End of year business review: reflect, refocus, revise and relax!

End of year business review

2012 has been another tough year for many businesses. As Christmas arrives and the New Year approaches, it is a great time to sit back and reflect.

Reflect
• Take a good look at your business and how it performed in 2012.
• What were your goals for 2012? Did you achieve them?
• What were the high points?
• What were the low points?
• How successful was your marketing strategy?
• How well did your business use social media?
• How was your work/life balance?
• Has your business adversely affected your health?

Refocus
 • Remind yourself about what is really important to you.
• What are your long term goals?
• What is the USP (unique selling point) of your business? Are you making the most of it?
• What are the goals for your business in 2013?
• What are the goals for your personal life and do these fit with your business goals?

 
Revise
• In the light of your reflections, do you need to amend your business plan?
• What actions can you take to build upon the successes of the past year?
• What actions can you take to avoid the repetition of the low points?
• Do you need to alter your marketing strategy or the way you use social media?
• Do you need to change the way you work to improve your health or relationships?

 
Relax 
 • Decide when you are going to work over Christmas and the New Year and be realistic about what you can achieve during those reduced hours.
• Set your out-of-office email message so that your clients know when you will be available over the holiday period.
• Don’t commit to deadlines which it will be hard to achieve and have the potential to ruin your Christmas break.
• Spend time with your family and friends and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas!

Weymouth speed networking breaks records

Ainslie set records here - so could you!

If the thought of speed networking, or business networking of any kind, fills you with dread - read on!

Last week, I survived, and even enjoyed, the second speed networking breakfast laid on by the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce.

The format is simple. I was handed a sheet telling me which table to sit at for each of the seven short sessions. Three other people were at each table and during the session we each had one minute to say who we were and what we did.

We then had another minute each to make an extra point, ask a question or enjoy small talk. Once our eight minute session was over, we all moved on to the next table on our list. I was never in a session with the same person more than once, and by the end of the event I still hadn’t met everyone in the room.

Halfway through, we paused for bacon sandwiches and a short talk from the sponsor. Tea and coffee were on tap throughout.

No pressure networking

The one minute ‘this is who I am’ presentations were painless. No one delivered a hard sell and, while coming with a prepared script was encouraged, most didn’t. It was all very conversational.

There was no pressure to buy from one another, or to make any form of commitment. This was simply an opportunity to tell other business owners what you do and to give some insight as to why they may want to use your services.

That said, not everyone present was an owner - some were employees. But they were in the minority.

Business networking made easy

If you’re not a fan of networking, this approach could work for you. Perhaps you don’t like the idea of addressing a large group - this involved speaking to just three others at a time.

Maybe you don’t know how to sell yourself at a networking meeting - this makes it really easy to prepare and practise a very short presentation, in a supportive environment. Almost everyone simply said who they were and what they did, which usually filled the time.

This type of speed networking event is also ideal for those reluctant to attend a meeting by themselves. There’s no danger of being left out of the conversations.

It’s too early to know whether any business will come directly from this meeting, but I look on networking as a long-term, not short-term strategy. I’ll be back next time and I’m not bothered if I meet all the same people again. I’ll get to know them a little better, and they me, and experience says that one day these relationships will lead to direct business or to referrals.

Finally - the record that was broken last week? (Look back at the title). It was for the number of business cards I’ve given away at a single event.

Andrew Knowles copywriter for business

Visit the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce website to discover more about their business networking events.

Read about other business networking opportunities in Dorset

Ecommerce goes Cuckooland in Dorset

A new Dorset business is putting down quirky roots amid the slightly unreal environment of Poundbury, just outside Dorchester.

The name, Cuckooland.com, is an insight into the not-quite-of-this-world flavour of a firm which purports to be run by Zebarella, an award-winning half-woman, half-striped horse who enjoys Champagne and seafood.

If that isn't curious enough, the company employ a young, and rather special, feline chief buyer, who features heavily in their social media presence.

If you look closely at the photos published on Facebook and elsewhere, you’ll also spot some real people. These may be the three business partners from whose imaginations Cuckooland has emerged, both the fantastical curiosity and the online retailer with an unwavering focus on the upmarket female customer.

Once upon a time...

The tale behind Cuckooland begins in South Africa, where Russell and Nathalie Davis ran a successful property firm. Deteriorating economic and social conditions led them to sell up and come to the UK in search of a new life and business.

After an abortive attempt to buy a firm in Kent, they decided, with another partner, to create an innovative new operation of their own.

They chose to build a brand, and a world, that would appeal to women with money to spend on themselves and their loved ones. A lot of time and cash were invested in researching the market and sourcing unique and aspirational products.

Cuckooland.com wasn’t just going to be another online shop selling nice things. It was to be a “magical place of intriguing discovery” where women could indulge themselves, and their partners, with products that are far from average or boring.

The Cuckooland.com reality is now online

Following months of very hard work, Cuckooland.com went live a few weeks ago and is already proving to be a hit with the target audience.

News of this “female focused, luxury lifestyle emporium” is spreading fast, in part because the team are committed to making full use of social media as a marketing tool. They’re active on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google+, where they’re attracting plenty of ‘Likes’ and fresh followers.

No doubt, somewhere behind the scenes, Zebarella is already researching other opportunities for her “very upmarket, very exclusive and very different” online adventure. She is, after all, responsible for promoting the finest non-mass-produced products from the Principality of Cuckooland into our world. According to her website profile.

Don’t be fooled by the whimsical presentation. Push through the magical mystique of Cuckooland.com and you’ll find it has a solid commercial heart, and the potential to be a huge Dorset success story.

Intrigued? Take a peek into the world of Cuckooland.com.  

Read more Dorset start-up and success stories

Dorset businesses benefit from promoting contemporary artwork

Dorset firms and organisations of all sizes are increasingly discovering that using their spaces to showcase artwork brings plenty of benefits. 

It creates a vibrant, lively environment for visitors and staff, and can strengthen connections with clients and other users of the space.

South West Artwork are passionate about find ways for emerging local artists to showcase their work. They have worked closely with business venues since 2008, providing unique artwork for their space.

They currently showcase contemporary artwork from 30 artists from the South West region in a variety of locations. One of their long standing business relationships is with B+B Weymouth, a contemporary bed and breakfast based in the heart of Weymouth.

Emma Carter, Business Development Manager at B+B Weymouth, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside Laura and the SWA team. South West Artwork has the knack for sourcing artwork that suits our funky B+B. Guests love the pieces and our walls are much more colourful now.”

Other venues include The Left Bank seafood restaurant, artisan bakery The Phoenix Bakery, and Mary Portas Living & Giving store in Primrose Hill, London.  They have recently partnered with Brilliant Fish PR & Marketing working in association with The National Trust in Dorset in delivering an app aimed at 11-16 year olds, encouraging a younger generation to engage with their heritage in a fun and exciting way.

