Members were invited to YeoValley Manufacturing site at Cannington, followed by lunch at Blackmore Farm. Our Host for the morning was Graham Keating – Director of Communications, supported by members of the management team.
Site visits like this are like hens teeth – very rare, and the number of places were limited. Members who attended completed the standard visitor screening form before dressing with protective clothing for the tour.
The 2011 black tie event was held at the Walnut Tree – North Petherton. A group of fifty five members and friends arrived to start the evening with welcome drinks & speech from our President John Vieth, who summarised another successful year.
Our President and members gave a warm welcome to Alan Hurford. Alan shared his interesting and at times, amusing career and local history. All leading to his current role, as Town Clerk (& Responsible Financial Officer) to Bridgwater Town Council.
Members of the Bridgwater Industrialists Association have decided to work together to share apprentices. Five of the member companies identified a need for additional business administration strength within their teams.
In working with Theresa Strange from the South West Apprenticeship Company, candidates will be selected to pursue this exciting and unique opportunity.
Bridgwater Industrialist member Harley Brown from PC Comms, and Friends, are all walking, Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in a 24 Hour Challenge. This is to raise funds for the Josh Evans Trust Fund.
Murder Mystery – Yarn Market Hotel – Dunster
Members arrived to ‘Meet The Players’ at 7.15pm – and were introduced to all the characters and the scene was set!
Everyone took their seats and the first ‘scene’ was enacted. The actors walked around the restaurant acting out their parts in between the courses – will all listened to everything that was going on because basically every character seemed to have a ‘motive’.
John Vieth and Norman Hucker welcomed our guest speakers from Churchill Investments PLC, who gave members an informative talk about NEST and group pensions.
UK Filter Manufacture, Air Hygiene & Water Treatment
Sector is Strengthened by Merger
Long established and highly regarded in the ‘Filter Manufacture, Air Hygiene & Water treatment’ sector: Jasun Filtration Plc (Bridgwater) and Envirocare Services Ltd.(Waterlooville, Hants) have recently joined forces to create Jasun Envirocare Plc.
AA Press Release
AA Guest Accommodation Winner 2011
Blackmore Farm in Cannington, Somerset has been named AA Guest Accommodation of the Year for England 2011-2012, beating off stiff competition from all over the country.
Blackmore Farm is a working dairy farm that is situated on the outskirts of the village of Cannington, near Bridgwater and offers guests luxury, traditional farmhouse accommodation. The accommodation is situated in the 15th Century Manor House, a converted cowshed and a converted cider press. Proprietors Ian and Ann Dyer have faithfully restored and converted the guest rooms to retain old world charm yet with all the modern comforts for today’s visitors to enjoy. Blackmore Farm has 7 guestrooms that are all en-suite and there is a self-catering option in the Cider Press.
Team Green Growers and WW Associates represented the Bridgwater Industrialists in a 4 ball Society invitation day at Enmore Park Golf Club.
The weather was dry, but with a challenging wind. The team came a respectable 8th place out of a field of 19 teams.
Our president welcomed Theresa Strange to the April meeting. After an excellent dinner, Theresa provided a valuable insight into how the South West Apprenticeship company (SWAC) operates, and the potential benefits to business.
Members welcomed local MP Ian Liddell Grainger who invited open questions about local business issues.
“Amber Chemical Group announced today Monday 28th February 2011 that it has sold its Ambratec-Matecra industrial repair and maintenance business operating in Germany and Austria together with its Automotive aftercare business, Automotive Cleaning Chemicals based in the UK to the Berner Group based in Kuenzelsau, Germany.
Joachim Roeser, Group CEO of Amber commented: “This transaction will allow Amber to concentrate on its Silicone Specialty business and to accelerate the rapid expansion into new segments and territories of the silicone market. It will also ensure that Ambratec –Matectra and Automotive Cleaning Chemicals get the appropriate resources and attention they deserve under the new ownership of Berner, who are Industrial Investors.”
John Vieth (President) welcomes Graeme Crosbie, Business Coach.
Einstein said that” the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting to get a different result.”
Opening of Energy Skills Centre at Bridgwater College
A state-of-the-art facility for teaching sustainable energy techniques and alternative energy innovations was formally opened last week by the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, the Rt Hon Chris Huhne MP.
