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Check out how‘tech-savvy’ you are

ESSENTIAL READING FOR LOCAL EXECUTIVE LEADERS

Serving 5,000 deciSion-makerS in and around Peterborough

Latest news and views, including:

Royal visitor for county showPrince of Wales to

attend opening day

Cricketing legend heads for Stamford

Book tickets to watch Flintoff play

An enterprise founded on

water vapourMeet the team behindtobacco alternatives

HEADlines Up close and personal with

the city’s new mayor, former local businessman

George Simons

Inside this issue

Are you digitallydeft . . . or deaf?

Are you digitallydeft . . . or deaf?

News – Rural businesses are beinghampered by slow broadband speeds, FSB’s John Walker says

Cover story – Are you a dab hand in this digital age . . . or a bit daft? Drew Nicholson has discovered there are four distinct types of technology users

Legal Eagle – Nick Ash tells how to hang on to your hard-earned cash Plus, hang on to your hard hat, a new scheme launches to explode some health and safety myths

Drive – Motoring correspondentTim Barnes-Clay test drives some German efficiency along the notoriously unpleasant A14

Webwise – Digital marketing expert, Stan Nyokas, tells how to thwart the ITdata thieves

Workforce – Our H&S guru Colin Nottage applies some footy expertise to safety in the workplace

Skillset – Take the risk and be innovative, says Patrick Sim. PLUS business coach David Grundy helps put champions on the right track for success

Off Duty – Our tour guide Jane Price takes you aboard the holiday express and has some great trip ideas to choo-choo-choose from!

What’s On – Dates for your diary. Plus, grab a chance to visit the Land RoverBurghley Horse Trials – free!

Publisher Heidi SempleEditor Sally HootonDesign Jim CounsellAdvertising Charlotte Charlesworth

Address: Old School House, Great North Road,Wittering, Peterborough, PE8 6BX

Telephone: +44 (0)1780 783613Email: info@scenepublishing.co.ukwww.thescenemagazine.co.uk

Serving 5,000executives inand aroundPeterborough

ESSENTIAL READING FOR LOCAL EXECUTIVE LEADERS SCENE

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TheBusiness SceneTeam

19Meet the team building a healthy business out of tobacco alternatives

Confirmed to play atStamford this month:Freddie Flintoff

30‘Smile!’ says former city businessman, our newmayor, George Simons

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26

Welcome

05Prince Charles is guest of honour at the East of England Show

CONTENTSJULY 2012 03

At a recent insightful business coaching sessionled by our columnist, David Grundy (whose articleis on page 23), speaker Martin Rickman, of theFederation of Small Businesses, said even thesmallest of enterprises should have an effectivewebsite – or risk poor public perception.

It is proven that a slow-loading, boring orcomplicated site can put people off the company itrepresents and onto their more switched-on rivals.A website’s home page is indeed a company’sshop window, enticing customers in, but the restof the site must function equally as well as thetraditional shop floor.

I read that today’s ultra-discerning electroniccustomer is not a 30-something technologicalwizard, surrounded since knee socks by expensivegadgetry, but increasingly a ‘baby boomer’ whohas grappled with the evolving digital age,realised its benefits – particularly forproduct/service information and online deals – and decided to mature alongside it.

It seems the over-50s are now the Internet’s fastest-growing user group: a recent Nielsensurvey revealed that 77 per cent of boomers shoponline – a fact that marketers (many of them justout of college) are only very slowly catching onto.

But put that figure around another way and wemight deduce that almost a quarter of the over-50sremain detached from the Internet era – reluctantto embrace it and still digitally deaf to its charms,as Drew Nicholson explores on page 7.

I am delighted to see I am computer-deft – although I admit to being a bit daft when itcomes to my old mobile phone; the high cost ofrather small screens still puts me off, to say nothingof the increasing intrusion of trite messages.

The upshot of all this tech-savvy-ness is moreand more workers are able to ‘work anywhere’(page 14) via remote, virtual offices and beyondthe nine-to-five ‘clocking-off’ deadlines.

That’s progress . . . right?

All the best,Sally Hooton.

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12

04 JULY 2012NEWS

Countryside businesses aresuffering because of the slow

speed of their broadband, saysthe Federation of Small Businesses(FSB), calling for increased accessto superfast broadband by 2015 torevitalise the rural economy.

Figures show that six in tenrural businesses and householdshave long had problems eitheraccessing broadband or with slowspeeds. The FSB’s ‘Voice of SmallBusiness’ Panel Survey ofmore than 3,000members shows that 63per cent of small firmsare dissatisfied with thespeed of their broadbandconnection compared to48 per cent of businessesin urban areas.

Another 34 per centof small rural firms aredissatisfied with thereliability and a quarterwith the value for money.

The Government hasannounced it will create tensuper-connected cities by 2015that will have ultrafast broadbandspeeds. While the FSB welcomesthis, it believes it doesn’t go farenough and will widen the digitaldivide between rural and urbanbusinesses – especially since thesame number of rural (85%) andurban (84%) businesses think their

reliance on the Internet will rise.In a report, ‘The missing links

– revitalising our rural economy’,the FSB is calling on theGovernment to roll out 20Mbps(Megabits per second) superfastbroadband to 98 per cent of ruralcommunities and businesses.

The FSB says all businesses,urban or rural, should be able totap into all markets. Broadband iscrucial for this, especially for rural

businesses which areoften miles from their

customers and suppliers. It willalso help them boost exports – crucial for economic growth.

Effective broadband is alsovital for businesses to accessGovernment services, such asapplications for funding, businessrates and tax returns, which areall going online. Thus, the FSBbelieves the Government should be acting with a greatersense of urgency.

Self-employment andhome-based working is moreprominent in rural areas. The FSBbelieves that by rolling outefficient broadband, it willencourage more small businessesto grow, improve theircompetitiveness and encouragethem to take on staff – crucial at a time of high unemployment.

John Walker, FSB nationalchairman, said: “These figuresshow that many rural firms arestill unable to access basicbroadband to run their businesseffectively. It shouldn’t matterwhere a business is located.

“With the technology we havetoday all firms should be able totrade overseas, throughout the UKand from town to village.

“With both rural and urbanbusinesses clearly looking to theInternet to expand, it is imperativethe Government takes action toclose the digital divide betweenurban and rural businesses.

“We are calling on theGovernment to roll out superfastbroadband to rural areas by 2015.” l A campaign to bring betterconnectivity across Peterboroughand Cambridgeshire is currentlybeing run online. Support theinitiative for faster broadband bysigning up to the lobby: www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk

Rural economy hindered by broadband

Dedicated volunteers who runthe Peterborough Soup

Kitchen (PSK), which serves foodand drink to homeless people inthe city, are asking organisationsto make donations or give giftsto help support them.

POSH has helped raiseawareness of the charity bygiving a signed 1st Team POSHshirt and two tickets for the firsthome game of the new footballseason in August. PSK will stagea free raffle of the items amongits disadvantaged users laterthis month. But now the soupkitchen volunteers are hopingother organisations andbusiness will follow POSH’scharitable example.

More than 10,000 meals aredished up every year from the

soup kitchen van, in theBright Street car park; allprepared and served by a group of 150 local PSK volunteers.

Ian Davies, PSKchairman, said: “We willoffer the POSH gifts to ourclients, who so very rarelyhave the resources forleisure and enjoyment.Through this simpleexample, we can highlight theimportance of gifts anddonations to a small charity.”

The Soup Kitchen has beenoperating for some 28 years,funded almost entirely from localdonations. The charity hopesmore local organisations willbecome a ‘friend of the soupkitchen’, which has a fundraising

target of £5,000 this year.Alex Harris, commercial

manager for POSH said: “Wewere happy to contribute a giftfor a local homeless person tosee the first POSH home gamethis summer.” Help make adifference – make a donationhere: www.peterboroughsoupkitchen.org.uk

NEWSSponsor city’Oscar’awards,firms urged Businesses are being offered the

opportunity to support the verybest of young film makers inPeterborough at two awardceremonies this month.

Sponsorship opportunities areavailable for the PeterboroughYoung People’s Film Awards forsecondary schools, which will beheld on Tuesday July 10 at 7pm atKingsGate Community Church,Staplee Way, Parnwell,Peterborough. The PeterboroughChildren’s Film Awards, for primaryschools, will be held two nightslater, on Thursday July 12 at 6.30pmat the same venue.

The awards were originally part of Peterborough City Council’s ‘Read.Write.Inspire’ campaign,aimed at involving local businessesand organisations in supportingliteracy in schools throughinnovative and creative ways. Overthe last seven years, it has evolvedinto the annual Peterborough FilmAwards and is now one of the citycouncil’s most prominent events.

Schools and youth groups fromacross Peterborough were invited toenter a documentary or drama film,based on categories set by groupsof teachers linked to the curriculum.

The films are judged by a rangeof organisations, including the BBC,ITV and the British Film Institute.Previous awards have seen videospeeches by VIPs such as SirMichael Parkinson, Greg Dyke,Michael Palin, Daniel Radcliffe andAardman Studios. Actor WarwickDavis is master of ceremonies forthis year’s Young People’s Awards evening.

Nominated films are screenedand celebrated in an Oscar-styleceremony attended by more than1,000 people, plus special guests.Last year, more than 100 films wereentered from children aged betweenfour and 19 from 40 schools acrossthe city.

Jonathan Lewis, PeterboroughCity Council’s assistant director foreducation and resources, said: “Anumber of sponsorship opportunitiesare available for both nights and weurge people to come forward. Theseevents rely on support andsponsorship from local businesses,willing to invest in the success of our young people.”

Find out more aboutsponsorship from Helen Gregg, tel: 01733 863618 or email:Helen.gregg@peterborough.gov.uk

Soup kitchen volunteers call forbusiness support

John Walker, FSB national chairman:www.fsb.org.uk

Kevin Dawson (PSK trustee) receives thesigned shirt from POSH’s Barry Fry.

NEWSJULY 2012 05

Firms in Cambridgeshire aregenerating record numbers of

business ideas (for new products orservices), but a low hit rate isstunting true innovation. This newfinding comes from a HenleyBusiness School research project,commissioned by Orange.

