IQ-Magazine-Issue-6

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issue 2 | page 4

IQ welcome
Welcome to the sixth edition of IQ Business Magazine, a
quarterly publication that offers insight and inspiration
to SME business owners in Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
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@iqbusinessmag
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IQBusinessMag
If you would like to pass any
comment on this edition of
IQ, or you have any business
news to report, contact
Georgie Campbell on
01638 666432 or email
georgie@cubiqdesign.co.uk
Having spent the past quarter
attending several networking
events, business exhibitions
and awards presentations,
it is truly great to see so
many of our local businesses
flourishing.
Whether it’s the Government’s recent appointment of Matthew
Hancock MP, as Small Business Champion, or simply the good
weather, it seems as though the outward perception of business, as
a whole, has taken a positive turn.
This issue looks to progress this feeling with features focussed
on business growth. From advice on how to manage your bank
manager, written by Area Director SME Banking for Lloyds Steve
Elsom, to guidance on how best to break into overseas markets, as
offered by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, I hope this issue
goes some way to making your business strategy stretch further in
anticipation of 2014.
With the end of year in mind, we have also turned our attention
to those important Christmas corporate events. A brilliant
opportunity to reward your staff, and impress clients, the festive
period is always a highly anticipated time of year. Turn to page 63
for inspiration on where to celebrate this year.
Also welcoming the return of the Cambridge networking group
#CambsHour on 11th September, we have teamed up with the
inventive minds behind the movement, and hope many of you will
join us for a day of mini workshops, networking and co-working at
Cambridge Business Lounge. Bringing many local business minds
together, it is events such as these that truly make our region stand
strong.
to receive your free issue of iq
Visit www.iqmag.co.uk and sign up to the IQ database to receive your free copy of IQ each quarter.
issue 6 | page 5

IN THIS ISSUE
08 Business overview
10 A Fresh Focus For Cambridge
13 The Importance of Business Communication
14 Breaking Into Overseas Markets
17 Employment Law Update
20 Staying SafE In A Recovering Economy
22 How To Manage Your Bank Manager
25 Managing Short-Term Absence
27 The WE Team: The Secret Of High Performance
29 33 Powerful Presentation Tips
32 A Day In The Life Of
38 Are You A Winner?
45 Business Diary
49 maintaining your competitive edge
53 Mobilising Your Creative Potential
59 stand out froM the crowd
60 it's beginning to look a lot like christmas
63 corporate christmas celebrations
The Team
John Treby Creative Director | Gemma Treby Sales and Marketing Director | Georgie Campbell Editor
Catherine Bradfield Publication Sales | Becca Plaxton Publication Sales | Eugene Hector Designer | Sophie Barnes Designer
Jess Pack Designer | Matt Cockerton Designer | Steve Parr Designer | Oli Shilling Designer | Emma Sheppard Designer
Sarah Allen PR + Marketing
Expert Contributors Glyn Mon Hughes | Steve Elsom | Miles Vartan | Jacqui Kemp | Pete Robbins | Siobhan Walsh | John Dugmore
Cubiqdesign | Goodwin Business Park | Newmarket | CB8 7SQ | 01638 666432 | www.iqmag.co.uk
issue 6 | page 7

IQ business overview
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Challenging the UK’s reluctance to mention ‘green shoot’ progression, Glyn Mon Hughes
discusses the forecast for SMEs in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire
When Norman Lamont, then
Chancellor of the Exchequer,
thought he saw the tentative
signs of recovery in the depths
of the 1991 recession, he was
widely mocked.
So, as the nation creeps out
in an almost disbelieving
way from one of the worst
economic downturns for a
century or more, commentators
are straining to appear
underwhelmed. And yet, the
news from the City is showing a
day-by-day improvement.
Accountancy firm BDO recently
noted a steady improvement
in confidence through 2013,
with the service sector - which
accounts for three quarters of
the UK economy – showing
particular resilience. Levels of
confidence amongst businesses
nationwide are at their
highest for more than a year.
Tensions still exist, though,
in the Eurozone, and, despite
the precipitous headlines of a
year or so ago when the entire
single currency project seemed
about to implode within days,
business leaders are still warning
that we are far from out of the
woods yet. And that instability
will affect the small business
on a high street in Suffolk or
Cambridgeshire as much as it
will the multi-national.
The same warnings are being
issued about goings on in the
Federal Reserve, where a rapidly
improving American economy
could grow too fast and put
pressure on the rest of the world.
Again, it’s as much a problem for
the multi-national as it is for the
small manufacturer in rural East
Anglia.
So, how is business in East
Anglia? Most business people
will say that the green shoots
have long been there for
everyone to see, with the region
boasting one of the most resilient
small business sectors anywhere
in the UK, where recession
blew less of a chill wind than
elsewhere in the country.
There is also a hunger for
growth in the region, with the
Federation of Small Businesses
noting that business confidence
EAST ANGLIA IS ONE OF
THE MOST VIBRANT PARTS
OF COUNTRY FOR SMALL
BUSINESSES
more information
www.iqmag.co.uk
issue 6 | page 08

IQ business overview
is already high in Suffolk.
“Business owners are happy about
expanding,” said Jeanette Thurtle
of the FSB, “but the government
needs to know how this is to be
sustained.”
The FSB has long campaigned
for government to ‘Think Small
First’ and had lobbied local
authorities in Suffolk, as well as
the New Anglia Local Enterprise
Partnership (LEP), to do the
same. It looks as though the
campaign has borne fruit, with
the Conservative Party appointing
a network of small business
ambassadors across England and
Wales. That network is being led
by Small Business Champion
Matthew Hancock, MP for West
Suffolk.
“There’s no doubt that East
Anglia is one of the most vibrant
parts of the country for small
businesses,” said Mr Hancock.
“Small businesses account for a
much larger proportion of the
economy here than in other parts
of the country, and that number
is growing fast. But that does not
mean that there is not more we
can do. There’s a strong story
here, but there’s a need to do a lot
more.”
Mr Hancock pointed to the
fact that the number of small
businesses to have started up last
year was one of the highest on
record.
“We need to listen very carefully
about what we can do to make it
easier to create jobs,” he added.
“How can we make it easier to
do business? What can we do to
make access to finance easier?
How should the government be
helping in this area? And should
we be doing less? Should there be
changes to health and safety laws,
for instance?”
“I sense that people are reacting
very favourably to what we
are doing, but I still have some
questions for small businesses. Tell
us what we need to do to make
life easier. Do we need to do more
things in some areas?”
“People often talk to me about
local infrastructure or access to
broadband, and the availability of
finance. If these are problems, tell
us. And tell us where we need to
do less and let you, as businesses,
get on with it.”
The CBI also noted the overall
improvement in confidence,
particularly in the light of
the Bank of England’s Credit
Conditions Survey for the second
quarter of the year, with Matthew
Fell, the organisation’s Director for
Competitive Markets, noting an
increased demand for finance.
“With small firms still cautious,
the news that the availability of
credit is increasing to meet their
needs should give them a further
boost to invest,” he said.
Yet in Suffolk, small businesses
are crying out for clarity when
it comes to grants. According
to Dave Baker, Vice Chairman
of Suffolk FSB, businesses don’t
know where to look for additional
sources of finance.
“There seem to be increasing
numbers of organisations who
have amounts of money available
for businesses, but the problem
is finding them,” he said. “More
consideration needs to be given to
the detail of how grants are going
to be delivered.”
www.matthewhancock.co.uk
www.cbi.org.uk
issue 6 | page 09

IQ exposure
A FRESH FOCUS
FOR CAMBRIDGE
IQ Magazine discovers the benefits of the newly instated Cambridge BID
The forever changing state of the British economy
has left some businesses pondering the future of the
Great British High Street, with talk of the recession,
inflation and struggling households still holding fort
in the media. Yet, on a local level, it seems that the
business community of East Anglia is fighting back,
adapting to the new wave of cautious consumers by
way of a change.
Organisations such as the BritishBID (Business
Improvement District), along with the work of Mary
Portas, continue to battle against the persistent
negativity of the media, leading the way in this new
focus on adaptation.
The Cambridge BID, the regional arm of the
British movement, was voted in for its first fiveyear
term back in November 2012, and has now
had time to sink itself into the city’s business
community. Outwardly a successful and historic
town, Cambridge’s business community elected the
organisation to improve its commercial area.
Defined as business led and business funded bodies,
BIDs were introduced in the UK from America
in 2004, and now operate more than 150 active
regional representatives in the UK alone.
Formed following a consultation period and ballot
in which businesses can vote for or against the BID
proposal, each project must receive a majority on
two counts: firstly, a straight majority of votes, and
secondly, a majority of rateable value (RV). This
two-count system has been put in place to ensure
that the interests of large and small businesses are
equally protected.
During 2012, businesses and organisations within
the proposed Cambridge BID area were consulted
on the feasibility of having a BID, pinpointing what
would be delivered on behalf of businesses in the
initial five-year term. The 28-day postal ballot was
sent out to all levy payers, and businesses voted in
favour of the BID, with a turnout of 33.2% and
67% by number in favour, and 77% by RV in favour.
Housing a wealth of internationally recognised
businesses, Colleges and independent boutiques, the
diversity of what Cambridge has to offer has made
the city a destination spot for UK tourism, yet all
those within the city feel more could be done.
“The reasons behind a BID in Cambridge stem
from businesses wanting to see continued investment
in the city centre,” revealed Edward Quigley, who
has recently been appointed as the Cambridge BID
Manager. “BIDs provide a mechanism that ensures
all businesses contribute, so it is up to the BID team
and me to guarantee that everyone benefits and sees
value for money.”
The improvements made by individual BIDs are
determined by the businesses included and the
original proposal voted in. The main core services
normally include, but are not limited to, additional
security, town clean ups, business support, and
improved infrastructure, area branding and
issue 6 | page 10

IQ exposure
promotion.
When the Cambridge BID proposal was put
together, it was aimed at creating a vibrant street
scene to make the city more attractive and enjoyable
for visitors, businesses and employees. Whether
visitors are from areas of Cambridge, other parts
of the UK or are international, the ‘front of house’
aspects of the project are designed to encourage
people into the city centre, staying longer and
ultimately spending more.
Some of the projects planned include large-scale
events such as the Christmas lights switch on, the
promotion of independent businesses, voucher
schemes and loyalty cards, supported by large scale
advertising and a main customer facing website
complete with town branding.
The Cambridge BID has enlisted the help of
local design agency Cubiqdesign Ltd to create its
branding, logo and current website. John Treby,
Director of Cubiqdesign, said: “We are really excited
to be involved with the development of Cambridge
BID. Having worked with other town centres on BID
projects, we understand how important the branding
can be to communicate on a local and national level
to encourage people to the city.
“The website acts as a front screen to all visiting the
city, immediately injecting a fresh, bright vision of
the historical town. We were careful to work with
the city’s iconic Colleges, whilst demonstrating the
cosmopolitan mix of independents and national
brands housed here.”
Cambridge BID went live at the beginning of
2013 and started delivering projects in June.
Manager of Cambridge BID Edward Quigley,
who comes from a background in Marketing and
Economic Development, said: “I am keen to add
projects as the BID establishes itself, and we will be
looking to source additional funding or innovative
collaborations that compliment the current projects
and initiatives.
“I believe that more can be done to support the
mix of businesses in the city centre. I think the
BID’s business proposals are, if delivered well,
going to benefit Cambridge as a whole and make a
difference. I’m very excited about the future of the
BID.”
With a board of directors now in place, Cambridge
city centre should look forward to the undoubtedly
positive outcomes that are to come out of
Cambridge BID.
more information
Visit www.cambridgebid.co.uk
issue 6 | page 11

