December/ January Edition of TBE

INSIDETHISEDITION
EmbraceCSRanddogoodthingsin2016
Wiltshire’smediagetsPositive
InProﬁle:IanLloydofMilstedLangdon
www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk
Swindon & WSwindon & Wiltshire
ISSUE 22:
DEC/JANUARY
2015/2016
TBE DEC-JAN AW Rev8.indd 1 18/11/2015 16:08

T H W H I T E F I A T G R O U P B R A N D C E N T R E , F O R E S T P A R K R O A D ,
M E A D W A Y, H I L L M E A D , S W I N D O N S N 5 5 Q J .
T O D I S C U S S O U R R A N G E O F B U S I N E S S C O N T R A C T H I R E O F F E R S ,
P L E A S E C O N T A C T E M M A M C A R D L E , F L E E T S A L E S S P E C I A L I S T ,
O N 0 7 4 6 7 3 3 6 1 6 9 O R E J M @ T H W H I T E . C O . U K
Fuel consumption figures for new Fiat 500 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5) – 65.7 (4.3); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) – 83.1 (3.4);
Combined 60.1 (4.7) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 110 – 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and
may not reflect real driving results.
T H E I C O N
R E L O A D E D
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FROM
BIK
13% COMBINED
MPG
74.3
UP TO FROM
CO2
88 g/km
BEAUCONOMICS IS
Trimming costs without losing trim
W W W . M O T O R S . T H W H I T E . C O . U K

THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE
KEY STATISTICS- PRINT
Readership: 15,000
Circulation: 5,000
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The Business Exchange is part of:
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK
14-18 March 2016
March celebrates National Apprenticeship Week,
coordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service. In this
edition we look at the positive impact local apprenticeships
have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
CREATING THE DREAM TEAM
We talk to the experts and find out what key ingredients
make the top teams. Focussing on some of the county’s
most accomplished teams, we discover their top tips for
success.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHIPPENHAM
Chippenham has recently stepped up its game with the
work of the Chippenham Business Improvement District
(BID) and a new marketing plan to raise its profile. We
find out more about the people behind the project, its
intentions and its impact so far.
MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS IN 2016
Planning your marketing strategy for the coming year?
Arrange your no obligation meeting to see how we can
help raise your profile locally combining print, digital and
social media platforms.
To find out more call 01793 847966 or email:
press@tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk
Welcome to the December/January edition
of The Business Exchange Swindon and
Wiltshire.
2015 has come to an end on a real high
for me, with the magazine and its online
offering soaring. This is our biggest edition
yet and I would like to take this opportunity
to thank all of our readers and advertisers
for supporting us over the last year, it’s
much appreciated.
In October TBE became part of the
Positive Media Group, further strengthening
our offering and making us the largest
media provider headquartered in Swindon.
See the photos from our launch event on
page 32.
We have lots in store for 2016, with
work underway to enhance our digital
offering and stable of products. Look out
for special TBE roundtables and events to
be announced early in the year.
TBE and the Positive Media Group as an
organisation is passionate about corporate
social responsibility. In this edition we give
you some top tips to help your business
make a difference in 2016. Turn to page 8
to read the article.
Please continue to keep in touch with
us in the new year sharing your business
news stories and events. Contact us on the
details below.
Wishing you a happy Christmas and a
prosperous 2016.
Best wishes,
Anita
Editor: Anita Jaynes
E: anita@tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk
T: 01793 847966
Advertising: Dave Stewart
E: press@tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk
T: 01793 847966
Web: www.tbeswindonandwilts.co.uk
FEB/MARCH EDITION 2016
4 BUSINESS NEWS
A round-up of this month’s business news
7 APPOINTED
Recent appointments made by companies in Wiltshire
10 LEGAL
Legal news and advice to help your business
11 FINANCE
We find out what’s going on in the world of finance and provide useful information for your business
13 PERSONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
TBE experts provide top tips and advice for getting ahead in business
16 CREATIVE THINKING
News from Wiltshire’s thriving creative sector
20 TECHNOLOGY
Technological news and advice to help your business
23 REVVED UP
Geoff Maxted reviews the Audio RS3 Sportback
24 NEW YEAR, NEW TAX
Expert analysis on what the new tax rules mean for your business
26 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
We look at the commercial property market throughout Wiltshire and promote properties available to
buy or rent now
31 IN PROFILE
We interview Ian Lloyd, general practice and audit partner for Milsted Langdon
34 CONNECT
Networking events happening in Wiltshire
INSIDE THIS EDITION
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2015 / 2016 3

Come New Year, I
usually look back
at what the last
twelve months held
for Swindon and how we can
build on what we’ve achieved.
But this year is different. Now
is the time to look ahead to a
year of celebrations.
2016 marks a momentous occasion for our town as we
celebrate what is effectively Swindon’s 175th birthday.
Back in 1841 we were a rural hamlet with little to shout
about until Great Western Railway directors gave the
railway works the go ahead. This decision put Swindon on
the map, creating an industrial powerhouse - the reason
our economy is as strong as it is today.
Swindon 175 presents a great opportunity not only to
celebrate our heritage, but to use it as a springboard for
future growth. The railway works put us on the map; now
let’s push on so that we stand out.
“2016 marks a momentous
occasion for our town as we celebrate
Swindon’s 175th birthday”
The anniversary gives us a chance to showcase Swindon’s
track record as a place of economic innovation with a
thriving business community which will help us enhance
‘brand Swindon’ to attract new waves of investment and
visitors. It will be a real celebration of the whole town with
business, education and local communities all engaged.
As chair of the Steering Group of Swindon 175 I know
that a range of organisations have already shown an
appetite to get involved and there is a buzz amongst the
business community. Swindon 175 can raise the profile of
our town as a place to live and work and with more business
backing we can use the momentum to stimulate another
175 years of growth. With a year-long programme of events
lined up we urge more firms to come forward so we can
make this a truly memorable year with a great legacy.
For more information on how to get involved in
the Swindon 175 celebrations email: ian.larrard@
businesswest.co.uk
The new centre, the first of its kind
outside London, will benefit businesses
across the county and has been
launched as part of the bank’s strategy
to bring its different commercial
banking offerings together. The new
hub is one of just three Relationship
Management Centres in the UK. The
decision to invest in Swindon signals
the region’s growth in areas such as
finance, manufacturing and technology.
James Shepherd, Area Corporate
Director at HSBC, said: “Opening
the new centre in Swindon is a real
statement of intent for HSBC and was
an easy decision to make; Swindon
is becoming a real growth market so
we’ve invested significantly to reflect
our commitment to the region.
“Additionally, the electrification of
the Great Western train line will mean
faster and more reliable connections
between Swindon and London,
meaning there is scope for even more
growth over the coming years. Our
investment means we are now able to
support those businesses in Swindon
with a turnover of up to £350m, where
historically our ceiling was £30m. This
will provide greater opportunities for
some of the bigger organisations based
here in Wiltshire.”
Around 100 HSBC customers and
members of the business community
gathered to look round the facility
which includes a new reception area,
coffee lounge with free Wi-Fi and iPads,
plus state-of-the-art meeting rooms
for HSBC clients. On the night guests
enjoyed entertainment from a local
magician, wine tasting and crazy golf.
Great Western Air Ambulance were
also in attendance to showcase their
work in the community, a charity HSBC
is passionate about locally. Through
cake sales and other in-branch activities,
HSBC in Swindon has raised nearly
£10,000 for the charity over the last
three years.
Guests had the opportunity to meet
with directors and managers from all of
the local teams including retail, business
banking and wealth management.
Mr Shepherd continued: “We
want to extend our sincere thanks
to everyone who came along to the
opening of the new Centre here in
Swindon and we look forward to
welcoming both existing and potential
customers back in the near future.
HSBC INVEST IN WILTSHIRE
2015 has been a stellar year for
Chippenham headquartered 24-7
Staffing. An independent recruitment
and training company that specialises
in four distinct sectors, Driving and
Logistics, Commercial, Industrial and
Healthcare.
In June they opened their third
branch. This was a tactical move for
the company said Julian Thompson,
managing director: “We chose to
set up another office in Amesbury
following the emerging economic and
housing developments in the Wiltshire
Core Strategy combined with the Super
Garrison currently under construction
in nearby Tidworth, as this area has
traditionally always suffered with a
candidate shortage. We knew we
could really make an impact by helping
with the supply of candidates from this
overlooked pocket in Wiltshire.”
24-7 Staffing has made a conscious
decision to ensure that training
underpins everything that they do
and have built a business model
that invests in the future of their
candidates and clients.
Across all sectors the firm now
offers training and development,
from Microsoft packages to driver
CPC qualifications, certificates in
healthcare as well as First Aid.
Healthcare is a new sector for 24-7
Staffing and they are particularly
ethical about the way they work.
As standard, the agency ensures
their candidates have a minimum of
six certificates before they are put
out into the workplace. To ensure
candidates are of the highest calibre,
24-7 Staffing is investing 50% of
the training costs, with the individual
paying the other 50%. The company
has responded to the needs of the
marketplace, with many people
asking for access to courses such as
epilepsy training.
24-7 Staffing stands out from the
competition as it has invested in a
permanent compliance manager.
Candidates cannot be put on their
database unless all referencing and
eligibility checks have been signed off
by the department head to ensure
the highest standards of quality at all
times. The company’s business ethics
is driving growth with an increasing
client portfolio in new sectors and
the appointment of high calibre new
staff to support this. The team will
have increased to a 19 strong head
count by the end of December with
an ambition to keep growing and
respond to the needs of the market in
2016 and beyond.
Recruitment Co Going For Growth 24-7
‘THE WORD’
with Ian Larrard
Director of the Initative in Swindon,
part of Business West.
Businesses in Wiltshire can now access a variety of commercial
banking services under one roof, following the opening of HSBC’s
latest Relationship Management Centre in Swindon.
BUSINESS NEWS
4 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2015 / 2016

