Mediation in Business launches training division

November 30, 2011 in Advice, Bristol, Business Tips, Training with Comments Off

Mediation in Business (MiB) [1] recently celebrated its first birthday in September and is excited to add a training division to its portfolio, which will focus on the fundamental cornerstones of mediation training.

MiB is a joint venture between Business West [2] and ADR Group [3] and provides a complete resolution package to help businesses resolve disputes with a specialised hybrid panel of expert mediators. These are highly qualified professionals with expert knowledge in many aspects of business.

MiB has tailored ADR Group’s highly successful training courses, which have developed some of the most experienced legal negotiators’ skill sets over 21 years, for the work place environment and business management.

James Monk, Director, Business West and MiB said: “Mediation in Business has helped businesses in the south west through mediation for over a year now. It was always our ambition to provide the necessary skills and tools for those businesses to manage differences independently – that’s why the launch of our training is so important. We have sought to provide the best level of training for our business community at an achievable rate and I’m very proud that this is now being delivered.”

Ben Wheale, Mediation in Business said “Our trainers, like our mediators, have firsthand experience in handling difficult situations and resolving disputes. They have trained some of the country’s most senior legal and non-legal business people. They now deliver the same standard of training to the local business community with a commitment to excellent value.”

The first course to be launched is ‘Handling Difficult Conversations’ which will be delivered on 18 January 2012 at Leigh Court, Bristol.  This course builds up a skill base which can be used by junior and senior management to avoid negative and difficult situations getting out of hand.

Business Show Swindon returns for 2012

November 17, 2011 in Event, Swindon with Comments Off

After the enormous success of the inaugural Business Show Swindon, it returns for its second year on 1 February 2012 at STEAM.  The show is organised by GWE and will feature a broad showcase of 80 exhibitors from across the region.

Delegates can look forward to a high profile key note speaker with details to be announced late November. The ever-popular speed networking sessions return and the show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of GWE The Initiative and Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest LinkedIn group in the South West with over 3200 members.  Further information will be posted on the group soon.  Businesses can visit www.gwebwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

Swindon Business News is the show’s media partner this year providing local businesses with timely and relevant opportunities for the Business Show.

Exhibition stands are on sale now with prices ranging from £200 to £900.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk to download an exhibition floor plan and book your stand.

Ian Larrard, Director of GWE The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire said: “This year’s Business Show was a great success with over 750 attendees.  Feedback from local businesses was overwhelmingly positive with a large number expressing support for the show to become an annual event.  I am confident that the Business Show Swindon 2012 will build on this and become the place to network and do business in Swindon.”

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.  To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

South West Business Experts Provide Help to US Companies

November 9, 2011 in Advice, International Trade with Comments Off

UK Professional Services have recently carried out a survey with the help of the UK Trade & Investment North American Office which identified the substantial appetite within the US for a turn-key organisation to assist in setting up in the UK.

UK Professional Services is a collaboration between Veale Wasbrough Vizards, Business Control and Baker Tilly in association with Business West and HSBC, bringing together South West international and technical experts ‘under one roof’. It provides a one-stop-shop for all the essential professional services required when setting up in the UK such as accounting, payroll, legal advice, tax, banking and business support.

A range of US companies were surveyed from a cross section of industries including financial services, creative media, life sciences, ICT, consumer goods and energy and environment.  The survey provided interesting results with 66% of respondents highlighting that they needed tax support and 46% identifying employment law as an area requiring assistance. The top five service providers they envisaged needing to use to help set up in the UK were: accountant, lawyer, banker, business support specialist and Chamber of Commerce; all of which UK Professional Services can provide access to.

Tony Kujawa, UK Professional Services said: “UK Professional Services is ideally placed to help foreign companies entering the UK market because of the expert alliance of companies involved.  The survey results further reinforce that US companies require business support experts, access to Chamber of Commerce services, accountants and lawyers, all of which UK Professional Services provides.”

To find out more visit www.ukprofessionalservices.co.uk or call Tony Kujawa on 0844 879 3241.

‘Adminnovation’ – Countless opportunities to improve the way your business gets things done.

November 3, 2011 in Business Tips with Comments Off

Innovation. It’s not just about big ideas – it’s about small or incremental improvements we can all make, in almost all areas of our working lives. And it’s not just about creating innovative products or services – it’s about processes, about improving how we do things.

So let’s take this inherently positive process and apply it to something less glamorous but just as important: administration. What do you get? ‘Adminnovation’.

Consider the countless opportunities for ‘adminnovation’. Take for instance the following tasks from typical ‘administrative assistant’ job specifications:

  • Organise calendars and meetings.
  • Compile and distribute minutes of meetings.
  • Create and develop documents such as invoices and expenses forms.
  • Maintain hard copy and electronic filing systems.
  • Research and purchase office supplies.
  • Provide office orientation for new employees.
  • Meet and greet visitors.

