14th May 2012 / 3:41pm
We’ve given you our tips on driving in icy conditions and driving in strong winds before, so in light of the recent spring weather (who knows what will be next!), Gary and I have put together some GWA Cars & Finance tips on driving in heavy rain (other than strap a boat and a couple of oars to the roof, just in case!).
• Check your windscreen wipers. If they look brittle, replace them.
• Slow down. Give yourself more time to decelerate in heavy rain.
• Keep your distance. From other cars and especially lorries and buses.
• Be a disciple. Follow paths through water made by others.
• Deep water danger. The deeper the water is, the less control you’ll have.
• Stop. If it gets too heavy and you don’t feel safe, pull over and wait.
One car currently on the GWA Cars & Finance forecourt that is built for navigating a bit of extra water is a 2010 diesel Nissan Navarra Doublecab Tekna (available for £14,995 plus VAT). We’ve also got a special offer on the new Nissan Juke 1.5 DCi Visia, which will keep you higher and drier from £180 per month.
To have a chat about buying or leasing a new or used car or van, contact Gary at GWA Cars & Finance on 01243 510 650 or sales@gwacars.com.
14th May 2012 / 9:46am
It's been a while since our last Blog Post, just over a month in fact! The team here at Centus Systems have been busy developing our new range of performance PCs and Mini ITX Servers. We've had some great results back from our independent benchmark testing, with our new 1U Comms Server outperforming all the major brands, and going on to win Best In Category - Results to follow soon
We've also been busy holding discussion groups, speaking to businesses throughout the UK and talking with major authorities to find out what really works for businesses when it comes to IT.
During the current state of economic stagnation, where businesses are counting every penny, careful attention needs to be paid to the processes involved when procuring IT equipment. It is all to easy too click on to Google, search for the cheapest computer and check out....
.... But what happens when it goes wrong? What is the system warranty like? Do you actually understand the hardware you have just bought? How long will this system last? And have you just purchased equipment you didn't really need?....
Here at Centus, we are dedicated to delivering industry leading system quality, reliability and performance, and providing your business with a cost effective IT hardware solution that offers long and short term value for money.
Our systems build quality, in-depth product knowledge and customer service speaks for itself. When you order a bespoke system from Centus, you're only paying for the hardware and software you actually need.
So the next time you need new IT hardware for your business, don't buy off the shelf, buy Centus Systems for a fully bespoke solution tailored to your exact needs.
If you would like further information on any of our systems or services, of would like to order a system, please call us on 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
8th May 2012 / 9:51am
Peugeot have won the Business Car Magazine survey of the Top 20 fleet brands for eco-effectiveness.
They commented "a very impressive result for the for the French brand, dislodging Toyota for the first time to top Business Car's green guide. A good range to suit every fleet"
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Versions below 121g/km:- 75
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Versions below 100g/km:- 14
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Avearage co2:- 128g/km
The combination of low-co2 diesel, the diesel hybrid and electric models saw Peugeot to the top spot and with the New 208 coming in June with with co2 emissions from 87g/km for it's diesel and 99g/km for the petrol, we aim to keep our position at the top again next year.
If you would like to know more about our range, please contact Chris Brown at Portfield Peugeot on 07824 804256
3rd May 2012 / 9:33am
Now, Gary and I like to be international, albeit largely from the comfort of the GWA Cars & Finance offices in Chichester, and we’ve always got an eye on global affairs, especially when it involves an incredible BMW and amazing Audis, which were among the highlights of the recent Beijing Auto Show.
We took a look at the very futuristic-looking BMW hybrid cars, the BMW i3 and BMW i8, a while ago, and as these models get more and more press coverage, the German manufacturer has come up with something even more sensational: the BMW i8 Concept Spyder. If you can’t wait for this car to enjoy that heady mix of German speed and efficiency, there is a 2007 BMW 335D Auto SE Touring on the GWA forecourt.
Now, the BMW i8 Spyder is undoubtedly a sports car: a two-seater than can do 0-62mph in five seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. The designers have obviously had some fun coming up with this one. Hybrids aren’t exciting enough? Who said that?
BMW was not the only German manufacturer making waves in Beijing. Audi unveiled a number of new cars, including the Audi RS Q3 Concept, the Audi Q3 Jinlong Yufeng Concept and the Audi A6 L-etron Concept. The Audi Q3 Jinlong Yufeng Concept looks the most exciting, and not just because the translation is Audi Golden Dragon in the Wind. This 5-cylinder engine turbocharged compact SUV (top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds) certainly appears more than capable of generating a serious draft.