South West Artwork started as a small group of artists exhibiting work in unusual spaces around Dorset. From a deconsecrated church, an empty shop space and even a reclamation yard in the heart of Weymouth, the company then took inspiration from their first exhibitions and developed their business model as a platform for emerging talent to showcase their work in corporate and leisure spaces.

By attracting visitors to a contemporary art experience that sits outside of the norm, the unique venue and the adventurous curating of the pieces encourages the viewer to not only appreciate the artwork on display, but also their surroundings.

“Having realised we were attracting unique footfall to a venue, it was clear we could use this model to benefit business spaces,” said Laura Mulhern, Company Director. “It was also a great way for emerging talent to showcase their work on a regular basis.”

All artwork is carefully selected from contemporary artists using a variety of mediums such as photography, illustration, abstract painting and sculpture. Exhibits and commissioned work are chosen specifically to suit each venue and in keeping with the company brand.

To find out more about the company, whether you are an artist or a business space and keen to find out more, visit www.southwest-artwork.co.uk or follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

Weymouth becomes a Town Team Partner

Weymouth BID joins local government Town Team Partnership

Weymouth town centre

On 23 October 2012, the Department of Communities and Local Government announced that Weymouth was one of 326 successful applications from across the country to become a Town Team Partner as part of the wider national campaign to revitalise our town centres.

The Partner programme includes a special support package from the Association of Town Centre Management aimed at promoting best practices and shared learning from retail experts and town teams across the country.

Town Team Partners will also receive a grant of £10,000 to help develop a 5-year strategy supported by a small number of pilot projects to bring life, culture and growth back to our town centre.

The strategy will be based on close consultation with local residents and business communities to secure their involvement and develop a range of ideas to achieve quick wins and early successes. There are many innovative ideas being developed in town centres throughout the country, such as the concept of clusters for specialist retail activity, a focus for street art and busking, night markets and community gardens. This shared learning from other towns will all be part of the consultation process.

Weymouth has a unique location, a vibrant events’ programme and strong partnership networks which will allow it to use this seed funding to help build a real momentum for the wider regeneration of the town centre in future years.

Nigel Reed, Chairman of Weymouth BID, said: "This funding provides a great opportunity to link the Weymouth BID and its work with other partners who can contribute in making Weymouth Town a successful and vibrant place. The experience on offer to Weymouth from tried and tested projects elsewhere will be an invaluable benefit."

Businesses are encouraged to register their interest in the Weymouth BID with Nigel Reed on 07557 142906. More information is available at www.weymouthbid.co.uk.

Photo © Andrew Knowles.

Dorset business owners to vote for Police and Crime Commissioner

“Crime against business remains a low priority for the Police, and it is often referred to as a victimless crime,” says Tim Colman, Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

While he speaks for a neighbouring county, crime is also a real problem for firms in Dorset. Ours is a county of small towns and businesses, where theft and criminal damage, both physical and psychological, can destroy livelihoods and damage communities.

On Thursday 15th November, everyone, including Dorset’s many business owners and employees, can vote for the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in our county.

The PCC will not run Dorset Police, but, depending on who is elected, they could have a major impact on the way local communities are policed. Their job is to hold the Chief Constable accountable to the public.

Bizoh asked the four PCC candidates how they would address the issue of crime against businesses in Dorset.

Andy Canning, Liberal Democrat PCC candidate, who has a ‘professional business background’ said: “Dorset’s economy depends more than most on successful and enterprising local businesses.”

If elected he will “work with local businesses to develop a strategy that cuts crime and helps improve the training of the Police so that they can appreciate the impact of business crime”.

Rachel Rogers, Labour PCC candidate, said: “It will be important for the PCC to work with business organisations, with retailers, the evening/night-time economy, transport and other business sectors to reduce crime affecting business in our towns and shopping centres.”

If elected, she will help the police to build trust and confidence by improving their communication, and to keep a balance between local and national issues. One of these is fraud, which can impact local firms but is often organised by networks across the country and even internationally, and requires local police forces to work with national law-enforcement organisations.

Nick King, Conservative PCC candidate, is a member of the Federation of Small Businesses, and has set up and run small firms. He is concerned “to hear that crime, particularly low level incidents, appear to be given a low level priority by the police”.

If elected, his approach will be driven by his belief that “if criminality is not confronted at its lowest level then that can only lead to an environment in which more serious crime is seen as more acceptable”. He said: “The police need to work more proactively with business to tackle crime and to encourage a zero tolerance attitude to anti-social behaviour and minor crime.”

Martyn Underhill, independent PCC candidate, said he has spoken to “numerous business owners” and is “more than aware of the issue of small business crime, indeed several business owners have shared their frustrations of drug-fuelled shoplifters draining their resources and their profits, and their time”.

If elected, he would work with traders to get the Shopwatch scheme operating across Dorset and would “seek to work with the business community” to address shoplifting and burglary from commercial premises.

For more information about all four PCC candidates for Dorset, visit the following websites:

Choose my PCC (official PCC elections website)
Police elections
Rachel Rogers, Labour and on Twitter as @DorsetRachel
Nick King, Conservative and on Twitter as @NickKing
Martyn Underhill, independent and on Twitter as @Tosh599
Andy Canning, Liberal Democrat

 

Open 4 Business Dorset 2012 award winners

Congratulations to the Open 4 Business Dorset 2012 award winners!

The winners of the Open 4 Business Dorset Awards have been celebrating at a glittering award ceremony which was held on Thursday 25th October at Weymouth College.

The Open 4 Business Dorset 2012 award winners

Best Small & Medium-sized Business Award sponsored by Lloyds TSB
Dorwest Herbs, Shipton Gorge

Best Large Business Award sponsored by Old Mill Financial
New Look, Weymouth

Best Community Engagement Project Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
Blondz, Weymouth

Best New Business Award sponsored by Dorset LEP
Food Lynx Ltd, Shaftesbury

Best New Innovation or Service Award sponsored by SALT
Odeoflare, Weymouth

Best Marketing Campaign Award sponsored by Resort Marketing
Marketing West, Beaminster

Best Employer Award sponsored by Wessex FM
Createful, Bournemouth

Best Customer Focus Award sponsored by Puragen
Chalbury Food & Wines, Weymouth

Best of Dorset Food and Drink Award sponsored by DJ Property
The Dining Room, Weymouth

Inspirational Young Person Award sponsored by Equation Accounting
Elysia Munday Weymouth

Outstanding Contribution to Business Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
Anna Maria Geare, President of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce & Business Manager at Lloyds TSB Commercial in Weymouth

Business of the Year 2012 sponsored by Weymouth College
Marketing West, Beaminster / Furleigh Estates Campaign

Each award winner will be given a complimentary copy of their finalist film to use for their marketing purposes. During the Awards Dinner, guests were invited to play the “Heads and Tails” game & auction which raised over £1600 for the RNLI. The fundraising was supported by the Dorset Echo who donated a book of Dorset 2012 photography, signed by Olympian Nick Dempsey, and by Albert Goodman, Chartered Accountants, who donated two bottles of champagne. Funds were matched £1 for £1 by Lloyds TSB Commercial.

