Weston-super-Mare based Insight Data has continued to enjoy record growth despite the UK’s current economic trading conditions. The company was formed in 2006 and has doubled in size every two years, growing from 2 employees in 2007 to it’s current 20-strong team, with plans for continued growth and employment.

The company builds industry-specifc, specialist online business databases and gained widespread recognition in October 2009 after winning first place in the North Somerset Enterprise Agency “Business of the Year Awards”.  In early 2010 the firm was awarded membership in the Direct Marketing Association, and in May 2010 completed a major move to new premises to Bridgwater Court, Oldmixon Crescent in the town.

“We have continued to invest in technology, people and marketing throughout the recession, and it is now paying dividends” explains commercial director, Helen Costeloe-Hughes. With 3 to 4 new clients signing up every week to Insight’s online database and software application, it certainly seems to be a winning formula.

As part of its growth strategy Insight recently held a recruitment open day. After receiving over 400 applications for job vacancies, the company invited 40 hopefuls in for a presentation and tour of the business which culminated in 5 job offers. ”If we continue to achieve our growth plans then we expect to create a further 15 – 20 jobs in the next two years” added Helen.

Contact: Helen Costeloe-Hughes, Commercial Director, Insight Data Ltd, 3 Bridgwater Court, Oldmixon Crescent, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 9AY.   Tel: 01934 808293. Web: www.insightdata.co.uk. Twitter: www.twitter.com/insightdata

There is the good news and the bad news! Things are changing so fast, October brought the awaited changes to the national minimum wage – £5.93 for 22 + years; £4.94 for 18-22 years and £3.64 for under 18s.

The Government investigated 901 organisations which were set up to oversee individual operations and projects – low and behold – 192 are now on the quango bonfire, 118 have merged and 171 reformed.

Recession information has some very good results. Thousands have asked for debt advice. If you need help go to http://bit.ly/bBhIKi

Government promises 75,000 apprenticeship places at a cost of £250 million per year to rebuild skills shortages.

Lord Young to take office of Enterprise Advisor to the Prime Minister – let’s hope he continues to reduce red tape.

The best news is that the economy has exceeded everyone’s expectations and just look at the FTSE figures.

And the question of the month – What do you call a politician who has lost an election? Answer – a Consultant!

And finally: Congratulations to Kerry and Michelle Michael in pulling off one of the largest ventures in the South West, which will enhance business in the area and bring visitors in from all over the world – long may the Grand Pier prosper!

Fireworks on the sea front signal the start of the main holiday season. Hotels fully booked, restaurants buzzing, lots of visitors to our shores.

All the major indicators are showing slow improvements, but that is fine. We know this is going to take a long time, steady growth without a winter dip would be preferred. Hope you got your business rates and tax credits sorted before 1 August – the door is now closed.

Lots of training available via our office on Oldmixon Crescent – Advertising & Promotion, bookkeeping, business start up courses to name but a few.

North Somerset Business Club – one of the most cost effective networking groups in the region. Get your tickets for the Charity Ball on 2 October – being held on the new Grand Pier. Come and look around and support local business and local charities.

Remember to visit the money saver before any big purchase – I would be surprised if Martin Lewis cannot save you money on most of your shopping, including holidays and flights.

Look for new opportunities at all times, but never forget your regular customers – look after them first.

Quote of the week:

“Be careful of reading health books – you may die of a misprint”

Well, more figures show the recession is over! Which is good news – they are even predicting a slight run on the Stock Market.

Good news shows some support to SME’s for Research and Development. Tax credits could help small businesses to carry out R & D spending.

Hero’s welcome in the UK. We are asking all of our businesses in North Somerset to consider displaying the logo on the shop door and to offer a value added service eg small discount on products or services. Plus Armed Forces day 26 June is an event that has grown. There is no charge for this and will be of interest to children and adults. Lots of events across the town – look out for the publicity and get involved – show your support to our armed forces.

On 1st January a number of measures were introduced that will affect almost all businesses and organisations that supply or receive services from overseas – VAT complications.

And finally:

As legislation is increasing in every section, will I need to join the Magic Circle – as I helped a farmer turn a cow into a field on Sunday!

Terry Gilbert is Business Support Manager for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk as well as being the director for the Weston Town Centre Partnership and Chair for Weston 200 and Weston Arts Social Enterprise.

Tax codes are a changing – HM Revenue has recently introduced a new National Insurance and PAYE system and is using it to issue notices of tax coding for the first time. This should lead to a more accurate result. If you are concerned your code is wrong, ring 0845 3000 627. It needs to be correct for 6 April 2010.

New rates are still filtering through. Some surprises have been experienced which may need help to rectify. However, some businesses may experience a reduction ie workshops and factories.

There is a lot of reasonably priced and subsidised training to be had across North Somerset – call 01934 418118 for details and dates.

BUY LOCAL – We are being urged to support our local shops. Buying on line is a novelty, but when all the shops are shut down it will be too late to support them, so think about them now, give them your support – use your STAR card for discounts.

Banks are opening up a bit – good business plans and budgets will get a fair hearing on loans and overdrafts, which is progress and good news.

“A problem shared etc” is just as important now as it ever was and proprietors should consider talking to the Enterprise Agency, their bank manager or their accountant.

For the business people who like to gamble – take a look at Penny Sleuth – Google will find it. Some of the shares floated there make 300% profit in two months – of course, some also make big losses.

Lots of good causes coming up:

RNLI Charity Auction and Dinner. To be held on Friday 5 March at The Cove Restaurant, Weston-super-Mare. Tickets £30 per head to include 3-course dinner

Charity Football match for the Children’s Hospice South West. To be held on Sunday 21 March at Clevedon’s Hand Stadium

New business directory being released through North Somerset Council next month. Also business support link on the Council website coming up soon

And finally:

Senior Citizens are officially the nations leading carriers of AIDS:

Hearing aids
Band aids
Walking aids
Medical aids
And finally – monetary aids to their kids!!

Terry Gilbert is Business Support Manager for the North Somerset Enterprise Agency www.northsomersetenterpriseagency.co.uk as well as being the director for the Weston Town Centre Partnership and Chair for Weston 200 and Weston Arts Social Enterprise.