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gatwickdiamond issue 13
| HORLEY | CRAWLEY | GATWICK | HORSHAM | EAST GRINSTEAD | HAYWARDS HEATH | BURGESS HILL
The first business magazine at the cutting edge of the Gatwick Diamond
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
business talk 5
Carl Bennett
clientele comes from corporate clients, either
companies where staff need to know a bit about a lot,
or those who want to add new skills to their staff’s Individuals
repertoire. It trains staff of hardware superstore B&Q • To launch first career
for example, to ensure they can offer the best advice • To switch to new career
to customers, and Bennett says the company reports • To be equipped to start own business
a 17% increase in sales in these stores. • To gain or update a qualification to prove skills
It also trains maintenance staff of the Royal Free • To add extra skills to repertoire
Hospital, ROK, BAA, and Harrods to name
a few, to equip them with extra skills, Companies
as well as the employees of many • To give staff better general understanding,
established building companies. which can improve staff retention, as well as
The corporate area is one that Carl is the quality and variety of services you can offer
keen to grow, and he stresses that every • To get staff qualifications updated – so you
phase will be helping tradespeople
course can be customised to suit a company’s
ny’s can provide high quality services that clients
who plan to emigrate to Oz to
specific requirements.
will pay for
convert their UK qualifications into the Australian
He is also broadening horizons and is expanding into
• To multi-skill existing staff – which helps you
equivalents, but future plans could also involve
‘green areas’ next spring, with wind turbine and
keep staff overheads under control
franchising the business model in the Antipodes.
solar panel installation. “I’ve been negotiating with
“It is an exciting opportunity,” says Carl. “There • Trainer and presentation skills and
NICEEIC, the training body for electrical training,”
is definitely a gap in the market there and I like a qualifications for company in house training.
explains Bennett. “At the moment this area is
challenge.”
unregulated and people are winging it – putting
6 business talk
Firm foundations
the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and BT among
its impressive client list. They are built on firm
foundations, just like the projects they consult on.
Clients appreciate their construction expertise and
proven ability to deliver from concept through
construction, operation, management and
maintenance, and even demolition. Appointing
professional help with pioneering new techniques
brings benefits. But for some, that realisation comes
after a difficult experience. Marcus Lyon, Director
and Head of South East Project Management,
explains:
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
business talk
7
Should I Stay or
Should I go?
If you’re looking at your current office space and important that the Telesales Team stayed together as
1230
1
wondering how you can fit in more people or perhaps a unit and were not spread across various floors. We
add another meeting room or staff breakout area, visited the site and walked the floor, looking at where
you could arrive at the conclusion that moving is your space savings could be made without compromising
only option. on either health and safety legislation or the comfort
It’s not. of the existing telesales team. Naturally when doing Another client benefited from Trevor Blake’s space
this, we also review the existing welfare facilities, the planning experience and flair by sub-letting one of
There could be a better and more cost-effective
impact of Disability Discrimination Act regulations their floors. “Our client was occupying three floors
alternative, one that means you can stay put and
and of course consider fire regulations. It is never, when really the entire team could be comfortably
still accommodate new people or those additional
ever a matter of simply shoehorning more people accommodated in just two”, says David. “That’s the
rooms. David Webb of Trevor Blake Ltd, the space
into an existing space.” beauty of space planning at this level. You’re not only
planning and refurbishment specialists, reveals
adding value to a client’s business, you’re also saving
more. “Despite the current economic climate, many
So, what was the outcome for Titan Travel? “Through them money – something that is always welcome.”
businesses in the Gatwick Diamond are thriving and
a process of careful and precise space planning, we
growing, and when their lease comes up for renewal,
found more than enough space to accommodate Should I Stay or Should I Go?
they can often make the decision to move premises
to allow for this growth. However, it’s a decision that the additional staff. As you can imagine, our client So, whether you are thinking of staying in your
was delighted and the existing team didn’t have existing premises and would like to make some
SED
can cost thousands of pounds if their lease stipulates
that the current building needs to be restored to its to sacrifice any personal space. Our client achieved
P O
changes, or are considering moving in order to
R O
NEW P
original state. The landlord’s surveyors will perform a their goal at a fraction of the cost of having to finding expand, talk to Trevor Blake Ltd before you make any
additional space and without major disruption to decisions. When it comes to achieving marvels with
dilapidation report which will outline all the changes
E
OFFIC
that the tenant is required to make. It doesn’t matter their business.” your space, they are the magicians!
whether the building is in tip-top condition or not.