In addition to making improvements in such general areas, adminnovation may also be possible in specific administrative areas such as finance, information technology or human resources.

One of the most obvious ways to begin innovating is to seek out problems and then come up with solutions. So look for weaknesses or problems in your administrative processes. Then ask: can you adapt processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency? Or, where there are no obvious problems, could you simplify administrative processes to make them more efficient than they were before?

Reviewing your administrative processes and deciding where there’s room for improvement helps to create an ‘innovation agenda’ which sets out key priorities for adminnovation.

Research suggests that the most innovative companies are those in which innovation is proactively planned, encouraged, managed and measured by top management. Research also indicates that the most innovative ideas come from employees, rather than external sources such as business partners or customers. So, why not bring management and administrative staff together in pursuit of adminnovation?

Working together, an adminnovation team could identify objectives, brainstorm solutions and implement good ideas immediately. The involvement of management in the process means that good ideas are less prone to barriers to implementation, and more likely to receive the attention and resources they require.

The most obvious benefit of adminnovation is improved business effectiveness and efficiency. But in addition, administrative employees may obtain job satisfaction from working with management to solve problems, and also benefit from a more productive and problem-free working life. In essence – it’s a win win. So what could be more useful and valuable than business adminnovation?

10 tips for effective presentations and confident public speaking.

November 3, 2011 in Business Tips with Comments Off

1. Know your stuff
A confident speaker knows his content inside out. There’s no substitute for adequate preparation.

2. Know your audience
A HBR Blogs article offers its number one rule, “Know thy audience”, adding that “the really interesting things to know about audience members are, what do they fear? What are their dreams? Where do they want to be led? And what have they had recent cause to like or dislike? Only once you understand the emotional state of the audience are you ready to begin to design a presentation for them.”

3. Focus on one key message
“Many studies show that we only remember a small percentage of what we hear – somewhere between 10-30 percent”, says HBR Blogs; “Against this dismal human truth there is only one defense: focus your presentation on a single idea.” A commenter on HBR’s article adds: “On the one point: Repeat it three times. At the beginning ‘Tell em what you are going to tell em’. Then at the appropriate point in the presentation ‘Tell em!’. As you wrap up at the conclusion ‘Tell em what you have told em’.

4. Tell a story
Most presentations aim to ‘sell’ an idea, and key to marketing is telling a compelling story. So for example, a presentation may begin by outlining the problems or challenges at hand, the middle expresses your ideas for overcoming these challenges, and the end paints a triumphant vision of resulting success.

5. Keep slides simple and clear
Guy Kawasaki offers the ‘10-20-30 rule’ which states that a presentation “should have ten slides, last no more than twenty minutes, and contain no font smaller than thirty points”. Whether or not you adhere to a rigid formula, try to ensure slides clearly display only the most important or noteworthy points.

6. Rehearse
Rehearse once or twice, on your own or with an audience, to highlight points that need clarifying or shortening. But don’t overdo it – rehearsing too much could make your presentation sound unnatural.

7. Avoid reading
If possible, avoid reading from a script or regurgitating what’s on your slides. It’s useful to take cues from slides, but consider them the ‘headlines’, and make sure what you say ‘adds value’ or ‘colour’.

8. Be personal and engaging
Injecting your personality into presentations may help people to feel engaged. You may do this with an occasional joke or entertaining slide, or a relevant anecdote, analogy or story that supports or illustrates specific points. This also prompts you to smile, which in itself is important to engaging with people.

9. Interact with your audience
Make eye contact with people, and rather than singling out one or two individuals, engage with as many eyes as possible. Moving around may help to connect with more people. Another way to interact with your audience is to ask them questions at appropriate points in your presentation.

10. Stimulate your ‘go’ system
Some psychologists think that people have a ‘stop system’ which makes us avoid things we fear, and a ‘go system’ which encourages us to approach fears head on. Psychology Today advises: “The best way to over-ride your Stop System on speech-making day is to stimulate your Go System. To do this, do something – anything – that makes you feel “up” and excited.” Exercise, or listening to your favourite song, are just a couple of examples which could perk you up and increase your confidence.

What’s your tip for better presentations and public speaking?
Please share it by commenting…

SW Regional Growth Fund success safeguards 23,000 jobs

November 2, 2011 in Policy & Legislation with Comments Off

South West Regional Growth Fund success safeguards 23,000 jobs, retaining vital expertise.

Commenting on the announcement made by Nick Clegg on the second round of the government’s Regional Growth Fund, Tessa Coombes, Policy and Communications Director  at Business West said:

“With only 7% of approved bids providing benefit to our region compared to 20% for the North West and North East, we are naturally disappointed and we would urge the government to consider its approach for future funding opportunities.  We believe there is more benefit to be gained by investing in areas like the West of England, Gloucestershire and Swindon/Wiltshire where there is a good track record of delivering private sector jobs growth.”