The Open 4 Business Dorset Awards Dinner was hosted by Weymouth College, sponsored by Albert Goodman, Chartered Accountants, award sponsors and supported by media partners Dorset Echo.

Julie Cleaver, Managing Director, said: “I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in making the Awards Ceremony and Dinner an absolute success. 2012 has been a tough year for a lot of businesses with many new challenges and opportunities. Tonight provided a great opportunity to get together and celebrate the very best of Dorset business. Open 4 Business Dorset continues to bring out the best in local business and we should all be very proud of what we have achieved this year. 2013 will bring a whole new set of challenges and opportunities and Open 4 Business Dorset will be there, once again, to celebrate and recognise the very best.”

If anyone is interested in taking part in the stakeholder group or becoming a sponsor in 2013, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Read more Dorset start-up and success stories

Cafe Weymouth enriches town’s catering menu

Excellent service, consistent quality, and a passion for the environment and local sourcing has been the recipe for success in The Channel Guesthouse on Weymouth seafront.

Having established themselves as entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, the Reays, who’ve run The Channel since 2008, now picked up the challenge of running a local cafe, which they renamed Cafe Weymouth.

Standing empty for months, including over the Olympics, the premises on Gloucester Street were in a sorry state. Chris and his mother Sandra decided the cafe needed an entirely fresh start, beginning with a new name.

“It’s a cafe and it’s in Weymouth,” explained Chris. The name also sits squarely with their approach to marketing their guesthouse. “We promote Weymouth,” said Chris. “That brings the guests to us, and also to our neighbours.”

Cafe Weymouth focuses on local trade

While their guesthouse business often draws in customers from overseas, the cafe’s target market is much closer to home. Despite having been open for only a few weeks, locals who work nearby have already become regular customers.

The appeal is easy to spot. The decor is fresh and bright, the furniture clean and simple. And environmentally friendly, Sandra is quick to point out. It’s made from rubberwood, trees that have already spent twenty years producing sap used in latex. With one commercial life over, they’ve been recycled into tables and chairs.

Being opposite the Park Street car park ensures a steady trickle of out of town customers. Others come because they have heard good things being said about what’s on offer.

A Dorset cafe serving Dorset fare

It’s the menu that often makes or breaks a cafe. At Cafe Weymouth, they seem to have cracked the challenge of serving food that’s produced very locally, while keeping prices extremely competitive.

Their Dorset breakfast, initially developed in the guesthouse, is a firm favourite. Eggs, bacon and sausages have all been carefully sourced from within the county. And they’ve made their selections carefully - Chris and Sandra are not afraid to call themselves foodies. If you want to add tomatoes and beans, that’s fine, but they’ll point out that neither of these come from Dorset.

For late risers, the Dorset Breakfast is served until 2pm. And for those who can’t be disconnected from the internet, the cafe offers free wifi.

This Dorset seaside town needs more businesses like The Channel Guesthouse and Cafe Weymouth. Businesses that are not afraid to promote affordable quality, and who are willing to link their own success closely to that of the town.

You can follow Cafe Weymouth on Twitter, where it's @Cafe_Wey.

Read more Dorset start-up and success stories

Open 4 Business Dorset is raising funds for RNLI

This year, the Open 4 Business Dorset Awards Ceremony and Dinner is raising funds for the RNLI. The dinner will be held on Thursday 25th October 2012 at Weymouth College and is sponsored by Albert Goodman Chartered Accountants. Tickets are available from dinner@weymouth.ac.uk, priced £60. 

Open 4 Business Dorset has raised over £5000 for local charities over the past 3 years at the annual Awards Ceremony and Dinner. Charities that have benefitted include Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and the Dorset County Hospital Mammography Appeal in 2011. 

This year Open 4 Business Dorset has chosen the RNLI – Weymouth Lifeboat - as the charity who will benefit.

Julie Cleaver, Managing Director of Open 4 Business Dorset said: “The Steering Group selected the RNLI as a charity which affects most people living and working in Dorset. In 2012 we have had two tragic events which took place in local Dorset waters, the loss of the Purbeck Isle fishing vessel and the powerboat tragedy. Both events brought the outstanding work of the RNLI into public view, and Open 4 Business Dorset recognise this as an essential charity to sponsor in 2012.”

A presentation will be made to the local lifeboat crew during November. Every pound raised during the Open 4 Business Awards Dinner will be matched by the Lloyds Bank Match Fund.

The Open 4 Business Dorset Awards Dinner and Ceremony promises to be an exciting evening where guests will enjoy a menu created by three local leading restaurants, HIX Oyster and Fish House, Yalbury Cottage and Sienna Dorchester. The chefs will work with the Weymouth College catering students to create and serve the dishes to over 180 guests.

A celebratory firework display will follow the dinner to mark the 10th anniversary of the Open 4 Business Festival. The Awards Ceremony will be opened by Liz Myles, the new principal of Weymouth College, the main sponsor of Open 4 Business Dorset 2012.

For more information please contact Julie Cleaver on Julie@popcornmarketing.co.uk. 

Photo © Andrew Knowles.

Bridport-based PR agency wins international business award

Stephen Banks, Emily Pykett and Sara Hudston
from Watershed PR at the Goldsmiths' Hall, London
  with the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin, worth $7.6m

Watershed PR in world business award win

A Pan-European campaign masterminded by Watershed PR has won one of the world’s top business awards. Watershed managed the UK launch of the 1933 Double Eagle tour on behalf of a client, the Samlerhuset Group, in March 2012.

The 1933 Double Eagle is the world’s most expensive gold coin and a legend in coin collecting circles. This famous object left its home at the Smithsonian Institution in America to take its first ever exhibition tour of Europe, visiting Samlerhuset companies in the UK, Eire, Belgium, Czech Republic, Poland, Norway and Finland.

The 1933 Double Eagle has a face value of $20 dollars but is worth at least $7.6 million, and had to be chained to a security guard when it was not kept under lock and key in a bank vault. Watershed arranged for the coin to be securely escorted to TV studios in London where it appeared on prime-time programmes such as The One Show and BBC Breakfast.

Watershed’s press conference, held in the Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, sparked media frenzy. The tour generated a massive amount of media coverage in all seven countries and the USA, excited thousands to go and see this fabulous US national treasure and demonstrated how innovative international partnerships between corporate and cultural sectors bring value to the world. Watershed built the 1933 Double Eagle website and set the template for the group’s social media strategy, which was rolled out across all its European offices.

