Doing business with North America

Doing business with North America

EXPERTS on doing business in the huge North American markets will be coming to Basingstoke next month.

They will be giving advice at a seminar that will be of interest to businesses new to the North American market as well as those already operating there and wishing to update themselves on the latest conditions.

Topics will include an overview of the US market by Fred Bassnett of Trade Partners UK, who is a leading expert on the North American market. He will be joined by Roger Frampton, who specialises in information communications technology.

Legal aspects will be covered by a US lawyer based in London, Scott James of Faegre Benson Hobson Audley.

John Harrocks, head of the NHCCI’s International Trade Centre, who is organising the event, said: "This is a great opportunity for businesses throughout Hampshire to meet people already operating in the States and talk to experts.

"The morning will be of general interest, with time available for appointments for specific and technical private meetings in the afternoon."

The USA market awareness seminar is sponsored by HSBC and supported by Hampshire County Council and Business Link Wessex.

It will be held at Hilton Basingstoke on Tuesday, March 5. The cost is £45 plus VAT including refreshments and buffet lunch. Details are available from the NHCCI on 01256 352275.

The NHCCI will be following up the seminar with a trade mission to New England in June, which provides an ideal gateway to the US market.

Advice with EU trade

STARTING in April, businesses in north Hampshire will be able to benefit from free consultation on how to develop trade with countries in the European Union. The Chamber has teamed up with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and with the Southern Area European Information Centre (EIC) to provide monthly business clinics in Basingstoke, which will be sponsored by the Borough Council.

The clinics, which will be held in the Civic Offices, will provide advice to companies and organisations that are interested in expanding their activity into mainland Europe, and offer guidance to businesses that are already operating in the EU but would like help on particular problems.

The EIC has been running similar clinics in Portsmouth for the last two years — and will do so in Bournemouth from June — and they have been much appreciated by local companies. The NHCCI and the Borough Council have, for some time, been working towards bringing a similar service to the Basingstoke and north Hampshire area, and are delighted that this has now been made possible.

The clinics will be held each month, and will be attended by Richard Hall, Manager of the EIC. The consultations will be on a one-to-one basis, and any business wishing to discuss, clarify, or simply learn more about working with the EU, should try to attend.

The EIC has successfully helped many businesses to enter the EU market, and has run regular Partenariat matchmaking visits to various European cities over the last few years.

North Hampshire businesses that would like to know more about the EIC’s activities and services are invited to attend a free breakfast seminar at the Hilton Basingstoke on Friday, March 8.

For information on how to register for the seminar, and on how to book an appointment at the clinics, please contact the Chamber’s International Trade Centre on 01256 352275.

Special offer on new Business Directory

THE Basingstoke and Deane Business to Business, Retail and General Services Directory has been drawn from a database of around 3,000 firms in the borough.

It is the result of 15 months’ work by Jamie Freeth, Business Operations Coordinator at the Borough Council, and replaces the original printed in 1996.

Jamie said: "It’s a bible for the business community, providing a global window for Basingstoke businesses and encouraging trade.

"We like to think it’s a market leader for this type of publication."

The list of 1,250 companies is a 25 per cent increase on the 1996 version, including 850 new business names and information.

A special discount for Chamber members means you can purchase a copy for £40 instead of the recommended retail price of £50, while those members within the borough of Basingstoke can order a copy for £25.

The Business Directory gives detailed information of companies, their products and a senior contact name within the firm. It includes the postal address and telephone, fax and email numbers, together with the firm’s main markets and the origin of the parent company, export countries, site operations, turnover and employee numbers.

It is in an easy to use format, listing companies by sector as well as alphabetically. It also has valuable contact information regarding corporations and societies that can offer support, guidance and networking opportunities, along with tables, lists and indexes.

Cllr Colin Regan, portfolio holder for economic prosperity, said: "The Directory is here to encourage trade among companies both locally and globally. I would encourage both buyers and suppliers to utilise it."

The contact for Chamber members wishing to purchase the Business Directory for the discount price is Karen Matthews on 01256 352275 or email office@nhcci.co.uk for an order form.

