Exeter Business Professionals Host Joint Seminar in Aid of Charity

PHOTOGRAPH L – R:

Tim Walker, Brewin Dolphin / Sean Priestley, Brewin Dolphin 

Sue Probyn, Francis Clark & Andy Welch, Francis Clark Financial Planning

A team of professionals from two leading Exeter-based businesses co-hosted a joint tax and investment seminar held in the Sidmouth Fortfield Pavilion in aid of Sidmouth Hospiscare. Celebrating their 250^th anniversary, Wealth Managers Brewin Dolphin joined forces with Francis Clark, one the largest accountancy and Financial Planning practice in the region.  The seminar focused on inheritance tax, financial planning and investing for income. The seminar was predominantly aimed at private individuals looking to improve their overall tax efficiency or gain more income from their cash and investments. 

Over 30 local people attended the event to listen to speakers from each organisation including a representative from Sidmouth Hospiscare who gave an in-sight into the works of the charity which cares for people with life-threatening illnesses in the Sid Valley.  The event culminated in a complimentary buffet and charity raffle for the chance to win two desirable and high-value prizes.  This included a one-day ‘introduction to wine’ course at Darts Farm with Alistair Peebles of Devon Country House & Wine School, who is one of only 295 Masters of Wine in the World.  Also a luxury two-night stay at Southernhay House, Exeter’s premier boutique hotel.  In addition, Brewin Dolphin and Francis Clark made donations towards the charity, helping to boost monies raised for Sidmouth Hospiscare to over £500 on the day.

Tim Walker, Head of Office Brewin Dolphin − Exeter says: “With a 250 year history, we have a wealth of experience and offer a very personal service. With no ties to any fund managers, banks or financial institutions, we are free to find the right solutions for our clients without any conflicts of interest. Sidmouth is the perfect location for this type of seminar as it is an affluent area with a high number of retired individuals; who would benefit from our qualified and experienced investment managers to help safeguard their long-term wealth. As this is our first joint seminar in Sidmouth we wanted to work closely with an associate who shares our values and ethos and Francis Clark fitted this remit. We feel, also that It is very important as a business to put something back into the community through a deserving local charity.”

Andy Welch, Chartered Financial Planner − Francis Clark says:  “Being Sidmouth born and bred I felt like this would be a great opportunity to let people know about the services that Francis Clark provides.  I am certain that there are many people in Sidmouth and East Devon, who will really appreciate the opportunity to hear from two of the most respected financial firms in the South West, right on their doorstep.  I am delighted with the feedback we have received so far for the seminar and feel there is real potential to make this a regular event going forward.”

Ground-Breaking New Medi-Spa To Open In The City

An East Devon based holistic cosmetic clinic dedicated to face and body skin health both physically and visually, is expanding to larger, brand new premises in central Exeter.  South West Skin & Laser based in Budleigh Salterton has acquired the 125 year leasehold interest of an extensive suite in Augustus House, a large residential development on Isca Place located in New North Road.  The 7,233 sq.ft. unit based near Central Station is currently nothing more than a concrete shell, however the Mother and daughter team Dr Ros Debenham a qualified doctor and Katie Debenham a fully qualified Laser Therapist, plan to develop the City-centre premises into a new clinic branded ‘Radiance MediSpa’.  

The part ground and lower ground floor premises open out onto a private garden and include private client parking spaces.  Exciting plans include sumptuous treatment rooms, a dedicated gym for personal training sessions and a high-end hairdressing salon.  Radiance MediSpa will pioneer the latest treatments in the South West, bringing London to Exeter.  This includes the launch of the latest products in cosmetic non-invasive surgery including CoolSculpting®, the newest, most innovative non-surgical and natural way to quickly lose unsightly bumps and bulges of stubborn fat. 

An ex-Principal in general practice and an Aesthetic doctor with advanced qualifications Dr. Ros Debenham together with daughter Katie currently operates South West Skin & Laser in the grounds of Knowle House in Budleigh where they will continue to see clients before the new spa opens which is planned for mid-February 2013.  The practice offers a range of skin rejuvenation treatments including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels and laser treatments as well as non- Surgical Liposuction and retails scientifically proven skincare products and make up.  

The new premises are being fitted out to a superior finish by London-based specialist hair & beauty design company, Beauty Planet Salon Designs. The interior architecture will combine a top standard of design, technology and building detail overseen by Project Manager Malcolm Randall from Devon-based Build Consultants Ltd.

