live for rural businesses to develop their and providing leisure regeneration, tourism offer, or even for provision of opportunities for residents here to enjoy a good supporting over basic facilities such as cycle storage quality of life and a five thousand jobs for those cyclists passing through on place that we can be locally. the new coast to coast route, Way of the proud to call home. Roses. Supporting the visitor economy is one of Many local businesses have a strong Lancaster City Councils key priorities The city council and its partners, role to play in attracting visitors for 2011-2012, and our strategic including the local business community, and providing leisure opportunities objectives are to develop the local increasingly recognise the benefits for residents, and the council is tourism product, actively market the of and are actively dedicated to district, and provide high quality visitor working more closely helping support services. Our district is blessed together to collectively businesses in the with a fantastic location develop the tourism sector to provide Our district is blessed with a fantastic on Morecambe Bay and and leisure offer todays a product that location on Morecambe Bay and a a fascinating history and customers are looking will take our fascinating history and heritage. And heritage. for, and really put our district forward of course a stunning array of beautiful district on the map as a to become both countryside. The sheer variety and must see place to visit a competitive contrast between the three main areas and do business. visitor destination, and an attractive and Morecambe and the Bay, Lancaster vibrant place to live. Heritage City, and the Lune Valley, Andrew Dobson represent both a huge opportunity and Head of Regeneration and Policy To appreciate the districts offer and a challenge in terms of promotion of the future potential you need only look at district. the national acclaim received by various arts and culture projects, the districts The recent draft Cultural Heritage programme of year-round festivals Strategy highlights the need for page 12 and events, the plays and concerts in improvements to the public realm and Williamson and Happy Mount parks, the heritage offer, including Lancasters sheer number of people on Morecambe page 12 Georgian architecture, development Promenade on a sunny weekend, the of the castle as a must-see attraction, eclectic mix of independent shops, and raising the profile of the city. The page 13 cafes and restaurants serving some strategy also recognises the value of fantastic local produce, our extensive heritage to the identity of Morecambe page 14 cycling network, and the opportunities and the district as a whole. The ongoing regeneration of Morecambe and the work being done through the Morecambe Area Action Plan will provide further opportunities to improve the towns attraction to visitors. The Council is also working with its partners around Morecambe Bay to provide a consistent approach to interpretation and marketing. for young people including holiday activities and sports development.

A trip is advised Hotel will invest All aboard Local sourcing

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

Future features for 2011

May/June July/Aug Sept/Oct

Legal Services Web and IT Financial Services

Business Matters 11

Leisure & Tourism review

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.

Our thanks to Neil Ryder for help in preparing this article.

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.

Hotel will continue to invest

really we can do about that. If anything, it Now in its twentieth year, Lancaster House Hotel, adjacent to Lancaster urges us to seek out new customers and University, continues to uphold its work twice as hard to attract business to status as one of the regions leading the area. accommodation and Lancaster has an events venues. But Weve got to ride this enviable location with the impending storm out and keep as a conference cuts in the public investing what we can in destination with sector and more the product and customer its excellent regional competition service. transport links, than ever, the hotel, and many of our which is part of the English Lakes group, existing clients choose Lancaster as faces new trading challenges in a fastthe location for their national events. moving and diverse market-place. We simply need to convince more We know that 2011 will be a difficult companies in the private sector that year says they should choose our great city over Tim Bell, the more obvious conference locations General such as Manchester, Birmingham or Manager. Liverpool. Our core But an increase in sales and marketing midweek activity is not the complete answer to customer addressing the long-term implications of base will be the public cuts and any future economic affected by downturns, according to Tim. Invariably, the national the hotel industry will cut its cloth spending cuts, and accordingly when times are hard, and theres this will ultimately affect the quality of Tim Bell, General Manager, nothing what the customer receives. Ive learned Lancaster House Hotel