Affordable housing on the menu at Winchester lunch

THE first Winchester area Chamber Lunch of 2002, sponsored by the Hampshire Chronicle, was hosted by Andrew Oxby, General Manager of the Winchester Royal Hotel in St Peter Street, Winchester.

Around 40 members braved the cold but sunny January day, to be rewarded with fine hospitality and an excellent lunch.

After the meal, members were addressed by Peter Jones, who has been Chief Executive of Winchester Housing Group for the past ten years.

The original association was sponsored by Winchester City Council in 1989, in response to a growing need for affordable housing in Winchester. A group structure has since been formed, aiming to provide well-managed quality homes and services for those who are unable to satisfy their needs in the open market.

Winchester Housing Group looks to several areas to support this aim, including:

*Identifying and meeting the housing needs of existing and potential residents;

*Expanding its housing stock at a sustainable rate;

*Working closely with tenants, local authorities, statutory bodies, voluntary agencies and other organisations;

*Undertaking community activities and pursuing projects which add value to communities.

Mr Jones gave members an insight into the work of the group and its impact on local business and community. One example in Winchester in 2001 was the scheme at 10 Parchment Street, providing one-bedroom apartments and a cyber café. This was a complex conversion of an old church within the conservation area which provided much-needed city centre homes at affordable rents, together with a new IT training venue.

Innovation continues to be a driving force for development.

Members were interested to learn about the scope of projects undertaken by the organisation and the ways in which partnerships with local companies can assist them in their plans for the future.

Any local company wishing to explore possible avenues of co-operation or which can provide additional evidence of need for future development should contact Winchester Housing Group on 01962 840061.

Jody Ayres is Events Co-ordinator at Marston Hotels, The Winchester Royal, and can be contacted on 01962 840840.

Customers: How to keep them

MEMBERS of Winchester Business Network enjoyed an excellent January meeting at the Wessex Hotel

Guest speaker was Debbie Richardson from Outside Angle who specialise in Corporate Communications.

Debbie’s theme was ‘Customers: How to keep them’ — crucial to any organisation. Knowing your clients, understanding their needs and building a relationship with them are what should drive a business forward, yet are often taken for granted, said Debbie.

Her talk was followed by a short presentation on Broadband by James Hardiman of The Learning Centre who is leading the Business Users Group initiated by Wired Winchester to represent potential business users. James explained very succinctly what broadband is and its various applications and benefits.

The evening was rounded off by the champagne draw — won this month by Winchester area chairman Jim Sawyer.

Sponsors David Aston of Baker Tilly and Kit Finney of JCF Financial would like to see this already thriving group with its emphasis on networking grow still further. Many members come on a regular basis and others only occasionally, but all are most welcome.

For further information on Outside Angle, contact Debbie Richardson on 01962 827766.

James Hardiman can be contacted at The Learning Centre on 01962 813462.

Chamber Sport

Golf events

TWO major fund-raising events are taking place at Dummer Golf Club.

Major Ronald Ferguson, President of Dummer GC, is also Patron of the Prostate Cancer Support Association, a national body, and a charity golf day in aid of the Prostate Cancer Support Association will be held on Monday, June 10. Sponsors, offers of prizes and donations are being sought; interested companies and individuals seeking more information should contact either Peter Llewellyn, MD of Tee Times Golf Publications, tel 01635 817371, fax 01635 817471, or Roger Corkhill, Club Secretary of Dummer Golf Club, tel 01256 397888, fax 01256 397889.

The other major event is the second Festival Place Golf Tournament on Friday, June 28. The proceeds from this event will be donated to the North Hampshire Medical Trust to purchase a specific item of hospital equipment. Again, sponsors, offers of prizes and donations are sought. Interested companies or individuals should contact either Bernard Ferris, Director of Festival Place, tel 01256 844576, or Elizabeth Horne, North Hampshire Medical Fund Co-ordinator, tel/fax 01256 314759.

Companies interested in entering a team for either event should contact one of the individuals listed above.

This year’s annual Chamber Golf Competition at Dummer Golf Club, very popular last year, is being held on Thursday, July 11. Please enter the date in your diary. Details with an entry form will be sent you in the near future.

