My Time Matters provide virtual PA and concierge services in West Berkshire. Our aim is to help you both at work and at home to free up your time so that you can live your life the way you want to.

Here are some examples of ways in which we have been able to help some of our most recent clients:-

• A business executive asked us to put together a plan for a vacation to include both time in London and Ireland. He wanted the trip to be both unforgettable and economical! We researched hotels and flights and also came up with ideas and suggestions of places to visit. We have provided an itinerary that both works in terms of staying within budget and maximises the enjoyment

• A busy couple, who have an elderly relative, were finding it difficult to provide support for her during the daytime in the normal working week. They contacted us and discussed their and their relatives’ needs following which My Time Matters have been retained on a regular basis to visit their relative two to three times a week, provide her with lunch but also provide her with services outside the normal ‘carer package’. This varies from day to day, but includes conversation, walks and trips to the shops. 

• We have been working with a group of people who have decided to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge. The object of this challenge is to climb the three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within twenty four hours. The group wants to concentrate on the challenge itself and not worry about extraneous issues. They have engaged My Time Matters to provide concierge services for the trip which have included sourcing and providing each person’s individual food requirements, ensuring adequate medical supplies are available and making hotel bookings. A representative from My Time Matters will also travel on the minibus with the group for the duration of the Challenge to ensure the smooth running of the actual event.

Quite simply we are here to help you. Let us do those time-consuming things which you find mundane, boring or you just do not want to do. You will then have more time for the things you want to do. Just ask us if we can help. If we cannot help you we will tell you. We will not waste your time. We appreciate what a precious commodity your time is.

Why not give a ring and chat about your needs. What have you got to lose?

Call TODAY on 07720327759 or go to http://www.yellowtom.co.uk/161584 to find out more- including an exclusive offer to

Are you struggling with time? Do you feel you have enough time in your life to do the things you want to do? Do you find yourself doing things you do not want to do when you could be doing something else? Maybe we can help. Have a look at the stories below to see how My Time Matters have helped others..

We were approached by a client who had been asked by her daughter to have her granddaughter’s party at her house. With all the other things she had to think about although she wanted to help her daughter but she did not have the spare time to think about organising a party. This is where we came in. We had a chat with our client about the sort of party she would like to hold. As both of her daughters are now in their early 20s it was a long time since she had had to think about what to do for a 4 year olds party! We have more recent experience in this area. We agreed to prepare a draft iterinary for the party including suitable games, time for free play and of course the all important birthday tea. To allow our client and her daughter to be able to enjoy the party one of us was present to run the party and ensure things went smoothly. This included turning up before the party started and preparing a treasure hunt with the birthday girl, making a note of all the presents that were given to her with a note of who had given them so that a suitable thank you note could be sent later, running the games and ensuring that went smoothly so that everyone could enjoy themselves which they did. The party girl was suitably exhausted and happy when the party had finished but the grandmother and her daughter were ……………….

We have a client who regularly spends one day a week away from home. They have a much loved elderly dog who they do not wish to leave on its own all day. We liaise with them each week to arrange a visiting time on that day when we spend with the dog, give it a walk and feed it along with the cat (if it turns up).

We had a client with a very busy schedule who needed a carpet fitted in one of her rental properties at quite short notice. She was unable to find a suitable company who could fit a carpet within her budget and in the correct time frame. Through our contacts we were able not only to arrange this for her but for the total cost including our fees to be slightly less than the total budget she was thinking of. Our service also included attending at the house so that the rooms could be measured, removal and disposal of the existing carpet and we supervised the actual carpet fitting including paying the contractors on successful completion of the work.

Other things we have been involved in over the past couple of months have been arranging cleaning, taking an enquiry about family trees and arranging for collection of prescriptions.

As you can see we are able to offer many different ways of helping you free up your time and give you peace of mind into the bargain.

So just give us a ring. What have you got to lose?

My Time Matters- 0845 0943917

Go to http://www.yellowtom.co.uk/161584 to view our latest offer!

Are you considering some New Year Home Improvements?  Worried about large heating bill that will land through your door? Every little helps, and that starts at the front door.

First launched in 2009 the Ecoflap is the answer to vandalism with no mail restrictions and maximum protection from outside draught. Inventor Richard of Jessel Innovations said: “At first most people believed a draught proof letter box with no springs or brushes would not work.”

