Aug-Oct 2012 Alton Chamber News

Chamber NewsAlton

August-October 2012

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www.AltonChamber.co.uk

August-October 2012

Inside this issue…▪ Business Profile: Top Print▪ Keeping your website portable▪ Breath life into Alton business▪ Hidden Britain in Alton


Chamber NewsThe Voice of Alton Business

Alton

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August-October 2012Chamber NewsAlton


Alton Chamber News is the official quarterlyjournal of Alton Chamber of Commerce &Industry, produced as a service to members.

Editor & Advertising: Stephen LewisE-mail: [email protected]: 01420 544881Post: 4 High St, Alton, Hants GU34 1BUWeb: www.altonchamber.co.uk

The printed newsletter is printed courtesyof Top Print (see advert below).

COVERSTORY

Giles Lock (right)of Top Print talksto members abouthis business - seep7 for theirBusiness Profile

IN THIS ISSUE3 Alton College Student speaks Visit to Jane Austen’s House Museum4 Secretary’s Corner5 President’s Roundup6 Parliamentary Record7 Business profile: Top Print8 Local News Group Reports

Sept 21st (Friday) Wine Tasting at Alton Grange HotelOct 25th (Thursday) Networking at Swan HotelNov 29th (Thursday) AGM & “Meet the Councillors”

Copy Date: Friday 26th Oct 2012

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Chamber NewsAlton

August-October 2012

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Recent Chamber EventsAlton CollegeStudent speaks

Our 25th May event was part of the successful‘Job & Work Experience Fair’ put on by AltonCommunity Centre. The fair took place on boththe Friday and Saturday (reported on elsewhere inthis issue), so it seemed logical to ask the studentthat we sponsored to speak to us.

In 2011 we agreed a new scholarship with theAlton College Foundation to provide a second yearstudent each year with a £600 grant to help themfinish their course and plan ongoing studies. Thefirst recipient was Hester Watson, a businessstudies student.

We started the evening by asking one of thefoundation’s trustees, Nicholas (Nicky) Branch, tospeak. He explained that the foundation was setup to improve the prospects for students with thegreatest potential. The scholarships and bursaries help tolevel the playing field for talented youngsters who deserveto go on to greater things.

Hester then spoke to us about what she spent the moneyon and what her aspirations are for her future educationand career. She explained that she was planning to spendthe bulk of the Chamber’s scholarship on work experience

On 27th June we visited Jane Austen’s House Museum inChawton. Most local people will know of it, but how manyhave visited recently? Quite a few members took thechance to see the house and the new education centre.

Jane Austen is known the world over and each yearmore than 30,000 people visit her house in Chawton. It isrun by a independent trust who have the difficult job ofdealing with all these people and looking after the fabricof the building and its contents. A wide range of peoplevisit, but quite a few regard it almost as a pilgrimage tosee where their favourite author wrote her works.

Alton does not seem to have made anything of its closeproximity to this huge attraction until very recently whenthe Chamber established the Jane Austen Regency Week.Both Alton and Chawton have got something to gain fromeach other. The museum’s trust would like businesses touse of their facilities and provide sponsorship, whilst Altonhas many service businesses who could greatly benefit ifmore visitors could be encouraged to come into town.

Can you imagine going to Stratford upon Avon andfinding nothing about Shakespeare or going to Haworth inYorkshire and finding nothing about the Brontë sisters? Notonly is Jane Austen of equal stature in the eyes of her

with Unilever in Switzerland this summer. She has beenlearning German and was keen to improve this along withher understanding of International business practices.

We were all very impressed with Hester’s ambitions andwe wish her well with her ongoing studies. The nextscholarship student has since been selected and we lookforward to hearing from them in spring 2013.

Jane Austen’s HouseMuseum visit

many devotees, but it must seem strange to visitors howlittle is made of her in the area. Conversely, Bath has theJane Austen Centre and people could be forgiven forthinking that Bath was “Jane Austen country”. In fact, itwas Chawton where she either wrote or re-wrote herbooks, so we need to make more of this connection.

