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enews feedback: please email your news to: info@mediacentre.org before the 25th of the month for the chance to be in the following month's newsletter. Remember, you can advertise your jobs here. Just let us know the details so we can include them in the newsletter.
PROMOTION OF YOUR COMPANY!
'An example of how it would look in each BMC building'
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As part of our plans to re-vamp the reception areas in each building and promote the companies that take office space with us more, we are proposing to display a framed logo and brief information about each company that takes office space here, on the walls in the Entrance/Reception Areas of each BMC building, and would like to include your company.
What we have in mind is producing a large image of each company's logo with a few bullet points underneath, outlining to visitors and other companies in the building alike, in a nutshell, what each company does.
If you would like to be part of this:
1) We would be grateful if you could email a copy of your company logo [as high a resolution image as possible] to Dan Cummings at dan@mediacentre.org and
2) Give us 3 bullet points about your company that you would like to have listed e.g.
- Web Design Agency
- Corporate Identity Development
- T.V Production
We will also be re-launching our website.
Please have a look at the information about your company that we have taken from your existing listing on the current BMC web site:
www.mediacentre.org/clients/clientlist.php
It is worth bearing in mind that there are a lot of visitors to the BMC website, and a good proportion of those are looking for companies to carry out work for them - this could be a valuable "shop window" for your organisation.
1) If you are happy with your existing text and details being displayed on the new website, please let us know.
2) If you would like to review and change your text, please email: dan@mediacentre.org. and send him a revised copy so he can update your web listing with this.
If you would like your company promoted on the website and on the new wall display, please could you let Dan have your company information by the 14th July 2006.
Should you have any queries relating to this, please do not hesitate to contact your Site Manager - Helen Katsouris for 68 & 15-17 Middle Street sites or Christine Stevenson for the Old Steine site.
Many Thanks
The Brighton Media Centre
FIRE RISK ORDER - COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE FROM BMC
(With apologies for the length of this item - it's because it is crucial to get it right & that all companies read it!)
The previous system of having a Fire Certificate for a building, to determine that sufficient appropriate precautions are in place to minimise the risk of fire, and also minimise the risk of harm from fire, has now been repealed by Parliament. The implications of this are quite far-reaching, probably further than the legislators have grasped. The main outcome is that, in commercial premises, the final responsibility rests with the employer. If you have 5 or more employees, you must arrange to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment to comply with these new Regulations. However, the owner/occupier of the building is also responsible for Fire Risk matters.
This is where BMC can minimise the problems and cost for each company here, as we are carrying out an overall Fire Risk Assessment of each of our building, at considerable expense. This will ensure that the core of the requirements will be provided and maintained in a formalised way - Fire Risk Assessment, Fire Alarms, Fire Tests, Official Signs, Means Of Escape, and Fire Fighting Equipment are all in place, and regularly checked by Authorised Contractors to achieve compliance. All that is left for each employer is to carry out a simplified Fire Risk Assessment to cover their staff and how they use the space occupied, which will demonstrate that they have taken on that responsibility. Such an Assessment needs to be in writing, and it is advised that even companies with less than 5 staff undertake this, to avoid the consequences should there be an incident involving fire.
BMC are in discussion with Chubb Fire to try and develop a simple document that any of our companies can fill in to achieve the standard required, within the framework of what BMC already provide. Larger companies may, naturally, wish to carry out this exercise with an Approved Contractor of their own choosing, as the perceived risk is greater when there are larger numbers of employees, or more potential for fire hazards in their business (e.g. large volumes of inflammable material, equipment that could catch fire) - this could just end up with the company providing an additional extinguisher within their space, for instance, along with the necessary written Report. Whatever you do, the responsibility does in the end rest with each employer, and any advice given must have come from an approved source e.g. a professional Fire Risk Assessment company. BMC are handing out a free booklet, "Your Guide to Fire Regulations", provided by Chubb to help everyone understand what is required. Also, an extract of the Provisions of this legislation is set out below, and was taken from the BAFE site, further details of which are available from: www.bafe.org.uk
Summary of The Fire Safety Order
- "All existing fire legislation will be repealed including the Fire Precautions Act 1971 , Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997/99, Management of Health & Safety in the Workplace Regulations 1999 + 100 pieces of related legislation...
- "Fire certificates will be no longer issued.
- " Each individual company will be responsible for their own fire safety. The employer must conduct a fire risk assessment regardless of the size of the risk. The identified responsible person would therefore take full corporate liability.
