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A BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS MAGAZINE

ISSUE 1

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Banking oninnovation:Cyber experts shaping our financial future

www.cheshirebiz.com FREE

CHESHIRE

January/February 2019

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Inside:

9 Made smarter 11Future proof

18 First decade of law firm celebrated

INTRODUCTION4

Whenever you ask businesses to pinpoint the

biggest challenges they face going forward, one word usually appears near the very top of the list.

Skills. Access to properly qualified staff, the ability to recruit and retain the cream of the crop, and the need to create an environment which produces workers who are fit and equipped for the rigours of fast-moving 21st century commerce.

In this issue, we lift the lid on a remarkable Cheshire community which is attracting some of the country’s best IT brains, working with banking giant Barclays on the next big thing in the world of finance.

The boss of the Radbroke technology

campus invites us for a tour of the fascinating complex, and reveals why the team has to have its eyes on all corners of the globe, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Another company soon to be on the lookout for skilled staff is Macfarlane Concrete Pumping, which has invested more than £1 million on its fleet.

You can see the company’s equipment in action in a wide range of locations, from Everton football club’s Goodison Park stadium, to the M6, and Chester Zoo.

And on the subject of animals, we have two very different but equally inspirational stories about businesses which are breaking the oft-quoted rule of never working with animals or children.

Lisden Technology, a software development company based in Chester whose work aided the team on the BBC’s acclaimed Blue Planet series, has

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ISSUE 4:JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2019

Cheshire Business is published by Wiggly Worm Media Ltd. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission of the editor.

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ISSUE 1




CHESHIRE



Acquiring the right

29 A fifth generation family business

51 A solid choice3650 years in law 48 Beautiful days

November.Like

Cheshire Business, it sets out to celebrate the success stories of the local economy, and profile the people and the companies doing amazing things and putting the region on the map.

Don’t forget to keep us posted about your news and views – and if you’re holding a social event, send us a spread of pictures so we can turn you into our next social scene stars.

Here’s hoping that 2019 is going to be a happy and prosperous year for the local business community . . . whatever the terms we eventually agree for our departure from the European Union.

Carl Jones, Editor

5INTRODUCTION

been recognised for innovation at the Engineering Emmys in Los Angeles.

And having been raised in a pet-friendly home which became known locally as ‘the zoo’, Jackie Robinson has now turned her lifelong love of animals into a business, Cheshire Pet Photography.

Brexit-fuelled uncertainty definitely hasn’t brought the commercial property market to a standstill; in this issue you will find countless examples of new office lettings and deals to accommodate growing businesses across a range of sectors.

What else? Well, we drop in on the

10th birthday celebrations of Chester law firm DTM legal, HR expert Kirsty Craig explains why the right facial expressions and body language can make or break

a business deal, and a former overseas news reporter

tells us how she has drawn on

her fascinating career experiences to write her first thriller novel.

We also have a bit of

home-grown success to report,

too. I’m delighted to report that our sister

magazine, Shropshire Business, was crowned Midlands Magazine of the Year at the regional media awards in

individual for the role

NEWS6

Families rally tosave a historictannery in need

A Cheshire business has played a pivotal role in helping to save one

of the UK’s oldest leather manufacturers.

Knutsford-based Abbey England has led a consortium of three family businesses across Europe who have stepped in to rescue Sedgwick & Co.

Abbey England, a provider of saddlery and associated goods to the equestrian market, has linked up with Kilger, a German tannery which has supplied Sedgwick with leather for 20 years, and Crawford Leather Company, a UK and Irish hide and skin processing company.

Sedgwick & Co was facing closure as it was taken into administration in October, until the consortium together invested £1.5 million to save the business.

The deal protects 60% of the firm’s jobs and maintains its manufacturing strength to protect its current order book.

Abbey England led the consortium, saying it was keen to prevent the company being wound up altogether, given its heavy reliance on the high quality leather that Sedgwick & Co provides for its own saddlery business.

Richard Brown, managing director at Abbey England, said: “It was imperative that we found a way to save what is one of Britain’s most prestigious leather companies.

“Its leather is an integral component of the high quality products we as a consortium are well-known for producing, within the equestrian sector and beyond.”

Challenging trading conditions and declining exchange rates had led to the company being taken into administration.

Richard Brown added: “I’m confident that the combination of the complementary skills and capabilities inherent in these three businesses will result in the continued manufacturer of high quality leather products to some the world’s most respected brands.

“We know that Sedgwick & Co’s esteemed customer, Aston Martin, would not consider looking elsewhere given the quality of leather required for its interiors

– and it is this superiority of manufacturer that we are so proud to have saved for the future of leather production.”

Robin Coleman designs bespoke accessories for Aston Martin and has been a customer of Sedgwick & Co for almost 40 years.

He said: “We have always worked very closely with Sedgwick & Co to source our leather as the quality is unbeatable and the consistency is superior to any other supplier.

“We’re delighted that Richard has led this consortium to rescue the business as had the Sedgwick & Co gone into administration, it would have totally disrupted our business and would have meant weeks and weeks of sourcing an alternative supplier.”

The day-to-day running of the business is now in the hands of works manager Phil Bevington, and production manager Mark Abraham.

We know that Sedgwick & Co’s esteemed customer, Aston Martin, would not consider looking elsewhere given the quality of leather required for its interiors

“”

Richard Brown of Abbey EnglandSedgwick & Co Tannery has been rescued by a consortium of three family-run businesses

7NEWS

A guide price of £1.6 million has been placed on an office

investment at Manor Park Estate, between Chester and Warrington.

Legat Owen has been instructed by Western Power to market the freehold of Howard Court, close to the M56, which has more than 24,000 sq ft of spaced across three detached office buildings.

The agents say: “Offering a secure total income of £235,677.50 per annum and a

Net Initial Yield of 8.52%, the buildings are 92.4% let to occupiers including the new Merseyflow Toll operator, Emovis, as well as JBV Demolition and X Digital Media.”

Two of the three buildings at Howard Court were refurbished in 2016 to provide open plan accommodation.

There are also opportunities for the prospective buyer to renovate Building C and let its remaining 1,841 sq ft suite. Howard Court also has the added benefit of 110 parking spaces.

The wider Manor Park Estate is a 300-acre low density office and industrial park, which has recently attracted major

occupiers including Lidl, UK Mail, Fresenius Kabi and B&M Bargains.

Will Sadler, director of office agency, Legat Owen said: “Howard Court provides a secure investment asset in an up and coming area, with potential to enhance value via refurbishment and letting opportunities in Building C.

“With the Government’s announcement on plans to create an additional link between Runcorn and the M56 Motorway, we have already seen Manor Park attract new major occupiers, which will increase the profile and value of this business destination.”

Investment in off ice spaceHoward Court has 110 on-site parking spaces for its occupiers Two of the three buildings at Howard Court were refurbished in 2016

NEWS8

Nantwich-based home care provider Right at Home South

Cheshire is celebrating after scooping three awards.

Owner Ben Selby and a team of colleagues won the start up business and customer service awards at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards at Crewe Hall Hotel.

They followed this up with the home care team award for the north west at the Regional Great British Care Awards which promotes best practice across the home care and care home sectors, at The Mercure Hotel, Manchester.

Ben said: “We are absolutely thrilled with these award wins. We are incredibly passionate about providing the highest quality care to our clients and it’s great this passion has been recognised in the local business community as well as the care sector.

“We have an outstanding team of care givers who genuinely look to improve the quality of our clients’ lives and these awards are a real testament to their hard work and commitment in trying to achieve this for each and every one of our Clients and their families.”

Right at Home South Cheshire provides personal care and support to people in their own homes. The company currently supports approximately 60 Clients across Nantwich, Crewe, Sandbach, Alsager and surrounding areas and employs more than 40 CareGivers.

Services range from companionship, home help and personal care to specialist dementia care and live-in care services.

Three awards fora care provider

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At the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Awards are Louisa Shaw (care qualityco-ordinator), Ben Selby (managing director), and Kirsty Roberts (registered manager)

In brief . . .l A promotional video for marketing Northwich as a ‘destination with a difference’, promoting retail, leisure and heritage, has been funded by Northwich Business Improvement District and Cheshire West and Chester Council, and has been made by local video production team Studio 24-7. Viewers are guided through well-known attractions and hidden gems by a famous Northwich faces including BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, Olympic medallist Beth Tweddle and English track cyclist Pete Mitchell.

l Warrington based entrepreneur Jen Perry, who runs Room Forty, a mobile afternoon tea emporium and mobile baking school, was chosen by the Cabinet Office to be the face of Small Business Saturday 2018 for the North of England. Her business, founded in 2016, served as the small business case study for the ‘Shop Local’ campaign, encouraging audiences to support small independent businesses.

9NEWS

Smarter way to growA new £20 million

initiative, designed to embed advanced

digital technology across the North West’s manufacturing sector to boost productivity, has been officially launched.

Backed by national government and some of the world’s biggest businesses, the Made Smarter North West programme is set to engage with 3,000 SME manufacturers.

Cheshire and Warrington companies which get involved in the project will get the chance to access match funded support and advice regarding how industrial digital technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and the Internet of Things, could revolutionise their manufacturing processes.

A number of firms will also qualify for more intensive business support, gaining access to match-funded grants, bespoke consultancy, mentoring and other resources which will help them to accelerate commercial growth.

It is anticipated that by becoming a test-bed for new types of technologies and advanced processes, the region’s manufacturing sector could generate a 25% increase in productivity and add £115 million to the North West economy.

Embracing the principles of Made Smarter could also help to open up new markets, increase exports and create hundreds of additional high-skilled, high-value jobs across Cheshire and Warrington.

This follows an announcement in the recent budget that up to £121 million of additional Made Smarter programme funding would be made available across the country as part of government’s £1.1 billion Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

As well providing significant funding to underpin the Made Smarter concept, government has also worked closely with industry to drive the programme.

Liam Fisher and Pat Jackson Cheshire & Warrington LEP, Juergen Maier, Siemens,Donna Edwards, Made Smarter, Kerry Hall Cheshire & Warrington Growth Hub

A formal partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and the private sector, the programme is overseen by the Made Smarter Commission.

Co-chaired by Business Secretary Greg Clarke, and CEO of Siemens Juergen Maier, the Commission includes representatives from 17 leading companies and organisations directly linked to manufacturing.

As well as Siemens, which employs 550 people at the Congleton Digital Factory in Cheshire, other members of the commission with a major presence in the North West include Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce and BAE Systems.

Juergen Maier, CEO of Siemens, said: “Made Smarter has the potential to kick start a new industrial revolution for our manufacturing sector and be a catalyst for new investment in the latest digital technologies.

“At its core will be helping local businesses to innovate, creating new growth

and technology opportunities in the process. “It’s a hugely exciting time for Cheshire

and Warrington, and I believe this is truly a once in a generational opportunity to boost productivity and create the high value, highly paid jobs of the future.”

Made Smarter will be delivered by the Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub on behalf of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

LEP Board Member Ged Barlow said: “Through word-class assets like the Digital Factory in Congleton and the Cheshire Science Corridor we already have a growing reputation for innovation.

“The Made Smarter North West programme will build on these foundations and offer SMEs across Cheshire and Warrington the chance to access advice and funding to drive more technology-led economic growth within manufacturing.”

Manufacturers who would like to register an interest in taking part in Made Smarter North West should visit the website at www.candwgrowthhub.co.uk

Contact usMonday-Thursday

Tel: Web: Email:

9am-5pm

01244 656499www.ccsw.ac.uk/[email protected]

We help businesses grow with Apprenticeships, matching the right business, right candidate and right Apprenticeships.We also offer bespoke training with our knowledge of ‘off-the-peg’ solutions, Apprenticeships and available funding and incentives, we will ensure you get the best package at the most affordable price.

Delivering training to support your current and future workforce needs.

Did you know that we can advertise your vacancy with our Talent Pool?

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Friday 9am-4:30pm

11SPECIAL FEATURE

Future of f inance

Brainstorming in one of Radbroke’s many

breakout areas

The next generation of financial management technology is being created and refined in Cheshire. CARL JONES gets a sneak-peek behind the doors of the Barclays global ‘technology campus’.

Radbroke isn’t your typical Cheshire country estate.

From the roadside, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s just another stately home to have been given a new lease of life as a boutique hotel or luxury spa.

Far from it. This, in fact, has grown into one of the county’s biggest employers, with a workforce of more than 4,700 people working on cutting edge financial technology.

In one room, you’ll find giant wall-to-wall TV screens monitoring cyber activity from the UK to New York and Mumbai.

In another, technicians are testing and refining improvements to a vast array of cash dispensing machines.

And in a third, the chief executive of one of the world’s leading banking groups might be sat on a sofa having an informal brainstorming session with a whizz-kid software developer.

This 64-acre site, a few miles south of Knutsford, is the Barclays Technology Campus, a transatlantic technology

command centre with a reputation as one of the largest centres for information security in the UK.

The Radbroke team are defining the future of finance, and open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, monitoring critical IT systems to make sure customers can access their banking services.

The mobile banking app . . . the bank’s ‘Pingit’ money transfer services . . . protection from malicious cyber attacks . . . all of this and more is driven by the team at Radbroke.

The site which pioneered ATM and debit card technology over the past four decades

is now busily perfecting the next generation of banking technology, from fingerprint identification technology to speech recognition programmes.

Overseeing the site is Graham Bastin, Barclays’ managing director of tech, and head of group operations and technology resilience, who took up his post just over five years ago, having previously worked in the UK’s financial heart, Canary Wharf.

“When we’re encouraging people to come and work for us here, we very much make the point that we are first and foremost a technology company, not a banking company,” he says.

Radbroke looks like any other stately home – but it is so very different from the norm

t

Contact usMonday-Thursday

Tel: Web: Email:

9am-5pm

01244 656499www.ccsw.ac.uk/[email protected]

We help businesses grow with Apprenticeships, matching the right business, right candidate and right Apprenticeships.We also offer bespoke training with our knowledge of ‘off-the-peg’ solutions, Apprenticeships and available funding and incentives, we will ensure you get the best package at the most affordable price.

Delivering training to support your current and future workforce needs.

Did you know that we can advertise your vacancy with our Talent Pool?

Register now at www.ccsw.ac.uk/employers/apprenticeships

Friday 9am-4:30pm

The Radbroke team are defining the future of finance, and open for business 24 hours a day, seven days a week, monitoring critical IT systems

“

”

SPECIAL FEATURE12

“People think of Barclays as a bank, but when it comes to attracting the right calibre of workers to come here, we are competing instead with the Googles of this world, and other big technology businesses.