The product has now been on the market a little under two years with thousands sold and fitted providing guaranteed satisfaction in every case.  

For £23.99 inclusive of the VAT increase, the Ecoflap has, in Richard’s words “been tested to destruction but even with winds at 114.7mph it did not destruct and continued working properly.” 

Although there has been various amendments along the way the original design still shines through today.  Richard added: “Customer satisfaction is paramount to us.”
You can find out more, or pick one up by calling 01189872398 or clicking on www.ecoflap.co.uk”

 You can also visit Yellowtom and download your coupon for free postage and packing- saving £2.99!

Local IT Support Firm Enables Local Businesses

Create IT Group is a specialist IT support and solutions provider, based in Newbury.  With a firm belief that every business is unique, it ensures a tailored and customer focused approach to business IT issues and IT support requirements that reduce costs, increase levels of service and customer expectations.  Working closely with its customers, Create IT Group understands their individual business pressures facilitating a noticeable reduction in potential impact to their client’s end-customers.

Recent success includes the complete installation of all IT infrastructure, and provision of on-going IT support services to a local audio visual company that works in partnership with one of the two largest mobile phone network operators in the UK.  The solution saw the introduction of many leading edge technologies, including Microsoft Windows Server 2008, Microsoft Exchange 2010 and advanced security appliances from WatchGuard for remote connectivity.  Combined with messaging solutions through RIM’s BlackBerry and Apples iPhone devices, Create IT Group were able to transform a team of 20 engineers overnight into totally connected information workers.  This has boosted productivity, increased efficiency and moved the company well ahead of its competitors.

The provision of an enhanced level of IT support and IT solutions has seen Create IT Group increase its own levels of business as it now builds and configures a variety of IT solutions that are installed directly into the network operators 150 high-street retail outlets nation-wide.

Following this most recent success, Create IT Group is able to offer this enhanced level of IT support and solutions to all businesses in the Newbury and West Berkshire area.  To find out how you can reduce your costs and enable your business to do more, please visit the website: www.createitg.com

Saturday 31 July 7.45pm

The Corn ExchangeTickets £8 (£6) 

Award Winning Youth Theatre Return

Among the thousands of performances and events occurring at the Edinburgh Festival every August, there are few companies that return consistently every year with a new production. There are fewer that maintain a reputation, with the same consistency, garnering four and five star reviews across the festival press.Surprisingly, one such company never comprises the same members and they are all under 21.This year Newbury Youth Theatre plan to continue their success, but before they get there, they will be performing their adaptation of Hilaire Belloc’s Cautionary Tales for Children at The Corn Exchange, Newbury on Saturday 31 July at 7.45pm.Adapted by the young company under the direction of Amy and Tony Trigwell-Jones, this performance (suitable for families with children aged 7+) will feature much of their trademark style, including live music, ensemble storytelling, physical comedy and touches of magic.Set in a new government department at the turn of the twentieth century, three men are on a crusade to lead the Ministry for the Correction of Young Oiks to great success.The plan is simple – take the blighters off the streets, terrify them into changing their ways, and set them up with responsible jobs - they do this by telling stories relevant to their conditions.  In this, we hear of Jim, who ran away from his nurse and was eaten by a lion, Matilda, who told lies and was burned to death and Henry King, who chewed bits of string and was early cut off in dreadful agonies, as well as other favourite stories from Belloc’s classic collection.This production has been particularly inspired by Edward Gorey’s “re-discovered” edition of these tales, it also features a brand new story devised by the company.Newbury Youth Theatre prides itself on welcoming young people without audition. The aim is to encourage creativity, making productions with a strong emphasis on ensemble that entertain audiences of all ages.Belloc’s Cautionary Tales were first published in 1907, while he was serving as MP for Salford South.  Probably the most famous of his writing, the short, poetic stories with implausible morals, inspired Roald Dahl in much of his children’s stories, most obviously in his much loved novel, Mathilda.Tickets for Cautionary Tales priced £8 (£6 discounts) are available from the Box Office on 01635 522733 or online at www.cornexchangenew.com.

Are you struggling with debt? Are you worried about your finances? Perhaps the story below sounds familar…

‘My husband is unaware that we have approximately £66k of debt.  He has only worked 12 out of the last 30 months since being made redundant.  We are now behind with everything.  There are mortgage arrears and a repossession order on our house.  On Wednesday there is a repossession hearing for his car, which he thinks is almost paid off.  We also owe credit cards and last years council tax. I have found myself contemplating suicide so I know I must act.  My fear is not the debt, it is confessing the mess to him.  Please help.’

