June/July 2015 Big Voice allows you to have your views aired

THE Voice
North East England
June/July 2015 Your regional magazine from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

Big Voice allows you to

have your views aired

HAVE you ever wondered positions with everyone from the local local voice is particularly strong we
where we get our data from councillor right up to the Prime Minister. would therefore love as many people
when you see a report about as possible in the North East Region
what FSB members think about The FSB is unique in that it is to sign up so to do so just go to www.
a small business issue? member-led, member-run and the views fsbbigvoice.com.
of its members are what formulate
And, just as importantly, have you its policies. So, if you want to be part The Big Voice is THE voice for small
ever asked: “How, as a member, do I of that process then the way to do it businesses so make sure you are part
have a say in such reports?” is to join Big Voice. To make sure our of it.

Well the answer to the first question
can be summed up in just two words –
Big Voice.

And the answer to the second question
also has a simple two word response –
you can.

The Big Voice community has been
set up to try and be a quick and efficient
way of canvassing our members’
views on issues that matter to small
businesses.

Every FSB member is entitled – and
indeed encouraged – to be part of the
online community and when you have
signed up we will contact you every few
weeks with a short survey about your
feelings on a key business issue.

It is from the results of our Big Voice
survey that we then produce the reports
which you will see in both our local and
national press and it is through these
findings that we formulate the policies
that go on to become our main lobbying

Apprenticeships pave way to creative success for SMEs

As Government figures three-quarters of starts engineering and health and apprenticeships and which
reveal that the majority during the academic beauty as more and more provide the right pathway to
of people starting year 2013/14 were in companies switch onto the delivering the qualities SMEs
apprenticeships chose three sectors, business, benefits. They can bring need to secure their future
frameworks in the service administration and law, fresh thinking and new ideas skills needs.
sectors there is now, health, public services into the workplace.
more than ever before, a and care and retail and These range from
whole raft of interesting commercial enterprise. We are seeing a technical illustrator and
apprenticeships available to host of innovative, radio plugger through
meet the needs of SMEs. This reflects the growth exciting and relevant fashion and textile engineer
Apprenticeship statistics in apprenticeships beyond opportunities opening and pathology support
show that almost the traditional ones of up in areas traditionally worker to playworker and
building and construction, never associated with diamond mounter.

CONTENTS
CONTACT

THE
Regional News 2, 14 Telecoms 6 VOICE EDITORIAL: This publication is produced WELCOME to this your business in this
by and published for the Federation of Small latest edition magazine call Caroline
10 Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool of YOUR McLoughlin on 020
Farming, Fishing & Food 3 Environment Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE. Regional 7324 2777.
Voice bringing
Consumer Law 3 Taxation 10 © Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all you up-to- For editorial content,
rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel: 01253 date news contact Simon Hanson
Regional Contacts 361179 Email: [email protected]. from the FSB. on 01207 506 138 or
Employment 4 14 Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation email simon.hanson@
of this publication errors or omissions are not the
Financial & Legal 5-9 responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses

and opinions expressed are those of the authors and

are not necessarily the policy of the Federation.