THE IMPORTANCE OF
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
IQ networking
IQ Magazine looks forward to the next #CambsHour Day
In an ever-increasingly online world,
more than half of business is conducted
through the platforms of email, social
media and telephone, with individuals
rarely meeting face to face.
The importance of contact time with
your business clients and contacts seems
to be slowly decreasing, as we struggle
to find enough time to sync diaries, let
alone travel to the chosen destination.
Having said that, the importance of
personal relationships can sometimes
outweigh the time commitments, given
that most of us would prefer to use
services from someone we know or have
met.
In a recent #CambsHour conversation
held on Twitter, contributors discussed
the importance of face-to-face meetings,
asking for thoughts on leaving business
cards on tables rather than waiting to
interact with guests. The outcome was a
mixed response, but more than 75% of
contributors stated that personal contact
was so much more powerful, leaving a
longer lasting impression.
Forming one of Cambridge’s
most active online communities,
#CambsHour communicates through
the mediums of Twitter and LinkedIn,
inviting anyone to engage and offer
topics on a regular basis.
Active contributor Ann Hawkins, who is
a Business Advisor and Mentor at The
Inspired Group, said: “#CambsHour
on Twitter is a quick way to get a
feel for what people are like - warm
and interesting, or pushy and salesy;
interested in other people or just ‘look
at me’.
“You know in seconds who you want
to get to know better, and who not to
bother with. It’s a snapshot of what
you’d get at a networking meeting, but is
done from your sofa in your slippers.”
Moving the concept from online to
offline, #CambsHour now welcomes
contributors to a day of mini
workshops, networking and co-working
at one of Cambridge’s newest venues,
the Cambridge Business Lounge.
Founded by Ed Goodman, who is
a regular contributor to the group,
Cambridge Business Lounge provides
ample room for business owners to
network in a fresh environment and
enjoy all that #CambsHour Day has
to offer.
“Networking is about meeting new
people and starting to understanding
the person behind the business, before
you even know what the business is,”
Ed explained. “Which this in mind,
social media can be a fantastic platform
for that, when used effectively, but
nothing beats to face encounters. One
of the great things about #CambsHour
Day is that people feel like they know
each other already, which bypasses
the awkwardness of meeting someone
new for the first time. It also means
much richer conversations can happen
straight away as has been proven by the
high energy at previous #CambsHour
Days.”
With the second event taking place
on 11th September, sponsored by IQ
Magazine, many of the region’s business
minds are already looking forward to a
day of education.
Reflecting on the last #CambsHour
Day, Ann added: “#CambsHour Day
is magical, with people who’ve met and
liked each other on Twitter meeting in
person and liking each other even more.
“It’s a safe place where people can try
their hand at presenting and putting on
mini workshops, knowing that they’ll
be supported. It’s a time to learn and
have fun.”
more information
www.cambridgebusinesslounge.com | Photo credit: www.alanbennettphotography.co.uk
issue 6 | page 13

IQ exposure
BREAKING INTO
OVERSEAS MARKETS
IQ Magazine talks to John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, about the
benefits of international trade
issue 6 | page 14

IQ exposure
The latest quarterly economic survey
of firms in Suffolk shows a clear
understanding of the opportunities
that exist to develop their businesses
through exporting. The area’s export
performance has proved strong,
confirming a consistency and, most
importantly, that export sales have
continued to improve.
“We know that the world wants to do
business with us as a nation,” explained
John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk
Chamber of Commerce. “Government
Trade Minister Lord Green told Suffolk
businesses recently that, boosted by last
year’s Olympics, ‘Brand Britain’ is in
demand, and there is an international
demand for the high quality goods and
services we provide.
“We agree with Lord Green when he
said Government spending cannot drive
growth and neither can consumers;
therefore, businesses must lead our
economy.
“We are proud that businesses in Suffolk
provide 9% of British exports, but there
is still much more we can do. We want
to encourage even more businesses in
Suffolk to successfully export and help
not only their business to grow, but also
the wider economy.”
Suffolk has excellent international
connections, a confident and outwardlooking
business culture and high
quality professional business support.
The export performance underpins
untapped potential for expansion.
Only recently, along with firms
from across New Anglia, the Suffolk
Chamber of Commerce heard from
Brian Davidson, a member of the UK
Foreign and Commonwealth Office,
who is the Consul-General in Shanghai,
China, which, in his view, is the growth
economy of the next decade.
Brian explained that the main message
for businesses is that they have before
them a great opportunity that they
should not miss out on. The Chinese
market is big, but it is not scary. If firms
get their preparation right, they can
get the right access to the right people,
and it really can be as simple as doing
business with France.
Brian added that there has been a great
evolution over the last twenty to thirty
years. He has seen companies large
and small get their strategy right, find
the right partners, and, by building up
their knowledge of pitfalls to avoid, do
real, sustainable and profitable business
within the Chinese economy.
This is a great example of how, by
listening to the right advice, and
by taking advantage of the great
opportunities for the region, now is a
better time than ever to take advantage,
and break into overseas markets.
The Chamber’s Suffolk International
Trade Group very much mirrors this
philosophy, whereby business leaders
in Suffolk, who already trade overseas,
give advice, guidance and knowledge
to other businesses freely. Businesses
helping fellow Suffolk businesses are
crucial and this impartial advice and
guidance develops new peer-to-peer
networks.
The Prime Minister recently suggested
that if 100,000 more SMEs started
selling overseas, they could add
£30billion to the British economy and
wipe out the trade deficit.
“I am confident that Suffolk businesses
are playing their part and there is room
for many more,” John concluded.
SUFFOLK HAS EXCELLENT
INTERNATIONAL
CONNECTIONS, A CONFIDENT
AND OUTWARD-LOOKING
BUSINESS CULTURE
more information
www.suffolkchamber.co.uk
issue 6 | page 15

EMPLOYMENT LAW
UPDATE AUTUMN 2013
IQ law
Jacqui Kemp of About HR reveals the changes we should all be aware of
1 September 2013
Government Introduces
Employee - Owner Contracts
Employee-owner contracts will be introduced from 1st
September, despite a lukewarm response from employers
who took part in the consultation and the House of Lords
voting against the proposal.
Employees will be issued with shares in the business, in
exchange for signing away certain employment rights,
including statutory redundancy payments and protection
against ordinary unfair dismissal.
ACTION: If you are interested in offering employee-owner
contracts, research the implications for your business, the
different rules that will apply to different employees and the
relevance of such a contract to your business.
1 October 2013
Shareholders given binding
votes on pay policy
From 1st October 2013, the Government will introduce
changes to directors’ pay in quoted companies, giving
shareholders a binding vote on pay policy and exit
payments.
ACTION: Ensure you have a transparent pay policy for
directors’ pay.
PERSONA L INDEPENDENCE PAYMENTS
WILL REPLACE DISABILITY LIVING
ALLOWANCE
ACTION: Review and update your policies that refer to
disability living allowance e.g. flexible working policy.
Third-party harassment
provisions in the Equality
Act repealed
The Equality Act 2010 included a provision that in certain
circumstances the employer would be liable where an
individual is harassed by a third party. For example, if a
supplier harassed a member of your staff, you could have
been held liable if you took no action. This will be repealed
in October 2013.
ACTION: You still wouldn’t want a supplier to harass your
employees. You may want to review your equality policy
and update it.
National minimum
wage increases
from 1 October
The National Minimum Wage increases are as follows:
• The main rate increases from £6.19 to £6.31 per hour
• Youth rate increases from £4.98 to £5.03 per hour
• The rate for workers aged 16 to 17 increases from
£3.68 to £3.72 per hour
• Apprentice rate increases from £2.65 to £2.68 per hour
• Accommodation offset increases from £4.82 to £4.91 per
day
Changes to TUPE - Transfer of
Undertakings (Protection of Employment)
Regulations - come into force
Changes to TUPE - Transfer of Undertakings (Protection
of Employment) Regulations - come into force
ACTION: Any business that is considering an acquisition
or changing service providers should ensure that it takes
legal advice and be prepared to review and update internal
processes.
more information
www.abouthruk.co.uk and www.iqmag.co.uk
issue 6 | page 17

IQ finance
£440 MILLION TO SUPPORT
INNOVATIVE BUSINESS IN THE UK
Streets Chartered Accountants discuss
how we can capitalise on a local level
Gov.uk released information recently regarding a
record £440 million budget from the Technology
Strategy Board to support innovative businesses
and to drive growth across the UK, representing
an increase of more than £50 million on last year.
Sectors likely to benefit from this investment
include renewable energy, future cities, advanced
materials, satellites,
digital technologies and
healthcare.
Over 60% of the funding
is going to small and
medium sized businesses,
with support from the
Technology Strategy Board
throughout the journey,
which will help companies
to take ideas from concept
to commercialisation.
It is possible to cite many
a successful, innovative
and cutting edge business that has come about
either through a technological or scientific
breakthrough, or through the germ of an
idea or brainchild of one of the many leading
people of Cambridge and the area. Equally, a
significant number of ideas have not come to
fruition. Certainly for an accountant advising
such businesses, it is important to understand why
these businesses differ from those that are more
conventional. Only by so doing, is it possible to
provide sound advice.
“... IN THEIR FORMATIVE
YEARS, MANY A COMPANY
CAN BENEFIT FROM THE
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
TAX CREDITS, A RELIEF WHICH
OFFERS AN UPLIFT OF 125% ON
QUALIFYING EXPENDITURE AND
WHICH CAN BE A VITAL SOURCE
OF CASH FLOW.”
Perhaps the most fundamental difference is that
such businesses are often technology, or even
ideology led, as opposed to being market driven.
Whilst the technology may seemingly allow
something to be done that has not previously
been done, this doesn’t in itself create a market,
or solve a problem. Equally, there is all too often
a risk that, in the end, the
technological
application
may fail to work, or will not
be economically viable to
produce.
Seed corn funding or
external finance to develop
new ideas can be difficult to
find, with often a very long
time frame to get a product
to proof of concept/proof
of market, and a tendency
for such business to have a
higher risk of failure.
This situation can be further exacerbated by
the inability of an investor to understand the
technology, or the inability of the management
team to demonstrate a proven commercial track
record. It is, perhaps, then no surprise that such
ventures have a greater reliance on venture
capital and business angel finance to get them off
the ground.
For an accountant working with such ventures,
much of the work revolves around conceptualising
and communicating what the business is all
issue 6 | page 18

IQ finance
sectors to benefit from investment:
satellites
digital technologies
renewable energy
healthcare
about, and demonstrating its viability. Typically,
this involves time spent on producing business
plans specifically for venture capitalists, many, if
not all of whom, are looking for higher returns
based on the greater risk of such ventures when
compared to other funders.
It’s often the case that technology driven
enterprises are reliant on a number of key
personnel for their intellectual capital, and the
ability to retain this within the business can mean
the difference between success and failure. The
inability to offer the remuneration that such
individuals can attract elsewhere certainly can be
an issue, though experience shows that support
with remuneration planning, and undoubtedly
the use of share schemes, can be a really effective
way of protecting the loss of key personnel.
With capital and enterprise assured, thoughts
turn to the taxation instruments and planning
techniques that can play such a key role. Certainly,
in their formative years, many a company can
benefit from the Research and Development Tax
Credits, a relief which offers an uplift of 125% on
qualifying expenditure and which can be a vital
source of cash flow.
With the overall endgame in mind, it’s important
to consider the business’ structure, its legal entity
and the shareholding, not only in terms of
mitigating a future tax liability and of creating a
vehicle for sale, but also to protect any important
intellectual property.
And, whilst the sale is often the measure of
success for an innovative entrepreneur, reaching
this goal is all too often dependent on ensuring
that the advisers, not least the accountants, whom
such entrepreneurs employ, understand and can
provide support with the challenges they face.
Pragmatic and commercial acumen are often key
aspects of such advice.
Certainly, for those looking to tap into the support
for innovative business, there is a real need to
seek the advice and support of an accountant
who is well versed in the challenges which these
businesses face.
more information
Robert Anderson is a Partner with Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 UK accountancy firm.
Tel: 0845 880 0320 or email info@streetsweb.co.uk or visit www.streetsweb.co.uk.
issue 6 | page 19