In a related project, the Bridport-based PR agency also made the Samlerhuset Group’s corporate video, which is shown to employees at all its international headquarters.

The success of the 1933 Double Eagle tour resulted in the campaign winning a bronze Stevie® Award in the 9th Annual International Business Awards.

The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards programme. The 2012 IBAs received entries from more than 50 nations and territories. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word for ‘crowned,’ the awards were presented to winners at a gala awards banquet at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Seoul, South Korea on 15 October.

More than 3,200 nominations from organisations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted this year. The Samlerhuset Group won bronze in the Communications or PR Campaign/Programme of the Year – Reputation/Brand Management category for the 1933 Double Eagle gold coin tour.

Sara Hudston, Principal of Watershed PR, said: ‘Watershed has a reputation for punching above its weight and this award is another confirmation of our ability to provide top results. It’s great to be a small agency based in Dorset and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with big international firms.’

Peter Swanston, CEO of the Samlerhuset Group, said: ‘Samlerhuset aims to bring the joy of coin collecting to everyone. The 1933 Double Eagle tour was a unique event organized for a unique coin. Throughout Europe, those who knew about it before were amazed to see it; those who learnt about it for the first time were even more impressed. We are proud to have that achievement recognised with a Stevie Award.’

Open 4 Business 2012 Conference in Weymouth

Platforms for Growth in Dorset is the 2012 Open 4 Business Conference and Exhibition, held at the Riviera Hotel, Weymouth, on 18th October.

The event is open to all, free of charge (if pre-registered), and businesses can attend either as a delegate or exhibitor. It starts at 9.30am and wraps up shortly before 5pm.

During the day keynote speakers will be sharing information and news relating to initiatives which will contribute to the future growth of the Dorset economy. New Jobs and Weymouth town centre regeneration plans will also be discussed.

The timetable for the conference is:

09h30        Registration and Refreshments

10h00        Exhibition opens 

10h15        Ian Doyle, Economic Regeneration Manager: Introduction to Platforms for Growth

10h45        Q&A and break

11h15        Peter Scott, Dorset LEP: Update and plans for future growth in  Dorset

11h45        Q&A and break

12h15        Rob Jones, Weymouth College: Apprenticeships and Work based learning

12h45        Q&A and break

13h15        Matthew Butcher, WSX Enterprises: Business Development in Dorset

13h45        Q&A and break

14h15        Nigel Reed, Chair of Weymouth BID: Dorset BID’s programme

14h45        Q&A and break

15h15        Nigel Jump, Senior Economist: Economic Impact and review 2012 and forecast

15h45        Q&A and break

16h15        Chris Hook, DCC: Cost Saving Transport Solutions

16h40        Close

For more information, visit the Open 4 Business website. Booking as a delegate or exhibitor is by email to laura@popcornmarketing.co.uk.

The search begins for the best businesses in Dorset and the UK

 
The Federation of Small Businesses and Streamline launch new UK Business Awards

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Streamline have launched a new UK-wide business awards programme to promote and celebrate innovation and success in small businesses across the UK. The FSB Streamline UK Business Awards will run across 12 geographical areas around the UK, with area finalists selected to go through to a national final in April 2013.

Local businesses from across Wessex, Surrey, West Sussex, and Thames Valley are being invited to nominate themselves in four categories:

 · Business Innovation
 · Online Business of the Year
 · Micro Business of the Year
 · Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Four businesses (one for each category) from Wessex, Surrey, West Sussex, and Thames Valley will be selected by a panel of independent judges to go through to the national final. One of the four finalists will also be selected as winner and receive a cash prize of £500.

The Wessex, Surrey, West Sussex, and Thames Valley winner along with the three remaining category finalists will automatically be entered into the national final for their category, with £4,500 up for grabs for each national category winner. The judges will then select one overall business as winner of the FSB Streamline UK Business of the Year Award. The winner of this award will receive an additional £5,000, and a business consultancy package worth a further £5,000 to help them to grow their business.

The Business Innovation and Online Business of the Year awards are open to any UK registered businesses employing 250 people or less, whilst the Micro Business of the Year is open to any business that employs 10 employees or less. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award is open to anyone aged 30 or under on 31st December 2012. Full details of the entry criteria and how to enter are available at www.fsbstreamlineawards.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 31st December 2012.

The Awards have been designed by the FSB and Streamline to raise the profile of small businesses across the UK and to highlight the crucial role that they are playing in kick-starting and supporting the UK economy in the current economic crisis.

Darren Wilson, Managing Director, Streamline said: “We know from our work with tens of thousands of small businesses around the UK that there are so many incredible, innovative and ambitious small businesses out there, making a massive contribution to their local economies. We want these awards to highlight these businesses, and to recognise and reward excellence and innovation within businesses and individuals.”

Neil Eames, Development Manager for the FSB Wessex Region, said: “As with everything that we do, these awards are designed to promote the interests of small businesses and entrepreneurs all over the UK. We are really looking forward to using this awards programme as an opportunity to identify and engage with some of the most innovative and successful small businesses in the UK.”

Free car parking in Weymouth

Shoppers and visitors will be able to park cars for free in Weymouth every Sunday from 1 November 2012.

Overnight parking, from 6pm to 8am, will also be free.

Local businesses have been lobbying hard for this change, which was announced at the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on 2 October.

The news was broken by Chris Greaves of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, where it was greeted with a spontaneous round of applause from the 60 or so members and guests present.

It's hoped that the offer of free town centre parking will encourage more visitors to the town, bringing a welcome boost to local trade.

Privately owned car parks may still charge on Sundays and overnight, as will car parks controlled by the Crown Estates. This includes the Portland car parks at Chesil Beach, Portland Bill and Castletown. 

Open 4 Business Dorset finalists line up

The judges outside Weymouth College

The finalists of the Open 4 Business Dorset Awards have been chosen at a closely contested judging session, held on Thursday 27th September at the Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion.

Entries for the awards were up 45% on 2011 and over three quarters of those entering were doing so for the very first time.