The bottom line is that the bill for making these
changes can easily run into five figures or more.” COLUMN
BASE
TRUNKING
STAIRWELL
SHOWER
TO LIFT LOBBY
BLOCKED WINDOW
TALK BACK
Alex Steele
Recruiting
Alex Steele
I would advise you to judge tenders and pitches on
A A year ago, credit insurance would have been
your best answer but we are seeing a rapid
restriction in availability of such policies, given the
the following criteria:
vulnerability of the retail trade. While still an option,
Recruiting 1. Insist on meeting all those likely to be involved you will pay more than previously and be told that
in the conduct of the assignment. Would you be some of your customers are uninsurable.
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
talk back 11
Malcolm Fillmore
i Paula Tomlinson Belinda
i Gannaway
the wayside because the supplier does not pursue • Moveable partitions you want to say it and how. PR, on the other hand,
them. Once an IP has accepted your claim, if he is • Battery chargers and generators is all about providing genuine ‘news’ to journalists
trading on or selling the business, it is likely you can For example, an office or warehouse refurbishment who then create stories for their readers. You have
persuade him to pay in full rather than return the may be more affordable than you think and be a less control, but it does offer a different range of
goods. That’s better for you, since you do not really good bridge before committing to larger premises. advantages. Ultimately, though, the two work
want the stock back! Other existing favourable capital spend allowances well together.
include 100% relief for environmentally friendly So, how do you get the press interested?
fixtures such as certain electrical systems. Or 100% Assuming you know who you are targeting – it
relief to renovate a flat above, say, a shop. This may could be potential recruits or investors as well as
T: 01293 410333 have the added advantage of improving your
prospective clients – identify the papers, magazines
E: m.fillmore@athertonbailey.com rental income.
and radio and TV stations that reach them.
W: www.athertonbailey.com If you are struggling to persuade your bank to lend
The economic climate is the worst for decades. Here are ten critical steps to ensure your business
But the vast majority of businesses survive rides the storm, from Atherton Bailey partner
downturns while the best take advantage of Malcolm Fillmore.
the upturn when it comes. So while 2009 will
1. Make cash king
be pretty bloody, it will not be terminal. The
economy will recover – probably as early as the You have heard it before, but it bears repeating – in
spring of 2010 – with a new government, banks times of trouble, cash is king. Businesses do not go
lending again and renewed house building all bust simply because they run out of profits. They go
restoring confidence. bust when they run out of cash. Make your mantra:
“Cash, cash, cash.”
2. Spot trouble ahead
If you credit insure or factor your debts, heed limits
or restrictions against your customers. You may think
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
financial talk 13
Cutting Costs in
a Recession
It’s January and time to agree this year’s budget, reduced cost by shopping around. You can of course
forecasts and cash-flow figures. go to the internet and get prices. Often on the face
of it you can get a cheaper deal but, will the cover be
However well your business is doing, 2009 is going to
the same or reduced in some way. As Independent
be a difficult year.
Financial Advisers we have sophisticated research
You have projected your income figures as well as you tools that identify where the best deals are to be
can and with the help of the bank overdraft you can found. Also we are sometimes able to negotiate a
just scrape through. special deal with an insurer and we have access to
Stand &
Deliver!
Graham Laker, Managing Director of HH Design, is animated when asked to comment on the part that design
has to play in driving sales in the current economic climate.
“Regardless of the marketing tools a business is using to promote their brand – mailers, brochures, newsletters
or websites – good design must define their compelling messages and grab attention. Now is not the time for
a business to cut back on marketing and design in the hope that the resulting short-term financial gain won’t
also result in a long-term drop in sales. Now is the time for a business to perform a ‘warts and all’ audit of their
marketing collateral, starting with their logo, strap line and images. There has never been a better reason to
evaluate whether their marketing toolkit is still appropriate or if it has seen better days.”