- " Extended scope of consideration now to include property safety, fire fighter safety and the environment around the site as well as just protecting life. This means that allowing a building to be sacrificed is unacceptable due to the risk to neighbouring buildings and fire fighters. The responsible person would have a duty to protect the fire brigade.
- " Unlike the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations, the Fire Safety Order places emphasis on business continuity and containing and preventing the spread of small fires. The effectiveness of fire extinguishers is clearly recognised as a major provision in doing just this.
- " Protection is explicitly extended to all occupants and not just employees. Visitors, contractors or passers-by also have to be considered in the risk assessment.
- " Fire fighters are to have greater authority to gain entry to premises and remove samples after a fire.
What are the implications for business? With building fire safety being solely risk assessment led, the government believes the removal of fire certificates will save businesses £1.7m per year. The long term saving if all businesses carry out a fire risk assessment could be around £110 million based on a reduction of workplace fires.
Overall the legislation will be less burdensome and clearer, with the fire brigade reinforcing the Safety Order's requirements.
Who is responsible?
- "Employer with control of a workplace,
failing that... - "Person with overall management of a building
- Occupier of premises
- "Owner of premises (i.e. empty buildings)
Whilst other people like landlords have some control, the primary responsibility rest with employers.
The responsible person will be held accountable. Under the Order he will be strongly be advised to nominate a competent supplier, one that can demonstrate it has 'the appropriate skills and experience'. Both or either party may be held responsible at the time of inspection or post incident.
Whilst renewing the focus on the fire risk assessments and training the Order will state that fire brigades can advise on but not carry out fire risk assessments.
BMC Management
MANTA SHOOTS FOR FASTEST GROWING BUSINESS AWARD
Growth Continues With Further Hires Pending
Sussex based asset finance and leasing specialist Manta Finance is capitalising on a series of recent successes by aiming for recognition as one of the fastest growing businesses in the area at the forthcoming Chamber of Commerce awards.
The company has grown rapidly in size during 2006, having taken on several new senior members of staff - yet the businesses expansion continues as it now looks to consolidate this growth by hiring a team member to support Manta's experienced sales team from the back office.
With a turnover that's doubled in less than twelve months and a team of five now driving the company forward, Manta is on target to quickly achieve its aim of becoming the voice of finance in the Sussex area. The business has recently been appointed as a full member of the prestigious Hub100, Brighton and Hove's premier business club, which is an invitation-only organisation open to businesses meeting stringent criteria.
Manta is now looking for an extremely capable team member who is able to provide administrative assistance whilst looking to expand into a client facing capacity as experience develops.
Stephen Haskew, Managing Director at Manta Finance, commented: "The last twelve months has been a terrific time for Manta, with our growth considerably exceeding our already ambitious targets. This year we have been able to successfully break into a number of hot niche markets - such as the Care Home sector, the Catering sector, the Vending and Digital Display markets - which have contributed considerably to our results and we fully intend to sustain this momentum as we look ahead towards 2007."
For more information regarding Manta Finance, visit: www.mantafinance.com or call 08701 211280.
About Manta Finance
Manta Finance provides a range of corporate finance and leasing solutions which allow business owners and managers to re-deploy their cash for business growth opportunities rather than to acquire costly and depreciating business assets.
Since the business was founded in 2002, Manta has devised a number of simple financial products designed for a wide range of organisations - from small and developing businesses to international brands.
Manta specialises in providing financing solutions for leading edge technology products, such as the Digital Display market, a sector in the ambient advertising industry which is poised for rapid, significant growth in 2006 and beyond.
Manta also offers a number of bespoke financial solutions for new business starts ups along with both corporate and public sector organisations across the UK, providing organisations in each sector with the means to acquire the appropriate items for their business.
Press Enquiries For Manta Finance:
Pete Goold,
Punch Communications,
Tel: +44 (0) 1858 434 615,
Mob: +44 (0) 7830 236 824,
Email: pete@punchcomms.com .
Manta Finance Chooses Upstream For New Site Launch
Middle Street-based asset finance specialist Manta Finance has chosen Upstream Communications to create its new website: www.mantafinance.com Having shopped around for a design agency, Manta opted for Upstream Connections based not only on the convenience of having an agency in house but also given their ability to meet Manta’s exacting standards in what was a tight deadline.
Upstream designer Jose Mendez has worked closely with Manta to ensure that the site delivered against expectations.