If you want some of that famous Audi power sooner rather than later, we have a 2008 Audi A3 Sport 2.0 TDi Hatch available at GWA Cars & Finance.
To have a chat about buying or leasing a new or used car or van, contact Gary at GWA Cars & Finance on 01243 510 650 or sales@gwacars.com.
24th Apr 2012 / 3:36pm
Gary and I like a list. Last week, we looked at the most economical secondhand cars to drive, and this week, we’ve got the best cars to own according to the AutoExpress Driver Power Survey 2012. Super sleek Audis, refined Range Rovers, fuel-efficient Fiats...you’ll be surprised.
Or maybe you won’t. I mentioned in the last GWA Cars & Finance post that Skoda always pops up in these lists and the same is true for this one. In fact, it dominates – like the Brits in the velodrome. According to the survey, the best car to own is the Skoda Yeti, the Czech manufacturer’s popular take on the compact SUV.
GWA Cars & Finance can source and provide finance for the Skoda Yeti, which scored highly on ride comfort, ease of drive, running costs, reliability and build quality. We also have the new Skoda Superb Saloon available from £246 per month; the Skoda Superb came second.
Skoda didn’t get a clean sweep of the podium positions: the Mercedes E-Class MkIV came third, but the Skoda Octavia MkII did grab fourth spot. We have the new Skoda Octavia Estate available from £213 per month. Completing the top five is the Jaguar XF.
So, Skoda romps home to take gold and silver. Can the Czechs keep it up? With the new 5-door Skoda Citigo getting rave reviews, I think they’ll be in with a good shout of being among the medals again next year.
To have a chat about buying or leasing a new or used car or van, contact Gary at GWA Cars & Finance on 01243 510 650 or sales@gwacars.com.
18th Apr 2012 / 6:58pm
Peugeot have released the prices and specification of their New 208 Hatchback.
Available in a variety of both 3 and 5 Door models, vehicles can now be ordered prior to the Launch in June 2012.
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Low CO2 Emissions from 87g/km
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All Diesels are sub 100g/km
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BIK Rate as low as 10%
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Class leading Fuel Consumption Figures
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Great Lease and Contract Hire rates available
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Pre-order NOW for June 2012 Launch
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3 Door "Ice Velvet" Limited Edition Available
We will have the New 208 here to view at Portfield Peugeot in Quarry Lane, Chichester this weekend 21st - 22nd April, so why not come if you are in the area.
For more details contact Chris Brown at Portfield Peugeot on 01243 831204
18th Apr 2012 / 9:28am
With all of the activity around social media and the internet it is sometimes difficult to believe that the 'old ways' still work. Print is not dead, it has just adapted to the new world!
As part of your marketing activity a good mix of media is always a good idea; website, blogging, eshots, as well as printed material such as newsletters, postcards, brochures and leaflets. Like the internet though it needs to be targeted. Sending out thousands of mailers in the hope that some may return gold just does not work - choose who you market yourself to.
We work closely with Baqus to help them create a consistent visual message across all of their marketing activity; website, social media, exhibitions and print.
We recently produced the first of a series of newsletters for Baqus Group. Each newsletter will focus on a regional office and the projects they have been involved in, as well as an overview of what the Group is up to.
It's also great to hear that Baqus love what we're doing ...
'Wilson Design worked quickly to set up the newsletter for BAQUS and were available to talk to throughout every stage of the process. Once the design was agreed, I went on leave and when I came back copies of the newsletter were printed and on my desk – it couldn’t have been better!' – Tom Evans, Business Development Manager – BAQUS Construction Consultancy
16th Apr 2012 / 2:40pm
It has long been said (largely by us) that Gary and I are generous fellows and, as an post-Easter present, we want to save you some money. How? By telling you about the most economical secondhand cars according to What Car?
Although we were excited to learn that the most expensive Porsche (a 1973 Porsche 917/30 Can-Am Spyder) was sold at auction recently for US$4.4 million, we thought we’d focus on cars that are a little bit more affordable and a smidgen more fuel efficient.
So, what cars were in the What Car? most economical top ten? Well, I don’t think you’ll be surprised to learn that Ford Fiesta was one. The Ford Fiesta 1.6 TDCi Econetic scores points on fuel economy, CO2 emissions and road tax. GWA Cars & Finance has the new Ford Fiesta Sport 1.6 TDCi available from £210 per month.