IQ health and safety
STAYING SAFE IN A RECOVERING ECONOMY
Miles Vartan discusses the importance of health and safety
Accidents can happen at any time; the
stress and heartache for all involved is
considerable, and all the more painful if
the accident could have been avoided.
The majority of accident investigations
highlight that if the company had
involved all its employees in a
proportionate risk analysis approach, and,
more importantly, had implemented the
results, the resultant injury could have
been prevented.
When asked to review progress on
making the UK’s Health and Safety
regime more effective and less
bureaucratic, Professor Löfstedt wrote
to Lord Chancellor and Secretary of
State for Justice Chris Grayling on
24th January 2013, confirming that
in his view the Government’s work...
‘will ensure that health & safety is not
seen as a bureaucratic burden but as a
proportionate and risk based system that
helps businesses comply with their duties
and ensures that employees are protected
from the real risks to their health & safety.’
The commercial performance of a
company relies upon inspirational
leadership and effective management.
New product development, dynamic
marketing, employee training and
excellent work equipment are all factors
from which considered decisions will
lead to positive results. Pivotal Managers,
whose performance and subsequent
financial rewards are often measured
by factors such as increases in turnover,
achieving the required level of earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortisation (EBITDA) etc., have
sometimes been seen to literally forget or
ignore the safety of their staff. Make sure
that as a key manager or director in your
respective business, this is never going to
be the case with you.
As your company is starts to reap the
benefits of all the hard work that has
been undertaken during this prolonged
recession, make sure that, subsequently,
you will fully appreciate the approaching
good times; do not spoil this by forgetting
the health and safety of all your staff.
When reviewing your Health
& Safety Policy take the
opportunity to test how
effective it is:
• Do your risk assessments
and safe working
procedures actually do the
job they are designed to
do? If they are followed,
will they prevent any
employees, contractors or
members of the general
public from getting hurt?
• Have these procedures
been issued, explained
and demonstrated to your
employees and contractors?
• Are you confident that you
are being told about and are
aware of health and safety
issues relating to your
business?
• When investigating
accidents and near misses,
do you establish why they
have happened?
more information
Miles Vartan Consultancy Ltd, Epsilon House, West Road, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich, IP3 9FJ. Tel: 01473 276175.
Website: www.milesvartan.co.uk. Twitter: @milesvartan
issue 6 | page 21

IQ finance
HOW TO MANAGE YOUR
BANK MANAGER
Area Director SME Banking for Lloyds TSB, Steve Elsom, on
how you can positively influence the relationship with your bank
If you believe everything you read and hear, obtaining the finance your business needs to develop
and grow can seem like a “Dark Art” that only Harry Potter could manage to find his way through!
If this is the impression you have, please read on, as I hope this article will go some way to demystifying
working and communicating with your bank for the good of your business.
I would like to pose some questions to you as a business owner looking to make that vital step of
investing in your business. This is not a list in which you should tick every box, but is a way of
ensuring that you go into the meeting with your Bank Manager ready to show yourself and your
business in the best possible light.
If, like me, you have teenage children, I’m sure you encourage them to go to any exam having
prepared properly. Whilst a meeting with your Bank Manager should never be seen as an exam,
similar principles do apply.
your business
Does the Bank know not only the history of
your business but also your plans for the
medium to long term?
What will the money enable you to do?
Do you understand, and can you explain,
the nature of any challenges which your
particular industry/sector faces?
The number crunching
If you are providing forecasts or historical
figures for the business, do you know your
way around them?
Can you explain what these numbers say
about your business?
Have any forecasts been tested? If so, how
and by whom?
Who are the key individuals in your
business?
more information
Lloyds TSB Bank Plc, Endeavour House, Vision Park, Chivers Way, Histon, Cambs, CB24 9ZR.
Tel: 01223 227680. www.lloydstsbbusiness.com
issue 6 | page 22

IQ finance
you
What are you hoping that your business will achieve for you and your family?
What drives you?
What keeps you awake at night?
the plan
What research have you done – market, customers, suppliers?
How will you know you’re on track?
What other support /advice have you sought?
Which other professionals have you spoken to?
the money
How much do you need?
How have you arrived at that figure?
What’s your stake?
Do you need to give a breakdown of where the money will be spent?
Are you asking for enough - in other words, are you pitching for only what
you think the Bank will give?
How will you show the Bank that you can pay the money back?
What finance options have you considered? Be prepared to listen to the
alternatives that may be discussed.
the what ifs?
What’s your Plan B if things don’t quite work as planned?
What are the major risks for the business and what implications would there be?
Who would be most affected by these issues?
As I have said, this is not an exhaustive or exclusive list, but it covers many of the areas that will
strengthen any request for finance. Your bank or finance provider should be interested in this kind
of detail. Believe me, it’s in their interest too to gain a greater understanding of what you and your
business are about.
There’s a great deal of difference between working with your Bank on a purely transactional basis,
as opposed to working with them as a “trusted partner/advisor” so that your business benefits.
If you are ever in doubt as to what the Bank might want… just ask. It’s never too early to engage
your Bank in what you need and what you are trying to achieve… we are here to help.
issue 6 | page 23

MANAGING
SHORT-TERM ABSENCE
Jacqui Kemp of About HR discusses the impact of short term illness on SMEs
IQ human resources
I am often contacted by business owners who are struggling to understand how to manage short-term absence. For
small businesses, unplanned absence can have a big impact on their ability to run effectively.
There is much that you can do to reduce the number of ‘sickies’ and to actively support employees who are
genuinely ill. Unfortunately, disability discrimination legislation is so misunderstood that managers may be too
scared to address the issue effectively.
The impact on the wider team should not be underestimated. Employees can become disgruntled if a
colleague constantly takes time off, and there is a belief that the sickness is not genuine and management is doing
nothing to stop it.
So what can a business owner do to reduce absenteeism?
• Record and monitor sickness. On average, UK employees took 6.8
days off sick in 2012/13.
• Ensure you have a clear sickness absence policy which states the
timescale in which absences must be reported, and sets an
expectation that telephone calls should be made direct to the manager.
• A recent decision by the European Court of Justice allows employees
who are ill on holiday to have their annual leave reinstated for the
days they were sick. A good sickness absence policy that refers to this
can help to avoid abuse of the system.
• Hold return to work interviews after each period of absence; whether
someone is absent for one day or ten days, always meet on the first day
back at work to discuss their absence.
• If, at this interview, the employee is genuinely ill you should send them
home. Anyone reporting to work when they are too ill to carry out
their job runs the risk of becoming more unwell and needing a lot
longer to recover.
• Train managers in handling sickness absence and return to work
interviews.
When your employee is genuinely unwell you also need to ensure you:
• Understand ‘Fit Notes’ and your responsibility to make
reasonable adjustments.
• Keep in touch with employees who are on long-term sick leave.
• Ensure that any work-related issues that are impacting on health and
wellbeing are addressed early.
more information
AboutHR regularly run workshops for business owners and managers to understand what they can do to manage
sickness effectively. For details of the next workshop call 01954 715406.
issue 6 | page 25

IQ team development
THE WE TEAM:
THE SECRET OF HIGH PERFORMANCE
Georgie Campbell of IQ Business Magazine looks
at the tools available to excel team performance
Understanding how your team thinks and behaves
has become essential for any organisation which
wants to grow in the current business climate. I
have recently tested a tool called Emergenetics
which offers a new and insightful way in which to
understand individual thinking and behavioural
preferences, as well as how best to utilise them.
Is it any good?
Emergenetics is a scientifically proven tool based
on the latest neuroscience research with over half a
million profiles completed worldwide. Because it’s
not sector, job or hierarchy specific, the results are
easy to understand and applicable at work and in
everyday life.
What does it do?
It analyses the way in which you and your team
think and behave so that you understand your own
and others’ communication preferences and styles
in a memorable and usable way. This ultimately
means that you can put your point across more
effectively, to make things happen and achieve the
results you want.
What’s it like to use?
It’s an easy to understand online questionnaire
which takes 15 minutes to complete.
What was the Consultation like?
The output came in the form of a consultation
with David, a qualified Emergenetics associate.
He explained my thinking and behavioural
preferences in a clear, easy-to-understand manner,
talking me through the four thinking (Conceptual,
Analytical, Structural, Social) and three behavioural
(Expressiveness, Assertiveness, Flexibility) modes.
This session provided an insight into the way I
prefer to communicate and manage my team. This
is already having an influence on my effectiveness at
work and my lifestyle choices.
What did my Profile Reveal?
My main thinking preference is Conceptual coupled
with high behavioural Assertiveness. This means
I’m imaginative, experimental in nature, enjoy the
unusual and am determined to get my point across.
My area of least thinking preference is Analytical,
which reveals that I’m not one who automatically
thinks about the logical side of problem solving,
and therefore I am far removed from the data
driven individuals. These results highlighted a lack
of preference for detail, being aware of which has
given me pause for thought when planning events
and actions.
So what is a WE team?
When used in a group, Emergenetics is able to
identify the best way for your team to communicate
effectively. So, if one individual exudes a
particularly high Conceptual way of thinking, with
low Structural, this can be perfectly balanced with
a team member who has a Structural preference,
to ensure that the task comes to fruition both
creatively and on time.
By identifying these areas, any team can ensure
that it is making best use of its individuals’
natural behaviour and thought preferences, which
ultimately makes for higher performing teams.
more information
If you would like to find out more about Emergenetics and what it can do for your team, please contact
Kylie on kylie.seaman@emergenetics.co.uk or 01223 424541.
issue 6 | page 27

33 POWERFUL
PRESENTATION TIPS
IQ presentation
Perfect your speaking and pitch delivery with these key presentation tips from confidence and
presentation specialist Jim Doyle DTM
It is certainly common knowledge in the business world that presentation is everything. The manner in which you
sell yourself, your business and your product is the way you will ultimately be remembered.
No matter how developed your business may be, true growth will only come from within. Add a professional edge
to your next presentation, and ensure your audience is left feeling inspired.
Before
1. Have a great opener – know your first 90 seconds off
by heart.
2. Start on an upbeat note – never say “I’m nervous...!”
or “I’m standing in for X, who is delayed...”
3. Structure your speech – start with your end in mind.
4. Ideally, use an introduction, body and summary
structure.
5. Practise… and keep on practising to increase your
confidence.
6. Remember, it is all about the audience, it is not about
you.
7. Remember, the audience wants you to succeed.
8. Smile – it relaxes you and your audience. Even an
“internal” smile really helps.
9. Be yourself – keep your comments in your natural
style.
10. KISS – Keep It Short and Simple.
During
11. Powerpoint is not a speech! Use few slides, with only
a few lines of text and pictures on each one.
12. You are the visual aid, not the products or
Powerpoint.
13. If you turn toward the slides, only speak when
facing the audience.
14. Remember to slow down - we tend to speak too fast;
give the audience time to absorb the information.
15. Soften your content – do not overload the audience
with long intense blocks of information.
16. Pause to allow the audience to absorb important
points.
17. Keep your body language in sync with your
message.
18. If you must use notes, try a Mind map, a simple
sketch or phrase list. It helps with recovery if you
lose track of your delivery.
19. Work on your ‘ums’ and ‘errs’. They are distracting
and dilute your message.
20. Use breath control. Diaphragm or “belly breathing”
is relaxing and helps give a powerful delivery.
21. Use the power of the pause - silences will always
seem much longer to you than to your audience.
22. Vary your pace.
23. Use your eye contact appropriately; don’t avoid it,
but don’t scare somebody!
24. Match your content to the audience. You may be an
expert, but your message must be understandable.
25. Avoid “geek speak” or specialised terminology,
unless your audience clearly understands it.
26. Avoid abbreviations! Your audience needs to
understand you, not second-guess you.
27. Use vocal range and animation to demonstrate
conviction or passion.
28. Use humour, but don’t try to be a comedian unless
you are one!
29. Speak with enthusiasm and passion!
30. Give your audience a personal story – stories are
remembered.
31. Summarise key points at the end.
32. Have a great close – be different and memorable.
33. Enjoy the applause.
more information
Jim Doyle, Confidence and Presentation Specialist and Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
Tel: 07711 330 211. www.speakingconfidence.co.uk
issue 6 | page 29

