8


news Best month for high street


Innovative mailing and cross border mail solutions


Data Services Merging, deduplication, suppression,


coupon response, data capture.


Personalisation Laser printing, inkjet addressing, catalogues, postcards, letters etc.


Envelope Enclosing Up to 6 items by automated machine.


Handwork for complicated items.


Polywrapping Catalogues, brochures, newsletters, mailshots etc.


Fulfilment Product literature, prize draws, books, promotions, free offers, samples.


Mail Distribution UK domestic, international, direct entry, press.


For information or a quote call Asendia on 01489 796611


Why do people use a mailing house? • Expert data processing


• Free up valuable resources • Save money on postage


• Mail efficiently and economically UK and International mailings


Magazines, Catalogues, Brochures, Newsletters, Billing, Statements, Corporate Literature, Mailshots.


Asendia UK Unit 10, Solent Ind. Estate Hedge End SO30 2FX Telephone: 01489 796611 Email: info.uk@asendia.com www.asendia.com


www.businessmag.co.uk


The high street has not only survived the notoriously difficult month of February – it recorded the best monthly growth since December 2011.


Figures released from BDO‘s monthly high street sales tracker show overall like-for-like sales in February rose by 3.9%. Fashion sales grew 3.4%, homewares by 3.7% and non-fashion by 6.6%. After being stuck indoors during the late January snowfall, shoppers burst onto the high street to snap up beginning of year promotions which many retailers extended into the second month of 2013.


Meanwhile, small and mid-cap quoted companies‘ confidence has improved but access to funding has deteriorated, according to the latest quarterly QCA/BDO Small & Mid-Cap Sentiment Index. The Index reveals that the sector finds it increasingly difficult to raise capital from the main sources of funding, and that a lack of knowledge about alternative funding sources such as corporate bonds could impede growth.


Companies‘ optimism about their own prospects has increased substantially, rising to 64.0 from 60.6 last quarter. Companies‘ confidence in the UK economy is at its highest level since the survey began 18 months ago, but at 47.8 is still just below the 50.0 level that would indicate optimism.


In addition, more than half (56%) of small and mid-cap companies expect the number of their full- time employees to increase over the next 12 months, the highest level seen on the index. Turnover


expectations have also improved, with the mean expected turnover growth now at 11.2%, up from 7.9% last quarter.


Despite improving confidence, access to funding has deteriorated. Both companies and advisers are reporting that all the main sources of funding are becoming more difficult to access. Ease of raising finance through private equity fell the most from the previous quarter, with companies rating the ease of raising finance through this channel at 4.2 out of 10, down from 5.0 last quarter.


Lastly, BDO‘s annual Motor 150 Report reveals the aggregated performance of the top 150 companies in the UK motor retail sector, covers performances in the latest audited accounts and looks into the future accounting periods.


insight into recent economic events and sector activity, including future dynamics of the motor retailing industry and offers professional views and advice for the future.


The overall turnover for the top 150 UK motor dealers in the industry was up by 2%, increasing by £800 million to £40.7 billion, but reductions in gross margins resulted in a fall in operating profit of £96m to £549m. More than two-thirds of the group produced lower profits than last year, with 25 making a loss compared with 11 last year. Companies reporting a strong year referred to their Internet presence and investment in staff training and development as important differentiators.


Sale of BAE Systems‘ Waterlooville site could create employment


BAE Systems has said the sale of five sites, including one at Waterlooville, to a property developer will help create jobs.


The aerospace firm announced it had sold facilities in Hampshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Lancashire and Worcestershire to Bridgehouse Capital. It said the two companies would regenerate the sites with an investment of more than £250 million.


BAE Systems said: ”The partnership with Bridgehouse will


have no impact on our operational activities. Several sites will continue to have a BAE Systems presence, while other sites had already changed use prior to the deal with Bridgehouse and were vacant. This deal enhances our ability to deliver redevelopment plans, including employment and economic benefits to the local communities, and underpins our commitment to developing these sites.”


Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – APRIL 2013


It provides a considered


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36