Lancaster House Hotel

12

Business Matters

Leisure & Tourism review

Good bet for business

Nearly 72,000 people attended Cartmel races in 2010, an increase of 23% across the seven racedays compared to the previous year. Now the management team, part of the Holker Estate Group, is preparing for an even busier season. Bank holidays provide the bulk of racedays, comprising the May Festival (28 May to 1 June), and the August Festival (25 to 29 August) with a BBQ themed raceday in-between on 14 July. Every raceday features a range of family entertainment in addition to the races and almost everyone takes a picnic to enjoy within the scenic parkland enclosures. Managing Director Jonathan Garratt says Cartmel races is becoming more and more popular as a holiday destination. In addition to a healthy local crowd, we receive a huge number of visitors who stay in the area overnight, stimulating the local tourism industry. It can become quite difficult to find hotel accommodation at race weekends and the economic impact of the races is reaching the wider region. Business so far this season has been very brisk; we are well ahead on ticket sales and the Grandstand Restaurant has already sold out on a couple of days. Race sponsorship and corporate hospitality packages are available for most racedays. Garratt says We create bespoke packages for each of our sponsors, to ensure that every pound they spend is working as hard as it can sponsorship can be a very cost effective way of promoting a range of products and services.

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.

Up for the cup

Morecambes Globe Arena has another top team to be proud of. Three of its chefs returned from the 2011 Football Club Hospitality awards at the NEC with a barrow load of top prizes. First up to the plate was Commis chef Sam Schofield, who won silver in the traditional pasta dish section. He impressed the judges with his crab and shrimp ravioli, buttered spinach and beurre blanc sauce. And Sams great result would prove to be just the confidence boost for Head Chef Graham Aimson and acting Sous Chef, Doug Fishwick, to rattle the big boys later in the competition. Graham and Doug excelled in the food knowledge and hygiene section, winning gold medals, and their lamb dish came 3rd in the Major Football Stadia Hospitality Award, beaten only by Premier League giants Everton and Aston Villa. Some of the premier league kitchens have up to 30 chefs working every day. They also won the salver for best team on the day and the ultimate accolade of the best overall team trophy. Every dish the chefs entered into the competition is available to order through both match day hospitality and function and banqueting. Graham Aimson said: For our first entries in top flight culinary competitions under the Morecambe FC name, we have had a tremendous result and certainly exceeded our expectations. As a team were determined to put Morecambe FC on the map for food as well as football.

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.

Leisure & Tourism review

Local produce is best

Neil Ryder looks at how one major leisure and tourism business in the area has implemented a local procurement policy for ingredients and food. Sourcing from local suppliers with a leaning towards family run businesses is one of the key policies of the six four star properties in the Cumbria based English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues group. The company also says that they welcome approaches from potential new suppliers, especially those offering high quality speciality products. hotels to more business orientated venues. Wherever possible we prefer to use and support local businesses and suppliers. when the season finishes. We found one of our hotels was serving Dutch shrimps even though it was overlooking Morecambe Bay which has the best shrimps in the world. I found a small, family run business that catches the shrimps and processes them by hand. We now take all the shrimps produced by this business. These Morecambe Bay shrimps are considerably more expensive, but are a better product and, most important, local, he said. We are always looking for new suppliers, especially for speciality products, and welcome any ideas. What do we need from our suppliers? A quality product with assured supply. The product must be delivered when needed while meeting any special conditions for that product, such as temperature and shelf life Existing suppliers include many local requirements, he said. The supplier farms. While the company has a central must be prepared to work on account purchasing office, each property has a and we are also great deal of autonomy looking for an in dealing directly with assured price or suppliers. What do we need from our a price with little suppliers? A quality product Operations Director change for about a three month Douglas Dale has with assured supply. period. spent over 30 years with English Lakes, A menu will and is closely involved usually run for about three months with sourcing local produce. We are a and we need to know the price of the family run business and believe strongly ingredients used. If the supplier has in supporting local suppliers wherever the right product then the price paid possible, he says. Our hotels vary is, to a large extent, irrelevant. All our greatly in character from a traditional properties are four star, so our guests coaching inn to a large Georgian are looking for high quality, which mansion, from predominantly tourist includes top of the range local food, and expect to pay a fair price for this, said Douglas.