IQ events
When I consider how much event production has changed
since I entered the industry, I realise how far we have come.
But has the advancement in technology really been a
positive change for marketing communications?
In terms of hardware, the answer is a resounding yes. Back
when I started out, established speakers travelled from one
conference to the next accompanied by nothing more than
a tray of 35mm slides, or a set of acetates designed for an
overhead projector. For events where the subject matter was
set in stone, that was fine; but for those topics where results
or data could change on a weekly basis, it could be a real
headache.
Fast forward to 2013, and it is evident just how much
things have changed. PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi and an
abundance of presentation apps and plug-ins give even
the most inexperienced individual the ability to craft,
manipulate and publish their own content instantly.
Yet, within the “always on” culture that we find ourselves
caught up in, where emails can be exchanged in an instant
and, where in the corporate world at least, it has become
production to the same event two years earlier, I was
shocked at how quickly things had changed.
TECHNOLOGY AT THE SPEED OF CHANGE
Ben Cole of Inspired Live Experience discusses the impact of presentation technology
the norm to expect to be contactable at all hours, I fear we
are in danger of undermining the quality of the content
that is being created.
By giving us the ability to create and edit presentation
materials right up to the last minute, we place huge pressure
on ourselves and the talented individuals who know how to
get the most out of these technologies, expecting the most
fantastic results from the smallest amount of time invested
in devising the message.
For the past few years, all of the media used in conferences
and events has been sitting within the digital domain – a
range of audio, video and presentation files that can be
controlled by a series of computers. Yet, even within this
short time, the quality (and thus the file size) of these assets
has increased dramatically, making it rarely practical to use
email as a way of sharing them.
Having just recently completed an automotive conference
for a client, and comparing the video assets of that
Not only had the optical quality of the camera equipment
improved dramatically, the file sizes of the finished videos
had increased into multiple gigabytes of information – to
support the higher quality projection capabilities at the
event. As a result, superfast broadband and high capacity
cloud servers are having to become standard fare for
anyone involved in creating or sharing this type of content
– and yet the reality is that many clients, hamstrung by
the limited bandwidth of corporate networks, struggle to
achieve reviewing and signing off creative work to tight
deadlines.
If that means that clients are forced to become more
organised, and realise the value of engaging external
creative professionals to plan, design and manage
presentation materials on their behalf, then I am all for it.
Perhaps this will also mean that we will all spend a lot
more time on getting “what” we are saying right, before
considering “how” we are going to deliver it.
more information
www.inspiredlive.co.uk
issue 6 | page 31

IQ people
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
GEMMA WATERHOUSE Finance Director of The British Racing School
IQ Magazine finds out about the day-to-day running of this great racing charity
Sitting beside a double screened desk, with the
constant ping of emails flying through, Gemma
Waterhouse appears a calm and in control
individual.
As Finance Director for The British Racing School
(BRS), her role demands that she multi-task, as it
involves finance, marketing, student recruitment for
the school, conference/ event organising and pony
racing, for which she has a real passion.
The School itself requires £3 million a year to run,
so Gemma has to be imaginative in coming up
with ideas as to how it can promote its incredible
surroundings, and work with the racing industry, as
well as provide support to young people aged 16 –
22 years old.
Housing 72 horses amidst the 128 acres in which the
School resides, alongside student accommodation
and 18 bed and breakfasts for visiting trainers and
jockeys, BRS is a formidable charity organisation,
looking to strengthen its local business connections.
Offering conference facilities, catering, Christmas
parties and large impressive spaces for a range of
events, The British Racing School continues to
generate funds which enable it to produce racing
legends; previous students include Paul Hanagan,
who graduated in 1997 to become Champion Jockey
in 2010, and Amy Weaver, who went on to become
an assistant to Derby winning trainer Michael Bell.
Organising a summer barbecue and quiz for local
businesses, food and fashion events for visitors and
continuously pushing the School into the local and
national press, Gemma and the team’s determination
has enabled it to continue its remarkable work.
Often approached by TV networks who are
interested in filming a documentary at the School,
Gemma is also charged with protecting the students
she recruits, creating a tough job when faced with
the financial gain.
Located just 14 miles from Bury St Edmunds and
16 miles from Cambridge train station, The British
Racing School continues to be a formidable asset to
our region. Welcoming businesses from across the
country and supporting many local organisations,
it would seem that Gemma and the fantastic BRS
team’s ability to multi-task has enabled the business
to flourish.
issue 6 | page 32

IQ people
An Average Day
6:30am: Wake up, check emails and
work Twitter account. Listen to Radio
4 to update self with news, wake 21
month-old daughter, get ready, grab
breakfast, the school bag and running
kit.
8:45am: Arrive at work, having dropped
daughter at nursery. Check emails,
pick up voice messages, then start the
‘to-do’ list. Management accounts, 4
meetings – the first being with a film
production company, the second with
my Recruitment Team.
12:00: Post arrives, bringing my Graze
box. Update Twitter whilst I snack.
1:00pm: Bootcamp! Squats, lifts,
crunches, lunges!
2:00pm: Third meeting of the day,
regarding a grant bid.
3:00pm: Final meeting of the day, a
telephone meeting with the British
Horseracing Authority. Talk about new
ideas for Pony Racing, my aim being to
convince them that the project is worth
funding.
4:00pm: Clear more emails and do
a small amount on the management
accounts.
5:40pm: Time to leave to pick up my
daughter from nursery.
6:15pm: Evening snack with my
daughter, read books and play with
toys, before bath and bedtime for her.
My husband gets home from work, we
catch up, he cooks, I put the washing
away.
10:30pm: Clear more emails on phone,
check Twitter, sleep.
The British Racing School
11 Snailwell Road, Newmarket, CB8 7NU. To discuss your conferencing requirements contact Lissie Mitchell on 01638 669040.
issue 6 | page 33

ADVERTISE HERE
FROM £91.50 + VAT

ACCELERATE YOUR
BUSINESS' REPUTATION
Pete Robbins of Artisan Entertainment takes
marketing to a new level
IQ events
As businesses look to take the next step in terms of
growth, brand awareness and, of course, revenue, it is easy
to see why so many misplace the importance of marketing.
Marketing is not simply a well-placed press release or a
strong social media profile; instead, it stretches to multiple
levels of brand presence. Hosting an event can give you
that much-needed contact
time with your clientele, and
indeed future customers, so
making sure you’ve get the
correct message across is vital.
What is the goal of the
event?
This question should always
be your starting point for any
event or activity you plan.
What is the desired outcome?
Is it to increase awareness
of the company’s name and
attract fresh new clients, or
is it simply to instil employee
satisfaction and better
customer relationships?
What is your budget?
Setting a realistic budget will enable you to explore
more imaginative options, as the parameters really are
never-ending. From a simple live music act, magician or
Afternoon Tea workshop to a carousel wheel, Christmas
reindeer or a James Bond look alike, the choices can
easily smokescreen your original goals and budgets, so be
warned.
Choose your theme
Choosing a theme doesn’t necessarily mean everything has
to flow from start to finish, but it does help with ideas in
the long run. Do you want an active event with client or
employee engagement at every level from caricatures up
to digital dancefloors, or simply a relaxing environment
where people can enjoy an afternoon or evening out
of the office? Choosing your theme correctly is what
your guests will remember, so ensure that it reflects your
company’s brand to the fullest.
Answering these points will enable you to strengthen your
corporate message, increasing your business’ brand and
ultimately attracting new
custom.
Live events can often be
overlooked when it comes to
marketing, but they provide a
chance to demonstrate your
business’ ethos to an attentive
audience, so making sure
you get it right is essential.
Employing the talents of
an events team can open
up your mind to alternative
ways in which to present
your business, ensuring that
each guest engages with
the message, and that your
ultimate goal is achieved.
Case study: A local computer company recently put on
an event themed within the software sector. In keeping
with the chosen modern style, Artisan Entertainment
provided LED up-lights throughout the room, a digital
dancefloor, which projected images of dancers onto a wall
for contestants to copy, using the warm crisp colours of
the techy world.
It was important to the client to remain within the
digital world, but they wanted to inject some fun into
the event, linking to well-known video games and live
dancing competitions. Working with the client, Artisan
Entertainment was able to maximise the budget in the
most cost effective manner, whilst producing an event in
accordance with the brief.
more information
www.artisanentertainment.co.uk
issue 6 | page 35

REFLECTING THE
RIGHT IMAGE
IQ exposure
siobhan walsh of Kenway Chauffeurs discusses the importance
of corporate travel
The moment your client first
makes contact with you, either
electronically or in person, it takes
just a matter of seconds before
they have an initial first perception.
Whether or not they want to, they
will have made a judgement about
your future dealings, your personal
involvement and whether or not the
business relationship is to develop.
Of course this perception may
become swayed or altered over
time, but the initial image they
take away with them may remain
throughout any dealings. So what
are you doing about it?
Transport is often an overlooked
area for concern, yet in most cases
this will be the first and last point
of contact for your client, meaning
you need to get it right.
Sending an unkempt car to collect
or drop off your client may result in
the wrong message being conveyed,
so, making sure you take the right
steps to project your corporate
image is essential.
Choosing a chauffeur service
to suit your business’ image will
not only reinforce the messages
portrayed from your meeting, but
instantly tells the client you mean
business. You are in control of your
company, and are willing to go the
extra mile for their custom.
Greeting a client from the airport,
or simply collecting and dropping
off for a homeland meeting,
means that clients are able to
arrive in good time, without the
hassle of parking, traffic and other
disruptions, leaving them in a better
frame of mind and ready to do
business.
Of course, it is not just about your
clients, but employees too. Should
they need to arrive in style at a
client event or meeting, finding a
professional chauffeur company
will positively affect your business’
image, giving a professional and
smart approach.
There are many events for which
transport may be required, from
day-to-day meetings and train or
airport transportation to summer
balls, corporate Christmas events
and other ‘away day’ activities, so
choosing an experienced chauffeur
company will allow you to continue
your company’s image to the best
level.
Offering a range of Jaguars,
BMWs, Mercedes, an Audi A8,
minibuses and coaches, amongst
others, Kenway Chauffeurs boasts
20 years of experience, and can
organise your business’ transport no
matter what the occasion.
more information
Kenway Chauffeurs, 82 High Street, Sawston, Cambridge, CB22 3HJ. Tel: 01223 832515. www.kenwaycars.co.uk
issue 6 | page 37