The Energy Skills Centre at Bridgwater College is the first of its kind in the South West and forms a key part of plans to deliver the region’s economic and skills development objectives. It represents an £8 million investment by funders EDF Energy, the National Skills Academy (Nuclear), the South West Regional Development Agency and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Further industry support has been provided in the form of sponsorship from EnergySolutions and the Kier Group. Sedgemoor District Council has also supported the project through the donation of the land on which the Centre is built.
7 – 11 February is National Apprenticeship Week!
National Apprenticeship Week is nearly here and Bridgwater College has been working in partnership with nine other training providers across the county to raise the profile of apprenticeships.
The 100 Apprenticeships in One Hundred Days Challenge has already generated over 70 new placements in just 3 weeks – and is showing no signs of slowing! Employers from a wide range of businesses have been quick to embrace the benefits of employing a young person under the apprenticeship scheme, and are signing on the dotted line to pledge their commitment to improve job opportunities for young people in the region.
Graham Watson MEP- Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for South West England and Gibraltar & President John Vieth
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We welcomed our international after dinner entertainer. Paul Stockman (Mind Illusion) – One of the country’s leading psychological illusionists. We were guaranteed that we would be taken on a journey that would entertain and mystify. Paul’s appearances in Las Vegas have made him a truly international act. We were fascinated and entertained with his unique performance and will not forget his mind illusion Show!
Adrian Robson and his team are busy erecting Bridgwater’s Christmas Lighting, all ready for the Snowflakes and Christmas Shopping event on 24th November 2010. Hope to see you all there for the 6pm Live Switch on!
Check out www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk for full program of events.
Simon Howes, Managing Director of the SouthWest Manufacturing Advisory Service has 27 years industry experience. Raised in Bridgwater he started his career in manufacturing at Courtaulds (Cellophane) at the age of 16. He is a passionate supporter of local industry and shared why with members in an interesting and informative overview – Making it in the SouthWest.
What is MAS?
Jasun Filtration plc, Bridgwater’s very own Filter Manufacturer are pleased to announce the acquisition of Envirocare Services Ltd.
Envirocare based in Waterlooville ,Hampshire have been established since 1980 and are predominantly a service company involved in Duct Cleaning, Air Hygiene Management, Filter supply and Water treatment.
This strengthens Jasun’s own nationwide team of Filter Fitters and adds extra services to our customers. It has also lead to a rise in Filter Manufacturing to supply Envirocare for their existing customers.
Bridgwater College joined Somerset’s top businesses and business organisations to recognise and celebrate business success across the county at one of the most important and popular fixtures in Somerset’s business calendar – the Somerset Business Awards.
The awards ceremony, held at the Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton, was attended by nearly 300 people and was a sell-out event. Bridgwater College assisted the organisers, the Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses, by producing films of the 42 shortlisted entries. These were shown during the awards ceremony and the students provided a live feed of the event within the venue.
When President of the Bridgwater Industrialists, John Vieth, Googled his name he wasn’t expecting to meet with his namesake 12 years later. John and John have been internet pen friends ever since that first contact.
John only has a small family in the UK since his great grandfather came to England from Germany before the first war. Now he has a new ‘cousin’ in Wisconsin whose family also originates from the same region in central Germany.
Towards the end of the growing season members of the ‘Bridgwater Industrialists’ were the guests of fellow member Richard Winter, Director of Team Green Growers – strawberry horticulturists.
Members enjoyed a trip on the Quantock Belle Dining Train service on the scenic West Somerset Railway between Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead, recreating the nostalgic atmosphere of the days of steam.
Diners enjoyed good food and great company as the train wound its leisurely way through the beautiful Quantock Hills past the ancient port of Watchet and along the coastline at Blue Anchor Bay.
Heritage Training Advisor for the South of England and Wales
Working for the Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for Construction and based at Loughborough within the Specialist team responsible for the Built Heritage Sector. Claire explained that she sits on The Welsh Assembly Govt’s steering group for Traditional and Sustainable Skills, The National Heritage Training Group Executive and advises the Prince of Wales Foundation for the Built Environment along with associate Partners, English Heritage, CADW, National Trust and Federations.