Crookham Service Garage Match Play Knockout 2002

IF you wish to enter this ever-popular competition, all you have to do is be a member of any Chamber of Commerce or person working for such member, and send a cheque for £5 payable to Richard Harrison at Newlands, 39 Albany Road, Fleet, Hants GU51 3PU.

Please enclose details of which golf club or society you are a member (if not already a member of Aldershot, Fleet & District Golf Society, your handicap and telephone number.

The closing date for entries is March 4.

Entry forms have only just been sent out, but entries from the following clubs have already been received: Hankley Common, West Surrey, Blackmoor, Army GC, North Hants, Roker Park, Farnham Sands, Hoebridge, Windlesham, Pine Ridge, Old Thorns, Parasampia, Merrist Wood and Oak Park.

If you are drawn at any of these clubs, your opponent pays half your green fee.

Diary date: This year’s meeting at the Army Golf Club will be on Thursday, September 5.

Cricket

THIS year’s Hampshire CCC beneficiary is Shaun Udal, who lives in Basingstoke. Many of his benefit events will be held in the north of the county, and they include:

May 13: Golf day at Dummer Golf Club

June 28: Cricket at Eversley CC

July 8: Cricket at May’s Bounty, Basingstoke

July 19: Cricket at Hartley Wintney CC

August 2: Six-a-side cricket at Cove CC

August 30: Dinner at Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke

There are many opportunities for businesses to get involved. Details of all events can be obtained from Shaun Udal’s Benefit Office at Dummer Down Farm, tel 01256 397008, email: shaun.udal@cricket.org

Special rates for company tables at the Eversley match are offered to Chamber members. Contact Andrew Renshaw on 01252 843566 for details.

Businesses flex muscles for the Games

‘Count Your Business In’ is the message from the Commonwealth Games Business Club, which is inviting companies to join for free.

Businesses joining the club, which will run during the Games from July 24 to August 4, will be able to meet companies from the UK and overseas, and establish contacts and partnerships.

The Club is being spearheaded by the Commonwealth Economic Benefits (CEB), an organisation which was set up almost two years ago, to help businesses maximise the economic opportunities generated by the hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

The main sponsors of the club include British Trade International, chamber business enterprises, invest UK, Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, MIDAS (Manchester Investment and Development Agency Service), Northwest Development Agency and Trade Partners UK.

According to the Director of the CEB, Marilyn Steane, this is one of the major opportunities businesses have to get involved. "This really proves there is something going on which will really benefit them in a real sense," she said.

As well as the chance to make contacts and develop partnerships, members will be able to hear from high profile speakers, attend conferences, seminars and one-to-one meetings, as well as take part in sector specific workshops and explore inward investment.

There will of course, be a social side too, with cricket and football matches planned, plus a golf day and Commonwealth fashion show. And, not forgetting, the chance to see some of the fantastic sport during the Commonwealth Games itself — in some of the best sporting venues in the UK.

The Commonwealth Games Business Club has been modelled on the highly successful Australian model — Business Club Australia - with an estimated £30 million of investment generated as a result of the club’s activities during the Sydney Olympics.

"Business Club Australia was very well received, but we hope the UK one will be as, if not more, successful. We are fortunate in that we can take examples from Sydney and see how to shape the UK club," said Marilyn.

Angie Robison, Chief Executive of Manchester Chamber, agreed: "The Commonwealth Games could bring in millions and we could net significant inward investment. From our perspective, this is one of the most important activities that we are going to be involved in. Many of our members are small and medium sized companies who find it quite difficult to make partnering arrangements.

"This is the perfect device to enable them to do just that, not just in the Manchester area but throughout the whole of the region and beyond."

Government agency Trade Partners UK is another supporter of the Business Club — and its North West International Trade Director Peter Hogarth said the organisation would be doing everything to encourage companies from overseas to come to the UK and join the Club. He said: "We want to ensure the Club is a great success. We are very committed to the legacy of the Games - and to ensure we get a good positive economic benefit from the event not just for Manchester and the North West but for the whole of the UK."

It is free to join: simply log on to the Commonwealth Games Business Club website www.nwbusinessclub.com and register your details. Alternatively contact the Business Club Team at Commonwealth Economic Benefits in Manchester, tel: 0161 877 3000, email: info@nwbusinessclub.com

Strong office market in Fleet

FOLLOWING on the success in letting their Fleet Mill office development to Siemens and Parity Solutions at the beginning of 2001, Matthew Investments have let Oakmere, their third building in Fleet on Ancells Business Park, prior to practical completion.

The building is arranged on two floors of offices with undercroft parking and totals about 8,235 sq ft with 47 car spaces. It has been taken by Mentor Graphics Ltd on a 20-year lease, with rent reviews every fifth year and a tenant’s break at the end of the 15th year, at a rent of £26.25 per sq ft. A nominal rent-free period was granted.

Neville Hutchinson of Matthew Investments said: "I am delighted that our decision to develop three medium sized speculative buildings within a period of 24 months during a relatively buoyant market has been completely vindicated, and it underpins our continuing interest in seeking other opportunities along the M3 corridor."

Holt Walters acted for Mentor Graphics, while Atkinson Richards and Woodford and Company acted for Matthew Investments in all three transactions.

For further information, please contact: Peter Woodford, Woodford and Company, Chiltern House, Feathers Yard, Basingstoke RG21 7AT, tel: 01256 843455.

Renaissance for Penningtons

SOLICITORS Penningtons are moving to new premises at Renaissance Park, which has been developed as part of the regeneration of the Basing View business area in Basingstoke.

Penningtons’ will occupy a 12,450 sq ft building, almost three times the size of its office in Bunnian Place, Basingstoke.

Staff numbers are rising by 35 per cent as new lawyers join the firm and some existing staff are relocated from the London and Godalming offices. The Basingstoke office has recruited new specialists in employment, corporate and company secretarial law.

Franco Bosi, managing partner of the Basingstoke office, said: "This move confirms our commitment to developing our practice in the south of England.

"As the leading legal adviser for the Basingstoke area, it is fitting that we are the first firm to reserve offices in what will be a landmark scheme for the town.

"Everybody at Penningtons is looking forward to moving into this new development."

New help at hand for technology ventures

Technology-based businesses in the north of Hampshire and Surrey now have access to a different helping hand. Clive Martin offers support and advice as HSBC’s technology manager for the area.

He is one of a 13-strong network of Technology Banking Managers (TBMs) appointed to drive HSBC’s aim of providing an expert service for hi-tech and innovative firms.

Located in areas of the UK where there are technology clusters, TBMs offer support and guidance on a whole range of issues, from sources of funding to cash management, specialist insurance (including Intellectual Property) and trade services.

All have a solid grounding in commercial banking and have extensive contacts with local universities, professional organisations, venture capitalists and the wider professional community.

Where appropriate they can put firms in touch with other contacts within the bank, for example with IPO experts within HSBC Investment Bank.

The TBM network was launched in 2000 to address the difficulties that many young hi-tech businesses face in finding a bank that understand their business and their specialist requirements. Managers can be reluctant to support a business proposal if they don’t know how to assess the technology underlying it. They may also be unaware of the particular issues facing technology based firms compared with those in more established business sectors, and therefore fail to provide the right sort of support.

HSBC’s commitment to the sector is substantial. In addition to the network of TBMs, the bank sponsors Chairs of Innovation at both Brunel and York Universities. There, professors appraise innovations for their commercial viability and run training courses for HSBC managers.

Additionally, the bank is a major sponsor of Oxford Venturefest, Cambridge Enterprise Conference and BBC Innovate, as well as supporting the UK centre for Business Incubation (UKBI).

Clive is based in the Guildford office of HSBC and covers Surrey and North Hampshire. If you would like to talk to or meet with him, his contact details are: HSBC Bank plc, 168 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3YU. Direct line 01483 703603, email: clivemartin@hsbc.com

Graham Bourns, who is also a Technology Banking Manager, can be contacted at: HSBC Bank plc, 8 London Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NU. Direct line 01256 726086, email: grahambourns@hsbc.com

For a full list of TBMs and contact details, visit www.ukbusiness.hsbc.com/ and use the "jump to" facility for Innovation and Technology.

BCOT seeks closer links with local businesses

BASINGSTOKE College of Technology (BCOT) is seeking to identify potential board members.

The College is always alert to opportunities to identify local people who may be interested in becoming involved on a medium/long term basis. The aim is to introduce these ‘willing volunteers’ to the work of a large Further Education College — for example, getting to know more about the FE sector generally and/or an involvement in a curriculum area, often bringing job specific expertise.

‘Getting to know’ a curriculum area can cover a range of activities — including membership of an Advisory Committee (made up of local employers), involvement in student project work and assessment panels, celebrations of student achievement, the provision of careers information and work experience, and contributions as a guest speaker.

The College provides programmes across the range of FE work, including Business Studies, Care, Computing, Construction Engineering (including Sound Engineering, Music Technology and CISCO), Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy, Hospitality & Catering, Languages, Leisure & Travel, Management and Professional, Motor Vehicle (including Diploma in Motorsport) and courses in Small Animal Care. In addition, there are outreach centres offering Information Technology courses in the community.

Introducing yourself now can be an excellent way of contributing to the success of your local College, and, at some point in the future, you may wish to put yourself forward as a Member of the Board. This is a challenging and rewarding role, helping to shape the strategic direction of the College.

If you….

—are employed at a senior level within your organisation or have specific business expertise

—are already active in the local community and/or

—are interested in making a contribution

then please contact Margaret Jenner at BCOT, direct line 01256 306202, email: margaret.jenner@bcot.ac.uk

School seeks Specialist status

THE Henry Beaufort School in Winchester is seeking Specialist status. This means it is bidding for Government funding of £600,000 over four years to help it capitalise on its strengths in Maths, Science and Technology.

Henry Beaufort wants to specialise in giving scientists, mathematicians, engineers, designers, computer scientists, chefs, food technologists and so on a flying start.

It wants to do this while making sure that these specialists of the future have a rounded education in all fields.

"After all," said Headteacher Jonathan de Sausmarez, "in the global market place, even specialists have to be multi-skilled."

Henry Beaufort prides itself on bringing out the talent in its students. Already the school encourages outstanding mathematicians; past and present pupils excel to such an extent that they have been chosen for coaching for the national junior Maths Olympiad squad.

But while it wants to celebrate and foster academic success, it also values marketable practical skills that will make tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

It is easy to see how links with business will help the school in this ambition. But why would business want anything to do with it? Clearly there are moral imperatives in fostering young talent and building a skills bank for the future. But maybe it will be a Henry Beaufort student who will make a difference to the competitive edge of your business in the 21st century.

If you are interested in commercial links with the Henry Beaufort School, or in sponsoring its bid for Specialist school status, please contact the Headteacher, Jonathan de Sausmarez, on 01962 880073 or email: admin@beaufort.hants.sch.uk

Overseas trade inquiries

A British-Polish Chamber of Commerce member company is seeking a partner/investor in production and sale of Christmas tree decorations. Ref GKPZ.

Company in Krakow, Poland, is looking for an investor with management experience, to set up a new consulting and media company in Poland. Ref PJS.

Pakistan manufacturer of sporting goods, sports gloves and footballs, is looking for UK importers. Ref ASDI.

Pakistan manufacturer of leather garments and mobile phone cases is seeking UK importers. Ref SHCHATZ.

Indian ISO-certified IT services and solutions company operating in areas of client/server and web technologies, with a software development centre in Bangalore, is looking for prospective IT buyers. Ref TRICON.

Contact the NHCCI’s International Trade Centre on 01256 352275

Survey on public sector tendering

THE Office of Government Commerce (OGC) is conducting the first survey of businesses with an interest in the public sector contracts market, which is worth a staggering £170 billion annually in the UK.

The survey is to be hosted by the UK’s leading online public sector contracts listing service, Tenders Direct, and is available at www.tendersdirect.co.uk/Questionnaire

"The research will help identify the barriers that are discouraging suppliers from competing for government contracts and the best means of helping companies to compete in this market," said Tim Williams, MD of Tenders Direct. "It will be going out to more than 14,000 Tender Direct customers, but any company with an interest in public sector tendering is encouraged to participate by logging on to our website.

