Sovereign Chair Covers add colour and class to any venue

Mark Trafford runs Sovereign Chair Covers of Cheshire, helping to bring a touch of luxury and style to weddings and special events with their beautiful chair covers and sashes.

After dressing the venue for his daughter’s 21st birthday, Mark discovered he had a flair for it, and decided to branch out and open a business dedicated to making rooms stunning.

His attention to detail is a big part of the company’s success, and ensures that clients always get exactly what they’re looking for. Mark’s plan is to keep expanding Sovereign Chair Covers, so that he becomes a “one stop shop” for special events and wedding planning.

By creating beautiful chair covers and sashes in a huge range of materials and colours, Sovereign Chair Covers bring class, style and beauty to any special occasion. Contact them on 0161 905 3620, or see their website www.sovereignchaircovers.co.uk

What does your company do?
Venue dressing for weddings and special events. We supply and fit loose and stretch chair covers with sashes to bring colour and style to any venue.

Chair covers and sashes come in a wide range of colours and styles to suit any colour scheme

What makes your business different?
We never charge for fitting the covers and always give a free sash with each chair cover ordered. We don’t charge for delivery or collection either. Every time we dress a venue we always take a sample of our covers to the venue to check for fit – just in case they might have changed the style of chair since the last time we fit covers for them.

Knowing how expensive weddings and other events are, we always keep our customers in mind so they are allowed to pay us a deposit to secure their order and they don’t have to pay the balance until two months before the event.

What inspired you to start this business?
I dressed my daughter’s venue for her 21st birthday and seeing the result and listening to the praise of the attendees made me realise that it was something I’d like to do for a living. That was six years ago and it’s gone on very successfully since then.

Have you previously run any other businesses? Could you tell us a little bit about them?
Yes. Trafford Express Couriers www.traffordexpress.co.uk. This is my same day courier business which I run from my office and have done since I started it in 2003. I’m happy to say that it is still doing very well today.

An undressed room. . . .

How are you funding your business?
My business is being funded simply by the profit from customers. I’ve never had to take out a loan.

Do you have any staff or partners in your business?
I have no partners in the business but I do have four staff that fit, wash and iron the covers.

Where do you see your business in 3 years?
I see it moving more and more into the wedding/events industry in order to provide other services, until one day I can supply a complete and comprehensive range of services like a “one stop shop”.

What characteristics do you have that will help you make your business a success?
Hard work. Perseverance. Energy. An artistic streak. The ability to listen to customers and give them exactly what they want whilst simultaneously offering them alternative and common sense ideas.

What are you most keen to learn that will help you grow your business?
I am most keen to learn the most up to date styles and modes and also discover things that are different – so that people will always remember my service as a positive and innovative experience.

Are there any brands, companies or personalities that you most admire or aspire to?
No. My taste is extremely eclectic and is a mix of all the ingredients that I like so therefore I don’t follow any particular brand.

. . . suddenly made stunning

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your company?
The biggest fear I have presently is that venues will start to buy their own chair covers and sashes. Logistically it would be extremely hard for them all to do it due to the vast range of covers, sizes and colours, but it is the only thing I fear. Even though there is lots of competition out there I am confident in my own ability that I can continue to be successful.

Is being a business owner how you expected it to be, or have you had any surprises along the way?
I have had surprises along the way and in a negative vein I’d say that I am disappointed with some people’s dishonesty in business. I like to work with and for honest people who respect me and the service I offer.

What is your main goal for your company?
To branch out and reach the point where I will offer every service to couples for weddings without them having to go elsewhere. Also, I’d like to be the main supplier for hotels, venues and companies and build some long term business relationships.

Do you have any advice for people thinking of starting their own business?
You can over-analyse things and end up getting very confused and frightened, but if you really have a passion for what you want to do then you should just go ahead and do it. Also, you have to keep a regular check on your accounts and try not to let customers get away with paying late because you could be taken advantage of.

You're in safe hands with Bond Security

Bond Security Services are experts in keeping businesses safe and secure. By providing security but with a friendly approach and a personal touch, Bond Security give companies and homeowners both assurance and protection.

Company Directors Jim Ferris, Terry Watts and Angie Doherty have built up an impressive list of qualifications and experience in the security industry, and are keen to use that knowledge to protect businesses and homes from thefts, vandalism or damage.