Norman Hucker introduced Wendy Wills, who is the Managing Director of ways2win business tendering organisation. With professional clinical qualifications – and having held senior management positions within the NHS – Wendy was able to discuss her experience and detailed understanding of how best to win public sector tenders.
Wendy provided an overview of her company and the services it offers and took a wide range of questions from the floor.
1. Introduction
John Vieth noted apologies for absence and ran through a summary of the last 12 months.
Presidents Dinner at Blackmore Farm with guest speaker Roger Evans.
The Sedgemoor District Council CCTV control room is located at the Sedgemoor District Council offices in Bridgwater House.
They are a 24/7 service monitoring 170 CCTV cameras in Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Cheddar and North Petherton. They also work in partnership with Taunton Deane Borough Council and South Somerset District Council, monitoring the CCTV systems in Taunton, Wellington and Yeovil. All CCTV images are recorded 24/7 and are kept for a minimum of 31 days.
Team Growers, Pardoes Solicitors and Wendy accepted the Society Golf Day invitation at Enmore Park Golf Club. The weather was kind, the food was lovely and the score – well 2 out of 3 is not bad!
Members were made very welcome by staff at the venue, and each team was provided with a coach. After a bit of practice, the real competition got going. There was some keen rivalry. In particular between the ladies and men on the Presidents team. We were lucky enough to have a County Level player – Peter Shaw – who demonstrated to us how it really should be done. Peter Shaw showed us that bowls is a game that can be enjoyed by all ages and how other younger people, like himself, were enjoying the sport.
Our President has signed up and is currently taking lessons, so watch this space!
Tim Roe, director of Cannington Cold Stores welcomed a large group of members. All were keen to explore how the business was now able to generate its own power!
The President welcomed Lucie New, who stepped in to represent Liz Oram Business Link. Liz has the role of Competitiveness Partnership Manager and works with businesses in the local area. Lucie works substantially in Bridgwater and updated everyone on the work of Business Link and the help it could offer. In particular, drawing attention to the free 1-2-1 business support clinics that are available. Example below:-
Aimed at business owners or managers of established businesses, the Business Advice
Marathon Man – Congratulations to Graham Bentley from Jasun Filtration Plc who completed the Bath Half Marathon on 7th March 2010, with a very good time! Graham would like to thank all sponsors and reports he raised over £500 for his charity.
Doug Bamsey, Corporate Director Regeneration Sedgemoor District Council, gave an interesting and informative update on the topic of the “Bridgwater Challenge”.
The vision for Bridgwater is that in 2060 the town will be energy conscious, known for its ambitious approach to sustainability and low carbon living.
Bridgwater will be seen as a place that has been re-energised into a confident town through its strong, innovative architecture, its vibrant town centre and its revitalised neighbourhoods – encouraging a greater sense of local community, well being and civic pride.
Guest Speaker Rebecca Bevins, from PardoesBevins, encouraged a lively discussion with her presentation ”Emerging from Recession”
A range of relevant topics were covered. These included:- (more…)
As guest of honour and speaker at the last meeting in the 2009 calendar. Ian Liddell-Grainger was delighted to update the group on his activities at Westminster and how he fully supports the associations drive to engage with the potential investors to the town.
A lively debate on current topics was enjoyed by members and their guests.
Tuesday 13th October 2009 – Visit to Palace of Westminster
A full coach of members and guests left Bridgwater at 6.3Oam. We arrived in London to glorious sunshine. After passing through strict security we were met by Ian Liddell-Grainger and introduced to our tour guide. We received a fascinating tour of the Commons and House of Lords, soaking up the history as we walked around. It looks so much bigger on the television! All too soon we were off to our leisurely lunch at a nearby Italian Restaurant. This was followed by a “Fast Track” flight on the London Eye and a 4D film. With clear skies we could see for miles and enjoyed identifying local landmarks from our birds eye view. After some time at leisure to visit other local attractions we were off on the coach home. A note of thanks goes to our Secretary Wendy White for organising such a memorable day and to Ian Liddell-Grainger and his secretary, Claire Gibson, for inviting us on a tour of the house.