Dr Ros Debenham says: “Katie and I are very excited about our new business venture.  The premises are being designed by Beauty Planet Salon Designs who have created Spas internationally, working on design projects with blue-chip beauty brands such as L’Oreal, Lancôme, Wella and Estée Lauder and Urban in Harrods.  With my medical background and Katie’s qualifications and experience we are looking to create a Medi-Spa with a difference by giving clients the luxury of a state-of-the-art environment together with the confidence that they are in the safe hands of experts which gets real results!”

 
www.radiancemedispa.co.uk

Independent Developer Wins Regional Award For Third Consecutive Year

Frys’ newest champion: Nathan Pyett and partner 

Julia at the regional Pride in the Job awards at Bristol

Dorchester-based C G Fry & Son has for the third year running won a top industry regional award for the medium size house builder category for their site at Balidon Place, Yeovil.  Judges in the ‘Pride in the Job’ competition organised by the National House Building Council (NHBC) voted Fry’s building site manager Nathan Pyett as this year’s South West regional winner in the category for medium-sized building

The awards made from an initial pool of over 13,000 site managers across the UK chose Nathan as one of the top-performing site managers to receive a 2012 Pride in the Job award. A Pride in the Job award is the highest industry accolade a site manager can receive and all winners have excelled in 12 months of rigorous judging.  The Regional Award winners will continue within the competition to compete for the ultimate accolade - the Supreme Awards - to be announced in January 2013.

41 year-old Nathan, lives at Beaminster and has been with C G Fry & Son all his working life. He joined the firm as an apprentice carpenter at the age of 17 and progressed rapidly to become a site manager at the age of 21.  Nathan says: “I enjoy the whole process of overseeing a project through, from the very start to the end result.  I’m hugely proud of this award, but it is also recognition for the efforts of all my team.”

Nathan won the ‘Pride in the Job’ award for his work at the new high-quality development, Balidon Place in Yeovil.  A former Maternity Hospital, Balidon House is located on West Coker Road one of the premier areas within the town.  The stone façade of Balidon House has been taken down and re-used to form the façade of a brand new building full of character, but with the benefit of being up-to-date with current building standards.   

C G Fry & Son is no stranger to awards and has an excellent reputation for producing a high-quality build.  The company has extensive experience in refurbishing and remodelling buildings of historical significance and the facade of the house has been painstakingly re-created using the original stonework. Balidon House will comprise of 12 spacious one and two bedroom apartments. Outside there will be communal gardens and parking.

Kevin Murch, Construction Director says: “This development is an exciting opportunity to restore and reinstate an important local building creating a quality new environment.  I am extremely pleased for Nathan and his team. The award sends out a clear message about the standards they are achieving. I am also delighted that this is the third year running that we have won the regional award - each time with different developments and site managers. It is always good to be publicly recognised with a prestigious award and it says something about the determination of everyone at the company who constantly strives to produce the very best in quality”.

An award-winning builder, C G Fry & Son is renowned for its extensive portfolio of high-quality projects ranging from private individual houses to major developments such as the prestigious Poundbury development in Dorchester for The Duchy of Cornwall.  And it’s a double celebration for the company in the 2012 ‘Pride in the Job’ awards with site manager, Steve Walker, receiving a Quality Award for his work at Poundbury.

The Dogs are Back in Town!

Trevor Boobyer (Austins, Store Director) with
Dixie, & David Austin (Austins, Managing Director) with Monty

Two of the famous Radley Scottie dogs make a guest appearance at leading department store, Austins of Newton Abbot as part of their UK tour to promote the popular and highly-collectable Radley accessories range.  

Over 100 shoppers flocked to the store to meet the celebrity canines and receive treats of festive cupcakes and bubbles.  Visitors also had the chance to receive a limited edition Radley Christmas gift when making purchases of £100 or more on the day in-store.

The high-quality London designed Radley range which includes bags and purses was originally launched in 1998 at Camden Market.  The company has developed into the British iconic brand of coveted affordable luxury accessories we know today which is instantly recognisable by its signature leather Scottie dog shaped label.   Independent and family-run retailer Austins boasts the largest concession of Radley accessories in the South West and this is the second time they have welcomed the famous Highland Terriers to the store.