The centre that’s just off the Great Western
Way in Swindon, originally opened in 2007
under the Buildstore name.
In 2014 there was a company restructure
and a new business, The Homebuilding
Centre Limited, was formed to run
NSBRC which is now employee owned
with support from investor Capital for
Colleagues.
The team is headed-up by managing
director, Harvey Fremlin and there are
currently 10 members of staff supporting
the firm’s growth.
Harvey said: “We have seen more visitors
this year between January and October
than we had for the whole of 2014. It’s
also been the best year in five for the
generation of sales enquiries for exhibitors,
which shows we are getting something
right.”
“We offer advice to people at all stages
of their self-build or renovation project and
give impartial and independent advice to
help them on their way.”
NSBRC has ambitious plans for 2016,
including growing their visitor footfall by
up to 20% and being thought of as the
go-to place to host conferences and events
in Swindon.
Harvey continued: “We want to be the
number one conference centre in Swindon
and have recently invested heavily to
achieve this. We have embraced the latest
conference room technology, redecorated
our lobby, improved the heating and
installed specialist LED lighting.
“Louise Jarmey is our front of house
manager and she has already worked hard
to build relationships with clients such as
Npower, Nationwide, local universities and
colleges and other blue chip organisations.”
NSBRC is gearing up for their first
show of 2016, the National Self Build &
Renovation Show- January 29-31. Last
year the show attracted more than 3,000
people across the weekend from all over
the country.
To find out more about NSBRC, their
meeting and conference offering and event
schedule for 2016 visit: www.nsbrc.co.uk
BUILDING FIRM FOUNDATIONS
FOR THE FUTURE AT NSBRC
REG0233_Swindon half page advert F.indd 1 13/11/2014 15:19
College opens new £21m
state of the art campus
The state-of-the-art building has been
built adjacent to the former campus by
contractors Willmott Dixon.
Principal Amanda Burnside said: “This
building opening heralds a new era for skills
and training in the Chippenham area and is
an important day for the county.
“Students, staff and the employers
we work with will have access to training
facilities which are absolutely essential to
meet the needs of our vibrant economic
region.”
The new Chippenham campus has the
latest equipment and industry standard
workshops for technical and professional
study in construction, engineering, motor
vehicle, and IT.
It is designed to support growth in
apprenticeships, university level courses and
army resettlement.
The building, which is made up of more
than 200,000 bricks and 50 tonnes of
steel, boasts 67 teaching spaces to suit the
diverse curriculum, has low or zero carbon
technology, 350m
2
of solar panels and
cooling and heating takes place via a 150kw
ground source heat pump.
Neal Stephens, who is managing
director for Willmott Dixon in the South
West, said:“We are delighted to have been
involved in creating such an important new
facility for Wiltshire College.”
A new era has begun at Wiltshire College with
staff and students celebrating the opening of its
new £21 million Chippenham campus.
2015 has been a great year for the National
Self Build and Renovation Centre (NSBRC).
BUSINESS NEWS

HILLS WASTE GOES NATIONAL
The brokerage team at Hills act as a single
point of contact, managing approved
suppliers to ensure that waste management
and recycling activities are optimised across all
the customers’ sites. The service means that
customers save money by recycling more and
avoiding landfill.
Hills Waste Solutions is one of the largest
family-run waste management companies
in the UK, recycling and recovering over
400,000 tonnes of waste in a typical year. Hills
is also one of a select group of companies
in the waste management sector to achieve
certification of its Quality, Environmental and
Health and Safety Management Systems to
the three international standards of ISO 9001,
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001.
National accounts manager Patrick Welsh
said:“ Hills Waste Solutions has been providing
quality waste management services for private
and public sector customers for more than
50 years. We’re part of The Hills Group which
was founded in 1900 and our customers stay
with us because they like our people, the way
we do business and the positive impact we
have on their supply chain.
“Our extensive network of UK waste
and recycling contractors means we can
provide our customers with tailored waste
management services, wherever they are
located and however many sites they operate.
They also have the peace of mind that Hills is
managing the whole process.
“Our highly trained waste consultants visit
customers’ sites and audit the amount and
types of waste produced, whilst also assessing
the layout. We can then offer expert advice on
how to maximise recycling whilst complying
with environmental legislation.
“We work with customers in a wide variety
of industries, but with the common aim of
utilising waste as a resource and avoiding
waste going to landfill. We have helped a
number of customers achieve ‘zero waste to
landfill’ and to operate sustainably as part of a
circular economy.”
A new total waste management service from
Swindon based Hills Waste Solutions is proving
popular with companies who operate multiple
sites across the UK.
More than a starter for TEN
The Enterprise Network – launched to
break down some of the barriers facing
micro businesses in rural areas of Wiltshire
and Swindon is celebrating its successes.
With the focus on small businesses
this month (December), an independent
evaluation of what TEN has achieved
to date gives the initiative a resounding
thumbs-up on behalf of local businesses.
The key barriers to small business growth
in rural areas are lack of appropriate
offices, slow broadband and the fact that
businesses are spread over a wide area.
TEN has addressed all three issues, using
innovative ideas and with great results.
The initiative, led by Wiltshire Council
with Government and EU funding, has
some impressive outcomes to shout about:
Four new Enterprise Centres launched
– at Ludgershall near Tidworth,
Trowbridge, Royal Wootton Bassett and
Salisbury – currently ‘home’ to 100
business tenants and their staff with 24
more businesses using the Centres for
co-working, hot-desking and business
address services
138.5 jobs created
44 new businesses supported
Six other business centres supported as
satellites – at Chiseldon, Devizes, Holt,
Lackham, Marlborough and Tisbury
£1.5m gross increase in GVA across
Wiltshire - a measure of how much
Wiltshire’s economy has grown through
The Enterprise Network’s activities -
European Regional Development Fund
definition.
TEN also funded free business support for
210+ local businesses through Inspire by
Wessex Chambers, and in its early days
provided more than £800,000 in EU and
Government grants for specialist advice and
for essential equipment, benefiting more
than 130 Wiltshire enterprises.
As well as providing affordable offices
for micro businesses, TEN works with
partner organisations to support a wide
range of free networking and learning
events for businesses across Wiltshire which
have attracted hundreds of participants.
Mary Webb, Chair, Salisbury Branch,
Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The
FSB campaigns to support small businesses
which face many challenges in a rural area,
including patchy high-speed broadband,
pricey office space and lack of affordable
places to meet clients in a professional
environment. We’re delighted that The
Enterprise Network’s Enterprise Centres
offer solutions to all these challenges. TEN
is making a real difference.”
To read TEN’s full outcomes report visit:
www.theenterprisenetwork.co.uk/images/
TEN_outcomes_2015.pdf
BUSINESS NEWS

Swindon
College
How can Apprenticeships
deliver for your business?
Apprenticeships help businesses grow by:
• Reducing training and recruitment costs
• Increasing productivity and profitability
• Developing a skilled, motivated and qualified workforce
• Improving customer service results
• Providing financial return on investment.
More than 100,000 employers of all sizes and from all sectors in England currently use Apprenticeships to attract new talent,
re-skill existing staff and tackle skill shortages.
S w i n d o n C o l l e g e , N o r t h S t a r A v e n u e , S w i n d o n , W i l t s h i r e , S N 2 1 D Y
(01793)498208 apprenticeships@swindon.ac.uk www.swindon.ac.uk* @
For further information about taking on an Apprentice please contact the Apprenticeship Team at Swindon College on:
 TOP PERFORMING COLLEGE IN THE SOUTH WEST FOR APPRENTICESHIPS
Source: Skills Funding Agency 2013/14
New CEO at
Thames Valley
Chambers of
Commerce
Paul Britton is the new chief executive of Thames
Valley Chamber of Commerce who locally run
Swindon Chamber.
Paul has been with the Chamber for five years as head of
inward investment.
Prior to joining the Chamber he spent eight years with
the Thames Valley Economic Partnership managing inward
investment for the region, culminating in fDi Magazine’s
European Cities & Regions of the Future report recognising
local inward investment support in securing the Thames
Valley as one of the highest ranked small regions in Europe.
He also worked with UK Trade & Investment and key
public and private sector stakeholders to oversee inward
investment and promotion on behalf of the Chamber and,
in partnership with Microsoft, established the Thames
Valley’s International Technology Conference as an annual
flagship event in the region’s calendar.
Paul said: “I am proud to be representing the Chamber
and look forward to building on a reputation for delivery
of valued business benefits to our members and expertise
in international trade support services. Moving forward,
digital technology will play a key part in delivering relevant,
informed member benefits.”
Sales Coaching Solutions
appoints graduate
Wiltshire law firm Goughs
Solicitors has appointed
Angela Protheroe as
employment specialist and
associate solicitor.
Angela brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in
all aspects of employment law.
Acting for SMEs, national and international companies
and third sector organisations, undertaking all areas
of tribunal and non-contentious work, Angela also
represents individuals, high profile clients including doctors,
consultants, QCs, national sports people and senior
executives.
Angela has also represented universities, schools and
academies, strengthening the firm’s sector specialism in
education. Adopting a hands on approach, Angela is pro-
active rather than re-active and is committed to finding
solutions to difficult and complex situations.
Gemma Sumsion, partner and head of the commercial
department said: “We are delighted to welcome Angela
with her wealth of experience and skills which will prove
indispensable.
“Her appointment further strengthens our strategy of
really listening to our clients and delivering outcomes they
value.”
Goughs Solicitors’ six offices across Wiltshire offer a full
spectrum of legal advice.
Solicitors
welcomes
specialistA Chippenham
based sales coaching
business welcomes
Bath Spa graduate
Natasha Baer as their
new sales executive.
Natasha’s degree
in writing and her
experience in hospitality
and retail helped her
secure the role.
At her previous job,
a bookseller for
Waterstones in Bath, she dedicated her time to providing
excellent customer service.
Now she aims to help managing director, Alison Edgar
move Sales Coaching Solutions forwards towards growth
and a higher financial acumen.
Natasha said: “Alison has been a mentor to me, in the
same way as she has helped small businesses increase profit
through sales.”
Natasha believes that the most important part to the
sales executive role is building relationships. Whether it’s
creating new leads, or establishing a connection with
existing clients, she insists that a friendly approach is always
the best.
Between making phone calls and attending events,
Natasha likes to blog about her experiences, these can be
found at: www.salescoachingsolutions.wordpress.com
APPOINTED