The new Education centre is a delightful building withgood facilities for meetings and lectures, with uses forboth local organisations and businesses. It could be usedfor meetings, training sessions or as a classy venue for anexecutive meeting or presentation. For more info, see:

www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERSBusiness: Swan Hotel (Old English Inns)Contact: Simon & Sheila Gibson (General Managers)Field of business: AccommodationWeb: www.oldenglishinns.co.uk/altonTel: 01420 83777E-mail: [email protected]: Swan Hotel, High Street, Alton, Hants. GU34 1AT

Website progressSince the last issue, we have received all the tenders

and chosen Create Design Studio. This business is run byDavid Woodroofe who put forward a tender that very muchsuited our limited budget. It is pleasing to be passing thework to a member, but also to be starting on the road toour new website. We have since met and settled theinitial generic layout design for the site and this will leadto a test website being set up. Your truly and othercommittee members will then have the task of providingthe content before we can approve it and make it live.

Waitrose open their doorsWhether you are a fan of Waitrose or not, they have

made their mark with their new building. The headlines inthe local paper tell us that 4 people applied for every jobavailable. At the time of writing, they were on the cuspof opening, but anecdotal evidence shows that quite a fewpeople will welcome their store opening. I am sure thatmany of Alton’s retailers are much less happy about this

By Stephen Lewis

new store opening on the edge of town. Some think thatit will encourage more people from our catchment villagesto shop in Alton. After all, we can now offer Waitrose,M&S and a good number of specialist independent shops tothose with discerning tastes. Sainsbury’s will also havesome direct competition, hopefully encouraging them tosharpen themselves up a bit. However, it remains to beseen if any of this will bring real benefits to High Streetbusinesses. Watch this space.

Alton Word Fest is the works (29th Sept - 6th Oct)This annual week of literary-related events continues to

grow each year. The chairmanship has been taken on byBryan Harrison because Pat Lerew felt that it was oneevent too many to oversee. In general, things are comingtogether, all be it rather last-minute (as usual). The “PintPot of Fire” remains a popular part of the week’s events,although we can only bask in the reflected glory thanks tothe hard work of the organiser, Elliott Manley.

As with the Jane Austen Regency Week, I find myselfwishing for a town manager to help make Word Fest biggerand better. We are hoping to pick up the baton over theprojects outlined in the Tesco S106 consultation and see ifwe can start something by other means. It is not an easything to contemplate in these difficult times, but if wereally want to get people coming from far and wide, weneed someone who can put their full weight behind themarketing, planning and management.

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Chamber NewsAlton

August-October 2012

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President’s RoundupI know that many of us are still suffering the effects of

the recession and for many business levels are still a littleerratic. However, contrary to all the economic indicators,I have noted that several members appear to beexperiencing a steady improvement in business activity.Other businesses that I come into contact with also appearto be a little more positive, or a least more relaxed aboutthe future. And while it’s certainly not the time forcelebrations let’s hope this slight optimism heralds thestart of an improving business environment.

Steady progress is also being made within the Chamberin the three main areas of interest, i.e. retail, tourism andcommercial. Our new structure reflects these sectors toprovide more relevant services for the needs of members.Following Sanya Ward’s successes with the Retail GroupI’ve been particularly pleased with the recent progressmade within the tourism sector. Working with the Townand District councils and other interested groups, such andthe Alton Society, a number of initiatives have beenstarted which should result in a more coherent approachto marketing the town to potential visitors. While I am onthe subject of tourism, this year’s Jane Austen RegencyWeek was a great success. This event which aims topromote one of our greatest tourist attractions has grownconsiderably over the years, so well done to Pat Lerew,the Chamber’s coordinator for the event.

The Commercial sector, the newest of our focusedgroups, is also working on ways of tailoring our services

towards supporting the large number of businesses locatedon our trading estates, high street offices and thenumerous business parks that have sprung up in ourvillages – not forgetting those of you that work from home.

While I see all this activity as positive and whilerecognising the hard work of all those involved, the factremains that with a little more help we could do a lotmore, particularly in the new commercial group. So if youhave any comments as to how you would like see ourservices develop, please get in touch. Better still if youfeel able to help us shape the Chamber’s future, thebenefits of getting involved are many fold; membershiprepresents good value and the group offers unequalledopportunity for business networking – so please get in touch

Finally I would like to pass on congratulations to DavidGay and his team for organising the successful recruitmentfair held at the end of May, an event supported by theChamber. I would also like to thank Hester Watson, lastyears recipient of our scholarship, who presented anoverview of her work at the Chamber’s evening receptionheld in conjunction with that event. We have nowselected our candidate for next year’s sponsorship and Iam looking forward to introducing her to you and reportingon both of our student’s work and developing careers infuture editions of this News Letter.