Dixie and Monty (in the foreground)

Store Director, Trevor Boobyer says: “We were delighted to be selected as the local store for the guest appearance of these ever popular and adorable dogs for a second year. Everyone wanted to pet them and have their photographs taken with the famous duo.  It proved a good draw to get both loyal and new customers in to the store to meet these adorable dogs.  Shoppers also had the opportunity to relax and browse in all our departments for a great day’s shopping in time for Christmas.”

www.austins-uk.com 

Kenpo Karate Feature Kick the Winter Blues

Glen King doesn’t pull any punches when meeting 6th Degree Black Belt Karate instructor in Kenpo, Damian Abbott to learn about the art of self defence and how it helps you grow stronger in both mind and body…

The American Kenpo system devised by the late Grandmaster Ed Parker known for choreographing Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther movies, has touched the lives of many including King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley.  Passionate about the Martial Arts, Elvis regularly incorporated Kenpo moves into his famous stances on stage.  

Officially trained under, arguably, one of the world’s best practitioners Grandmaster Larry Tatum in Pasadena, California, Exeter born Damian first discovered Kenpo in 1984. 

“At the age of 14 I played the piano and was a wildlife enthusiast so not your stereotypical young lad in to distractions such as football.  A bit of a loner I needed a physical pastime to broaden my horizons and to meet new friends. I saw a small advert in the local paper promoting a Martial Arts class,” reminisces Damian.  “Since then I’ve been incredibly lucky to travel Worldwide in pursuit of my training including regularly visiting America.  Teaching Kenpo has opened up amazing opportunities for me not least right here in Exeter.”

Damian invites me to one of his weekly Sunday lunchtime classes held in a mirrored studio at Fitness First, Exeter. Having in the past experienced some of the better known styles of Karate such as Tae Kwon-Do and the very much in-vogue Body Combat, I expect to see rows of bodies robotically punching and kicking aerobic style, in time to popular music.  I soon discover Kenpo is a very different experience. Dressed in the traditional black Kenpo Gi, I join the mixed group of students and immediately feel the high energy radiating throughout the room.  Each individual stares unblinking, brows furrowed in intense concentration and totally focused on the act of practicing their fluid moves effortlessly yet with lightening speed and grace.

Damian expands.  “Some of the popular karate classes are more about exercise and fitness than self defence in practical terms.  It can become just about brand and image where as Kenpo Karate is a passion not a fashion. Our club is based on quality not quantity with people from all walks of life, from charity workers to solicitors and each are here for their own reasons; whether to feel safer on the street; to build self-confidence, broaden their horizons or to make new social contacts.  The fact that they will inevitably become honed and toned is an added bonus.”

Following the initial warm up, Damian divides the group into sections according to their levels of ability. As a white belt beginner (the virgin of the group) I receive personal instruction from 2^nd degree Black Belt Miles Copp in a basic self defence technique called Lone Kimono. Meanwhile Damian returns to the main group barking rapid instructions which are instantly obeyed without hesitation or question.  The fluidity and speed of the controlled moves audibly slice through the air and the grunts and rhythmic stomping of bare feet on wood only adds to the atmosphere – it literally makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up! From my vantage viewpoint at the back of the class it feels like being engaged in a wave of synchronised emotion - a beautifully staged but macabre ‘dance of death’.  From purple belt intermediate Ali Price to the five Black Belts with a combined 100 years experience, the group systematically moves as one. The scene before me feels so real I momentarily think I have inadvertently wandered on to a Jackie Chan film set!  

“If a potential ‘Kenpoist’ approaches the system with the mindset that it will become a life-time decision and that the curriculum cannot be rushed or diluted then the benefits will be all the more rewarding” explains Damian.  “Kenpo is a thinking person’s art and once you take the time to absorb the basic fundamentals and principles, it becomes an explosive and powerful series of motion which will flow effortlessly.”

Boxing gloves donned, the one hour session culminates on an exhilarating high with a realistic and extremely noisy bout of sparring between each of the Black Belt partners. I look on completely mesmerised at what looks like a well choreographed fight scene from a fast moving action movie as it unfolds in front of me.  This not a rehearsed act however; the highly trained students instinctively know the correct moves and techniques to use as they switch effortlessly between an attack or defence position as appropriate.

2^nd Degree Black Belt and original team member Neil Thacker tells me how learning Kenpo was a life changing choice for him. “I was in my 20’s, going through divorce and had lost everything precious to me. When I was at my lowest ebb I saw an invitation to a Kenpo Karate class.  It took guts to walk into that training hall which was merely an old scout hut, but it turned out to be the best decision I would ever make. It helped to channel my aggression and frustration in a controlled manner; focused my mind; made me stronger in both body and spirit and regain my confidence.  Kenpo literally put my life back on track.”