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
marketing talk 15
For Graham, the answer lies in rewinding back to the beginning. “In most cases when a client approaches
HH Design with a brief to design a marketing communication, rather than just heading straight for the drawing
pad and mood boards, we spend time looking at why our client wants that marketing communication. Who will
be receiving it? What are their competitors doing that is similar or different? What measurable outcomes are they
looking for from this particular communication? It may only take half an hour of lively debate, but it’s time well
spent and results in a marketing communication that looks fantastic and that leads to sales. In these challenging
times, it’s more important than ever to adopt this outcome based approach to design.”
A case in point…
By anyone’s definition, PDF software is not the sexiest product in the world, but there is an ongoing demand
and many businesses offer it. This can lead to a ‘lowest price wins’ battlefield, something that one business
wanted to avoid when they approached HH Design with a brief to design their PDF point of sale packaging.
Says Graham, “We started by looking at what their competitors were offering, reviewing their packaging,
imagery, design and of course, their price. Most products looked the same, with price being the only
differentiator. Working closely with our client, we developed point of sale packaging that seems to jump off
the shelf, is very pleasing on the eye and that shouts that inside the stunning box is a premium product.
Design has given this product a real stand-out cutting edge and our client is thrilled with the look and the
resulting sales.”
If you want your marketing communications to pack a punch this is the Tel.01293 536362 www.hh-design.co.uk
place to start! Fax.01293 536364 info@hh-design.co.uk
16 marketing talk
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
marketing talk
17
How far would you go for your When Punch Taverns, the UK’s leading pub company fairly complex bespoke system with ease. Landlords
with over 8,400 pubs nationwide, added Solus can order at the roadshow, online or by telephone
customers? Recently, the team Marketing & RJ Osborne to their list of approved and their supplies are designed, produced and
at Solus Marketing clocked up suppliers, the merchandising experts were delighted. dispatched in a matter of days.”
Solus owner Gavin Weekes knew that he was
4000 miles on a roadshow for prepared to go the extra mile for the company.
Equally, when a corporate customer needs volume,
their clients Punch Taverns. Our the alliance works well.
And indeed, he did. The forward-thinking pub
reporter, Gus Sylvester, catches “Working together with RJ Osborne on joint ventures
owning company operates a roadshow offering
has meant that our customers can take advantage of
up with them on their return to landlords the chance to meet up with suppliers and
our impressive fulfilment capacity. We’re currently
place orders. So, Gavin and the team packed their
their Horsham-based offices. stand, clothing samples and stamina for 12 events
holding 12,000 items, but could easily increase this to
meet demand.”
across the country.
Often, orders requiring volume also require exacting
Starting in Murrayfield in Edinburgh and ending
standards. And again, Solus & RJ Osborne have risen
in Wembley Stadium, the roadshows attracted
to the challenge.
“We love working closely with procurement teams,
developing strong, recognisable brands. Our
customers rely on us to adhere to strict identity
guidelines and provide them with consistent design,
high-quality materials and a reliable source of stock.
These people are the brand champions for their
companies. Simply put, our job is to make them look
good. By using us they can guarantee that they’ll
always have access to well-made merchandise at
great prices. And because our industry is entirely
deadline-driven, we can handle tight turnaround
times. It’s why we’re the trusted supplier for so many
household names”
Looking at their portfolio, it includes many of the
world’s biggest drinks and hospitality brands –
among them Budweiser, Bacardi, Southern Comfort
and Jack Daniels. Gavin adds: “It’s no secret that the
drinks industry is great fun to work with, in fact, this
recent roadshow attracted drinks companies and
catering firms all keen to supply the Punch Taverns
group. Naturally, they’re just as keen to promote their
Peter Osborne and Gavin Weekes own businesses so we ended up taking orders from
our fellow exhibitors too.”
thousands of landlords keen to secure their uniform It turns out that going the extra mile is extremely
for the next season. worthwhile.
“The pub trade needs hard-wearing uniforms.
