Business

When Local Businesses Outgrow Simple Card Payments

Running a business online used to mean getting a card machine and calling it a day. That no longer cuts it once chargebacks rise, overseas payments appear, or subscription billing enters the picture. Plenty of smaller firms around Exeter are discovering that payment systems become far more complicated once the business itself starts growing.

Businesses around Exeter rely on digital payments far more heavily than they did a few years ago. Food traders take bookings online, local shops sell through Instagram, and even weekend markets now expect card readers beside the old cash tin...

Double Award scoop for Exeter-based web design and online marketing agency

The champagne corks were popping for Optix Solutions, one of the South West’s leading web design and online marketing agencies, at the Express and Echo 2013 Business Awards this year.

Not only was Optix Solutions’ Director Alastair Banks winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year, Alastair and Co-Director James Dawkins picked up the award for Employer of the Year.

"It was an amazing night" said Alastair, "we are having such a great year and feel honoured to have been recognised in our local community. Optix has gone from strength to strength and we couldn’t have done this...

WBW promote Exeter solicitor to partner

Authored by Metis Media
Posted: Tue, 05/28/2013 - 5:10pm

Exeter solicitor Debbie Hamzij, who started as a receptionist, has recently been promoted to partner within law firm WBW.

Debbie first entered the legal profession in June 1987 in a clerical role with a firm which amalgamated with WBW Solicitors in 1989. She then became a secretary and later rose to become a legal executive in 1996. After studying at Exeter University, she qualified as a solicitor in 2003.

Mrs Hamzij said: “It’s a nice feeling to have gone from receptionist to partner. I have always believed in working hard and it’s great to have got to where I am now. The...

Ensuring your Transaction Pays its Way

Authored by AndyPayne79
Posted: Tue, 05/28/2013 - 2:58pm

The very nature of today’s economic climate, partially fuelled by a downturn in the property market, means primarily that fewer mortgages are being arranged and therefore fewer transactions being completed. Confidence in the system is the main issue and this very negative and ‘computer says no’ outlook also contributes to fewer and fewer people looking for property – you may say in ever decreasing circles.

Northcott Beaton Insurance Brokers (along with DAS – Europe’s largest Legal Expenses Insurer) have developed an extremely simple and cost-effective remedy to the continuation of...

Kitsons appoint renowned Exeter commercial litigator

David Turner, former Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution at Foot Anstey joins Legal 500 firm Kitsons as Partner in Kitsons’ Exeter Litigation Team.

Also a former Partner at Bond Pearce, David has vast experience and is an extremely well-regarded individual in the city.

David will specialise in dispute resolution and commercial litigation with a core focus on dealing with issues and disputes in relation to financial services, insurance coverage and mis-selling claims.

David’s knowledge of regulation in financial services will be of particular help to IFA’s....

Time is running out to enter Listen2Win's Inter-Company Challenge at WESC

Listen2Win - an organisation comprising two Paralympian and England Blind Football players based here in Exeter - is inviting a select group of local companies to take part in the Inter-Company Challenge at WESC on 5 June from 5-7pm. Robin Williams, who is well on the way to achieving a PHD at Exeter University, and Keryn Seal, who has recently been made captain of the team, are both completely blind but their indomitable spirit and sense of fun are an inspiration to all who meet them.

Their organisation specialises in providing inspirational and motivational talks and seminars in...

Business Network (SW) celebrates 20th Anniversary with original founder-members

Authored by Glen King PR
Posted: Thu, 05/23/2013 - 11:43am

A South West networking organisation celebrated its 20th anniversary at an organised lunch held in Exeter. Nearly 100 members of the Business Network (SW) joined current owner Sean Humby together with special guests, founder members Jim and Jackie Enright. Magician and original Business Network (SW) member Mark Leveridge acted as MC for the event held at Sandy Park.

Sean Humby took over the business in 2007 and today has 149 members across the South West region with membership retention of 89%. The turnover of £85,000 is up by 13% on last year’s figures.

Sean Humby,...

Exeter communications agency appointed for retirement village launch

Authored by Gill Vosper
Posted: Thu, 05/23/2013 - 10:34am

Exeter based Absolute PR and Marketing has been appointed as the PR and marketing consultancy for Millbrook Village, a landmark new development located on the former St Loye’s Foundation site on Topsham Road.

Multi award-winning developer Urban Renaissance Villages has chosen the Exeter site on which to build the third of its retirement villages in conjunction with its partner Helical Bar plc. Millbrook Village will feature 140 luxury cottages and apartments along with a private residents’ club house featuring a pool, restaurant and bar, and a host of hotel-style services, making...

What Are We Giving Back?

Here at The Plum Consultancy we were recently discussing the Giving Pledge initiative founded by Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, in which the world’s wealthiest individuals pledge to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. This elite set has recently been joined by the first person from India - Azim Preji, the chairman of the Technology company Wipro whose net worth is estimated at $16 billion. This is welcome news as the divide between rich and poor continues to grow especially in countries across Asia.

‘Corporate responsibility’ has also become high on the world’s...

Show success for Devon blinds firm

An East Devon firm has reported brisk trade at this year’s County Show. Marla Custom Blinds’ boss Steve Hartland said the three-day event had generated a number of new leads for the business, which specialises in commercial and domestic blinds for windows and conservatories.

“We must have handed out more than 250 leaflets, and also generated a good number of positive leads and follow-up appointments.

“I’m confident that we will again do well out of this year’s Devon County Show, which has once more proved successful to us from a business point of view.

“I know that...

Sunshine show boosts Devon solar firm

Sunny weather for most of this year’s Devon County Show helped provide a boost for one of the county’s leading renewables companies.

South West Solar & Renewable Systems, www.swsolarsystems.co.uk , had a large display at this year’s event, which helped greatly to increase interest in its solar panels and other renewable technologies.

Managing Director Nick Bartlett said: “We had a bumper Devon County Show this year, it was the best we have attended in terms of generating new leads for the company.

“For 2013 we took one of the larger stands in the Federation of...

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