Q4 2022 Most Innovative Property Investment Consultancy 2022 Investing is often seen as a risky gamble that very few can rely on. But the team behind AssetOne is entirely determined to prove that it doesn’t have to be such risky business. Having tools and strategies to back up its idea, AssetOne guides its clients through the complex world of investment.
A note from the Editor... Welcome to the 2022 Q4 edition of SME News Magazine, where we provide you with all of the latest news, announcements, and features about some of the best up-and-coming enterprises around the United Kingdom. As every SME will know, 2022 has been a year of ongoing pivotal change, especially in terms of digitalisation and sustainability. As a result, business owners have learned how to be adaptive and agile – qualities which will continue to be crucial as we head into 2023. Now, as we find ourselves in the festive period, it is important to rest and recuperate, but also to reflect on the year we are leaving behind and the one that is to come. It is the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on SMEs who have proven themselves to be truly outstanding this year. One SME that has been relentlessly showing its industry how it’s done is AssetOne, led by property investment strategist, Andy Tiong. With more than 30 years of investing experience, Andy and his team have developed a truly ground-breaking system that gives individuals and businesses financial freedom, with the aim of proving that investing doesn’t have to be such risky business. We hope that you find this issue insightful and we look forward to welcoming you back for our 2023 Q1 issue. Everyone at SME News magazine wishes you a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Rebecca Scotland | Editor +44 (0) 203 970 0037 r.scotland@ai-publishing.com
Contents 4. News 6. AssetOne Wealth System Limited: Most Innovative Property Investment Consultancy 2022 7. David James Estate Agents: Putting Your Home First 8. Prestigious Property: Pristine Property Dreams 9. Affinity Health At Work: Best Workplace Wellness Consultancy 2022 10. GoForma: Most Trusted Personal Accountant Experts 2022 11. Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar: Best Takeaway Restaurant - Scottish Lowlands 12. Homeshield Scotland Ltd.: Best Home Improvement Company 2022 13. JDK Marine: Making Waves 14. Arc V Ltd: Most Cutting Edge Motorcycle Products – West Midlands 15. Nicole Posner: Communication & Conflict Consultant of the Year 2022 16. YTIC Ltd: Best Education & Training Company - Wales 17. Compass Residential: Most Client Focused Residential Estate Agency - North London 18. Mixtio LTD: Mixtio: For Innovative Solutions in OEM Manufacturing 19. The Cable Guys UK: Best Magnetic Device Charging Cables Retailer 2022 20. I-Chai: Best Authentic Chinese Restaurant 2022 – Glasgow 22. Aristone Solicitors: A True Pacesetter in Immigration Law 23. Roehill Springs Distillery Ltd: Best Artisan Gin Distillery - Highlands 24. Winners’ Listings
4 | Q4 2022 • 87% of SMEs understand what the Net Zero target means for their business • But challenges created by external forces are negatively impacting their progress towards Net Zero The transition to Net Zero is well underway, with the overwhelming majority (87%) of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) stating that they understand what the target means for their business. However, SMEs – companies with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than €45 million – face significant challenges on their journeys to achieve their targets. According to Lloyds Bank’s Net Zero Monitor, the biggest challenge faced by SMEs on their journey to Net Zero is insufficient budget and/or the high costs (43%) of transitioning their business. This challenge is something that impacts businesses at every stage of the Net Zero journey. In addition, SMEs also cite difficulties in reducing emissions outside of their own operations (33%), such as among their suppliers, and low return on investment (33%) as key challenges. Challenges created by external factors are also negatively impacting SMEs’ ability to continue progressing towards Net Zero. Seven in ten SMEs (72%) say that both the rising cost of energy and rising inflation are having the greatest negative impact on their journey to Net Zero. This is closely followed by the rising cost of petrol (70%), with supply chain disruption (59%), and increasing interest rates (57%) also seen as significant factors. Paul Gordon, Managing Director, SME & Mid Corporates at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “While every SME’s journey to Net Zero is different, there are common and significant challenges that all SMEs face along the way, with inflation and high energy costs cited as having the greatest impact. “However, SMEs should not be discouraged from continuing to make the next step on their journey. Investing in transitioning their business can create long-term cost savings, such as by becoming more energy efficient and reducing energy bills. “The impact, achievements and business growth of SMEs that make these kinds of changes and those already at Net Zero – the Net Zero Heroes who act as champions for all businesses on their journeys – serve as inspiration to keep pushing forward.” The 7% of SMEs already at Net Zero have revealed that they have found it hard to balance their Net Zero journey against competing issues such as Brexit and regulation. With this in mind, it is not surprising that those still on their Net Zero journey are also facing similar challenges. HIGH COSTS BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR SMEs ON JOURNEY TO NET ZERO