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

14

Business Matters

profile

Its a family affair

Pilling Pottery has enjoyed success for over 40 years. Originally established by Jim Cross, the business is now run by his son Adrian. Jims other son Dylan also works in the family business as does Adrians 19 year-old son, Adam. Rachel Gibson of Quay Creative finds out how keeping it in the family has enabled the company to continue growing. Sitting in pride of place at the centre of a small village, the modest exterior of Pilling Pottery disguises the hive of activity that takes place when you walk through the door. The shop at the front is crammed with hand crafted pottery, mugs and crockery and in the workshop at the back the companys ten employees are busy manufacturing kilns that are delivered and installed around the country. more, they are built to last so also offer a more environmentally-friendly option. Adrian came into the business when he left school. I actually wanted to be helps out but her career aspirations lie elsewhere too, he says. I love this area. Its my inspiration really. If I have a problem with the business or need to work something out I just go for a walk with the dogs. It helps clear my head and the answer always comes to me usually near the sea.

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

Delegates tweeting at the Social Media workshop

Pr om

ot ey

ou

rb

us

ine

ss w

ith

brochures business stationery all superbly designed and skillfully printed

PR

INT .
Unit 7, Woodgate Park, White Lund Industrial Estate, Morecambe LA9 7HA E sales@pplancaster.co.uk www.printing-plus.co.uk

T 01524 888509 F 01524 841288

Positively Dependable

Business Matters

17

advice

Addressing a major internet issue

Will you disappear off the Internet? Is IPv6 the next millennium bug? Glyn Jones of Savant warns of the dangers of not keeping up with the latest online developments. The internet is used by the majority of people in their work and leisure activities. This isnt just at home and at our desks, as mobile access means were never out of touch. Losing our internet connection for a short while would be annoying, frustrating and possibly costly. A long term break in communication is unthinkable but is now a real threat. Everything connected to the internet needs an address. In 1981, there were over 4 billion addresses available (under what was called IPv4). The rapid global growth of the internet over the last 10 years has resulted in the available addresses running out, and yet demand is still increasing. Current predictions see the IPv4 addresses running out by March 2011. An upgrade of the internet address system (to IPv6) will provide an enormous amount of new addresses over a quadrillion [5x1028] addresses for each person alive today! Impressive as this upgrade is, it does mean that parts of the internet may start being inaccessible to you unless you make some changes. It will also mean that your customers will not be able to connect to you anymore. 1. If you dont do something it will have a detrimental effect With both these issues, doing nothing is not an option. Ignoring the IPv6 upgrade will result in an increasing number of web sites becoming inaccessible over time. Those sites that would be available may not be up to date. Your customers will not be able to connect to you and your website. It will have a global effect As with the change of century, the internet is worldwide and the upgrade will affect everything connected to it. Glyn Jones 4. It may not be obvious that you have a problem Your computer will not stop operating totally but any network connectivity may not operate at full capacity and will diminish over time.

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.

Where they differ is: 1.