Another perennial favourite of these lists is the Skoda and, in this one, it’s the Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI PD 80 Greenline, which gets the thumbs up on the same factors. Also on the list are the Mini Cooper D, which holds its value well, and the Seat Ibiza 1.4 TDI Ecomotive, whose low price is a winner. We have a 2007 Mini Cooper S1.6 Automatic Convertible available and the new Seat Leon 1.6TDi Eco Tech S Emocion.
Talking of cheap (and compact), the Citroen C1, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Ago also made the What Car? top 10. We have the Toyota Aygo and Peugeot 107 Urban available from £129 and £115 per month respectively.
To have a chat about buying or leasing a new or used car or van, contact Gary at GWA Cars & Finance on 01243 510 650 or sales@gwacars.com.
13th Apr 2012 / 2:04pm
The National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS) has been formally unveiled and a series of SME finance measures have been announced, but the 2012 Budget for business has still attracted some criticism, with alternative sources of SME credit, such as invoice finance, remaining a pertinent topic.
The NGLS, designed to improve SME lending, is finally with us, introduced alongside measures such as a reduction in corporation tax, the simplification of tax for SMEs and research and development tax credit in the 2012 Budget.
The Budget certainly included a strong focus on business, but in the wake of Wednesday’s news, there have been questions and comments that underline the limitations of mainstream small business lending and the growing role that alternative SME finance products, such as invoice discounting and factoring, will play going forward.
Notably, a number of banks have opted out of the NLGS, the largest being high-street major HSBC, while concern has been raised over a £25,000 lending floor as part of the credit easing programme. In addition, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has criticised the government for not doing enough for the companies at the smaller end of the SME scale.
So, has the 2012 Budget delivered in terms of SME finance? Has the government put a plan in place to get small business lending flowing again? Only time will tell and perhaps we’re missing the point by expecting a fix-all SME finance solution from the Coalition.
Maybe mainstream banks shouldn’t be expected to cover all SME finance needs any more – SME lending will hopefully improve from these banks, but alongside a greater role for alternative SME lending facilities, such as invoice finance and asset finance, which will continue expanding to meet the small business credit needs that high-street lenders struggle to provide.
The government has been increasingly vocal about the growing role of alternative SME lending facilities, which is an industry that the BCC continues to support: tellingly, commenting in the wake of Budget, it urged the government to look at innovative ways of providing credit to viable firms.
To find out more about A&T Business Associates services, contact us on 01903 602211 or info@atbusinessassociates.co.uk
10th Apr 2012 / 12:38pm
Here at Centus Systems, we are continually developing new ways to deliver top quality PCs, Servers, Workstations and Rack Systems, whilst maintaining the highest levels of build quality and attention to detail, and above all, reliability. We spend a great deal of time working directly with our customers getting their feedback and further developing our business and customer service.
We are now in the new financial year, and many businesses are now beginning the procurement cycle for new IT hardware, either to replace old worn out units, or to support business growth.
Centus Systems have a great offer at the moment. We are giving away 1000 £50 Vouchers absolutely FREE! You can use these vouchers off your next PC, Server, Workstation or Rack System purchase from Centus Systems and are valid for 6 months.
To claim your £50 voucher, just email hello@centus.co.uk with your business name and address and we will do the rest. We only have 1000 to give away so claim yours quick!
If you would like further information on any of our systems or services, of would like to order a system, please call us on 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
22nd Mar 2012 / 7:14pm
We have a new organiser James Neeter from Knibbs, an established IT & Telecoms Solution company, the venue for networking is the wonderful, centrally located The Wells Kitchen and Bar Kitsch.
First meeting will be Friday 4th May 2012 between 12-2pm, come and go as you wish. We expect around 40 business people to attend.
This event is going to be busy, so please advise James in advance if you wish to attend, but as always all are welcome on the day at First friday events!
Rgds,
James Neeter
james.neeter@knibbs.com
www.knibbs.com
07702 162 686
19th Mar 2012 / 1:28pm
Despite all IT companies’ best efforts, occasionally things do go wrong. Systems crash, data goes missing, email downtime occurs and in turn your business loses money. Here at Centus we have only ever had 1 server fail as a result of component failure, but when things do go wrong, you need it sorted yesterday, so how does Centus deal with these problems?
Through carefully designed system test strategies, we independently test each and every system 3 times and can be 100% sure every system leaves our facility in perfect working order. Any issue that will occur with a Centus System will happen on site either from damage in transit or from component failure in time.