“We have to take time to consider how we inspire people to come into this industry in the first place, and get across to them the wealth of opportunities on offer. This is a career in technology, not a career in banking.

“Digital banking, and mobile banking, is the future of our business, and we want to attract the brightest and best technology brains in the industry to Radbroke.

“We’re always thinking about how data will need to be used in years to come, and asking ourselves ‘What’s the next play going to be?’

“This is not a nine-to-five operation here, nor is it a hierarchical place. We are all part of a big team working on real projects which are going to be in the hands of some 20 million customers. There is a real job satisfaction in that knowledge.” And pressure, no doubt!

“Our brand relies on a reputation for safety and security, and one of the roles of our team here is to ensure the security and resilience of our systems, protecting it from cyber attacks and ensuring there are no outages. That’s a 24/7 job.

Strong – the 4,700 plus team works on real projects on behalf of 20 million customers

The working environment is conducive to the success story at Radbroke

t

Our brand relies on a reputation for safety and security“

”

13SPECIAL FEATUREt

“A significant amount of all UK payments made in the UK every day, big and small, are processed through our systems each day.”

Built during the First World War as a luxury family home with a French chateau feel, Radbroke has been at the centre of Barclays technological innovation since the 1970s.

It is now seen as a major creative power in the Northern Powerhouse, working closely with community groups and schools in a quest to redefine the future of finance, and reach out to Cheshire communities to give opportunities to the brightest and best – and stop the tech industry ‘brain drain’ to other parts of the county.

Graham is proud of the work which has been done at Radbroke over the past few years on developing a thriving apprenticeship programme. It has now hired more than 500 apprentices, who have learnt their trade whilst continuing their studies on paid day release. Many have already moved several steps up the career ladder.

Winnie Bullock, 19, is among them, and says: “Before I joined Barclays as an apprentice, I was living on the farm where I grew up, studying for my GCSEs and working part time.

“I’d always been interested in technology, so when I was 16 I joined Barclays to pursue an apprenticeship in cryptography (coding), with the aim of specialising in cyber security.

The North West is facing a significant skills gap as the public fail to demonstrate core employability skills, such as leadership and creativity, a new study from Barclays LifeSkills can reveal.

The report, ‘How employable is the UK?’, surveyed and tested over 10,000 16-65 year olds, 600 employers and 500 educators.

It found that more than half of over 16s are failing to demonstrate all the employability skills needed to succeed in the future workplace. In the North West, this rises to 59%, slightly higher than the national average.

Ashok Vaswani, CEO of Barclays UK, said: “The findings show the importance of lifelong learning, whatever your age or chosen career path. I firmly believe that education should not stop at the school gates – businesses, educators and the Government all have a role to play.

“We need to work together to agree a core set of transferable employability

skills, giving people of all ages the tools needed to upskill and ultimately creating a competitive workforce that will support the UK economy.”

The study showed that traditional sources of employability skills, like in-work training and formal education, are not currently set-up to tackle the employability skills gap.

Respondents from the North West showed that they were over confident across key employability skills.

The North West had a 21 per cent difference between their self-assessed skill levels and the reality of their test results.

The research findings showed Millennials as the lowest performing age group, with just 39% of 25-34 year olds able to display all of the core skills.

In comparison, almost half of Baby Boomers (51-65 year olds) had the full range of employability skills but rated far lower in their self-confidence.

Graham Bastin oversees Radbroke

Please mind the gap – shortage of skills needs tobe addressedGraham is proud of the

work which has been done at Radbroke over the past few years on developing a thriving apprenticeship programme

“

”

SPECIAL FEATURE14

“Being an apprentice is brilliant as it allows me to study for a degree whilst earning. In fact, with my first pay cheque as a Barclays Apprentice, I bought 24 sheep, which I’ve since sold for double the price!

“I urge anyone considering their higher education options to find out more about apprenticeships, as they offer valuable on the job training as well as a route to a degree qualification.”

Graham Bastin continues: “With a community of our size here at Radbroke, there are opportunities for our staff to find themselves, and experience different aspects of the business.

“Many of our apprentices who are four or five years down the line with us now have moved on to do masters’ degrees, and apprentices are writing code and working of software which is pivotal to the business – including our siri app which is all part of the future of the banking industry.

“I’d like to see one of our apprentices make their way to a managing director’s job one day. That would be a really satisfying achievement.”

My tour of the building takes us through a host of research buildings named after technology pioneers, including Charles Babbage, Alan Turing, Ada Lovelace, Tom Kilburn and Steve Furber.

The Wilson Technology Lab, named after Sophie Wilson who helped to design the Acorn Micro-Computer, is the latest milestone, bringing over 200 people together who work in mainframe application and infrastructure teams. It is at the heart of the campus and ensures those developing and supporting core banking platforms will be in close proximity.

19-year-old Winnie Bullock joined Barclays three years ago to pursue an apprenticeship

in cryptography (coding), with the aim of specialising in cyber security

The Wilson Technologhy Lab is named after Sophie Wilson who helped to design the Acorn Micro-Computer

“” In Kilburn House, the remarkable sight

which greets you is 6,000 different self-service devices including ATMs, assisted service counters, and kiosks.

All of the engineering for the devices happens in Radbroke, and Barclays has created an on-site lab which contains devices and software from many different vendors.

Babbage House is the design and digital office, where apps such as Barclays Mobile Banking, Pingit, MyBarclaycard and MyBarclays are built and developed.

We then visit the spectacular Command Centre, where dozens of monitors are keeping a watchful eye on the global

Barclays technology empire, seeking out any suspicious activity to nip in the bud before the customer knows anything about it.

On one side of the room is a row of ‘situation rooms’ where the Radbroke team would convene in the event of a systems outage that impacts customers. Touching wood, Graham reveals things very rarely get that far.

“We’re very aware that what we do here impacts on branches, contact centres, our retail offering, access to cashpoints, and the digital systems used directly by our customers which are the growth area of the business.”

Apps such as Barclays Mobile Banking and Pingit were developed at Babbage House

t

15NEWS

The Northwich Art Shop is celebrating after

receiving an award for the second year running.

The independent business, on Witton Street, has been named Arts & Crafts Business of the Year in the SME News North West Enterprise Awards 2018.

Owner Phil Bower said: “Receiving the award two years on the bounce is quite overwhelming. 2018 has been such a busy year and working with our artistic community is so rewarding that to receive this award is the icing on the cake.

“We do what we do to meet our customers’ needs. It is only with their support that we are able to thrive. A huge thanks must go to them for their support and the vibrant high street of Northwich – it is a gem of a place to have a business in.”

Phil has also spoken about the ever-changing retail landscape that businesses are constantly adapting to, and has revealed what he believes is a key tactic for building a loyal follower base.

“I think that independent retail is undergoing a fundamental change. No longer will an independent survive without engaging with its customers.

“It is all about developing a true community around a business. That is what we strive to do at Northwich Art Shop.”

Known for its thriving independent retailers, Phil has also praised Northwich’s array of businesses, which he believes are one of the main reasons why the town is on the up.

“We have a confident and committed band of independent retailers and are seeing new businesses moving in to, or starting up in, Northwich.

“Our high street is a vibrant place with bags of choice, great specialist shops and numerous cafes and bars. These all combine to make Northwich a positive place to do business and as a result we are seeing an increase in new customers visiting the town.

“This is supported by an ambitious schedule of events and activities provided in partnership by the Northwich Business Improvement District, Northwich Town Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council.”

Art to crafting a business

Award-winning Phil Bower, owner of Northwich Art Shop

Packwood Haugh SchoolRuyton XITowns Shrewsbury SY4 1HXTelephone 01939 260217 www.packwood-haugh.co.uk

PackwoodHaugh

Pleasecome for a tasteof Packwood...Scholarships & Bursaries Y3-Y8 Saturday 12th JanuaryOpen Day/Meet the New Head Saturday 9th FebruaryThe Art of Space, Experience Day Sunday 3rd March

NEWS16

The great escapeA new Chester ‘escape room’ has been

launched - with a difference. It has four wheels, indicators, and a

registration plate.Escape The Van is based in a converted box van, giving players

one hour to crack its puzzles and challenges to work out the code to freedom.

The game, titled ‘The Experiment’, takes groups into a ‘Further Analysis Kinaesthetic Experiment’ laboratory for a voluntary medical experiment, but as the door locks and the lab’s acronym becomes clear, teams are put to the test to find a way out.

Greg Mooney is founder of Escape The Van, a mobile escape room

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Unlike other escape rooms, the mobile puzzle can come to you

The van can arrive, set up, and be ready to play in just 10 minutes, with groups of between two to five players at a time given the chance to tackle the puzzle.

Founder Greg Mooney, 27, set up the van after experiencing his first escape room challenge.

Escape games, which act as live action puzzles, have proved a hit for team building within work parties and social groups.

The escape room market is worth an estimated £35 million in the UK, with more than 1,000 rooms available across 415 venues.

And Escape The Van claims to be the only mobile escape room in the UK offering a full one hour escape experience for individual bookings on players’ doorsteps, as it can operate from any location with legal parking.

A number of teams have already taken on the Escape The Van challenge, with the fastest time currently set at 42 minutes, 28 seconds.

But a team with particularly good communication, problem solving, and time management skills can beat this, says Greg, who lives in Withington.

He said: “We’ve built a room with the intention of providing an outstanding experience. The convenience and novelty factor is one thing, but our aim all along was to raise the bar on escape room user experience.

“I had the idea to create Escape The Van after doing an escape room myself at a work social – everyone loved the team building aspect, which is vital for working as part of an everyday cohesive team.

“It’s been a major challenge to fit a fully-functioning escape room into a vehicle and a lot of thought, testing and refinement has gone into all aspects of the experience. The feedback from test groups has been very positive. I’m really proud of what has been achieved.

“We have been operating for two months, with groups from businesses, birthday parties, and even escape room enthusiasts trying it out.

“50% of the teams who have taken on the van have escaped, and all of our reviews so far are five-star, as the game is a challenging but fun experience.

“I think the current escape time can and will be beaten, so I throw the challenge out there to anyone who thinks they can escape the van!”

Greg left his career as a civil engineer to launch Escape The Van. The converted Vauxhall Movano took more than a year to fit out and test before hitting the roads.

In addition to Chester, Escape The Van travels across the North West to areas including Bury, Warrington and Macclesfield.

Can you

escape the

van?

NEWS 17

Lisden Technology, a custom software development company based in Chester, has

been recognised for its innovation at the Engineering Emmys in Los Angeles.

The awards, which are the technology equivalent of the Primetime Emmys, are awarded by The Television Academy in the US to recognise developments in broadcast technology.

Lisden Technology’s director and software engineer, Kelvin Lawson, and Sara Evans, development manager, accepted the Engineering Plaque for the CATS animal-borne multi-sensor video system, known as CATS Cam.

The CATS Cam is a video camera and suite of sensors that can be attached humanely to animals to capture data and video footage from their point of view, including under the ocean.

This technology has given scientists and wildlife filmmakers the unique opportunity to record natural animal behaviour and share this with television viewers.

CATS Cams have captured world firsts in animal behaviour, and the cameras were used in the recent BBC series Blue Planet II to provide a whale’s eye view under the ocean.

They have also been used in documentaries made by National Geographic and Discovery Channel amongst others, as well as being used for research purposes by Stanford University.

The CATS Cam was developed by the international Customised Animal Tracking Solutions team, with Lisden’s Kelvin Lawson working remotely as chief software engineer alongside CATS directors in Germany and Australia.

Kelvin said: “It’s great to be part of a project where the software I write helps people to learn more about the world around us.

“It was a real honour to attend the Emmys ceremony and it’s great that the work everyone has put into the CATS Cam has been recognised by TV industry experts and other engineers.”

Lisden Technology is a custom software development company which was established as a limited company in 2017 by Kelvin Lawson, drawing on over 20 years of development expertise.

The company delivers tailor-made software solutions including mobile apps, desktop and web/cloud-based software applications, and has specialist experience in building embedded systems and video technologies.

The camera attached to a great white shark’s fin

Life through eyes of animals is a winner

It was a real honour to attend the Emmys ceremony and it’s great that the work everyone has put into the CATS Cam has been recognised by TV industry experts and other engineers

“

”Kelvin Lawson and Sara Evans of Lisden Technology at the Emmy Awards reception

The Engineering Emmys pictured taking place in Los Angeles

CATS-Cam being attached to a humpback whale

SOCIAL SCENE18

First decade of lawfirm is celebratedChester law firm DTM

Legal, which also has an office in Liverpool,

celebrated its 10th birthday in style at Chester Racecourse.

Scores of guests from the county’s business community joined partners and staff of DTM for drinks, canapes and short speeches.

Richard Thomas, one of the five founding partners, said: ‘“DTM Legal has been growing since it was established 10 years ago.

“That growth has significantly gathered pace over the last four years, and this year we reached the milestone of 50 members of staff over our two offices in Chester and Liverpool.”

Richard Thomas – partner at DTM Legal Anna Maria Morris and Ian Morris

Chris Smith of the Robert Smith Group and Daniel Wild of Wild Commercial Property

Caroline Hopkins from Love Presenting Caroline Rose and Myles Cooper of Brewin Dolphin

Emily Witter of DTM Legal Colin Jennings from Lambert Smith Hampton and Robert Harris, consultant at DTM Legal

19SOCIAL SCENE

David Barker from Handelsbanken with Andrew Lloyd, RSM Nathan Jones from Champion Accountants

Andrew Wallace of Wright Marshall Clare Anwyl and Lucy Anwyl of Anwyl and Lynn Pierce from Flavell Wealth Management

Sally Pilott, a partner at DTM Legal, pictured with Mathew Anwyl of Anwyl Probo Bernie of A Bernie & Co Ltd

NEWS20

Food and drink firms from across the North West embarked on a

trade mission to Shanghai to secure export opportunities at China’s largest trade show for the food and hospitality industry.

Two Macclesfield-based businesses, chocolate manufacturer Chocolat Madagascar, and dairy farm management firm Grasslands Farming, exhibited at Food & Hotel China under the Northern Powerhouse banner.

The firms were among a mission of 23 British businesses organised as part of the Food is GREAT campaign - the UK government’s initiative to showcase food and drink overseas by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Department for International Trade.

Food is GREAT hosted an exclusive event at the show where 50 companies exhibited products to 300 attendees, including Chinese distributors and e-commerce buyers, industry buyers for hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, key opinion leaders and representatives from Chinese trade media and associations.

It also hosted sessions highlighting the strength of the UK’s food and drink market, and a networking event that was broadcast

On a mission to Shanghai

British businesses visited Shanghai to secure export opportunities at a huge trade show

via WeChat, China’s popular social media and messaging app, featuring tours of the UK pavilion and interviews with UK businesses.

