Copper Phoenix's posterous

VAT: Cut the VAT coalition update

This coalition of over 20 professional bodies and trade associations, heritage and environmental NGOs - including The Alliance and some of its Members - has written to the Chancellor urging him not to press ahead with the proposal to levy VAT at 20 per cent on approved alterations to listed buildings.

In a press release on 1 May, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders Brian Berry explained the impact this proposal could have on the construction industry: "The Treasury has acknowledged this increase in VAT will have an adverse effect on the construction industry and we already know projects are being cancelled or curtailed. Under EU law once the zero rate of VAT has been removed it cannot be reinstated. Therefore, we are urging the Government to reconsider its decision in order to prevent a further decline in the industry at this time."

Coalition members including The Alliance have also signed a joint letter to the Daily Telegraph, stating "By removing the zero rate of VAT on alterations to listed buildings, the Government is making it harder to protect our heritage. According to English Heritage research, half the people who live in listed buildings are in lower socio-economic groups. The VAT relief on alterations is usually the only incentive available to care for our historic buildings. Alterations to listed buildings require specialist craft skills, and the type of work allowed is carefully controlled through listed building consent. This increase will cause real damage to our heritage and be a further brake on the economic recovery."

Budget 2012: VAT on Listed Building Repairs

Buried within the Budget was a shock decision by the Chancellor to introduce standard rate VAT to the cost of approved alterations to listed buildings. This means from 1 October 2012 approved alterations to listed buildings will be subject to VAT at 20 per cent, where before they were zero-rated. The morning after the Budget The Heritage Alliance Chairman Loyd Grossman aired his thoughts on this in the Daily Telegraph: click here to read what he said.

The Heritage Alliance is concerned this drastic change could have a devastating impact on the future of listed buildings across the country, as it presses yet more costs on communities working to give them a new lease of life - such as through adding toilet facilities or disabled access. HMRC justifies this change because in its view "the majority of the work covered by the relief consists of extension work which is not necessary for heritage purposes" - yet we say the majority of the work is essential for heritage purposes, as without such alterations heritage buildings cannot have a future.

HMRC's overarching reasoning for this change rests on its view that zero rating alterations "give[s] a perverse incentive for change as opposed to repair." Of course, in our view the answer to that was to zero-rate repair - an issue that's united the heritage lobby for years. The Alliance has long argued for the reduction of VAT on repairs and maintenance as the sustainable option.

What do you think?  Please respond to HMRC's consultation - open here until 4 May. 

All Change Please!

The way we all now promote our businesses has changed – Facebook Marketing and Twitter Marketing are here to stay, along with all the other possible channels.

With the increasing use of Social Media everything has changed. An online community of Twitter and/or Facebook users can make or break your business with their comments via PC’s, SmartPhones or Tablets. Your company or service may be getting hundreds or thousands of good or bad reviews on sites like Trip Advisor or Foursquare: your reputation is at stake and can be ruined so easily (remember the recent YouTube video of Road Rage in Bath?).

Businesses must have social media management – someone needs to be monitoring your online presence and creating a social media or digital marketing strategy that will help to build a positive presence and increase your customer base too.

Although there are many who still dismiss the idea of using social media as a "fad", "not worth it" or “just for the young” (whatever that means) note that as far back as 2010, Pepsi pulled out of advertising at America’s Superbowl after 23 years, instead focusing on Social Media. The phenomenal growth of Social Media whether texting, blogging, or networking has, or should have, the attention of every major company. Social Media Management has become an essential component in today’s business.

Social Media/Digital Marketing must be approached very differently from the more traditional marketing methods. You are not selling your business; you are instead creating relationships through communities. If people feel you are part of their community, they will support you and recommend you to their friends. It is word-of-mouth marketing and we all know that that is the very best form to have.

The mistake made most often, is to jump in feet first and blast away on various social media sites convincing yourself that you have achieved something, but the shotgun approach will only achieve results very slowly, if at all. Make sure that you understand what you are using, how to use it and why.

So, make a change - then you’ll see some great results, meet some fascinating people and importantly improve your business!

If Copper Phoenix can be of any help please get in touch.



www.copperphoenix.co.uk 

T: 07919 914512

Looking for Ghosts in Berkeley

Have you ever wanted to take part in an overnight investigation into the paranormal? Looking for ghosts, spirits and the unexpected in an atmospheric historic setting? Would you rather do it with a group of people rather than on your own?