Every system Centus builds comes with a minimum of 2 Year RTB warranty by Next Day business courier. Some servers come with a 5 Year RTB warranty and we can even extend this further upon request. Our system warranties cover all parts and labour.
Centus can also pre-arrange support contracts for our hardware directly with end users, working hand in hand with your IT department or Support Company. We can have a Centus engineer on site Same Day, and can even bring a complete replacement unit with us ready to swap out and fit for you. We offer critical care packages for high dependency servers for businesses and data centres and are happy to arrange 24/7 support where necessary.
Centus Systems are proud of our reputation for building outstanding custom systems with industry leading reliability and performance, but if things do go wrong, you can rest assured Centus Systems are here to help.
For more information on any of Centus Systems services or products, please call 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
27th Feb 2012 / 4:25pm
For a limited time only, Centus Systems are giving away FREE £50 VOUCHERS to any business in the UK to use off their next PC, MIcro Server or Server puchase from Centus!!
You can redeem these vouchers on any system purchase from Centus, and the vouchers are valid up to the 30th June 2012.
To claim your free voucher, just email hello@centus.co.uk with your full postal address and how many PC's or Servers you have in your office, and we'll do the rest!
If you would like further information on any of our systems or services, of would like to order a system, please call us on 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
24th Feb 2012 / 11:17am
Often when a service or product is referred to as "Bespoke" or "Tailor Made", alarm bells immediately start ringing and most people presume that costs are going to soar as you will be paying through the nose for a fully bespoke product, but in actual fact, this is quite the contrary.
Bespoke products are all about understand the exact needs of your end client and through taking the time to understand these needs, developing a solution that is fitted around them. Taking the time to understand our client's needs are where the foundations of bespoke products are formed, so why should we charge a premium just because we take the time to understand our clients?
Bespoke products offer money saving advantages throughout the product lifecycle. From the start, you are only paying for the actual hardware and software you need. We don't pre install or add in extra hardware or software that you don't need, meaning you don't pay for it!
Throughout our products lifecycle, our choice of fitting only the best components to each system ensures your system is as reliable as it was the day it was bought, and should the worst happen, you can guarantee you will be covered by our 2, 3 or 5 year Return to Base warranty.
Bespoke systems don't end there though. Through purchasing a system fitted to your businesses exact needs and application, you are investing in sound technology, and as with any investment - the better the investment, the better the return.
If you would like further information on any of our systems or services, of would like to order a system, please call us on 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
10th Feb 2012 / 10:31am
We are very pleased to have created the new South East Design Forum (SEDF) website. Having been in at the start of the SCDF it is great to be involved in it's transition and growth. The new site is responsive to screen sizes and devices and provides the SEDF directors with a comprehensive back-end management system.
31st Jan 2012 / 2:09pm
Having recently read in the news the articles on councils, educational establishments and businesses being sold IT hardware from main stream manufacturers that doesn’t actually fit the exact needs of the business, it raises the questions of why do businesses buy from big brands that don’t have their client’s businesses best interest at heart?
It was reported that in a number of cases, schools were being sold laptops for more than £2000 each when they are available to buy online for under £500 and businesses were being sold servers for more than 5 times their normal retail cost.
BBC New Article Here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16469528
It seems some, but not all, of the big brand manufactures are forgetting the importance their product and advice has on businesses and that in a large number of cases, businesses are willing to accept the advice and product recommended by these big brands. Where have these businesses morals gone?
A large amount of what we do at Centus Systems is offering sound advice when it comes to IT procurement and hardware buying. We understand that when businesses and establishments purchase IT equipment, they are investing in technology for their business. The purchase needs to reflect the needs of the business and in turn offer the very best return both in cost value for money and long term performance and sustainability. This long term sustainability represents the sounds investment in technology.
At Centus, we strive to deliver the very best IT hardware solution for your business, developing every system to exact needs, meaning you only pay for exactly what you really need. Our systems set some of the highest standards for quality, performance and reliability.
So the next time you need new PC’s, Servers or Workstations, or just need IT hardware advice, contact Centus Systems.
If you would like further information on any of our systems or services, of would like to order a system, please call us on 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
27th Jan 2012 / 12:46pm
At Centus Systems, we understand that when businesses and establishments purchase new PC's, Servers, Workstations or other IT Equipment, it not only represents the actual money spent, but more importantly it represents investment in technology and investing in your businesses future.