Visit Bond Security’s website www.bondsecurityservices.co.uk, or give them a ring on 0208 501 2615 and find out more about how they can help you keep your company secure.

What does your company do?
Security, manned guarding, mobile patrols and CCTV.

MD Jim Ferris was part of the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland before setting up Bond Security.

What makes your business different?
We give the personal touch

What inspired you to start this business?
I have been in this line of business for a number of years.

Have you previously run any other businesses? Could you tell us a little bit about them?
I was Senior Operations Manager with a successful Security Company for the past nine years, prior to that I was a police officer for 20 years.

How are you funding your business?
Self-funding from the Directors.

Do you have any staff or partners in your business?
There are three Directors in the Company and other staff will be recruited as required.

Visit www.bondsecurityservices.co.uk to find out more about what Bond Security can do for you.

Where do you see your business in 3 years?
A small but successful Security Company with 24 hour control room, 24 hour mobile supervision and 2 Operations managers on the ground.

What characteristics do you have that will help you make your business a success?
Experience and good communication skills.

What are you most keen to learn that will help you grow your business?
Where the requirement is for Security.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your company?
Getting the opportunity to quote for work.

Is being a business owner how you expected it to be, or have you had any surprises along the way?
As expected hard work but worth it.

Commercial Director Terry Watts - hard at work.

What is your main goal for your company?
To be successful

Do you have any advice for people thinking of starting their own business?
Be prepared to work hard in order to get the message out there about your new business.

Not taking professional advice first

There are lots of very good reasons to form a limited company but it’s important to take advice first on the right company structure for you. Financially, you may better off with a partnership or to trade as a sole trader for example. If you are unsure call the office and we can put you through to an accountant who will offer free advice.

Cheap/free company formation offers

Once you’ve established you need to form a limited company make sure that you use the right company formation agent. There are plenty of cheap or free company formation offers but there is often a reason for this. 

The low end prices advertised tend to only form the company and email you a copy of the incorporation certificate. (This is a good service if you are a professional or have a good understanding of company law.) You will quickly find that you are legally required to have other documents that they will charge, often over the rate, for that will enable them to make their money. These will be added on as you go through the formation process so what appears to be £35 ends up £89.

We often get disgruntled customers calling us for advice as they cannot get through to their formation agent and are unclear about what the next steps are to take. 

Free offers mostly tend to obligate you to form a bank account with the formation agent’s partner as the banks pay a commission for this. Always read the small print as you will find there are significant fines from the formation agency for not opening a bank account or other service you have inadvertently signed up for.

Paying too much

Similarly paying in excess of £100 for your company formation is considered a bit steep. Unless the company administering this for you is offering other services such as VAT registration, company office and secretarial services. In many cases clients will ask or assume that only their accountants can complete the company formation. I have been shocked by some of the excessive fees that accountants are charging for a service that they simply ask their formation agent to do. To be fair, I have also been very impressed with those accountants who have added very little or no commission.

DIY

You can form a company with Companies House directly, yourself, for a fee, however you should know that around 90% of formations are formed electronically. There is a reason that even the professional accountants and lawyers opt to incorporate this way and that’s time. If you know how to accurately complete the paperwork, set up the structure and get the documents officially signed it can still take many days to get your company formed and receive the documents back from Companies House. Formation agents can do everything for you in a few hours and the good ones will provide you with all the help and additional documentation you need to get things going.

Not registering a domain

If you don’t intend to use professional looking emails or put up a website straight away you should register your domain name as soon as possible. 

Rebeccadawe@yahoo.co.uk (not a professional email)

rebecca@duport.co.uk (a professional email that matches our company name. Personal email addresses, above, do not inspire confidence)

www.duport.co.uk(by registering the domain duport.co.uk we’ve been able to put our website at this Internet address)

 There are professional companies registering domain names in the hope to sell them back to you at a later time for excessive fees. Check you can find a domain to match your company name and register them both at the same time.

Call us anytime for advice on any of the issues above. As always we promise there’s no obligation to use us!

www.dmsol.co.uk

Today’s profiled client is Liam Butchers from Display Media Solutions Ltd.

Display Media Solutions are a print and display company which specialises in products for retail, trade and exhibitions.