According to the innovationstudy, more than three-quarters offirms in Cambridgeshire (86 percent) are generating more businessideas now, compared with fiveyears ago, but almost half of theseideas (46 per cent) are not practicaland can not be implemented.

To help firms generate moreuseful ideas, Professor DominicSwords from Henley BusinessSchool, has developed theworld’s first equation outlining how firms create consistently great business ideas.

The formula – the result ofinterviews with innovation leaderslike 3M, Diageo and Bupa and ananalysis of 2,000 Britishbusinesses – identifies experience,engagement, energy and diversityas the elements needed togenerate useful ideas in a groupenvironment (such as, brainstorm).

The formula was developedafter it was found that businessesare struggling to createimplementable ideas. Trying toimplement these impractical ideasis leading firms up blind alleys,wasting time and impactinginnovation. But business ideas arevital as they lead to innovation

– and innovation leads tocompetitive advantage.

To help firms implement theformula in their day-to-dayoperations, Prof Swords has turnedit into a step-by-step plan to run theoptimal ideas generation session.This simple plan gives techniqueson picking the best participants,identifying the optimum ideas andthen implementing them.

The plan also highlightsinnovation examples from worldleading firms, such as invitingexternal guests to give first-handinsights; asking participants topretend to be the target audiencewhen giving feedback; usingseparate rooms to test ideas; andeliminating negative comments bygiving yellow cards to participantswho say: “No, but . .”.

To download the free guide,

visit: www.orange.co.uk/innovation Prof Swords said: “The

encouraging news from thisresearch is that Cambridgeshirebusinesses are generating moreideas now than five years ago.

“However, many of these ideassimply can’t be implementedbecause they weren’t conceived inthe right way. That’s a missedopportunity as it’s wasting valuabletime and stifling innovation.

“But it doesn’t have to be thisway. As some of the leadinginnovators have told us – from bothlarge and small firms – putting asimple 60-minute process in placeto generate ideas can have apositive impact on growth.”

Martin Stiven, vice-president ofBusiness, Orange, added: “We workwith thousands of businesses,supporting them in their quest for

game-changing ideas. We’ve seenfirst-hand how Cambridgeshirebusinesses are focusing on drivinggrowth by creating great ideas.Clearly, these ideas don’t happenby accident, yet they can beencouraged to happen. If youmanage the ideas generationprocess well and learn as a team,the effect can be transformational.

“Innovation is central toOrange’s core values. Our ownideas generation method features arange of techniques, such as usingsocial media networks like Yammerto share ideas with each other.

“As this research shows, thekey is developing a culture ofinnovation so everyone in thebusiness is constantly creating usefulideas to move the business forward.”

The Rutland and StamfordBusiness Network (RSBN) has

signed a deal with Office Depot,enabling members to purchasestationery, office products andequipment at a discount.

RSBN partner, Deborah King,said: “By joining together, the 33businesses in the network havethe same kind of buying poweras a large corporation andOffice Depot was quick toappreciate that.”

RSBN has its own page onthe Office Depot website wherenetwork members can maketheir orders, quickly andefficiently, with fast despatch totheir premises.

Deborah Hazell of Office

Depot, explained: “We havecreated an umbrella frameworkso, although each member getsthe same discount as negotiated,each respective business istreated as a separate customerby our company.”

RSBN partner, BenCallaghan, added: “It’s good tosee a global player like OfficeDepot working with smallbusinesses, enabling them to bemore competitive in thesechallenging times.”

RSBN runs fortnightlybreakfast meetings at BarnsdaleLodge Hotel in Rutland andorganises a rich calendar ofnetworking events, such asdinners, seminars, golfing and

sailing. More information aboutthese events and how to join isavailable on the website:www.rsbn.biz or call 01572770352 or email: deb@rsbn.biz

His RoyalHighness,

The Prince ofWales will bethe honouredguest at thismonth’s East ofEngland Show.

He has accepted aninvitation from the show’s host,the East of England AgriculturalSociety, to attend the event onthe opening day, Friday July 6.

The Prince is keen to see asmuch of the show as possibleand has agreed to a busyitinerary including visits to ruraland environmental stands.

He will also present anumber of awards, includingLong Service prizes, the FarmBusiness awards and Apprenticeof the Year.

The British Festival of theWorking Horse has its debut atthe show this year and includesthe British Horse Loggers, ofwhich the Prince is patron.

Show committee chairman,Andrew Riddington, said: “We areabsolutely delighted the show’sstanding as a major event hasbeen further enhanced with newsof Prince Charles’ attendance.”

The Prince of Wales lastattended the show in 2001.

More details about the showare on page 26.

Royal guest for countyshow

Network wins discount deal

The ideas generation equation: IG = 3ED IG = rate of Ideas Generation 3E = Experience + Engagement + Energy D = Diversity

Calculating the equation:1. Experience – ensure those in the room have the right amount of accumulated experience in the subject matter.

2. Engagement – make sure participants understand the brief and are focused on the task.

3. Energy – raise energy levels by hosting the session off-site or incentivising employees.

4. Diversity – involve people who have experience in different markets and technologies (the level of diversity in the room is crucial as it acts as a multiplier, increasing the quality of ideas created).

Prof Dominic Swords.

Above: The RSBN’s Deborah King(left) and Ben Callaghan with

Deborah Hazell from Office Depot.

Formula can help implement ideas

06 JULY 2012NEWS

Former England Test cricketerAndrew (Freddie) Flintoff has

confirmed his availability to play inthe PCA England Masters versusThe Dean Headley Invitation XI onJuly 27 in Stamford.

Tickets and tables are limited,so cricket fans are urged to visitthe website and book them now, ormiss seeing Freddie, David(Bumble) Lloyd, Dominic (Corky)Cork, Paul Nixon, John Emburey,Phil DeFreitas, Devon Malcolm,Gladstone Small, Shaun Udal,

Chris Schofield, Neil Fairbrother,Mark Ealham, Mal Loye and DeanHeadley himself.

The match will be a Twenty/20game between PCA EnglandMasters XI and Dean HeadleyInvitation XI, comprising someEngland legends and players fromlocal clubs. A junior Kwik Cricketmatch will be played in themorning, supervised by Englandplayers, between 12 local clubs.

An auction will take placeduring a four-course lunch – with

holidays,signed bats,shirts andmore onoffer – plusa prize raffle.

There willalso be aquestion andanswer session withFreddie, Bumble and Corky beforethe game starts – and this willhave a running commentary fromthe effervescent Charlie Dagnall.

Profits from the event will gotowards much-needed bursariesfor the Stamford region, since theLincolnshire Scholarship is nolonger available.

For tickets, log on to: www.englandmastersstamford.co.uk

Flintoff confirmed for EnglandMasters Stamford

Circled, David Bumble Lloyd and,above, Freddie Flintoff: set for

the Stamford event (left) this month.

When it comes to technology, areyou keeping up, or getting lost?Digitally Dominant This person has fully adoptedthe digital age, but in theprocess, forfeited the pleasuresof spoken conversation andhuman interaction. While onlyrepresentative of about 16 percent of the population, theyare a growing band of peoplewho ‘over-indulge’ in digital.

Members of this group runtheir lives digitally andelectronically, eschewing asoften as possible any verbalinteraction with others: 19 percent admit they can easily gotwo days a week withoututtering a word to anyone.

While there is no typicalday for this group, they cantravel, eat, communicate andentertain themselves withoutconversing directly with a liveperson. They will always tryto ensure they purchaseany travel document,such as a train orairline ticket, viamachines at astation oronline; they

Is there a digital dilemma inyour office? When it comes tocomputers, are you a dabhand or a bit daft?

In a nationwide poll, majordigital marketing agency, dnx,discovered there are fourdistinct personal profiles intowhich the majority of us nowfall when dealing with – andengaging with – the modern,omnipresent digital age.

The categories are:Digitally Dominant; DigitallyDeft; Digitally Deaf; andDigitally Disabled. Take a lookat the descriptions and decidewhich one profiles you:

Digitally deft . . . or deaf?

07JULY 2012 COVER STORY

❞Being unable to fully engage withthe digital age is a hinderance ina modern society – Drew Nicholson.❝

will choose to exit a station viathe barriers and never via theguard’s exit; they purchaselunch either via a vendingmachine or by usingcontactless payment cards;and they are more likely thanany other group to have irisscans on their passports toallow them through passportcontrol without meeting anyone.

These people usually carryat least two mobile deviceswith them at all times, mostoften a phone and tablet, andtheir use of the Internet isexceptionally proficient; forinstance, the devices are fivetimes more likely than anyother group’s to be compatiblewith each other.

Weekly food shopping ishabitually undertaken via theInternet. This group is fourtimes less likely to go to anactual shop than any othergroup and, if they do, there isan extremely strong likelihoodthat it is a large supermarketwith self-checkouts.

Holidays are booked andairline check-ins sorted online.All insurances, applications,and banking are kept online.Any personal correspondenceis also initiated online or viatext and kept in these modesfor as long as possible.

Perhaps more importantly,this group speaks face-to-faceonly about half as much asany other group.

This group is most likeRowan Atkinson’s Mr Beancharacter or Sheldon Cooperin the Big Bang Theory in theirwish not to actually andactively engage with people.

Drew Nicholson of digitalagency, dnx, said: “While thedigital revolution has given usall immense choice in the waywe deal with situations from

financial transactions topurchasing goods, frombooking entertainment tomessaging each other, itshould not be used to replacethe art of conversation andhuman contact. But there is asignificant minority using thefar-reaching benefits of digitalas a substitute for realpersonal engagement.”

Most of the conversationsthe Digitally Dominant havewith friends and colleaguesare on Facebook and othersocial media sites.

Digitally DeftSwitched on to the digital age,this group uses all the digitaloptions at their disposal to tryand make a better life forthemselves. They make digitalwork for them, yet are notslaves to it.

They use it for all mannerof things and as a primarysource of communication. Butfor every 100 texts they send,they will make around tenphone calls, enjoying thesound of a voice and theemotions it carries. They aremore likely to adopt Internetphone services like Skypethan any other group and 27per cent of them believe thishas helped them stay incontact with internationalfriends more easily thanpreviously available.

Nearly half this groupadmit that they had beenbecoming too dependent ondigital messaging. Theirrealisation that a voiceconversation is one of life’sgreat pleasure means thatthey have been flocking backto live conversation.