Minister David Rutley said: “UK exports of food and drink to China have more than doubled in the past three years, making it one of our most significant export markets, worth over £564 million.

“This is great news for our food and drink industry, but as the appetite for quality British produce continues to grow across the globe I want to see even more trade, and collaboration on agri-technology, innovation and skills, between China and the UK.

“With the help available from the cross-government Food is GREAT campaign, UK companies have brilliant opportunities

to expand their businesses by exporting to increasingly valuable markets such as China.”

Paul Stowers, Head of Regions – North West, at DIT, said: “Events like FHC highlight the extent of the opportunities available to North West firms overseas.

“In the year to June 2018, local exports of food and drink products to China grew by an impressive 31%, and it’s not just our goods that are in demand, but our services too.

“Attending the FHC show not only gave North West businesses the chance to directly network with potential new partners, but it also provided opportunity to experience and understand the tastes and preferences of the Chinese market.”

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Wilderspool is among Bruntwood’s portfolio

Business thrives in acharacterful space

Property firm Bruntwood has more than 110 contrasting properties in the North of England and neighbouring West Midlands. HENRY CARPENTER reports on the growing group.

Wilderspool Park occupies part of the former Greenall’s Brewery in the leafy Warrington suburb of Stockton

Heath.It shrieks history and oozes industrial heritage. It is also easily

accessible to Warrington and the wider region, not to mention the more local shops, bars and restaurants. An inviting environment, many would say, to base a business.

Wilderspool is owned by property firm Bruntwood which, over the last four decades, has built up a formidable portfolio of commercial buildings which has seen it become one of the major players in the provision of office space in the whole of the UK, let along Cheshire and the North West. To give you an idea of the sort of scale we’re talking about, Bruntwood as a group currently supports more than 3,000 customers and a community of 50,000 people in over 110 properties around the North of England and Midlands.

Wilderspool itself comprises a series of four historical buildings which sit in front of parking spaces for hundreds of cars, and it plays host to a thriving business community which ranges from start-ups to large multi-national brands.

A bright, modern café with exposed architectural features including original brickwork and industrial pipes occupies one of the buildings and it is here that we get the full lowdown on Bruntwood from regional director Andrew Cooke.

Only 35 years of age, Andrew has risen through the ranks at Bruntwood since joining the firm 11 years ago straight from university, first as a chartered surveyor and then more into the management side of the business. He now has ultimate responsibility over the estate across an area which covers much of Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

I wonder if Wilderspool is emblematic of all of Bruntwood’s properties.

t

Andrew Cooke

SPECIAL FEATURE 21

SPECIAL FEATURE22

“There is no single building which is representative of our portfolio, although Wilderspool does include many features which characterise Bruntwood properties,” replies Andrew.

“I suppose where Bruntwood differs from other providers is that we build communities around our space to create thriving cities.

“What we strive to create are eco-systems whereby the areas around the actual office spaces are as important as the office spaces themselves.

“There are very few landlords who purposefully create thriving communities, and certainly none that I can think of who follow through with it like we do.

“Our business model centres on renovating and reinvigorating old buildings because by doing that we know we can create characterful space.

“One of our buildings in Cheadle, for instance – Abney Hall – was where Agatha Christie wrote some of her novels, and the

likes of Booths Park near Knutsford is a glorious country manor.

“My patch, which also takes in Greater Manchester, includes 3,000,000 sq ft of mixed use – mainly retail and office areas. But the way things are looking the asset volume is looking set to expand.

“Joint ventures are an increasingly common for us and we see partnerships and aligning with experts as key to our growth.”

Bruntwood currently has more than £1 billion of assets with a development pipeline of some £1.4 billion. It is a major player in its field.

In many ways, however, it retains the down-to-earth attitude of an independent business, which it very much is.

“Bruntwood is still a family business,” continues Andrew. “The chief executive is Chris Oglesby, who is the son of the founder, Mike Oglesby, and there has always been a strong ethical sense in what we do; for instance, 10% of all Bruntwood’s profits go to charities.”

The two prime properties which operate in Cheshire under Bruntwood Works, as it is called now, and therefore Andrew’s direction, are Wilderspool and Booths Park.

At first glance, the latter is an imposing stately home with its own private 200-acre estate, located a mile or so from Knutsford. In terms of grandeur, there can be few business parks in the UK to match Booths Park.

More than 3,000 people work within the Booths Park business community in organisations large and very small, down to start-ups and one-man bands.

t

More than 3,000 people work within the Booths Park business community in organisations large and small

“”

Booths Park blends the traditional and contemporary

Booths Park is perhaps Bruntwood’s flagship property in Cheshire

SPECIAL FEATURE 23

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And while Wilderspool is interspersed with green areas and various amenities, Booths Park is perhaps Bruntwood’s flagship property in Cheshire which best reflects its ethos in trying to create ‘a thriving city’.

“Last year we undertook a £1.8 million redevelopment of one of the buildings at Booths Park,” says Andrew.

“We think very carefully about wellness initiatives and at Booth’s Park, for instance, there is an outdoor gym, cycling and running routes, and even a fishing lake on site.

“There is a such a close link between a healthy body and a healthy mind, and we believe it is absolutely key to productivity. The provision of good amenities is therefore extremely important and, increasingly, it is something which businesses expect when taking office space.

“We also have a serviced hub called Springwood which has let very well; this is flexible, on-demand type of space which is perfect for small SMEs or larger businesses which was to carry out project work.”

It is clear that Andrew himself, and Bruntwood in general, analyse their sites in great deal in order to maximise the opportunities available for the benefit of their clients.

When we start talking about Bruntwood’s current health as a business and its plans, Andrew is satisfied that the future is bright, particularly in light of a recent strategic move which has seen the creation of a new company within the group.

While we tend to think of Bruntwood solely as a commercial landlord, earlier in 2018 it joined forces with Legal & General in a 50-50 partnership to create the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to driving science and technology growth in regional cities.

t

In 2018 Bruntwood joined forces with Legal & General in a 50-50 partnership to create the UK’s largest property platform dedicated to driving science and technology growth

“

”

Bruntwood undertook a £1.8 million redevelopment of one of the buildings at Booths Park

SPECIAL FEATURE24

Bruntwood SciTech - Chris Oglesby from Bruntwood and Nigel Wilson of Legal & General

The result was the newly formed Bruntwood SciTech; Works was created as a continuation of the original property-focused operation.

Both Bruntwood and L&G have invested £360 million of capital, property and intellectual assets into SciTech with plans in place to support the creation of 20,000 high value jobs.

Bruntwood SciTech’s portfolio is already home to more than 500 science and technology businesses ranging from digital start-ups to global life sciences companies. It is centred on flagship assets and development projects and includes the internationally-recognised life science campus in Cheshire, Alderley Park, in the north east of the county.

While Andrew’s role is solely with Bruntwood Works, he recognises that the formation of SciTech has give the group extra ballast which will, in his eyes, have positive repercussions on current and future properties under his jurisdiction.

“The recent deal with Legal & General allows us to develop further into the region’s commercial space,” he says.

“We are in the process of trying to create a residential development at Booths Park in a joint venture with Hillcrest.

“It is at the public consultation stage where we will take on board all comments which come our way. If approved, that will create 150 homes in Knutsford which has seen a slight lack of residential development.

“We are looking bring together more recreational facilities, such as medical provision and leisure facilities, and we are also looking to create more commercial space at Booths Park; we have outline planning for another 200,000 sq ft of office space at the site.”

You get the sense there is a lot more to come. Alderley Park, north east Cheshire, is among Bruntwood’s science and technology businesses

t

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Cheshire Business is the county’s most comprehensive business-to-business magazine, produced by an award-winning team of journalists with decades of experience. But it is more than that . . . the magazine has a companion website, updated regularly with great content that matters to you. This portal contains all elements of the local economy, from breaking news stories to features, analysis, new appointments, and expert commentary.

Cheshire Business is the must-read title for the Cheshire business community, packed full of quality editorial with the latest news and opinion covering the full spectrum of dynamic and diverse businesses and organisations right across the county, ranging from large corporations to SMEs and one-man bands.

The content on Cheshire Business website is updated daily and the news items, features, commentary and interviews are beautifully presented in the bi-monthly glossy magazine. It is edited by Carl Jones, who has been regularly recognised as one of the top business writers in the country, regularly earning media awards. He is supported by Henry Carpenter, himself an award-winning magazine editor, having won Regional Magazine of the Year on four separaccasions.

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CHESHIRE BUSINESS


ISSUE 1




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ISSUE 1


Thornton:More than just a science park


CHESHIRE

Plus: The business of football.Who’d be a club chairman?

August/September 2018

Cheshire Business 2 New.indd 1 06/08/2018 09:44:15


ISSUE 1


A breakdown incommunicationNightmare ‘not spots’


CHESHIRE

Plus:

HS2: On track tohelp economy?

RISK AND REWARD:Bolesworth boost

SOCIAL SCENE:Firms in the frame

June/July 2018

Cheshire Business 1 New.indd 1 03/06/2018 14:36:49


ISSUE 1


Key to mysuccess:Sir John Timpson interview


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NEWS26

Chester-based property and construction advisory firm Jones

Melling has grown its technical expertise with a trio of new appointments.

Building surveyors Robert Worthington and Stephen Timothy have joined the firm along with architectural technologist Jibran Hussain.

The appointments take staff numbers at Jones Melling to 15. The firm recently opened a new office in Watergate Row in the city centre.

Gary Melling, director and co-founder, said: “Rob and Stephen are experienced building surveyors with strong project management skills, while Jibran offers us a

high level of technical expertise in his role as an architectural technologist, especially in 3D modelling and visualisation.

“All three have worked in large multi-disciplinary practices on projects across the UK, so they have the knowledge and attributes that significantly strengthen our team. These appointments give us solid foundations for continued growth.”

Rob joins Jones Melling from a surveying role with JLL in Manchester and was previously at Arcadis and AA Projects. He specialises in all aspects of building surveys, with specific expertise in dilapidations and contract administration.

Stephen joins from Cowan and Co and his previous experience includes roles at Peter Cox Preservation Surveyors and ACS Surveyors.

He specialises in some of the more

traditional traits of building surveying, including rot, dampness and beetle infestation.

Jibran joins from UK commercial property and asset management specialist M J Mapp. His role at Jones Melling will involve the production of technical drawings for measured surveys, planning, building control and construction drawings.

Established in 2009, Jones Melling is a specialist property and construction advisory firm, with teams in building surveying, quantity surveying, residential surveying and project management.

Clients include architects; banks and funds; commercial agents; commercial landlords and property managers; developers and builders; investors and high net-worth individuals; and professional services firms.

Three new faces atproperty specialist

Property and construction advisory firm Jones Melling - Robert Worthington, Stephen Timothy and Jibran Hussain have been appointed

Planning consent for 15 new homes granted

Work to transform the site of a former a truck dealership near Warrington into a new neighbourhood is well under way.

Elan Homes has planning consent to build 15 new homes on the former Trucks 2 Go site on Warrington Road in the village of Culcheth.

The scheme brings previously developed land within the greenbelt back into good use providing much-needed new homes.

Elan will develop 1.75 acres of the 2.67 acre site and will create a biodiversity area within the development.

The homebuilder will also invest more than £300,000 in affordable housing and contribute almost £50,000 to Culcheth High School.

Marie Morris, sales director for Elan Homes in the North, said: “We’re excited to be back building in the Warrington area, having previously successfully redeveloped sites in Walton and Croft into desirable new communities.”

Culcheth Green will offer three, four and five-bedroom detached designs ranging from 1,298 to 2,081 sq ft. A show home is due to be opened in the spring. An example Elan home, similar to those coming to Culcheth Green

27NEWS

Brewery bosses are raising a glass to Crewe cereals

company Mornflake after launching a new ale made with hearty oats.

Owners of Tom’s Tap micro-brewery turned to the Cheshire millers for a key ingredient in their newly-launched ‘Mighty Oat Stout’.

And the firm, which supplies oat-based breakfast products around the world, was happy to oblige.

Whole Jumbo Oats, best known for making porridge, are one of the main ingredients in the brew.

Brewery owners Sean and Jacqui Ayling have included traditional malts and other ‘secret’ ingredients in the stout, which now features on their tap room menu.

The couple opened the business on Thomas Street after working for more than 30 years in the hospitality industry as bartenders.

Sean said: “Stout is a strong dark beer which is full of iron and has an age-old reputation for ‘building you up’ after illness and was once recommended to pregnant women.

“By adding oats we pack the drink with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They also add body and create a silky texture.

Ale is oats so good

Mornflake ambassador Sian Williamson with Sean Ayling in the brew house

“When we were looking for a supplier, we didn’t have to go very far. We have the country’s finest miller on our doorstep in Crewe – Mornflake.

“The location is perfect as we are keen to reduce ‘food miles’ and include only the freshest of ingredients.

“We love the heritage of the company which uses milling techniques handed down 15 generations and its commitment to the

farming industry by sourcing only British oats.

“It’s also a family-owned company employing local people which sits with our aims of becoming a community hub where clubs and societies can meet.”

Mornflake marketing manager Richard Jones said: “Stout is a first for us and we are delighted to supply to a local family-owned business.”

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NEWS28

Chester Racecourse hosted the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce annual ball and recognition

awards.Nearly 400 guests gathered to celebrate a successful year in

business, whilst raising more than £7,300 for The Hospice of The Good Shepherd.

Keith Anglesea, chairman of the Chamber, took to the stage to give an overview of the chamber’s previous year of ‘substantial growth’, mainly focusing on new team members and the promotion of Debbie Bryce to chief executive.

Chamber chief executive Debbie Bryce said: “As always, our annual ball and recognition awards proved to be another popular success.

“I would like to thank our headline sponsors of the evening, Lomani Luxury Travel, for the support surrounding this event.

“I would also like to mention a special thanks to our membership and events manager, Jenny Davidson, for her incredible effort that was put into this event, as well as our chamber team for their help over the past few months. The generosity of all involved on the night was incredible.”

And the winners were...l Lomani Luxury Travel Award for Customer Excellence – Cimteq Ltdl Start-Up Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Riverside Innovation Centre – Zodeq Ltdl Young Person/Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Umbrella Marketing Team and Armadillo Events –

Ross Thedens, RA & CE Platt Ltdl Export & International Trade Award, sponsored by Crest Medical – Recycling UKl Business Growth Award, sponsored by NatWest Business Banking – RA & CE Platt Ltdl Made a Difference Award, sponsored by The Alternative Board – Edge Transportl Members Choice Award, sponsored by The Townhouse Chester – David Roberts, The Alternative Boardl Business of the Year, sponsored by Ellis & Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers –DRB Group

Chamber awards –resounding success

Recycling UK Limited, winners of export and international trade Cimteq Limited, recognised for customer excellence

DRB Group, business of the year Group image of the winners with their trophies

The TG Group store in Northwich

Carrying the batonThe construction industry has endured its fair share of highs and lows, but a fifth generation family firm has evolved and grown to set up a bright future. CHRIS AUSTIN reports.