I immediately telephoned the lady, but she did not answer.  I left a message, and emailed her advising that she could telephone me that evening up until 10pm, or I would call her again the next morning.  I also told her not to panic, that I could help.

When I spoke with her the next morning, she was dreadfully upset.  She really believed that I could not help her, and that she was going to lose everything.  She has two children.

First of all I had to calm her down, and I did that by just listening and not judging.  She had not been able to discuss her situation with anyone as she felt so much shame - so the very act of her getting it all of her chest was successful in calming her down. I then told her about my qualifications, what my company does to help people, and the type of people and situations we have helped with in the past.

I asked her for a list of everyone that she & her husband owed money to. I then asked her for details of the income that they had at the moment, and their expenditure. 

They had £1980 income per month, £1190 priority expenditure per month (mortgage, council tax, utilities, food, insurances, fuel, hire purchase/secured loans etc), and they were meant to be paying £1260 per month towards mortgage arrears, council tax arrears, hire purchase arrears and unsecured creditors.

She was trying to keep all the creditors happy by paying whoever was shouting the loudest - but obviously could not keep them all happy and got herself in a mess. It was clear she could not afford to pay £1260 per month to all her creditors - but she agreed she could afford £500 per month.

We then contacted all of her creditors, asking them to no longer contact the client - but to contact us directly, requested that they freeze all charges and interest. The client then pays us £500 per month - and we make pro rata offers of payment to the creditors.  However, in this case - as there were mortgage arrears and hire purchase arrears - they get priority payment (so the largest portion of the £500), and the remaining creditors get a minimum payment. As long as the client pays us each month - then the creditors get paid.

We stopped repossession of both the property and the car. The client was then able to go to her husband and confess the mess which she had been hiding from him, but because she was able to show him that she had found a solution and everything was now manageable, it did not cause the argument that she thought it would.

6 months later these clients are doing well.  They are now able to manage their finances comfortably, and even enjoy a few treats.  She said to me many times ‘I wish I had contacted you sooner’ - but I am just glad she contacted me at all.

So many people presume they can’t be helped - but actually it is very rare for us not to be able to help.  The hardest part for people is making the initial contact.  Once they have done that, and they realise that they are not going to be judged - the relief they feel is immediate.  They have usually been coping with it for so long by themselves - that being able to discuss it with someone who understands removes a huge weight from their shoulders.

If you are struggling with debt, please don’t struggle alone. Call me, Nikki MacEwan at Access Finance and we’ll do our best to help you.

Best regards,

Nikki

01264 774881

www.accessfinancemanagement.co.uk

The Arlington Arts Centre is based in the grounds of Mary Hare School, and provide modern conference and meeting room facilities all year round. Our easily accessible location just minutes off junction 13 of the M4 / A34 makes us ideal for commuters from London, Bath, Oxford, the South Coast and beyond as well as local businesses looking for:

• Conference Facilities/ Convention Venues, Seminars and Training Days
• Meeting Room hire for one to ones, sales meetings, etc
• Product Launches
• AGMs

Spread out over two sites- the Arts Centre itself and Grade 2* listed Mill Hall- means we can cope with your needs whether they are large or small.

The Arlington Arts Centre itself boasts an auditorium and 3 separate meeting rooms (or break out rooms), all of which have broadband access (WiFi), interactive white boards, projectors (perfect for playing DVDs) and sound systems as standard. We can provide tea, coffee and other refreshments catered for as per your requirements.

Mill Hall is perfect to use in conjunction with the Arts Centre for larger events. Here we are able to host and cater for formal dinners and parties for up to 120 delegates. We have a fully licensed bar and a live music license which makes us a great place to celebrate at!

Although we do not provide accommodation at the Arlington Arts, we do have exclusive deals with a number local hotels, who give us discounted rates which we pass on to you.

So if you need a room for one to ones or a large space for 250 people, you can enjoy a high quality service while also supporting the education of young deaf children. Don’t forget your Yellowtom coupon to save money on your delegate day rate!

Set on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Kintbury, just outside of Hungerford, The Dundas Arms is a traditional British Pub. We serve good quality food, wines and real ales, and provide accommodation to paying guests. With ample parking and a peaceful outdoor area to enjoy food and drinks, The Dundas Arms is a great choice for your break, or for grabbing a bite to eat and a drink to catch up with family and friends.