For the first time the awards are open to all firms in Dorset more than half the entries came from outside of the Weymouth & Portland area

The Open 4 Business Dorset Finalists

Small & Medium Business Award sponsored by Lloyds TSB
- Dorwest Herbs, Shipton Gorge
- Swift Signs, Weymouth

Best Large Business Award sponsored by Old Mill Financial
- New Look, Weymouth
- Daniel’s Fish and Chips, Weymouth

Best Community Engagement Project Award sponsored by Battens Solicitors
- Blondz, Weymouth
- The Marketing Bureau (TMB), Poole

Best New Business sponsored by Dorset LEP
- Food Lynx Ltd, Shaftesbury
- The Dining Room, Weymouth

The Best New Innovation or Service Award sponsored by SALT
- Odeoflare, Weymouth
- Innovative Vehicle Systems, Bere Regis

Best Marketing Campaign Award sponsored by Resort Marketing
- Marketing West, Beaminster
- Tandem Marketing, Dorchester

Best Employer Award sponsored by Wessex FM
- Createful, Bournemouth
- Dorchester Beauty Therapy and Skin Care Centre, Dorchester

Best Customer Focus Award sponsored by Puragen
- Chalbury Food & Wines, Weymouth
- Blondz, Dorchester

Best of Dorset Food and Drink Award sponsored by DJ Property
- The Dining Room, Weymouth
- Beaminster Brasserie at the Bridgehouse

Inspirational Young Person sponsored by Equation Accounting
- Elysia Munday, Weymouth
- Matthew Cornick, Weymouth
 
Business of the Year 2012  sponsored by Weymouth College
- Winner will be announced on 25 October at Award Ceremony

Outstanding Contribution to Business Award sponsored by Porter Dodson
- Winner will be announced on 25 October at Award Ceremony

Julie Cleaver, Managing Director of Open 4 Business, said “I would like to thank our main Sponsor Weymouth College and all of our Award Sponsors who made up the judging panel . The panel had to make extremely hard decisions when choosing between the record numbers of entries from all over Dorset.”

All the winners will be announced on 25 October.

Dorset firm's wifi solution increases customer appetite

Ensign Communications, based in Wareham, Dorset, is becoming one of the UK's leading wireless network specialists, working with organisations across the UK.

The company provides enterprise-grade wireless communication solutions to their clients, no matter what the nature of their business, its size or working environment.

Recently asked to provide customer wifi access for a national chain of restaurants, they felt confident in their ability to deliver.

Many of us have a desire to stay connected, wherever we are and whatever we are doing – whether it is to update our social media, check our email or simply occupy ourselves whilst waiting for our food order to arrive.

We're also increasingly looking for free wifi spots, particularly in restaurants and cafes. Reacting to this evolving customer expectation, Ensign’s client realised that providing guest access to wifi would allow them to remain competitive whilst adding another layer to the dining experience of their customers.

Putting free wifi on the menu

Rising to the challenge, Ensign designed and installed a business-grade wireless network using an Aruba solution which brought overall control of the wifi management back to the centre. Put simply, this meant that the client retained overall control of their network, allowing them to manage customers’ local access to the internet through their restaurants’ broadband connections.

Adding a secondary level of control, the Aruba system was coupled with Amigopod (a guest wifi management system) which provides usage reports and password management as well as the corporate look of the application, such as the login prompt and password receipt.

The success of this deployment has exceeded all expectations, with business across the chain of restaurants showing a significant increase as a result. Not only are the diners now receiving free wifi, which may very well provide that all important competitive edge over other restaurants, but it also offers opportunities to market to customers.

A valuable wifi byproduct - customer data

Through tying the username and password receipt to an email or text message, Ensign’s client now has a growing database of  the people who visit their restaurants, highlighting exactly who their customers are and, more importantly, what incentives they are most likely to respond to.

Through this solution, Ensign’s client are now targeting the right people with the right messages and this is paying out the most valuable dividends – satisfied and returning customers.

If a flexible and adaptable wifi solution is something that interests you and your business, you're welcome to contact the Ensign Communication team for a chat. Just mention Bizoh when you do!

The Bizoh blog loves to celebrate business success in Dorset. If your firm has a great story to tell, why not get in touch?

The success of the first Weymouth BID

The Weymouth BID – a new idea?

A replica of George III's bathing machine
  Weymouth seafront

While I was writing a post on the Weymouth BID for Bizoh, I was struck by the similarities between the BID and what happened in Weymouth over 200 years ago, when action was taken to improve the town, preparing the way for it to become the seaside resort of choice for King George III.

The current Weymouth BID

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a government-backed scheme which enables local businesses to generate money to spend on improving the local trading environment. It does this by a levy on non-domestic rates in the BID area and, once passed, has legal force.

The Weymouth BID aims to improve the local area by tackling such issues as improving visitor experience, increasing night-time security, improving information services and extending the holiday season.

The 1776 bid for a better Weymouth

Back in the 1770s, Weymouth’s governing corporation also wanted to improve the town’s facilities. They wanted to attract the growing tourist trade that was developing due to the seaside becoming fashionable, for both health and leisure.

In 1776, an Act of Parliament was passed enabling the corporation to levy a tax on owners and shopkeepers in the town in order to finance these improvements. Does this sound familiar?

Better cleanliness and security

The Act resulted in the paving and draining of Weymouth’s main streets and the installation of street lights, with huge fines against anyone who vandalised them. Taking animals on footpaths was prohibited and fines were levied against those who blocked the road unnecessarily. The Act also provided for watchmen to be appointed and measures were taken against the hazard of fire by forbidding the use of thatch. In short, the Act helped to make Weymouth a cleaner, safer place which was much more attractive to visitors.

The success of the first Weymouth BID

History tells us that the 1776 Act was a success. The Duke of Gloucester visited Weymouth and chose to build a house, Gloucester Lodge, on the seafront in 1780. He lent Gloucester Lodge to his brother George III in 1789 while he was convalescing from his first serious bout of mental incapacity, and George was so taken with Weymouth that he returned almost every year until 1805.

Future success

I hope that the success of the first Weymouth BID will encourage Weymouth to embrace the current proposals for a better, brighter town.

By Rachel Knowles

Rachel is a regular contributor to Bizoh and the author of a blog on late Georgian and Regency history: regencyhistory.net.

Jon’s calculated risk with Smart Accountancy Systems

Jon Jenkins set up Smart Accountancy Systems to
bring the benefits of cloud computing to his clients

After 12 years of working for other people, Jon Jenkins decided that setting up his own business would be better for both clients and himself.

Jon was frustrated by what he felt were the old-fashioned attitudes in many traditional accountancy practices. They lacked a commercial edge, a willingness to change and a commitment to client care. He felt he could do better and in March 2011, he started his own firm, Smart Accountancy Systems, based in Bournemouth, Dorset.

Founded on a desire to deliver outstanding service to clients and offering value for money by using the latest software and technology, it took about a year for Jon’s venture to find its feet.

As with so many small businesses, discovering what the service offering would look like in detail required time. But by early 2012, Jon was confident he had discovered the appropriate approach for his firm.

Results prove the value of the Smart Accountancy Concept

That he’s chosen the right direction has been vindicated by a recent tripling in client numbers. Clarity of vision has also allowed him to focus his marketing on the sectors where he’s already enjoying success, such as start-ups and growing firms.