Andy Goodall, [email protected]

(Market Street Gallery)

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PARLIAMENTARY RECORD

National LoanGuarantee Scheme &Funding for Lending

This is a non-political section to examine what Parliament is doing , looking at issues relevant tobusiness, both locally and at a national level.

The NLGS was launched in March to help businessesaccess lower cost finance. Around £5 billion in guaranteeswill be made available in the first tranche. Participatingbanks are to pass on the benefit they receive from theguarantees to SMEs. Businesses that take out an NLGS loanshould benefit from a discount of 1 %pt compared to theinterest rate that they would otherwise have got from thatbank outside the scheme. Apply through a participatingbank listed at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/nlgs.htm. A fullFAQ document for businesses thinking of applying isavailable on the Treasury website:www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/national_loan_guarantee_scheme_faq.pdf

To build on the NLGS, on the 13 July the Chancellor andBank of England announced a new ‘funding for lending’scheme. This is to reach far more widely by helping bankswith the funding pressures they are under from theinstability in international markets – but only in return formore lending across the economy. For more info see:www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ukecon_fundingforlending_index.htm

Apprenticeships &Work Experience

In 2010-11 there was an increase of almost 13% in thenumber of under-19s starting an apprenticeship in Englandand 63% for people of all ages. In East Hants the growthrates were 20% and 53% respectively. Altogether, 440people took up places locally compared to 280 the prioryear. The Government are offering grants of up to £1,500to SMEs taking on a first apprentice aged between 16 and24 - see www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers. In somecases there are subsidies of up to £2,275 each available forbusinesses who take on an 18 to 24 year-old from the WorkProgramme.

This is a significant potential business opportunity inenergy efficiency. Homes, community spaces andbusinesses can put in energy efficiency improvements atno up-front cost, and recoup payments through a charge ininstalments on the energy bill. It is estimated that theGreen Deal could support 100,000 jobs nationally withinfive years. There is a lot more information online:www.decc.gov.uk/greendeal

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The Green Deal

Chamber NewsAlton

August-October 2012

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Located in Alton, Hampshire operating from our purposebuilt, solar-powered production facility Top Print isentering the fifth decade of service to our customers.

Top Print produces on-demand digital print for industrythe World over. Our clients range from regional branchesof the National Childbirth Trust to US software giants, toFTSE 100 companies such as Royal Bank of Scotland andSage Software, right through to individuals operating fromhome and every size of company in between.

The environment in which we all live and work is a keyconsideration in how we operate. We only use FSC or PEFCcertified materials, the nationwide delivery system thatwe use is certified carbon neutral, over 90% of our wastein recycled and the array of 96 solar panels on our factoryroof provide a large proportion of our energy needs.Despite being the Worlds fastest and most efficient digitalprint engines, with a combined speed of almost 1000 A4images per minute, the two Océ 6000 series machines thatwe have use up to 40% less power and are energy ratedwith 5 stars.

As a result of continued and sustained reinvestment wefind that demand for our services continues to grow as ourclients switch away from the bulky print runs of old, to amore targeted, better value and waste free offering. Aswe say, “Your print doesn't have to cost the earth.”

Giles Lock, Managing Director,Top Print (Lock Group Limited)t: 01252 714526 e: [email protected]: www.topprint.co.ukUnits 14&15 Riverside, Omega Park, Alton, Hants GU34 2UF

On 26th July Giles Lock kindly invited Chamber membersto visit his business. It turns out that Giles likes cookingbarbecues and we enjoyed his food and company on a finesunny evening. Members were able to chat and see forthemselves the investment that Top Print has made in highoutput digital Océ machines. They were able to show usthat apart from printing, they have machines capable offolding, binding and stapling, enabling them to producebooklets and catalogues in high volumes. Top Print’scommitment to ecologically sound printing materials andelectricity also makes them stand out from the crowd. Ontop of all this, they are also able to design for print, sothey are a very versatile company. They have printed thisvery newsletter (for those reading this as a hard copy). Allin all, it was a very enjoyable evening and I wouldrecommend Giles’s cooking and printing!

ACCI visit to Top Print& Barbecue

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A good website cannot be underestimated. If yourwebsite is working it will rank highly in search engines,generate new enquiries, communicate effectively existingcustomers and differentiate you from your competitors.