The Dundas Arms Bar and Restaurant

With its idealic setting on the canal (and convenient location just off the M4 and A34), The Dundas Arms extremely popular for guests travelling through the area, of visiting West Berkshire specifically to enjoy the countryside or people who need accommodation who are visiting nearby Newbury for the races or Newbury Festival as well as locals looking for good quality, honest food.

Having been in business for over 42 years, The Dundas Arms has an excellent reputation and is critically acclaimed and featured in the Real Ale Guide, the Visit Britain Guide, the Good Pub Guide, the Michelin Pub Guide and was awarded the CAMRA’s (the Campaign for Real Ale) West Berkshire Pub of the Year Award for 2009.

Accommodation at The Dundas Arms

The Dundas Arms has a mix of double and single bedrooms available, all of which are on the ground floor with patio doors leading out to the terrace looking over the canal. This not only rooms light and pleasant, but also easily accessible for disabled guests. All bedrooms are en-suite and breakfast is included in the price.

We look forward to your visit! Don’t forget your Yellowtom coupon to take advantage of our latest local offer.

West Berkshire’s CAMRA Pub of the Year 2009! 

With offices in Newbury and Swindon, Ross Brooke Chartered Accountants are the accountants you should call whether you are just starting out in business, or already established sole trader, partnership or limited company.

Ross Brooke are passionate about the success of your business. Every client is unique and deserves a unique service tailored to your specific needs. 

They deliver high quality services backed by the assurance of fixed fees agreed in advance. That way you can be sure that there will never be any hidden costs or nasty surprises.

Whether a start up or an established business our team of business specialists will be committed to help you to take your business forward and achieve your goals.

Our services include: 
• Advice on initial business set up
• Same day Company formations
• Bookkeeping
• Annual accounts preparation for incorporated and unincorporated businesses
• Audits
• Tax returns
• Payroll
• VAT
• Cashflows and forecasts
• Management accounts
• Assistance with obtaining finance
• Sage, Quickbooks and Kashflow specialists

Here are just some of the things that our clients say:

“Friendly, helpful and professional”
“We feel that you have our interests at heart”
“Everything done for me”
“We like the personal touch”
“Very helpful, very friendly”
“You go out of your way to help us”

Our latest offer is 25% off your first years fees for the first 50 customers that use their Yellowtom coupon, but hurry- this offer closes 30th June 2010.

Tiverton House and Associates have set up a centre of excellence in Newbury, offering a range of complementary therapies all aimed at high quality solutions for patients at a low cost. Treatments include osteopathy, hypnotherapy, beauty and holistic treatments, aromatherapy, reflexology, remedial massage and Pilates; all under one roof. So whether you have a specific medical condition or are looking to pamper yourself, Tiverton House is the best and most convenient choice for you. 

Treatments on offer include:

• Osteopathy is a system of diagnosing and treating issues linked to the body’s structural make-up and can be used to treat a variety of conditions from problems with babies, toddlers and children (including colic, sleeping problems, aches, pain and headaches), teenagers with growing pains/ hormonal problems as well as adults with sports injuries, work related shoulder, neck and back pain, osteoarthritis and expectant mums during pregnancy and postnatal.

• Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a variety of everyday social, emotional and psychological issues including weight loss and anxiety. Hypnotherapy is also useful for breaking habits such as smoking and is great as a way of creating a natural state of relaxation. 

• Beauty & Holistic Treatments. We offer a wide range of treatments including electrolysis, non-surgical facial massage, hot stone massage, Hopi ear candling, waxing, facials, pedicures, manicures, waxing and eyebrow and eyelash tinting. We strongly promote natural and organic beauty products and are proud to be using quality brands like Suki, Laidbare, Whish, Lucy B, Neways and Raw Gaia. We also specialise in Pilates and rehabilitation and preventative exercise programs.

• Aromatherapy and Reflexology. Aromatherapy is based on using natural therapeutic oils which encourage good health and well being. Reflexology uses massage and pressure on the reflexes of the hands and feet to bring balance to the body.

• Remedial Massage combines general and deep tissue massage with different forms of stretching and muscle energy release techniques to improve health and performance so is suitable for all.

To see more information and our latest offers, go to Yellowtom Newbury.