Jon’s decided to invest heavily in cloud computing, spending a lot of time researching the best solutions available, and not just in accounting packages. He’s won a reputation as something of an expert in cloud solutions across a range of business services.

Having taken the risk of becoming his own boss, Jon’s also decided to restrict his services only to clients willing to embrace cloud accounting systems, such as Xero, KashFlow and FreeAgent. “Calculated risks are good for business,” he said, confident that a highly focused approach will set his firm apart from slower-moving, traditional firms.

“Online accountancy does not mean you never speak to a human,” said Jon, “but completely the opposite, as the technology allows you time to deal with clients’ needs. Our clients have up to date information on which to make business decisions and now spend money on planning, budgeting and forecasting rather than data entry.”

Jon has also put together a business package for start-ups, which has attracted the involvement of many established firms. He intends to begin marketing the package to local start-ups in the near future, helping them to take some of the risk out of their venture by getting support from a variety of organisations, many of whom have helped Smart Accountancy Systems achieve what it has to date.

The Bizoh blog loves to celebrate business success in Dorset. If your firm has a great story to tell, why not get in touch?

Read more Dorset start-up and success stories

Virtual assistants can do virtually anything

Have you ever wished you could delegate some of those dull or awkward tasks that seem to get in the way of running your business? Those frustratingly necessary, time-consuming yet non-productive jobs, such as sorting through all your expense receipts or filing that growing heap of letters, flyers and scribbled notes.

That’s where a virtual assistant could come in handy. You’re probably familiar with the concept - someone who provides admin support as and when you need it, often working remotely.

To find out a little more about what a virtual assistant actually does, Bizoh spoke to a couple. The first was Andrea Osborne of Cushion the Impact, based in London. Founded 12 years ago, it comprises a core team of four and now also has an office in Scotland.

Andrea said that when they founded the firm, they thought they would largely be running errands for busy people. But the range of tasks they’ve taken on is much wider than that and ranges from writing blog posts through to managing the delivery of domestic appliances to clients’ homes.

Virtual assistants can get their hands dirty

While much of the work is carried out in their office, they do go onsite from time to time. One client needed someone to create order from the chaos of their paperwork, which had spread from their home office into the rest of the house.

Much of the firm’s new business is acquired through word of mouth from satisfied clients, many of whom are now spread across the globe.

Many virtual assistants work alone. That’s how Tracy Swindale of Super-Secretary.com operates. Tracy began by providing virtual assistant services in the evenings and weekends. It went so well that in 2010 she gave up her job to work for herself.

Variety is not optional

Tracy's background as a PA at board level provides the skills and experience she needs to take on a wide variety of tasks from clients. There is no such thing as a typical week for Tracy. When we spoke to her she’d been spending a lot of time debt chasing on behalf of clients, but had also designed a new logo for someone.

Unlike many virtual service businesses, Tracy lists her prices on her website, charging £20 per hour for most of her work. As with Andrea’s firm, she also does some work onsite, although this is in the Darlington area where she’s based.

If you’re tempted to consider using a virtual assistant, it’s worth asking for recommendations. Some are specialists with particular skills and while most are flexible, the best will know their limitations. However, because their job is to make your life easier, if they can’t do something themselves, they will know how to find someone who can.

The Weymouth BID

A number of business leaders from Weymouth are taking action which could benefit almost everyone who lives in the town. They want to take advantage of a government scheme that allows firms to raise the money needed to make improvements to the local economy.

They are doing this by launching what's called the 'Weymouth BID'. This is a scheme that's worked successfully for other towns, including Dorchester.

What is a BID?

A BID (Business Improvement District) scheme is defined as “a business-led initiative supported by government legislation which gives local businesses the power to ‘raise funds locally to be spent locally’ on improving their trading environment”.

How does it work?

A steering group is created by interested local businesses that defines the BID area and consults other businesses within that area about the sort of improvements that they would support. A BID proposal is then formed and eligible businesses vote on whether to accept it. Over 50% of businesses that vote must be in favour of the proposal and this must represent more than 50% of the rateable value of the votes cast. If accepted, all businesses within the BID area are legally obliged to pay the levy, regardless to how they voted. A BID scheme usually operates for five years after which time its progress is reviewed.

What would this mean for Weymouth?

The Weymouth BID would generate between £900,000 and £1.2 million over a five year period which would then be invested in an agreed programme of local improvements. The money would be largely raised by levying a non-domestic rate of between one and one and a half per cent on all businesses within the BID area which comprises the town centre, harbour, seafront and Preston.

Suggested areas that the BID could tackle are the problems associated with the seasonality of a seaside town by leading marketing campaigns designed to extend the holiday season, as well as improving the experience of people visiting Weymouth, developing better information services and helping the night time economy by increased safety and security measures.

When will it happen?

The BID is currently in the consultation stage which is due to finish at the end of August 2012. The vote on whether to accept the proposals will take place in May or June 2013. There are around 500 businesses with a rateable value of above £6000 that are eligible to vote.

The legacy of the Games

Brian Cooper, Chairman of the BID Marketing Sub Group said: “The London 2012 Games have handed Weymouth businesses a massive opportunity to tackle future seasonality. The sheer scale of the TV exposure for Weymouth, Portland and the World Heritage Coast will make this one of the area’s main legacies, winning gold for businesses in Weymouth. The Weymouth BID, should it get a yes vote at ballot next year, will take a leading role in capitalising on this unique situation - so we are urging businesses to be a part of it.”

For more information, visit the BID website www.weymouthbid.co.uk . All businesses in the BID area are invited to fill in the online questionnaire, although only those with a rateable value of £6000 or more will be eligible to vote. There will be an open meeting on 26 September 2012 in the Ocean Room at Weymouth Pavilion.

Natalie’s drawing up her future plans

Dorset home owners who are building extensions and loft conversions are benefiting from the expertise of Natalie Waldman, who’s recently set up The Drawing Office in Dorchester.

Natalie laid the foundations for her business twenty five years ago when she entered the London construction industry as an apprentice building services engineer. She went on to gain a degree in Architectural Technology and has worked as a subcontractor for a number of years.

Around twelve months ago, Natalie decided to form her own business and seek out her own clients. Since then, she’s worked on around 30 projects, a number of which are still in progress. A typical engagement, which starts before a planning application is submitted and runs until building work is completed, can last from six to twelve months.

Her finished projects include a loft conversion to create a master bedroom and bathroom, internal alterations to create a modern, open kitchen diner, and the construction of a two bedroomed annex.

Natalie’s clients benefit not only from her years of building design experience, but also her ability to negotiate with local planning departments. Winning planning approval can often be a challenge, as a balance is sought between the needs of the client and those of the local authority. The key to success is a thorough understanding of local issues and negotiation techniques.