With almost 150 years of family history, running a company

that bears your very name could be a daunting prospect for many.

But Tudor Griffiths is the fifth generation of the Griffiths family to run The Tudor Griffiths Group, and his quiet determination to continue his family’s proud legacy is going strong.

“One of our greatest strengths is that we’re still a family-owned company with family values at the very heart of our business, and I’m very honoured to be carrying the baton for the latest generation,” he says.

“The construction industry has seen some incredible boom times but also some seriously depressing lows, so to still be trading so well and even expanding our business is a huge achievement for our whole team.”

With bases across the region including sites in Nantwich, Tattenhall and Northwich, TG Group is one of the UK’s leading independent businesses in the supply of construction materials and building supplies, ready-mixed concrete, skip hire, waste management and recycling.

But the company as it is today, is light years away from where it all began in 1874.

t

SPECIAL FEATURE 29

“My family’s involvement with the building industry dates back to a time when parliament was dominated by Gladstone and Disraeli, and the British Empire controlled much of the land area of the world,” Tudor says.

“In the countryside, steam-powered traction engines were beginning to appear, so people were forced to move into the

towns and cities to find work. My great, great, grandfather William, who was just 25, decided he would set himself up as a builder working for the local farms and estate owners.

“He started his own brickyard making bricks and drainage pipes – and just look at the position his brave and daring move has brought us to today.”

The skip hire division is going from strength to strength – Tudor Griffiths pictured far right

SPECIAL FEATURE30

William was a clever and forward-thinking man who soon branched out into larger-scale general construction work including the Baptist Chapel in Newtown in 1881, which (excluding cathedrals) is still considered to be the largest ecclesiastical building in Wales.

“WilIiam established a considerable reputation for building chapels, and was commissioned to build more at Oswestry, Whittington, Sandford and Ellesmere, where he built both the Methodist and Congregational Chapels. He also built the Masonic Hall in Oswestry,” says Tudor.

Deciding to concentrate on brick making, William moved to Ellesmere where he built houses and constructed Ellesmere Cottage Hospital which was opened in 1906.

As his health declined, William’s sons William Henry, Tom and Fred took over the business and started a new firm, Griffiths Bros. But it was the end of the second world war that really transformed the company.

Tudor says: “The country needed to rebuild after the devastation of the war years, and sand and gravel from the pit at Wood Lane was in great demand in Manchester and Liverpool. My grandfather Tudor started a plant hire business using ex-army bulldozers and quickly built a large fleet working throughout Wales and the West Midlands.

“And never a family to rest on our laurels, we were conscious that increased mechanisation and technology would be the only way to competitively produce enough sand and gravel to meet the demand.

My grandfather Tudor started a plant hire business using ex-army bulldozers and quickly built a large fleet

“”

Ben Jones and Chris Prater at the kitchens and bathrooms showroom at Northwich

Sorting waste at the state-of-the-art material recycling facility at Wood Lane

t

“So we ordered a ready-mixed concrete plant and one truck mixer – in contrast, we now operate 12 ready-mixed concrete plants with a fleet of over 100 trucks, three sand and gravel quarries, and a sea-dredged sand operation.”

Tudor’s father, Billy, who is the current chairman of the group, was instrumental in developing the business even further afield still with the purchase of the Tattenhall Brick and Pipe Company, a few miles south of Chester.

And his vision to create multi-activity branches brought huge trading and logistical advantages for both the company and customers alike.

His ground-breaking decision was the basis of the TG Group’s network of eight builders’ merchants’ branches.

Although Tudor is rightly proud of the legacy his family have passed on to him, he is equally as passionate about the legacy he will pass on to his own children.

“We have committed to a programme of sustainable forestry management on land we own in the local area, on the Aston Estate, just outside Oswestry, and at another site in English Frankton.

“To ensure the land is managed successfully for generations to come, we enlisted the help of my sons Harry and Oliver, who will play a key role in the sustainable approach over the coming years.

“We now employ more than 250 people, so it’s vital that we implement a structured and sustainable forestry management plan, to balance out our environmental footprint still further, and cultivate the trees to incorporate them into our TG Enviro processes at our head office site in Ellesmere.”

TG Enviro offers a fully-integrated waste management service to all commercial, construction, agricultural and retail businesses, and domestic customers.

SPECIAL FEATURE 31

The service is made up of TG Renewable Energy, TG Skip Hire, and TG Recycling, and the three arms of the division work closely together to achieve their aim of minimising any waste going to landfill.

“We have a comprehensive environmental policy in place, and our renewable energy strategies are also delivering real results.

“The timber produced through our forestry management scheme will also allow us to offer a new service to chip the wood and dry it in a bespoke building on site, before converting it into fuel for biomass boilers.”

And it’s this awareness of the environment around them that has led to the restoration of land at the Wood Lane quarry, at the company’s Ellesmere headquarters, to create an award-winning wildlife area.

“The restoration programme at Wood Lane quarry has created areas which promote a diverse range of wildlife habitats and species – in fact, over 180 species of birds have been recorded here since the reserve was first established in 1999,” says Tudor.

Tudor Griffiths Group is also a leading supporter of the Meres & Mosses Business Environment Network, which aims to help businesses improve both their environmental awareness and their environmental performance.

“I’m very aware that I am merely the custodian of this company that is woven so closely into the area around us, and I’m conscious that we have to continue to develop and adapt if we are to grow still further,” saysTudor.

“But I hope my family – both the generations before and the ones to come – will recognise that I have always tried to protect the legacy that has been created here, and that I think of it not just as a business, but as our family’s heritage.

“It’s a privilege to be continuing the work that began so many years ago and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us all.” The Biomass development increases opportunities to convert waste products to fuel

TG Group has three bases in Cheshire - Northwich, Nantwich and Tattenhall

NEWS32

A Cheshire architectural practice has restructured

to support its long-term strategy for growth.

Base Architecture & Design, which has offices in Chester and Shrewsbury, has promoted associate Ben Embrey to the new position of practice associate with a brief to oversee projects being carried out at each office.

Chelsea Wilkes has been hired as Base’s practice co-ordinator and will be responsible for administrative support for both teams, reporting to senior associate Bryn Jones.

Adam Turnell has moved from architect to junior associate and will manage a team of four, while Dan James has joined the Chester team as a technologist.

The company, founded by Director Carl Huntley in 2003, now employs 16 people across both offices and has more than 220 commissions spanning the UK.

Base has carved out a national reputation for its ‘Grand Design’ style builds and success with applications that allow for homes of exceptional architectural value to be built in open countryside.

Director Harry Reece said: “With the opening of the Chester office last year and a growing profile in Shropshire, the Midlands and beyond, we are experiencing an unprecedented demand for our services in the householder, residential and commercial sectors.”

Ben, who is an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, joined Base seven years ago. He said: “It’s a very exciting move for the firm and personally I’m delighted to have taken on this new position which will be vital for Base as we expand.”

A strategicrestructure

Ben Embrey

Focusing on the well-being of your workforce

Northwich based Health and Safety Training Consultancy Live For Work has launched its first course centred around the mental health and well-being of workers.

The MHFA England training course is designed to teach people how to spot the signs and symptoms of mental ill health and provide help on a first-aid basis.

Companies are under increasing pressure to ensure they have trained mental health first aiders in the workplace.

Live for Work owner Claire Dalton said: “It is a legal requirement to manage stress in the workplace; mental health affects most of us in some way, and it’s important that we work to eliminate the stigma around mental health and

encourage people to reach out if they are struggling.

“I established Live For Work 12 years ago, initially to provide first aid training; we then expanded into many areas of health and safety.

“I have noticed the impact that long working hours, increased demands on individuals plus additional pressures at home have had on people’s ability to function both on a personal and professional level. This initially led to my interest in mental health issues.”

The MHFA course runs over two days and is split into four parts, including topics such as depression, suicide, substance misuse, anxiety disorders, self-harm, personality disorders, and psychosis. Claire Dalton

Warrington based accountancy firm Styles and Co, has merged with Consilium Accountants and Business Advisers.

To mark the occasion, the combined practice has launched a new cloud-based Styles Management Information service, targeted at small business owners.

Graeme Hindley, partner of Styles and Co, said the biggest challenge facing businesses was wasting precious time and money on areas of their businesses that will have no impact on their bottom line.

“I’ve spoken to dozens of business owners and the most common issue they all faced was spending far too long trying to get to grips with how their businesses are performing right now and understanding what they need to do to generate more profit and cash,” said Paul McGerty, founder of Consilium.

“Our merger with Styles and Co has helped us to find a practical, workable and highly economical solution for our fast growing SME clients.”

The first tenant to move into Winsford Cross shopping centre since it was bought by Cheshire West and Chester Council says he has high hopes for the future of the town centre.

Andrew Crossfield, owner of Doolittles Pet Supplies, says he is already seeing the benefits since moved into the new shop at Winsford Cross.

He said: “We were on Delamere Street before. It was hard for people to get to us and parking was an issue too. We have been trying to get down here for a while and this place came up. We wanted to move here to try and better ourselves and expand our business. We have got the potential to do that now here.

“There is a lot more footfall here and people that are coming into the shop are saying it is better for them to get to us. Now, they are doing their shopping and coming to us and don’t have to make a special journey.

“Things are looking good early days and we have got the rear access for deliveries to come in, that’s a big help.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council plans to improve the town centre after buying the land in February and work is already underway to repair the roof and windows at Winsford Cross.

Montagu Evans has been appointed by the Council to help create a long term delivery strategy, which will include improving the infrastructure and unlocking development opportunities to create a revitalised town centre.

Andrew added: “There is a lot of house building going on at the moment so that means more people coming here.

“Any help for any business is good. People want variety and that is what gets people to come into shopping centres. If they have got more to look at then they are going to be coming in more often and spending more.”

Bright future at shopping centre

Merger will addstrength to firm

33NEWS

Security services fora key business park

Warrington facilities management specialist The Westgrove Group has been chosen to supply

security services to one of the area’s most prestigious business parks.

Westgrove has been appointed by managing agents CBRE to provide the security for Birchwood Park in Warrington.

The destination, which provides 1.1 million sq ft of office and warehouse space, is home to more than 165 companies and over 6,000 people from large blue chip organisations to SMEs and new start-ups.

The park is also one of the key sites in the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone and is nationally recognised as the UK’s hub for the nuclear services industry.

High profile firms include Rolls-Royce Nuclear, Sellafield, Wood Plc and Atkins as well as international businesses including Ricoh, Müller, TATA and Dr Schär.

As well as celebrating the start of a new partnership, both Westgrove Group and Birchwood Park have celebrated their 20th anniversaries this year.

Westgrove started trading in August 1998 and Birchwood Park started life in March 1998 when MEPC acquired the 74-acre site from the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Since then the park – now owned by Warrington Borough Council – has almost tripled in size.

Westgrove managing director Claire McKinley Smith said: “We worked hard to show Birchwood Park that our security knowledge and expertise aligned with our colleague-centric approach is second to none.

“All our security colleagues are highly trained by one of the country’s leading senior police officers. We also provide bespoke real-time reporting and an intelligent patrolling system with our exclusive software, Sphere.”

Westgrove is a member of The British Security Industry Association, the trade body representing the UK’s private security industry.

The company’s security teams and security officers have

won a number of awards for their bravery, use of technology and teamwork. The Westgrove Group employs over 1,000 people in shopping centres, airports and business parks across the UK and works with major landlords and managing agents.

Other recent significant contract wins include The Galleries Shopping Centre in Bristol and St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool.

Birchwood Park in Warrington is home to more than 165 companies

Claire McKinley Smith

High profile firms at the development include TATA and Ricoh

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE34

Why is it more important than ever to plan for your

retirement?1. IT COULD LAST LONGER THAN

YOU THINKOne of the blessings of the latter part of

the last century and early 21st century, is the rapid increase in lifespans. Retirement is, for many, now a long journey to look forward to; not, as it once was, a relatively short time between stopping work and death.

Yet, at a time when so much about ageing is improving, there is a cloud being cast: worry about whether our savings will last. Today, a 65-year-old man in the UK has on average another 18.5 years of life ahead of him (up from just 13 years in the early 1980s), while 65-year-old women will live another 20 years plus.

Put simply, we could spend more than a third of our life in retirement. While this is something to celebrate, without a long-term financial plan, each of us runs the risk of outliving our savings.

2. IT’S A STRUGGLE TO GET BY ON JUST THE STATE PENSION

Most of us will get a State Pension, but the income from it will probably only cover our basic needs. Furthermore, those without a complete 35-year National Insurance record will not qualify for the full amount. For those reliant on state support, the question might not be how to retire successfully, but how to retire at all.

The current State Pension system has changed enormously since its inception in 1909, and will do so for many more years to come. Whatever its future, it’s clear that the population as a whole in the UK may not be able to rely on it forever. Therefore we must take personal responsibility for our own retirement finances, as there may be precious little in the way of a state safety net to fall back on.

3. PEOPLE OVERESTIMATE HOW

FAR THEIR SAVINGS WILL STRETCHWhen it comes to hard numbers, there

seems to be little grip on reality about how much retirement income a savings pot can translate into when the need arises. On average, Britons believe that a pot of £233,000 will be enough for their desired

retirement income of £26,000 a year. But research suggests that they need to save at least £525,000 for this income, even including the State Pension.

More than half of people in the UK either aren’t saving at all for their retirement, or they aren’t saving nearly enough to give them the standard of living they hope for.

If you fall into either of these categories you have three choices: adjust your income expectations, start saving more, or retire later.

4. IT CAN BE HARD TO CATCH UPA common mistake is to try to play

catch-up later on in life. This is because the longer you delay saving, the less time you have to benefit from investment growth. Knowing you’ll be all set to meet your basic needs – with enough left over to let you comfortably do the things you look forward to in retirement – is something well worth striving for. Moreover, it will give you far more freedom and control over your lifestyle down the road.

5. THE BURDEN OF SAVING HAS

SHIFTEDIn the face of rising life expectancy

and spiralling costs, the trend has been for employers to wind up their defined benefit (final salary) schemes in favour of their less

costly, and in many cases, less favourable defined contribution counterparts.

This has shifted more of the burden of saving from employers to employees, meaning that the majority of today’s workers are now solely responsible for making their own financial provision for retirement.