Yet recently, more and more web agencies anddesigners have developed their own content managementsystem (CMS). A CMS is the engine on which a website isbuilt, and by programming their websites using a uniqueCMS platform the web designer can effectively ‘tether’each client to them.

Many companies use an outsourced web designerbecause they do not have the skills in-house to build andmaintain a website. As a result, choosing a website can bedriven by the look and feel of the site rather than theengine the designs ‘sit’ on. The issue comes if a websitedoes not then perform. By this stage, time and money hasbeen spent and the company may not have the appetite orthe funds to begin the process again.

There may also be future-proofing issues for websiteswhich have been designed by an agency or designer, on aunique CMS. If the designer or agency ceases trading, or isacquired by another business, companies could findthemselves with a site which is virtually redundant.

Ensuring your site sits on a leading and recognised CMSpackage can be the key. This path will ensure that yourwebsite is ‘portable’ – enabling you to properly own thesite both now and in the future, without being tied into aparticular designer or agency. Only then does your websiteremain entirely yours – to do with as you please.

Emma Cooper is Director at Recenseo Ltd, a marketingconsultancy which offers website design, SEO optimisationand website management. See our advert on page 5.

The club has been established for over 60 years with ahistory of a variety of achievements in supporting its localcharities and also helping out with international disasters.It’s your chance to meet new friends and get involved withfund-raising events to help local charities.

We also like to have fun and arrange many of own Socialevents, including competing against other Rotary Clubsplaying Golf, Snooker, Skittles, Darts and Boules. We meetevery Thursday at the Alton House Hotel alternatingbetween lunchtime and evenings, whichever suits you.

Our membership is varied both in age and skills, 50 % areretired and we vary from farmers to accountants. Thisyear we planning some competitions with local schools aswell as continuing to support students at Alton College.We believe that many young business people couldbenefit in their development by just meeting and chattingwith our members who as you can imagine have a wealthof experience in many different occupations.

So why not come along, get involved and enjoy yourselfwhilst putting something back into the community? Findout more from www.altonrotary.hampshire.org.uk orcontact Graham deNiederhausern on 01420 82378 andcome to one of our meetings and see what you think.

To make a change you must be heard. The Chamber ofCommerce is fighting to help you. The residents of Altonreceived super-fast broadband over 2 years ago whilstbusinesses still struggle with carrier pigeons. Why?Because the majority wanted it, demanded it and it wasprovided. Businesses collectively should also demand. Ifwe all join together, can we achieve? Of course!!

Lower rates? Faster Broadband?

Better parking? Effective transport?

What is the biggest hindrance? A brief questionnaire isbeing sent out soon please respond with your ideas.Without your voice none of this is possible. Even betterjoin Alton Chamber of Commerce and help us fight onbehalf of the businesses in Alton.

Cathy Hogg DDI: 01420 540 210 Charwell HouseAlton Office Space www.OfficeSpaceAlton.co.uk

Hidden Britain is a initiative of the South East RuralCommunity Council, a charity dedicated to highlightingthe wealth of landscapes, history and culture withinBritain's countryside for everyone to enjoy. This is done inpartnership with businesses, residents, community groupsand local authorities. Together they can create new andimproved visitor destinations, along with the social andeconomic rewards that rural tourism can bring.

Hidden Britain came to Alton recently to help draw upa list of priorities and an action plan to achieve them. Itwas out of this session that the Alton Visitors Group (AVG)was formed. The long-term aim of Alton Visitors Group isto increase the amount of visitors accessing the town andamount of time they spend in the town centre. The groupincludes retailers, accommodation providers, town anddistrict councillors and the Alton Society.

The Group hopes to increase the number of visitors tothe town by creating an identity/brand for the Altonvisitors’ experience which organisations can link with andpromote a more unified approach to marketing events. Itis recognised that whilst Alton’s event organisers andorganisations do a great job at letting Altonians know whatis going on, they are less successful in marketing the townfurther afield. AVG therefore want to make sure that theresults of the plan are measurable and have placed a highimportance on data gathering. Existing visitor data is beingcollated from a variety of sources to better understand:

1. Why people come to Alton2. Where they come from3. What would make them spend more time in the town

AVG will analyse this data to uncover gaps and shortfallsthat can then be tackled. AVG believes that by starting offwith just a few low-cost projects, the momentum of thegroup can be sustained in the long-term. If you would liketo get involved, please contact:Andy Goodall 01420 88482 [email protected]

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Aug-Oct 2012 Alton Chamber News

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