When asked what her service offers to clients Natalie said: “Peace of mind because they don’t need to worry about anything.” She takes care of everything: design, planning permission, building regulations and supervision of the construction or alterations.

The Drawing Office is intended to be a Dorset business with a long-term future. Natalie has made a considerable investment in creating the perfect working environment, both for her and for visiting clients.

Work has been coming in steadily over the last year, with word of mouth proving to be a very effective marketing tool. But Natalie is not taking anything for granted; The Drawing Office now has a website and is also establishing itself in social media.

The Bizoh blog loves to celebrate business success in Dorset. If your firm has a great story to tell, why not get in touch?

Read more Dorset start-up and success stories

Keep your business secure with confidential shredding

The importance of confidential shredding for business security

Any business is bound to accumulate numerous documents, and many of these will contain sensitive information. Should they get into the hands of the wrong people, these critical records could lead to a company's ruin.

For this reason, businesses in increasing numbers choose shredding for disposal of their confidential papers. Document shredding not only enables a company to avoid the potential theft of its data, but also allows it to meet the strict guidelines of the 1998 Data Protection Act, thereby avoiding any fines for noncompliance.

What sorts of documents require shredding?

Any paperwork that contains a company's financial information and operational details must always remain confidential. When no longer needed, its destruction must be complete. The same holds true for customer files, patient records and credit reports. Companies should also shred any documents containing such sensitive employee information as National Insurance numbers, birth dates, phone and account numbers, street and email addresses, PINs, passwords and signatures.

It is also important to realise the incalculable monetary value of any document that delineates a company's designs and concepts. The ideas outlined in presentations, marketing plans and company reports often have the potential to turn a serious profit, and these must remain confidential within the company.

Choosing a professional shredding company

When destroying confidential documents, many prefer the convenience of dealing with onsite shredding companies. Their machines can handle thousands of pounds of paper an hour, and any company representative can witness the operation firsthand. Many such companies provide locked bins in which the company can store its documents prior to the shredding process.

A company that prefers to shred its data offsite should ascertain that the shredding company of choice does not store the data for any length of time before shredding it. It should also allow a company representative to witness the destruction of the documents.

General considerations

Not all shredding companies are certified and many do not have the appropriate equipment to do the job correctly. In the U.K., a responsible shredding company will belong to the National Association for Information Destruction (NAID) Europe. It will provide a signed and dated Certificate of Destruction, and it will allow a company representative to watch as it destroys the documents. It's also imperative to be suspicious of any company that offers document shredding free of charge.

In the end, shredding offers companies the optimal means of destroying their sensitive documents safely, efficiently and, most important of all, completely.

This is a guest post by Andrew Morrell who has been involved in the mobile shredding industry for several years and believes in the importance of business security. He currently works for Russell Richardson.

Open 4 Business Dorset 2012 Awards

The Open 4 Business Dorset 2012 Awards are now open for entries from Dorset businesses. There are nine categories of award, including new awards for best employer and best marketing campaign, as well as an award for outstanding personal contribution to local business and the Business of the Year 2012 award.

BEST COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT sponsored by Battens Solicitors, a previous O4B winner. Awarded to the business that is best able to demonstrate how it has made a real difference to people at a local, national or international level.

BEST EMPLOYER (NEW) sponsored by Wessex FM. Awarded to the business that, in the opinion of the judges, recognises the value of its staff members as individuals and goes the extra mile to ensure that the workforce is happy and fulfilled at work and supported and encouraged to achieve their potential.

BEST CUSTOMER FOCUS sponsored by Puragen Renewable Energy. Awarded to the business that is best able to present a well-thought-out and implemented customer plan and demonstrate its success through achievement of high and measurable levels of customer satisfaction.

BEST NEW INNOVATION/SERVICE sponsored by Subsea Asset Location (SALT), a previous O4B winner. Awarded to the business that is best able to demonstrate a radical innovation that has directly led to a new product or service.

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN (NEW) sponsored by Resort Marketing. Awarded to the business that is best able to demonstrate the effective use of a particularly innovative or extensive marketing campaign for its own or a client’s business.

BEST SMALL TO MEDIUM BUSINESS sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial. Awarded to the business with less than 50 employees that can demonstrate the most successful all round achievements in all aspects of its business operations.

BEST LARGE BUSINESS sponsored by Old Mill Accountants and Financial Planners. Awarded to the business with more than 50 employees that can demonstrate the most successful all round achievements in all aspects of its business operations.

BEST NEW BUSINESS sponsored by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Awarded to the enterprise that has been most successful in turning an initial business plan into a business success.

BEST OF DORSET FOOD & DRINK sponsored by DJ Property.

OUTSTANDING PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION sponsored by Porter Dodson solicitors. This award goes to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to local business in the past year.

OPEN 4 BUSINESS, BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD, in association with Dorset Eco and Weymouth College. Awarded to the business who has achieved outstanding marks during the judging process and a business who the judges agree deserves the Business of the Year Award 2012.

Launch

The 2012 awards programme was launched at a business breakfast hosted by Weymouth College on Monday 11 June. Julie Cleaver, Managing Director of Open 4 Business Dorset, thanked all sponsors and supporters present, including the main sponsor, Weymouth College, and media sponsor, the Dorset Echo.

Important dates

The closing date is 24 September, allowing businesses time to reflect and prepare their entries after the Games. There will be a one-day business conference on 18 October which will focus on ‘Platforms for Future Growth’ plus other Open 4 Business events happening throughout October.

The awards ceremony and dinner, sponsored by Albert Goodman, is on 25 October.

Updated 2 August 2012

Nelly Pepper Win Venus Dorset Women in Business Award

Inspirational homewares and gifts website, Nelly Pepper, has won Dot Com Business of the Year, in the prestigious Venus Dorset Women in Business Awards.

Taking the stage to receive their award at Langtry Manor, Bournemouth, on 17th May, were Jane Kelly and Zoe Friskney, who, together started up the funky and innovative kitchen, homewares and gifts business, a mere eighteen months ago. 

“Starting up in business in the middle of a recession was something of a risk” explained Jane. “Zoe and I had a strong vision as to what we wanted to create with our business, but, we also knew we had the drive and enthusiasm we were going to need to make it work.  Winning this award has given us an incredible boost and cemented in us the belief that what we are doing is something different and is getting noticed.”

Starting up the e-commerce company has been a steep learning curve for both the women, whose, ‘life and careers BC (Before Children)’ as they candidly put it, did little to equip them with the skills they would need to run a successful internet business. 

“I could never have imagined myself starting up a business of my own,” mused Cornish born Zoe, who says her love of the coast means she could never live too far from the sea, as walks along the Dorset beaches influence her choice of style.

“But I feel so lucky to have been able to combine by love of interiors and funky design and turn it into Nelly Pepper.  Being a small business means we are able to give our customers a very personal service and through our blog, Facebook and YouTube, they are able to see who Nelly Pepper really are." 