This group will shop

Continued on page 8 >

08 JULY 2012COVER STORY

Continued from page 7

online, on the high street andin shopping centres in equalproportion. They believe theconvenience and time savedby shopping online has giventhem greater leisure time forother activities and personalpursuits, which often includeretail therapy.

While travelling, theDigitally Deft choose amethod for finding outinformation, booking servicesand purchasing goods whichare most appropriate for themat the time, saves them timeand money. They are,therefore, not wedded todigital options, but are fullyconversant with them and thegamut of alternatives.

The greatest users ofsocial networking sites, thisgroup is also three times morelikely to watch TV through aPlayer at a time that suitsthem, rather than when aired.Around 30 per cent also havea Twitter account.

At home reading either apaperback or an e-book, thisgroup is comfortable with the

digital age and embraces iteasily and readily.

Film star DanielCraig’s interpretationof James Bond wouldbe a good example ofthis group.

Digitally DeafIn a rather counter-revolutionary manner,this group seems torelish rebutting thedigital advance,whether it isconsciously enforced or not.Either way, the Digitally Deafare clinging to a bygone erawhich is unlikely to return butwhich still holds much meritfor them.

Letters, cards and goodold-fashioned phone calls ona handset attached to theactual mechanics of thephone are favoured by thisgroup over email, Internetcards and mobile calls.

However, the researchfound that this group is notnecessarily old-fashioned oreven old. Fifteen per cent ofthem were under 30 years oldand, of this, 90 per cent werefully conversant with email,the Internet and all manner ofdigital appliances; they justprefer not to use them thewhole time.

Rather than shop onlinethis group is more likely to befound shopping at their localretailers or farm shops,indeed anywhere that hasa cash till operated by aperson. Similarly, ifthey are off to thecinema, theyprefer to

purchase from amanned kiosk and soare three times morelikely to view thelatest film release ata village hall orindependent cinema.

Retail expert MaryPortas would like this groupas they are huge fans of andvisitors to the high street. Theyare six times more likely thanthe Digitally Dominant groupto book their holidays via ahigh street travel operator.

They watch television inreal time, rarely recordinganything, and their mobilephone is seldom in need oftopping up; they carry it onlyfor emergencies or for friendsto call them. Members of thisgroup are totally aware andeven appreciative of thedigital revolution, they justchoose to engage with it ontheir terms and only whenabsolutely necessary. Tothem, ‘conversation is thewindow to the mind’.

Nicholson said: “Engagingand competent this group maybe, but their refusal to fullyengage with the digital agemeans that they lose out onmany of the time-saving andfiscal benefits of the Internet;the speed of digital messagingand the convenience ofdownloading content to viewat their leisure.”

Film director MichaelWinner’s fictional character ina TV insurance ad wellrepresents this group.

Digitally DisabledA startling 17 per cent of thoseinterviewed were found to bein this group; made up ofthose who are being leftbehind the digital curve butdon’t want to be.

Reminiscent of those whogrew up without the ability to read yet hid it well, this

group is following a similartrajectory. While this group isof a diverse age range, thereare still a disproportionatenumber in the under-25 agerange compared with theother groups.

Members of this group areoften hindered by lack ofconfidence and conviction oftheir abilities.

More than five times morelikely to have made a mistakewhen using the Internet thanother groups, such as booking20 seats for a concert insteadof two, members of this groupbegin to doubt their abilitiesand thus shun future use of allthings digital.

Within this group, 42 percent have not soughtassistance to master digitalbecause they believe they willbe perceived as less capable.And, although the majorityfound their phones easy touse, they tended to strugglewith Internet shopping,booking of tickets online,navigating sites anddownloading content, such asmusic and films. Frustrated bymany of their experiences, thisgroup is becoming left behind.

Nicholson said: “This is aworrying trend. Being unableto fully engage with the digitalage is a hinderance in amodern society.

“Digital is replacing manyformer hard copy-based tasks,such as tax submissions andjob applications. In addition,often the cheaper deals areonly available to those usinga digital service; thus thosewho access them via anyother method find themselvesexcluded from the deals andfinancially disadvantaged.”

Actor Carl Pilkington’scharacter in An Idiot Abroadand Ricky Gervais’ DavidBrent in The Office reflect thisgroup’s dilemma.

Drew Nicholson.

The Digitally Deft make digitalwork for them, yet are not slavesto it. They realise that a voiceconversation is one of life’s great pleasures – Drew Nicholson.

❝❞

JULY 2012 09

Buy-to-let landlords in theregion are currently on

HMRC’s tax evasion hit list. The warning comes after

the tax office’s success insimilar crackdowns whichhave helped collect anadditional £50 million ofunpaid taxes.

Peterborough accountantsRawlinsons are now alertingthose operating buy-to-letproperties in the area to ensurethey are fully compliant.

Also coming underscrutiny in a raft of inspectionsare taxi firms and restaurants.

Rawlinsons’ partner, KenCraig, said: “HMRC can turnup unannounced at businesspremises and demand toinspect books and equipment.This can be traumatic, butbeing prepared for anyinvestigations can help.”

Taxmantargetslandlords

10 JULY 2012LEGAL EAGLES

LEGALEAGLES

Internet name game: domains revealed

We work hard to make ourmoney; we scrimp and

save to make a better life forourselves and our families andthen what happens? Just as we get to a point

where life seems good, a wholenew set of threats andchallenges appear.

As we get older, we naturallythink about enjoying retirementand leaving something to thefamily to make their lives a littlebetter after we have gone.

To do this, we all know weneed to make a will and investwisely, but we need to look at thethreats to our wealth.

Threat One: World economicturmoil. If you have the answerto this, you should call 10 Downing Street and share it

immediately. Otherwise, youshould view the marketuncertainty with sometrepidation. Interest rates are atan historic low and the need forhigh quality investment advice isat an all-time high. To navigate your savings and

investments through theseuncertain times you need goodadvice from properly qualifiedindependent financial advisors.

Threat Two: The taxman. If youhave gained even modest levelsof wealth, through property,investments or even inheritingfrom your relatives, you will needto be aware that the taxmanmight want his share. Proper planning can avoid

unnecessary tax bills and, inmany cases, we can significantly

reduce any liability toinheritance taxes with somesimple and cost-effective steps.

Threat Three: Long-term care.One in three of us will needsome form of long-term care aswe get older.

Good planning now canreduce the burden that is likelyto fall on your shoulders and, inmany cases, could protect yourhome and assets into the future.

Threat four: The cost of dying.Latest Government estimates putthe cost of dying at more than

£7,000; this includes funeralcharges and the legal costsassociated with probate. These costs are escalating at

far more than both inflation andsavings rates. You could fix them now and

save your family money andheartache in the long run.

If you need any advice to protect your wealth, call me(details below) for a free, no obligationconsultation.

Nick Ash is director, will and probate services, Tancreds. Email: nick.ash@tancreds.co.ukor call: 01778 341490. Details here: www.tancreds.co.uk

Financial planning with Nick AshYou earned it – now keep it

The international unveilingof applied-for domain

names under the new genericTop Level Domain (gTLD)program took place in Londonlast month.

Marking one of the mostsignificant changes in thehistory of the Internet, for thefirst time brands have beengiven the opportunity byICANN (Internet Corporationfor Assigned Names andNumbers) to feature theirnames on the right side of thedot in web addresses, such as.Google. Names which wereapplied for included .pepsi,.polo and .calvinklein andsome companies applied fornew domains based ongeneric terms (such as .hotelor .beer) or geographiclocations (.africa or .london).

ICANN reports that itreceived 1,930 submissions forapproval – and even if only 75 per cent are granted, thenumber of top-level domains is

likely to expandfour-fold. RodBeckstrom, CEOand president ofICANN, said:“We’re standingat the cusp of anew era for onlineinnovation,including new jobs, newbusinesses and new ways toshare information.”

Jonathan Robinson, non-executive director ofAfilias, the domain nameregistry operations companybehind .info, .mobi, and 14other Top Level Domains(TLDs), said the event markeda “significant change in thehistory of the Internet”.

He added: “Now the muchanticipated ‘dot brand’ nameshave been announced, it isinteresting to see thatbusinesses are not just lookingto apply for their own.extension, but also genericsuffixes including .health, .style

and .cars to help commandtheir digital presence in acertain industry.

“We now enter anotherwaiting game to see whichdomains come to fruition firstand how organisations plan touse these moving forward; butwe are likely to see the firstbatch of extensions go live inaround 12 months.

“There are still operationalchallenges ahead, but themost important thing is thatbusinesses feel well-supportedhaving submitted theirapplications.”

To see the list of domainnames applied for, visit thewebsite: newgtlds.icann.org

Jonathan Robinson.Rod Beckstrom.

LEGAL EAGLESJULY 201211

This September will seeBritain recommence its fight

to stop Europe preventing ouremployees from working morethan 48 hours per week.

The Working TimeRegulations 1998 sets outexceptions to the limiting 48-hour working week. Manyemployers rely on one of themain exceptions within those

regulations and argue thattheir senior executives work‘autonomously’ and cantherefore work as many hoursas they want. But what willhappen if this loophole closes?

What if Europe refuses to

allow us to ask our middlemanagement and junior staffto sign a document in whichthey ‘opt out’ of the 48-hourworking week?

Should employers start tofocus less on potential

loopholes inthe law andmore on abusinessstrategy towork smarter?

The lawcurrentlyrestricts the right to requestflexible working to workingparents or those with ageingrelatives. Sometimes, such a

Emma Clark discusses proposed changes to the UK’s current 48-hour working week.

Emma Clark is a senior

associate atFox Solicitors.

request can stall or, at worst,end careers, resulting in anunnecessary loss of talent.

Flexible working can instillimmense loyalty in workersand improve staff morale.Remote working provides theemployer with access to newmarkets and invariablydelivers a better and extendedservice for clients.

A high percentage of officespace is not utilised. Transportstrikes and the Olympics willtake their toll on commutersand on the environment.

Employers should thinkimaginatively and considerextending the right to workboth flexibly and remotely toall of its employees.