IQ exposure
ARE YOU A WINNER?
IQ Magazine takes a look at why businesses should enter the NDCC 2013 awards
The Newmarket & District Chamber of
Commerce (NDCC) will be opening the floodgates
for businesses to enter its prestigious business
awards in November 2013. The awards have been
running for over ten years and have seen selected
businesses crowned as best in their class.
Last year the shortlisted businesses were gathered
together for an evening of celebration at the
Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket. Judges
debated over entrants who were measured on their
success in business planning, marketing, customer
focus and employee relations.
“Winning a local business award is a fantastic
PR tool. An award will place your business in the
media spotlight demonstrating expertise in your
chosen industry,” says Graham Abbey, Chairman
of the NDCC. A benefit noted also by many of
last years winners including Bedford Lodge Hotel
and Manig Business Advice and Training.
“The personal satisfaction from knowing that
others have recognised your hard work is
extremely self motivating, especially as we are
a small organisation,” says Andrew Manig from
Manig Business Advice and Training. “The term
‘award-winning organisation’ holds a lot of weight
and gives confidence to our clients.”
Flourishing People is a specialist people
development and training consultancy based just
outside of Newmarket. Last year the company
won the ‘Environmental Awareness’ award.
This year the business was also recognised by
the Responsible Business Standard, a nationally
recognised standard of best practice for SMEs.
Jacqui Burke, founder of Flourishing People
commented: “Winning the NDCC award was
a first step towards becoming recognised by the
Responsible Business Standard, it has certainly
added credibility to my organisation.”
With all this great free PR and recognition, one
would hope that this transfers to a positive balance
sheet, and indeed, the latest research, carried out
on a study of 600 award winners, demonstrates
that winning an award can lead to a 37% increase
in sales.
Last year’s double award winners, Cubiqdesign,
have reported such benefits. “We can attribute
new clients from the publicity and recognition we
have gained from winning our NDCC award last
year,” says John Treby. “One client said they came
to us as they had seen us in the paper!”
This year’s awards will be judged by a select
panel of business personalities chosen for their
support and understanding of businesses success.
The panel will include Paul Sullivan from Lloyds
TSB, Richard Alecock from Whiting & Partners,
Julie Eden representing the Newmarket Retailers
Association, Mike Robinson from New Market
Communications, Matthew Darroch-Thompson
from Mole Projects and Jacqui Burke from
Flourishing People.
Paul Sullivan, Senior Manager, SME Banking,
LloydsTSB, said: “I was delighted to judge the
entries for the last NDCC Business Awards and
was very pleasantly surprised at the quantity of
entries from new, established, small and large
local businesses. Not only that, the quality of the
entries was excellent on all levels. It just showed
the depth and breath of the successful businesses
we have trading in our local area. It is something
Newmarket and the Forest Heath region should be
very proud of and should be shouting about!”
November’s awards ceremony is still in its early
planning stage, but promises to be a spectacle of
business celebration and success stories.
issue 6 | page 38

IQ exposure
Some of last year’s winners
Categories Include
Business of the Year Award • New Business/Start-up of the Year Award
Business Innovation Award • Contribution to the Community Award • Effective Use of Marketing Award
Green/Environmental Awareness Award • Retailer of the Year Award • Customer Focus Award
Online Based Business Award • Business Person of the Year Award – OPEN nomination
Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award - nominated • Employee of the Year Award – nominated • Judges Award
Top Tips For A Winning Entry
1) Define a clear path – Tell your business’ story and demonstrate a strong strategy. State your
objectives, projections and how you will achieve the target/goal.
2) Achievements – Identifying your business’ strengths. Think of the major attributes you have made,
the bold decisions that have paid off, the major challenges your business has overcome and, of course,
the success stories and accreditations gained.
3) Prove it! – If you are going to fill your application form with hot air and big words, prove it. Facts,
figures and stats will add weight to any bold statements and add credibility to the application form
4) Examples – Can you provide examples of your work, photos, press cuttings, charts? All this will help
tell the story and add personality and a face to your application form.
more information
Application forms and further details can be found at www.newmarketanddistrict.com.
Or contact Claire Elbrow, Blue Lizard Marketing, info@bluelizardmarketing.com
issue 6 | page 39

IQ technology
THE MOBILE MOVEMENT
John Treby of Cubiqdesign discusses the consumer’s always-on companion,
the smart phone
With the rise in dominance
of the smart phone over the
last few years, your mobile
offering is becoming ever more
important. It’s a fact nowadays
that smart phones are embedded
into our daily lives. In 2012,
Apple reported to have sold 218
million iPhones, with Samsung
topping the table with 250
million smart devices. 89% of
the population use their smart
phone throughout the day, not
just while they’re on the go, but
at home, in stores, restaurants
and at work, so what does this
mean for our online offering and
what role do smart phones play
in decision making for products
and services?
It’s proven that smart phones
are used in conjunction with
other media. 33% of users
will use their smart phones
whilst watching TV, 29% whilst
using the internet and 38%
whilst reading newspapers and
magazines.
The motivations for mobile
searches are varied, offering
word of mouth (including social
media), online advertising and
traditional media (including
radio, TV, print advertising and
direct mail) as a flow of traffic.
Think of how many times you’ve
seen something on television and
then looked it up on your smart
phone for more information, or,
how many times, while you’re
on a train journey, you’ve used
your smart phone to check in on
Facebook or Twitter?
This data shows that all your
marketing is a key driver to get
users to your website, but how
does your website perform when
they arrive? Is the branding
consistent from marketing to
web; is your site optimised for
mobile use with a responsive
template, or do you have a
separate mobile site? If the
answers to the above are no,
then you’re likely to lose these
users because of the frustrations
of a slow loading site, or a site
that is graphically poor.
Data from Marketing Charts
shows that 78% of smart
IT IS A FACT NOWADAYS
THAT SMART PHONES ARE
EMBEDDED INTO OUR DAILY
LIVES
more information
www.cubiqdesign.co.uk
issue 6 | page 40

IQ technology
phone owners and 75% of tablet
owners consider the “look and feel”
of a company’s mobile website when
considering whether or not to make a
purchase from it. They’re also quick to
punish those who don’t do such a good
job: 44% say they would never go back
to the site, and 52% would not return
often.
The top most visited websites via smart
phones are search engines and social
networking sites, so, ensuring that your
online presence encompasses your social
media platforms and gives good organic
optimisation will again act as key drivers
to feed users to your mobile website, with
localised optimisation being extremely
important. 95% of smart phone users
have looked up local information, with
77% contacting the business as a result
of their search, whether that by phone,
by visiting, or by making an online
enquiry.
With 3G allowing us to be online
anywhere, the introduction of 4G will
continue to allow the smart phone
market to boom year on year. Therefore,
seeing your mobile offering as a key part
of your brand is becoming ever more
important.
EXAMPLE
Mobile website created for
Morris Armitage Estate
Agents by Cubiqdesign.
issue 6 | page 41

IQ people
SIMPLY
THE BEST
With many business support
networks developing on our
doorsteps, IQ Magazine puts
founder of theBestOf, Nigel
Botterill, under the spotlight to
find out how the organisation has
become the success it is today
more information
www.thebestof.co.uk
Name: Nigel Botterill Age: 47
Lives: Yorkshire
What was the inspiration behind
theBestOf franchise? Why 2005?
When I first started out in business on my own
in 2003, my wife had been a stay at home mum
and was a bit nervous that the finances would
take a hit. I wanted to do something that paid
the money and gave time with the children, so
I found myself caught between a rock and hard
place.
My wife came up with the idea of a community
magazine. Embarrassingly now, I just humoured
her then; however, she’s a formidable lady, so I
continued on to publish a free magazine, putting
it through doors. It very quickly became very
successful, generating £2 - 3k a month.
By 2004, she was being asked if she could help
others to set up magazines in their areas, so we
set up a ‘My Mag’ business to show people how
to go about it. It soon became a phenomenon,
setting up new publications all over the country.
I gave up my business plan and moved on to the
My Mag project to start looking at how to move
it online. The online environment soon became
a collection of the best businesses in each area,
creating an independent online directory for
local residents to turn to… which formed the
early days of theBestof.
We held a summer launch and located 47
franchisees on day one. Twelve months in, and
we had received national coverage. It has grown
continuously since then. The only difference
came on the re-launch in 2007, at which time
we decided to move away from being a purely
web based business, to become instead a
marketing tool for local enterprises to use.
What size of business does theBestOf
aim at primarily?
Our criterion is that all members serve the local
area. We want to champion the local guys, so
you won’t find any national brands on the site;
issue 6 | page 42

IQ people
that’s not what we’re about. Businesses have to be
good at what they do for us to list them, as every
business is visited by a franchisee, to receive our
recommendation.
Has the vision changed since you first
started?
In the beginning, theBestof was an online
vehicle, but I quickly recognised that the model
wasn’t sustainable. We simply had to become
more. Championing the best local businesses to
local people is exactly what we’re good at. Our
franchisees are exceptional at shouting about the
great things in their communities. Someone needs
to do it – it’s an important role for all businesses
to develop.
Do you feel that the Conservative’s recent
‘Supporting Small Business’ campaign will
reduce the need for such structures?
As all business owners
know, it is us, the local
guys, that have to ensure
the success of our
business, despite what
politicians do. Every now
and then they might do
something good, but we
can’t expect them to fix
our businesses - our streets
are more important than
Downing Street.
It’s helpful that the
Government has a newly
injected determination
to flourish SMEs and
can see the problems, but it needs to be realistic.
Reality on a local level is the day-to-day base, so
they need to ensure they understand it correctly
for such schemes to work.
Do you find any other crossover with other
support networks, such as the FSB or
Chamber of Commerce?
We all work with each other. It is very important
for different organisations to come together, as
our core values are the same – we want to see our
We all work with
each other. It is
very important for
different organisation
to come together,
as our core values
are the same - we
want to see our local
businesses succeed.
local businesses succeed.
How do you see the future of networking?
It is an important tool for many local businesses,
but it’s not the starting and end point of
marketing. It is just
one ‘media’, and, for
any business to flourish
and become successful,
it needs to manage
multiple outlets. I’m sure
it will continue and have
a healthy future.
What key message
is theBestOf trying
to instil on a local
level?
If you’re great at what
you do, we will find
you. People will tell us.
Many thousands of local
people leave feedback and recommendations on
the sites, so we always aim to have our finger on
the pulse.
We will continue to introduce new things
throughout the year, and are very good at
responding to what local business need. The
franchisees in East Anglia are some of the best
in the country, and continue to build the right
relationships with customers to make the area
succeed.
issue 6 | page 43