We asked Liam some questions about his company and experiences of being a business owner, and here’s what he had to say.

You can find Display Media Solutions at www.dmsol.co.uk, or call them on 0845 116 2700.

What does your company do?

Large format print, exhibition materials, display equipment, conference set up, trade shows, supplier of pop-ups and banners.

What makes your business different?

Display Media Solutions was formed because the market has become saturated with foreign ‘knock-offs’. I realised that quality at a good price is what the market doesn’t currently have. In layman’s terms, we offer the very best quality products and prints at the most competitive price in market.

What inspired you to start this business?

It may sound a little cheesy but I genuinely love the industry. When I randomly come across my prints being used it’s a great feeling. I get an amazing buzz out of that.

"My most important bit of advice: know your market"

Have you previously run any other businesses?

I have worked in the industry a long while now, but this is my first ever business venture.

Do you have any staff or partners in your business?

I currently work with a couple of graphic designers and I also work closely with some of the world’s leading manufacturers in display and exhibition products. All my prints are produced using the very best materials available.

What characteristics do you have that will help you make your business a success?

I am a very focused and hardworking individual and have a lot of contacts and experience in my industry. I am under no illusions, I know that it will be tough, but I honestly believe that in life you get out what you put into it.

What are you most keen to learn that will help you grow your business?

I now need a couple of key accounts that I will look after very carefully and nurture and then really build upon that.

Are there any brands, companies or personalities that you most admire or aspire to?

If I am honest I really like Richard Branson and his Virgin brand. I also admire Apple – they have it all, really. Also Alan Sugar is an absolutely fantastic business role model, what he has achieved in his working life is simply incredible.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your company?

Securing that elusive big contract, that’s it really. I feel that I have everything else in place now, and am ready to win that important client.

Display Media Solutions

Is being a business owner how you expected it to be, or have you had any surprises along the way?

If I am honest it is a lot tougher than I could have ever imagined, the accounting side of things is just mind boggling. I am learning quickly though, it’s interesting how running your own business makes you discover skills you never knew you had.

What is your main goal for your company?

To achieve a million pound turnover within 5 years.

Do you have any advice for people thinking of starting their own business?

Lots of advice and I am more than willing to discuss it with anyone who wants to listen. My most important bit of advice: know your market. That really is the key.

world cup football players LTD companies

Many football players have limited companies, incorporated in their names, registered at Companies House. Many have just protected their names leaving the companies dormant but some are trading. I thought I would rank our players companies according to the best performing credit reports.

STEVEN GERRARD PROMOTIONS LIMITED
Company No. 03802795

• The size of the company is small
• The company is over 10 years old
• Caution/moderate risk credit score
• Shareholders Funds increased from £2,256,000 to £2,827,000, whilst Total Assets increased from £2,688,000 to £3,570,000.
• The report suggests that the company generated a profit after tax and other appropriations. 

FRANK LAMPARD LIMITED
Company No. 04081810

• No credit score information
• The size of the company is small
• The company is over 9 years old
• Shareholders Funds increased from £1,002,000 to £1,379,000, whilst Total Assets increased from £2,249,000 to £2,307,000.
• The report suggests company generated a profit after tax and other appropriations. 

MATTHEW UPSON PROMOTIONS LIMITED
Company No. 04646438

• The size of the company is small
• The company is over 7 years old
• Normal risk score
• Shareholders Funds increased from £894,000 to £1,271,000, whilst Total Assets increased from £1,205,000 to £1,461,000.
• The report suggests that the company generated a profit after tax and other appropriations.

WES BROWN LIMITED
Company No. 04141719

• Low risk credit score
• Size of the company is small
• The company is over 9 years old
• Shareholders Funds increased from £599,000 to £739,000, whilst Total Assets increased from £660,000 to £805,000.
• The business activity in which this company is involved contains a similar amount of insolvencies compared to total population averages.
• The report suggests the company generated a profit after tax and other appropriations. 

EMILE HESKEY PROMOTIONS LIMITED
Company No. 03799036

• Low risk score.
• Size of company is small
• The company is over 10 years old
• Shareholders Funds decreased from £407,000 to £387,000, whilst Total Assets increased from £426,000 to £439,000.
• The report suggests that the company suffered a loss after tax and other appropriations.