Stephen Haskew, MD of Manta Finance said: "One of the real benefits of being based at BMC is the networking and we found that working with a neighbour has been extremely easy. Indeed moving forward we will be working closely with Upstream on design for not only the website but other offline projects too."
For more information, contact Steve Haskew or one of the Manta Finance team on 08701 211280 or email: steve@mantafinance.com
Or contact Jose Mendez via email on jmendez@upstreamconnections.com
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Company Law Reform Bill aims to make sweeping changes
Article Courtesy of 'Business Heads'
Business groups have given a mixed reaction to the Company Law Reform Bill, set to make sweeping changes.
Introduced into the House of Commons on
24 May, some of the bill’s key changes affecting small businesses include:
-restructuring those parts of company law most relevant to small businesses, making them easier to understand;
-simplifying the rules for forming a company;
-abolishing the need for a company secretary;
-making AGM opt-in rather than opt-out;
-new model
articles for private companies.
Trade and Industry secretary Alistair Darling commented, "We needed a fair overhaul of the law to make it more suited to the needs of our companies. The measures set out in the Bill will achieve that. It will help to ensure that our company regulation and financial markets continue to be regarded as among the world's best".However, some business organisations have expressed concern over certain aspects of the Bill, including plans to clarify the duties of directors and proposals to compel fund managers to disclose their votes at company meetings.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has warned that a system of disclosure would cost far more to implement than the Government estimate of £6-£9m.
Further information on the Company Law reform Bill
is available on the Department of Trade and Industry website: www.dti.gov.uk/bbf/co-law-reform-bill.
Government scraps sick pay plans
Article Courtesy of 'Business Heads'
The Department for Work and Pensions has announced that it will be scrapping its plans to make employers pay sick leave to employees from their first day of illness.
Many business groups had expressed opposition to the proposals, amid concerns that removing the current 'three-day waiting' rule for Statutory Sick Pay would mean increased costs for employers, and could encourage some employees to take time off work when they are not genuinely ill.
The plans formed part of a welfare reform package intended to simplify the rules on sick pay, making it easier for employers to manage sick leave, and helping those people claiming long-term incapacity benefit to return to work.
However, the Confederation of British Industry and other employers' organisations warned that rather than simplifying the process, the proposals would place additional burdens on businesses.
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) has welcomed the news. Nick Goulding, Chief Executive, said, 'Small businesses are already overburdened by regulations and uncertain of their employer's rights; introducing another change would have added to the confusion'.
PLEASE DON'T WASTE WATER
Southern Water already has a Hosepipe Ban in place, and now has further powers to implement a Drought Order in Brighton and Hove. Fortunately the Media Centre buildings do not require large amounts of water for commercial purposes - our uses are restricted to the kitchens, toilets and cleaning.
However, it would be sensible to avoid wasting water (here or, indeed, at home) as there is just less water to go round If things get very bad with a continuing drop in the levels of underground water supplies, we could be down to standpipes in the street!
It is not clear how that would work here at BMC, but restrained use of water will help prevent that coming about.
There have been reports of large amounts of water going to waste via leaks in the public water supply pipework. To deal with this, Southern Water are embarking on a programme in the centre of Brighton to replace all the old metal pipes with more durable HDPE ones. This will mean that there may be a time in the future when the water will be turned off in each of the BMC sites for a while. Apparently we will receive advance Notice of this, which we shall pass on to all affected clients - it may be that we would have to do without water for a day or two. We all hope that will be a short inconvenience for a long-term benefit.
POSTAGE RATES CHANGING IN AUGUST - SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
The Royal Mail has decided that it wants to encourage people to send smaller letters, as it is the big envelopes that take time to go through their systems. Weight is not quite so crucial for pricing, especially on the usual smaller envelopes (up to A5). The basic prices remain generally the same, but there will be useful savings on medium weight and smaller items. If you can use an A5 where before you used an A4 envelope, for instance, you would save 12p per letter going First Class.
As a quick guide, here is a simple table:
LETTERS:
First Class, up to 100g = 32p
Second Class, up to 100g = 23p
LARGE LETTERS:
First Class, up to 100g = 44p
First Class, up to 250p = 65p
Second Class, up to 100g = 37p
Second Class, up to 250g = 55p
PACKAGES:
First Class, up to 100g = 1.00
First Class, up to 250g = 1.27
Second Class, up to 100g = 0.84
Second Class, up to 250g = 1.09
There are other prices for heavier items. For full details, go to www.royalmail.com/change
MORE PHISHING NEWS! AND - SHRED/BURN/COMPOST YOUR BILLS.