BUSINESS DIARY
The Coffee Morning
Every Thursday at the
Rutland Arms in Newmarket,
a different company hosts this
informal, no strings attached,
networking event. Meet
local business owners in this
relaxed setting.
Date: Every Thursday
Time: 10:00
Venue: Rutland Arms Hotel, 33
High Street, Newmarket
Organiser: Roger Herring
Booking details:
rogerherring@hotmail.com or call
Roger on: 01638 666595
The Very Early Lunch
Club - Cambridge
Networking, guest speakers
and breakfast are offered
at VELC events. With no
pressure to attend every
meeting, this is a relaxed and
collaborative environment.
Date: First Friday of every month
Venue: Anglesey Abbey, Lode
Time:7:30 - 9:30
Organiser: Ian Clemson
Booking details:
Tel: 01638 745286 or
www.velc.co.uk
BforB Networking,
Bury St Edmunds
A local business networking
organisation where
membership is based on
sector exclusivity, allowing
you to develop trusted
contacts.
Date: 2nd Aug, 16th Aug, 20th
Sept, 4th Oct, 18th Oct
Time: 15:00 – 17:00
Venue: The Fox Inn, 1 Eastgate
Street, Bury St Edmunds
Organiser: Lorna Burroughers
Booking Details:
07760 792791
Best of Bury Coffee
Morning
A well-established informal
coffee morning held at
Benson Blakes. Sponsoring
costs £30 and allows for a
15min speech, demonstration
or Q&A session.
Date: Alternate Tuesdays
from 13th Aug
Time: 10am - 12noon
Venue: Benson Blakes, 88 - 89
St. Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds
Organiser: Best of
Bury St Edmunds
Booking details: :
www.thebestof.co.uk/local/buryst-edmunds
Women in Business
Network, Bury St
Edmunds
Improve your business
opportunities by networking
with like-minded women in a
non-competitive environment.
Date: 15th August, 12th Sept,
17th Oct
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: Bury St Edmunds Golf
Club, Tut Hill, Fornham All
Saints, Bury St Edmunds
Organiser: Siobhan Costello
Booking details: £24pp
Tel: 01480 831580 or
www.wibn.co.uk
Business Owners
Breakfast
Join a group of business
owners to share information,
discuss relevant topics and
make those all-important
connections.
Date: Every third Friday of the
month
Time: 8:00 – 9:00
Venue: St John’s Innovation
Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge
Organiser: The Inspired Group
Booking details:
www.theinspiredgroup.com
Business Growth
Workshops
Begin the day with
networking over breakfast,
before learning how to grow
your business and achieve
your goals. Run by Phill
Jesson, renowned author of
Piranhas In The Bidet.
Date: 16th Aug, 20th Sept,
18th Oct
Time: 9:30 - 12:30
Venue: St John’s Innovation
Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge
Organiser: The Inspired Group
Booking details:
www.theinspiredgroup.com
The Very Early Lunch
Club - Bury St Edmunds
Relaxed and effective
business networking to
make contacts and develop
relationships over breakfast.
Date: Third Friday of
every month
Time: 7:30 - 9:30
Venue: Nowton Court, Nowton
Road, Bury St Edmunds
Organisers: Matthew Darroch
Thompson
Booking details: Tel: 01359
244027 or www.velc.co.uk
Link4Coffee, Ely
These informal drop-in
sessions connect local
businessmen and women
in the area. Catch up with
colleagues or meet new
potential associates.
Date: 22nd Aug
Time: 10:00 - 11:30
Venue: E-space North, 181
Wisbech Rd, Littleport
Organiser: Nikki Pepper
Booking Details: Free, simply
call 07887 747820
Cambridge Network
This information exchange
over a light lunch is for
potential new members
to find out how the
Cambridge Network can
benefit you. With its range
of services, Explore the
various opportunities on
offer in its range of services,
from marketing & PR to
recruitment and events.
Date: 6th September
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Venue: Hauser Forum, 3
Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge
Organiser: Dawn Nicholls
Booking Details:
dawn.nicholls@
cambridgenetwork.co.uk

BUSINESS DIARY
Social Media - What’s
Next? Workshop
This workshop, run by
the European Regional
Development Fund, will offer
invaluable insights into the
world of digital marketing,
Ecommerce, integrating
social media and product
placement.
Date: 11th September
Time: 10:30 – 15:00
Venue: NIAB Innovation Farm
Reception Centre, Park Farm Villa
Road, Impington, Cambridge
Organiser: David Broach
Booking details:
david.broach@niab.com
The Bury Breakfast
Club
An independent group that
aims to generate business for
its members, and to share
new marketing techniques.
It also hosts regular guest
speakers.
Date: Second and fourth Fridays
of every month
Time: 6:45 - 8:30
Venue: The Malthouse Project,
Bury St Edmunds
Organiser: The Bury
Breakfast Club
Booking details:
www.burybreakfastclub.co.uk or
email: theteam@burybreakfastclub.
co.uk
Informal Coffee
Evening
Open to companies of all
sizes. Join the drop-in group
to discuss business issues,
meet some new contacts or
just promote your work.
Date: Second Monday of every
month (excluding August)
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Venue: The Lamb Hotel, 2
Lynn Road, Ely
Organisers: Cambridgeshire
Chamber of Commerce.
Contact: Peter Watts
Booking details: Free, simply
call 07545 679799
Link Up Business
A relaxed breakfast time
networking event for business
with no membership
required. Run by MENTA,
an enterprise dedicated to
helping new start-ups, as
well as supporting existing
businesses.
Date: 18th Sept, 16th Oct
Time: 7:45 – 9:00
Venue: The Fox Inn, 1 Eastgate
Street, Bury St Edmunds
Organisers: MENTA
Booking details: £14.50 pp,
including breakfast buffet. www.
menta.org.uk/linkupbusiness
Last Friday Breakfast
Networking
On behalf of the Haverhill
Business Community, the
Haverhill & District Chamber
of Commerce holds this
monthly breakfast networking
event.
Date: Last Friday of the month
Time: 7:45 - 9:30
Venue: Samuel Ward Academy,
Chalkstone Way, Haverhill
Booking Details: £10 for
member, £15 for guests. www.
haverhillchamber.co.uk, or email
Kate Anstee: kate@thetimefinder.
co.uk
South Cambridge Coffee
Morning
This mid-morning group
offers business-to-business
chat every Friday. Build
valuable contacts with other
local business owners over a
cup of coffee.
Date: Every Friday
Time: 10am-12 noon
Venue: Holiday Inn Express,
Cambridge Duxford, 42 Station
Road East, Whittlesford,
Cambridge.
Organiser: Gerrit van Deventer
Booking details:£5 per
event, pay on the day. www.
southcambridgecoffeemorning.
co.uk, or email: info@
southcambridgecoffeemorning.co.uk.
The Very Early Lunch
Club - Haverhill
Informal networking
breakfast meetings with
breakfast included in the
price. Check the website for
details of speakers at each
event.
Date: Second Friday of
every month
Time: 7:15 - 9:45
Venue: Frankie & Benny’s
Restaurant, Ehringshausen Way,
Haverhill
Organiser: David Allan
Booking details: dave@velc.
co.uk or www.velc.co.uk
the Best of Haverhill
Networking Event
With guest speakers, this
free monthly meeting for
Haverhill local businesses
and organisations promises
to be a thought-provoking
morning.
Date: -
Time: 10:00 - 11:30
Venue: Days Inn, Phoenix Road,
Haverhill
Organiser: Elaine Carr
Booking details: Visit www.
thebestof.co.uk/local/haverhill/
business-networking or email
haverhill@thebestof.co.uk
Tel: 01440 710158
Speed Networking,
Haverhill
Network in the fast lane this
September. Meet lots of new
business connections all in
one night and enjoy a light
buffet supper.
Date: 18th September
Time: 17:30 – 21:00
Venue: Haverhill Arts Centre,
High Street, Haverhill
Organiser: Haverhill Chamber
and The Best Of Haverhill
Booking Details: £14 for
members, £18 guest ticket. For
more information, visit: www.
suffolkchamber.co.uk, or www.
thebestof.co.uk/local/haverhill/
business-networking

IQ advice
an audit, carried out by James Davey, a licensed
auditor with the ORB. As a result, it has gained
a Gold Award in the Responsible Business
Standard.
Jacqui Burke, founder of Flourishing People, was
joined by Matthew Hancock MP and Vicky Ford
MEP, alongside many representatives of the local
business community at Freckenham Village Hall
to receive the commendation.
Commenting on the certification, James Davey
described Flourishing People as, “An excellent
MAINTAINING YOUR
COMPETITIVE EDGE
IQ Magazine attends the prizing giving of the
Responsible Business Standard
Maintaining the reputation of any business is
an essential part of winning new clientele. It
is ultimately what will bring you business or
deny you vital new contracts; however, in an
increasingly competitive business world, it is
becoming more and more difficult to stand out
from the crowd.
The Responsible Business Standard, developed
by the Organisation of Responsible Businesses
(ORB) specifically for SMEs, allows businesses
to demonstrate a code of best practice across the
board.
Internally becoming a driver to better each
business’ working ethos, from attracting, retaining
and motivating employees, to reducing overheads
and increasing efficiency of operation, the
Standard furthers businesses through their own
audit and valuation.
Indicating that a business is playing a pro-active
role in combating the challenges it faces, the
Standard offers three levels, bronze, silver and
gold, and can only be accredited by an ORB
Auditor who will attend the business premises to
conduct an audit.
The local development and training business,
Flourishing People, has recently undergone such
example of good practice in a small business. It
was clear straight away that Jacqui is dedicated
to providing a first class service to her customers,
delivered with passion and in an ethical manner.”
As the Award was presented just days after
Matthew Hancock’s appointment as the
Conservative Small Business Champion, the
audience was invited to question him about his
new role, before Vicky Ford stepped on stage
to tell businesses about her continuing battle to
reduce the amount of EU regulation affecting
small businesses.
Thrilled with the recent commendation, Jacqui
Burke said: “We are very proud to have received
this award. It tells the world what they can expect
from us as a responsible and ethical business.”
Jacqui Burke and Matthew Hancock
issue 6 | page 48

IQ review
BOOK REVIEW
BIO: Nathalie Nahai is an award-winning
speaker, web psychologist and author.
With a background in psychology, web
design and digital strategy, she is one of
the few leading voices in this field to have
both academic and hands-on experience
in engineering online persuasion.
Nathalie helps businesses apply scientific
rigour to their design and decision-making
processes to achieve better engagement
online. Projects include work with Fortune
500 companies, design agencies and
SMEs.
REVIEW: I’m often on the lookout for
books that provide a fresh way of looking
at the business world in a desire to trigger
off a new way of thinking.
When I was given this book as a gift, my
initial thoughts were sceptical and I was
worried that it might possibly be a little
too heavily weighted on ecommerce.
I’m delighted to say that I couldn’t have
been more wrong, especially when a
book which aims to ensure that your
online practices attract and retain new
customers, kicks off with a look at how the
human brain is structured.
Nathalie covers an incredible amount
of ground in this book, starting off with
introductory information on neuroscience
and psychology, interspersed with
cutting edge case studies. She covers
the science of effective communication
and challenges you to re-evaluate your
website’s layout, written content, images
and colours.
The final third of the book is then
Webs of Influence: The
Psychology of Online
Persuasion
Author: Nathalie Nahai
dedicated to the techniques and theories
of successful selling, and, although it’s
primarily product led, the principles
firmly support services-based businesses.
Webs of Influence is a fantastic
introduction to psychology and translates
it into an online world using fantastic
theories, case studies and graphics, as
well as engaging ‘make this work for you’
suggestions throughout.
R at i n g : This book isn’t revolutionary,
but it is a perfect resource for online
marketing and a great and easy read. 5
out of 5.
Review by ed goodman >> @edgoodman
issue 6 | page 49

IQ review
training and development assignments
including many in Canada, USA and Brazil.
He set up his own business in 1988, which he
now runs with his wife Joanna from their home
in the middle of the Leicestershire countryside.
Phil enjoys a “portfolio of exciting business
interests and activities.”
Piranhas in the Bidet: A Snappy
Guide to Better Partnerships
With Your Customers, Your
People and Yourself!
Author: Phil Jesson
BIO: Phil’s first job as an Army
officer stood him in good stead for
a career in sales and marketing
that followed. As Phil puts it, “It
was an easy transition because the
four key strategies are exactly the
same offence, defence, alliance and
deterrence.”
Phil worked for the UK’s
workplace services provider
Rentokil Ltd, Germany’s media
giant Bertelsmann and the
Swedish consultancy firm Mercuri
International where he ran their
Birmingham operation and
undertook major
REVIEW: Simon Grey has just been appointed
the new CEO of an ailing company with a
long history. As he gets to know his business,
his people and his customers, he is given
invaluable leadership advice - from his
chauffeur.
Piranhas is really three books in one. It cleverly
combines a narrative in the style of a novel
with well drawn characters followed by a
summary of learning points at the end of each
chapter, and finishes with an A-Z Partnership
Toolkit that could be a book in its own right.
Whether you go straight to the toolkit, zip
through the chapter summaries or read the
whole thing from cover to cover, you will find
a wealth of tried and tested good sense and
descriptions of how to apply it.
Phil Jesson has established a great reputation
as a consultant and guide to improving sales
results in a variety of impressive organisations
by working closely with the business leaders,
and this book draws on only a part of his skill
and experience. In what is typical of the way
Phil works, readers are invited to go to www.
kamguru.com to get free downloads.
What do the piranhas in the bidet have to do
with leadership and business development?
You’ll have to read the book to find out!
R at i n g: As three books in one with additional
on-line material, 5 out of 5!
Review by Ann Hawkins >> @annhawkins
issue 6 | page 51