Flexible working – the way of the future

Play conkers in goggles? It’s a myth . . .Have you heard the one

about the health and safetyofficials declaring that childrenplaying conkers should wearprotective goggles? Or the oneabout trapeze artists being toldto wear hard hats?These are myths, according

to the Government’sHealth and SafetyExecutive (HSE), whichhas just set up a MythBusters Challenge Panelto refute common healthand safety misunderstandingsand provide clear advice onwhat is required by law.Minister for Employment,

Chris Grayling, said: “All toooften, jobsworths are the realreason for daft health andsafety decisions. Common senseis the key to successful healthand safety.

“The Myth Busters Challenge

Panel will advise people wherethey think local authorities,insurance companies or schoolshave got it wrong.”

Judith Hackitt, chairman ofthe HSE and the new panel, saidthat such decisions underminedconfidence in the real task of

health andsafety,which is tomanageseriousrisks to lifeand limb inBritain’sworkplaces.

She added: “Over the yearswe’ve seen health and safetyinvoked – wrongly – in defenceof some pretty absurd decisions.”

To access the HSE advice,visit the website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/myth-busting.htm

Meanwhile, here’s the HSE’s

top ten health and safety myths: 1. Children mustn’t play conkersunless they wear goggles.2. Office workers banned fromputting up Christmas decorations.3. Trapeze artists told to wearhard hats.4. Pin the tail on the donkeygames a health and safety risk.5. Candy floss on a stick bannedin case people trip and impalethemselves on it.6. Hanging baskets banned incase people bump their headson them.7. Schoolchildren ordered towear clip-on ties in case theyare choked by traditional ones.8. Park benches must bereplaced because they are threeinches too low.9. Flip-flops are banned from the workplace.10. Graduates told not to throwtheir mortar boards in the air.

Left: JudithHackitt.

12 JULY 2012MOTORING

DRIVE This month’s motoring correspondent TIM BARNES-CLAY test drives top-quality,efficient German engineering, putting the

I commute 130 miles to my office quiteregularly. It’s not a pleasant journey

driving eastbound along one of the UK’smost congested A roads.

Yes, that’s right; I’m talking about theA14. It’s a dual carriageway where heavy goods vehicles heading to the portsof Felixstowe and Harwich take about ten

minutes to overtake each other – and,when that’s not happening, I’m normallystuck in gridlocked traffic on the A14/A1intersection. Not that I’m complaining.

Well, certainly not when driving theMercedes-Benz E220!

You see, the German motor is notreally a car, it’s better than that – it feels

more like a great big mobilearmchair. It’s so comfortableand it has all theaccoutrements that you needfor a relaxed business-stylecommute on British roads.

Cushion of airOn the move, the E220 soaksup potholes and glides alongalmost as if it was on acushion of air. The rich soundsystem helps melt away anytension – it’s so resonant thatyou really do feel like you arein your own living room.

Back on planet earth, thesat-nav is easy to operate and the hands-free Bluetoothsystem is convenient. And,when the traffic does grind to a halt, the cushionedheadrests just take the stress out of things when youneed to lay your head back and accept you’re not

Pictured: A glide of a ride – enjoying a relaxed commute in the Mercedes-Benz E220.

Armchair on Fast facts l Max speed: 142

mph

l 0-62 mph: 8.7 secs

l Combined mpg: 56.5

l Engine: 2143 cc 4 cylinder

16 valve twin turbo diesel

l Max power (bhp): 168 at 3000 r

pm

l Max torque (Ib/ft): 295 at 1400-2

800 rpm

l Max towing weight (braked) 19

00 kg

l CO2: 133 g/km

l Price: £30,995 on the road

MOTORINGJULY 2012 13

going anywhere for a while.The Mercedes-Benz E220

CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is a largemotor, so it sometimes feels alittle heavy and unwieldy ontwisty country lanes, but it feels safe – and it should do.Because, for more than 50years, the saloons in the E-Class range have beenacknowledged as trendsettersin the safety field.

The current car continuesthis tradition with the verylatest assistance and protectionsystem. The technologiesinvolved make the E-Class an‘intelligent partner’ which cansee, feel, react reflexively in

critical situations and, ifnecessary, actindependently to preventaccidents or mitigate theirconsequences.

With this concept, theE220 not only protects you,but also contributesdecisively to the greatersafety of other road users.

Long-distance comfortand state-of-the-art safetyaside, the Mercedes’combined fuel economy of56.5 mpg means you canenjoy prestige motoringwithout incurring high fuelcosts. And, with the E-Class

emitting just 133 g/km CO2,you can rest assured yourchoice of car is alsoenvironmentally-friendly.

Mercedes-Benz E220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCYSaloon Executive SE through its paces,along a notoriously unpleasant A road.

the A14

Pros ’n’ consl Comfortable √

l Long distance cruising √

l Safe √l Equipment √

l Cumbersome on country lanes

X

Above: Inside, the ‘armchair’ controls are an intelligent partner for the driver of the Mercedes-Benz E220.

Below: A little heavy on twisty country lanes – but very safe.

Tim Barnes-Clay

14 JULY 2012CLICKS&MORTAR

CLICKS&MORTARSoftware providesunique retail insight

Brands such as Costa, Avivaand regeneration specialists

Spenhill are benefiting from retailinsight and analysis, thanks toproperty consultants Savillssigning up to use CallcreditInformation Group’s RetailVisionmodelling software.

Savills is using RetailVision toadvise clients on site selection.The company is also the first touse RetailVision’s unique‘scenario’ function, which allowsusers to speculatively change thefeatures of an existing retaillandscape and predict the impact.

RetailVision covers four retailcategories – grocery, fashion,homewares/DIY and electricals.The software can assess thecatchment area of a given retailcentre and determine whether theproducts and brands there are astrong fit with the local population.

Chris Duley, director ofCallcredit’s retail planning team,said: “Times on the high street aretough, so it is vital that retailershave a wide range of data at their disposal to make accuratebusiness decisions.”

Embracing the ‘workanywhere’ culture

Google increasessearch engine share

British employees are trulyworking in a 24/7 mobile

environment where access towork anywhere is important.

Research from Telligent UK(www.telligent.com) reports that 62 per cent of staff regularlywork remotely or in differentlocations to colleagues,connecting ‘virtual offices’ via wireless Internet andInternet-enabled mobile devices.

UK Internet users made 2.3billion visits to search

engines in May 2012, up by 82million visits compared withApril 2012, according to thelatest analysis from Experian.

The rise in visits representsa 3.7 per cent monthly increasein search activity and a 3.6 percent year-on-year increase.

Google increased its marketshare of searches for the thirdconsecutive month. In total,Google sites accounted for 91.17per cent of allsearchesconducted in theUK in May 2012,up by 0.15 percent from theprevious month.Year-on-year,Google also sawpositive growth with a 0.65 percent increase compared to Maylast year.

Microsoft sites, led by bing,had an overall market share of3.84 per cent, Yahoo! 2.71 percent and Ask sites 1.84 per centin May.

James Murray, digital insightmanager for ExperianMarketing Services, said:“Google continues to dominatethe UK search market. However,we keep stressing it’s not allabout Google. There are nicheaudiences and opportunitiesthat exist by working with someof the other top search engines,and understanding who youraudience is and how theyconvert can make a crucialdifference to your digitalstrategy and your ROI.”

New research by a nationalproperty consultancy has

identified Peterborough as alocation offering one of the bestpackages for those who have toundertake the London commuteto work.

In the Carter JonasCommuter Index, Peterboroughscores highly against othercommuter destinations, such asOxford and Cambridge. Factorsconsidered by those who workin the capital, but don’t want tolive there, include: house prices,schools, mortgage costs, trainservices and travel costs – plus lifestyle elements such

as access to top-endrestaurants fromwithin the area.

According tothe index author,Catherine Penman – head of researchat Carter Jonas – value for moneyproperty prices

help shore up the Peterborougharea’s position in the rankings,as well as its 53-minute journeytime to London King’s Cross.

She said: “Peterboroughticks all the boxes as aconvenient commuter location.House prices are moreaffordable than other,conventional commuter hubs incities such as Cambridge orOxford. A comparison ofaverage house prices reveals afour-bedroom townhouse inOxfordshire is £675,000, whereasin Peterborough it is £350,000.And a two-bedroom cottage in avillage around Peterborough, at£240,000, compares more thanfavourably with an Oxfordshireequivalent of £395,000.”

While the cost of an annualseason ticket from Peterboroughto King’s Cross, at £5,620, ishigher than the £4,348 fromOxford to Paddington, thisdoesn’t detract from the overallranking of Peterborough in theCarter Jonas Commuter Index.

Carter Jonas’offices inPriestgate,Peterborough.

James Murray.

Peterborough perfectfor London commute

Only one in three emails inbusiness inboxes holds real,

immediate value, just a quarterare essential for work purposesand a mere 14 per cent of workemails are critically important.

So says new research fromcloud-based email managementfirm Mimecast, which has foundthat nearly two-thirds of theemails in your inbox are notessential for work. Of those non-essentials, 11 per cent arepersonal and seven per cent are spam.

With more than 60 per centof emails non-essential, thepotential for email-based virusesand security breaches are topconcerns for an organisation,according to the research.Increased use of remote andmobile email services onlyincreases the concern.

Nathaniel Borenstein, chiefscientist at Mimecast(www.mimecast.com), said: “What

is clear is that the averageemployee faces a significantchallenge in simply processingthe information that comes intotheir inbox and identifying whichmessages are genuinelybusiness critical.

“We often endup working foremail, rather thanhaving emailwork for us.

“Email willremain afundamentalbusiness tool formany years to come – it isthe global standard; but notalways the gold standard. It istherefore vital that email cancontinue to develop and adaptas technology and workingpractices change.”

Another finding of theresearch was that businesseshave finally warmed up to socialmedia. Overall, 55 per cent of

businesses use LinkedIn, makingit the most commonly used socialmedia platform in the workplace.Facebook was the second-mostpopular service, used by 47 percent of workers.

One in three respondentsthought that increased use ofsocial media in the workplaceresulted in a decreased use ofemail. However, according to the survey, social media also

increased thepotential forinformationleaks andsecuritybreaches.

The research was based onthe responses of 500 informationtechnology decision-makers, 200from the US, 200 from the UKand 100 from South Africa. Theresearch was conducted byLoudhouse Research forMimecast as a part of its TheShape of Email report.

Only a third of emails ’vital’

NathanielBorenstein.

