The first Business Clinic took place on Thursday 22nd November in High Wycombe and was a huge success. The event saw established local businesses join forces to offer free help and advice to start-ups in the Thames Valley area in an informal environment.
The Business Clinic is the brainchild of two local companies; Redstone Business Centres and Cerub PR. Neill Barber of RedStone Business Centres explains more about the event: ‘Everyone who attended the Business Clinic was very complimentary about the help and advice they received. Holding the event has confirmed to us that the new business community is continually expanding in this area, and we were delighted to be able to offer our team of experts for interrogation!’ Ceri-Jane Hackling, adds: ‘It was really important to us that the event was an informal opportunity for businesses to genuinely offer their help and expert advice for free, and not an excuse for established businesses to simply plug their own companies. I believe Business Clinic achieved this and we look forward to its continued growth and success.’
The next Business Clinic event is scheduled for Spring 2008. Anyone wishing to find out more should contact Neill Barber on 01494 435 111, or at highwycombe@redstonebc.com
November 22nd sees the launch of the Business Clinic - an event designed to give start ups in the Thames Valley area the opportunity to access the help and advice of more established businesses.
Business Clinic is the brainchild of Cerub PR and RedStone Business Centres and gives new companies and entrepreneurs access to expert help and advice in an informal, relaxed environment.
Business Clinic is completely free for visitors and refreshments will be provided
The first Business Clinic will take place from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 22nd November at:
Prospect House Business Centre
Crendon Street
High Wycombe
Bucks, HP13 6LA
Exhibitors list:
Name |
Company |
Sector |
Ceri-Jane Hackling |
Cerub PR |
Public Relations |
Vanessa Emery |
Kube Design |
Graphic Design |
Helen Isacke |
Crown Coaching |
Business Coaching |
Paul Bolton |
Refer-On |
Networking |
Nina Gurney |
Harris Cartier |
Solicitors |
Richard Yelland |
Growth Maker |
Sales |
David Connolly |
FINDTECH |
Data Management |
David Wixon |
Styleweb Content Management |
Website Development |
Mark Harris |
Bucks Enterprise |
Business Consultancy |
Neill Barber |
RedStone Business Centres |
Office Facilities |
Russell Abbott |
Synergis Marketing |
Marketing |
Neil Major |
Seymour Taylor |
Chartered Accountants |
For more information on RedStone Business Centres: call 0800 619 20 69 or email highwycombe@redstonebc.com
For more information on attending the Business Clinic: contact Helen Lumby at Cerub PR on 01494 461784 / businessclinic@cerubpr.co.uk
Local businesses have joined forces to offer free help and advice to start-ups in Bucks. The Business Clinic, the brainchild of Cerub PR and RedStone Business Centres, has been designed to give new companies the opportunity to access the help and advice of more established businesses.
Neill Barber of RedStone Business Centres explains why he felt the Business Clinic would be helpful for entrepreneurs in the area:
‘As everyone running a company knows, when you start, you need as much help as you can get, but it’s sometimes hard to know where to go. Our business clinic is an opportunity for people to drop in and learn more about branding, networking, PR, accounting, law and all the elements which go towards building a successful business.’
The first Business Clinic will take place at Prospect House Business Centre in High Wycombe, from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 22nd November. The companies participating in the event include Cerub PR, RedStone Business Centres, Crown Coaching, Kube Design, Growth Maker, Refer-on, Findtech, Bucks Enterprise, Styleweb Content Management, Synergis Marketing, Seymour Taylor Chartered Accountants and Harris Cartier Solicitors.
Ceri-Jane Hackling, Managing Director of Cerub PR, hopes that people will take advantage of the opportunity that the Business Clinic presents:
‘The event is completely free to visitors, so we hope that people will stop by for a cup of coffee and come and take advantage of the wealth of experience on offer. We’ve managed to get some fantastic businesses on board to share their expertise and it will be a great opportunity for new businesses to ask questions and seek advice in a relaxed, informal environment.’
For more information on RedStone Business Centres: call 0800 619 20 69 or email highwycombe@redstonebc.com
For more information on attending the Business Clinic: contact Ceri-Jane Hackling at Cerub PR on 01494 461784 / businessclinic@cerubpr.co.uk
Wednesday 6th June 2007 saw a Dragon’s Den style competition come to Prospect House, High Wycombe, to offer brave local business people the chance to win free office space for 6 months.