Why not join an event for the public looking for Ghosts in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, taking place in a 400 year old building? The evening will have both historians and mediums attending that between them will help to interpret what can be seen and possibly some of what can’t!

The building is the historic house called “The Chantry” – a 400 year old building on a site with history dating back to prehistoric times. It will be hosting a second paranormal investigation on Saturday 28th January after the last successful sell out event in November. As before the evening will start at 8pm and go through until 2am, well beyond the witching hour, commencing with a history tour of the grounds and buildings before teaming up with the mediums who will attempt to interpret any messages that come through, while various paranormal experiments will be set up in rooms not accessible to the tours.

Both staff and visitors to The Chantry, which currently houses the museum dedicated to Dr Edward Jenner, have experienced several unexplained events and potentially paranormal activity, adding to the many stories about the building in folklore and from past occupants.

The evening is being run and hosted by Copper Phoenix, a heritage consultancy company. Managing Director Tim Davies said: After November’s investigation we had many people who wanted to come back again plus a waiting list. Some fascinating occurrences happened last time; we can’t wait to see if they are repeated!

 The history of the site encompasses Roman occupation, an Anglo-Saxon nunnery that was burned down, the Normans and a Civil War Battlefield, so there is plenty of potential for restless spirits.

Sarah Parker, the Museum Director said: As a science museum we always keep an open mind about the existence of ghosts, we’re very aware of the stories attached to the building and results from past investigations – definitely worth investigatingfurther.

Tickets cost £30 for the evening and more information can be found on the museum website, www.jennermuseum.com  , calling 01453 810631 or emailing info@edwardjenner.co.uk . Attendees must be over 18.

Feedback on Copper Phoenix's Social Media Sessions at the Freedom Travel Conference

Dear Tim,

Firstly, I must apologise, I never got an opportunity to speak with you at the conference this weekend, although I did sit in on your second session, which I thought was great, well pitched for the audience.

We have received some super feedback, so thank you very much for presenting at our conference and I do hope you manage to pick up some further business as a result.

Many thanks once again

Kind regards,

Alison

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Ghosts to be Investigated

*** PRESS RELEASE *** 

 

For Immediate Release

 

15/11/11

 

Berkeley Ghosts to be Investigated

 

 

Have you ever wanted to take part in an overnight investigation into the paranormal? Looking for ghosts, spirits and the unexpected in an atmospheric historic setting?

Well now you can join a public event looking for the Ghosts of Berkeley, in a 400 year old building in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, accompanied by historians and mediums to interpret what we can see and possibly some of what we can’t!

 

The Chantry – a 400 year old building on a site with history dating back to prehistoric times -is hosting a paranormal investigation on Saturday 26th November. The evening will start at 8pm and go through until 2am, well beyond the witching hour, commencing with a history tour of the grounds and buildings before teaming up with the mediums who will attempt to interpret any message that come through, while various experiments are set up. A professional photographer will be covering the event

 

Recently staff at The Chantry, which houses the museum dedicated to Dr Edward Jenner, has been documenting activity and ghost sightings from staff and visitors alike adding to the many spooky stories told about the building that have been passed on by previous occupants.

 

The evening is being run and hosted by Copper Phoenix, a heritage consultancy company. Managing Director Tim Davies said There have been some interesting happenings over the years here and previous events have had some bizarre and unexplained activity. We’re looking forward to it!

 

The history of the site covers Roman occupation, an Anglo-Saxon nunnery, the Normans and a Civil War Battlefield, so plenty of potential for restless spirits. Sarah Parker, the Museum Director said: As a science museum we keep an open mind on the existence of ghosts, but we’re as interested as anyone to see if anything transpires

Tickets cost £25 for the evening and more information can be found on the museum website, www.jennermuseum.com , calling             01453 810631       or emailing info@edwardjenner.co.uk. (Over 18s only)

 

- ENDS –

 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

COPPER PHOENIX

 

 

Copper Phoenix is a heritage and marketing consultancy and has been involved with Berkeley since 2006, the company is run by Tim Davies who has worked at a number of tourist attractions around the country.