CLICKS&MORTARJULY 2012 15

Stanislas Nyokas is founder of iTotalMarketing, Peterscourt, City Road,Peterborough. Call 01733 294551. www.itotalmarketing.co.uk

Many companies today useIT infrastructure to deliver

some of its services or designproducts or to assist itscustomers – thus making themsomewhat dependent on a formof IT infrastructure. That infrastructure, like any

man-made system, is oftentargeted by criminals wantingto make a quick profit via smalland medium-sized enterprises(SMEs). In 2011, 60 per cent ofsecurity attacks were targetingSMEs because, 80 per cent ofthe time, they do not investenough resources in moderntechnology and IT security is notat the top of their agenda.

The strange thing is, morethan 75 per cent of newproducts are created by SMEs.

With the proliferation ofmobile devices that canaccess data, any time andany where, it’s becominga nightmare for traditionalIT security experts tosecure enterprise data andsystems. Moreover, these

mobile devices are not uniformin their generic make-up. Thereare Apple devices, android-baseddevices and Blackberrysystems, each with its uniquechallenge when we look intotheir security aspects. In 2010,there were only six items ofmalware that could really harmmobile devices; in 2011, therewere 62. We can only guess howthe amount will rise in 2012.

To complicate matters, nowand in the not too distant future,companies plan to migrate alltheir data onto the Cloud, whichcan be private (where thecompany is in charge of allaspects, including security andmaintenance) or public (wherethe company does not have fullcontrol, although the security ofthe networks remains theresponsibility of the enterprise,

not the Cloud provider). Cloudsecurity is different from normalIT security infrastructure – andto put the last nail in the coffinfor traditional IT security, recentattacks are more complex, withthe use of Advanced RemoteAccess Trojan (ARAT), advancedmalware like Stuxnet, or specialbotnet which target only thesensitive information in databank storage systems. There ismalware which can ‘sniff’network traffic, takingscreenshots, recording audioconversations, interceptingkeystrokes and moving dataundetected by anti-virus solutions.

So, follow these steps:1) Implement an anti-malware, anti-spam, firewall solution for mobiles.2) Utilise a Cisco-like Identity

Service Engine (anyidentity managementsolutions should help).3) Know what localdata these mobiledevices haveaccessed and ensurethey use a one-timepassword every time

they access this data.4) Focus on data not on mobiledevices – they are just thegateway to the data; everythree months carry out an auditof the mobile device access.5) Deploy a mobile devicemanagement solution that takesinto account how your businessuses your internal data.6) Set up your systems so thatpeople access data in rolemodel type – Active Directoryfrom Windows does this well.7) Review your mobile securitystrategy every month andreview the amount of data amobile device is accessing:have a base line and if itchanges significantly, there maybe an intruder in your system.

Criminals have moved fromthe destruction of systems to thestealing of data, realising thatdata is a more importantcommodity. This is the war thatIT security experts must now win.

Sort your IT security tothwart the data thieves

Six out of ten UK adults useFacebook, potentially an

excitingly large audience forbusinesses – but only if they area good match with targetprospects, research suggests.

The study by researchcompany fast.MAP, shows if youwant to reach students,Facebook is ideal, since almostall of them use it. As do eight outof ten shop workers; three-quarters of office and clericalstaff; and some seven out of teneducation and medical servicepersonnel, middle managers,salespeople and home-makers.But only 46 per cent of the retiredand 55 per cent of those who runtheir own business use it.

Paul Seabrook, director atfast.Map, said: “Facebook wouldalso be a good bet if you’re

aiming to reach the‘stretched middle’income group – sevenout of ten of thoseearning £25,000 to£39,999 use it; alongwith 61 per cent ofthose who earn less,but only 57 per cent of those whoearn more. Two-thirds of adultfemales compared with just overhalf of males are users; as are 85per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds, ahigher proportion than in anyother age group. In fact, eightout ten of those aged between 16and 44 (falling steadily thereafterto 46 per cent of the over-65s)make this an ideal medium formessages targeted at the youngto middle-aged woman, but notso good for reaching thepotentially lucrative over-50s.”

PaulSeabrook.

Spreading the messageof sustainabilityLincolnshire-based renewableenergy products distributor

Eco Building Products is helpingto spread the sustainabilitymessage throughout the region. The Market Deeping-based

company (www.eco-building-products.co.uk) is to help fundthe monthly Investors in theEnvironment newsletter(www.iie.uk.com), which givesbusinesses a practical frameworkfor reducing waste and energyuse. It also supports thebusinesses’ green credentialsthrough its networking andpromotional activity.

The scheme is activethroughout the Eastern region. Ithas also been launched inYorkshire with the collaborationof the Yorkshire EnergyPartnership. More than 700businesses have pledged theirsupport for the scheme withalmost 20 per cent of themalready having achieved orworking towards accreditation.

Ian Greenfield, of EcoBuilding Products, said: “We areproud to continue oursponsorship of the Investors inthe Environment newsletter. As a

local companyfocused onsustainablebuilding andrenewableenergy products weare delighted to be able to workwith The PeterboroughEnvironment City Trust(www.pect.org.uk) to helpPeterborough towards becomingthe UK’s environment capital.

“It also gives us theopportunity to spread therenewables message to as widean audience as possible.”

It is the second year EcoBuilding Products has sponsoredthe newsletter. Investors in theEnvironment project officer, KimColey, added: “We are delightedEco Building Products has agreedto continue sponsorship. Workingclosely with a network oforganisations, Investors in theEnvironment is providing a seriesof events, courses and seminarsto help create a better workplaceby educating businesses on whatresources are available to them.The newsletter is one of the mosteffective ways of spreading themessage about these initiatives.”

Kim Coley.

Can Facebook connectyou with target audience?

IT expertiseby Stan Nyokas

18 JULY 2012NEWS

The London 2012 OlympicGames are encouraging

cash-savvy visitors to ourshores this month: the Gamesare believed to be behind a 130per cent rise in early June in theamount of foreigners searchingfor bargains and discounts touse in the UK this month.

As the number of peoplevisiting a UK money-saving sitefrom overseas rocketed, themajority of overseas searchesrelated to offers coinciding withthe start of the Olympics.

VoucherCodesPro.co.ukdiscovered the top five mostrequested and used cash-savingdeals from overseas sitevisitors have been in thefollowing sectors:

1. Restaurant vouchers 2. Hotel/accommodation deals3. Train ticket offers 4. Flight deals5. Attraction offers

Along with 5.5 million dayvisitors, the Olympics areexpected to attract anadditional 450,000 overseasvisitors to the UK and,according to demand for UKdiscounts, they are from:1. South Africa2. Germany3. USA4. Spain5. Canada

George Charles, marketingdirector, VoucherCodesPro.co.uk,said: “The increase in overseasvisitors looking for vouchers

and deals that coincide with thestart of the Olympics has beenstaggering. And, withrestaurant vouchers topping themost searched for lists, it isclear people are coming overto party; and that the economyis going to benefit in a big way!

“We were massivelysurprised to see Spain featuringin the top five countries wheremost overseas searches camefrom, given their recent moneyplight, but it goes to show thatthey are keen to support theirnation’s athletes.”

Zoo forgeslinks with organicvegbox firmPeterborough-based vegbox

company Riverford hasestablished a new partnershipwith Hamerton Zoo Park nearSawtry, to donate organic veg tofeed the zoo’s animals.

Riverford is committed toreducing its impact on theenvironment – and the amount ofwaste it produces. A newpartnership with the zoo ensuresthat ‘grade out’ fruit and veg(bruised or damaged producesuch as apples, carrots andbroccoli), don’t end up in the bin.Instead they are fed to the zoo’sinhabitants, including camels,wallabies, howler monkeys,lemurs, gibbons and porcupines.

According to Tracy Baxter, whohelps to run Hamerton (www.hamertonzoopark.com), while thesloths, gibbons and lemurs lovesweetcorn, sweet potatoes,spinach and sugar-snap peas, thecamels prefer broccoli and carrots.But it seems Brussels sprouts arean acquired taste. Tracy said:“The animals are not keen onsprouts and only seem to throwthem around their dinner bowls.”

“We’re really grateful toRiverford. Protecting theenvironment is a key part of ourwork, so we appreciate howimportant it is to farm in aresponsible, sustainable way. Ithink organic food tastes betterand the animals seem to agree!”

Riverford delivers across theUK, through a network of farms,such as the local one, just outsidePeterborough at Sacrewell (www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell).

Pictured left: GeorgeCharles.

Olympics tourists start rushto use UK vouchers

Uncovering Peterborough

Hamerton Zoo’s Stacey Axman andRiverford’s Jon Day serve lunch to

the ring-tailed lemurs.

Uncover Peterborough is anew website for businesses

and consumers, providing localinformation. It was designed toput local consumers, searchingonline, in touch with qualitycompanies and serviceproviders within thePeterborough area, givingcomprehensive knowledge ofbusinesses, services, events,offers, news and jobs availablein the city and surrounds.

The site was launched inApril by local businessman,Paul David Smith. Paul hasmore than ten years’ businessexperience in the Peterboroughregion: after establishinghimself as head of marketingfor one of the largest giftretailers in the UK and gainingextensive experience inensuring businesses can befound online, he then launcheda successful search marketing company.

This helped a range ofretailers and service providersensure they were achieving thesuccess in the search enginestheir businesses deserved. Intoday’s market, mostconsumers or businesses willdo an Internet search to locate

a product or service before theyring the company or walkthrough the door. If your webpresence is weak or doesn’texist, you are missing out on awealth of opportunities andpotential sales.

A few statistics: l 97 per cent of consumerssearch for local businessonline (source: Google Placesfor Business)l 97 per cent of consumersnow use online media to shoplocally (source: BIA/Kelseyand ConStat)l While consumers searchonline, the majority (64 percent) expect the businesslocation to be within a distanceof 15 miles (source: TMPDirectional Marketing/15miles& comScore, Local SearchUsage Study Q3 2010).Joining the team at

Undercover Peterborough isPaula Frew, as head ofmarketing. She has 15 years’experience in local marketinginitiatives, drivingsales andincreasing

exposure for local businessesto local consumers. Paula said: “There are

numerous businesses in thePeterborough area that localconsumers do not know exist. We want to bridge the gap andtell everyone in Peterboroughthat these businesses andservice providers are here inour area. “We are now raising

awareness of who we are andwhat we are doing and we aregetting ready to make quite astir within local communities. “We’ve teamed up with

great partners and will beholding regular prize drawswith some fantastic prizes. Wecan’t wait to let everybodyknow about UncoverPeterborough and the manyopportunities it offers to bothbusinesses and consumers.”Paula added: “Our aim is to

help businesses build astronger local online presence.We provide each business witha unique profile, optimised forSEO, and we have differentpackages available withvarying features and services.” For more information visit:

www.uncoverpeterborough.comPaula Frew.

19JULY 2012

BUSINESS BREAK

BUSINESS BREAK

In times of economicdownturn, a thriving

business has emerged in asomewhat unlikely area.

Electronic cigarettes areoften marketed as a means tohelp people quit smoking,though Peterborough-basedElectronic Cigarettes Ltd prefers to offer the products asan alternative to tobacco.

Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, are battery-powereddevices that deliver nicotine invapour form, without any ofthe toxic chemicals that arefound in traditional tobacco.

In fact, most electroniccigarettes will just contain afew ingredients in the fluid thatdilutes the nicotine. The lack ofburning tobacco means theproducts are legal to useindoors – the ‘smoke’produced is actually just watervapour. Because of this,rather than being known as‘smokers’, e-cigs users preferto call themselves ‘vapers’!

Electronic Cigarettes Ltdlaunched just 18 months ago,with one person investing £500in stock. Fast forward to now,and the team is 13-strong witha 10,000 sq ft warehouse inFengate, having recently

upgraded from 2,500 sq ftoffices in Orton Southgate.

With three enthusiasticdirectors at the helm – BenPotter, Aaron Taylor and OliverWarburton – the company isset to go from strength tostrength. Of the office move,Ben said: “It has opened up alot of opportunities for us, aswe are no longer restricted byspace.” Electronic CigarettesLtd comprises four mainbrands: ECigWizard; UKEliquid; Red Kiwi; andNeatcigs – each with a slightlydifferent targeteddemographic. A fifth brand islaunching later this summer.

Currently, ElectronicCigarettes Ltd ships around500 orders a day, with a hugeproportion of these headingout to mainland Europe. Thecompany’s presence as an e-commerce business islargely credited with thisreach. Oliver said: “Due todemand, we have recentlytaken on two employeesbased overseas to manageour German and Finnishmarkets. This means we cannow offer a multi-lingualcustomer experience.”

Although the majority of

sales are web-based, themove to Fengate bringsnew opportunities, witha planned shop front inthe coming weeks. Benadded: “I would hope thatwe continue growing at thepace we have for the past 18months, providing more jobsin the area and offeringopportunities for localretailers to branch outwith our products.”

For budding entrepreneursThe company has recentlylaunched a wholesaleprogramme, where buddingentrepreneurs can sell itsproducts, enjoying agenerous and competitiveprofit margin – furtherunderlining the positiveimpact of the growingcompany’s effect on localbusiness. To enquire about thewholesale programme, email:wholesale@ecigwizard.com

The company also pridesitself on identifyingopportunities in the UK marketas a whole. Ben added: “Weare in the process ofmanufacturing our own brandof e-liquid (the productcontaining nicotine), that will be

100 per cent UK-produced.” Since most e-liquids are

currently sourced outsidethe UK, this is an excitingprospect for electroniccigarettes in general.

For more informationabout electronic cigaretteproducts, visit the website:www.ecigwizard.com

Get your enterprise featured on our Business Break page. Email your details to: info@businessscene.co.uk

An enterprisefounded onwater vapourAlternative tobacco productpowers a healthy business

Above: Aselection ofproducts.

Right: Teammember

SamWarburton,busy in thewarehouse.

Directors Ben Potter (left) and Oliver Warburton.

20 JULY 2012WORKFORCE

WORKFORCE

Asignificant 83 per cent ofbusiness leaders believe they

will be replaced within five years,according to a poll by SkillSoft, aglobal e-learning company.

With high levels of authorityand large pay cheques, it’straditional to think of the chiefexecutive officer’s (CEO) post as ajob for life. But it seems theposition is becoming increasinglytenuous as more and more boardsget set to ‘shoot the generals’ andbring in fresh talent, hoping theirinnovative and strategic mindswill drive the business forward.

The research shows the topspot is even more precarious inthe largest of companies. A thirdof CEOs with more than 1,499employees, anticipated leavingthe business within just two years.

Kevin Young, managingdirector of SkillSoft EMEA, said:“CEOs need to up their game ifthey want to keep their roles insuch a competitive market.Businesses are becoming moreruthless, especially after therecession, so business leadersneed to ensure they are cuttingedge and can outshine competing candidates.”

SkillSoft’s survey came aftermanagement consulting firm,Booz&co, launched its latestannual CEO Succession report,The New CEO’s First Year. Its keyfinding is that CEO turnoverglobally has returned to pre-recession rates – at 14.2 per cent,

it is up 2.6 per cent on 2010’sfigure. In the UK this is slightlyhigher, at 14.7 per cent. The studyalso found:l By sector, the top three for CEOturnover in the UK are:healthcare, telecommunicationsservices and utilitiesl Average age of UK CEOsleaving office is older – 58.4 years,compared to 56 in all of Europel Tenure of UK CEO is similar toEurope – 7.2 years on average,compared to 6.9 years on averagein all of Europe.

However, the results alsoshowed that ‘insiders’ continue tobring higher returns: between2009 and 2011, outgoing insiderCEOs – those who had risen upthrough the ranks at the samecompany – delivered a 4.4 percent annual shareholder returnabove local market indices, onaverage, compared to just a 0.5 per cent return from ‘outsider’ CEOs.

Ashley Harshak, partner atBooz, said: “Boards are more likelyto keep their chief executivesduring times of economicuncertainty in order to maintainstability, but they are more willingto make a change wheneconomic stability returns andcompany outlooks improve.

“The appointment of outsiderCEOs is on the rise becauseindustries in turmoil often lookfor fresh insight and expertisefrom outside their current sectorand market.

“However, the countervailingtrends – better-performing insidersand increasing numbers ofoutsiders – should be a keyconsideration for any boardthinking about making a changeat the top.”

Work has begun on a newprimary school and

community facility at Hampton,Peterborough, on land adjacent tothe college building in ClayburnRoad. Kier Construction wasappointed in April to build the newfacilities, which will increase the

amount of primary school placesavailable in the expandingcommunity and provide changingand club rooms for the playingfields, as well as new sports andlibrary facilities. The school willofficially open in September, withconstruction due to finish in 2013.

Heads might roll:chiefs fear the chop

Kevin Young. Ashley Harshak.

Building starts on school

WORKFORCEJULY 2012 21

Most of you are probablybored to death with the

wall-to-wall football that hasbeen on TV, especially asEngland is now out of the Euro2012 competition, losing to Italyin the familiar penalty shootoutdisappointment. We are often letdown mid-way through thechampionship . . . why am I evenmentioning this . . ? What has football got to do

with health and safety? Youcould ask if it’s to do with primadonnas talking a load of rubbishand getting paid exorbitant feesfor a mediocre performance . . .

Well, there are some H&Sadvisors out there in thatcategory but, generallyspeaking, that is not the case!

I am saying the team

that wins the EuropeanChampionship will probablyhave the following characteristics:l A good work ethiclGreat team spiritl People with excellent skills and experiencelGreat communicationlGood management andgood planningl A clear strategy, but with theability to respond to a crisisquickly and efficientlyl And a sprinkling of luck!

So, if you want to be ahealth and safety champion,apply the same logic.

Get communication workingwith a health and safetycommittee; involve yourworkforce in your riskassessment process.

Encourage your workforce towork as a team, get them to lookout for each other and empowerthem to challenge their ownbehaviour and that of theircolleagues and managers.

Lead by example, wear thecorrect personal protectiveequipment, and follow the site rules.

Establish a health andsafety business plan, setachievable targets for training,inspections, audits and meetings.

Set up an emergency actionplan, train people and carry out drills.

To be fair, if you get all that

working, you won’t have to relyon luck.

You haven’t got millions tochuck at this and you don’t needto have. Get your workforceinvolved – encourage them totake ownership of health andsafety for themselves and theircolleagues. Most importantly,establish an environment thathas great morale where peopleare continually looking out foreach other.Then, who knows, you maywin a cup!

The 15th annual salarysurvey, spearheaded by

city-based independentagency Anne CorderRecruitment (ACR), hasbeen launched across the region.

Questionnaires arebeing distributed to anumber of high-profilecompanies for them to fill insalary structure information.

ACR is again working inconjunction with specialistreward consultancy,PAYdata (www.paydata.co.uk),which will analyse the details.

The 2012 Peterborough LocalMarket Survey will be publishedin the autumn, providing asnapshot of remunerationpackages for use by recruitersand companies. Participants willreceive an in-depth analysis oftheir pay structures in comparisonwith others, allowing them tobenchmark for pay reviews

and recruitment purposes.ACR recruitment partner,

Nel Woolcott, said: “We havemade some tweaks to this year’ssurvey to reflect the changingjobs market both in Peterborough and nationally.

“Participants receive adetailed results packageenabling them to benchmarktheir salary packages againstothers to ensure they remain

competitive in therecruitment market.”

Tim Kellett,director atPeterborough-basedPAYdata, isoverseeing thecompilation of thesurvey. He said:“Nationally, we haveseen slightly higherpay reviews in ourmarket databankthan last year.However, we often

see fluctuations at a regional andeven local level.

“It is going to be interesting tosee if there are any variations inPeterborough, either generally orfor specific jobs or skills.”

Companies can still apply totake part in this year’sPeterborough Local MarketSurvey. For details, contact NelWoolcott at ACR, tel: 01733 319888or email: nel@annecorder.co.uk

They are often given negativepress and accused of

mal-practice or mis-selling. Butsalespeople in the UK refutethis, claiming they are indeedtruly ethical and accountable.So says a YouGov survey forsales performance managementprovider Xactly. A principled 55per cent of respondents saidthey would leave a job if theyhad issues with the product orservice they were selling. Andalmost a third would leave ifthey felt colleagues werebehaving unethically. Christopher Cabrera, CEO of

Xactly, said: “Selling underpinsbusiness competitiveness. So whywould those who have chosensales as a career be any lessethical than other professions?”