- UK’S SMALL BUSINESSES EXPECT PROFITS TO SINK THIS CHRISTMAS – WITH ONE IN 10 AT RISK OF PERMANENTLY SHUTTING • More than half (57%) of small business owners in the UK expect to make less money this Christmas than during last year’s festive period • Christmas trading is vital for many, with one in five SMEs making over 20% of their annual revenue during this period alone • Without a strong December, one in 10 small businesses say they’re at risk of shutting permanently • Cost of living challenges have left a fifth of owners (21%) rating their wellbeing as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ • Despite poor wellbeing, more than one in three (36%) won’t take any real break this Christmas More than half (57%) of small business owners in the UK expect to make less money this Christmas than during last year’s festive period – when Covid-19 restrictions still dominated lives. The survey of over 600 small business owners, commissioned by business insurance provider Simply Business, revealed just how fundamental the festive period is for SMEs – with one in five (20%) making over 20% of their annual revenue during this period alone. Alarmingly, without a strong December, one in 10 (10%) owners say they’re at risk of shutting permanently. Meanwhile, one six (16%) say they’d need to consider taking up additional employment. Despite the UK not having any Covid-19 restrictions in place this Christmas, the majority of owners still expect to take less, as consumers around the UK feel the impact of a cost of living crisis. One in three (30%) predict losses of up to £1000, and a tenth (8%) believe their profits will shrink by up to £5000. Cost of living crisis taking its toll on SMEs It comes as small businesses are already themselves navigating the challenges of rising costs. Two thirds (65%) of owners feel rising costs are their single biggest challenge heading into 2023 – so much so that a quarter (26%) are worried that they won’t even be able to pay their energy bills in 2023. This is at a time when many are still in recovery mode. Over two years on, one in six still believe that they will never financially recover from the pandemic. Owners forced to work throughout Christmas, despite ‘bad’ levels of wellbeing The reliance on the festive period is forcing many to work throughout the holidays despite a fifth (21%) rating their mental health as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’. More than one in three are set to not take any real break in December – with one in 10 (13%) working the whole of the festive period, and 23% needing to check emails, take calls, and process orders throughout. Ahead of Christmas, Simply Business is urging people to spend their money with small businesses. Alan Thomas, UK CEO at Simply Business, commented: “Amidst a cost of living crisis, when so many are still in recovery mode from the £126.6 billion impact of the pandemic, this Christmas is – quite simply – a lifeline for small businesses. “The self-employed are feeling the pressure from the current economic climate more than most, so it’s worrying that the majority of owners expect to take less money than previous Decembers. They are inevitably feeling the squeeze as they struggle to pass on rising costs to their customers. What’s more, the cost of living crisis is having a clear impact on consumer purchasing behaviour, which is another blow to the pockets of small business owners. “Small businesses account for 99% of all British businesses, contributing trillions of pounds a year in turnover. The recovery of our economy and communities is directly linked to their success. We must support small businesses all year round, and there’s no better time to start than during this incredibly important festive period.”
6 | Q4 2022 Apr22579 Most Innovative Property Investment Consultancy 2022 Founded by property investment strategist, Andy Tiong, the AssetOne Wealth System utilises its founder’s 37 years in Financial Services – and knowledge from the founding of his management lettings agency – to create strategies and tools to assist others in finding financial freedom. The system Andy created is designed to assist investors who are frustrated with (or unwilling to) invest in risky ventures like stocks by instead investing in a robust property portfolio. Having its investors buying into something tangible, complete with terms that can immediately create a profit. It promises an ambitious 20% cash on cash return on investments via sound guiding principles and coaching on how to patiently seek out the right opportunities. Testimonials speak volumes about the presentation of Andy’s teaching and the content of the provided coaching. “Andy Tiong of Asset One is a very helpful and successful mentor and advisor. I benefit from being part of Asset One. Andy is always available to advise and develop my personal and business assets. I recommend Asset One.” A review left by Andrew Prince lends credence to the level of availability and the scope of coverage that the mentorship of Asset One provides for business and personal investments. “Andy opened my eyes to the world of property investing. As a novice he guided me through the whole journey and all the stages of property investment. His mentorship is invaluable.” Another glowing review of the service from Ishan Gunatunga, showcases AssetOne’s mentorship from even novice levels through to a more complete level of understanding. The system has three focus areas for each of its investors in its four-stage plan. Starting with it teaching its trainee investors how to identify potential deals to be capitalised on, moving on to determining the terms and conditions of the deal and how it may benefit or hinder its investments before finally settling on supporting its deals through networking. Highlighting the whole principle under the banner of Criteria, Conditions and Connections and its alternative pyramid of success: Identify, Determine and Support. The end goal of the AssetOne Wealth System is for the investors to achieve complete financial independence through the generation of passive income. Creating a system where it can still maintain full-time jobs whilst the portfolio ticks away in the background generating additional income that accumulates over time. The AssetOne team recognises that time itself is a premium for its clients thus it makes sure its solutions and tips are time effective and the results are equally as efficient for the successful users of the system. AssetOne, and Andy Tiong, have crafted a truly state-of-the-art system for the generation of passive income that is highly accessible and efficient for those investing both money and time. Placing money and opportunities into the hands of its investors through strategies, guidance and specialist knowledge coming from years of experience in the industry. Contact: Andy Tiong Company: AssetOne Wealth System Limited Web: https://www.assetonewealth.co.uk/ Investing is often seen as a risky gamble that very few can rely on. But the team behind AssetOne is entirely determined to prove that it doesn’t have to be such risky business. Having tools and strategies to back up its idea, AssetOne guides its clients through the complex world of investment.
