MEMBERS’ ZONE IN BRIEF


Fowlers of Bristol (Engineers) Ltd has celebrated its 50th anniversary by revealing positive results and confidence for future growth. The company, which originated from a


Giving Bristol a little Zip!


ipcar, the world’s largest car sharing network, has announced that it is seeing unprecedented growth in business membership in Bristol, up 40 per cent in a year. Z4B (Zipcar 4 Business), offers businesses round-the-clock access to a range of low- carbon vehicles for as little as an hour or for long term hire. Following Zipcar’s merger with Streetcar in November, the service has introduced special weekday tariffs for businesses from £3.96 per hour (excl. VAT), which include parking, insurance, 40 miles of petrol per day and 24/7 roadside assistance. The rise in business membership is thought to be due to an increase in the number of organisations looking for a sustainable and more cost-effective alternative to running their own fleet or using private hire vehicles. Zipcar’s pay-as-you-go car club model allows companies to reduce the costs, administration and risks associated with vehicle ownership, hire, maintenance and safety.


Z


‘Travel-related outgoings dropped by over 20 per cent’


Bristol-based marketing communications agency Strange and Dawson signed up to the scheme last year. With over 70 staff and a mix of local and national clients, the company found the rising cost of vehicle maintenance and petrol costs were making it increasingly difficult to service its clients as well as keep a lid on travel costs. By selling its fleet of pool cars - which were garaged expensively in the city centre - and signing up with Z4B, it found its travel- related outgoings dropped by over 20 per cent.


Midas strikes gold


Midas Group businesses are celebrating a hugely successful end to 2011 after winning a clutch of prestigious awards. The prizes included Lend Lease Defence Supply Chain Partner of the Year 2011, the BCI’s Best Conservation Project for Midas Interiors’ work on the Theatre Royal Bath and several LABC Building Excellence Awards for Mi-space, the Group’s affordable housing business.


Alan Hope (pictured), Chief Executive of Midas Group, said: “We are delighted with this industry recognition. Winning these awards is very gratifying in that it demonstrates that the vision of the business is being applied consistently across the Group and that we are continually striving to improve performance in everything we do and to deliver an industry leading service to our customers.”


Longstanding Business West members Burleigh have launched a new user-friendly website to help customers and prospective clients better interact with the company. The family-owned and managed print business was originally formed as The Burleigh Press in Bristol in 1901 and throughout its 110-year history the company has prided itself on providing exceptional service, advice and quality. The new website is designed to continue this tradition, offering a variety of new tools including quote enquiry forms and a facility for clients to upload files. For more details visit burleighpress.co.uk


Thistle Hotels is celebrating winning the ‘Hotel Group of the Year Award’ at the AA Hospitality Awards 2011-2012. AA Hotel Services manager, Simon Numphud,


said: “Thistle Hotels has significantly improved their overall product and service offering over the last 18 months.This includes achievements such as full Hospitality Assured accreditation, Tourism for all audits, increasing standards particularly in hospitality and service combined by on-going significant refurbishment.”


Business West Update JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 25


partnership dating back to 1918 and was incorporated in October 1961, currently employs 28 people. In a challenging manufacturing market it has enjoyed growth approaching 40 per cent and has a current order book exceeding £750,000, with a number of contracts from the aerospace industry. Many of the agreements are long-term, giving the firm significant confidence going into 2012 and beyond, according to the firm’s Sales & Engineering Director Gary White.


Quartet Community Foundation (QCF) celebrated its silver anniversary with an Evensong of Thanksgiving in Bristol Cathedral 25 years after its founding documents were signed. The event was followed by a reception at


the Cresswell Centre attended by friends and supporters, including a number of dignitaries and patrons. QCF Chair Stephen Parsons was especially delighted at the choice of venue, as he is a former Head Chorister at the Cathedral. Since 1986 QCF has distributed more than £25 million in grants to thousands of community groups on behalf of local donors, including individuals, families and businesses.


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