Macmillan appeal for support in 2016
Across Wiltshire around 10 people every day will hear the
devastating news they have cancer and five will sadly die from
the illness, these numbers are rising.
By 2030 almost 1 in 2 of us will have had a cancer
experience at some point in our lives. The huge challenge
we face is how to maintain our services AND meet the
increasing demands on Macmillan that our future will
certainly bring. Macmillan Cancer Support develops
and delivers local cancer support services for people
affected by cancer. Last year in Wiltshire we committed to
invest nearly £440K in Macmillan services. These are wide
ranging and include clinical professionals such as Macmillan
Nurses, Oncology Support workers and GP Advisors. Also
Information Support Workers, Benefit Specialists, Active
Health programs, and Macmillan Grants to name a few
more. Last year Macmillan gave over £75K to 476 patients
and carers in Wiltshire to help with essential items such as
clothing, mortgage and heating costs.
Did you know Macmillan is funded almost entirely
through public donation? We have the fantastic support of
individuals, groups, committees, and companies, made up
of people who have decided to help us. For that help we are
very grateful indeed, and a huge thank you to all who took
part in this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. However,
we urgently need your local support to help us in your
community.
Macmillan is very much local in Wiltshire. Please do give
consideration to us when you are thinking of supporting a
charity for the year ahead, or perhaps for a single event. We
have some great ideas for events and fundraising support
packages including our highly acclaimed Macmillan At
Work consultancy service advising companies on how to
support employees affected by cancer. We can help you “Do
Something Great Today”.
Please contact Steve Goodrick; Fundraising Manager
Wiltshire, 07595 091812, or sgoodrick@macmillan.org.uk
The team departed from Ark’s offices in Farnborough and finished at its
campus site in Corsham. Huw Owen, CEO of Ark Data Centres Ltd said:
“We have an exceptional team of employees at Ark Data Centres and a
partner community which share our values. As a company we aspire for
excellence, not just professionally, but also personally. Raw Hide is a fantastic
project which brings together our corporate and partner community to live
the Ark values of One Team, helping us on our journey to become a truly high
performance partnership.”
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS POSITIVE IN 2016
Five reasons to do good things
in your business:
1) Increased social awareness, brand authority and trust
2) Greater productivity – CSR is great for team building
3) Helps recruitment and employee retention- people want
to be associated with an ethical employer
4) Strengthens professional network- a great way of
meeting with other likeminded companies
5) Increases profitability- through brand recognition and
customer loyalty
With so many charities appealing for volunteering and
fundraising it is often hard to know who to help. One way
to make a difference and be able to measure your impact
is by supporting a dedicated charity for the year. Some
companies may even choose to support one local and one
national or international charity.
5 ways to raise charity funds in 2016:
1) Organise a cake sale at work: Macmillan Cancer Support
hold the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning each year in
September. In 2016 it falls on 25 September. Find out
more at: www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk
2) Dress down and cash up: Have a non-uniform/ business
dress day and donate the amount raised to a charity like
Dorothy House Hospice www.dorothyhouse.org.uk
3) Take part in Inner Flame’s Channel Challenge 2016.
Find out more at: www.innerflame.org.uk
4) Feeling fearless? Why not do a charity skydive? Wiltshire
Air Ambulance organise events each year. Visit their
website for more details:
www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk
5) Become a Business against Poverty member and help
alleviate poverty at home and abroad. Find out more at:
www.businessagainstpoverty.com
And don’t forget CSR isn’t just about supporting charities.
It starts at home. Ensure your business is a mindful employer
all year round by attending one of Swindon Mindful
Employer’s conferences in 2016.
Contact david.latham@swindonmind.org for more
information or call 01793 432031
Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR has become a bit of a buzzword in recent
years losing its true meaning and the real benefit of embracing it in your business
culture. Research shows that firms who make a positive contribution to society see
multiple benefits. With company time being so precious, it’s OK to think ‘what’s in
it for me?’ Especially for sole-traders and start-up businesses, the thought of giving
up precious time in the office can be a worrying thought, as much as you might
want to help society and give something back.
£10,000 raised in one day
On 14 August, 2015 Corsham headquartered Ark Data
Centres Limited and its partners including H Sweet
Construction, Norland Managed Services, Bladeroom,
Vysiion and JCS cycled over 90 miles in a day to raise
a critical £10,000 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
Vygon in Swindon took part in Macmillan’s World Biggest Coffee Morning in 2015
Macmillan corporate sponsors Arval hand over their fundraising cheque
POSITIVE BUSINESS

What motivates you?
Problem solving for customers is at the core
of our service and the biggest motivator. We
are presented with varied and unpredictable
challenges on a day-to-day basis from
customers operating in a range of industries.
We enjoy the challenge of finding new ways
to deliver on their requirements.
What is your business philosophy?
We want to delight our customers and
deliver exceptional service but we always
remain grounded. I’ve always maintained
an open relationship with our customers,
which has paid dividends over the years.
Our business comes from their loyalty and
recommendation of our work and our
approach, the ultimate compliment.
Who do you admire the most?
I admire Duncan Bannatyne – he left school
at 15 with no qualifications and purchased
an ice cream van for £450. From that
ice cream van he built his empire which
amasses £430 million to date. I admire his
straight-talking style and hard nose for an
opportunity. However, his OBE is for his
charitable works – where his involvement is
varied and committed.
What would be your advice to anyone
wondering if their business could
benefit from joining Business against
Poverty?
Supporting BaP appeals to Devision because
they are a local, approachable charity where
we can see our support in action. BaP
are so passionate about their cause, their
investment of energy makes supporting
them a simple decision. If you want to help
your local community as well as the less
fortunate then BaP is the right choice for
you.
To find out more about Business against
Poverty visit: www.businessagainstpoverty.
com or call 01225 718920
Visit them online at:
www.devision.co.uk
Younite for Kenya
The project is run out of the Excalibur
Communications office in Swindon. CEO
James Phipps joined Fiona as a director in
2015 to help the organisation grow and
develop.
The organised trips provide continuous
support throughout the year to a country
that despite its stunning landscape, culture
and wildlife remains stricken with HIV, AIDS
and extreme poverty.
To date over 100 volunteers have
visited the Younite project schools,
Melon Mission and Silver Bells offering
educational teaching and working on school
maintenance. Through fundraising Younite
has also raised approximately £20,000 in the
last three years to enable the schools to be
come more sustainable.
To find out more about visiting a project
or helping to generate vital funds visit:
www.yoproject.org.uk or call Fiona on
01793 680545
The Younite Outreach Project is a community
interest company, founded by Fiona Simpson.
Younite organises cost effective trips for individuals
and businesses to volunteer across two schools for
orphans and destitute children in Nakuru, Kenya.
Devision the IT support specialists
Member of the month:
Business against Poverty (BaP) is a local
community of business people who care about
the issues of poverty and ethical standards. They
are taking action through their charity People
against Poverty, based in Trowbridge.
Each edition of TBE we profile one of their
members to find out more about them, what
motivates them and why they support BaP.
This edition BaP interviewed Jon Evans, founder and CEO
of Chippenham firm Devision. The company is a leading
provider of IT supply and support services, working across
the South West.
n 2015
POSITIVE BUSINESS

Alison said: ”The wills and probate event is
designed to dispel some of the myths that
surround the transfer of assets upon death
and also to promote the benefits of having
a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.
Unfortunately, people mistakenly believe
that this won’t benefit them which is not
the case. There are complex issues involved
in the preparation of a will for a business
owner. I endeavour to ensure that all
possible eventualities are covered to enable
the individual business owner’s wishes to
be carried out. It is especially important for
business owners to make sure that their
business and assets are transferred correctly
on their death.”
“I often come into contact with clients
and their families at difficult and emotional
times. It is my task to ensure that the work
required is carried out as efficiently and
painlessly as possible to alleviate stress and
worry wherever I can.”
The event is taking place at Basepoint,
Rivermead Drive, Swindon on Wednesday
27 January between midday and 2pm.
For more information and to book a
place email: Swindon@basepoint.co.uk or
call 01793 608800
Bower & Bailey is currently celebrating
their 30th anniversary in Swindon, where
Alison has worked since its inception. To
find out more about their offering visit:
www.bowerandbailey.co.uk call them on
01793 610466 and follow them on Twitter:
@BowerBailey
On 27 January, a key wills and probate event is being
hosted at Basepoint business centre in Swindon
where Alison Hill, wills and estates partner for Bower
& Bailey Solicitors is guest speaker.
Basepoint Swindon to host
wills and probate event
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LEGAL