7 | Q4 2022 Jun22668 Putting Your Home First As an independent, family-run, exemplary business, David James Estate Agents has been serving clients in the North-East of Nottingham for 31 years. Having grown into one of the best for comprehensive solutions in residential sales, lettings, and property management, each of them put its client at the centre of what it does, with a serious commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards running through it from the bottom to the top. Due to this, it has earned renown by winning ‘2022’s Award for Excellence in Outstanding Customer Service’ for Nottingham. With the highest professional standards as the norm for how it approaches its clients, David James Estate Agents has voluntarily become a member of the NAEA and ARLA Propertymark boards in order to reassure its clients that it takes oversight seriously. Moreover, it is also part of the SafeAgent network, and operates under the Property Ombudsman, doing an excellent job of showing instead of telling its prospective clients why they should put their faith in this estate agent and their impeccably organised staff, each of whom are dedicated to finding the best home for the right people. It strongly believes in a pro-active approach when it comes to its work. Indeed, its experienced team each use their flawless knowledge of the region and industry in order to work through each element of real estate alongside the client, keeping them updated throughout the process and leading the market within Northeast Nottingham as a result. With its broad selection of properties – both for sale and to let – it is, therefore, a natural choice for anyone looking in its area, and prides itself on having such a second-to-none database of interested buyers and excellent tenants alike. Additionally, for David James Estate Agents, its team is everything; each of them is a driving force behind its critically acclaimed customer service, with over 350 years of cumulative agency knowledge between them and a commitment to client satisfaction that holds no limits. The business itself has been going for 31 years now, and as it has been able to maintain and improve a reputation of the utmost excellence throughout, it is sure that it will be continuing this trajectory long into the future. Thus, it promises it will be standing by its clients over the coming hurdles and challenges that lie ahead, stalwart in its assurance that it will always be by their side. Having also recently partnered with Hive to launch i-Packs to Nottingham’s market, it will soon be able to present for comprehensive information about a property to a client right out of the gate; it looks forward to the positive impact that this innovation and its own continued expertise will have on the market it has served so diligently for so long. Company: David James Estate Agents Contact: James Roys Website: David-james.com
8 | Q4 2022 Jul22489 Pristine Property Dreams We all look for a place to call home. It’s not about it being simply suitable and we don’t have the attitude of ‘it will do’. When looking for somewhere to live, we are looking for somewhere we can do more than exist – whilst feeling safe, nourished, and satisfied. There are so many factors that go into finding the right property and, with Prestigious Property, we can find a place that will steal our hearts. Here we look deeper as Prestigious Property wins 2022’s Award for Excellence in Outstanding Customer Service – Ruislip. Incorporated almost 10 years ago, Prestigious Property still consistently hits every mark for its clients. Standing the test of time, this lettings agency does more than sell houses. Prestigious Property is passionate about being there for its clients, whether they’re buyers, sellers, or landlords. Providing the help needed for all parties, Prestigious Property ensures a smooth and easy transition for each individual involved in the movement of a property. By providing its invaluable services to all people, Prestigious Property has built a relationship with new and existing clients from all around it. There are no airs and graces, just honest, simple, and straightforward excellence. Each property is selected for its unique properties and qualities – and Prestigious Property commits itself to each client from the first steps right through to the final moments. Highly valuing each client, Prestigious Property makes its intentions clear from the beginning. Its team works together better than a well-oiled machine as there is no cold mechanical feel to the way they conduct business. The team’s priority is to make everyone feel cared for and understood. No request is too big, or too small, and Prestigious Property pulls out the stops every time. In a convenient area, Prestigious Property is close to West Ruislip Station sports an easily accessible location that allows it to stand out from the crowd. Making things easy for its clients, Prestigious Property promises ease, serenity, and positivity throughout the entire process. This keeps people returning to it time and time again, whilst attracting fresh clients looking for a team they can trust. Prestigious Property wants to give more for less – not just as an adopted slogan, but as a reality. It does everything within its power to keep costs low whilst still providing top-quality properties. Prestigious Property informs us, “With our sales starting at just 0.5% + VAT and lettings at only 5% + VAT, it is a value factor we are proud to provide.” This fair and considerate attitude towards service and prices keeps Prestigious Property on top of its game in the industry. Winning 2022’s Award for Excellence in Outstanding Customer Service, for Ruislip, is no small feat. Prestigious Property has gone for gold and come out the other side positively glistening. Contact: Aman Sidhu Company: Prestigious Property Web: http://www.prestigious-property.com/