Photographs taken by John Rose

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ADVISE OFFSHORE HSBC ACCOUNT HOLDERS TO ‘ACT NOW OR FACE A HEAVY PENALTY’ FOLLOWING INFORMATION LEAK

Devon-based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts urges local taxpayers with undisclosed HSBC bank accounts in Jersey to seek advice as a matter of priority. The warning comes just days after a list, containing the names, addresses and account balances of 4,388 UK residents with offshore accounts, was given to HMRC by a secret source. Collectively, they have £699 million in current accounts at the bank.

Haines Watts Exeter office advises that they have already been contacted by individuals and companies that suspect they are on the list.

Patrick Tigwell Partner says: “This investigation is going to have an impact on a lot of people and some of those will be based in the South West. Since the news broke, we have been contacted by a handful of individuals who suspect they are on the list and who are unsure of what they should do next.  Those HSBC account holders who have not complied with their UK tax obligations need to act quickly and get the professional help that they need. If they do so, they could avoid a heavy penalty in the form of a fine.”

The leaked list of HSBC clients is reported to include names from the oil and mining industries as well as doctors and some celebrities – all groups that typically have significant overseas earnings.

Patrick adds: “If you have an offshore bank account whether in Jersey or elsewhere and you suspect there may be a problem, my advice would be to be proactive and take the relevant steps to make a disclosure before you are approached by HMRC.”

For more advice, contact Haines Watts direct on 01392 260 310, email jcrice@hwca.com or visit www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter

  

Patrick Tigwell, Partner Haines Watts Exeter

EXETER CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS GET INTO THE ‘SPIRIT’ OF ART

Ben de Cruz, Haines Watts/ Kelly Johnson Exeter Phoenix / Rachel Billen Browne Jacobson LLP / Frances Matteson Exeter Phoenix/ Lisa Crockford Haines Watts & Matt Burrows Exeter Phoenix

A new cocktail was created on behalf of Southernhay based Chartered Accountants, Haines Watts at an exclusive awards ceremony and exhibition opening at Exeter Phoenix.  Main sponsors of the main £1000 award for the National Open Contemporary Art Award at Exeter Phoenix for the 7^th consecutive year, the innovative accountants wanted to put a new twist on this year’s pre-view event by running a competition to name the new cocktail inspired by the artwork on display.

Over 200 artists and local business leaders attended the launch party and awards announcement of the Exeter Contemporary Open, Devon's only international open contemporary art exhibition.  Guests were invited to enter the Haines Watts competition to name the new cocktail created specifically for the exhibition by local Mixologist, David Williams of The Bikeshed Theatre.  The cocktail was made-up of two main components of gin and elderflower complemented by fresh lemon and non-alcoholic ‘Mocktails’ without the spirit were also available on the evening. 

Local solicitor, Rachel Billen from Browne Jacobson LLP which recently acquired the Employment and Insurance Practices of Veitch Penny, Exeter came up with the winning name of ‘Cecilled in Gin’ which was inspired by the photograph 'Cecil' by Siobhan raw, exhibited in Exeter Contemporary Open 2012. 

Ben de Cruz Managing Partner of Haines Watts Exeter says: “Having sponsored this event for a number of years, we wanted to add a new element and dimension for 2012.  The cocktail was delicious and proved very popular, and was a great way to welcome guests to the exhibition. The competition angle also encouraged our guests to look at the artwork in a new light.”

The exciting new cocktail will be available to purchase at the Exeter Phoenix Café/Bar throughout the exhibition which runs from 13 September – 1 November 2012.

DEVON INDEPENDENT OFFICE STUDIO COMPANY COMES OF AGE WITH BRAND NEW LOOK



Established in 1991 and boasting one of the most comprehensive ranges of bespoke sectional buildings in the South West, independent Devon company John Shields Woodwork based near Okehampton, celebrates its 21st anniversary with a new corporate brand.  Working in the community, domestic and commercial markets; blue-chip clients include The National Trust and RNLI. The new company brand was created to reflect the three main areas of the business; ‘Shields Buildings’, ‘Shields Studios’ and ‘Shields Commercial’.