We supply workwear that is easy to launder and
maintain. It has to keep its shape and look good If you would like more information on how this
whatever is thrown at it! We only use the best solution could work for your company contact us on:
materials so that staff can look presentable with the Website: www.solusmarketing.co.uk
minimum of effort.” Email: enquiries @solusmarketing.co.uk
Solus & RJ Osborne designed stylish uniform to fit Telephone: 01403 754915
the bill. At Punch Taverns, the individual character
of each pub is important, so when landlords wanted
tweaks to the designs, this didn’t pose a problem.
“We’re lucky as one of the benefits of our strategic
partnership with RJ Osborne is that we can manage a
18 tech talk
Overcoming challenges
Dale Bulbrook
As you might imagine, Webdesigns design websites. a nominal subscription, allowing members access to “Working to a challenging deadline, Webdesigns
But in truth, they consult on every aspect of web further resources. Susie Grant from www.mydeaflife. overcame the hurdles the project presented and
strategy. With over 34 years combined experience com reflects on how Webdesigns helped their vision we’re delighted with the end result. I wouldn’t
and a can-do attitude, it’s clear why so many become reality: hesitate to recommend them.”
companies trust them with their all-important “We knew that we needed a complex mix. For new websites, CMS enquiries or a free mini-
Internet presence. Bulbrook explains: Webdesigns demystified the process and solved every evaluation of your existing website, just call 01342
“There’s no doubt that our experience helps. We challenge we threw at them. Their commitment to 315685 or visit www.webdesigns.ltd.uk. The team at
grasp what our clients need quickly and can deliver a the project exceeded our expectations and they were Webdesigns will give you honest, objective,
robust, attractive and user-friendly solution. We love professional and approachable throughout.” no-obligation feedback. Guaranteed.
working on new projects and nothing thrills us more The team at www.scorpdis.com approached
than a client with a challenge.” Webdesigns with a different challenge. As an
Take for example, www.mydeaflife.com. Dedicated established merchandise distributor to the airline
to the deaf community, the visionaries behind this industry, they needed a website to showcase over
Education panel
website wanted to fully integrate a social networking 1500 products. It had to be easy to update and Five steps to website success
element together with an online shop and extensive maintain; flawless for a crucial industry exhibition Whether you’re considering a new website or
video clip resources. With over four million people in Cannes and ready in less than four weeks - a tall some timely tweaks…
who are hard of hearing in the UK alone, the website order by any standards.
1. Plan
also had to be scalable, enabling it to grow with its Webdesigns jumped at the chance to show their Be clear about your needs. An experienced
user base. mastery of database-driven solutions. Overcoming developer will grasp the model quickly and
Webdesigns worked hard on the design, ensuring the incompatibility issues that the existing database shortcut to the best solution for you.
that the visual aspect was compelling and had, Webdesigns created a solution that allowed
2. Prepare
communicated persuasively. With sections on health, users to navigate through clear categories and
Examine websites you like; what appeals to you?
family, business, technology, sport and music – the provided their client with automated content
Check out the competition; how could you do
appeal is broad. And with engaging life skills videos updates. Unfazed by the tight turnaround time, they
better? Study web design portfolios.
in sign language on subjects including driving, career were able to deliver the site on time and on budget.
development and travel, its content is informative Richard Walford, Design and Marketing Manager at 3. Pep up
and empowering. Basic content is free and there is Scorpio Distribution concludes: New content is essential, giving customers
reasons to return. Online shops must update
stock availability and promotion information.
For ease of updates, look into content
management systems like White Dragon CMS.
4. Prioritise
Failing to have an internet presence has proved
costly for many businesses. Ensure you allocate
time and money to finding a scalable, workable
solution.
5. Perfect
Things change: your products; your customers;
your vision. Get feedback from your customers
and seek out expert evaluation. Attracting more
visitors and converting customers is often easier
to achieve than you think.
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
tech talk 19
Tougher times call for decisive action. Gus Sylvester talks to James
Bulman, our telecommunications expert, to find out what you can do
to cut costs without damaging your business.
January is traditionally a time for reflection, Indeed, with an IP system, you can also incorporate
resolutions and doing our best to tighten belts. We home-workers and overseas sites within the internal
need to apply these principles to our businesses. To network, meaning that calls to them are free.”
survive this challenging economic climate, identify
cost savings that do not run the risk of losing Reliable performance
disenchanted customers.