9 | Q4 2022 Sep22073 Best Workplace Wellness Consultancy 2022 Founded 17 years ago, Affinity Health at Work (Affinity) is a workplace health and wellbeing research and consultancy group which advocates for better health and wellbeing at work for all, from SMEs to global organisations. Keeping people well at work can be complicated. In the UK alone, stress, anxiety, and depression costs UK employers upwards of £33 billion due to lost productivity, absence, and job loss. No one has been untouched by the challenges brought by the pandemic and its aftermath, both in home lives and at work, with incidents of mental ill health having risen sharply across the globe. Many organisations have started to offer mental health and wellbeing support over the last two years, but many do not know where to start, or what to do. This is where Affinity Health at Work can help. It is a company that passionately believes everyone has the right to good work. Since its establishment, it has conducted award-winning research and contributed to national guidance on health and work. Affinity’s work is organised around four activities: ‘Discovery’, where it works to understand the organisation’s needs and its strengths and gaps in provision; ‘Delivery’, where it develops tailored solutions for employees and managers, such as mental health at work training or developing managers in core skills to manage absence and performance; ‘Embedding’, where it works with organisations to roll out programmes and provide guidance for those who are in positions of responsibility for health and wellbeing; and ‘Sustaining’ health and wellbeing, where it works with organisations to upskill those who are leading health and wellbeing initiatives. Together, these four activities provide a comprehensive platform to improve health and wellbeing at work. Alongside this, over the years, Affinity’s core values have guided its growth: to take an evidence-based approach, to continually learn, to share learnings and to build knowledge and practice among the community. It is a company that strives to be bold in its approach; it does not follow trends and quick fixes but rather focuses on those things that are known to make a meaningful difference to the way people work. These values are held close in the way the whole team works. Affinity’s Managing Partners, Jo Yarker and Rachel Lewis have job-shared for many years, balancing academic roles (currently at Birkbeck, University of London) and young families. Everyone at Affinity works flexibly, choosing their own schedule and work location to allow them to work around other commitments and interests, and to work at their best. The team takes a collaborative approach towards allocating project work so they can work to their strengths and develop new skills. Affinity has launched a sponsorship programme, with two team members studying for a Professional Doctorate, and it encourages its team members to contribute at professional conferences and research publications. As the company continues to grow, the team asks themselves: Are they striking the right balance? Are people getting what they need from work? Is the company doing its best work for clients? Has it got the right policies and processes in place to achieve this? Each of Affinity’s projects start with a familiarisation stage. This is where the team develops a deep understanding of each organisation and its people. Depending on needs, they may review organisational policies and data, interview key stakeholders, run focus groups across staff, and amalgamate sectoral evidence from academic and practitioner research. This stage is essential to develop a shared understanding of the specific organisational challenges and the delivery context. This step helps the Affinity team to develop an understanding of the language used and ways of working in each organisation and gain a broad engagement from across key stakeholder groups. Everything Affinity does is driven by cutting-edge research, and as mentioned, applying evidencebased approaches brought together with realworld approaches for work, health, and wellbeing. To conduct its research, the company often collaborates with universities across the world, to ensure that it is tested, and that the team is always learning and sharing new knowledge to shape workplace wellbeing practices. It works closely with a number of organisations through its Research Consortium, which comprises a collaboration of researches and members (individuals, employer organisations, and national institutions) who come together to share ideas and identify new workforce trends. Affinity’s main current focus on building its provision of training for line managers, and its audit and gap analysis services so it can help organisations identify their strengths and gaps in workplace wellbeing provision so clients can prioritise their activities, and investment, in ways that really make a difference to their workforce. It is also looking forward to committing some of its time and resources to charitable support as part of its new team initiative to offer pro bono time for social purpose organisations who need workplace wellbeing support. Company: Affinity Health At Work Contact: Dr Jo Yarker & Dr Rachel Lewis Email: hello@affinityhealthatwork.com Website: www.affinityhealthatwork.com
Sep22174 Most Trusted Personal Accountant Experts 2022 It takes a lot of time, money, and energy to run your own business; so, when you outsource support, you don’t want this to add to such stress-factors. GoForma provides simple and effective accounting solutions all for an affordable price – and it even offers discounts and loyalty rewards! Therefore, for accounting services that won’t break the bank, check out GoForma today. Managing your accounts can be difficult, especially if you’re self-employed or a contractor. GoForma recognises this, and therefore, it offers a range of accounting and virtual office solutions that have been designed to help you. Indeed, home to several packages, GoForma combines award-winning software, unparalleled expertise, and an unwavering customer focus in order to help clients remove the time, stress, and often unnecessary expenditure that comes with running a business. As such, GoForma acts as a one-stop shop for accounting packages, with such packages being informed by its clients’ needs – they also have the added bonus of being affordable and come with 50% off for the first three months! With clients including contractors, sole traders, and small limited companies, GoForma truly has something for everyone, with services including company end of year accounts and filing, VAT registration and quarterly returns, PAYE registration and corporation tax submissions, sole trader accounts, self-assessment tax returns, monthly RTI submissions, and much more. Not only is GoForma an exceptional service, but it also provides its customers with several advantages. Its London Virtual Office solutions allow for complete privacy and confidentiality, and it also offers use of its café and on-site meeting pods, offering a space within which clients can grab a drink and meet like-minded individuals. Differing from its competitors, GoForma is also home to a ‘direct calendar access’ approach – this means that customers can book a meeting with their personal accountant whenever it suits them. Simply, client-centricity is key, and it plays an integral role in GoForma’s business plan. It truly believes that the client should be valued, as after all, they are the ones keeping the business afloat. This is apparent through the company’s Trustpilot and Google Reviews pages, in which it maintains a cool five-star rating. One customer even goes so far to say that they’ve, ‘Already recommended GoForma to my friends as the service helped me set up a new business and run it very efficiently; far more saved on tax than spent on accounting so am very happy. The first year of self-employment was seriously easy to do with their help. I am grateful and happy to recommend them.’ In conclusion, it is clear to see why GoForma has been named Most Trusted Personal Accountant Experts 2022. The company is professional, easy to use, and exceptional for value, with many customers noting that they’ve had an experience that cannot be beaten. This is something that is vital when owning your own business – you want something that can support you, that can act as a guide. GoForma does all this and more. Contact: Chris Andreou Company: GoForma Web Address: https://www.goforma.com/
11 | Q4 2022 Aug22350 Best Takeaway Restaurant - Scottish Lowlands Boasting a unique take on the quintessential takeaway, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar’s menu showcases traditional fish and chips with pizzas, calzones, and nachos. Each dish brings to life an aromatic display of fresh ingredients and a deep passion for creating mouth-watering food. Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar has been serving the South Lanarkshire town Lesmahagow and its surrounding areas since 2011. However, the family-owned business’ history stretches back much further, as the family have been honing their skills in the fish and chip trade for over 50 years, leading to the development of Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar’s unique take on the traditional chip shop menu. As such, the takeaway is home to a range of delicious fast-food treats: haddock, loaded fries, kebabs, chicken nuggets, calzones, pizzas, and much more. Open until 9.30pm every day, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar provides its customers with the freshest produce, ensuring that its meals are bursting with flavour. Indeed, the takeaway only uses fresh haddock for its fish menu, the best potatoes for its chips, and its pizza bases are prepared inhouse from scratch on a daily basis. It is this that has awarded Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar with numerous accolades; the takeaway has been named Winner of the Best Fish & Chips in the West of Scotland in 2018; it also came Runner Up of the Best Kebab in Scotland 2018. The takeaway’s success stems from its customer-base, who it highly values, stating that it appreciates the support that it has received from them over the years. It is passionate about providing its customers with an exceptional service, and therefore, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar strives to go above and beyond in order to exceed its customers’ expectations. Moreover, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar approaches customers with kindness, understanding, and a desire to please – it wants to be the best at what it does. As a consequence, giving back to the community is Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar’s main priority. Over the past 11 years, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar has been extensively involved in local projects, providing sponsorships to sports teams, schools, charity events, and community initiatives, and it hopes to continue doing this in the coming years. Additionally, the takeaway proudly supports dozens of charities. As of October 2022, Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar is raising money for The Hamilton Advertiser Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps hundreds of families across Lanarkshire to have a Christmas that they deserve. Each of these elements factor into Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar being named Best Takeaway Restaurant - Scottish Lowlands. It is clear that the takeaway is enthusiastic about what it does; it produces excellent food and is truly focused on providing for its loyal customers. This, combined with the takeaways devotion to giving back to the community, has defined Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar as something special. Contact: Enrico Franceschi Company: Pepe’s Fish & Pizza Bar Web Address: http://www.pepesfishbar.co.uk/
12 | Q4 2022 Aug22650 Best Home Improvement Company 2022 There are several ways to improve your home: installing new doors, upgrading windows, and adding a conservatory, for example. These tweaks can not only make a space more suitable to the residents, but also have the power to increase the value of the property. Henceforth, by investing in quality home upgrades, you are also investing in your future and the future of your home. It is therefore important to choose a trustworthy and efficient company to implement these improvements – a company like Homeshield Scotland Ltd. Homeshield Scotland Ltd. takes pride in being a home improvement business that offers an outstanding quality. It is Scotland’s one-stopshop for home improvement services, offering solutions for windows, doors, garden rooms, conservatories, roughcasting, solar power, and air source heat pumps, and each of these services are fulfilled with the clients’ best interests in mind. Customer care and satisfaction play a fundamental role in Homeshield Scotland Ltd.’s ethos. After all, the customers are what keep the business alive and thriving, and they play a key role in the maintenance of the company’s reputation. In order to guarantee that its customers are satisfied, Homeshield Scotland Ltd. abides by a number of core values, resulting in a stress-free process for its clients. For example, Homeshield Scotland Ltd. offers free, noobligation consultations, in which one of its sales representatives visits the potential client’s home and provides them with product options and a free quote. Additionally, the