Organised by RedStone Business Centres, the panel of 5 judges comprised Mark Harris of Bucks Enterprise, Andrew Granger from Lloyds TSB Corporate, Carla Delaney, Business Journalist, Tony Diment of the High Wycombe Enterprise Hub and Ceri-Jane Hackling of Cerub PR. The Bucks panel saw three applicants pitch their business ideas and were then given the opportunity to grill the contestants to find the person who most deserved the opportunity.
Neill Barber of RedStone Business Centres was very impressed with the calibre of applicants:‘We had a lot of applications through and it was difficult to whittle them down to the final three contestants, which shows an impressive level of entrepreneurship in Bucks. Each contestant gave a very professional pitch and handled the grilling from our panel very well.’
The winner, Philippa Brewer of ‘Helping Hands’ was announced after heated discussions among the judges, and Mark Harris explains why: ‘We were very impressed with all the pitches, but ‘Helping Hands Au Pairs’ was the most original idea presented on the day. Philippa gave a very impressive pitch and we chose her because of her enthusiasm and professionalism.
We also felt that the office space would be of most benefit to her and we hope it gives her a positive start to her business.
Philippa is delighted to win the competition: ‘Winning the office space for 6 months gives me the best possible start for my business. Having a professional space to work from will give me the opportunity to meet clients in person and provide a reliable, quality service and aftercare and ultimately, expand my business. It’s a real confidence boost to know that other people think that my business is worth investing in and it’s wonderful to have this opportunity.’
Helping Hands Au Pairs will match families and people living alone with university students who are looking for accommodation. With the rising cost of university tuition fees and extra pressure on students to attain good grades, living with a family will save students – and their parents - money and provide families with much needed extra help around the home.
For more information on Prospect House Business Centre call 0800 619 20 69 or email highwycombe@redstonebc.com
Do you have an innovative business idea you’re bursting to share? Do you have the confidence to put your idea to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of judges?
RedStoneBusiness Centre, in High Wycombe, is offering a local business the chance to win a free two-person office for six months, worth almost £3,000. The office will come fully furnished, with kitchen facilities, meeting rooms, air-conditioning and much more.
Successful competition candidates will have the chance to pitch their ideas to a panel of five judges, including Mark Harris, of Bucks Enterprise, and Dr Tony Diment, Hub Director of the High Wycombe Enterprise Hub. The grand prize will be awarded to the business with the most enterprising idea, as chosen by the five ‘Dragons’.
RedStone are also seeking three more judges to form a panel of ‘Dragons’. Judge candidates should ideally have a proven track record and savvy business acumen in order to spot a potential winner.
The competition winner will be announced at an awards presentation on 15th June, where candidates will be given the chance again to meet the five judges, the competition’s organisers and to mingle with local business people and media.
The deadline for judges and candidates to enter is Friday 25th May 2007. Competition candidates will need to be available to present their ideas to the panel on Wednesday 6th June at 4pm. Presentation of the award will be on Friday 15th June at 3pm.
To apply to be a judge, or to find out how to enter the competition call 0800 619 20 69 or email highwycombe@redstonebc.com
RedStone Business Centres has just opened its second Buckinghamshire-based serviced office accommodation in the heart of High Wycombe’s business district at Prospect House, Crendon Street.
Located conveniently next to High Wycombe’s main line train station, which offers a regular and speedy service into and out of London Marylebone, RedStone Business Centres offer something to suit every business need and most importantly, budget.
Offices can accommodate one to 16 people, and are complete with furniture, individually controlled air-conditioning, as well as internet and telephony.
The Centre provides secure 24-hour access, contemporary interiors, communal kitchen space and meeting room facilities.
Neill Barber, Director stated, ‘High Wycombe is one of the most appealing business locations in the UK, and is home to a diverse business community with a thriving enterprise culture and a population of highly educated and skilled people.”
“We want to provide attractive, un-branded, no-nonsense office solutions that don’t cost the earth and also look good – we don’t think it’s asking much to have an office you can afford, as well as be proud of.”
RedStone also offers Virtual Office packages which can include call answering and a prestigious business address, starting at just £19.95 per month.
For more details, call 0800 619 2069, email: highwycombe@redstonebc.com or log onto www.redstonebc.com
Ten Tips on how to have an effective meeting
Does it take undue client contact to ensure projects are on target and direction is clear? Have important issues become buried in email distribution lists?
Whilst face to face meetings do involve some schedule and travel co-ordination, a well run and purposeful meeting can accomplish a great deal for the small business. In today’s environment of tech heavy business practices, a little human contact can make all the difference.