"From our experience, typical problems are access to opportunities — knowing where to go to for information on contracts; bureaucracy — the time and cost involved in completing tenders; and the trend towards aggregation, with the government aggregating tenders into large blocks that are accessible to only the largest companies."

Competition Strategy Manager at the OGC, Sue Hurrell commented; "We have already collated information from a survey of 2,000 small businesses of all kinds but this will be our first major survey of those companies specifically active in or wanting to be active in the public sector market.

"The UK government and European Commission are seeking to address the difficulties facing companies when it comes to winning public sector business, particularly those affecting companies with fewer than 50 employees. What we need to do is pinpoint the major issues and this survey will assist us with that. I encourage all companies that are tendering or want to tender for public sector contracts to complete the survey.

"The results of the Tenders Direct survey and the research we have to date will form the basis of an OGC report to government," she explained.

Tim Williams added: "This survey is the first chance for companies to be heard on this subject at central government level and it will take only a few minutes to complete, so we request every company with any interest in the market to make the effort to complete the survey." The survey can be found online at www.tendersdirect.co.uk/Questionnaire

Privilege scheme

TWO more companies have joined the Chamber’s privilege scheme that offers discounts to members.

Webography in Yateley offers discounts of 15 per cent to members and 10 per cent to employees on all quotations for website or database software work, minimum order £500. Contact Tony Green on 01252 875319, email: tony@webography.co.uk

Gencon in Odiham offers members a discount of 20 per cent for the provision of e-business services (internet, intranet and extranet web development) with a minimum order of £2,000. Contact Richard Carman on 0870 757 2414, email: sales@gencon.co.uk

Hampshire Business Awards

ENTRIES are invited for this year’s Hampshire Business Awards.

Companies can enter the 2002 Business Innovation Award (sponsored by Bond Pearce), the KPMG Company of the Year and the Marsh Business in the Community Award.

A major benefit for the winner of any of the three titles is the extensive editorial coverage provided by the Daily Echo, long-term supporters of the awards.

Please contact us at the Chamber if you are interested in entering, or nominating another company which you consider may be suitable for the awards. We are very keen to ensure that companies in the north of Hampshire are well represented.

If you would like details of entry criteria, contact Karen Matthews on 01256 352275.

BCA is a winner

BCA Europe has successfully defended its crown in the annual Fleet Excellence Award, winning the Auctions category for the eighth time.

The award is voted for by readers of Fleet Management magazine and is judged on levels of service, facilities and prices achieved in the auction hall.

Regular sales are held in the BCA centre at Blackbushe Airport on the A30 between Hartley Wintney and Camberley.

British Car Auctions: tel 01252 878555, email: enquiries@bca-group.com, website: www.bca-europe.com

Nigerian scams

MEMBERS continue to receive variants on letters from Nigeria suggesting you furnish details of your bank account, into which large amounts of money will be placed.

The latest email started: "Through some discreet inquiries from my chamber of commerce, you and your organisation were revealed as being astute in private entrepreneurship."

Any astute company will take no action.

Welcome to new members:

Dionne Stocking of Allied International Credit (UK) Ltd

The Clock Tower, Office No 5, Chineham, Basingstoke RG24 8BQ.

Tel: 01256 416406

Debt collection agency

Allied International Credit (UK) Ltd (AIC) is a global company specialising in all aspects of debt recovery both in the consumer and business to business sectors. AIC offers clients a comprehensive, highly successful and unique collection strategy, which is both non-confrontational and solution based. Companies benefit from excellent recoveries on overdue accounts, delivering high net returns to their bottom line.

Sally Enoch of Carnelian Associates

The Grange, 35 Wedmans Lane, Rotherwick, Hook RG27 9BN

Tel: 01256 769400

Corporate event management

An event management company organising corporate events, hospitality, conferences, product launches, team building and stress management days. Each client is unique, so, together with excellent customer service, we offer creative, cost-effective solutions designed to integrate with your marketing strategy and objectives. Also gift sourcing, designing/printing event items, venue finding.