company supports flexible payment options, offering a Flexi-Account, one of the most competitive finance packages on the market. This means that customers can pay in manageable monthly payments, and it provides them with the freedom to make additional payments whenever they choose. It is abundantly clear that Homeshield Scotland Ltd.’s devotion to customer service has paid off, as there are many positive reviews that encapsulate the company’s quality and spirit. For example, one customer testifies, ‘We had three windows replaced at the front of the house. From start to finish the team at Homeshield were very professional. The installation team, led by Kev, were helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. They arrived on time and kept us updated on what was happening. The work was carried out over two days as one of the replacement windows was 3 metres. They carried on working despite the wind and rain. They also cleared up after the work was completed. We were very impressed by the overall level of service and would recommend Homeshield Scotland Ltd.’ Consequently, it is SME News’ pleasure to name Homeshield Scotland Ltd. Best Home Improvement Company 2022. The company has not raised but set the standard for businesses of this nature, being a shining example of an ethical, hardworking, and client-oriented home improvement company. Contact: Kenny Webster Company: Homeshield Scotland Ltd. Web Address: https://homeshield.ltd/ Whilst home improvement can cultivate a number of positive results – yet it can also be challenging. With Homeshield Scotland, you can ensure that your home improvement experience is one of joy and success, as the company vows to serve you. “ Henceforth, by investing in quality home upgrades, you are also investing in your future and the future of your home. It is therefore important to choose a trustworthy and efficient company to implement these improvements – a company like Homeshield Scotland Ltd. ”
13 | Q4 2022 Oct22405 Making Waves When searching for someone to valet and detail your precious boat, it is important to look for companies that work for quality over quantity, build trust, and truly care about you and the planet. With its innovative and intelligent use of experience, JDK Marine has truly changed its industry for the better. Here we talk with its Director, James Kent, as JDK wins Best Boat Valeting Company 2022 – South Coast The boats we use allow us to experience the world from the water. They are vessels within which to explore, learn, and grow – alone or with loved ones. We create memories that will last a lifetime, and they are our safe spaces where we can truly feel alive. Not only do we wish to enjoy them, but we wish to take care of them as they are an extension of us. We have found a company that serves the South Coast of England in such a way that it leaves its customers, and us, in awe. JDK Marine is a boat valeting and detailing business that works tirelessly to constantly innovate and improve its services so that we can all enjoy a slice of luxury when it comes to our own boats. JDK was set up by Director James Kent in 2019. With over five years of experience working with boats before JDK, James truly hit the ground running. James says he wants to “raise the bar in the industry by providing a superior service that goes above and beyond for customers”. In an industry so heavily saturated with businesses looking to valet and detail boats, James has found it very competitive. However, this has been completely manageable due to the quality of JDK’s work and countless word of mouth recommendations that keep customers flowing in. James believes in always “respecting the customers and the industry. We learn something new every day and use innovation to improve the business with new ideas”. He feels that there are always new things to learn to improve not just the business, but the industry as a whole. JDK offers all kinds of detailing and cleaning, including laundry services, inside and out, so that each of us can get that new boat feel after and before every trip. JDK’s relationship with customers consists of “trust and respect”. James says, “I adapt to all types of people and I have been able to hold myself in all different scenarios.” He adjusts to other people, embraces and adapts to them so that he can give them exactly what they need, whilst still being himself and completely genuine. Not only is James passionate about quality, respect, innovation, and trust, but he is dedicated to helping the environment. 80% of JDK’s cleaning products are eco-friendly, pH balanced, and biodegradable so that JDK can do its part in keeping the world safe. Working with Onyx and Marine Hygiene, JDK is eco-aware and doing its part for the planet – while taking care of customers too. As a small team of two, JDK has made a huge impact with its devoted attitude towards quality over quantity. Gaining 5-star reviews all the time, JDK has become a great force within the industry. It gains around 80% of its customer base from word of mouth recommendations, but it still receives attention from people coming across its work online. Mike F. says, “James cleaned and waxed “Field Day” shortly after we moved to Mercury Marina. A month later the boat is still shining like a new pin. If only all marine businesses were as reliable as JDK Marine.” Leon W. says, “I did a lot of research on who to choose to keep my boat looking 100%. James at JDK Marines’ name kept coming up… The attention to detail is outstanding.” Reviews like these just show the strength of JDK’s relationships with customers, especially those who return time and time again. It is clear to see why JDK has blown all other boat valeting and detailing companies out of the water! Now that JDK has won Best Boat Valeting Company 2022 – South Coast, James will keep innovating and perhaps even expand his trusted team. Catch JDK Marine on Instagram and Facebook for more updates as they plan a lot more projects for the near and distant future. “Join us on our journey and see how it unfolds!” In other words, we should all watch this space! Contact: James Kent Company: JDK Marine Web Address: https://www.jdkmarine.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/jdk_marine/ https://www.facebook.com/ jdkmarine/?modal=admin_todo_tour