To advertise fsb.org.uk

www.fsb.org.uk VoiceNorth East England Page 1

Massive
growth for
company

FSB member Lynn Carers receive the
Beasley has seen WDM NE Employer Award
grow exponentially over
the past year. Centre which is
caring for carers
Previously known as
Washington Direct Mail, Did you know services that help to as the organisations they
WDM has now bought that one in ten maintain their own health work for.
the premises they have of all people in and well-being in order to
previously rented for the employment in the carry on combining both The NE Employer Award
past 30 years. This was UK also have a caring their working and caring is designed to recognise,
made possible due to role in addition to roles. share and celebrate
the help of Lloyds Bank doing their job? examples of positive
which supported the Research has highlighted working practices within
company through the That means that 50 per how simple changes business organisations
full process. cent of all small businesses at work can help to irrespective of type or size.
in the UK are likely to have mitigate stress for
Not that it stops there; at least one person in their employees and increase It is a way of
Lynn said: “Now that workforce who is also a staff loyalty, productivity demonstrating the value
the building is ours we carer. and performance in the of investing in staff. We
have started updating it. workplace. are looking to work with
We’ve got new heating Carers are the unsung and support organisations
and lighting systems heroes in our society, Across the North-East just like yours for free by
and we’ve started providing unpaid help there is a network of signing up to the Carer
looking into solar and support for a friend carer’s centres whose Friendly Employer award,
panels.” or family member who, purpose is to offer the highlighting your support
due to illness, disability, a extra help carers need to for carers within your
It’s not just buildings mental health problem or carry out their role. workforce and signposting
that have helped grow an addiction, cannot cope them to support services
WDM but also a focus on without their support. They have established at your nearest Carers
some rigorous training an innovative national Centre.
through ISO9001 and Being a carer can often programme, The North
ISO 14001. be rewarding, but it can East Working Carers Contact Gateshead
also be hard work both Toolkit, initially developed Carers Association
Lynn said: “Having physically and emotionally. by Gateshead Carers 0191 490 0121 or
achieved ISO 9001 we Centre which supports both email enquiries@
are almost there with Carers need support carers who work as well gatesheadcarers.com
ISO 14001.”
College offering businesses future stars
The focus is moving
WDM from being Gateshead College is 1,421 apprentice enterprises that after she completed
perceived as just a meeting the needs of learners successfully require assured self- a Level 3 in Business
mailing house. small firms, ensuring completing their starters equipped Administration
they are equipped courses during with the skills to hit apprenticeship.
The businesswoman with the apprentices the academic year the ground running.
added: “We’ve also to drive growth. 2013-14. During a two-
updated our brand and One of these firms year placement at
website because we are The college has One area the is County Durham Gateshead College,
not just a mailing house. been in the top college is working agency We Are The Carly developed
ten per cent of hard in to meet Works which has her skills and said:
“So we are moving apprenticeship employers needs taken on 18-year- “Getting practical
away from Washington providers in England is in the creative old Carly Toal as an experience whilst
Direct Mail to WDM. for three years with sector populated by assistant marketing learning gives you a
It makes sense as 80 per cent of its small and dynamic account executive great advantage.”
we’ve never been in
Washington anyway and
we are promoting We
Do More which is very
true.”

There have also been
changes in the way the
company is run.

Lynn’s eldest son Jon
is working hard on the
technical side of the
business to help develop
bespoke solutions for
their mailing projects.

The youngest son,
David, has taken over
the Finance and HR
Management side
and heads up the
improvement projects.

Page 2 THEVoice North East England www.fsb.org.uk

Mark is helping his AGM events
diary

jewellery to shine Newcastle/Northumberland
Branch AGM 2015 on
FSB member Mark that old chestnut of work Mark Lloyd Wednesday 28 October 2015
Lloyd has grown on your business and not in at Northern Rugby Club,
Mobeus Jewellers it, a difficult task for most Mobeus increasing the McCracken Park, Great North
based in Hartlepool small SMEs.” turnover to over £250,000 Road, Gosforth, Newcastle
from strength-to- for the first time, putting upon Tyne, NE3 2DT.
strength over the past Purchasing new the business in the top It runs from 7pm
year. machinery has also 28 per cent of all UK (registration from 6.30pm)
been important to the businesses. and is followed by a buffet
You may remember we development of the and presentation.
featured Mark in The Voice business. Mark personally has also Nomination forms and roles
last year due to the success gained Associate Fellowship and responsibilities for
he was having at national A new laser welder has with the Institute of branch officer positions are
events. allowed Mark to do things Professional Goldsmiths. available from the Branch
he couldn’t do before and Secretary Anne Keenlyside
Since then new staff have do things that he could do This is a much sought on 0191 284 3871 or admin@
been recruited, machinery much faster and, in some after and difficult to achieve gistt.co.uk.
bought and significant cases, far better. status. Closing date for nominations
personal accolades have is 5pm on the 15 September
been achieved. This has all resulted from Mark said: “This is a key 2015.
Fellowship because it is South Tyne and Wear Branch
With rising demand for based upon your ability.” AGM 2015 is on Monday
jewellery being produced 2 November 2015 at the
by the company, Mark Sea Hotel, Sea Road, South
has taken on a part-time Shields, Tyne & Wear NE33
member of staff. 2LD. It starts at 7.30pm
(registration from 7pm) and
This has allowed Mark to is followed by Fish and Chip
concentrate on working on Supper.
the business rather than in Nomination forms and roles
the business. and responsibilities for
regional officer positions are
The North-East available from the Branch
businessman said: “I took Secretary Geoff Riddell on
someone else on this year 0191 4190086 or geofffsb@
part-time in the workshop gmail.com.
because we are really busy. Closing date for nominations
is 6pm on the 27 September
“I needed to concentrate 2015.
on the bespoke side of the Hartlepool Branch AGM 2015
business and also more is on Tuesday 10 November
time running the business, 2015 at Cafe One77, 177 York
Road, Hartlepool TS26 9EQ.
Partnership allows you It starts at 6pm registration
to share your views from 5.30pm.
Nomination forms and roles
We’ve been working in performing and for you The Bank of England and responsibilities for
partnership with the to tell them how your regional officer positions are
Bank of England to business is faring. available from the Branch
ensure your voice is Vice-chair Sarah Ainslie on
heard in the corridors Our meetings have 0755 3362193or szainslie@
of power. heard how members yahoo.co.uk. Closing date for
are attracting nominations is noon on the
With a new team at investment, taking on 22 September 2015.
the bank in the North- new staff and entering Tees Valley Branch AGM 2015
East we’ve ensured new markets. is on Thursday 12 November
that the voice of small 2015. The venue TBC. It
businesses like yours We’ve had a range starts at 6.30pm (registration
has been heard and of businesses from and buffet from 6pm).
acted on. sectors including Nomination forms and roles
construction, events, and responsibilities for
Over the past six road maintenance and branch officer positions are
months we have held web design. available from the Branch
a couple of breakfast Secretary Lynne Hammond
meetings with Our next meeting will on 01642 595499 or
members in Newcastle, be held on September lynnehammond@btinternet.
County Durham and 3 at Tadea UK’s offices com.
Teesside. in Billingham. Closing date for nominations
is noon on the 24th
The purpose of the If you’re interested in September 2015.
meetings is to get an getting involved please
update from the bank let Simon Hanson know
on how the economy is by emailing simon.
[email protected]