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

18

Business Matters

news

Centros still fully committed

More than a year on since the inquiry decision, the City Councils development partner Centros say they are still committed to the Canal Corridor North development site in Lancaster city centre. As the principal grounds for refusal related to heritage matters, Centros has been liaising with English Heritage as the statutory advisor on such matters. According to the developer the Canal Corridor site continues to offer exciting possibilities. The site is unique and has plenty of underutilised potential, said a spokesman. With the right investment, we believe that amenities like the canal, the Dukes, the Grand and the Musicians Co-operative can be combined with both historical and new buildings to make this a distinctive and vibrant part of the city. Added to this, Lancaster still has a critical need to offer its local population a competitive and sufficient shopping attraction, especially in the light of the go-ahead for the retail expansion of Preston. Despite the economic downturn, there remains a strong underlying demand from retailers not currently represented in Lancaster to open shops here, said the company. Centros believes it can deliver an attractive development that will fulfill all the requirements. Centros anticipates a fresh public consultation programme which will commence in autumn 2011. With the right collaborative approach by all of the stakeholders, Lancaster could be one of the first cities to realise the benefits of significant regeneration post the recession, the company said. our 140 mph trains to a top speed of 125 mph. But we have kept faith with the core of Sir Richard Bransons 1997 vision for modern, customer-focused rail services. We have introduced two fleets of state-of-the-art trains and used them to deliver faster and more frequent services. Customer satisfaction levels are an industry-leading 90% and passenger numbers have doubled to 28 million in only six years. We believe that local economies have benefitted from the distinctive Virgin approach to rail, and that we can continue to add value to the economies of the areas we serve. We intend to put in a strong and innovative bid to run services from 2012. Routes through Lancaster included in the West Coast franchise are London Euston to Glasgow and Birmingham New Street to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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.

Wage freeze likely

A British Chambers of Commerce survey suggests many employers will freeze or reduce wages in 2011. Of the 450 firms polled, 49% planned to keep salaries on hold and 6% would cut wages. More optimistically, 45% were likely to offer pay rises and only 13% expected to lay off workers due to government spending cuts. The BCC says that firms are doing whatever they can to retain staff in challenging conditions.

Sir Richards vision is still on track

The current West Coast franchise expires on 31 March 2012, and the open competition to run the franchise for the next 14 years is now under way. Bids have to be submitted by 17 August 2011, with the winner expected to be announced in December. Current franchise holder Virgin Trains comments: We are proud of our record. We have weathered some severe storms, such as the collapse of Railtrack and the subsequent scaling-back of the West Coast upgrade, which limits

We have the answers

A record 13 teams entered the annual quiz night organised by Moore and Smalley, raising 615 for Lancaster Boys and Girls Club. Winners were HSBC, runners up Reid Hamilton. The Dallas Road club provides social and sporting activities for boys and girls aged 8 to 18, with dedicated club nights from Monday to Friday, and football and boxing sections that compete across the county.

Mums the word

The Employers National Insurance contributions threshold goes up to 136 a week from April. As a result no NI will be payable on the 128.73 standard rate of Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay and Statutory Paternity Pay. Full details on Virgin Trains: strong and innovative bid the HMRC and Business Link websites. Business Matters 19

information

New Members

directory
3 + 4 Aalborg Square LANCASTER LA1 1GG Contact: Mark Burrow 01524 386500 www.bsglaw.co.uk Solicitors

233 Marine Road Central MORECAMBE LA4 4BQ Contact: Craig Pyne 01524 400611 www.nwfirstaid.co.uk First Aid, Care, Fire and Food Safety Training

North West First Aid Ltd

New member spotlight

Adrian Harrison
Operations Manager NORTH WEST FIRST AID & NORTH WEST SAFETY TRAINING LTD tel 01524 400611 email adrian@nwfirstaid.co.uk
1. Describe your business in one sentence. To empower businesses and communities to save lives and reduce the risk to those they care for through the training we provide. 2. When was the business established? North West First Aid Training Ltd was established in 2003 and North West Safety Training Ltd in 2009. 3. Who is your target market? We support many businesses throughout the North West and train throughout the UK and even in Europe! We provide training in First Aid, Care Sector, Personal Safety, Food Safety, Fire Safety, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment, Licensing & Security, and Teacher Training. 4. How many staff do you employ? 13 colleagues overall, including 8 specialist trainers. 5. What is your unique selling feature? We care!...What our customers experience with us is the single, most important thing on our minds! 6. What has been the biggest achievement for the business to date? Seeing our customers grow and seeing our business and its people develop and grow. 7. How do you gain most of your business? Word of mouth, thanks again to our growing number of customers. 8. What is the best piece of advice you have received? Well one thing we discuss here quite a lot is do the right thing...so I guess we would say that. 9. Why did you base your business here? Quite a simple one this...to support the local community. We have always been a local company, always will be. 10. Where do you see the business in three years time? We prefer to concentrate on the here and now, making sure there is continuous, ever improving performance in what we do and how we do it.