Phil Smith Managing Director of Business West also commented:

“We fully support the projects that have been approved and the jobs that have been safeguarded are fundamentally important to this region.  But the speed at which this funding is delivered will be fundamental to the success of the Regional Growth Fund. The projects supported by the fund must be started as soon as possible.

“The Regional Growth Fund on its own is not enough to stimulate business growth. In his Autumn Statement, the Chancellor must introduce further measures that will deliver confidence to businesses, in particular small and medium-sized companies. The government must develop a strategy that encourages infrastructure development, reduces red tape and provides additional trade finance support to help firms export. Only then will companies have the confidence to expand, invest and create jobs, and get the UK’s recovery back on track.”

South West successful bidders were: Universal Engineering, Mulberry Company, DTR VMS, Airbus Operations, Geothermal Engineering, The Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP, City of Bristol College, North Somerset Council and one bidder that remains unnamed for commercial reasons.

Important information for businesses regarding the Riots

August 10, 2011 in Advice with Comments Off

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued information for businesses affected by the riots.  The ABI wants to reassure businesses that insurance companies are on hand to answer their questions.  They are also urging people to read their insurance policy’s terms and conditions carefully to check what they are covered for and if necessary, to contact their insurance company for additional clarification. Click here for further advice and information. 

The British Chambers of Commerce has also been asked by the COBRA Committee and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) to spread the following message to chamber members:

“Following a meeting of the Government’s Cobra committee for dealing with emergencies this morning (9th August), the Prime Minister has made clear that the Government will do everything necessary to restore order to Britain’s streets.

To assist the police, businesses are urged to support any requests to release employees to undertake their duties as Special Constables. The UK currently has around 15,000 volunteer members of the public nationally serving as Special Constables with police forces across the country.”

Giving more power to councils over business rates will boost economy

June 30, 2011 in Economy, Policy & Legislation with 1 Comment

Commenting on the announcement made by Nick Clegg at the LGA Conference on localising business rates, Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, said:

“The Government’s plans to allow councils to retain business rates are a step in the right direction, and will enable communities to benefit from their own success. Giving councils the freedom to lower rates will help them attract thriving businesses to their areas, which in turn will boost enterprise and growth.

“However, this must not be used as an opportunity to increase rates, which could see us return to the days of councils using rates to subsidise lower council taxes. A national cap must be implemented to prevent the system from being misused, and firms must be reassured that business rates will not be set above the current uniform rate.

“Retaining business rate revenues will promote a pro-growth and pro-business attitude among councils. Together, with new powers to borrow against those revenues to finance infrastructure projects, these plans have the potential to really drive economic development at a crucial time for the UK economy. But we have heard a similar rhetoric from the Government on these issues before. Now is the time to act on these promises and create the right conditions for the UK economy to thrive.”

Major Transport Schemes – have your say on proposals and funding options

June 22, 2011 in Bristol, Transport with Comments Off

You are invited by Bristol City Council to a special meeting which is being held for the business community on funding options for Bristol’s major transport schemes – the South Bristol Link and the Bus Rapid Transit network.  These schemes form the cornerstone of Bristol’s future transport policy.  Following a reduction in national funding, the council has identified a number of options, not only to fund the local contribution for these vital schemes but to reduce the impact of traffic on Bristol’s business community.  One option is a possible Workplace Parking Levy.  Business West has in its discussions with the council agreed to help publicise this important event which is taking place at short notice at 5pm on Wednesday 29th June at the Council House.  We strongly encourage you to attend to ensure business is well represented, able to engage and express its views.  For more details, please see the attached invitation letter.  To confirm your attendance, please email  jane.harding@bristol.gov.uk

Network Central – win a stand at this premier networking event

June 22, 2011 in Event with Comments Off

Network Central Bristol on 5th July, supported by Business West has already attracted over 200 businesses and now you have an opportunity to win a stand at this event worth up to £250!  Network Central is an opportunity for business people to meet and make contacts from many different sectors and hear from some key guest speakers.  This year, there is a speed networking session from 9.00am and a working lunch session from 1pm until 2.15pm.  During lunch, three prestigious speakers; Robert Craven “The Directors’ Centre”, Brad Burton “MD 4Networking” and Katie Hopkins of “Apprentice fame”, will speak for 10 minutes each and this will be followed by a Q & A session.  Network Central takes place on Tuesday 5th July at the Bristol City Football Stadium, Ashton Gate, Bristol, from 10am until 3.30pm.  Click here to take part in the prize draw to win a stand.  For more information and to book a stand visit: www.networkcentral.me

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