With a compelling case for cost savings, customers
The new frugality should be welcomed as a just need to be reassured that the system will deliver.
momentous opportunity to make clever, tactical
“Reliability is key. It was the driving force behind
changes. Review your telecommunications strategy;
the decision to change to IP Centrex for one of our
you can cut costs while improving service and
major blue-chip clients. The national control centre
reliability, giving you a vital competitive edge.
for this security company had been plagued with
“You can cut your telecommunications costs by 100%, problems with their ISDN lines falling over around
of course,” quips Bulman, “by ripping out the entire twice each month.
system and not placing another call, but that would
“With our IP system, they have 90 telephone lines and
be commercial suicide. Telecommunications are the
multiple features that have improved call handling
life-blood of any company. So companies have to pick
– but most importantly, they can relax knowing that
a system that is robust, reliable and cost-efficient if
every single line is backed-up automatically.
they want to remain responsive.”
“We install a spare set of lines as standard and operate
Significant savings a further fail-safe option at our own exchange by
directing calls to voicemail or to designated mobiles.
He continues, “While I can’t achieve 100% savings,
Each number can be routed differently which means
we have saved one of our clients almost £10,000 per
there is no congestion and customers can still reach
year in line rental alone recently. Fact is, too many
the person they want – whatever happens! That’s
people are paying over the odds for a service that
three times the security of a BT trunk. We just don’t
doesn’t deliver.”
believe in taking chances.”
By updating technology to an IP system, calls can be
If you don’t believe in taking chances either, contact IP
made over high-speed internet connections, slashing
Centrex. They can provide either a new and improved
both line rental and call charges. “With this advanced
system or you can add IP trunks to your current
system, you make savings but still get to enjoy
system and recoup your investment through savings
unrivalled reliability. You really can have your cake
in just a few months. In uncertain times, it’s good to
and eat it.”
know that there are still ways to cut costs, improve
“Just work out your call pattern, compare charges and service and protect your company’s viability.
predict the savings. The average business call lasts just
2.4 minutes, so it’s crucial to find a solution without
connection fees. BT, for example, will charge you up
to 7p just to connect the call. It doesn’t take long for
these charges to stack up. With IP Centrex, this service
is free. Why pay for something that you can get for
James Bulman
free elsewhere?
“And you won’t find the difference lumped into call For further information, visit www.ipcentrex.ltd.uk
charges, as we beat BT on price across the board. or call 01293 734775.
20 business talk
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
business talk 21
“packed
Fifty years on it’s still a great location
full of great businesses
”
driver of Crawley’s, the county’s and the region’s is about making sure Manor Royal is well set for the
economic success. It is the second largest commercial next 50 years and beyond.”
area of its kind in the South East, providing a home The project group comprises of officers from
to more than 500 businesses and employment for Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County
30,000 people. Council; Jeremy Taylor, Chief Executive of CADIA;
“With this in mind, we need to ensure Manor Royal and representatives from the business community,
remains a place where people want to do business including Derek Flanagan from Varian Medical
and becomes even more attractive to prospective Systems and John Stapleton from Thomas Eggar.
companies. For more information about the Manor Royal
“I’m pleased to see work progressing across a wide Improvement work, Crawley’s Local Economy Action
Group or other local economic matters contact Steve
range of improvements.”
Sawyer (Economic Development Officer, Crawley
Jeremy Taylor, Chief Executive of CADIA, said: “This Borough Council) on 01293-438704 or by e-mail
group and the work it carries out is vital to the future steve.sawyer@crawley.gov.uk
22 business talk
and learn for free – company has really benefited from our relationship
with Business link these past 5 years. As a company
we have had rather exceptional growth, which
two local businesses did exactly this...
brings its own set of challenges. We have found
the level of practical advice and support provided
by Business Link to be superb. To have constructive
input on our business plans, finance and goals has
been very valuable. ‘
The clinics are available to any business that
Nigel Jeffrey, Business Adviser, Business Link & Anthony Reynolds, MD, Outdoor Solutions
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
business talk 23
Editor’s Talk
This is where I get to spotlight great
things that are happening locally Government Executive Agency
within the Gatwick Diamond business Appoints DMH Stallard to Legal Panel
community. Who are the movers and
shakers? It’s up to you to tell me. I look DMH Stallard is delighted to announce that it has been appointed to the Lit Cat
forward to sharing your news with Legal Panel to provide litigation support and advice to the Treasury Solicitors
12,000 loyal readers! Department and its clients. The panel appointment was made on the 1
December 2008 and will run for at least three years.