The message is clear: a comfortable retirement can only be assured if we take steps to save enough money – and in the most suitable saving schemes.

l Carla Brown is the founder and managing partner of Oakmere Wealth Management Ltd in Northwich, a Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.

l The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/about-st-james-place/ our-business/our-products-and-services. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

REFERENCES

Office for National Statistics, National life tables, 2017

BlackRock, Investor Pulse Survey, 2017

Money Advice Service, 2018

CarlaBROWN

Five reasons to get yoursaving plans into gear

Preparing for a comfortable retirement might require more money than you expect

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(3)

PERSONALITY PROFILE36

With 50 years in the legal business, there can be few first-class

solicitors in Cheshire with Tim Parker’s knowledge, experience and profile.

Tim Parker, for four decades a senior partner with one of Chester’s oldest family law firms, Cullimore Dutton Solicitors, is no ‘stuffed suit’. He’s as affable, humorous, charming and entertaining as anyone you could wish to be trapped in a lift with.

“Over the course of a 50-year career I have worked in all areas of law,” he says. “At the start of my career at Cullimore Dutton, I acted on everything our family law firm did back then, from divorce to wills and probate, to crime and conveyancing.”

It was residential property conveyancing that finally saw this amiable legal expert finally settle into a well-defined specialism.

“I like people,” Tim says. “For me, it’s always been about building a rapport with clients. The client/lawyer relationship is so important. But soft skills are not always a given. The smartest lawyer on God’s earth may not be blessed with good people skills. I’ve known a few with all the affability of a military dictator.

“Knowing how to meet, greet and treat people, understanding how to address clients in different social situations or when to inject a bit of humour for example, can be the difference between keeping a client and gaining referrals or losing their business to a competitor.”

His career, which hit a landmark half a

century with Cullimore Dutton this autumn, is a remarkable achievement; one he reveals is based on a combination of ‘wit, charm, charisma, a slice of actual lawyering, and a bit of mischief”.

Tim’s focus is now shifting slightly more towards the area he loves best, looking after the client relationship side at Cullimore Dutton and mentoring young lawyers.

The Cheshire property market these days, despite the uncertainties around Brexit is robust, he believes. “Cullimore Dutton recently recorded its best summer for residential transactions in 10 years,” he says.

As purchasing conventions and market dynamics change, Tim remains a firm believer in the value of person to person interaction. “Digital platforms are now a huge part of the conveyancing world, but I believe people will always value a personal relationship with their solicitor.

“People still like to have that face to face interaction a local subject expert, either by popping into the office or on the phone.”

Each aspect is allabout the people

By Chris Austin

Tim Parker networks with Commercial and Agricultural Law colleagues Rachel Phillips and Matthew Poulton at an agricultural event

The Cheshire property market these days, despite the uncertainties around Brexit is robust, he believes

“”

37PERSONALITY PROFILE

Tim also cites the HIPs debacle as an expensive failure that brought the law profession into disrepute and is unconvinced as to the value of EPC ratings.

“The vast majority of my clients don’t even bother to read the EPC certificates. I’ve never not completed the sale of a house that somebody wants to buy because of its EPC rating.”

A decade spent as chairman of the Prince’s Trust in Cheshire saw Tim mentoring young entrepreneurs and helping them gain confidence, business acumen and other key skills.

“I did it for well over a decade and was sorry to have to give it up. But I’m still in touch with some of the young people we set on their way.”

These days, Tim’s charity work includes being a volunteer at Tarporley hospital. “Loneliness and isolation in old age for some people can be a terrible thing,” he says. “I spend a day a week at the day centre and simply spend time chatting with elderly patients, or those with dementia.”

For half a century, Tim has worked with a succession of what he describes as ‘genuinely wonderful people’.

Tim Parker joins the Duchess of Westminster judging a Junior Chamber of Commerce painting competition

Tim Parker and Diana Williams with HRH Charles at Highgrove House Circa 1998

“Diana Williams is one of the most formidable women I have ever known and a truly brilliant divorce lawyer and friend. Charles Agar, who early in his career was

my trainee, remains a true friend as does former property team partner Jeremy Jordan. All have played their part in what’s been a hugely enjoyable career.”

I spend a day a week at the day centre and simply spend time chatting withe elderly patients, or those with dementia

“

”

Mike Smith, The Lord Goddard of Stockport and Mike Blackburn

APPOINTMENTS38

Alternative finance consultancy business, Snowball Alternative Finance, has announced the appointment

of three special advisors who join the company’s newly formed advisory board.

Mike Blackburn OBE, Lord Goddard of Stockport and Mike Smith each bring a wealth of experience and expertise and will deliver strategic guidance and business acumen to the Snowball board of directors and their clients.

Managing director Peter Black said: “The new advisory board forms an essential part of our strategic plans for growth and allows us to deliver a broader service and the right solutions.

“It became apparent very early on that clients are not just looking for finance; they require management advice too in specialist areas as well as access to contacts in different market sectors and our new advisory board will help to deliver this.”

Snowball Alternative Finance was launched in February this year by Black, a former senior banker, and North West entrepreneur, Alwin Thompson having secured FCA approval.

Based in Cheshire, the company will assist SMEs looking to fund growth of their businesses. The company is fully independent with access to over 300 funders in the marketplace.

Special advisors

Looking forward to playing a key role

Facilities management company The Westgrove Group, headquartered in Warrington, has recruited a new brand and development manager.

James Robinson has been brought on board to help the continuing growth of the independent company, which has just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

James, from Altrincham, previously worked for Mall Solutions Europe, which provides commercialisation solutions to the property industry.

He said: “I’m looking forward to being part of such a forward thinking and successful company. My previous

experience within shopping centres will help support the Synergy by Westgrove proposition which is very much about industry knowledge, added value and service excellence.”

The Westgrove Group celebrated its 20th anniversary this year after being founded in 1998 by chairmen Simon Whittle and Steve Fives. The business is projecting a turnover of circa £22 million this year, a 21% growth on 2017.

It specialises in providing security, cleaning and security services in high footfall destinations across the UK including shopping centres and airports, and employs over 1,000 people.

Development manager James Robinson

The UK Science Park Association has elected Sci-Tech Daresbury’s business development manager, John Leake, as a director of its board.

John has been at Sci-Tech Daresbury since 2006 with

Honoured to be new director

New director – John Leake

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responsibility for attracting and supporting companies on-site, and developing strategic partnerships.

The campus is now one of the UK’s leading national research and innovation hubs and is home to over 130 technology companies, including IBM, Perfectus Biomed, Atos and Hitachi High-Technologies Europe.

Alongside his role at Sci-Tech Daresbury, John also sits on the Cheshire & Warrington LEP science and innovation strategy board and the Liverpool City Region LEP digital and creative sector, and investment boards.

UKSPA promotes and supports the planning, development and operation of science parks and other innovation locations and the innovative, high growth, knowledge-based located on their sites.

John Leake said: “I’m honoured to be taking a position on UKSPA’s board and to be involved in the next chapter of this important journey as we work to raise the profile of science parks across the country.

“I’m very proud to be representing Sci-Tech Daresbury on such a prestigious platform.”

David Hardman MBE, chairman of the UKSPA board, said: “John’s wealth of experience within the industry means that he will be a highly-valued addition to our team.”

39SPECIAL FEATURE

Never work with children or animals – that’s what they say.

Jackie Robinson begs to differ. Having been raised in a pet-friendly home which became known locally as ‘the zoo’, she has now turned her lifelong love of animals into a business.

Cheshire Pet Photography, based at Poynton, specialises in on-location shoots which capture the personality of people’s furry friends . . . however mischievous that may be. And she’s loving the fact that her hobby and passion has become her job.

Jackie says: “I never thought to record all those little quirks and expressions of my own gorgeous girl, a rescue Staffy called Bess, while I had the chance and it is something I deeply regret.

“Growing up, in my heart, I wanted to run my own animal rescue centre. My head won out though - partly because I thought I couldn’t take the heartbreak that would come with hearing many of the rescue stories – and I became a graphic designer instead.”

For the past 18 years, Jackie and her husband have been running their own successful graphic design company, Consortium Design and Print.

But side by side with this, Jackie developed a love of photography, beginning with a second-hand Canon 400D, leading to membership of a photography club.

“After entering some of the club competitions I found that if I wanted to do well I should get more creative myself. I use Photoshop for my graphic work, so for me this was not too big a leap or learning curve.

“You need to understand how light and shadow works, your retouching skills have to be spot on or people and objects will look

There’s a knack to getting even the

cutest of kittens to give their all at a

photoshoot

One of Jackie’s book covers‘stuck on’ rather than natural in a creative composition . . . and they can take many, many hours to complete.”

Jackie also began taking quirky portraits of children, which evolved from taking photos of her daughter and friends and turning them into more creative images like ‘Bookland’, one of her most successful creative images, and commercial

commissions such as ‘Subbuteo’. Many of her images have since been used for book covers and editorial features in a range of publications.

“I love being on a hillside with no-one else around, the distant sounds of farm life, or the call of grouse hidden in the heather or the skylarks above and anticipating the image that is coming as the sun rises.

“Even better - a stormy morning with dramatic clouds and snow flurries which give you very moody, atmospheric pictures.

“Landscape photography can be quite a solitary occupation, as is working for myself in my design business, so my move into pet photography has really taken me out of my comfort zone.

My move into pet photography has really taken me out of my comfort zone

“”

t

Picture purrfectBy Carl Jones

Turning subjects into ‘Subbuteo’ players

SPECIAL FEATURE40“It was a couple of years ago now, a

lady came to my photographic club and talked about her horse photography. She mentioned dog photography during her talk, and for me, a bit cliché perhaps, it was a lightbulb moment.

“Combining photography with animals was something I really wanted to do. Some animals find it a little freaky, for them it’s like looking at a huge eye. But quite often you can bring them around with positive actions like treats or strokes.

“Patience is key, and keeping calm, because they pick up on our moods so easily. If we’re stressed, they get stressed.”

Once Jackie had taken the plunge, her first foray into photographing pets was on a trip to Northumberland.

“I thought that if I could get lovely images of dogs on the beach in just 10 minutes of photographing them then I could do this. It took me a couple of days before I plucked up the courage to waylay my first unsuspecting dog walker. After that though there was no stopping me and everybody I asked was absolutely lovely.

“I got a portfolio of new career-worthy pictures, some I still use today on my studio samples.”

Jackie adds: “Taking what was essentially my hobby and making a career out of it has been an interesting process. The actual photography part is only about five per cent of the business.

“People think all you do is take a few pictures, pop them on the computer ‘et voila’, but anyone who runs their own business will know there is always so much more going on behind the scenes. Sometimes I’m glad I was rather naive when I started.

“It is fascinating to see how my style has developed too - from the light and airy candid beach shots to the more posed, richly toned, fine art images that have started to pepper my portfolio today.

“I love doing the candid sessions which really capture a natural, unposed moment in time. But I have also discovered a love for the more styled images too - a beautiful location, soft light and the dog sitting in the perfect spot.

“This is perhaps not for everyone, but it just so appeals to me because I get to incorporate my passion for landscapes with the pet portraiture in a more structured way.”

Jackie has now spent over a decade immersed in the world of photography, composition, lighting and editing, and honed her skills.

She’s certainly not fazed by a boisterous or misbehaving subject, as I discovered when she agreed to meet up and snap some shots of our inquisitive livewire labrador, Bosley.

Maria Sarkar, vice president, oversees the commercial and marketing side of the operation at DriveWorks

People think all you do is take a few pictures, pop them on the computer ‘et voila’, but anyone who runs their own business will know there is always so much more going on

“

”

Carl’s labrador Bosley poses for a picture, courtesy of Jackie Robinson

Woodland Wraith - a competition-winning image

t

41SPECIAL FEATURE

“The main issue I find with people who have considered, or are considering, having their pets photographed is that they fear their pet won’t behave.

“But it’s great to capture that energy too; if that is the nature of the animal let’s show that. And in many of the images you see on my website and elsewhere, I have retouched out leads and the people holding the leads.

“When I am doing a session I ask my clients to try not to worry. It doesn’t matter if their pet is not behaving as they normally do, a photography session isn’t something they normally do. Plus, I am a stranger with a huge, weird eye pointing their way.

“It can take a while for an animal to settle, and if the owner doesn’t get anxious that I am not going to be able to get any good photographs then the pictures will come.

“A lot of my clients get very emotional when they see the photographs from their session. And I am a firm believer in having something printed out and on a wall or in an album. It is so rewarding.

A lot of my clients get very emotional when they see the photographs from their session

“”

In the studio – Jackie gets to know a furry friend ahead of a photoshoot

Cover photography by Jackie Robinson

An Inquisitive Bird - Jackie’s first creative composition

Marcel and his stick

Bookland, one of Jackie’s most successful images

t

SPECIAL FEATURE42

“Pet clients have ranged from hyperactive rescue dogs that really wouldn’t sit still because of the drugs they had to have, to a cat that would not come near me.

“I have had occasions where dogs have jumped into the muddiest puddle they could find, literally up to their necks!

“It doesn’t matter what your pet is like, there are always tricks you can use - like putting a box out or a sheet of paper for a cat. You can almost guarantee they will go and sit on it.”

For Jackie, the hardest, and saddest jobs are with pets which clearly don’t have long left.

“Duke has to be my most memorable. A gorgeous, golden lab, he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. He was so dignified, with soulful eyes and a gentle manner. Sadly, he had to be put to sleep only a few weeks after our session.

“His owner had wanted the images for Christmas gifts for her family but came back again this October so her mum could view the images too. It has taken her mum almost a year to feel she is strong enough to see them. But they both still cried, a year on, the heartbreak and emotion remains so strong.

“That is the effect our pets have on us. They weave their way into our lives and become central to our family and when they go we are left bereft.

“This is one of the big reasons I do what I do - capturing those things that people love about their most loyal of friends and creating images and artwork that gives them a lot of joy, gives me immense pleasure.”

A lot of my clients get very emotional when they see the photographs from their session

“”

t

Pet Photographer

Jackie Robinson

Sunrise over the Peak District

Duke - taken just weeks before his death

Patience has its own reward

43NEWS

Cheshire and Warrington will showcase its

unique investment potential on a global stage when the region returns to the world’s largest property and investment event, MIPIM, next spring.

Victoria Merton, director of corporate affairs at The Peel Group and the chair of the Cheshire and Warrington MIPIM steering group, said the region is gearing up to send its ‘biggest and best delegation’ yet to the international property festival.

For the first time this year, Cheshire and Warrington has established a private sector-

led steering group to help promote the region as a great place to invest and to shape its programme of events at MIPIM Cannes.