Blackhurst Swainson Goodier LLP

61 Green Lane LANCASTER LA1 2EZ Contact: Eleanor Postlethwaite 01524 555789 www.photobaby.co.uk Wedding and portrait photography Eskrigge Hall Gressingham LANCASTER LA2 8LX Contact: Debbie Robinson 015242 36320 www.radix2design.co.uk Electronic Engineering

Photo Baby

Radix 2 Design Ltd

7-8 Chapel Street PRESTON PR1 8AN Contact: Gill Gardner 01772 823921 www.brabnerschaffestreet.com Solicitors

Brabners Chaffe Street LLP

26 Elgin Street LANCASTER LA1 3DG Contact: Darren Andrews 07811 778 350 www.darrenandrewsphotos.co.uk Photographer

Darren Andrews Photography

23 Benton Road PRESTON PR2 6UL Contact: Sylvia Poll 07902 677 201 www.allaboutw8.co.uk/lancaster Weight management and nutrition

S Poll Enterprises Ltd

49 Grasmere Rd LANCASTER LA1 3HB Contact: Gary Humphreys 07710 750663 www.hand-consultancy.co.uk Business organisational development

Hand

4 Melbourne Road LANCASTER LA1 3QB Contact: Laura Blakeley 07786010504 www.soaronhigh.co.uk Online e-commerce shop

Soar on High

The Storey Creative Industries Centre Meeting House Lane LANCASTER LA1 1TH Contact: Karl Dixon 01524 509000 www.karlrdixon.com Commercial Photography

Karl R Dixon Photography

Flat 3 Brunton House Scotforth Rd LANCASTER LA1 4TU Contact: Aaron Crewe 01524 566774 www.sharepointinitiative.com Installation and customisation of SharePoint

The Sharepoint Initiative Ltd

Kirstine joins Chamber team

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Kirstine Bond, our new Membership, Marketing and Communications Officer. Kirstine has a wealth of experience, having previously been a director of a successful business development company. Over the last few years she has been working with SMEs across the North West to improve efficiency and profitability, undertaking business development work including mystery shopping, team development, and leadership and business coaching. She also brings significant expertise in marketing, e-marketing and PR 20 Business Matters consultancy. Kirstine is looking forward to meeting members over the coming months at the various events and members evenings. Please do introduce yourself, and should you have any suggestions regarding membership and communications, feel free to contact her: kirstine.bond@ lancasterchamber.org.uk or telephone 01524 381331. Kirstine Bond

chamber news

events

Click for success

Sarah Cooper, Director of Black Zest Solutions, will be revealing her secret insider tips on how to make email marketing work for your business, in a briefing for Chamber Members on Thursday 24th March. Sharing her knowledge on efficient use of a database and how to segment data effectively, the briefing will enable you to use email marketing strategically. Sarah explains: Building strong relationships with your customers has never been as important and by embracing email marketing, you can increase awareness and traffic, with just the click of a button. Whether you have no customer database and need support setting one up or have a database but youre not sure what to do with it, the course will guide you through the basic steps required for success. You may already run your own email campaigns but youre not sure why they arent very effective. Even if youre completely new, the briefing will arm you with all you need to formulate an effective email marketing campaign. Chamber Member Black Zest Solutions is a new innovative marketing and design business, based on the outskirts of Lancaster. Contact Sarah Cooper at sarah@ blackzestsolutions.co.uk, Tel 07729 703557. For more information or to book a place contact Vicky Lofthouse on 01524 381331 or visit www. lancaster-chamber.org.uk.