"We love to seek out products that give your home the wow factor with unique items your friends won’t have seen in the High Street or in major department stores and we thrive to offer our customers that something special at affordable prices.  Everyone needs a bit of Nelly Pepper in their lives!”

Winning such an esteemed award so early on in their Nelly Pepper careers doesn’t mean resting on their laurels though.  With the key to success being firmly in sourcing new product lines to keep their loyal followers impressed, as well as entice new customers to their nest, the Champagne is back on ice in anticipation of the next prestigious win!

(Photo: Jane Kelly and Zoe Friskney accept their Dot Com Best Business Award)

Read more Dorset start-up and success stories

Weymouth & Portland Chamber improves value to members

The Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce has launched a brand new exclusive membership pack, as part of a programme to provide added-value to members.

The membership packs created for members of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce contain: a certificate of membership, a copy of the chamber constitution, badges for networking events, membership benefits, business cards, a networking breakfast calendar and unique car stickers.

The chamber’s membership has grown rapidly over the last few months with credit going to President Anna-Maria Geare and the Chamber Executive Committee for their on-going efforts and enthusiasm in the local area.

Anna-Maria said: "I’m so pleased to be able to launch our brand new membership packs; a lot of hard work has gone into making them a success. Our members have given us their feedback and said how great they are."

"We are steadily making a number of amendments and changes to the chamber to improve it as per our members feedback, which over the past year has seen the appointment of our new Business Coordinator, Laura Culshaw; a rebrand of our website, new marketing materials and variety of fantastic guest speakers to our regular monthly breakfasts which has resulted in a surge in membership to the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce," Anna-Maria continued.

"The Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce has open membership all year round and encourages businesses in the local area to join and sculpt ‘the voice of the local business community.”

The chamber hosts a breakfast meeting every month which regularly attracts over 70 representatives of local firms, and it has recently begun exploring opportunities for other forms of meeting.

If you wish to be part of the chamber or would like to know more information; you can contact Business Coordinator Laura Culshaw by email for enquires, queries or issues to do with the Chamber and for membership, events and local issues: laura@wpchamber.co.uk or by phone: 07730 135973.

Words That Sell copywriting conference May 2012

Around 70 copywriters and marketing professionals gathered at Bournemouth University Business School last month, to learn, network and inspire one another.

Organised by the UK Speechwriters’ Guild and Dorset writing agency A Thousand Monkeys, the Words That Sell event was a rare opportunity for copywriters to meet at an event dedicated to their profession.

Between them, the conference presenters had written marketing copy for a copious list of the UK’s household brands. Opening keynote speaker, Sarah McCartney, was the top writer at Lush during their years of growing from a handful of stores to a global retailer, and she set a tone that was matched by all who followed.

Phillip Khan-Panni demonstrated his expertise as the UK Business Speaker of the Year and also as a copywriter and author.

Andy Maslen, Reg Starkey, Ben Afia and Nick Parker all brought different perspectives on the business of writing the words which allow brands to communicate their message clearly in an increasingly crowded media.

No meeting of writers would be complete without a discussion of grammar and punctuation, and this was provided by Matthew Male of Future Perfect.

The afternoon sessions included three breakout seminars run by Carol Bentley, Alan Barker and Andrew Knowles.

Words That Sell was acknowledged as a success by many who attended and as delegates were leaving, there was considerable talk about when and where a similar event might be held in the future.

One of the organisers, Richard Spencer of A Thousand Monkeys, said: “The conference showed how businesses benefit through more effective use of language. Businesses often spend time and money on design or websites but forget to pay the same attention to the way they express their message. Words are still at the heart of communication and the conference was a great reminder of the different ways we can make them work harder.”

Dorset Small Business Friendly awards launched for 2012

Dorset's local nine local councils are being given another opportunity to show what they are doing to support and encourage small firms.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) in Dorset has launched this year’s bid to find the best small business friendly initiatives undertaken by the councils. The Small Business Friendly Awards 2012, now in their fourth year, have three Award categories, with councils being encouraged to enter as many categories as they wish.

The launch took place at The Menzies Carlton Hotel, Bournemouth with representatives from all nine councils within Dorset. In the introduction to the awards it was confirmed to the mix of Council Leaders and Economic Development Officers that the Awards have now become firmly established, and are well respected by all councils.

Last year’s Awards were a resounding success and managed to uncover some excellent work undertaken by local councils to support small businesses in their areas. All local councils entered at least one award nomination, and were represented at the Awards Presentation Ceremony.

The Councils have until 24th August 2012 to submit their entries and the winners will be announced in mid September.

The three Award categories are:

    •    Best Small Business Friendly Procurement Performance
    •    Best Small Business Friendly Programme or Campaign
    •    Best All Round Small Business Friendliness

David Ramsden, FSB Dorset County Chairman, said: “The FSB looks to the region’s local authorities to help create the environment for small businesses to survive and thrive. Particularly in the current economic climate, we are very keen to recognise any organisation that has gone above and beyond to achieve this.

The Small Business Friendly Awards scheme shows local authorities the best examples of services and high levels of support that this region’s small businesses receive from their councils."

Last year Bournemouth Borough Council won both the Procurement and Programme awards, while Christchurch Borough Council won the All Round title. This year it would be great to see some winners from other parts of Dorset.

(Picture: David Ramsden, FSB County Chair with representatives from councils within Dorset, and the local FSB)

Condor Ferries return to Weymouth in 2013

Condor want to restart their fast ferry service from Weymouth to the Channel Islands in March 2013, the Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce was told this week by Ken Soar, Managing Director of Condor Ferries. 

Having visited Weymouth himself on several occasions, and spoken to many local people, Soar said he was convinced it was the right decision to bring Condor back to Weymouth.

The ferries had to leave in haste because of damage to the quayside, caused by movement of the sea, which undermined it. Once the required repairs have been made, the ferries should return.

The Condor fast ferry service is worth well over £7 million a year to Weymouth’s local economy. It employs over 250 local people and many local businesses benefit from the passenger traffic through the town.

However, Soar did bring a note of caution to his upbeat message to Chamber members. Poole is a more attractive port to many travellers from the south-east of England, because it’s perceived to be much closer than Weymouth.

To succeed as a ferry port, and to reclaim its historic position as ‘gateway to the Channel Islands’, Weymouth needs to make it as easy as possible for travellers to get from the new relief road to the town’s ferry terminal. In addition, the terminal itself needs substantial improvement.

Ken Soar was speaking to over 20 members of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce who had travelled to Guernsey, courtesy of Condor. The firm’s commitment to Weymouth was warmly welcomed by Anna-Maria Geare, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and the others who had travelled with her.

(Picture courtesy of Condor Ferries).