14 | Q4 2022 Sep22139 Most Cutting Edge Motorcycle Products – West Midlands Arc V Ltd is a team of extremely proud designers and engineers innovating the electric motorcycle scene in Britain. Built by a team of highly professional visionaries, Arc has made its way into our hearts. Running circles around its competitors, Arc’s power is immense and unrivalled in its industry. And that is exactly why we want to showcase its pioneering design and zest for an exciting life! Here we take a closer look at its futuristic nature. Some wish to try something new whilst caring for the environment, and some simply want a superb motorcycle that will stand the test of time. No matter how you look at it, the open road captivates us – and Arc V Ltd will help you along the way. Indulgence, thrill, and style are all words associated with Arc’s products, as well as pioneering, eco-friendly, and downright daring – pushing the limits of design, Arc offers its progressive goods to those wishing to take their adventures to the next level. Arc’s technology always keeps it one step ahead of the curve. Its Vector motorcycle only takes 40 minutes to charge, has a battery capacity of 16.8kWh, 399V, 436km range (NEDC cycle), and a weight of only 230kg for the smoothest and most exhilarating ride of your life, all without damaging the planet. What better way to experience luxury as you ride around than to encounter Arc’s Vector? If you’re ready to travel anywhere in the world, Arc is there for you. Its bike is powered up ready for all terrains, and all weather that comes with them. Guaranteeing showstopping bikes, and the most cutting edge products, the Arc Angel Edition (AE) experience is one to celebrate and lust after. The Zenith helmet boasts a heads up display that keeps invaluable information close to the eye line, making every trip feel as futuristic as the last. We all get a fully immersive ride, every time. Alongside its helmet, Arc would also love to introduce The Origin Jacket. Using haptic technology, this jacket gives the rider feedback on the traffic surrounding them as well as the bike itself. This kind of ground-breaking technology pulsates through everything that Arc does – it truly speaks to the bravehearted and the forward thinkers. “We take a different road.” We can take the plunge and join Arc for a lifetime of radical adventure, distinctive flair, and trailblazing technologies – making for the best, most electrifying ride. Customer centricity is Arc’s passion as it introduces its advanced products to us. Not only has it created goods that we can depend on, but its customer focused hotline is available 24/7/365, so that we can have any questions answered in a swift manner, any time. With regards to the future, Arc is creating boutique sales and servicing centres that will spread across key areas, internationally. The coming years are looking very fast paced and bright for Arc as it branches out around the globe. We are proud to present Arc with the prestigious accolade of Most Cutting Edge Motorcycle Products – West Midlands. We are sure to see it race by the rest of the competition, time and time again. “It’s an adventure. A detour. It’s not for everyone. Our road is uncompromising. Like us. The spirited. Inventing, crafting, refining. Chasing perfection. We cross terrains. Conquer frontiers. For us. For you. For our planet. Our road is a different road.” Arc V Ltd is for the wanderers, the explorers, and the bold. So, what are you waiting for? Contact: Mark Truman Company: Arc V Ltd Web Address: https://www.arcvehicle.com/ “ It’s an adventure. A detour. It’s not for everyone. Our road is uncompromising. Like us. The spirited. Inventing, crafting, refining. Chasing perfection. We cross terrains. Conquer frontiers. For us. For you. For our planet. Our road is a different road. ”
15 | Q4 2022 Aug22565 Communication & Conflict Consultant of the Year 2022: Nicole Posner Leadership communication coach and consultant, Nicole Posner is inspiring leaders everywhere to break through boundaries, develop dynamic cultures, and build thriving businesses. We talk to Nicole to find out more about her work in the wake of her recognition in the Greater London Enterprise Awards 2022. Nicole Posner is a leadership conflict and communication consultant working with SME Business Owners and leaders to prevent conflict within their business. Nicole supports her clients understand the factors that drive and fuel conflict, how to address and navigate it, how to have difficult conversations and how to communicate more effectively. Her ethos is simple. If you are tuned in and acknowledge conflict triggers, it is easier to prevent them in the first place. And if you do find yourself faced with a challenging dialogue, good communication skills will help you steer through it without burning bridges. She tells us, “I work with clients who might see a stream of bad behaviours or poor performance yet feel ill-equipped or fearful to dive into these tricky interactions so they avoid them, brushing the issue under the carpet in the hope it might simply disappear”. She assures us…”It rarely does! The problem with avoidance is it always catches up with you and usually it’s escalated to a much more serious and complicated level to manage”. Or the issue could be with a business partner consuming them day and night. Without the right tools in place to know the best way to approach it, they make a hash of it and create a rift which is often irreconcilable. Sometimes the business owner is the problem. Their chaotic communication and bombastic style could be upsetting all and sundry yet they have little self-awareness of their own behaviours while they watch and wonder why their team members leave one by one. Nicole tells us: “Conflict is an expensive, disruptive and stressful business. There are tangible costs associated with it such as replacing employees, training new staff or ending a business relationships because the founders have fallen out. Or the less obvious but equally harmful costs to both emotional and physical health caused by worry and tension affecting the emotional wellbeing of those inextricably caught up in it. Nicole’s former career in PR and communications at a prestigious London-based PR firm, has proven invaluable in her current role and has helped to highlight the importance of effective communication and the damage that can be caused by toxic relationships in the workplace. Throughout her years she has experienced firsthand how messy things can get. Not just for those directly involved, but also the ripple effect on the rest of the team dynamics, client relationships, targets, emotional