IQ exposure
MOBILISING YOUR
CREATIVE POTENTIAL
IQ discovers how to use your creative potential to fundamentally change your business
Creativity and entrepreneurship have long been
acknowledged as symbiotic. In fact, key academics
working in the field of business and innovation, such as
Professor Rob Austin at Harvard University, recognise that
entrepreneurs and artists often share values and working
processes, saying: “the economy of the future will be about
creating value… and no-one knows more about the process
for doing that than artists.”
Wysing Arts Centre, based on a rural site near Bourn,
Cambridgeshire, looks for opportunities for artists to
play an active and useful role outside the confines of the
traditional ‘art world.’
Applying artistic thinking to business scenarios, the Centre
has developed an inspiring new programme, Creative
Accelerator; day-long business workshops that enable
companies to unlock creativity to find practical ways
of solving business issues, including managing change,
collaboration, communication and negotiation.
92% of delegates on its pilot workshops, who came from
sectors including biotech, energy, PR, construction and
charities, found they had opened up new possibilities for
their companies during and since the first session.
Wysing Arts Centre also offers staff development
opportunities. It works with three Cambridge based
companies who have become involved with art
commissioning and collecting at the highest level - they
now jointly own work by Turner Prize 2012 winner
Elizabeth Price, amongst others.
Ed Turner, Managing Partner of Taylor Vinters, explains:
“The Centre offers a collaborative approach to collecting
art that has been a lot of fun and which has empowered
staff from the three businesses involved to take real
ownership of the project and work together as a team,
share ideas and make decisions.”
The ideas explored and opportunities opened up when
artists and entrepreneurs meet can result in dynamic
outcomes for businesses. One delegate said, “Wysing is an
amazing place, very inspiring, a catalyst for new ideas.”
more information
Wysing Arts Centre, Fox Road, Bourn, Cambridge, CB23 2TX. Tel: 01954 718881. www.wysingartscentre.org
issue 6 | page 53

GADGET UPDATE
IQ review
I would treat any item like this as a novelty.
I unpacked it and on first impressions it is
exactly as you would expect, not that bad
but ultimately a very cheaply produced
item.
Satzuma USB Cup Warmer
£5.95 l Available from www.prezzybox.com
Managing Director of Igentics, David Doonan, gets ready for
winter with the help of this quarter’s gadgets and business apps
So we have a cheaply made USB heating
element and I’m supposed to plug this into
my laptop? The laptop that I use all day
every day, which cost a lot more than £5
and, being a laptop, it is unlikely to have
massive circuits providing power to my USB
ports. So I plugged it into Olga’s (Olga is our
office manager) desktop, warning her to
save her work first!
The standby light came on, a quick press
of the small switch on the side and the unit
started to heat up, accompanied by the
faint whiff of slightly hot plastic. However
there were no dramas, neither Olga nor her
PC burst into flames.
To test it properly, I filled two identical cups
with boiling water. One went on my desk,
Satzuma USb Cup Warmer
the other went onto the hot plate. I recorded
the temperatures over the next hour or so,
and deduced the following:
It keeps the water a little warmer than just
leaving it on the desk
It is still not warm enough to drink, falling
below the 40-50 degree range mentioned
on the box.
Conclusion: If you are the sort of person
who leaves a cup of drink on their desk and
forgets to drink it, I would probably seek
medical attention rather than wasting £5 on
one of these. If you are looking for a cheap,
gadget to buy for your favourite geek, then
it may fit the bill. I suspect however that the
geek would prefer something a little more
useful from the range…
Wacom Bamboo Tablet
I know a lot of photographers and creative
types who use a tablet and pen to great
effect, and so was really looking forward
to using this. After a quick play with the
settings I fired up Photoshop, expecting the
addition of a pen and tablet to transform
me into some sort of Salvador Dali type,
alas not. Frankly I struggled; this was not
down to the device, more like my brain
being conditioned to using a mouse or
trackpad. So I handed it over to Suz, who
is one of the design team, and this is what
she had to say about it:
The Bamboo Fun, Pen & Touch, Wacom
Tablet is lightweight, streamline and
attractive. It comes with an installation disc
and is very easy to install and setup. The
pen is very sensitive and takes a little while
to adapt to but is fairly easy to use once
you get into the swing of it.
The benefit of a pen is seen when using
design drawing software, which gave me
the physical feeling of drawing, and, with
the tablet being sensitive, it allowed lots
of control.
The design of the tablet is great to look at
but ergonomically it felt awkward to use it
portrait with a landscape screen; my pen
kept leaving it! But when turned landscape,
it felt awkward with the buttons on the left
hand side.
The USB lead supplied could be longer
and it does get in the way, so if I used this
I would definitely upgrade and make this
wireless, as that is an option.
Overall, it’s not a bad piece of equipment. I
just think I’m too reliant on a mouse to ever
commit to a pen full time. However, if I had
access to one daily, I think I would want to
use it with some design software, to make
drawing feel like drawing again.
Wacom Bamboo Tablet
£24.99 l Available from www.wacom.eu
more information
Igentics offers clients a wide variety of digital services, whether to develop their current website or build a larger SEO strategy, and social
media solutions. Current clients include Cambridge University Press, IPA, Norgren, Marley Eternit, Britvic and the University of Cambridge.
Igentics Ltd, First and Second Floor, Boltons Warehouse, 23 Tenison Road, Cambridge CB1 2DG. Tel: 01223 311098. www.igentics.com.
issue 6 | page 55

IQ exposure
IQ Magazine visits Cambridge City Hotel for a well-deserved break
Standing proudly on the city’s esteemed Downing
Street, Cambridge City Hotel instantly demands
attention. From the iconic entrance with its welcoming
flags, whose columns are reminiscent of the great
Roman era, the hotel simply oozes professionalism
from every corner.
The perfect place to host many of your business
meetings, accommodate visiting guests and hold those
essential conferences and end of year board meet ups,
the hotel provides ample room for all.
Having spent an evening there, I could see for myself
BUSINESS IN STYLE
why this city centre hotel has become a hot spot for
local businesses and tourists alike. A smiling valet
greeted me, and my car was whisked away to the
hotel’s on-site carpark, before I made my way up the
escalators to the welcoming reception area.
Checking in to my room, I noticed how consistent
the outstanding standard of presentation was. My
room was light and spacious, housing an enormous
bed and en-suite. Providing the necessities needed by
the modern business person, I soon found an iron to
press my crumbled clothing, hairdryer to help me look
issue 6 | page 56

IQ exposure
my best for the evening ahead, and plenty of work
space to set up my laptop and paperwork.
Noticing how impeccably clean it was throughout,
it wasn’t too long before I returned to the hotel’s
first floor reception area, ready to enjoy the depths
of the Bloomsbury Restaurant I had heard so
much about.
Offering a relaxed environment in which to
shake off the effects of a hard day at work, many
were already seated in the bright and spacious
environment, some clearly still hosting business
meetings and getting to know clients further.
Perfect for all guests, the restaurant menu offered
a brilliant mix of British and international choices,
clearly using many seasonal favourites. Opting for
the grilled goat’s cheese, toasted soda bread and
red onion marmalade to start, followed by pan fried
duck breast served with roasted banana shallot, sweet
potato dauphinoise and plum sauce, with chocolate
brownie and vanilla ice cream to finish, I couldn’t
help but savour every mouthful.
The immaculately dressed waiting staff returned to
our table once again to top up my drink and check
on the quality of food, which I couldn’t fault one bit.
As I moved out of the restaurant area and to the
EACH ROOM COMES WITH A
PROJECTOR, SCREEN AND
WALL MOUNTED SPEAKERS TO
CONTINUE THE PROFESSIONAL
AT M O S P H ER E CARRIED BY THE
ENTIRE VENUE.
Bloomsbury Bar, my doorstep vacation felt like one of
the best treats I had had in a long time. Sitting back
to listen to the live pianist as I sipped on a chilled glass
of wine, I thought what a perfect end to a day in the
office it was. Finally retreating back to my welcoming
bedroom for a well-earned night’s sleep, I couldn’t
wait for morning.
As the following morning approached the Hotel’s Duty
Manager joined me for a tour of the conferencing
facilities, which clearly demonstrated the hotel’s ability
to cater for multiple business purposes. As I stepped
inside the Orchard Suite, the amount of space offered
was much more than anticipated. Able to cater for up
to 250 in a theatre style, the room presented a great
space for company presentations, product launches
and private seminars.
As we moved round to the Maple, Sycamore and
Chestnut suites, the Hotel revealed further adaptable
spaces in which businesses can hold training
events, private smaller meetings and
presentations. Each room comes with a
projector, screen and wall mounted speakers
to continue the professional atmosphere
carried by the entire venue.
With daily delegate packages available,
which include unlimited Seattle’s Best coffee,
tea, jugs of fruit juice, mineral water, sweets,
note pad and pens, two flipcharts, LCD
projector and screen and themed working
lunches and breakfasts, the Hotel’s attention
to detail continues.
Perfect for businesses looking to impress with an end of
year event, corporate Christmas party or somewhere
to house their visiting guests, Cambridge City Hotel
will ensure the professionalism you associate with
your own business is continued from start to finish.
more information
Cambridge City Hotel, 20 Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DT. www.cambridgecityhotel.co.uk
issue 6 | page 57

STAND OUT FROM
THE CROWD
IQ Magazine discusses how to stand out at an exhibition event
The world surrounding best practice at
exhibitions can be a baffling one at the best of
times. How best to present your business to get
yourself seen, what type of stand to opt for,
which location is best, what size to have and
even which colour scheme suits, are just some
questions asked by many businesses.
Communicating your brand, getting your
message across and being noticed by what
could be your next customer, are the three main
objectives of any exhibition event, so businesses
must focus on thinking outside the box.
From bespoke stands, pop-up banners to tables
and presentation boards, we’ve seen it all
before, so how do you go about getting yourself
noticed?
The Stand
Choose a style of stand that best reflects your
business. A stand that engages visitors and gives
them a reason to approach, will break down
barriers instantly.
Ultra Board is a new generation of exhibition
stand that presents an environmentally friendly,
cost effective and durable revelation to the
pop-up stand. As it’s available in a range of
sustainable display panels, it enables you to
create a style that suits your business. From
interactive games and life-size mazes to
professional signs to direct the flow of your
space, the choices are endless.
Depending on the project, the boards come
in different colours, textures and thicknesses.
All boards offered are perfect for digital or
screen printing, with all facings FSC sourced,
making these products some of the most
environmentally friendly in the industry.
Each of the Ultra Board products are made
from 100% recycled material and therefore
being 100% recyclable itself, the range of
products on offer is quickly becoming an
industry leader for all, following the ethical
awareness focus of current trends.
Brand Awareness
Ensuring that your space communicates
your brand effectively is essential for making
your presence known. From colours, stand
accessories, goodie bags and tempting treats
such as cakes and sweets, and so on, ensuring
everything is on brand and to a theme is
essential. Take the time to collate your stand
before the event itself, to ensure consistency
throughout.
more information
Visit www.ultraboard.co.uk
issue 6 | page 58