www.fsb.org.uk VoiceNorth East England THE Page 11

Working for yourself and

the secret of enjoying it

Deciding to set up a your financial affairs and costs. Getting to grips with others? Create branding
business on your own taxation in addition to any some of these essential that your target audience
can be an exciting legal issues or specific parts of the business can can easily recognise and
prospect, but it can requirements around get you off to a healthy understand and use it
also be daunting if it insurance, health and safety start. Successfully working consistently in all of your
is something of which or data protection. for yourself also involves communications.
you have no prior knowing who you are and
experience. Some of these areas what you want to achieve. Where you work and how
will be essential to your much space you require
Fortunately, there is business whilst other types Even if you are a one- will depend on the nature
plenty of guidance available of information can provide person outfit, think of your of your business. At the
to steer you on the right strategies that help to business in terms of a basic level, you might only
path and to ensure you reap minimise your brand. What is the message need a laptop and internet
the benefits from your new that you want to get connection. Try to maintain
venture.
across to a professional set-up
No new business owner wherever you work.
is expected to be an expert Try to set your hours
in all areas of business as best as you can so
management so don’t be that overtime does not
afraid to ask for help.
become the norm. If
The Federation of you try to abide by
Small Businesses is a a set of rules or
professional body that criteria, such as
can help new businesses your work ethic
get off the ground so and types of
get in touch if there are clients or work you
specific areas about prefer, you will not
which you need advice. only find your work
enjoyable, but you
This could include will be able to carve
aspects such as out the reputation
how to deal with you desire.

What businesses want from new Government Top ten
issues
In the first survey of business and ensuring growth will have to move quickly to
small business owners to in every nation and region of demonstrate that they will
be conducted since the the UK, not just London and truly do all they can to back

2015 UK General Election, the south east. small business. b1u. rRdeednuc(5e3r%eg)ulatory
the Federation of Small When asked what Mike Cherry, Policy (s25i.m1I%pnltir)foiedductaexasmysotreem
Businesses (FSB) reveals
results from 2,327 small issues they would like the Director, Federation of Small r3a.tReesf(o4r4m%b)usiness
firms. Government to focus on Businesses, said: “Today’s 4. Improve the
over the next five years, well wide ranging research sends 6cb5yeo.ro.monHuDpanenedlelgolpbicyvtpaUaeienvbrKodiitiplsmyi/tlmey(pm3ar(s9olo4klv%b1ilei%ll)sde)of
The FSB research found over half (53%) said they a very clear message on mbuosrienejosbsess(3to4%cre)ate
well over a third (35%) of wanted Ministers to reduce what small businesses want 7. Tackle late
the businesses questioned the regulatory burden on from the new Government – payments (33%)
wanted a sustained business, with simplification a supportive, light touch tax 8. Lower energy
economic recovery to be of the tax system a close and regulatory environment costs for
the top priority for the new second on 51 per cent. in which to grow their (30%) businesses
Conservative Government in Business owners were also business, creating prosperity
the next parliament. clear that reforming business and jobs. 9. Ensure better
rates and improving the access to finance
Mike Cherry, Policy Director employability of young people “Over the five years (28%)
of FSB, said: “This response were important benchmarks of this Parliament, our
from FSB members shows for the next five years. member’s top priorities are 10. Increase
first and foremost businesses to lighten the burdens of investment in
want stability and certainty. As part of the survey, FSB regulation and tax, reform infrastructure (26%)
This requires putting public members were also asked broken business rates,
finances on a sound footing, to say how confident they support the development
and then for Ministers to are the new Government will and skills of young people,
give a comprehensive vision deliver for small businesses. and improve broadband and
for how they will support Many appeared positive mobile connectivity. We look
enterprise followed by a clear with half (51%) saying they forward to meeting with
timetable for when they will are either confident or very Ministers to discuss how we
deliver it.” confident. However, with over can help make this happen
a quarter (28%) claiming and continue to foster the
Other important priorities to be either unconfident or economic conditions which
for business owners were

lowering the cost of doing very unconfident, Ministers allow enterprise to flourish.”