 

Tel:             07919 914512      

Email: tim@copperphoenix.co.uk

 

 

Dr Jenner’s House: Birthplace of Vaccination

The Chantry, Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9BN

 

 

The Chantry is Dr Edward Jenner’s former Queen Anne home, located in Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Dr Jenner lived in the house from 1785-1823. It was from here that he pioneered the world-changing vaccination against Smallpox in 1796.

Nelson, Trafalgar and Copper Phoenix

On 21st October 2011 it is the 206th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar where Vice Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson triumphed over the combined Franco-Spanish fleet by employing his new fighting methods christened "The Nelson Touch".

He looked at existing Naval tactics and thought he could improve on them to his advantage and so simply turned his line of battle ships through 90 degrees to attack the Franco-Spanish fleet. Coming in at right angles was a brave and dangerous move, traditional naval doctrine dictated that both sides lined up against each other and traded broadsides: attacking head on meant his lead ships were exposed to enemy fire for a long time without being able to fire back.

His plan, though risky, worked - he won a great victory that made Britain the "Ruler of the Waves" until the beginning of the 20th Century. At the Battle of Jutland in 1916, over one hundred years on, Nelson's tactics were still to the forefront of the Royal Navy's battle plan.

So where does Copper Phoenix, a marketing company, fit into this scenario?

Apart from owner Tim Davies' love of history, he believes like Nelson in looking for new solutions to existing marketing scenarios, exploiting both digital and traditional means to do so. Clients of Copper Phoenix benefit from their existing or proposed marketing plans being analysed, improved upon where necessary and then implemented, either through Copper Phoenix or overseen by the company.

Tim says "Nelson's famous signal 'Engage the enemy more closely' can be taken by marketeers as a call to action. Substitute "enemy" for "client/customer" and we have a good formula. Engaging with clients we find out what they want and need from the marketplace. Engaging with the customer builds trust and relationships, plus good customer service. It creates dialogue, understanding and ultimately relationships of great mutual benefit. The clients get awareness of their products and services out to a wider audience, the customer has greater access and empathy with the supplier."

The most famous signal at Trafalgar was "England expects that every man will do his duty" - Nelson originally wanted to signal "England confides [i.e. is confident] that every man will do his duty." But Pasco, his Flag Lieutenant, suggested that expects be substituted for confides, as the former word was in the signal book, whereas confides would have had to be spelt out letter-by-letter. Nelson agreed to the change (even though 'expects' gave a less trusting impression than 'confides'!): so, as you can see, even the best occasionally need a consultant's view!

Nelson was a great strategist, and marketing strategy is essential for any business. Without it your business is rudderless, drifting about on the commercial currents.

If you need help with designing a marketing strategy, or want a marketing "health check", Copper Phoenix is able to help out with a no obligation initial consultation.

Tim Davies
www.copperphoenix.co.uk

Digital & Tradititional Marketing


T: 07919 914512
E: tim@copperphoenix.co.uk

Follow me on Twitter http://twitter.com/CopperPhoenix

£500K fund to Stimulate Digital Innovation in the Arts

Good to see that the Arts are able to get funding to join in with the explosion of Digital change and reach more people. Too often the Arts are sidelined due to either a lack of funding or a lack of vision from the organisations involved.
 
Tim
 
 
Funding will promote the use of digital technologies to connect with wider audiences and explore new ways of working.

Arts and cultural organisations are being given the opportunity to apply for a share of a half-a-million-pound fund to harness new technology.

The Digital R&D Fund for Arts and Culture was announced today by Arts Council England, the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the
National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA).

It follows a speech by Culture Minister Ed Vaizey in January where he called on cultural organisations to embrace new technology and the opportunities it offers.

“Our lives are increasingly defined by how we engage and interact with the world digitally and cultural organisations can’t afford to be left behind,” Mr Vaizey said. “Too often finances, structures or traditions can constrain the arts from making best use of the technology which now sits at the heart of many people’s everyday lives.

“This programme seeks to show how digital technology can revolutionise our cultural engagement, helping people to derive greater value from cultural activities and to find new ways to generate income.”

Organisations that are eligible to apply to the programme include visual and performing arts organisations, cultural organisations in England including arts and cultural archives, literary organisations, museums and galleries, libraries, commercial arts and cultural organisations and creative industry businesses. Applications will be open until 2 September 2011.