IQ exposure
Ultraboards unique design allows for complex
stand structures to be easily achieved at a fraction
of the cost of most other materials.
Example stand design using Ultraboard
products, designed by Cubiqdesign.
more information
Need help with your exhibition stand visit www.cubiqdesign.co.uk
issue 6 | page 59

IQ food
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A
LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
IQ Magazine urges businesses to start planning for Christmas now
Christmas Day itself may not have
crossed your mind on a personal
level, but it’s no wonder that most of
our region’s businesses are already
determined to secure a place for their
works ‘do’. It may be hard enough
to collate everyone’s diaries for an
internal meeting, but it’s also important
to bring people together at Christmas,
as this is the time when businesses are
able to go all out and show both their
employees and clientele just how much
they are appreciated.
Months of planning may be required,
but for most it is a simple case of
finding the right venue to suit their
business and, of course, the people
in it. The Bull Inn at Barton Mills
is renowned for its quirky outlook
on life and for very good reason is
already taking bookings for many local
companies looking to kick off their
shoes and truly enjoy the festive season.
The Bull Inn welcomes parties of all
sizes to join in its ‘out of the box’ line
up of festive treats. Combining some
of the region’s finest cuisine with
events such as a Jingle Bells Festive
lunch, an ABBA tribute night, murder
mystery dinners, amazing “Great
British Panto” themed parties in the
luxury marquee, Santa’s Sunday
lunches and of course the ever popular
New Years Eve extravaganza with live
music, the Bull is sure to make your
year end with a bang.
If themed parties and party bands are
not your thing then don’t worry as the
more intimate and classic setting of the
award winning dining room will cater
for your festive lunch or dinner in a
stylish and relaxed way.
Whatever option you choose you can
be sure that you and your guests will
be treated to an amazing three course
festive meal. You’ll find a choice of
potted prawn and dill, baby gem,
seeded bread and butter or pulled
ham hock and sage terrine, pickled red
cabbage and apple dressed leaves to
tempt you for starters, before you move
on to the main event where you can
enjoy hand carved Norfolk roast turkey,
Newmarket chipolata and bacon roll,
chef ’s stuffing and roast potatoes,
or opt for the oven roasted salmon,
Mediterranean veg, Pinot Grigio
sauce and crushed potatoes, and these
are just some of the dishes available.
With dessert on hand ready to seal the
deal on your Christmas outing, enjoy
traditional Christmas pudding with
caramel brandy sauce, amongst other
choices, to satisfy any sweet cravings.
As the icing on the cake The Bull
Inn also has 15 exquisite funky and
boutique bedrooms with amazing
features such as double ended
baths, super king beds and designer
wallpaper, you can extend your night a
little further and treat your employees
to a well-earned rest to recuperate
ready for 2014.
Christmas at The Bull Inn has to be
experienced to be believed, you will be
guaranteed a great time year on year.
So don’t be disappointed, call today
to make a booking or to chat with one
of the owners about this year’s festive
calendar!
more information
The Bull Inn, The Street, Barton Mills, Nr Mildenhall, IP28 6AA. Tel: 01638 711001. www.bullinn-bartonmills.com.
issue 6 | page 60

CORPORATE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
IQ food
Injecting the fun back into the festivities, IQ Magazine looks at our region’s corporate caterers
DoubleTree By Hilton, Cambridge
Find a wide range of Christmas programmes including a festive 2/3-course lunch in the stylish Riverside
Brasserie. The hotel also offers party nights, comprising of a dinner and a disco, in the Riverside Brasserie
and Granta Suite. A broad selection of festive foods is available across all menus, including poached and
smoked salmon, hay roasted British beef loin and orange and cranberry frangipane tart.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Granta Place, Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RT. Tel: 01223 259988.
www.doubletreecambridge.com
Prana Indian Restaurant & Lounge, Cambridge
With the modern Indian cuisine on offer at Prana you can enjoy a corporate Christmas lunch or dinner
with a difference this year. The latest Indian restaurant to come to Cambridge, Prana brings over 25 years
of experience in its distinctive cooking styles, using many secret recipes that are sure to blow you away. For
a real treat, enjoy the Executive Prana Collection for a collection of unique dishes.
Prana Indian Restaurant & Lounge, 97 Mill Road, Cambridge, CB1 2AW. Tel: 01223 364221.
www.pranarestaurant.co.uk
The Bull Inn, Barton Mills
Truly kick off your tie and shirt this Christmas with a visit to The Bull Inn. Ensuring that its guests
never experience a dull moment, this lively venue promises a works party like no other. With festive fun
guaranteed, enjoy festive lunches, dinners and even an Abba Tribute Party to really reward your team
this year. On the menu you’ll find hand carved Norfolk roast turkey alongside zesty lemon cheesecake to
make this an exceptional choice.
The Bull Inn, The Street, Barton Mills, Nr Mildenhall, IP28 6AA. Tel: 01638 711001.
www.bullinn-bartonmills.com
Wysing Arts Centre, Bourn
For companies looking to impress this Christmas, Wysing Arts Centre offers a unique, creative space
in which to enjoy away days, events and receptions. Located in an inspirational setting, the Centre has
11 acres of open space and 10 separate buildings, allowing you to create your own contemporary and
individual celebration. For large events, businesses are welcome to use the Reception Space, which offers
floor to ceiling glass sliding doors to make it a truly show-stopping celebration.
Wysing Arts Centre, Fox Road, Bourn, Cambridge, CB23 2TX. Tel: 01954 718881.
www.wysingartscentre.org
The British Racing School, Newmarket
After a successful year in business, unwind with The British Racing School and experience the fine
cuisine offered by its in-house chef. Choose from a formal lunch or dinner or opt for a private Christmas
party night. The Racing School not only has a three-course menu on offer and the capacity to cater for
up to 100 guests, but you can also sit back and enjoy breathtaking views.
The British Racing School, Snailwell Road, Newmarket, CB8 7NU.
Tel: 01638 669040. www.brsconferences.com
issue 6 | page 63

SPARE

CORPORATE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Injecting the fun back into the festivities, IQ Magazine looks at our region’s corporate caterers
IQ food
Jockey Club Rooms, Newmarket
The Jockey Club Rooms look forward to welcoming local businesses into its hallowed walls. With
non-exclusive festive events available on 6th December and other select dates with exclusive hire
also available, take advantage of the opportunity to impress your clients with a truly unique festive
experience. At this venue, the history of racing culture meets with high quality cuisine to provide an
unforgettable experience in the home of horseracing.
Jockey Club Rooms, 101 High Street, Newmarket, CB8 8JL. Tel: 01638 663101.
www.jockeyclubrooms.co.uk
La Raza Events, Cambridge
Perfect for those looking to treat their clients and employees to a show-stopping performance, La Raza
Events will bring the party to you. Whether in a chosen venue, or simply in the office, the events team
will bring you the wonders of a mobile bar. With its experienced cocktail bar staff, La Raza Events is
sure to place the cherry on top of your Christmas cake this year.
La Raza Events, 4-6 Rose Crescent, Cambridge, CB2 3LL. Tel: 01223 462211.
www.larazaevents.co.uk
Cambridge City Hotel, Cambridge
An ideal setting for unforgettable celebrations, this classic venue has a warm, inviting atmosphere and
a smart, distinguished ambience. Its experienced team enables the Hotel to cater for parties of all sizes
and budgets with its flexible range of packages, which include Festive Afternoon Tea, lunches, dinners
and party nights. Make a magical evening last all night by taking advantage of the Hotel’s exclusive
accommodation offers.
Cambridge City Hotel, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DT. Tel: 01223 464491.
www.cambridgecityhotel.co.uk
Bury St Edmunds Farmers Club, Bury St Edmunds
Tucked away behind the bustling commuter area of Northgate Street lies the jewel that is the Bury St
Edmunds Farmers Club. An elegant and relaxing sanctuary in which to celebrate your festivities, here
you can enjoy traditional values of service and hospitality in an amazing Grade 1 listed building.
Bury St Edmunds Farmers Club, 10 Northgate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1HQ. Tel:
01284 752460. www.bsefc.co.uk
Zara Indian Cuisine, Shelford
Already a destination restaurant, Zara Indian Cuisine offers a modern, contemporary venue in which
to celebrate with your colleagues, clients and associates this Christmas. Enjoy traditional favourites or
specials such as Goan lamb shank and duck masala, alongside Persian and Nepalese dishes. Fish lovers
can also indulge in a separate menu featuring dishes with salmon, trout and sea bass.
Zara Indian Cuisine, 1 Hinton Way, Great Shelford, Cambridge, CB22 5AX.
Tel: 01223 846668. www.zara-cuisine.com
issue 6 | page 65

IQ food
CORPORATE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
Injecting the fun back into the festivities, IQ Magazine looks at our region’s corporate caterers
Squires Restaurant at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Newmarket
Catering for every desire, Bedford Lodge Hotel welcomes all to enjoy a festive visit. Enjoy a Christmas
Fayre lunch in the award-winning restaurant every Monday to Friday throughout December, or opt to
dance the night away at the Hotel’s party nights. Catering for any size of party, and for those looking for
2/3 courses, this Hotel provides an excellent opportunity to thank your staff this year.
Squires Restaurant at Bedford Lodge Hotel, Bury Road, Newmarket, CB8 7BX. Tel: 01638
663175. www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk
The Old Red Lion Inn, Horseheath
Take a break from the office this Christmas with a visit to this traditional country inn. Providing
good quality home cooked food and spacious and secure accommodation in a relaxed and friendly
environment, The Old Red Lion is just the place to celebrate the successes of 2013 over a pint of real
ale with your colleagues.
The Old Red Lion Inn, Linton Road, Horseheath, Cambridge , CB21 4QF. Tel: 01223
892909. www.theoldredlion.co.uk
Ta bouche, Cambridge
Enjoy a relaxed evening in one of Cambridge’s busiest restaurants and bars. The perfect place to enjoy
your end-of-year get-together, whilst indulging in good food and cocktails, Ta Bouche will make this
year one of the best yet. The most versatile location, Ta Bouche offers a relaxing retreat during the day,
before unleashing its inner self as the evening takes hold turning it into a lively party location.
Ta Bouche, 10 – 15 Market Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PF. Tel: 01223 462277.
www.tabouche.co.uk
Tuddenham Mill, Tuddenham
The perfect location for those looking for a unique setting in which to wish their clients a prosperous
New Year, Tuddenham Mill presents the perfect combination of rural idyll and city sophistication.
Enjoy some of the region’s finest foods, created by Head Chef Paul Foster and his team, as they look for
unique ways in which to present a festive menu using the best seasonal ingredients.
Tuddenham Mill, High Street, Tuddenham, Nr Newmarket, IP28 6SQ.
Tel: 01638 713552. www.tuddenhammill.co.uk
Graffiti Restaurant at Hotel Felix, Cambridge
Situated in the spacious grounds of Hotel Felix, the Graffiti Restaurant offers a sophisticated palette of
flavours for all to enjoy. As well as fantastic food, the Hotel offers excellent wines and friendly, attentive
service to make this a corporate celebration you’ll never forget. With 52 luxurious, bedrooms, you could
also choose to truly relax as you look forward to further success in 2014.
Graffiti Restaurant at Hotel Felix, Whitehouse Lane, Huntingdon Road,
Cambridge, CB3 0LX. Tel: 01223 277977. www.hotelfelix.co.uk
issue 6 | page 66