This will be the third time that Cheshire and Warrington will exhibit at the flagship festival.

Victoria said: “MIPIM Cannes is the world’s premier property event and offers unparalleled opportunity for Cheshire and Warrington to reach a global network of potential new partners.”

For March 2019, Cheshire and Warrington is also expanding its social programme and teaming up with other regions to create events with wider appeal across the North and with business partnerships and supporting the Department of International Trade and the British Property Federation at the UK Pavilion.

Reaching for the stars

Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie have been hailed the nicest Hollywood stars by a businessman who has been up close and personal with many A-list celebs.

Jason Thanos has spent more than 25 years sourcing autographs around the globe, attending red carpet events and posing for pictures with legends of the big screen.

Now the 44-year-old has opened The Magical Emporium, in Altrincham, selling movie and music memorabilia.

He said: “It is really important to get the photographs with the stars, so my clients can be sure the signatures are genuine. Unfortunately, there are so many fakes out there.

“Tom Cruise will arrive at red carpet events more than half an hour before he needs to be there so he can chat to fans, have photos taken and give out signatures. He is a true star.

“The same with Angelina Jolie. She is a wonderful lady who is friendly and patient with her fans. But there are many who are not. It is a shame. They don’t need to be like that.”

Jason with some of his memorabilia at the new store

Angelina and Jason

Feast ofproperty

e: [email protected] Office 224, Regus House, Herons Way, Chester Business Park, CH4 9QR

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NEWS44

A £1.5 million project to extend and remodel a Cheshire primary

school to allow for an increase in pupil numbers has been handed over by contractors.

Construction at Tarporley Church of England School included the construction of four new classrooms, extending the main hall, building a new entrance, multi use games area and playground.

The new accommodation means the popular school, which is currently over subscribed, can offer an additional 105 places, increasing the roll to 315 pupils.

The Tarporley contract was one in a series of education projects for Pave Aways.

It is currently working on, or has recently completed, £8.8m of schemes in the education sector.

Pave Aways managing director Steven Owen said: “Education remains a strong sector for us and one that is continuing to support our long-term strategy for growth.”

Other Cheshire projects Pave Aways is also working on include a £10 million luxury spa at Carden Park. Work began at the hotel and golf course in June and the new facility will open in summer 2019.

Education remains a strong sector for us and one that is continuing to support our long-term strategy

“

Puddle Ducks team celebrates their award

Cheshire company Puddle Ducks, which provides swimming lessons for babies and children, have been presented with a Smith & Henderson five-star franchisee satisfaction award.

The company has now received the accolade for six consecutive years - one of only two companies in the UK to have achieved this.

The Smith & Henderson awards are based on actual franchisee feedback. Puddle Duck franchisees were invited to complete an anonymous survey about their franchise ownership experience and rate the training and support provided by their franchisor.

Smith & Henderson chief executive Steven Frost said: “Puddle Ducks was rated better

than the franchise industry average across all five of the key areas we measure, including franchisee relations and training and support.”

Puddle Ducks was founded by co-owners Jo Stone and Tracy Townend in 2002 and began franchising in 2007; they now have over 35 territories across the UK and teach over 21,000 children to swim every week.

Jo Stone said: “When we first set up the business, we believed passionately in what we were doing and it’s still the same today and we are delighted to know that everyone shares our passion.”

Tracy Townend added: “Franchisee feedback is incredibly important to us and we are thrilled to have this wonderful and genuine praise for Puddle Ducks.”

Pave Aways construction director Jamie Evans, head teacher Kerry Forrester and pupils Sam Stockton and Ella Jones outside the newly extended Tarporley School”

Newly completedschool buildings

Making a splash with five-star award

Business manager appointed

Jodie Evans

Jodie Evans from Saltney has been appointed business manager at designer fashion retailer Olivia May based in Ashton Hayes, Kelsall

The company which has stores in Cheshire, Oxford and online, was set up four years ago by Ann Whorrall. Jodie studied fashion media & promotion at university, before

joining the retail world. Her career has seen her working in various management roles for major retailers including TK Maxx, Shop Direct, Littlewoods, and TJ Hughes. She experienced all aspects of retail including merchandising, operations, planning & process, marketing and customer service.

45NEWS

Expansion continues forwell-established law firmLaw firm Poole Alcock

has opened a new office in Wilmslow in the latest

stage of its expansion.The firm has taken over Orbit

Development’s Poplar House on Manchester Road to occupy all three floors of the 2,050 sq ft site.

Wilmslow takes the firm’s Cheshire network to eight offices adding to legal services already provided in Alsager, Congleton, Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach.

Managing partner David Gaut said: “We have literally doubled in turnover in the last four years and are looking to grow further, both commercially and geographically.”

James Nicholson, leasing surveyor for Orbit Developments, said: “We are delighted to welcome Poole Alcock to

James Nicholson from Orbit, Jane Jacques, Sarah-Jane Dunhilland Victoria Moetamedi from Poole Alcock

Wilmslow town centre and it was great to help David find space that would work for their business.”

“Poplar House met their requirements perfectly. It’s self-contained with onsite car parking for clients and is within walking distance from both the train station and amenities for employees within the town centre.”

“There is a thriving business community here in Wilmslow and we know Poole Alcock will be a welcome addition to the area. We wish them every success.”

Heading up the new office are Jane Jacques, partner and family lawyer, Sarah-Jane Dunhill, partner and head of litigation and Victoria Moetamedi, conveyancing specialist.

It’s self-contained with onsite car parking for clients and is within walking distance from both the train station and amenities

“”

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COLUMN46

We’ve all heard the phrase: ‘It’s not what you say, but

how you say it’. But is this just about tone, or do your facial expressions and body language play a major part in the way someone interprets what you say?

Perhaps the most well- known piece of research in this area is Professor Albert Mehrabian’s Elements of Personal Communication, in which he maintained that only 7% of communication was actually the spoken word.

We deduce our feelings, attitudes and beliefs more from the speaker’s body language and tone.

Think about someone writing a particular sentence in an email or a text and

then think about the same sentence being said to you in a face-to-face meeting. How that sentence is delivered in regard to their body language can play a major part in firstly how it’s interpreted, and secondly what it is really saying about the person you are talking with.

So why should an awareness of this form part of any good manager’s toolbox? Communication is everything! How will you engage your staff on this journey? How will you give feedback and deliver performance reviews?

It’s simple to do, but so important to ensure that your facial expression matches the message you are wanting to convey. Imagine being in a disciplinary hearing and the chairperson smiling throughout….a very mixed message!

According to the experts, there are six functions of body language in communication.

REGULATING is used to keep pace on a conversation with non-verbal communications that indicate functions such as when someone is coming to the end of what they are saying. Understanding this type of body language in an interview or meeting, and recognising it means you are unlikely to either talk over someone or not pick up the flow of the conversation.

SUBSTITUTING is an action we do when we are unable to use verbal communication to tell someone something. For example, when someone is talking too much, but you

aren’t able to ask them to stop, you can use substitute body language like glancing away or not maintain eye contact. If someone is not holding your eye in a conversation that you are dominating – it may be time to stop talking and start listening!

CONFLICTING body language occurs when your verbal communication and body language are not saying the same thing. In these situations we tend to believe what the body is telling us.

MODERATING body language tends to emphasise verbal communication. If you are talking about a particular item or object and pointing at it or using hand gestures towards it, emphasises what you are saying.

COMPLEMENTING body language is when we use gestures and movements to support what we are saying. It can be as simple as nodding your head when you are verbally agreeing with someone. This type of body language is a way of confirming the authenticity in the words you are speaking.

REPEATING body language is used when we want someone to listen and follow direction. Maybe you want someone to leave a room before you, by gesturing that they should walk in front of you while verbally communicating this reaffirms your request.

So how many do you recognise, or do already? A bit of self-reflection goes a long way!l Kirsty Craig is managing director of

Kirsty Craig Associates, based at St Mary’s Hill in Chester

KirstyCRAIG

Body language and its role in communication

Your body language says more than you might think it does

47NEWS

Winsford-based manufacturing firm Advanced Medical Solutions is supporting a programme to help

nurture the next generation of the town’s workers.

The company has extended its funding to support Passion for Learning’s volunteers to be placed at primary schools.

AMS specialises in the design, development, manufacture and distribution of advanced wound care products, surgical dressings and medical grade materials. The company employ nearly 500 people globally, some 200 at their Winsford site.

Passion for Learning is a charitable organisation with over 120 volunteers, who provide support to children in primary schools across Cheshire West, with the emphasis on learning through play.

It works with more than 300 children across Cheshire West and Chester, both 1:1 during the school day and through a network of after-school enrichment clubs.

The partnership between AMS and Passion for Learning began last year when the company agreed to support three volunteers at primary schools located close to their Winsford manufacturing plant.

Diane Clark, managing director of Passion for Learning, who founded the organisation eight years ago, said: “Our team of committed volunteers help by providing the kind of flexible support which is tailored to the child’s own interests and motivations.

“Using books, games, crafts, construction and conversation we work to develop learning skills, nurture social and emotional skills, promote literacy and bolster the confidence and self-esteem that we know is crucial to effective learning.

“We are delighted by the support which the AMS Group has committed to us in a number of different ways, from supporting our recruitment of Passion for Learning volunteers in the local area, to sponsoring the service we provide to schools in Winsford.

“Their support enables us to provide volunteers to a number of local schools, along with the resources that they need to help the children they see.”

Chris Meredith, chief executive of Advanced Medical Solutions Group, said: “We recognise the difference a nurturing and supportive volunteer can make to the children who need some additional help at school.

“As a local employer, we also have a vested interest in ensuring the young people in our region develop the skills they need in order to become part of the workforce of the future.”

Passion for Learning is seeking volunteers to go into primary schools in and around Winsford, for between 1.5-3 hours a week. No prior experience is needed as full training and support is provided.

Local travel expenses are paid. For more information about the volunteering opportunities on offer, contact [email protected] or call 07966 404355.

Looking tothe future

Passion For Learning offers tailored support Chris Meredith

A new website fortelecoms specialist

Connexis has launched its new website. Designed by Shrewsbury website developers Clear Design and with copy supplied by marketing consultant Nick Deane, the new site is mobile friendly. Connexis, operating in Cheshire and Shropshire, is a leading supplier of VoIP solutions to businesses across the region.

William Rowland, Connexis managing director, said: “I’m delighted with the work Clear and Nick have done to get the site live.

“Telecommunications has moved towards unified communications which means you can be reached within an office or on your mobile phone

A new website fortelecoms specialistConnexis is proud to launch its new

website. Designed by Shrewsbury website developers Clear Design

and with copy supplied by marketing consultant Nick Deane, the new site is mobile friendly. Connexis, Shropshire based, is a leading supplier of VoIP solutions to businesses across the West Midlands.

William Rowland, Connexis managing director, said: “I’m delighted with the work Clear and Nick have done to get the site live.

“Telecommunications has moved towards unified communications which means you can be reached within an office or on your mobile phone seamlessly, so it was important that our site showcasing these solutions was accessible across all formats”

The website also reflects Connexis’s new brand which has been developed by Clear.

Phoebe Betts, account executive at Clear said: “Myself, and all the team at Clear, have found it a great pleasure to work alongside Nick and the Connexis team in building their new website.

“We’ve no doubt it will be well received by all Connexis customers – existing and new.”

l William Rowland is managing director of communications specialist Connexis, based in Telford. Visit the newly-launched website to discover more. William Rowland, front centre, at communications specialist Connexis

William Rowland, managing director of Connexis, pictured with marketing consultant Nick Deane and account executive at Clear, Phoebe Betts

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seamlessly, so it was important that our site showcasing these solutions was accessible across all formats.”

The website also reflects Connexis’s new brand which has been developed by Clear.

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SPECIAL FEATURE48

Although she is as modest a character you are likely to meet,

when Elizabeth Hickson talks about her business she does so with an easy-to-detect sense of pride.

And with very good reason because this next year will see Elizabeth’s company, Essence Beauty Salons, celebrating a milestone which is noteworthy in several ways.

Essence Beauty Salons – of which there are currently three in Cheshire – will reach the grand age of 25 years old in 2019 in what is an increasingly competitive industry. The salons have won a string of awards and it is held in the highest esteem by Clarins, the high-end beauty products giant, which has named Essence as a Gold Salon, one of only about 100 in the country.

While Elizabeth has had to evolve and adapt her business to respond to social demands, as we will discover the secret to her popularity and longevity in the sector is really down to the most time-honoured and traditional of methods.

So how did this farmer’s daughter and farmer’s wife from Middlewich find herself on the cusp of celebrating the 25th birthday of one of Cheshire’s best loved and respected health and beauty businesses?

Kelly Steele and Elizabeth Hickson sampling products stocked by Essence Beauty Salons throughout Cheshire

The beauty treatment

We basically specialise in beauty and relaxation, and create wellbeing for our clients

“”

“I started work life in agriculture but it wasn’t long before I realised I wanted a change in career,” explains the likeable and down-to-earth Elizabeth in her office in Nantwich.

“One day I went for a treatment and I thought at the end of it, I can do that only I can do it better!

“So I decided to start a beauty treatment business. I was absolutely determined that, no matter what, I was never going to work for someone else – this was going to be my business and mine alone.”

While Elizabeth is largely self taught, the former schoolgirl from Alsager did an 11-month course at the Lillian Maund beauty training college in Chester to set her on her way.

To start off with, Elizabeth didn’t operate from a salon: for the first 10 months of her new career was offering a mobile service, visiting clients in their own homes.

She doesn’t remember those days with the greatest of affection. “I actually hated the mobile service, especially when my car was broken into!”

So she decided to take the plunge of opening the first of her Essence salons – in

Crewe, having learned of a beauty business there which was for sale.

It wasn’t long before word got around and the salon gained in popularity. That led to the opening of Essence salon number two, in Sandbach three years after the launch of Crewe.

And still the customers came rolling in thick and fast, so two years later Elizabeth opened a salon in Cranage Hall Hotel at Holmes Chapel.

Sixteen years ago the Nantwich site opened, taking the number of Essence salons up to four but five years ago Elizabeth took the decision to close Crewe - “it was a nice shop but the street had become less desirable,” according to Elizabeth – and concentrate on the three remaining centres.

So what is it exactly that Essence offers?“We basically specialise in beauty and

relaxation, and create wellbeing for our clients,” explains Elizabeth.

“We want people to feel amazing and because there is so much competition now, what with all the nail and beauty parlours, we have to work really hard to stand out.

“The biggest thing for me is listening to the customers and learning about their lives and what happens to them.