 

John Shields, Shields Building says: “We have developed a loyal following over the last couple of decades with a proven track record for manufacturing high-quality bespoke buildings in both contemporary and traditional styles. Whether you enjoy arts and crafts, hobbies; work from home or just need extra storage space, then a bespoke garden studio/office is just the ticket to turn a house into your perfect home.  This is a very exciting time for the business and celebrating this special anniversary seemed the right time to create a new company name and brand to more accurately reflect the services we offer to very different clients.”

John Shields of Shields Buildings



There are further milestone celebrations as the innovative and expanding company responds to customer demand by launching its first architecturally-designed garden office studio.  The stylish new contemporary studio incorporates highly efficient year-round insulation and the latest advances in building technology with extensive glazing and energy saving materials. 

John Shields, Shields Buildings says: “We are moving into a new era and the market is constantly changing with more and more business owners and professionals choosing to work from home rather than face the daily commute.  Using the garden is a great way to expand your living space − I am very excited about our newly developed range of contemporary studios designed by architects, incorporating eco-friendly green products which not only look stunning but are fully-functional all year-round.”



John Shields celebrates launch of new architecturally-designed office studio



www.shieldsstudios.co.uk

www.shieldsbuildings.co.uk



Exeter Business EXPO gets off to a flying start!

The inaugural Business Expo ‘Business Gives Back’ held at Exeter Racecourse in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) during ‘National Air Ambulance Week’ is confirmed as a resounding success by organisers, thebestofexeter.

Glen King, Glen King PR / Michelle Downey, Head of thebestof / Derek Philips, Vice-Chairman Exeter Chamber of Commerce / Hélena Holt, CEO DAAT / Tim Jones FRICS, Chairman - Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership/ Linda Bennett, Managing Director thebestofexeter / Dave Barr, Business Gives Back Expo / Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director DAAT

More than 400 delegates had the opportunity to visit local business exhibition stands and seminars presented by key-note speakers chaired by Derek Philips plus 1:1 business clinics in ‘The Business Advice Centre’.

The day kicked-off with an early morning ‘Big Breakfast’ chaired by Nick Agg-Manning and Exeter Chamber of Commerce hosted a networking lunch for members and non-members who pre-booked. Each of the 100 exhibitors generously donated £17,000 worth of business prizes in line with the “Business Gives Back” ethos for the charity prize draw in aid of DAAT. A total of £612 including a donation from thebestofexeter was raised for this worthy local cause during ‘National Air Ambulance Week.’

Tim Jones FRICS, Chairman - Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership gave the opening address and was joined by Michelle Downey Head of thebestof, Linda Bennett Managing Director of thebestofexeter and Caroline Creer Fundraising Director DAAT

Michelle Downey Head of thebestof says: ”Giving something back to the businesses of Exeter has been wholeheartedly achieved at the inaugural thebestofexeter Business Expo supporting a very worthy local cause. In my role as Head of thebestof I attend business events across the UK, yet the enthusiasm, passion and camaraderie I found at the Exeter Business Expo was amazing.  The help and support offered to each other by local businesses is incredible and there is a real sense of pride for independents in Exeter and Devon as a whole.  This was the launch of Business Gives Back Expo for thebestofexeter and it promises to get bigger and better.  When speaking to exhibitors throughout the course of the day, many are already keen to book for next year.”

Business Gives Back EXPO organised by thebestof Exeter, sponsored by Exeter Racecourse & Peninsular OneSource, with support from Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Business Network SW, Basepoint Business Centres and 4Networking. 

Each year it costs around £4.5m to keep the Devon Air Ambulance service airborne with every penny coming from donations and fundraising by the community and businesses. National Air Ambulance Week is 24th – 30th September which has an emphasis on raising awareness of the services in addition to raising funds.  

Triple Exam Success for Local Chartered Accountants

It’s a triple celebration for three team members of Exeter based chartered accountants; Haines Watts who have each passed their professional exams.  

Andy Chant (32) has completed his final exams enabling him to become a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT).  Emma Banfield (22) joined the firm in October 2010 and is looking forward to developing her career with Haines Watts after passing the first two Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) exams.  Finally, Ryan Lewis (24) who has been with the local office for four years has recently completed the professional stage of his ACA qualification,  bringing him a step closer to gaining his Chartered Accountancy qualification. 

Ben de Cruz, Senior Partner Haines Watts Exeter says: “We believe it is fundamental to invest in our staff training and we are very proud of the hard work they have put in to achieve such great results.  By having an experienced and qualified  team and being able to offer a range of services means we can ensure our clients are receiving the best service.”  

www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter