Review of the Uckfield Business Scene during 2011

National and international headlines on the business and economic health of Britain, Europe and the USA were pretty grim throughout 2011.

The British economy continues to flirt with the possibility of a return to recession – the dreaded “double dip” – with little sign of an immediate upturn, writes Paul Watson.

Uckfield and its environs are, of course, not immune to the cold, gale force winds whipping across the business landscape.

However, there were no reported high-profile failures while small and medium size businesses continue to show resilience in these tough times.

Business Scene each month from UckfieldNews.com has found examples throughout the year of entrepreneurship, innovation and good customer service that make a difference.

With 2012 likely to be another tough row to hoe, the Business Scene “review of the year” begins by looking back on some of the great advice found in this column over the last 12 months.

Work on your business

Work on your business as well as in your business. That was the advice from Chris Bendall of Balanced Accounting LLP.

He said: “It is not all about the tax man, although tax and VAT are important. It is about your business as well.”

Good financial records are important for a number of reasons and doing “the books” quarterly or annually for VAT or tax returns is not necessarily enough.

Up-to-date records will tell you:

How the business is doing;
Enable you to make comparisons;
Identify trends and areas that need attention;
Highlight where costs could be trimmed; and
Show where income can be optimised and opportunities taken.

Practical financial guidelines

Peter Hewitt, Practice Director of Swindells, offered ten tips to “avoid financial disaster”.

He said: “Even in difficult times new businesses start up but too many young businesses fail due to lack of proper financial control.

The following ten practical guidelines may help.”

KEEP PROPER ACCOUNTS: A new business can start with simple book-keeping, what’s important is that records are kept up to date.
CREDIT CONTROL: Established businesses will understand if you ask for payment on delivery in the early days. Before allowing credit, do a credit check.
MANAGE CASH FLOW: Cash flow is critical. Keep tight control over expenditure; minimise stocks, collect debts fast and use suppliers' credit.
BUDGETING: Budgets steers the business towards its objectives. They must cover all aspects of the business and should be monitored regularly.
COSTING IS CRITICAL: Proper costing provides information that helps planning and decisions.
PROFIT MARGINS: Ensure you are buying at the lowest possible prices. Cutting the marketing budget when profits are not met can be a mistake.
UNDERSTAND YOUR ACCOUNTS: The profit and loss account shows what profits are being made. The balance sheet is a financial picture of your business. Understand both.
STAY FRIENDLY WITH YOUR BANK: Keep your bank manager in the picture. It is worth keeping in touch with other banks.
KEEP TIGHT CONTROL OF STOCKS: Stock is capital locked up and should be kept to a minimum.
PAY CREDITORS ON TIME: Pay creditors on time. When this is difficult, explain the position and agree a payments schedule.

Finding creative and flexible people

In a competitive world, two words are coming more and more to the fore: creativity and flexibility. And you don’t have to look to big cities and spend big money when it comes to finding creative people with the flexible “can do” attitude to business.

They are here on our doorstep in Uckfield.

Chris Dowling – Print & Design has developed in the last year or so to offer high-quality graphic design. Blue Planet Internet Solutions offers bespoke solutions to clients when it comes to website development and Quarry Printing prides itself on being able to turn round jobs speedily.

The importance of good service

Good service are two words found when talking about Uckfield area businesses.

We’ve spotlighted Victoria Remmen’s professional pet salon where after a pampering session are sent off home with a spray of evening primrose oil to ensure their coat looks vibrant and healthy.

Taxi firm R and R shopped and delivered items for snow-bound customers living up to their motto of: Here, There and Everywhere.

And what about In-Gear, the 100 per cent racing cyclist shop, which builds bikes to perfectly fit the rider. It’s a bit similar to the measuring up used by tailors when making a “made-to-measure” suit.

'Mend the gap' campaign continues

The campaign continues to “mend the gap” – reinstating the rail line between Uckfield and Lewes.

In November, Darren Bradley of Bradley Property Management pointed out that the nine mile “gap” in line means rental prices in our Wealden town are lower than they are in the county town.

Massive project benefits businesses

Businesses in this area continue to benefit from one massive rail project – the Channel Tunnel.

Paul Silvey, who has Woodside self-catering cottages at Piltdown, said East Sussex was popular with foreign families because it was not a long journey after they had crossed the Channel or come through the tunnel.

“Sussex has a lot to offer. It has plenty of activities, great scenery. It’s got a bit of everything and is close enough to London for day visits,” he said.

The 'Glyndebourne effect'

The area also benefits from the “Glyndebourne effect”. The five-star Beechwood Bed and Breakfast at Eastbourne Road, Halland, near Uckfield, is full virtually every night in the summer with many of the guests going a few miles down the road to the opera.

Carol Hyland, proprietor, said: “As soon as the Glyndebourne tickets are released we start taking bookings. Glyndebourne is the place to be. It’s a big occasion.”

News in Brief

Hopes of superfast broadband

Every home and business in East Sussex should have access to superfast broadband within the next two years, says county council leader Peter Jones.

He said he wanted to ensure rural and other “hard-to-reach” places, where many small businesses are based, will be on the priority list for the upgrade.

The council is planning to have a pot of £26m to invest in the rollout of superfast broadband.

Plans for new council houses

Wealden District Council has appointed leading housing design consultant Churchill Hui as the architects for the first council houses the council will build in 30 years.

The 64 homes will be at Forest Row, Crowborough and Willingdon.