Hear it from the experts…
Agency payroll
Like an employed person, you will pay tax
and National Insurance on a salary; you
should also receive holiday pay and statutory
sick pay. There are no tax breaks and often
agencies don’t run their own payroll which
means freelancers are forced to choose one
of the options below.
Umbrella company
Traditionally, freelancers who are ‘caught’
by the IR35 rule tend to use umbrella
companies. You’ll be one of many workers
who are paid under PAYE by the umbrella
company and they will invoice your agency/
end-client for your work. On receipt of
payment, they will deduct their fees, tax and
National Insurance due. You can claim for
travel/subsistence expenses, saving you tax
and national insurance. However, legislation
is on the way that could take away the tax
savings on travel and subsistence claims.
Limited company (PSC)
Generally, Freelancers who are not ‘caught’
by IR35 set up their own Limited Company
and use an accountant – preferably one who
is expert in this area. It is more like running
your own business and much more tax
efficient.
You can be paid in dividends, saving
employee and employer National Insurance;
and you can divide your income with a
spouse/partner potentially saving income tax.
You can join the Flat Rate VAT scheme and
effectively get VAT back from HMRC. You will
need to keep records and retain money to
pay your tax bills.
Overall, it is vital to consider your IR35 status,
because it has a major impact when deciding
which payment option to use.
Peter Bromiley ACA
AMS Accountancy Ltd, Swindon SN5 7XF
01793 818400
www.ams-accountancy.co.uk/about-us/
ask-ams
If you are a Freelancer, there are generally
three options for handling your income.
Agency payroll; umbrella company, or your own limited company,
(known as a Personal Service Company).
Ask AMS Videos!Ask AMS Videos!Ask AMS Videos!
Introducing our library of short help films
AMS Accountancy Ltd.
Swindon SN5 7XF
01793-818400
www.ams-accountancy.co.uk
@AMSAccountancy
To view our films: www.ask-ams.co.uk
Baker Tilly becomes RSM
The new RSM logo and brand positioning
– ‘The power of being understood’ – will
be rolled out in all of the firm’s 35 UK
locations including Swindon, as well as
across the entire RSM network, comprising
37,500 people in 730 offices across more
than 110 countries. RSM International
is the seventh largest global network of
independent audit, tax and consulting
firms. Last year, it was the fastest growing
top 10 global network posting an 18 per
cent increase in revenue to $4.4bn for the
year ending 31 December 2014.
Laurence Longe, RSM’s UK managing
partner, said: “Uniting under a common
brand presents a unique opportunity
for RSM to truly become the first choice
adviser to middle market leaders, globally.
“Clients using an RSM firm will now
have much greater confidence that they
will receive the same high quality of
professional service for their audit, tax
and consulting needs wherever they do
business in the world.
“By coming together under a common
brand, we will be better able to draw on
local knowledge and global expertise from
across the network and this will help us to
help our clients be successful wherever and
whenever they expand the international
reach of their business.”
Sharon Omer-Kaye, office managing
partner at RSM in Swindon said: “It’s
exciting to play our part in the global
launch of the new RSM brand here in
Swindon. Although our name has changed,
we will stay true to our roots and maintain
the core essence of our business and a
strong dedication to our local client base.”
To coincide with the rebrand, the UK
firm will be launching its new look website
at www.rsmuk.com and will be adopting a
new Twitter handle @rsmuk.
Baker Tilly in Swindon has adopted the name RSM,
uniting under a single common brand with RSM
audit, tax and consulting firms across the world.
01225 782453
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
advert.pdf 1 05/11/2015 10:26
FINANCE

How important are honesty and integrity
in business and beyond?
Recent events in the automotive industry have reminded us just how
important values such as honesty and integrity are in business, says
Mike Lloyd, Managing Partner at the Swindon office of Haines Watts,
Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors.
Honesty is about telling the truth, but
business integrity is all about doing the
right thing because it’s simply the right
thing to do.
It’s not a business value; it’s that part of
a business’s DNA defining its moral code
and it should drive all business behaviour.
Businesses with integrity aren’t afraid of
the truth.
What may have started out with an
honest intention to get vehicles through
emissions tests clearly went awry when
individuals – singly or collectively -
engineered a method to circumvent testing
procedures.
This scandal has highlighted the
fact that when a company’s integrity
is compromised, the costs can be
immeasurable; not only could it be fined a
sum which could run into the billions, but it
will lose substantial shareholder value and
its brand may be irreparably damaged.
The same thing happened in our
own profession a few years ago; Arthur
Andersen did not go from one of the
largest accountancy firms in the world
to being insolvent because it got Enron’s
accounts wrong; it disappeared because
it shredded the files and thereby lost its
integrity.
Arguably, integrity is more important
to SMEs, which don’t always have the
governance procedures, internal checks
and balances implicit in larger businesses.
Our governance is often set by the moral
compass of the business owners themselves
rather than with the benefit of external
input. This can directly affect the way a
business owner thinks and operates.
Integrity in an SME business is
instinctive. The best and easiest way of
running a business is with honesty and
openness, both internally to our own teams
and externally to our clients.
Because it’s instinctive, it works more
easily; it’s more effective than it is when
it is hidebound by regulation and internal
bureaucracy.
You can find with the larger companies
there are as many people employed to
find a way around regulations as there are
employed to write them in the first place.
While mega businesses like Volkswagen
are often envied by smaller organisations,
we should remember they could learn a lot
from the simplicity of operation and clarity
of thought of the SME business owner.
Does anyone want to buy a second-hand
Volkswagen???
For business accounting and tax advice
however contact Mike on 01793 533838
or mlloyd@hwca.com
Feel free to browse our website at:
www.haineswatts-swindon.co.uk
“Businesses with
integrity aren’t
afraid of the truth”
FINANCE