Rory Downes of Future Skills Consultancy Ltd

20 Gainsborough Road, Black Dam, Basingstoke RG21 3EG

Tel: 01256 333244

Change management consultancy

I offer results-driven change management consultancy in the Thames Valley region. Results are achieved by motivating and enabling teams to work together in implementing critical improvements, and generating a positive outlook to change. Services include managing change programmes, identification of improvements, documentation, team and individual coaching, and meeting facilitation.

Ann Fry of HR Training Ltd

Amethyst House, Odiham Road, Winchfield, Hook RG27 8BU

Tel: 01252 843730

HR management & training consultancy

We are a small consultancy providing a range of services aimed at SMEs, offering practical cost-effective help and advice in HR Management — from helping companies by designing and setting up easy to follow systems for managing people, and complying with current legislation — everything from designing employee handbooks and contracts to implementing an entire Personnel Admin system or HR Strategy plan. We also offer a wide range of training courses tailored to the individual needs of the company.

Tim Richens of HSH Asset Management Ltd

Unit 21, Basepoint Enterprise Centre, Stroudley Road, Basingstoke RG24 8UP

Tel: 01256 406671

Property disposal and management

HSH’s business is managing and disposing of properties through three services: (1) Marketing repossessed properties on behalf of major lending institutions; (2) SmoothMove — a managed sale for individuals wanting an independent intermediary in the sales process to reduce the stress involved in home selling; and (3) Rental tenancy management — sourcing rented property for individuals, negotiating rent and tenancy agreement.

John Walters of Print Machine Ltd

Quarry Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 2NY. Tel: 01243 528901

Printers

David Anthony of SME Paramedics Ltd

24 Suffolk Close, Woosehill, Wokingham, Berks RG41 3AU. Tel: 0118 979 4452

Consultants

Consultancy, funding, management skills.

Massi Chiossone of Impact Design & Print Ltd

6 Lennox Mall, Lennox Road, Basingstoke RG22 4DF. Tel: 01256 817169

Print and design

Impact is a small, efficient company. Services include litho print, large format inkjet and computer originated design.

Louise Richards of Oceanclean Basingstoke

60 High Street, Odiham, Hook RG29 1LN

Tel: 01256 704747

Contract cleaning

Oceanclean is an established business specialising in daily office cleaning and associated services. We have offices in Plymouth, Portsmouth and Southampton. Our Basingstoke office was opened in May 1999 and, due to rapid expansion, we moved into new offices in Odiham in January 2002.

Angela Bamberg of psi-com

88 Christchurch Rd, Winchester SO23 9TE

Tel: 01962 850200

Employment consultant

psi-com works for the client to enhance their employee selection through psychological testing with the benefit of providing a more accurate predictor of job success. The main benefit is to the bottom line. Enhanced employee selection means not paying twice over for the costs of recruitment, training or managers’ time.

Dawn Campbell of Rainbow Promise Consultancy

3 Holly Villas, Salisbury Road, Shipton Bellinger SP9 7UT. Tel: 01980 843400

Introductions and coaching

Do you find it difficult to devote the time/energy required to finding suitable partner/friends? Would you benefit from some image, career or relationship coaching? Then improve the enjoyment of your life by calling me for a no obligation consultation now.

Stephen Kyle of Westmead Technology Ltd

Unit 7 Wilton Road, St George’s Industrial Estate, Camberley, Surrey GU15 2QW

Tel: 01276 685455

Manufacturing

World leader in design, development and manufacture of holographic origination and processing systems. Systems include lightgate dot matrix origination and re-combination and embossing systems. Clients feature blue chip security businesses and British and foreign government departments.

Julia Bennett of Winchester School of Art/Textile Conservation Centre

University of Southampton, Winchester Campus, Park Avenue, Winchester SO23 8DL.

Tel: 023 8059 7140

Education and training

The Textile Conservation Centre and Winchester School of Art are part of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Southampton. The Textile Conservation Centre is an international centre of excellence in textile conservation, education, research and practice. Winchester School of Art has an international reputation for research and teaching in art, art history and design.

Diary dates

FEBRUARY

Tuesday 19 February 1215—1400

Chamber Lunch — Basingstoke