As with any investment, it is only through sound investment that you get a return, which is why Centus Systems work so hard to understand you and your business, to ensure your new systems give you the long term value and return you need.
Centus Systems develop every system on a per system basis, only including the hardware and software you actually need. Our systems are more powerful and reliable than mainstream manufacturers and have plenty of flexibility to upgrade if needed in the future.
Every system comes with a minimum of 2 year Return To Base warranty covering all parts and labour, and free lifetime telephone support. Our systems lead the industry for build quality, performance and reliability.
We make your investment in technology work for you and your business, and strive to deliver the very best system to safeguard your businesses IT investment for the future.
If you would like further information on any of our systems or services, of would like to order a system, please call us on 03300 881 656 or email hello@centus.co.uk
18th Jan 2012 / 11:35am
As part of our 2012 bid to get new technology into businesses, Centus Systems have a fantastic offer.
Here at Centus Systems we understand the cost implications of upgrading and replacing old hardware at the end of its lifetime. This is why we have a fantastic scheme in place to give you money back for your old systems when you buy a new one from Centus!
1. Buy any new PC from Centus and trade in your old one for £50 off, per system!
2. Buy any new Server from Centus and trade in your old one for £100 off, per system!
We don't just throw away your old PC, we work with companies throughout the UK to recycle and re-use wherever possible. Your old systems could end up in 3rd world classrooms, youth centres, charity day care units and educational facilities throughout the UK.
On top of this, we help you to meet your corporate WEEE and RoHS requirements through the safe disposal of IT equipment through designated, registered and authorised partners. Read more here
Take advantage of this fantastic offer today and contact us Here or call us on 03300 881 656.
12th Jan 2012 / 1:25pm
Are your IT hardware requirements "Off the Shelf," "Simple," or "Pre Built?"
At Centus, none of our systems are pre built or off the shelf. Every PC, Workstation, Server or Micro System that leaves our facility is designed around our client’s exact requirements. These sorts of system build quality, system reliability and individuality is what makes Centus Systems unique.
Centus can cater for any level of system customisation and development. So if you're a 3D design studio rendering the latest building plan in ultra-high resolution and need huge graphics rendering power, or you’re an educational institute needing student-proof PCs, or you’re a business needing a super stable and reliable server to cater for your ordering and email system, Centus can cater for it.
We don't just put together components, we carefully design and develop each system before point of integration, we even account for every last nut, bolt and screw in all our systems.
Because we are so confident in our systems build quality and reliability, Centus offer a full 2 Year Return to Base warranty as standard with all our systems, covering all parts and labour.
Have a question, want more information or want to order a system? Contact Us Here or call us on 03300 881 656.
6th Jan 2012 / 11:52am
Top 5 Reasons to buy Centus Systems
Although Centus Systems are a relatively young IT hardware brand, we are already making our mark in the industry as one of the UK's leading custom integration and systems development companies. We are a dependable and reliable hardware supplier who delivery outstanding customer service both pre and post-sale which is why our customers love us.
Our systems speak for themselves, but here are our top 5 reasons to buy a Centus System:
1. Pay for only what you need, not what you don't
Through developing systems to customers exact specifications and requirements, we eliminate the extra components and internal hardware you don't need, so you only pay for what you DO need! Also, we don't pre-install free nuisance software unless requested, saving you the time and aggravation of uninstalling it all.
2. Superior system build quality
We know each and every one of our systems inside out, as each system is hand built by 1 dedicated engineer from start to finish. We ensure unbeatable system quality through a series of checks and tests, and every system is independently inspected before shipping
3. Ultimate Reliability And Performance
We don't just put together component; we carefully design and develop each system individually around the two most important factors - Reliability and Performance. We understand the importance of having a rock solid, stable system, and our systems have been proven to be more than 16%(avg) more powerful than other mainstream brands.
4. 4 phase system testing
Every system, from PC to rack server, must pass our 4 phase testing process. We individually test each system component, the system hardware as a whole, the systems software installation and the completed system. Once the testing is complete, the system is issued a pass certificate, which is attached to the system for your records.
5. 2 Year Return To Base warranty as standard
We are so confident with all our system build quality and reliability that we offer a 2 year Return to Base warranty as standard with all systems. This can be upgraded to 5 year Return To Base if needed, and we can even offer on-site support through our dedicated support partners.
There are many more reasons to buy a Centus System including: Live Order Build Tracking, Our friendly support staff, lower lifetime system cost and our system flexibility, so if you need more information, you can Contact Us Here or call us on 03300 881 656.
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