Below are 10 tips on how to have an effective meeting
1. Be an early agenda sender: Setting a clear agenda is imperative to running a successful meeting. Circulate an agenda and relevant materials prior to the start date. Attendees need to be aware of the meeting’s purpose and what they will be expected to discuss and contribute.
2. Location, location, location: Make sure your location has adequate space and is comfortable and accessible to all participants. Ensure there is either a whiteboard or large pad and easel. For meetings that are scheduled to extend beyond an hour, light refreshments such as coffee, fizzy drinks and juice would be appropriate.
3. Exclusivity is best: Limit attendance to only necessary participants. As productivity tends to decrease as attendee numbers increase, be mindful of your invitation list. Consider having part time participants. Invite some attendees to sit in on meeting segments that are relevant to them, and exit swiftly afterward.
4. Stay on track: Just as important as setting a clear agenda is sticking to it. It takes a strong leader to keep everyone focused and on track. When discussions become sidelined cut them short. You may feel overbearing, but attendees will appreciate covering off the entire agenda.
5. Abide by the buzzer: Start and finish your meetings as scheduled. Late starts punish those who arrive on time and sets an inefficient tone from the get go. A strict end time assists in attendee scheduling and creates an air of urgency that helps keep everyone focused.
6. Smart scheduling: Be conscious of the time of day you schedule your meeting. The best times are mid-morning and late afternoon. People often experience a dip in energy right after lunch which lessens attention span and participation. Too early in the morning and you could be forced to start late as attendees suffer from traffic and transport delays.
7. “I’m sorry, but the Director is in a meeting”: Don’t permit interruptions. Not only will your meeting become sidelined, but it is disrespectful as it gives the impression that attendees’ time isn’t as important as your own.
8. Recap and reschedule: At the end of a meeting it is important to recap on issues addressed. Participants should be clear on what next steps are to be taken. If applicable, the end of a meeting is also the perfect time to reschedule your next gathering. Doing so while the group is together is more efficient than chasing attendees after they have dispersed.
9. Get it in writing: Be sure to delegate a specific individual to take notes throughout the meeting. Have the minutes drawn up, finalised and circulated as soon as possible to ensure all participants are aware of what was decided and how to progress.
10. Bring out the backbenchers: A good leader will encourage participation from all attendees. Some people are more outspoken than others, be sure to remember that everyone’s opinions and input are valuable.
Why not utilise the facilities at RedStone for your next internal or client meeting? Our meeting rooms are comfortable and equipped with whiteboards. Contact us on: 0800 619 2069.
Britons may need less office space, but still require office services
Businesses and employees are taking advantage of remote working opportunities enabled by new technologies. According to official government statistics, the total number of teleworkers in the UK has risen to over two million, comprising over 7.5 per cent of the total workforce.
Many of these workers are involved in creative, intellectual and autonomous professions such as design, graphic artistry, programming, consulting and writing. Whilst they may not need their own dedicated business premises, they do need to be able to communicate with clients in a professional, coherent and seamless manner.
One lucrative option available to the independent worker operating from home or remote environments is business hosting, often referred to as ‘the virtual office’.
Business hosting clients can work independently, but require a single location that can manage telephone calls and postage for a dispersed or mobile work force. New technologies have enabled remote and home based working. Information can be shared over networks and creative telephony solutions are used to keep in touch.
The Virtual Office provided by RedStone Business Centres allows clients to reduce both personnel and property costs, while giving the appearance of a single entity working from a prime location. Customers perceive them to be centrally located with their own dedicated support staff.
Features of RedStone’s Virtual Office service include a prestigious business mailing address, access to RedStone meeting rooms when seeing clients, telephone answering, voice or email messaging, postage handling and forwarding. Contact us on: 0800 619 2069.
RedStone Business Centres Responds with New Data Security Offering
The DTI Information Security Breaches Survey released on 28th April 2004 has found a dramatic rise in external threats and malicious incidents - such as viruses, unauthorised access, misuse of systems, fraud and theft - that often result in significant loss and corruption of business data. 74 per cent of all UK businesses (94 per cent of large companies) had a computer security incident in the last year.
The average UK business has roughly one security incident a month, with larger businesses suffering around one a week.
Safeguarding commercial data must now be considered a necessity in the life of any business.