How did you become a Vistage chair?
October 2009 I came to a pivotal part of my career. I’d
spent 28 years building a specialist cultural change and top
tier executive leadership company called VI International. I
built a team of over 20 consultants around the world with a
subsidiary in Singapore.
VI International had established clients such as American
Express, Diageo, Microsoft, Virgin Atlantic, and Standard
Chartered Bank
One day I woke up in a hotel in Shanghai and said:
“What am I doing? This business is running me, rather than
me running it”. From this moment I embarked on a journey
to change the business and change my life - in the right way
with honesty and integrity.
My vision was to carry on my one-to-one Corporate
Coaching and stop any International work. When one of
my clients – a Vistage member suggested I should be a
Vistage chair I looked into it. I did know the company and
when I researched it, it was clear I had the right credentials.
I had run my own successful business supplying to the big
corporates and had worked globally with senior leaders.
So now I have a portfolio of roles – my Corporate
Coaching and my Vistage group here in the South West.
I can work locally giving something back to the SME and
helping the local community.
What’s special about Vistage?
Vistage attracted me because it’s a global organisation. It has
20,000 members worldwide. I wanted to retain the global
reach and connection I had established with VI International,
but make a difference on a local level too.
Vistage enables the CEO/MD/ Business Owners to become
better leaders, making better decisions and achieving better
results.
What is your ambition as
south west chair?
My purpose is to achieve the best Vistage group in the UK.
I’ll do this by creating a non-competing group, with no
customers or suppliers within it. A confidential and safe
group, where the members can bring their most difficult and
challenging issues and we can work together to come up with
the resolution.
Members of the south west group so far all have different
styles, personalities and businesses, but they all are highly
ambitious and are great fun to be with. They all care and
want to help their fellow members achieve success together.
How do you join?
By invitation only. Vistage is not right for everyone and not
everyone is right for Vistage. The group has criteria that the
business members must have a turnover of £3m+, be able to
commit the time of one day a month (group time) and two
hours of executive coaching, be open to learn and have an
ambition to grow.
Why do people join?
Business leaders often feel lonely and isolated. Some things
cannot be discussed with their board or with anyone at home.
My Vistage Group provides that safe place where anything
and everything can be shared with the Group who do not
have a vested interest – only your success!
Members also join because they want to be challenged. As
CEO, often no one challenges them – we will!
Everyone needs to have their thoughts, ideas and
behaviours challenged to grow and succeed.
Others may join because they are looking to create an exit
strategy and their business is not in the right place. We help
build a clear plan with clear structures and processes. The
group also helps change the culture of the company for the
better because to stay competitive businesses have to change
and evolve. Vistage is not a hospital; it’s a gym to get your
business fitter and healthier.
What would be your top tips for
business success?
1) Know your numbers in all areas of the business.
2) Build a high performing culture and within that a shared
vision of success that supports it.
3) Keep the right people in the business and get the wrong
people out.
4) Be a great leader, inspire and motivate your people.
5) Be customer centric. Focus on what the customer wants
and needs to give it to them.
6) Continue to grow and learn (rather than becoming staid
and stuck)
7) Keep healthy and fit and fun to be around.
The Vistage community meet regularly in the South West
to share, connect, learn and brainstorm business values. A
series of events are planned for 2016 email Nicola to find
out more.
VISTAGE PEER ADVISORY GROUP - SOUTH WEST
nicola.mchale@vistagechair.co.uk
Mobile - 07887 616606
Uk.linkedin.com/nicolamchale
Nicola McHale
Vistage Chair
Nicola McHale is Vistage chair for the south west, a private
advisory group for business leaders. The group was established
in July 2015 and currently has seven members and will grow to
a team of 16 over the next year. TBE met with Nicola to find out
more about her and the Vistage offering.
Cambridge House,
4 College Court, Regent Circus,
Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 1PJ
T: 01793 610466
F: 01793 511505
www.bowerandbailey.co.uk
Local expert legal advice for you,
your business and your family
• Accident and Injury
Compensation
• Commercial Property
• Company and Commercial
• Consumer and Civil Disputes
• Divorce and Children Matters
• Employment issues
• House Sales, Purchases,
Mortgages
• Wills and Estates
Bower&Bailey_TBE_Swindon_59x210mm_Ad_v3.indd 1 06/11/2015 08:23THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2015 / 2016 13
PERSONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Not only has this led to a number of new challenges in
the workplace for the HR agenda but it has challenged
the building and maintaining of a career centric culture
which is fundamental in implementing career management
programmes to benefit both organisations and individuals.
A career centric culture is where an organisation has:
• A clear and embedded career strategy
• Visible and embedded career discussion programmes with
senior leaders
• A clear process for employees at a career
crossroads to access guidance in confidence
• Regular development for senior influencers and leaders to
hold effective career discussions
• A clear difference between career discussions and the
appraisal process
Effective career management requires a level of two way
knowledge between the employer and the employee which
informs softer issues such as skills, values, abilities and fit,
whilst the more contextual issues such as role content,
structure and role context are also critical.
In 2015 we found that increasingly management are
guided by perception rather than the all-round evaluation
of an individual witnessed at close quarters. Context both
for decisions and messaging is key and almost singularly
the biggest cause of misunderstanding. Emails are very
one dimensional in their message delivery, text and Skype
messages almost always inadequate in a business setting.
A fresh approach to career management
Moving forward, we need to ensure that a more robust,
visible and flexible career culture is established within
the organisation. In addition to this, a more appropriate
appraisal mechanism is required to more accurately
recognise and develop talent within the organisation.
Effective career conversations are at the heart of this
building work. Leaders at all levels need development
to help them hold impartial, confidential and objective
conversations and also be clear as to where to refer
employees for further assistance.
For more information on the future of Career Management
contact:
Steve Thompson-Martyn
Career Directed Solutions
steve@careerds.co.uk
www.careerds.co.uk
The home based day
The working day in your office at home – the one
where you have no appointments and you are dedicated
to administration, negotiation, operations and task
management.
A typical start: 6am: Alarm clock buzzes/cat scratches at
the door/ binmen are crashing around/child jumps on your
bed. Through a fuzzy brain 3 questions permeate:
1. Where am I waking up?
2. What day is it?
3. What business am I working on today?
Some time later: A desk peppered with ‘to-do’ lists, piles
of papers randomly organised into ‘Urgent’, ‘Pressing’,
‘Low Priority’, ‘Top Priority’ – (this is the list you really
should be dealing with every day but somehow the tasks
on it slip steadily down the ladder). You sit down with a
big sigh, open your laptop, get up, go and make a coffee,
come back and what is the first thing you do? Yes, that’s
it – the emails.
Some time later still: coffee drunk, you have about 10
emails open, half are partly replied to, multiple other tasks
have been generated. No one task is quite completed.
Flip to the end of the day – You have managed to get
some stuff done, and some of it was on your Top Priority
List. Several key conversations have taken place by phone
or Skype, you have negotiated some tricky contracts, you
have made some promising connections. Tired, pleased
that you have ticked some boxes, you juggle the other
tasks (cat, children, meals, laundry) and take your whirring
mind, already started on tomorrow’s ‘to-do’ lists, to bed.
But….no-one knows that you spent the day in your
dressing gown with the cat on your lap. And tomorrow it
is Tango time!
Isla Baliszewska is a business support specialist and serial
entrepreneur, having run businesses in property, publishing,
asset management and IT. She now works with Smart
Coaching & Training helping business leaders and their
organisations to flourish. She is a lover of Argentine Tango.
Smart Coaching & Training are running ‘The Tango
Model for Business Success’ on 27 January at
Radisson Blu in Bristol; an event with a difference
that will be fun, informative and provocative.
For more information contact
info@smartcoachingtraining.co.uk
or call Isla on 07828 516058.
A day in the life of
a serial...ised
tangoing entrepreneur
HR agenda 2016 - career management
Our consultants have 20+ years experience helping organisations
like yours increase profitability through commitment to a career centric
culture. Contact us today for information on our career Management
programmes.
Tel: 0333 240 8115 Email: steve@careerds.co.uk Web: careerds.co.uk
Throughout 2015 we have seen the effects of a growing virtual
workforce on retention, loyalty and productivity. Remote working
now takes on many guises whether it is through home working,
small satellite operations or regional structures where the interface
between leaders and their team members is increasingly sporadic.
Formoreinfo:
www.smartcoachingtraining.co.uk
PERSONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The report, “A Head for Hiring: The Behavioural Science of
Recruitment”, by the HR professionals’ body, the CIPD, shows
that employers often use their first impressions of a job
candidate to assess whether they are likely to be a good fit.
It also shows that they are more likely to select people whose
experience, skill set, personality and even hobbies, closely
mirror their own.
However, Lauren Harkin, a Senior Associate in the
employment team at Withy King in Swindon, warns that this
approach may leave businesses vulnerable to discrimination
claims. She explains:
“This latest report from the CIPD is worrying because
it shows that many businesses’ recruitment practices are
leaving them exposed – and they may not even end up with
the best person for the job.
“Recruitment from a legal perspective can be quite
challenging particularly because there is no one piece
of legislation specifically about recruitment processes.
There is, however, a significant amount of employment
legislation, particularly in relation to discrimination, which
is relevant to the recruitment process, from how to word
your advertisements and application forms to selection
and assessment criteria and interviewing procedures, so
businesses can’t really afford to wing it.
“Whichever recruitment practices your business uses, it is
imperative that you comply with the anti-discrimination laws
(set out in the Equality Act) which prohibit discrimination on
the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital
status, pregnancy, race, religious beliefs, sex, and sexual
orientation.
“It is important to understand that employers are
vicariously liable for any discriminatory behaviour of their
employees in recruitment practices unless the ‘reasonable
steps defence’ is established. This defence will at least require
a business to have a well-established Equal Opportunities
Policy. Thankfully, recruitment discrimination claims
continue to be a rarity. However, a job applicant alleging
discrimination in an Employment Tribunal claim may be able
to obtain copies of the documents relating to a recruitment
process including anonymised information about other
candidates.”
To find out more about recruitment discrimination or any
other employment issue, please contact Lauren on
01793 847777 or email lauren.harkin@withyking.co.uk
WHAT’S WRONG WITH HIRING A MINI-ME?
Recent research has shown that recruitment processes are often heavily skewed by unconscious
bias from those carrying out job interviews – and many tend to hire mini-me’s.
Lauren Harkin, employment specialist, Withy King
Conferencing & Business Services
Contact us
01793 847400 (Option 4)
conferencing@nsbrc.co.uk
3Excellent location
(Just off Junction 16 of M4 with plenty of FREE parking)
3Irresistible customer service
3Unique & inspiring venue
with a real ‘WOW’ factor
3Flexible meeting spaces with
latest media equipment
3FREE Wi-Fi
Conferencing
at the NSBRC
We were delighted with every aspect of our experience with you.
The venue itself was perfect for our needs and you were able to meet and
exceed all of our requirements. Your customer service and attention to detail
made you a pleasure to deal with and gave me complete condence that
our events would run smoothly. The lunches and refreshments you provided
were also excellent and exceeded our expectations. We will, without doubt,
use you again whenever we need an offsite venue and I look forward to
receiving your excellent service once again. RWE Innogy UK Limited
“
”
NSBRC_Conference_Advert.indd 1 06/11/2015 16:54:50THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2015 / 2016 15
EMPLOYMENT

Illuminates your branding...
www.jazzbones.co.uk
brand / design / digital
At Jazzbones, we create eye-catching graphic design, innovative
website design, advertising with insight, digital marketing campaigns
that grow your business and branding that conveys your unique story.
Want to know more? Let’s chat 01793 847300
Jazzbones Creative Ltd. Second Floor, Cornmarket House, High Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 3EB
Lis McDermott is passionate about helping businesses to understand the importance of
having a professional portfolio of images. Often the first thing people see is your headshot
and many of the pictures that appear in public and social media profiles have been taken on
camera phones, or taken at an event and not specifically for that purpose.
What is your online presence in terms of images?
What do they say about you and your professionalism?
Is your business represented in the best way?
After working for 34 years in education, Lis started her own photography business
in 2008, with her focus mainly on people photography. The skills she gained in her
educational roles, working with so many different people has aided her in her
photography work. She recently published her first photography book,
‘Headshot Diva – why your business profile affects your bottom line’.
photography work. She recently published her first photography book,
and many of the pictures that appear in public and social media profiles have been taken on
After working for 34 years in education, Lis started her own photography business
in 2008, with her focus mainly on people photography. The skills she gained in her
Contact Lis McDermott Photography:
lis@lismcdermottphotography.net
07713 586033
www.HeadshotDiva.co.uk
CREATIVE THINKING

SOCIAL MEDIA - OF THE MOMENT OR A USEFUL
WAY TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS?
“More sales, more customers, more profit” is surely a mantra for
all business owners regardless of the size or type of business they
run. Long term success requires a long term strategy, preferably
one which is focused on marketing your business to the right
people. While identifying the right customer, the right product
at the right price should be second nature, actually creating and
implementing an effective communication plan to reach that
customer is often a little bit harder.
The cost of marketing has often been assumed to be
prohibitive particularly for small businesses.
Marketing tools such as advertising, literature,
promotions, events and PR are frequently viewed as
simply margin off the bottom line rather than essential
expenditure required to ensure a profitable and sustainable
return.
Consequently, many businesses have eagerly embraced
the dawning of so called ‘free’ social media as a way to
market their business.
The benefits of social media tools such as Twitter,
Facebook, Pinterest and LinkedIn is they can quickly help to
create a personality for your business and your brand. As
communities interact more and more online, social media
can successfully be used to create a strong reputation and
following for any type of brand. But nothing in life is free
and managing a social media campaign can and does take
a lot of time if it is to be done well.
So what works, with whom and when? Well, content
is king. Video, interactive competitions, surveys and
engaging images are what people want. This is where
great product shots, top tips, usage suggestions,
informative videos and reviews really work.
Social media is certainly of the moment but like the
internet it is here to stay. It needs careful handling and
planning like any marketing technique.
Done well, it can be a good way to help you
differentiate your brand and, importantly, it can help you
engage, attract and ultimately sell to more customers.
Linda Donaldson, founder of Geometry PR
“The benefits of social media
tools is they can quickly help
to create a personality for your
business and your brand”
CREATIVE THINKING