wellbeing, productivity, performance, and the bottom line. Nicole’s change in direction began as a Workplace Mediator. The foundation of her training was underpinned by exploring the psychology of conflict. Through years of frustrating mediations she realised that many issues she was facilitating were systemic of the culture of the business and that not much would change long-term unless the business owners or leaders took responsibility for their own actions (or lack of action) to cultivate new behaviours from top down. With this in mind, she realised she could make far more impact by working with the business owners or leaders so trained to become and Executive Conflict Coach to support them to manage conflict and their own communication with greater skill. As well as coaching she consults with businesses who are caught in a crisis and are unsure how best to navigate through it. Nicole shares: “Often they are stuck or at a cross roads, worried they will take a wrong turn and worsen a strained or tenuous relationship with a business partner. Or they might have attempted to manage a conflict with a team member only to find their intervention has incensed the situation. I listen carefully and support them to create a strategy and approach that feels manageable, working through any obstacles they envisage could be a stumbling block for them.” Today, Nicole is dedicated to helping business owners and leaders navigate conflict with less guess work and more clarity. The workplace is a new and slightly altered world post pandemic with the added pressures of the cost of living crisis creating fear and impacting the way we show up, there is even more opportunities for challenging and confrontational behaviours, be that of the business owners or those they work with. “Communication isn’t just the words you choose,” continues Nicole. “It’s the tone you use, as well as the baggage you bring from the last meeting. As a leader, you set the marker. You define the communication culture around you. And the more respectful that culture, the less conflict you’ll experience.” Recently, Nicole was recognised for her dedication and commitment to the cause in the SME News Greater London Enterprise Awards and bestowed with the prestigious title of Communication & Conflict Consultant of the Year 2022. Understandably proud, she is now geared towards a bright future of helping more and more businesses to navigate through stormy waters by focusing on improving communication to avoid conflict and championing a communication culture built on open and honest conversations.” Her new book, ‘and BREATHE…Prevent, Manage and Master Difficult Leadership Conversations in Business and Beyond’ is available to buy now on Amazon. Contact: Nicole Posner Company: Nicole Posner Web Address: www.nicoleposner.com Nicole Posner
Oct22217 Best Education & Training Company - Wales With a huge focus on renewable energy, Your Training in Cardiff (YTIC), based in Cardiff, is leading the way with its proactive approach to sustainability. We find out more from Group Director, Jake Maddocks in the wake of the organisation being rewarded for its diligence and gaining recognition in the UK Enterprise Awards 2022. Founded in 2017, Your Training in Cardiff was initially set up to provide training to individuals in the plumbing and heating sector. From its state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility in Cardiff, YTIC offers accredited courses in areas such as: renewable energy, electrical installation and maintenance, health and safety, heating, plumbing, gas, and much more. The core focus of the business is to offer tradespeople access to both mandatory training courses, as well as the skills to maximise the opportunity of new, emerging technologies, such as solar PV, EV charger stations, and more. YTIC works with a diverse range of clients from one-man-bands to multi-national organisations and has recently established relationships with local further education colleges to further extend their reach throughout Wales. Over recent years, the drive to provide environmentally-friendly sources of energy has seen an increase in demand for renewable energy systems which, in turn, has resulted in more tradespeople requiring training on the installation and maintenance of these new systems. YTIC has responded to this upsurge in demand by expanding its portfolio of renewable energy courses, investing in new equipment, and upskilling its staff to be able to deliver training in solar PV, PV battery storage, air source heat pumps, EV charger stations, maintenance, and many more. “This diversification means they are able to respond quickly to the needs of their customers,” elaborates Jake Maddocks on what differentiates YTIC from competitors. “They can invest in new equipment and training courses far quicker than many other publicly funded training centres.” The fact that YTIC has also established relationships with some of the major heating and renewable energy manufacturers in the UK allows it to offer training using the equipment and products its customers will be installing on a day-to-day basis. The internal culture at YTIC is friendly and approachable, and when recruiting staff the training centre looks for those with experience, as Jake goes on to say, “Experience is particularly key when working with customers (or students) as they can use examples of the work they have undertaken themselves when conveying key messages. To that end, all trainers are either ex-tradespeople themselves, or have multiple years as teachers or trainers in their chosen subjects.” Recently, for its proactive approach to offering courses to match demand and its dedication to students, YTIC was recognised in the SME News UK Enterprise Awards 2022 and bestowed with the coveted title of Best Education & Training Company – Wales. Now, as the organisation looks to the future, it is planning to continue expanding the training centre to include a new, state-of-the-art renewable energy training facility with a life-sized ‘house’ where students can learn in an environment similar to the ones in which they will be working. Jake concludes, “As renewable energy becomes more and more popular, the business is perfectly placed to meet the growing demand for training in new Green Energy products, which they see as the future of YTIC.” Contact: Jake Maddocks Company: YTIC Ltd Web Address: www.ytic.co.uk
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