“In effect, we’re like nurses – we dip in and out of their lives and knowing as much about them as possible helps enormously with the treatment. It is of course all about customer service and the traditional values of making people feel special.

By Henry Carpenter

49SPECIAL FEATURE

Elizabeth Hickson is the proud owner of Essence Beauty Salons

Kelly Steele

“Giving bespoke treatments in the knowledge of our clients’ lives is very much part of that.”

The treatments at Essence follow as natural a path as possible. For instance, while skincare forms a large part of what the team offers throughout the Cheshire salons, you won’t find botox on the menu at any of them.

The products are key, and Essence has aligned itself with some of the foremost premium brands in the beauty industry, including Clarins, Guinot, Jessica (for nails), Caci (for non-surgical facelifts) and Aveda (hair).

You get the impression that Elizabeth expects the highest standards from her staff; although some of her colleagues have been with the business almost since it launched, there is still a high churn rate – a hazard which seems to come with the industry.

“Everyone who comes to work here has to have reached at least NVQ level 2, though we do a lot of in-house training as well,” says Elizabeth. “We have several apprentices for girls and will often take school leavers. For instance, one of the girls here has come from Cheshire College South and West while another has come from Nantwich School of Beauty.

“But unfortunately it is one of those industries where there is a significant turnover of staff. Sadly, some come here because they know they will receive very good in-house training as part of the job, and then they will move on.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Elizabeth’s business is the extraordinary loyalty rate of her clients, some of whom are still come to Essence for treatments nearly 25 years after coming for their first.

Business is brisk enough, says Elizabeth, though it is hard work maintaining the standards she has set at Essence.

“I have no plans at the moment to open another salon,” she admits. “The focus is on developing the team and I am always keeping an eye open for new treatments.

“We are just doing the very best we can – we want to be innovative and keep going forwards.”

NEWS50

Cheshire businesswoman Ruth Elliott-Smith has drawn on the

experiences of a fascinating career to publish her first thriller.

“I’ve spent my life running my own businesses,” she says. “It’s been an exciting time with plenty of ups and downs.

“The things that happen to you in business are worthy of a thriller and truth is stranger than fiction, so I decided to add another string to my bow and start writing about my experiences, with a little embellishment and imagination, to spice it up and make things even more exciting!”

Ruth, who lives in Cuddington near Northwich, started her career as a journalist. She freelanced as a news reporter in Israel and the Occupied Territories shortly after the Six Day Way, where the action for her debut thriller, The Sword, opens.

The battle for Jerusalem is won and lost. The dust of war settles. A feisty British heroine and an Arab war hero are trapped in a tangle of deceit and treachery, manipulated by a deranged extremist intent on toppling the region’s fragile stability.

Their fight brings carnage, terror and despair but ignites a passionate affair in their frantic quest for survival and revenge.

Ruth says she has endeavoured to create a compelling novel which keeps you on the edge of your seat with multiple red

herrings and intrigues right up to the final twist on the last page.

“Already I’ve realised that writing a thriller is 10% writing and 90% marketing, just like any other business,” she says. “Fiction is an overcrowded market with literally millions of authors clamouring for our attention. Writing a good book is one thing, getting people to know it exists and is worth reading is another.

“I believe the recipe for success is to stick to the things you know best, which is why I plan to set my novels in the work scenarios I know…and there are plenty of them.”

In her career, Ruth has run her own businesses in TV and newspaper journalism, PR consultancy, marketing, property development and letting, construction, training and cattle breeding, so she has plenty of source material to draw on.

“My heart has always been in writing but my business experience has taught me the vital necessity of energetic and accurately targeted marketing.

“The Sword is published both as an Amazon Kindle e-book and paperback and will soon be an audio-book. All are available on Amazon and the more versions you publish, the better you conform to the Amazon algorithm and the higher up the listing your book goes.

“Understanding algorithms and e-marketing has been a steep learning curve for me but I am determined to succeed.

“I believe I have an excellent product and it deserves the best chance to succeed.”

Already The Sword has received some impressive accolades. An interviewer on BBC Radio judged it ‘a thrilling story, a pivotal time and an action-packed thriller’, whilst reviews on Amazon call it ‘excellent, pacy… a cracking read… A novel to appeal to both males and females…’

A life of adventureinspires new novel

The Sword has received great reviews

Author Ruth Elliott-Smithwith her first thriller

Overlooking Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. Ruth on a donkey.

Ruth in 1968 with capturedEgyptian field gun in Sinai

51SPECIAL FEATURE

Pump it up Schwing-28SX pictured onsite

A Cheshire concrete pumping firm is adding to its mix with a major investment. CHRIS AUSTIN reports.

Macfarlane Concrete Pumping has bought three new state-of-

the-art machines to add to its fleet at a cost of more than £1 million.

Boss Joe Macfarlane says the investment will help lay firm foundations for the business which allow it to reach new heights – literally.

The new machines include a German-made Schwing S43SX pump capable of extending to a height of 43 metres – the first time the firm has had this sort of capacity.

It will allow Macfarlane Concrete Pumping, which is based in Winsford, increased flexibility when it comes to tackling jobs on sites across the North-West and beyond and take on bigger projects.

The firm uses its mobile concrete pumps to place concrete and liquid screed into awkward spaces on building sites as well as accessing unconventional construction zones.

Joe, 36, launched the family-run business in 2009 with his wife helping out, and now employs 10 people – with the prospect of recruiting new workers as the business continues to grow.

He says: “We have bought three new machines, two are replacements for ones we have been using for a while now, the other is an addition to the fleet. It means we now have eight machines.

“The new big machine has a 43-metre

reach – the biggest we’ve ever had – and with the other two, that’s over a £1 million investment.

“It means we can take on more complex projects and service bigger clients than we are doing at the moment.”

Joe acknowledges that some may feel he is taking a risk with a major investment at a time when there is great uncertainty in the business community with the fallout from Brexit and all that will entail.

But he feels from his on-the-job experience in the industry over the past ten years that it is the right time to invest in the business to ensure its continued growth.

And the firm has an impressive and growing list of clients that has seen his machines working at Everton’s Goodison Park ground, Chester Zoo, The Arndale Centre in Manchester, The Cube in Birmingham and on the major upgrade work on the M6 in Staffordshire and Cheshire.

“There is method in my madness”, he says. “I’ve got a fairly old head on my shoulders and never really pay attention to social media and hi-tech stuff.

“I never watch television or listen to the radio, I’m either on site or when I’m in the wagon I’m on the phone sorting out business.

A Macfarlane machine at work on the M6 in Cheshire

t

SPECIAL FEATURE52

“Some days I’m up at four in the morning and not back home until late at night so I don’t get the chance to keep my finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the world. But I am out on site with the machines, on the ground with my finger on the pulse of what’s going on out there.

“What do you gain listening to the ‘what ifs’ and hearsay? You wouldn’t get anything done.

“And just look at when we started Macfarlane Concrete Pumping.

“It was in 2009, around the time of the financial crash. But the business has continued to go from strength to strength since then.

“I don’t claim to be a business guru or anything like that, but I think I know when is the right time to progress the business.”

In the past the firm has bought older machines, giving them an overhaul and painting them in the distinctive red livery that can be seen on sites across the region.

But Joe has now decided to refresh his fleet with the new machines so that Macfarlane Concrete Pumping can fulfil work for the biggest companies across the North-West.

He adds: “These are top of the range German machines. I have never necessarily been a great business planner, but have gone on my gut feeling and feel this is the right time.

“We have been trading now for nearly ten years and we have paid for the machines we are looking to replace.

“Obviously, there is uncertainty surrounding Brexit, but it has not hit us at this stage, although some contractors are not pricing up any more work at the moment.

“But just look at the Manchester skyline – there are 17 tower cranes and those jobs are going to continue and most will be completed. So, there is plenty of work out there.”

He says 18 months down the line, all but the new machines in his fleet will have been paid for to provide some security for his firm.

“We all have support systems out there, and know what is going on. We know where we need to strengthen and where we need to support,” he adds.

He points to a busy schedule which includes the work Macfarlane Concrete Pumping is doing on the Smart Motorway project on the M6 in Staffordshire and Cheshire where there are up to 30,000 cars an hour passing the lorries which are

Macfarlane Concrete Pumping pictured creating a retaining wall

Part of the Macfarlane Concrete Pumping fleet, based at WinsfordThe pumping machinery can access many hard to reach projects

helping with the bridge strengthening. And the firm is also working in Warrington Town Centre on the new Town Hall.

Joe adds: “Ultimately you get out of life what you put in, and when it comes to our business I’m prepared to put in the hours to make it a success.

“Looking forward, we may well look at getting machines with an even bigger reach so we can work on even bigger projects.”

“We’ve worked on jobs across the North-West, including Lancashire, Cheshire, across to Yorkshire and North Wales, and have also done work in Birmingham and the Midlands. We’ll go where the work is.”

And with the foundations of the business firmly in place, he says he is happy to keep on investing to ensure a successful future for Macfarlane Concrete Pumping.

t

53SPECIAL FEATURE

CURRENT PROJECTS INCLUDE:

Chester ZooCreating the concrete bases which formed the foundations

for the climbing poles as part of the new monkey enclosure. The telescopic reach of the Schwing 31HT Truck Mounted Concrete Pump was used to allow an extension much further into the monkey enclosure whilst working in a very limited space. The company has also helped create a new walkway for the aviary house, re-surfacing it with a pattern imprinted surface.

Everton FCImprovements to the seating area for disabled supporters

at Goodison Park. There was restricted space to work in and restricted access with entry between the pitch and the seating area behind the goal. The Schwing 24X machine was chosen as it doesn’t have a large footprint. A standard concrete mix was poured onto hollow ribbed decking from the seating area.

Motorway Bridge StrengtheningMacfarlane is involved in the strengthening, restoring and

refurbishing the motorway bridges along the M6 in Cheshire and Staffordshire as part of the ongoing Managed Motorway scheme. The work is carried out day and night with vehicles parked in the central reservation to allow site vehicles to pass safely around, while general motorway traffic is still moving nearby. Concrete shut-off valves are fitted to the end of the booms. This guarantees the stop of flow of concrete, no mess and no overfilling of the structure. The Schwing 24X allows greater access to the structures by being able to open-up under the bridge canopies with a fold-out height of just 5m.

Manchester’s Arndale Shopping CentreOriginally on this project for a new floor, the vehicle was

meant to park on the high street and run a pipeline directly through the Arndale Centre. However, the plan changed and it was relocated to a loading area on the lower ground floor, underneath the centre. From here concrete was pumped through a door, up 4.5m, across 30m, up another 4.5m and around the circular slab of 80m.

The Cube BirminghamMacfarlane was involved in pumping in a fibrous concrete

for an acoustic floor slab in a retail unit at The Cube. The Schwing 24X mobile concrete pump and 110 linear metre pipeline was used due its versatility. The work was carried out at night.

At The Cube, Birmingham – Macfarlane operates across the UK The company has helped with a variety of big projects at Chester Zoo

Everton FC’sGoodison

Park

54 NEWS

New technology is bringing the past to life at Nantwich Museum thanks to a helping hand from one of Cheshire’s most

prolific house builders. A donation of £700 from Redrow’s Nantwich Community Fund

has enabled the museum to purchase a new digital projector and stand.

The equipment is being used during sessions for workshops and schools, plus in the annual programme of talks and events hosted at the museum for visitors and members.

Museum manager Elliot Goodger said: “Staff and volunteers rely on being able to use a projector in talks connected to the town’s history as it enables them to share images and video both in the museum and as part of our outreach activities.

“The new equipment will be a great benefit to the museum, helping the outreach programme engage with a wide range of people within the community and bringing in essential income so that the museum can continue to operate and care for the objects for which it is responsible.”

The museum has around 27,000 annual visitors, more than 1,500 schoolchildren attending the museum each year and many more are involved in our outreach activities.

The museum was among seven local projects to receive a slice of £10,000 via a community fund attached to Redrow’s Kingsbourne development. The funding is part of Redrow’s commitment to thriving communities.

Caroline Thompson-Jones, area sales manager for Redrow Homes, said: “It’s important that as we help to shape the future of Nantwich by building new homes, that we also honour the area’s history.

“Supporting the museum and enabling them to invest in the latest digital technology means that more people will be able to learn about what Nantwich was like in days gone by.”

Redrow was established in 1974 by Steve Morgan CBE, the owner of the expanding Carden Park Hotel near Chester, with a £5,000 loan from his father, and today it is one of the most successful property developers in the country.

Building apicture ofthe past

Redrow’s Laura Hayward tries out the new projectorat Nantwich Museum with Elliot Goodger

55NEWS

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A Knutsford-based marketing consultancy has gone international

after picking up a new contract in New Zealand.

Rachel Bishop Consulting has won business with Auckland-based construction company Reveal BC Limited, which has asked the Cheshire firm to deliver a full digital marketing strategy.

Rachel said: “It’s not easy to foster a close relationship with a company that’s 11,000 miles away but thanks to modern technology and a determination to succeed, we have done it.”

Dave Firth, director of Reveal BC Limited, said: “Rachel Bishop Consulting was recommended to us by my daughter, Author Miriam Firth, who lives in the UK and is also a client of theirs.

“Miriam was delighted with the results she gained from their strategic advice on social media. We are really excited to be working with this innovative company and we’re impressed with their ability to understand our market.”

National road transport company Jack Richards & Son Limited has also appointed Rachel Bishop Consulting to deliver a branding and digital marketing strategy including a recruitment campaign for drivers.

11,000 miles to clientRachel Bishop

Rachel Bishop, 41, was previously the global marketing manager for Bentley Motors.

In 2017, she decided to leave her job and set up her own marketing consultancy in pursuit of a work-life balance that is flexible around her young family.

As an independent consultant, she utilizes her network of contacts in the

marketing industry to provide bespoke services to suit client’s needs.

She said: “With the impending fog of Brexit, businesses are being challenged to see a return on every penny that they spend on marketing.

“It’s a very exciting time for my business; I hope to build on this success now develop it even further next year.”

TV’s money-saving expert Martin Lewis writes for Cheshire Business

The world of children’s savings is actually far more competitive than

those for grown-ups. Done right, interest rates are far higher - though the amounts allowed are smaller.

So with the long run-up to Christmas under way, and the market all shook up with a change of best-buys, let me run through how to play it to perfection.

And don’t do this alone. If your kids or grandkids are old enough, sit down with

Saving for the futurecan be child’s play

them and talk them through each savings pick and let them choose – turn it into a fun financial game. This is crucial financial education – teaching them not just to save, but importantly where to save to get the most from their money.

Earn 4.5% interest if you save each monthIf you’re looking for somewhere to put

children’s savings, pick the account paying the highest rate.

On interest, the easy winner is the Halifax Kids’ Regular Saver (www.Halifax.co.uk), for (up to age 15), which pays 4.5% AER fixed for a year. You can pay in £10 to £100 per month, and you are allowed to miss a month, but you can’t withdraw any money until the year’s up.

After a year, the rate drops, so get your child to set a diary reminder and move their money to a better account when it does. If you’ve more to save then Saffron Building Society (www.saffronbs.co.uk) is similar at 4% AER, though with this one you can make withdrawals. If you’re not near a branch, then it can be opened by post.

Earn 3.5% on lump sumsNationwide (www.nationwide.co.uk) has

just launched its new Future Saver account for under 15s. It pays 3.5% AER, but only if the parent or guardian holds a Nationwide current account (not flex basic). Up to £5,000 can be saved in it each year, but only one penalty-free withdrawal is allowed from it.

If you don’t have the Nationwide current account, it pays 2.5%, in which case the HSBC MySavings account (www.hsbc.co.uk) pays 3% on up to £3,000 and it allows you to withdraw money as often as you like.

In the unlikely event that your little one has really big money to save, Skipton Building Society’s Children’s Saver easy access account (www.skipton.co.uk) pays 2.25% on up to £50,000.

The Top Children’s Accounts with debit cards Some older children want accounts

where they can spend on a card or online.If they’re aged 11-18, the Santander

123 Mini account (www.santander.co.uk)

Perfect for pocket money, but for serious savings don’t plough your cash into a piggy bank. There are plenty of accounts to choose from.

MartinLEWIS

PERSONAL FINANCE56

pays 3% on £300-£2,000 and gives a debit card to use in shops – though if they’re under 13, you need to have a Santander account for them to open it.

Alternatively, the TSB Under-19s’ Account (www.tsb.co.uk) can be opened by 11 to 18-year-olds and pays interest of 2.5% on balances between £1 and £2,500. It offers the choice of a cash withdrawal only card, or a Visa debit card to use for cash, online and in store.

There’s also been a growing market in prepaid cards to spend in store and online for children aged over 8. These allow extra functions such as letting you set spending limits and monitoring their spending.

Yet they don’t pay interest and do charge a fee – so you have to choose between cost and functionality. Nimbl (www.nimbl.com) is £15/year, Osper (www.osper.com) £30/year and GoHenry (www.gohenry.co.uk) £36 a year.

Can grandparents open these accounts? For children under roughly age 18, an

adult will need to open the account (with the child’s ID) and be a trustee or signatory on the account.

Most accounts including Santander and Nationwide require the adult to be a person with parental responsibility, though grandparents and other family members can pay in. With Halifax, grandparents are allowed to manage the account.

l Raised in Cheshire’s Delamere Forest and schooled in Chester, Martin Lewis is the founder and chair of Money Saving Expert. To join the 12 million people who get his Martin’s Money Tips weekly email, go to www.moneysavingexpert.com/latesttip

The top paying Junior ISA pays 3.6%Junior ISAs (JISAs) are savings (or

investment) accounts. You can save up to a set amount each tax year - £4,260 in this tax year - and the money is then locked away until the child’s 18th birthday (after that it’s theirs to do what they want with – regardless of why you saved it).

The big sell is that the interest is tax-free, but these days that’s irrelevant for most as:

l Children pay tax just like adults, meaning they can earn £11,850 each year without paying tax on it. Unless they hit it big, early on X-factor that’s unlikely, so their savings interest won’t be taxed.l There is a rule that says kids can

only earn £100 interest a year (so that’s about £3,000 saved in the top easy-access account) from money given by each parent. Above that it’s counted as the parents’ income and taxed at their rate.

This used to be an issue, but as now basic rate taxpayers can earn £1,000 interest a year without paying tax on it (or £500 for higher rate tax payers) most adults don’t pay tax on savings either – so unless you’ve a shedload of savings this isn’t an issue.

So Junior ISAs are now only worth it for the wealthy or those who want to use it as a way to lock money away until their kids turn 18. The top rate currently is the Coventry BS (www.coventrybuildingsociety.co.uk) paying 3.6%. If your savings Junior ISA pays less, you can apply to the Coventry to have it transferred.

Those whose children have Child Trust Funds (CTFs) can also transfer them into Junior ISA savings, the same way. That’s worth doing as CTF rates are far lower. There are over 1 million dormant CTFs at the moment, so if your child is aged 7 to 16 it’s worth checking if they have one. You can use the special tool on www.hmrc.gov.uk

For a more relaxing future, help your children onto the savings ladder today.

Brace yourself. Energy bills are being hit by a double whammy. The big firms have put their prices up (again) and many of the cheapest deals you can switch to have been pulled. So let me be plain: NOW IS THE TIME to switch before winter, every week’s delay risks you paying more.

And if you’re on a standard tariff (the hideously expensive one most people are on) then as with typical bills you’re overpaying by £360 a year, so if you don’t act you’re ripping yourself off.

All the big six providers have put up prices this year, and now we’ve had a second round from four of them – which are due to hit your next bills. As for the two who haven’t done it a second time, that could still come.

Provider 1st price rise 2nd price rise Price on typical usage after rises

British Up 5.5% Up 3.8% £1,205 Gas (29 May) (1 Oct)

EDF Up 1.4% Up 6% £1,227 (7 Jun) (31 Aug)

Scottish Up 5.5% Up 3.7% £1,257Power (1 Jun) (8 Oct)

Npower Up 5.5% n/a £1,230 (17 Jun)

SSE Up 7.8% n/a £1,196 (11 Jul) (1)

E.on Scrapped £30/yr Up 4.8% £1,208 dual-fuel discount (16 Aug) (19 Apr)

All prices based on Ofgem typical use figures and are averaged across the UK. Correct at time of writing. (1) Includes the scrapping of a £6 per fuel annual paperless discount.

Now compare those to the cheapest deals on the market and you’ll see huge savings. Yet speed is of the essence. With wholesale prices (the prices energy companies pay for energy) rising, many cheap deals are ending and being replaced by more expensive ones.

The cheapest one-year fix at the beginning of August was £867 a year, now the cheapest fix deal is £978. And for the moment this trend looks likely to continue, so the quicker you sort it out the better.

The regulator Ofgem has said it will introduce a price cap on standard prices by the end of December. For someone who uses a typical amount of energy it’ll be £1,136 a year fixed for six months. That will mean those on big 6 standard tariffs will see a reduction.

Whle Ofgem calls this a ‘fair’ price, that doesn’t mean it is a ‘good’ price – the danger is people will get the false sense of security that they’re on a good deal – where as you can lock in a fixed deal for a year at up to 20% cheaper. Plus the price is only fixed for six months and after that the way wholesale prices are moving, it’s likely they’ll rise again.

How to find your cheapest dealWhatever your energy set up, whether it’s

direct debit or prepay, electricity only or dual fuel, as your cheapest depends on where you live and what you use, there’s no one winner. Therefore, the answer quite simply is to use a comparison site.

Though do beware, comparison sites are now allowed to only show you tariffs that pay them, as many of the big ones do this, which means you may not see all the deals.

There’s a full list of comparison sites at www.ofgem.gov.uk or you can use my www.cheapenergyclub.com which includes all the market’s deals by default (and it also gives you £25 dual fuel cashback if you switch).

Seek a cheaper energy deal

Switch now or regret it later

Look after the pennies - it’s never to early to start

PERSONAL FINANCE 57

Five minutes with . . .

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW?A drive towards creating fixed fees in commercial litigation.

Much like the disaster when the same happened to conveyancing in the 1980s, it would lead to unqualified people doing litigation beyond their capability with a massive hike in negligence cases. The consumers will be the ultimate losers. I also think the huge increase in court fees has been damaging and access to justice is worse than I can ever remember for those less fortunate in society.

AND THE BIG OPPORTUNITIES? Not sure there are ‘big’ opportunities but, for sure, social media

has provided a lot of fertile ground for us media lawyers! A lot of our work is now internet and social media based – we remove a lot of content for clients who are unhappy with what is up there for all to see and often act to prevent publication of material online. Snapchat/WhatsApp/Instagram have all caused people to say and share words and images which attack reputations – it’s our job to prevent that material becoming public.

WHAT WAS YOUR LAST MEETING ABOUT, HOW LONG DID IT LAST, AND WAS IT PRODUCTIVE?Had a meeting with counsel and a client proposing to bring a

claim for an eye-watering £700 million against a major institution following a serious breach of contract, misrepresentation and negligence. It was indeed productive, though naturally, it has its complications.

DO YOU ANSWER WORK CALLS OR EMAILS AT HOME? WHAT’S THE RIGHT WORK-LIFE BALANCE? A modern-day commercial solicitor has to be available pretty

much 24/7. Clients’ expectations on communications are at an all-time high. Work-life balance is very important but often takes a back seat in this job. I’m afraid that’s the territory. Occasionally, I organise my life to force downtime. I don’t find it that easy but love it when I do it!

HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU? Firm but very fair, generous, determined and a fighter. I hate

losing at anything and happily it doesn’t happen very often! It’s important to give praise when it’s due and to reward excellent performance.

BREXIT – WHAT’S YOUR VIEW OF WHAT IT’S ALL GOING TO MEAN? Big question! I’m not sure anyone really knows how it will play

out. But what has saddened me more than anything about it is the incredible reaction to the decision. On the one side, for any sector to be made to feel they do not belong here is not acceptable. Equally to describe Brexiteers as “stupid, ignorant or racist” is disgusting. Such allegations demonstrate, ironically, ignorance. I believe the UK survived for many centuries without having to pay billions into the EU, or have its laws controlled by Brussels, so I very much doubt that leaving the EU after 47 years will bring our country with its skilled and determined people to its knees. But I’m also sure that Brexit will not be at all easy, and that it will bring some serious difficulties.

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?Winning Cream Holdings v Banerjee and Liverpool Daily Post

& Echo in the House of Lords (2004), taking a new case (McKinlay) to the same court - now the Supreme Court - with my new firm in 2018 (and it made Parliament TV!). Surpassing 600 cases in which I have been appointed Mediator and pushing towards 1,000 has been hard work but very rewarding. Being appointed a Deputy District Judge on the Northern Circuit in 2004 was a highlight. But

Mark Manley

MARK MANLEY represents some of the world’s most famous film, entertainment and sporting stars in his role as managing director of media law specialists Manleys Solicitors in Chester

my main achievement is undoubtedly being brave enough to leave a senior partnership position with a large law firm to set up what has quickly become a highly successful practice with a terrific culture and a fabulous team of people I love working with. Manleys represents players, managers and many of the Premier League and Championship clubs, and I’m proud to say we represent globally known celebrities in film and music as well as having attracted work for several PLCs, political parties and some NHS Trusts.

PET HATES? I don’t really ‘hate’ much, if anything. However, topically, I can

say my blood boils when politicians use Parliamentary privilege to

THE LAST WORD58

thwart a decision of the High Court or Court of Appeal. I am also very sad that the laws of this country mean that if you are a man or woman with substantial wealth, you should tread very carefully before getting married. The law should support the institution of marriage, not punish those whose marriages fail. I have witnessed some really dreadful behaviour on the part of divorcing couples with little or no sanction from courts.

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Don’t lack the courage to back yourself early. I played safe in

business for far too long and it cost me; not just financially but it suppressed my entrepreneurial appetite. That was my own fault. At least I finally grew a pair! Don’t be afraid to fail. And finally - be patient; I’m afraid impatience is quite easily my worse trait and, as hard as I try, I’m afraid I don’t improve much.

HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? I love spending time with my wife – we are truly soulmates,

my family and granddaughter Mia (she is a little superstar!). I love travelling and have travelled a lot in the past 10 years. I like to go to the gym, watch my beloved Everton, and I’ve become addicted to backgammon and have won several tournaments in the UK and abroad.

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS SPECIAL ABOUT CHESHIRE, AND ITS BUSINESS COMMUNITY? It punches above its weight. I worked in the law in Liverpool for

21 years before setting up a law firm in Chester in 2012. It’s a much smaller City - but has a great community and the client base in Cheshire as a whole is really quite something.

YOU CAN TAKE ONE BOOK, ONE FILM AND ONE CD ONTO A DESERT ISLAND – WHAT WOULD THEY BE? The film would be Hacksaw Ridge - if that guy could survive,

what he did, it would inspire me to do likewise. The CD would be a compilation of my favourite songs. As for the book - “Let me tell you a story” by Rob Parsons. He is the greatest public speaker and writer I know and I have had the honour to work with.

YOUR FIVE DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE? Assuming this was meant to be famous people, Elvis Presley,

Mohammed Ali (had the pleasure of meeting him twice), oddly, Adolf Hitler - so I could tell him what I thought of him and ask him what on earth he thought he was doing, and Rob Brydon; I find him hilarious. Number five would be my Dad. He died in 2013, was my hero in life, and was the kindest human being to ever have lived.

From converted barns in Bollington, manor houses in Mottram, prestige properties in Peckforton and Prestbury,

rural estates in Alderley Edge to city pads in Chester.

Did you know that 75% of high-net-worth homes in the UK are underinsured?


01743 242894 | [email protected] | www.lycetts.co.uk

Lycetts is a trading name of Lycett, Browne-Swinburne & Douglass Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lycetts is a trading name of Lycetts Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Don’t let your valuables be vulnerableAs values change year-on-year, it’s important to review your insurance regularly. From fine art and precious

jewellery to classic cars and wine collections, Lycetts will ensure that your home and most treasured possessions are properly protected.

From converted barns in Bollington, manor houses in Mottram, prestige properties in Peckforton and Prestbury,

rural estates in Alderley Edge to city pads in Chester.

Did you know that 75% of high-net-worth homes in the UK are underinsured?


01743 242894 | [email protected] | www.lycetts.co.uk

Lycetts is a trading name of Lycett, Browne-Swinburne & Douglass Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lycetts is a trading name of Lycetts Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Don’t let your valuables be vulnerableAs values change year-on-year, it’s important to review your insurance regularly. From fine art and precious

jewellery to classic cars and wine collections, Lycetts will ensure that your home and most treasured possessions are properly protected.

In business as in life, the quality, source and speed of the advice you receive makes all the difference.

Whether it is an edge to help close the deal, or a pragmatic view on a complex situation, we are ready to respond when you need us. Every time.

Your partners in business

Supporting Cheshire businesses since 1983For more information, please contact us:01244 400567

India House16 White FriarsChesterCH1 1NZ

www.storrarcowdry.com

Geoff CoganCommercialLitigation

Robin GillHead of Corporate and Commercial

Freddie StorrarCorporate andCommercial

Gary BellCommercialProperty

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