The “52nd Presidents Dinner” was a resounding success. The ladies looked splendid, the food & wine was excellent and Roger Evans kept every-one’s attention with his haunting experience’s and tales of local ghost history. The beautiful banquet hall at Blackmore Farm added to the atmosphere of the occasion – was it the draft from the door that made the lights dim!!
One of our new members Chris Spencer (Partner Pardoes) hand the honour of making the toast to the ladies.
Chris Langdon reminded us of the many reasons Somerset is a great place for you to live and for your business to grow.
You can live in real market towns and villages, enjoy short commute times and make the most of the countryside, the coast and the clean air.
At the heart of the £90 billion economy of the South West, Somerset has the highest business start up rates outside of London. Our economy is a magic mix of multinationals and niche entrepreneurs with markets worldwide.
Members were given a tour of the ABI website and an overview of Google Analyitics. A demonstration of how site navigation can be tracked and reports obtained on activity.
Which areas of the site people access and how long they spend on each page. We can identify which pages are more appealing and which we could improve.
All members are encouraged to provide data for the website with links to their own sites.
Friday 21st August 09 – Dunster Show
Association President for 2009 – John Vieth- invited members to attend the Dunster Show as sponsored VIP guests. It was a real treat to have ring side seats and an excellent lunch in the main marquee. The main ring was full of activity all day with a range of classes showcasing magnificent livestock of all sizes. Inbetween there were performances from bird of prey handlers to the Wild West Stunt Riders who kept everyone holding their breath or sitting on the edge of their seats.
The showground was full of a wide variety of vendors selling an interesting range of goods and produce, much of which was produced locally. Nobody left the show empty handed!
12 intrepid golfers from the association played temporary greens at Enmore to raise money for St. Margaret’s Hospice. The winner was Ray Cavill closely followed by Dave Bishop and Geoff Day; however everybody went away with a prize.
Thanks go to Nigel Wixon and Steve Varcoe from Enmore who helped us raise £500 for such a worthy cause.
Minutes – Annual General Meeting 22/05/2009
1) New Members –Welcome to Keith Jones, European Silicones Finance Director of Amber Chemicals ;Chris Sidaway representing Sedgemoor District Council and Harley Brown MD of PC Comms. (appologies)
2) Review of the last year by our President.
Members of the Bridgwater Industrialists gathered for the 51st President’s Dinner, at Blackmore Farm, Cannington, on the 22nd November 2008.
The evening was well attended with business leaders from many of Bridgwater’s top Industrial Employers.
Somerset Web Services have written a new web site to help us to increase our local profile and develop our membership. The site has been sponsored by Magnox South at Hinkley Point A Power Station. We hope you find it useful.
Caroline Coleman, HM Inspector of Health & Safety was a guest speaker at our June meeting. She addressed to the association regarding the role of the H&S Executive.
The main purpose of the HS Executive is to:-
Mr Neil Parish is one of three Conservative MEP’s for The South West of England and Gibraltar and is Chairman of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee.
An extremely interesting talk was given by Mr Parish at our meeting. It was an eye opener to find out about the internal struggles of the European Union within Brussels and Strasburg.
It was clear to our members that the EU has a significant affect on commercial business development and some members were keen to express the effect of bureaucracy on small businesses.
St Mary’s Church, Bridgwater was packed full, for a service of thanksgiving held on Friday 2nd May 2008, to mark the sad passing of our Honorary Member and friend Ken Dewar.
Ken had been President of The Association of Bridgwater Industrialists until April this year and previously in 1975, 1991 and 2006-7. Even when he was not President, he was still working behind the scenes to attract new members and invite guest speakers
Members of the Association of Bridgwater Industrialists (20 Club) visited Hinkley Point A Site to see at first hand the progress of decommissioning being made on the Site, which ceased generation in May 2000.
The Membership of the Industrialists is drawn from Directors of Industrial and Commercial firms in Bridgwater and the surrounding area. Sedgemoor District Council and Bridgwater College are also represented. The group meet to keep abreast of current day concerns of employment and the successes of the area and Mark Lesinski, Site Director of Hinkley Point A Site was delighted to welcome them.