RedStone's New Service Offers Computer Security for Business Centre Clients
RedStone understands that a business's data is one of its most valuable assets and that computer security is of crucial importance to its clients. As well as offering a managed and secured internet service, clients can now take advantage of RedStone's data back-up, virtual private network (VPN) and data equipment secure storage services.
Nick Barber, Director of RedStone Business Centres said, "These new services will provide much needed protection and peace of mind for clients. Backing-up data is one of the most fundamental actions any business should take to secure their company . It should be considered as necessary as installing anti-virus software."
Clients working with offices in other areas should consider using RedStone's Virtual Private Network service.
However, although hackers and viruses pose a threat, burglary and theft of equipment are also of huge importance when considering business data security.
Nick concluded, "We take security of our business centres extremely seriously, but it's important to limit any potential security threats. That's why we are also now offering secure storage of our clients data equipment."
The new IT and data services are now available at all RedStone Business Centres.
Owner managers overlook soft maintenance costs
The Total Office Cost Survey, published by Actium Consult, an independent property consulting practice, reveals that tenants commonly overlook many of the costs associated with their business premises.
Simply accounting for rent and one-off purchases of hardware and furniture isn’t good enough. In addition to these costs, owners must budget for operating and facilities management costs such as repair and maintenance, security, cleaning, energy, insurance, telephony, internet access and catering. Underestimating these ‘soft maintenance costs’ is often where most tenants go wrong.
An effective way to ensure costs remain in check is to keep a keen eye on fixed operating expenditure and fully educate yourself on all the costs associated with the premises on top of basic rent and rates.
However, budding entrepreneurs need not be put off by the prospect of escalating operating costs. There is a simple and economical solution that enables costs to remain in check - the serviced office.
Often referred to as 'business centres', 'executive suites' and 'managed workspaces', serviced offices, such as those at RedStone Business Centres, are furnished commercial buildings which provide clients with a ready-made business environment and critical services. The Total Office Cost Survey further suggests businesses can save around 40 per cent over five years using serviced offices.
Savings may in part be attributed to the efficient use of shared spaces in serviced offices such as meeting rooms, reception areas and kitchens. While businesses occupying their own premises bear the full costs associated with shared spaces, tenants in a serviced office environment only pay a portion of these costs.
RedStone clients receive high quality services, not just high quality space. Many RedStone staff have experience in the hospitality industry as well as facilities management industry.
Executives can occupy premises and start working immediately, supported by RedStone's high quality services including managed and secure internet access and telephony, furniture, heating, lighting and electricity, meeting rooms, cleaning services, reception duties, stationery ordering and catering among many others.
Through the use of RedStone's facilities, clients can significantly reduce the amount of time and money spent on managing their business environment.
Nuance Communications, headquartered at RedStone, espouses the benefits of relocating to serviced offices. “ RedStone business centres provided a cost effective solution when Nuance Communications Ltd was looking to relocate our European HQ in 2003.”
“The facilities we required were already in place, enabling a smooth transition from our previous office and the monthly costs compare very favourably to average market rates. The team at RedStone are always on hand to help with any requests no matter how big or small and we feel that they are a true asset to our business operations,” says Alexia Pearce, Office Manager EMEA of Nuance Communications.
For more information on all the service offerings please contact us on: 0800 619 2069.
All you need for business
RedStone Business Centres provides all an executive needs for business.
RedStone manages the maintenance and repairs of their serviced offices as well as providing the business critical services companies need. RedStone also offers virtual offices, mail box services, call answering, hot desking and meeting rooms.
RedStone serviced offices are located in the natural business centres of market towns that have an identifiable local economy and easy access to London.
RedStone also reduces the total amount of money that businesses would normally commit to operating an office. The Total Office Cost Survey, published in July 2003 by Actium Consult, an independent property consulting practice, suggests businesses can save around 40 per cent over five years using serviced offices.
RedStone clients receive high quality services, not just high quality space
Inspired by the hotel industry, RedStone's directors have fostered a culture within the company that has the highest regard for quality of service. RedStone recruit staff with a proven track record in delivering high quality service. Many have experience in the hospitality industry as well as facilities management industry.
Delivering value for money and quality services is integral to RedStone's approach.
Neill Barber, Director of RedStone said: "We work on the premise that it's not just about the office space. From our recruitment and training to the relationship we have with our suppliers, delivering value for money and quality business critical services is integral to RedStone's approach."
Mr Barber continued: "Organisations moving into serviced offices should receive high quality services, not just high quality office space. RedStone's commitment is to offer clients lower total office costs and high quality, good value business critical services."