DESIGNS
Creative solutions for print, web and brand identity
www.juicy-designs.com
Juicy Designs is a creative design agency offering practical marketing
solutions that really communicate. With over 25 years creative experience,
working with lots of exciting clients both large and small, we have the
expertise on tap to help you communicate and engage with your customers.
With no unnecessary overheads to pass on, we can help you communicate
and engage with your customers, maximising your marketing potential.
Check out our new site
The Business Exchange Advert 103x122mm GREEN.indd 1 18/11/2015 09:49
Specialists in Bespoke Presentation
& Promotional Products
www.presentingbinders.co.uk
Contact Michelle Barron
T: 01793 512600
E: mbarron@presentingbinders.co.uk
Established in 1999
co.uk
• Ring Binders
• Tab Dividers
• Folders
• Wallets
• Mouse Mats
• Promotional Products
Record growth for print ﬁrm
In the last five years the company has
grown from a team of 14 staff to 25. They
have also managed to buy their second unit
on Rivermead Drive in Swindon in the last
18 months, proving that the print market is
anything but dead.
The firm is one of the only full service
printing houses locally, offering litho, digital
and large format printing, fulfillment and
mailing services. This allows Interprint to
be really flexible with client deadlines as
everything is completed under one roof.
A resurgence in direct mail has driven
growth, the millennial generation has
grown up without receiving snail mail and
getting something in the post has become
something of a novelty. *Research by the
Direct Marketing Asssociation (DMA) found
that:
• 90% couldn’t live without a letterbox
• 46% of us believe a world without print
would be worse than today’s
With high numbers of email campaigns
deleted before they are opened, direct
mail is outperforming email marketing.
Especially when combined with targeted
direct mail marketing lists and creative,
personalised campaigns.
Interprint is practicing what they preach
and is reaping the rewards. Their own
targeted direct mail campaigns have seen
double figure rewards.
Sales director Kevin Stevens said: “Our
clients are embracing direct mail with
bespoke designs, such as gimmicky boxes
rather than envelopes. Projects we’ve
worked on vary from simple money off
vouchers, to personalised tickets for cruise
companies. Being innovative with how you
deliver your message is giving the results.”
To find out more about Interprint and
their services visit: www.interprintswindon.
co.uk
*Statistics taken from DMA ‘From Letterbox
to Inbox Survey’ www.dma.org.uk
Interprint is celebrating a record year following
a £750,000 investment into the digital printing
and large format digital market.
Gain a ‘fresh pair of eyes’
for your documents
Having a second pair of trained eyes to
double-check all of your important writing can
save your spelling and grammatical mistakes
being noticed by colleagues, assessors, clients
and potential customers.
Mistakes in writing can be expensive and
even embarrassing, and learning the hard way
in business is never productive, which is where
AA Editorial Services come in.
In 2011, following early retirement, Angela
Atkinson embarked upon her joint English
degree, quickly learning the tricks the brain
can pull on even the most analytical of writers.
The brain sees what it wants to see in a lot of
cases, and will gloss over mistakes as we have
all learned to our cost at one point or another.
So if the written word is causing you
problems, or you simply don’t have the time
to proof read every document you send, even
if you simply appreciate the value of a sanity
check, AA Editorial can help.
For more information visit:
www.aaedits.co.uk
Having your documents read perfectly is almost
an unwritten rule of business, and no-one is
above trickery of the brain when it comes to
proofing your work.
CREATIVE THINKING

An exciting project from Malmesbury Town
Team sees the launch of a brand new
‘Discover Malmesbury’ promotional logo
for this historic town and a bright, fun and
informative new mobile friendly website.
Malmesbury has become ‘home’ to the
annual WOMAD festival at nearby Charlton
Park, the BBC History weekend and many
other well-known music, history, arts and
gardens events and festivals. Keen to be
recognised for the vibrant life in the town in
addition to its stunning 12th century Abbey,
original Market Cross, world famous Abbey
House & Gardens and other fascinating
history, the brand and website bring
together a theme of ‘Vibrant, Treasured
and Historic.’
The Town Team were very keen to
make sure the brand and website project
was an inclusive process for the people of
Malmesbury, with a number of focus groups
held during the project involving retailers,
hotels, business and community groups,
the Town Council and other Malmesbury
representatives.
Malmesbury now has a new identity and
website which truly showcases its ‘Vibrant,
Treasured & Historic’ life.
Visit the website online at:
www.discovermalmesbury.life
Follow them on Twitter: @malmesburylife
Like them on Facebook: malmesburylife
Google likes
mobile friendly
websites....
Areyouready?
TheFrontRoomMarketingDesign @TheFrontRoomMD team@frontroommarketing.com
NEW from Front Room Marketing & Design
An Integrated Digital Marketing
Solution for Smaller Businesses.
Now that IS good news.
Start your journey to integrated, cost effective and results based digital marketing.
Call us today on 01793 629002 or see more at www.frontroommarketing.com/tims
As your Marketing Partner
we know you need:
• More sales
• Happy customers
• More website traffic @@@
As your Marketing Partner we:
• Bring you ideal prospects
• Send e-shots your prospects actually want!
• Use CRM to manage your data
• Update you with results
• Help you engage with PR & Social Media
• Save you time and money
BARKING HEN LOGO DESIGN
After many years of working in the jewellery
industry for other people, Tamara felt the
time was right to realise her ambition and
start her own jewellery business, Barking
Hen Jewellery. Gaining inspiration for her
jewellery from nature, Tamara works with
a variety of different materials, including
copper, silver and coloured glass to produce
truly individual pieces.
Having chosen an unusual name for her
business ‘Barking Hen’ which was quirky
and untraditional, it was important for her
logo to reflect her brand. “Although I am a
creative person I didn’t have a clue where to
start in designing a logo” said Tamara.
Tamara knew that the logo would need
to ‘work’ for her in different formats for
marketing, social media and on packaging.
The final design was sophisticated, modern
and easy to reproduce in different formats.
After an initial consultation, the team at
The Front Room worked with Tamara to
develop her ideas into a logo which would
work commercially. They developed several
concept ideas which were refined into the
final identity. Tamara said “The experience
was brilliant. The Front Room were very
welcoming and relaxed. As my workshop
wasn’t yet finished I had no jewellery to
show but they took on board the ethos of
my business when designing my logo - I
love it.” To find out more about Tamara’s
bespoke jewellery visit
her Facebook page,
Barking Hen Jewellery
or follow:
@TheBarkingHen
on Twitter.
Tamara Eggleston was setting up her own
business Barking Hen Jewellery when, in
September, she entered The Business Exchange
Start up September competition. She was the
lucky winner of a business logo, donated by
The Front Room Marketing & Design.
An exciting project from Malmesbury Town
Team sees the launch of a brand new ‘Discover
Malmesbury’ promotional logo for this historic
town and a bright, fun and informative new
mobile friendly website.
Now even more to discover
CREATIVE THINKING