By Vicky Lofthouse, Events Organiser

You are invited to join Eric Ollerenshaw, MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, and Lancaster Chamber Members for a Business Lunch on Friday 8th April. Born and bred in Lancashire and now living in Lancaster, Eric is a tough nononsense campaigner who knows how to get a job done. He will be guiding us through the highs and lows of the current economic situation and will give an update on initiatives and developments in the Lancaster district. There will also be a question and answer session. The event will provide an ideal opportunity to make new contacts, strengthen old ones and have a chance to promote your business to other Chamber members. Please see below and the enclosed flyer for further details EXHIBITION SPACE IS AVAILABLE AT THIS EVENT. Many thanks to Fiona Robinson and her team at The Longlands Inn & Restaurant for hosting our last Members Evening in January; the next one will be on 9th March at The Globe Arena, home of Morecambe Football Club. For further details on all the Chambers events please visit www.lancaster-chamber.org.uk.

for your diary

Networking
Members Evening 9th March 2011 The Globe Arena, Westgate, Morecambe Time: 6.30pm 8.30pm Cost: New Members Free (Max 2 per company) Members 10 + VAT Chamber 2 Chamber Networking Sponsored by Towergate Risk Solutions Lancaster 22nd March 2011 Lancaster House Hotel, Ellel Time: 4.30pm 6.30pm Cost: Free to Members Non Members 15 + VAT Business Networking Lunch & Exhibition 8th April 2011 Holiday Inn, Caton Road, Lancaster Time: 11.30am 2.00pm Cost: Members 25 + VAT Non Members 45 + VAT Exhibition Space 35 + VAT Women in Business 25th May 2011 The Longlands Inn & Restaurant, Tewitfield, Carnforth Time: 12pm 2pm Cost: Members 22 + VAT Non Members 44 + VAT Cost: Members FREE Non Members FREE How to use Email Marketing Effectively Informative Briefing 24th March 2011 Chamber of Commerce Time: 4.00pm 6.00pm Cost: Members 10 + VAT Non Members 20 + VAT Hold The Front Page Informative Briefing 6th April 2011 Chamber of Commerce Time: 4.00pm 6.00pm Cost: Members 10 + VAT Non Members 20 + VAT

Training
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

Sarah Cooper Business Matters 21

viewpoint

Raising the standards

The Advertising Standards Authority will now regulate marketing messages on organisations own websites. Julian Healey says we have nothing to fear, as long as were careful not to mislead.

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

S R TE AS C N LA T RS FI

W O N

DOZENS OF DIFFERENT MEATS TO TRY AT ONE SET PRICE.

Its carnival time at Touro - your new taste of Brazil, at the rst Rodizio in Lancashire! On the menu is a wonderful choice of prime cuts of meat all cooked Churrascaria de Rodizio style and carved at your table. There is one set menu price and for that you can choose from a variety of different meats. All cooked the Brazilian way.

introducing a new dining experience

! IO IZ D O R

! N PE O

7.95 15.95
*
*monday to friday lunch only

LUNCH ONLY

EVENINGS ONLY

FIRST FLOOR AT BAR ELEVEN - NEXT TO NATWEST

60 62 CHURCH STREET, LANCASTER LA1 1LH

T:01524 33354 E:DRINK BAR ELEVEN.CO.UK

W W W. TO U R O . CO . U K
TOR015_Chamber_Advert.indd 1 14/10/2010 08:39

at your service
Your local commercial insurance specialist
Providing great service, cover, value and security for businesses and individuals throughout the area for over 25 years.
Its the customer care, the fact that a principal from the company will take a personal interest in our case and deal with it. Ann Morris
Lancaster District Chamber of Commerce

As a charity its really important that we always get good value for money, and Reid Hamilton make sure we do that. Peter Hearne CancerCare

3 Queen Square, Lancaster, LA1 1RN

01524 39939
www.reidhamilton.co.uk

Reid Hamilton & Co. Ltd. is an ISO 9001 company authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Registered in England No. 1668273.