Call to make salaries snapshot biggest ever

With a background in engineering and manufacturing, Colin Nottage runs Stamford and Bristol-based consultancy Safety Horizon. Email him: colin.nottage@safetyhorizon.com or call Freephone 0845 689 0075. www.safetyhorizon.com

Don’t say welack ethics,sales teamsdeclare

Pictured above: Nel Woolcott and Tim Kellett.

Practical advice for the workplace fromhealth and safety expert, Colin Nottage.

England should have applied teamwork!

22 JULY 2012SKILLSET

SKILLSETScheme launchesfor SME success

AGovernment scheme hasbeen launched, designed to

help small and medium-sizedbusinesses grow (SMEs).

GrowthAccelerator, a newpartnership between theGovernment and the privatesector, will see proven businessexperts working withcompanies to identify andovercome barriers to growth.

This will include tacklingproblems such as securingfinance, commercialisinginnovation and developingmanagement capability.Business Secretary Vince Cabledescribed the new scheme(www.growthaccelerator.com)as ‘a fantastic opportunity’ forSMEs to achieve businesssuccess, at home and abroad.

Schools should do moreto ease unemployment

Alex Jackman.

Solutions to youth joblessnesswere discussed by the Forum of

Private Business last month, whichadvised a House of CommonsSelect Committee that schoolsmust do more when it comes toteaching basic work skills as partof the National Curriculum.

The forum’s senior policyadviser, Alex Jackman, also toldthe cross-party committee, which isexamining issues surroundingyouth unemployment, that theGovernment should widen theeligibility criteria for certain youthtraining schemes and make themless restrictive to small businesses.

He told the committee thattraining providers have to beencouraged to work more closelywith small and even micro

businesses, rather than seek easierwins at large corporations, as isoften the case now.

He said: “Employers are thenumber one consumer of theproducts of education and they arerejecting school leavers becausetheir standards are too low. We arenot referring to standards ofacademic education in thisinstance, but the more basic workskills all new starters should at thatpoint in their lives already havedrilled in to them – things likebeing punctual, being able to dealwith difficult customers oranswering the phone politely.

“We believe schools should bedoing more of this type ofpreparation work, possibly taughtas part of a life skills class. This

would not be difficult for schools to accomplish, but for a small business, teaching newstarters this is labour intensiveand, therefore, costly.

“We are calling for theeducation system to engageemployers more to achieve theseaims, so they can learn exactly thetypes of skills pupils are lacking,and also to better prepareyoungsters for the world of work.”

He also told the committee thatsmall businesses would welcome awidening and simplification of theemployer incentives available tothem: “The problem for small firmsis there is no single tool to helpfind what they are actually eligibleto apply for, such asapprenticeship grants.”

SKILLSETJULY 2012 23

Innovation often means facingand addressingshortcomings, fumblingwith the untried, all withoutguarantee of success. Is itsurprising that anyoneattempts it at all?

In fact, the Departmentfor Business, Innovationand Skills (BIS), in its UKInnovation Survey 2009,reported that innovation still has alivelihood in the UK. Aftersurveying small, medium andlarge firms, it reported that 58.2 percent were ‘innovation active’ in theperiod 2006-08. Innovation mightbe risky, but many businessesrealise it is not too risky as to leaveit entirely to the competition.

Bearing in mind that asuccessful result can never beguaranteed, can a case be madefor innovation in the first place?As a starting point, a reasonablequestion an organisation mightask is, ‘What is the value ofinnovation?’ Well, for a start,businesses that innovate typicallygrow more rapidly and canaverage up to four times the salesgrowth of those that don’t.

The value to the regional andnational economy can also betransformative: research by Nesta,the charitable trust promotingbusiness innovation, found that 1.3

million jobs were createdbetween 2006-08 by just sixper cent of all companieswith nine or moreemployees. And, in recentyears, this segment hascreated close to half of all

new positions. This job creationwas fed by the high growth ofthese firms, and this growth wasdriven by innovation. What’s more,innovation-driven high growthfirms are still a feature in therecessional economy.

Many of us might be a bit coyabout the label ‘innovator’. Askanyone in middle managementwhat they do and they will likelyreply with their job title. But then,ask why they are good or effectivein their role and chances are that itwill because they ‘introduced anew way of doing things’, ‘cut costsby X per cent by finding analternative’, ‘boosted serviceresponse through restructuring …’.

In other words, it is not justdoing their jobs that makes themshine, but their ability to innovate.

The benefit of innovationextends to the workforce;innovation is a transferable skillset – one that an individual will

add to and draw on throughouthis/her career.

However, the need forinnovation and skills is at oddswith a comparison of developedeconomies that identified the UKas having among the lowest levelof ICT skills in the workingpopulation and as one of the mostreluctant to invest in the innovationcapability of its workforce.

Part of the issue may lie withthe lack of a wide consensus as towhat an innovation skillset shouldconsist of.

Clearly, it touches on manyabilities, principallycommunication, problem-solvingand collaboration, butmanagement and leadership arealso part of the equation.

Investment in innovation skillshas mutual advantage for bothfirm and employees; it boostscompany survivability and theindividual becomes more engagedand probably is less willing to leave.

Families set tobenefit from earlyeducation trialMore families with children

aged two living in Paston,Walton and North Bretton willbe able to benefit from freeearly education sessions fromSeptember 2012.

Peterborough City Councilis one of ten local authoritieschosen to take part in a trial bythe Department for Education toincrease free early educationsessions for two-year-olds.

The trial allow familiesmeeting the eligibility criteria toaccess up to 15 hours free earlyeducation sessions each week.The city council currently offersup to ten hours a week. Thetrial will conclude next March,prior to the scheme rolling outnationwide in September 2013.

The city council will receiveup to £253,000 to fund the trial.

Councillor John Holdich,Cabinet Member for Education,Skills and University, said: “Thisis a much-needed developmentto support families and I lookforward to seeing the positiveimpact of this project.”

For criteria details, visit:www.peterborough.gov.uk

Did you ever see the MontyPython comedy sketch about

the 100-yard dash for people withno sense of direction? It was theSilly Olympics: the stadium packedand the atmosphere electric as thismain event approached. The eliterunners with absolutely no sense ofdirection were assembled anditching to go; then the starting gunrang out and they were off!

Very quickly they were off-track – sprinting forwards, backwards,

sideways and some going roundand round in circles. They were allextremely fast and in haste to get tothe finishing line – wherever thatwas! Unfortunately, no track, nodirection and, in the end, nopurpose in all their efforts of runningso well.

Doesn’t this reflect the world wenow live in? Our ‘fast’ society; in arush to succeed and get everything. . . now! Delivery overnight!Priority tracking!

It’s exciting, but I wonder whereare you headed? How will you getthere? What route must you take?

You could start by . . . stopping.Just take a few minutes to orientateyourself, to raise your eyes above

the parapet and check if you arereally happy with where you areheaded and what it will give you.

Then you can ensure you movein the right direction – anything elsemay be a waste of energy.

Three Actions:1.What is your vision for your life?Describe a life well lived.2.What is your vision for your

relationships? Describe the sort ofperson/friend you want to be.3.What is your vision for your work?Describe the contribution you wantto make.

Give yourself some time, tocheck in with your vision and makesure you’re on track – you are yourown Olympic success!

I know you can do it! To your success!

Are you on track for success?

The value of innovation

Skills expertise with

DavidGrundy

Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made fromsomething they have deep inside them–a desire, a dream, a vision.❞❝

David Grundy (left) is managingdirector of Tuit Achievements. Email: david@tuitachievements.com Tel: O1733 210464 or 07894 705293.Twitter: tuitdoit Facebook david@tuitachievementsWeb: www.tuitachievements.com

Muhammad Ali, boxer.

Patrick Sim (pictured above) isfounder/MD of city-based businessinnovation and strategic foresightconsultancy, Leapfrog Innovation.

www.leapfrog-innovation.com

It can be deemed a risky business, but beinginnovative is worth it, says Patrick Sim.

We could all use a littlecoaching. When you’re playingthe game, it’s hard to think of everything.

Jim Rohn, author. ❞

❝

JULY 2012TRAVEL

Travel correspondent JANE PRICEpoints you in the direction of somegreat destinations.

24

OFF DUTY

Nothing quite evokes thetraditional romance of

travel like a classic railjourney. There's somethingabout pulling away fromthe platform and rollingthrough deep landscapesand savouring the prospectof faraway borders thatairport halls and securityqueues can never match.

Figures suggest thereare increasing numbers oftravellers who make a railjourney the focal point of

their holiday, rather thanjust an eco-friendly way ofgetting from A to B.

The experience is asmuch about the scenery,the hospitality on boardand, in many cases, therefined approach to travelthat rail allows.

Here’s a few examplesof great trips to choo-choo-choose from!

For more details, callme, Jane Price, on thenumbers below right.

All aboard the holiday

The West Highland Line

Scenic Scotland.

Classic Route: Scotland,Glasgow to MallaigLowdown: There are jaw-dropping rail journeysto be found in every cornerof the globe, but one of thevery best, and most easilymanageable, is the linethat winds gently throughthe west of Scotland’sscintillating Highlands. Theroute runs from Glasgowthrough increasingly wildterrain, but it’s the 40-milestretch from Fort William to

Mallaig that really gives itits reputation. Passengertrains ply the whole routeyear-round and, in summer,there are steam-hauledtourist services from FortWilliam. The track crossesGlenfinnan Viaduct, whichappears in the HarryPotter films.X Factor: It’s an easilyarranged trip that can bedone in a day. For thosewanting a longer rail trip,it makes for an ideal taster.

Classic Route:Victoria to CapetownLowdown: The Blue Train isa classic example of a world-class trainexperience that can beincorporated into a widerholiday itinerary. Its bestknown route is Pretoria toCape Town with an earlymorning departure,meaning you can watch theday unfold over thespectacular semi-desert ofthe Karoo, before waking

up in the vineyards,arriving among thebeaches and ruggedlandscapes of Capetown atnoon the next day. It’s an all-suite train, completewith lounges and a finedining car. Its butlers areon call 24 hours a day andthe overall levels of luxuryhave helped it bagnumerous awards since itslaunch in 1998.X Factor: One of the world’smost iconic luxury trains,

whose short journeys can be built into a broader South African adventure.