How effectively are you really
using digital technology to benefit
your business?
If you rate 4 or less out of 5,
talk to us for:
Advice - Funding - Training
- Investment- Investment
Wiltshire Business Hub
01225 402096
www.wiltshirebusinesshub.co.uk
Delivered by Inspire, part funded by
Wiltshire County Council and the
Dept of Business Innovation and Skills
Mind your electronic
manners
Time for a new SEO strategy
It has been a great year for business, not
just for Smarter Search, but noticeably
for our clients, connections and Wiltshire
business in general
Business confidence appears to be on
the up and this is backed by the increased
level of enquiries we receive on a daily
basis. If you haven’t considered SEO as part
of your sales and marketing strategy then
now is a great time to do so.
Why now?
With more people spending ever increasing
amounts of their waking hours online,
whether that be at their desk, at home or
elsewhere, there has never been a better
opportunity to position your business in the
right place at the right time.
Let’s take the example of an accountant;
a potential customer would search
something along the lines of “accountant
in Swindon. If the accountancy firm
appears in the top half of page 1 in a
Google search, chances are they will receive
an enquiry. This enquiry could be their next
customer.
If your business isn’t currently positioned
where it needs to be then unfortunately
you will be losing out on those enquiries to
your competitors who are currently a few
steps ahead of you...
Times have already changed, have you?
Search Engine Optimisation has become
more important than ever. When was the
last time you picked up a phone book to
look for a service? If you are looking for
a product or a service, then you will most
likely look online. The same happens with
your potential customers.
If we can pass on one piece of guidance
heading in to the New Year it would be
to analyse the optimum search phrases
for your business. What are the main
phrases that your potential customers are
searching? Which competitors of yours
are ranking for them and gaining the new
business?
If you are unsure how to analyse these
keywords feel free to drop us an email and
we’ll send you some simple instructions. It
could be the boost your business needs.
For more about Smarter Search visit:
www.smarter-search.co.uk
To receive Smarter Search’s free simple
guide to keyword research email:
hello@smarter-search.co.uk
Smarter Search’s Karl Paul discusses why
the time is now.
TAIN BRAE’S SOCIAL MEDIA
TREND PREDICTIONS FOR 2016
This year, we saw a recognisable boom of
the social media industry. More than 1 billion
people are now using Facebook, and more
than 80% of small businesses are reported
to use social media for their branding and
marketing efforts.
While 2015 was a great year for social
media, 2016 is predicted to be even better.
Here are some predictions from David Bolton
at Corsham based Tain Bare Digital on social
media trends for the coming year.
1. More E-Commerce Features
The “buy” button will become a distinctive
feature in most social media platforms.
Facebook and Pinterest are just two of the
platforms that gained attention this year by
introducing this feature and others will follow.
We may also expect a shopping cart in one of
these big social networks in 2016.
2. New Publication Options
Facebook have launched Instant Articles which
allows full-length articles to users without
having to link to an external source. As social
platforms become more competitive and more
aggressive about keeping users in-app for as
long as possible, social platforms will launch
more sophisticated forms of publishing for
businesses in 2016.
3. Increased Advertising Functions
More and more companies are using social
media ads in addition to Google ads to
promote their products. It’s also expected
that social media platforms will allow more
advertising functions, including automated ads
and pop-ups during 2016.
4. Increased Safety and Security
Because of the rising social media trend,
more users have become victims of phishing
and other cyber crimes. Such concerns call
for better security in divulging personal
information online. During 2016 social media
platforms will probably have better security
features which will prevent identity theft, cyber
stalking, and phishing.
5. In-the-moment updates will dominate
Social media is already “in-the-moment” by
nature, but there are some posts that are
more “in-the-moment” than others. For
example Periscope allows users to give a live
video broadcast of some stretch of their lives.
Periscope reports users collectively watch 40
years of live video each and every day. This
is likely to increase during 2016 with other
platforms launching.
If you want to get your social media and
digital marketing moving in 2016 then speak
with us at Tain Brae Digital. To find out more
visit: www.tainbraedigital.co.uk or call us
01249 476406
Rob Perks,
CEO of Inspire
by Wessex Chambers
Are your email messages news or a nuisance?
Now that most people are struggling to
manage a daily stream of emails, you need
to be sensitive to the pressure they are under
if you want to get their attention. In this
edition, I thought I’d suggest a few tips.
1. Keep your message short. Apart from
time, your message may well be picked
up on a mobile device.
2. Do not cry wolf. High priority should
mean what it says.
3. Read your message over before you send
it and try to imagine you’re the person
reading it
4. In the body of the message, mention any
attachments and tell recipients what they
contain or else they may get deleted.
5. Your name should appear in the sender
section. Because spam mail is so
common, recipients need to easily identify
the sender.
6. Never send email when you’re angry –
and I do mean never!
7. Assume whatever you write could appear
in the local press. Email can never be
guaranteed to be private.
8. Avoid huge attachments. It implies you
assume your recipient has the same
bandwidth as you.
9. Stop checking your email when your
partner wants to make love, your kids
want to talk to you or your friend calls you.
10. Do not check your emails when you’re
in a face to face meeting. Think about
what you would want people to do when
you’re making a presentation or talking.
11. Don’t give out another person’s email
address without permission.
12. When you receive an email from
someone, pay attention to the style they
use. Is it terse, friendly or imaginative? If
the person is “no nonsense”, keep your
correspondence business like. If it’s more
laid back and mentions their holiday,
don’t offend them or make them feel
foolish with a terse response.
13. Write a handwritten note from time to
time. In this digital age, a handwritten
communication can say a lot about you
and make a real impression on the reader.
I’m sure my team will tell me to read my
own tips but here’s to really great email
communication!
TECHNOLOGY

Faringdon based IT firm Computing
Information Systems (CIS) has further
strengthened its offering with the purchase
of Agile networking, a comprehensive IT
services and support business.
The acquisition was an easy decision
for CIS as the services Agile provide
complement their current IT support and
services offering. One of the services Agile
previously didn’t provide was cloud solutions
and this is an area of real growth for CIS.
Agile customers can now benefit from CIS’s
extended stable of products, whilst being
assured of the same excellent customer
service they were used to as an Agile client.
Richard March CEO of CIS said: “CIS
has a new exciting portfolio of clients to
work with. To ensure the same level of
support is received across our client base,
we are recruiting more staff, organising
more training and implementing further
sales support to guarantee a first rate client
experience all round.”
Both CIS and Agile as individual brands
hold the reputable Microsoft and Sophos
Gold certified partner accreditation and they
are also VMware and Veeam Silver partners.
To ensure business continuity Agile’s
previous owners are remaining in the
business to drive growth. Richard Hobley,
MD of Agile Networking said: “Joining
with CIS was an easy decision to make. All
of our clients can rest assured that CIS will
be delivering the same ethics that all of
our clients are used to. On top of that, CIS
will be leading the way with Private Cloud
migration that’s important to adopt in this
day and age.”
CIS works across the South West and
hosts a private cloud near Newbury, where
the data is stored in an ultra-secure nuclear
bunker. To find out more about their
offering visit: www.cisltd.com
DON’T BECOME THE TALK
TALK OF THE TOWN
So what’s happening here?
You’ve heard it on the radio, you’ve seen it in
the news. With the recent high profile cyber-
attack on telecoms giant Talk Talk, following
those on businesses such as British Gas and
the Ashley Madison dating site, the security
of stored and transmitted data is once again
topping the media agenda.
What’s perhaps surprising is the lack
of reaction from a sizeable proportion of
businesses, which despite the constant
torrent of hacking news stories, persist
with outdated and insecure practices when
handling valuable data in their everyday work
tasks. However there’s about to be a real sea
of change with the introduction of EU data
protection regulations next year, which will
place a legal duty on everyone who holds
electronic data concerning EU citizens to
implement appropriate security measures and
to have a clear data protection policy. There
will be punitive sanctions for non-compliance.
The New EU Data
Protection Regulation
In March 2014, the European parliament
voted by an overwhelming majority in favour
of legislation to protect the security of its
citizens’ data. The resulting legislation is due
to come into force in 2016 with penalties
of up to 100m Euros or 5% of annual
turnover per data breach.
Why your business
should be concerned
Whatever the size of your business, a
significant loss of personal data represents a
catastrophe of mammoth proportions and
proves terminal for many. As well as sanctions
imposed under this legislation, there’s the
cost of notifying anyone whose data has
been compromised and the subsequent loss
of customer confidence and reputational
damage to the business. Whilst ‘traditional’
crime figures continue on a downward trend,
cybercrime statistics are rising dramatically.
No MD or business owner wants to find
themselves in the position of the Talk Talk
CEO who had to announce to her entire
customer base that all of their personal
information was now potentially in the
public domain!
Encryption will soon change from a “might do”
to a “have to”. See why…
CIS STRENGTHENS WITH
NEW ACQUISITION
Richard Marsh CEO of CIS with
Richard Hobley, MD of Agile Networking
REVVED UPTECHNOLOGY

FIRSTOFITSKINDTECHNOLOGYEXPERIENCE
STORELAUNCHESINSWINDON
A new business has been launched in Swindon allowing individuals and
businesses to embrace the latest in cutting edge technology.
A group of four friends have taken their passion for
technology and worked together to create a unique new
concept, the first of its kind in the UK. Rotus Motus is a
technology experience store based on Edgware Road in the
centre of the town. The shop gives you the opportunity
to engage with tech that is otherwise inaccessible to the
masses. They offer lessons, experiences and bespoke team
building events from just £20.
Gadgets include AirWheels, AirBoards, MyndPlay
Experiences, 3D printing technology and virtual reality.
The idea behind the business is to make inaccessible
technology accessible, inspiring people to think of new ideas
for how the technology can be used, helping to create the
inventors of the future. The Rota Motus team all come from
technology backgrounds having worked for the Institute of
IT, as CAD designers and product ambassadors for brands
such as Samsung. Jo Allen head of sales and marketing
said: “We all love gadgets and technology and can see the
possibilities for future use. People need to engage with this
technology to be able to come up with new innovations. By
becoming social with it new ideas will flourish.”
Swindon was specifically chosen to launch the brand
due to its key demographic. There are a lot of young
professionals in the town, the average age is 33 and many
of its residents work for companies like Intel, the British
Computer Society (BCS) and Nokia.
Jo continued: “There is a population of 240,000 people
in Swindon and a catchment of 800,000 within a half an
hour drive on the M4. The dream is that by launching Rota
Motus in a tech-savvy town, it will give us the platform we
need to achieve our ambition - to have a store in every city
of the UK.”
Rota Motus are working with inventors to get their
products out there, supporting and showcasing their work.
The ambition is to get more gadgets into store as soon as
they are released, with plans for inventor fairs in the future.
The team is passionate about supporting British
inventions, as only 0.3% of the world’s inventors are in the
UK and most of this comes from large blue-chip companies
with specialised research and development departments.
Findoutmore:
www.rota-motus.com
TECHNOLOGY