For interesting news and information
on local networking groups, plus local The Treasury Solicitor’s Department (“TSol”) is an Executive Agency of the
events that offer free networking Government that provides legal services to over 180 central Government
opportunities go to Departments and other publicly funded bodies in England and Wales. It is
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk/ the largest legal team in the Government Legal Service and, with over 800
TalkEditor.asp employees, is one of the largest legal organisations in the UK.
DMH Stallard will work with TSol and its clients, providing litigation, specialist
debt recovery services, regulatory and criminal advice.
New Year –
Jenny Thorp, Partner at DMH Stallard and Head of the Public Sector Group,
New Team! commented;
We are delighted to welcome Heather “This latest appointment for DMH Stallard is testament to the firm’s extensive
Maynard, our new Production Manager, public sector offering and underlines our detailed understanding and vast
to the team at Business Talk Magazine. experience of advising clients in the public sector. We are delighted to have the
Heather brings to the team her proven opportunity to work with Tsol and its clients, and look forward to developing a
strengths of building good business long and successful relationship with them”
relationships with excellent communication
DMH Stallard’s Public Sector Group, which is ranked top in the South East
skills and customer focus. Passionate about
and amongst the best firms nationally by Chambers and Partners 2009, has
delivering a first class product and service
worked with local authorities, government organisations and other public
she is always prepared to go that extra
sector clients for over ten years. The appointment to the Treasury Solicitors
mile. She lives in the Horley area, and with
Department panel adds to its long list of clients that include the Parliamentary
a previous background in recruitment has a sound knowledge of many local
and Health Service Ombudsman and the London Borough’s of Croydon,
businesses and industries. Heather will be marrying Kevin later in the year,
Southwark, Merton and Westminster.
who has developed a reputable and successful business in the local area. She
is looking forward to meeting with all our advertisers and wishes everyone a
happy and prosperous New Year.
Haywards Heath Based Company Extech Shines Through The Economic Gloom
Haywards Heath based, I.T. solutions computer maintenance, networking, “As a direct result of the investment ambitions and thus help ensure that
provider Extech Ltd, has been taken helpdesks, project management, IT we have already made, we are now in their investment in technology delivers
over by Andrew Hookway and Paul training and consultancy, website a position to assign customers with effective results.”
Estep, two former senior directors design and Internet security. In their own personal engineer who www.extech.co.uk
from Fidelity Investments. Extech, addition to our head office in Bridge will be able to learn their needs and
which was established in 1988 by a Road Industrial Park, we also have a
group of former employees of the satellite office in Macclesfield.
I.T. department of Technicolor Films “Extech’s focus upon growing the
has, in the past few months, outlined business during these challenging
ambitious growth plans and is now times, and our commitment to quality
investing heavily in both its call centre of service has already started to
and its engineering resources. pay off, and we have been awarded
As Commercial M.D., Andrew Hookway, Microsoft Gold accreditation, the
explains, “Extech provides small and highest level of accreditation available,
medium-sized businesses with all the and have also been chosen by O2
services of a dedicated IT department. Telefonica to become the first Regional
Services include nationwide, 24/7, Technology Partner in the South East
Paul Estep, Andrew Hookway
on-site IT support, software support, of England.