Classic Route:Delhi toMumbaiLowdown:One ofseveralopulent railoptions to be found on thesub-continent, theMaharajas’ Expressoperates a variety of pan-Indian itineraries, allof which begin or end inDelhi and take in the TajMahal in Agra. The on-board design isintended to reflect the all-whims-catered-for

lavishness ofMaharajan living, soplaces an emphasison attentive service,gourmet dining and

modern comforts.Unsurprisingly, it’s not a

budget option. Of the fiveroutes travelled by thetrain; two incorporate allthree of the famous GoldenTriangle stop-offs – Jaipur,Agra and Delhi.X Factor: Rail buff or not,there can be few betterways of seeing India’smost famous attractions.

Inset: Lavish Indian style.

South African adventure.

Maharaja Express, India

Blue Train: South Africa

TRAVELJULY 2012 25

Classic Route:Vancouver to BanffLowdown: The CanadianRockies are quite simplyone of the mosthandsome mountainranges on the planet,offering the kind ofblockbuster, snow-cappedtopography that canelevate a rail journeyfrom enjoyable tounforgettable. As such,the Rocky Mountaineer –which has rolled throughsome of the Rockies’ mostscenic spots for morethan 20 years – is now afixture on the luxury

travel wish list. Its bestknown route runs eastfrom Vancouver, crossingthe semi-arid ThompsonPlateau before arriving in the mountains proper,where the journey reaches its literal andmetaphorical peak. Theroute offers the chance to see elks, bald eagles and bears while crossing mountain passes and alongsidethundering rivers.X Factor: The chance toindulge in grizzly bearspotting over a glass of champagne.

Contact Jane Price at Hays Travel forlatest details. Telephone: 08000 141 833

or 01733 808330. Email: jane.price@hays-travel.co.uk Visit theweb page: www.hays-travel.co.uk/janeprice

express!

Australia: The Ghan

Rocky Mountaineer: Canada

Left: The Ghan train isthought to be named after

Afghan camel herders.Below: Explore the red

heart of Australia.

Above and below: Rocky Mountain high in Canada.

Classic Route:Adelaide to DarwinLowdown: Carving a routethrough the centre ofAustralia from the greensurrounds of the Flinders Range to thetropical beaches of the TopEnd. The Ghan coverssome 1,850 miles over thecourse of 48 hours. Thetrain is believed to benamed after the Afghancamel herders who helpedthe colonial British toexplore Australia’s interiorin the 19th century, and isone of the country’s

two classic cross-country railexperiences (theother being the2,700-mile IndianPacific betweenSydney andPerth). The Ghanalso calls in at AliceSprings, where it’spossible to break thejourney with a tour toUluru and the red heart ofthe country.X Factor: Crossing thecontinent through some ofthe most quintessentiallyAustralian scenery.

26 JULY 2012DIARY DATES

DIARY DATESMoney-saving tips shared at seminarSuggestions on saving

businesses money andputting more in the pockets ofemployees were highlighted ata business briefing held by cityaccountancy and law firms.

The use of remunerationpackages to save tax andNational Insurance wasdiscussed by Rawlinsons’accountancy partner KenCraig at the breakfast seminar.

Other topics in the spotlightat the event, hosted byRawlinsons and Hegarty LLPSolicitors were recent changesin employment law and use ofpilot trusts for tax planning andasset preservation.

Tim Thompson,

employment law partnerat Hegartys, said: “Therehave been dramaticchanges in employmentlaw recently, not only tothe legislation but also thetribunal procedure which itis important for businessesto understand.

“There was substantialinterest from the audience overthe tax advantages of pilottrusts which resulted in thetopics being well received.”

Almost 80 business peopleattended the annual event atthe Haycock Hotel in Wansford.And if you missed it, notes fromthe seminar ‘Business BriefingSeminar handout May 2012’

are available to downloadhere: www.rawlinsons.co.uk/newsdesk.php or here:www.hegarty.co.uk/seminars.past.htm

Above, speakers at theRawlinsons and Hegarty seminar(from left): Hegarty partner TimThompson; Rawlinsons’ partners

Ken Craig and Chris Collier; and Hegarty associate solicitor

Joanna Grewer.

Cambridgeshire Gundog Clubwill be showcasing their skillsand a new feature will be a drystone walling demonstration bystudents from PeterboroughRegional College, which is now recognised as a leadingtrainer in this rural skill.

Andrew Riddington, showcommittee chairman, said: “One of the most fascinatingelements of the show is the

chance toexperience themany aspects ofcountryside livingand traditions.”

The show alsofeatures abusiness hub onshow Friday.

For details ofthe event, visit:

www.eastofenglandshow.co.uk

AndrewRiddington.

July 2-4 Cambridge, FitzwilliamCollege Privacy Laws & Business25th Anniversary InternationalConference – Overcoming PrivacyHurdles: 40+ speakers from 14countries including discussion onuse of cookies and EU dataprotection rules. Details:privacylaws.com/annualconference

July 13 Peterborough, Parnwell,KingsGate Centre (PE1 4YT) Speednetworking breakfast eventorganised by the CambridgeshireChambers of Commerce, 7.45-10am(non-members £22.50, plus VAT,members £15, plus VAT). PLUS: Afree, informal networking evening(no booking required) is being heldon July 18, from 6-8pm, at theRamada Hotel, Thorpe Meadows(PE3 6GA). More details availablefrom Maria Briggs on 01223 237414or email her, here:m.briggs@cambscci.co.uk

July 25 Peterborough, InnovationWay, 26 Tesla Court (PE2) Freetraining workshop (3-5pm)organised by The Business Club:‘Getting the most from yourmembership’: www.the-businessclub.org.uk /event-information.html

July 27 Rutland, Barnsdale LodgeHotel Breakfast at Barnsdale(7.30am-9.40am: £10) with theRutland and Stamford BusinessNetwork (non-members welcome).Book via email to: ben@rsbn.biz

From sheepdog displays tobirds of prey flying

demonstrations – this month’sEast of England Show will becelebrating the countryside.

The Country Sports Arenawill give the thousands ofvisitors to the region’s premierfamily event a chance to

experience some best-lovedcountryside traditions.

The show, on July 6-8,includes sheepdog displaysby three-times winner of theBBC’s One Man and His Dogseries, Colin Gordon; CJ’sBirds of Prey – one of the UK’sleading display teams. The

Bringing country pursuits to heart of the city

Send in show memories

Organisers of the East ofEngland Show are putting

together an exhibition charting itshistory, and are asking the publicto submit their photographs,memories and artefacts fromshows gone by. Send them toPaul Tate at the East of EnglandShowground, Oundle Road,Peterborough PE2 6XE.

JULY 2012 27

28 JULY 2012

JULY 2012 29

The set of clues can be either Across or Down. One answer is shown to help you get started – theword Mother-In-Law. Use a pencil and have an eraser handy!

30 JULY 2012PROFILE

HEADLINES

Full name: George Simons.Biography: Born in the NewEngland area, I attended StMark’s School, infants andjuniors, following on to theLincoln Road Boys’ SeniorSchool. During that time Ijoined the air cadets and alsothe boy scouts – and appearedin a Scouts Gang Show held atthe Elwes Hall. When I leftschool, I went into theplumbing and heating businessand completed myapprenticeship. Some yearslater, I became self-employedand leased shops from thecouncil – one in Market Wayand one in Cattlemarket Road.I remember when it was a realcattle market – in my youth, Imade many visits to see thelive animals. I was a presidentof the Plumbing and HeatingAssociation in Peterborough. Iam married and have two sonsand a daughter, grandchildrenand one great grandson. I waselected as a councillor forStanground from 1988 to 1996

and was also a governor ofOakdale Primary School. In2010, I became a councillor forthe Paston and GunthorpeWard – I have lived inGunthorpe for 31 years. Mydaughter and grandson havefollowed me into politics in the city. Current business card details:Mayor of Peterborough. Mytheme for the mayoral year isto bring smiles to Peterborough.My first job: I was a paperboy,delivering to my local area ofthe city – New England. But my dream job would havebeen: A career in the RAF. I ama Peterborian and have livedin the city all my life, with theexception of two years’National Service in the RoyalAir Force.Are you a technophobe or atechnophile? I am not keen on computers so am notechnophile! But these daysthey are a necessity.What’s your favourite brand?Ford cars. I own a Ford Galaxy

and, having seven seats, it isvery versatile and can beadapted for any occasion,especially transporting myvery loyal dog, named Pickle.I like to spend my time off:Watching any type of sport: Iplayed football forPeterborough Rovers andBritish Rail teams, was clubcaptain for PeterboroughRovers and later managedGlinton Football Team. I am aPOSH supporter and also now enjoy playingsnooker each week with threeclose neighbours. I attendedthe outdoor Peterborough Lidomany times and at the end ofMay was privileged to officiateas mayor at its opening. My finest hour was when: Imarried my wife, Sylvia. Weare still enjoying our livestogether after 57 years. Peopleregard us as a double act.I hate it when: We run out

of tea – although that is very rarely!I am surprisingly good at:Telling jokes – I like to put asmile on people’s faces. In this,my mayoral year, I aim to getmore people to smile and tohave a more relaxed feel in the Town Hall, so staff enjoytheir jobs. My dream dinner party guestswould include: Would have tobe with my best friends as Ihave plenty to choose from. And the food would be: EitherChicken Maryland or sausageand mash with mushy peas.Followed by apple pie.At my funeral, please play:‘You were always on my mind’,by Willie Nelson.If I ruled the world: I would tryto save water as, being in theplumbing industry, I have seentoo much waste. In time, waterwill become more preciousthan gold.

Get into Business Scene’s CEO spotlight. Email yourHEADLINES responses to: info@businessscene.co.uk

Answers from page 29.

Business Scene gets up close and a little bit personalwith executives around the region. Here, we put thelife and times of a former city businessman, newmayor George Simons, under the spotlight. He was elected Peterborough’s first citizen at the endof May and his wife Sylvia has taken up the role of mayoress. This mayoral year will raise funds for two charities – the Rudolph Fund (which aims to ‘make Christmas special for special children’) and supporters of Combat Stress.