AUDI RS3 SPORTBACK -
IN THE FAST LANE
The Audi A3 Sportback is, arguably, one of the two
best small hatchbacks on the market.
Like all Audi cars it is superbly built inside and
out and does all that could be required of a
small family car. The range-topping RS3 costs
around £40k new. The featured car, packed
as it is with optional extras, costs just over
£50,000. The trouble is, all the extras are
wholly desirable, not least the superb seats.
Launch Control
As if the 2.5L Turbo-charged engine with a
six-speed tiptronic auto box wasn’t enough
to get you off the line, this car also features
‘Launch Control’. The necessity for this is
dubious. Certainly when I tried the feature,
it was mighty impressive, the car going from
nought to warp-speed in seconds. It was also
fun when I did it again – but then what? If
I’m honest, it’s not something I crave. It has a
use on a race track, but otherwise it has little
point on British roads.
Sitting comfortably
It’s an Audi so you know what to expect.
Although this is a very hot hatch there is
none of that wild extravagance used to perk
up lesser cars.
If anything, it is understated and demure
with a familiar dashboard and, as usual, the
build quality is superb. I loved the optional
Nappa leather sport seats with the fancy
quilting; otherwise indications of the car’s real
purpose are kept to a minimum. Also, the
car is as practical as the regular models with
Isofix and an entirely usable boot.
On the move
Again, subtlety is the key as the RS3 doesn’t
at first glance look a lot different to the
regular Sportback, but the clues are there:
gloss black grille, LED headlights, gorgeous
19” alloys and a deep roof spoiler. The wheel
arches flare out to accommodate the RS3’s
wider track and big tyres and, when the keen
observer walks around the back, there’s a pair
of exhaust outlets straight off the back of the
Starship Enterprise. The sound upon start-up
is symphonic; Wagnerian even and truly,
deeply addictive.
The all-wheel drive system’s multi-plate
clutch is mounted on the rear axle for better
weight distribution and up to one hundred
percent of the available torque can be
directed to the Audi RS3 Sportback’s rear
wheels, with the intention of improving both
agility and neutrality of the chassis. In short,
this car is planted on the road and never once
in normal and legal fast driving did I have any
untoward moments. The grip goes on forever
and the power just keeps on coming. Some
might blanch a bit at emissions of 194g/
km but when you think that just a few years
ago that figure would have been in the four
hundreds then it ‘s really not so bad. If fuel
consumption around 26mpg in the real world
or a BIK rate presently at 33% bothers you
then you don’t want this car anyway.
It is pleasing that cars like this can still be
made. As I have pointed out, driven properly
The Audi RS3 Sportback can deliver all the
power you want to satisfy your base urges
whilst still being perfectly happy pootling
round to the office. Certainly, for business
users, this car is unlikely to feature on your
preferred list but, even today, it doesn’t all
have to be about work, surely?
Geoff Maxted
www.drivewrite.co.uk
£190 per month^
i40 Tourer S 1.7 CRDi Blue Drive
with £1,140 initial payment (plus VAT)
Hyundai makes business a pleasure
Fuel consumption MPG (l/100km) for Hyundai range: Urban 18.0 (15.7) - 80.7 (3.5), Extra Urban 32.8 (8.6) - 94.2 (3.0), Combined 25.2 (11.2) - 88.3 (3.2), CO2 Emissions 261 - 84 g/km. Fuel consumption:
figures shown are based on official EU test figures. These are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect all driving results. ^
Business users only. Contract hire offers for
business users for i40 Tourer S 1.7 CRDi Blue Drive, figure based on a non-maintenance contract hire package with advance rental of £1,140+VAT, then 35 monthly rentals of £190+VAT. Excess annual miles over 10,000 charged at
7.21ppm.For orders received between 1st October and 31st December 2015, subject to availability, status and agreement. Guarantee/indemnity may be required. Prices and details are subject to change without notice. Free metallic
paint is only available in conjunction with Hyundai Contract Hire offer and applies to selected models only. For full specification, wear and tear provisions and other Ts&Cs see Hyundai Contract Hire Master Agreement and your local
Dealer. ALD Automotive Ltd., t/a Hyundai Contract Hire, BS16 3JA. 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty terms and exclusions apply. Please see www.hyundai.co.uk or ask your local Dealer.
Pebley Beach Hyundai 01793 644777
West Swindon Motor Park, Paddington Drive, Bridgemead,
SWINDON, Wiltshire, SN5 7SB jane@pebley.co.uk
REVVED UP

TBE contributor Fiona Scott investigates the new tax rules
that are set to impact business in 2016.
Small businesses have to come to terms with a new tax
regime during 2016. It’s estimated over the next five years,
SMEs will pay almost £7bn more in tax to the Treasury.
In the Budget 2015, the Government announced a new tax on
dividend income – often a vital part of the income of those
who own and run small and micro businesses.
However any dividends paid out over £5,000 will become
subject to tax – 7.5 per cent for basic rate tax payers rising to
32.5 per cent for higher rate tax payers and to 38.1 per cent
on dividends paid to those on the 45 per cent tax rate.
The Treasury has said the changes “will ensure ordinary
investors with smaller portfolios and modest dividend income
will see no change in their tax liability – and some will pay
less tax”.
It says the increase to the personal allowance and the
introduction of a personal savings allowance, means
individuals will be able to receive up to £17,000 of income per
annum tax-free.
However there are worries higher income investors might be
discouraged by the changes and there have even been claims
some business people will shut down companies before the
new rules come into force.
Here in Wiltshire, we’ve asked some local accountants to
share their best advice for the SME community in our county.
Steph Rickaby,
Co-founder of
Sunﬂower Accounts Ltd
“The employer’s allowance is being
withdrawn for sole person on the payroll, so
for those clients affected, we’ll be looking
at salary strategy.
“The main advice I’m giving all clients
is to keep bookkeeping up to date and to
manage cash flow, ensure they are keeping
enough cash in the business to manage
working capital and business commitments.
“Clients need to know who owes them
what and when they are being paid by
customers. They need to know how much
profit they are making so we can look at
corporation tax planning ahead of year end
and also look at dividend planning.”
“So for our clients the
main thing we’ve been
focusing on since the
budget in July is looking
at dividend planning
whilst ensuring the
balance sheet doesn’t
look like it has been
stripped of all profits.”
SMEs need to plan carefully so they may
control their wealth in the manner they
choose, without being penalised for so
doing.
My second point would be “watch
out for pension slip ups” – the advent
of pension auto-enrolment places
responsibilities upon all employers which
require vigilance to ensure they meet their
obligations.
My last point would be “do not expect
equity in tax” – political attitudes to tax
efficiency have, in my opinion, become
inappropriately distorted.
Those willing to risk their personal
wealth in order to build businesses and
create employment and wealth are
increasingly being judged in the same
light as those who take little or no risk in
deriving an income.
I expect there to be a continuation of the
increased examination of and challenges to
the taxation policies of business owners.
“My first point would be
“advance planning” – the
tax legislation, despite the
government’s aspiration that
tax should be simplified,
has become increasingly
complex mainly due to
the proliferation of anti-
avoidance legislation.”
Martin Gurney,
Tax Partner
Haines Watts Swindon
NEW YEAR - NEW TAX

Professional Successful Efficient Effective
01793 839977
www.banksbhg.com
Accounts & Audits | Academies | Auto Enrolment & Payroll | Bookkeeping
Insolvency | Tax Planning | Wealth Management
Banks BHG are a long-established firm of chartered accountants, auditors and tax advisers, providing specialist
accountancy and taxation services to small and medium-sized businesses.
With years of experience, we fully understand what it takes to offer a quality service at an affordable rate and
therefore tailor our services to suit our clients' individual needs.
Why not contact us for a free no obligation chat to see how we can help you grow your business.
Neil Elsen
Director of
Banks BHG
Chartered Accountants
“Under the new regime, the dividend tax
credit is being abolished and with it a new
rate of income tax specifically for dividend
income.
“The company will still need to pay
corporation tax on its profits before
dividends and corporation tax is to reduce
from its current rate of 20% to 19% in
2017 and 18% in 2020.
“Some good news is the confirmation
the Annual Investment Allowance has
been confirmed at £200,000 from 1
January 2016. It is currently £500,000
but was due to fall back to only £25,000.
While the reduction is not what many
business owners wanted, its permanence
is welcome.
“The final point for consideration must
be the uncertainty surrounding Small
Business Rates Relief. This is due to end
and where it has previously been extended,
the fact the Chancellor chose not to
mention it has left many commentators
worried about its future.”
“The main change
that will affect SME
business owners in
2016 is the change
in the taxation of
dividends.”
Ian Lloyd
Tax Partner
Milsted Langdon
“The biggest issue
for SME owners to
consider in 2016 is the
change to dividend
tax planned to start in
April next year.”
“As most small businesses look at their
total tax burden on the business and on the
proprietor, this change will undoubtedly
have a more profound impact on SMEs than
larger businesses.
“Similarly, the impact of the living wage
and auto-enrolment will hit small businesses
harder than large ones because they simply
do not have the infrastructure in place to
deal with it.
“Although there are tax breaks available
for SMEs looking to invest, these are of little
use to SME owners simply looking to earn
a wage.
“Personally, I believe although the UK
needs to attract larger businesses to keep
the economy buoyant, small businesses
need assistance too and I hope the
Government does not forget this in 2016.”
NEW YEAR - NEW TAX

Our priority at Bowman House Business Centre is to meet the needs of our clients and to support the
thriving business community in Royal Wootton Bassett. To help meet those ends we have now opened
18 new serviced offices. They are fully furnished and are ideal for start-ups or for businesses looking to
relocate to a modern commercial centre.
When people are looking for new offices there are many factors to consider, however in our experience,
free parking with easy access, high speed broadband and a professional business environment are key.
If you are unsure of whether a serviced office is right for you Bowman House has a 28 day try before you
rent offer available. Contact the business centre for details.
Easy access to the M4 Corridor
Ultrafast fibre broadband
Ample free parking
Air-condtioning
Short term licence agreements
Business Network Opportunities
3034329
At Bowman House Business Centre we appreciate that every business is
unique with different needs. We offer a flexible range of support, facilities,
and services which allow our clients to operate in a hassle free workplace.
Ultrafast fibre broadband Ample free parking Air-conditioning
Short term licence agreements Business networking opportunities
A client’s view
''Helpful and accommodating,
with modern and comprehensive
facilities and service''
Andy Poulton, Enterprise Online Marketing Solutions
Bowman House, a better place to do business
Bowman House Business Centre
Whitehill Lane, Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon, Wilts SN4 7DB
T 01793 843100
E Info@bowmanhouse.co.uk
W www.bowmanhouse.co.uk
3 3 3
33
New serviced offices now open
At Bowman House Business Centre we appreciate that every business is
unique with different needs. We offer a flexible range of support, facilities,
and services which allow our clients to operate in a hassle free workplace.
Ultrafast fibre broadband Ample free parking Air-conditioning
Short term licence agreements Business networking opportunities
A client’s view
''Helpful and accommodating,
with modern and comprehensive
facilities and service''
Andy Poulton, Enterprise Online Marketing Solutions
Are you looking for Serviced Offices,
Meeting Rooms or Training Facilities?
Bowman House Business Centre
Whitehill Lane, Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon, Wilts SN4 7DB
T 01793 843100
3 3 3
33
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