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
business talk
25
Small Business Marketing Book Launch The full details of the agreement can be read at www.gatwickairport.com/
legalagreement
Award winning Chartered Marketer little know-how, creativity and
Dee Blick has written her first passion are applied. In this book,
marketing book and it looks set to I share dozens of these winning
become a bestseller if the initial approaches.” Dee is currently in
reviews are anything to go by. talks with television production
Powerful Marketing On A Shoestring companies to turn the book into a
Budget For Small Businesses is small business series where she will
crammed with practical, powerful co-produce and present with The
and effective marketing tips, Apprentice’s Saira Khan.
tools and strategies that any small
Dee currently writes for Business
business can use to build and grow
Talk and she is a very valued
their business, regardless of the
member of the team. We are all
economic climate. Said Dee, “In
thrilled for her and want to wish her
the last 24 years, I have worked
all the best with her new book and
with hundreds of small businesses
potential TV show. We hope she still
and time and time again have seen
finds time in her busy schedule to
how incredible results are possible Claire Denman, Conservative Councillor, Liz Trevor, BAA, Bob Lanzer, Councillor Leader, Sarah Hunter BAA,
write for us!
on a shoestring budget when a Kieran Stigant, WSCC
26 networking talk
Gatwick Now!
2008 has been one of the most difficult years that from the Open Skies agreement and this has affected
many of us can remember, and a key component of businesses in the wider business community.
that difficulty has been in the lack of confidence that
In the New Year we will be carrying out work
so many of us, our customers and suppliers feel in the
to identify the economic impact of Gatwick on
face of uncertain times. businesses that are located in the Diamond. We
2009 could be the year when it all starts to need to understand the departure airports they use,
come together. Despite the wider media, business the cost and time spent in reaching those departure
carries on. Money is in tighter supply and there are points and the business destinations they fly to.
fewer deals, particularly in property. However, there Once we understand the demand we can work with
are real opportunities ahead, particularly on the the Airport and airlines to make sure that Gatwick
global stage. returns to being the second business and tourist
Jeremy Taylor , Chief Executive, CADIA
gateway to London. If that demand indicates
In 2009 we should see a new owner of Gatwick the need then we will be lobbying hard for a
Airport. That owner will be committed to a capital second runway.
spend of over £870m across the next 5 years, but
more importantly is likely to look at progressing a We will also be working on establishing the Gatwick
second runway. Diamond as a business destination, working with
local businesses to build the profile of the area on
Gatwick has had an illustrious history and has the global stage. If you would like to be a part of this
served the needs of many travellers, but is in danger work, let me know.
of returning to a period of time when it served
the ‘bucket and spade brigade’. In the 1980s, it The Gatwick Diamond Area Forum will continue to
developed as an oil business hub with connectivity bring together the other Chambers and business
to Africa, South America, the Near and Middle East, associations in the Diamond and we will continue to
Southern USA and the North Sea. As a result many lobby on your behalf. Whichever organisation you
businesses have located around the airport and it belong to, make sure that your issues are known and
can be seen that the majority of those non-aviation we will work together to help resolve them.
businesses are thriving thanks to the links that The Gatwick Diamond Business Awards, which we To find out more about Cadia or to become involved
Gatwick brings. launched in September of 2008, have attracted over in our work with the Gatwick Diamond, please
70 entries from businesses large and small and the contact me at 01293 440088 or visit
An Airport is constrained or grows by the www.cadia.org.uk
Dinner is completely sold out.
destinations it serves. Gatwick has the largest
number of destinations of any Airport in the UK, but Our main programme of networking meetings is
one has to view those destinations in light of current often fully subscribed so please contact the office if
economic interests. There has been a real impact you would like to come along.
www.businesstalkmagazine.co.uk
How green is your word?
At Foundry Press we take your printing seriously. We have invested in
state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you get the best results using the
most efficient and environmentally aware solutions because, good quality
printing doesn’t have to cost the Earth. We are actively committed to protecting
the environment and have been accredited with ISO9001/2000 and ISO14001.
We have also been certified as being Carbon Balanced by reducing and
compensating for the CO2 emissions generated by the business activities of
our company, with the aim of achieving a zero carbon footprint by 2009.
FSC certification has also been successfully implemented.
PEFC716-33-441
B r o a d f i e l d S ta d i u m
Conference & Leisure
S TA D I U M
FACILITIES INCLUDE: SUITE
• Air-conditioned conference
C R AW L E Y
venue with seating for up to
160 delegates Tel: 01293 438362
• Free parking for 350 cars Email: broadfieldstadium@crawley.gov.uk Website: www.crawley.gov.uk