www.fsb.org.uk VoiceNorth East England THE Page 12

We look forward Glasgow
to welcoming you 2016.
to our wonderful
Glasgow hosts our
city of Glasgow National Conference in
next year! 2016. It is Scotland’s
largest city and one of
Europe’s most vibrant and
dynamic destinations.

FSB Small Business Expo
& National Conference
17—19 March 2016

SECC Clyde Auditorium
Glasgow G3 8YW

Federation of Small Businesses
Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool
Lancashire, FY4 2FE

01253 336000

www.fsb.org.uk/conference2016

Chic Lisa Naomi has sweet
proving a
retail point smell of success

FSB member Lisa Tsang Starting a retail Candle Essence
is proving the naysayers business is never
wrong in Seaham. easy, but FSB fragrances and a larger news doesn’t end there.
member Naomi Hogg range of home fragrance With the business growing
Last August Lisa opened has shown that it products.” and demand for candles
up a little boutique gift can be incredibly rising, Naomi has opened a
and interior store called rewarding. She now showcases over second shop in Newcastle.
Seaside Chic within Seaham 70 fragrances of Yankee
Harbour Marina. Naomi started her Candles and a wide range Naomi said: “I’ve had
business on a small of accessories. Candle a very successful shop
Lisa said: “As with all wooden stall in the middle Essence stocks everything in the Intu Metrocentre
retail, it is a gamble and of the mall at the Intu from WoodWick Candles, shopping centre for the
several naysayers said Metrocentre. Candleberry Co Candles past five years and have
I was crazy. I’m really and Reed Diffusers to just celebrated my eight-
pleased with our start and Since then, Candle car air fresheners and year anniversary of trading
I now have two ladies who Essence has never looked essential oils. The good at the centre.”
work part-time in the shop. back and she has recently
opened a second shop in
“We’re by no means the centre of Newcastle.
rolling in it, and I’m still
climbing the retail learning Her original outlet
curve, but we’re moving has become one of
in the right direction with Yankee Candle’s largest
steady growth.” UK stockists and she is
recognised as a specialist.
She added: “Moving the
business into a position Naomi, who was 23
to offer some local when she initially started
employment was one of in business, said: “After
my key objectives and I running a successful
thought I’d share it with business from a retail
other members. merchandising unit in the
mall I realised I needed a
“The local population bigger space.
and visitors have really
embraced the shop and “I wanted to stock more
our unique identity and we
work extremely hard to Cameron launches his own practice
keep it fresh and exciting.
After years of Cameron will He said: “I’ve qualification.
“There has been working for big focus on delivering worked for some of “Having experience
significant regeneration accountancy firms, exceptional service the biggest names in running a small
into this area with more to Cameron Sibbald for a fair fee to small in the business and business will help us
come. has launched his businesses, charities hold the prestigious go the extra mile for
own practice. and start-ups. ICAEW ACA clients.”
“Whilst the future face of
retail will remain a difficult
landscape to navigate,
by investing in the right
products, people and place
we will always have a part
to play.”

REGIONAL CONTACTS BRANCH CONTACTS

Regional Chairman Ted Salmon Hartlepool Teesside
Peter Greenwell Dianne Hitchen
07790 611638 [email protected] [email protected]
Phil Pallent
[email protected] Newcastle/N’land 01642 458 566 or 07931 557919
Brian Dixon [email protected]
Vice Chairman Anne Keenlyside 0191 2662049
[email protected] OTHER CONTACTS
0191 284 3871 [email protected]
Paul Wakefield Lynne Hammond (MLO)
Vice Chairman Mike Janes [email protected] 07762 940769
[email protected]
07811 265305 South Tyne & Wear
Geoff Riddell www.fsb.org.uk
[email protected] 0191 4190086 or 07860 301041
[email protected]
Regional Treasurer Bill Keenlyside Gudrun Lauret
07803 749799
0191 2843871 [email protected]

[email protected]

National Councillor & Regional

Secretary Lynne Hammond

01642 576405 M: 07762 940769

[email protected]

Development Manager Simon Hanson
01207 506138 M: 07917 628937
[email protected]

Page 14 THEVoice North East England