JAMES MILNER PROMOTIONS LIMITED
Company No. 04721760

• Normal risk score
• The size of the company is small
• The company is over 7 years old
• Shareholders Funds increased from £172,000 to £212,000, whilst Total Assets increased from £211,000 to £256,000.
• The report suggests that the company generated a profit after tax and other appropriations.

STEPHEN WARNOCK (ENTERPRISES) LIMITED
Company No. 05632013

• Moderate/caution risk score
• Size of the company is small
• The company is over four years old
• There was a very significant increase in Sales from £12,000 to £19,000 for the period ending 30/04/09.
• The latest Accounts show an increase in Pre-tax Profits from £11,000 to £13,000.
• Shareholders Funds decreased from £13,000 to £7,000, whilst Total Assets decreased from £22,000 to £20,000. 

Viewing the reports I noticed that many players have interests in other limited companies. If you are really curious you can nose further into your favourite players business by completing a director search and viewing business involvement reports http://www.duport.co.uk/credit-reports/order.php

Just imagine that upon the refusal of an extension on your bank loan that you reveal to your bank manager that you are aware that they have just set up a finance and investments company and that perhaps they would like to review your situation!

Obviously this is a joke and my suggestion does not represent the views of Duport Associates LTD even if it could bring you untold riches and happiness!

I am aware that I have just warned off many budding entrepreneurs from forming a Limited Company. With the threat of having to hand in my P45 I do have the solution for all prospective and worried LTD company directors, company shareholders and company secretaries; our reserve a company name service.

If you want to keep your business private we can register the company  and act as your directors and shareholders until you are ready to start trading for only £65.

Here are some other alternative reasons for using reports:

• Checking out your husband’s business

The divorce lawyers may be very interested to see the company’s huge turnover this year.

• Spying on your boss

Get yourself noticed by hand delivering a birthday card to his home (yes dates of birth and addresses available).

• Watching your employees

Are they setting up a rival business whilst working for you?

• Keeping up with Jones’

How well is Mrs Jones business doing at number 45? 

Does anyone have any other amusing uses?

It is incredibly difficult to find a name that has been permitted at Companies House (with over 7 thousand new names being registered a week and strict rules surrounding naming) and matching a domain name (with tens of millions registered each year).

However, be warned, think carefully about how your company name and domain name looks. These websites may have attracted the wrong kind of visitors  (taken from listverse.com):

1. Whorepresents.com

A company called who represents.

2. Expertsexchange.com

Experts Exchange.

3. Penisland.net

Pen Island.

4. Therapistfinder.com

Need a therapist?

5. Powergenitalia.com

An Italian Power Generator company.

6. Molestationnursery.com

Mole Station Native Nursery.

7. cummingfirst.com

Cumming Methodist Church.

The problem with limited company names is that Companies House prevents any name which may be viewed as offensive. Sadly, as so many people easily take offense these rules are, in my opinion, unnecessarily strict and we have often all been left very frustrated in the office that yet another creative company name (that really wasn’t offensive) has been refused.

I do understand that some names are simply inappropriate and personally I wouldn’t want to see the Companies House register filled with filth. I also appreciate that offensive is very much an individual interpretation and it is therefore easier to stay safe. It’s unfortunate though that all the rules and regulations stifle individuality and humour.

Luckily we are all pretty open minded in the office (you would be surprised at some of the proposed company names!) and we have some real laughs with our customers trying to creatively get some of the names onto the register.

However, with over 7 thousand Limited Companies registered every week it is inevitable that some names will get past the examiners (although not very often). Being incredibly immature I had some fun typing rude words into the Companies House register to see what I could find:

• Boobs LTD
• Bollox LTD
• Knobs and Knockers LTD (door fittings)
• Sh1t fertilizer LTD (the company is dissolved now!)
• Doggie Style LTD (dog boutique)
• Whipsmaid LTD (a play on Whipsnade and yes it is bondage)
• Wet Dreams LTD (surfing accessories)
• Hard and slow (alcohol)

These ones made me laugh out loud, particularly as they are all not trading or dissolved. Say the name quickly and you’ll understand.

• Norfolk and Cash LTD
• Norfolk and Chance LTD
• Norfolk and Good LTD

Anyone else know any good ones?