'One in ten Brits risk identity fraud'
Article courtesty of 'MyCallCredit'
Around one in ten Britons are leaving themselves open to identity fraud by not properly disposing of documents, found new research.
Around four per cent throw away paper bills and financial statements without even attempting to destroy them, while six per cent just tear them up before throwing them in the bin, making themselves easy targets for fraudsters.
However, there are plenty of people taking a more sensible approach to safeguarding their identity, with 44 per cent burning and one per cent composting their bills, reveals research from Alliance & Leicester. With the threat of identity theft looming large, many Britons are turning towards internet banking as an alternative to old-fashioned paper bills, found the study, with a 63 per cent rise in those managing their current accounts online since 2003.
Nevertheless, customers can still be at risk from online identity fraud through scams such as 'phishing'when fraudsters pose as a financial institution to obtain personal details.
BMC would like to remind all our clients that we cannot take any special measures with regard to security of any sensitive documents or bills once they
leave your office.
The usual route for office waste is into bin bags and then off to a wheelie bin or waste collection service. It is just an outside
possibility that someone could go through all the rubbish before it is collected and make use of such information - heaven forbid! - so do take action
if there might be something of use to criminals.
Recycled paper is less vulnerable, as that is kept safe until Magpie collect it and take it for
recycling, but if in doubt - shred it first!
Exhibition Space
FG Basement Gallery
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The Friese Greene House Gallery is an industrial-style basement space with flexible lighting options at 15-17 Middle Street. It has attracted innovative shows over the last 12 months from local artists and students as well as exhibitors from further afield. The gallery is listed in many local publications partly due to the successful run of shows during the Brighton Fringe Festival which in turn has increased the profile of the space. |
If you would like to find out more about exhibiting in our Gallery, please contact Helene Taylor on 01273 201371, or gallery@mediacentre.org.
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PRIDE 2006!
Saturday 29th July to 6th August - Preston Park
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The summer festival runs for a week with events happening in various venues each night throughout Brighton & Hove. The Carnival Parade and main event in Preston Park is on Saturday 5th August. The Carnival Parade starts from Maderia Drive at 11am and finishes at Preston Park. The main event in the Park runs from 12noon-8pm. |
The theme this year is 'Carry on Pride' so expect to see extravagant costumes, flamboyant floats and people generally having a good time!
To find out more about this year's events, go to: www.brightonpride.org
EAT LOCAL FOOD ~ EAT GOOD FOOD ~ IT'S FOOD MILES BETTER!
A shop has recently opened in the Brighton Lanes, in Meeting House Lane just in from North Street, which stocks only local Sussex fare. It is called "Sussex and the City", and every item sold has an approximate number of food miles it has travelled to get to Brighton - so all are 50 miles or less.
This means it is fresh, it is local, and it is avoiding all those incredible journeys with the attendant fuel and pollution to bring e.g. lettuce from Israel or pork from Poland. It is also a very tasty and increasing selection, at reasonable prices. Try their delicious baguettes, pies or quiches for lunch or for later. A service you might want to use is their sandwich and finger buffet delivery, handy for those long meetings or training sessions.
They also have a superb range of wines and beers - quite amazing that everything comes from within 50 miles! Isn't Sussex a wonderful place to live? Not only is it environmentally sound to buy local produce, it tastes good, and it is only a short walk away from BMC.
For more details and contact address, go to their website: www.sussexandthecity.co.uk
THE BRAIN TEST
Click here to take the brain test and find out what your brain says about how you think and learn.
It takes between 5-10 minutes to complete
but you may be surprised by your results!
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Spaces for 10+ people
Fantastic open plan office - ideal for expanding company. Benefits from seperate Meeting Room, Lounge Area, Comms/Admin Room [1600 sq.ft.]
Sound Studio
Professionally designed sound machine studio includes inner sound-proof booth, office area and seperate machine room. Considered suitable for post production, acoustic sound recording,
voice-overs, digital editing etc [400 sq. ft.]
Animation Studio
Fantastic Industrial Workspace with Green Screen - Infinity Cove [1700 sq.ft.]
BMC clients always receive priority on new space. If you are interested in any of the above or for all other sales enquires contact sales@mediacentre.org or call Carla Avery on 201374
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