Surrey Voice and Vision Business Magazine May 2015

theChamber Voice&VisionofSurreyBusiness| May - June 2015 www.surrey-chambers.co.uk | ÂŁ3.95 (where sold)

In search of good leadership Page 24 Spotlight on Runnymede pg 12

Big Interview pg 28

Exciting times for Runnymede with millions of pounds being invested in the area

Chance meeting that set the stage for a successful business

24 Hours with.... pg 22

Technology Showcase pg 40

Farnham Castle Intercultural Training team

The interesting world of biotechnology

Contents

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Voice & Vision of Surrey Business www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

May - June 2015

Welcome to theChamber from our Chief Executive Louise Punter A focus on leadership In this edition of The Chamber we focus on leadership, and while writing this on election results day, it is fitting to focus on the re-elected leader of our country, David Cameron.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce congratulates David Cameron, our local MPs and the Conservative Party on their election victory and now the work begins.

Businesses in all parts of the country want to see a pro-growth, pro-enterprise programme – building on the positive steps taken, and lessons learned, during the coalition years. The Conservatives now have a clear mandate to take bold and important decisions, and must use it to help Surrey businesses invest and grow. In return, business stands ready to work with the new government to deliver prosperity, jobs and sustained economic growth.

This clear result provides stability and clarity which is welcomed from the business community but now the government must push to build on the economic progress we have started to see. We want them to set the conditions where our country encourages a culture of entrepreneurism, where our businesses look to the rest of the world as a potential marketplace, where our young people leave school with the skills and qualities they need to set out on dynamic, rewarding careers.

And of course, we need the government to continue its work of cutting the deficit at the same time as making serious investment in our infrastructure.

Over the next five years, we will continue to facilitate direct and sustained engagement between MPs and the local business community whilst British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) will engage with them in Westminster on the UK wide economic and business issues.

Surrey Chambers will also be providing practical local help by delivering grass roots support through our newly launched initiatives such as our holistic business advice service and our Managing Talent and Technology Forum series of events.

We will make sure that the leaders in Surrey are prepared to build on their strengths and make it the greatest place to do business.

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Introduction Chamber News Member News Spotlight On..

Members News International Trade 24 Hours With...

Cover Feature Big Interview

Editorial and General Enquiries Surrey Chambers of Commerce Unit 14a, Monument Way East, Woking, Surrey GU21 5LY Tel: 01483 735540 Fax: 01483 756754 Email: info@surrey-chambers.co.uk

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Legal Health and Wellbeing Ask the Expert Development Technology Showcase New Members Chamber Events Member Benefit Chamber Chat

Production Manager Mark Etherington Email: studio@benhampublishing.com

Media No.

Chief Executive: Louise Punter Finance: Caroline Cherryman

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Editor

Disclaimer

Ella Parkes Tel: 01483 735545 Email: marketing@surrey-chambers.co.uk

The Chamber is published for the Surrey Chambers of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members in the county. All correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at Surrey Chambers.

Views expressed in The Chamber are not necessarily those of Surrey Chambers of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission of the Editor. © 2015.

Publisher Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited 3tc House, 16 Crosby Road North, Crosby, Liverpool L22 0NY Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

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Advertising and Features

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content.

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Published May 2015 © Benham Publishing

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Introduction

A word from our President

Is leadership a joke?

As I write this piece, we are in the midst of the most publicly scrutinised general election in history. We have the main protagonists spliced and diced on TV, Radio, and Social Media on a daily basis.

The TV “debates” have been akin to stage- managed prize fighting, with each candidate promoting themselves and their parties as all-knowing whilst looking to deliver the knock out blow to the opposition.

We have become used to a combative and confrontational style and yet studies reveal that a self-deprecating honest approach, blended with some humour can often achieve the most inspirational and successful leadership.

A quote from one of my daughters favourite films springs to mind (mine as well to be frank) “First rule of leadership: everything is your fault.” (A Bug’s Life).

Consider a series of work place scenarios where a company boss introduces a new manager. All the scenarios are identical except for the closing line.

The first scenario ended with the boss saying, “I’m so glad Steve took this job, despite knowing all about us!

The second ended with, “I am so glad Steve took this job, despite knowing all about you!”

The final scenario ended with, “I’m so glad Steve took this job, despite knowing about me!”

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Studies have shown that the self-deprecating boss consistently comes across as the more likable, trustworthy, and caring leader. The three anecdotes correspond to three different humour styles: group-deprecating, aggressive, and selfdeprecating.

Managers who used selfdeprecating humour test highest for transformational leadership, defined by motivational qualities such as likability, trust, consideration and intellectual stimulation.

Without wishing to comment on his politics, you have to conclude that Boris Johnson’s chaotic and openly flawed persona has a whiff of a calculated strategy designed to endear. Whilst he waits in the wings for the outcome of the current election, his unique blend of wit and fallibility may yet see him in number 10.

Kevin Hurley Police Commissioner

Policing the Economy Our economy, democracy and way of life all rely on the maintenance of order.

Businesses in particular need a stable society in order to thrive, and owners need to be confident that the police will provide an effective response to those who attempt to defraud, rob or intimidate them, their staff or customers.

We all know you cannot have strong public services without a strong economy and it is in this way that the police and businesses are intrinsically linked. Quite simply, good business requires good policing and good policing requires good business.

Sadly, nationwide, police officer and staff numbers have been falling and I fear this vital link is in danger of being lost.

A lack of officers on the beat gives the opportunistic thief the chance to rob from a local high street shop without being caught. A reduction in officers dealing with online fraud leaves more businesses affected by their scams.

A smaller neighbourhood team means that workers have to take more time off to deal with the consequences of a household robbery, at a cost to the businesses that they work for.

When the police are in crisis, businesses fail. When businesses fail, nobody pays the taxes that fund the education of our children, the maintenance of our communities, and the NHS. I hope our political leaders can recognise this important link.

“A lack of officers on the beat gives the opportunistic thief the chance to rob from a local high street shop without being caught.

A reduction in officers dealing with online fraud leaves more businesses affected by their scams.”

Chamber News

Prestigious Chamber Awards will showcase best of British business in its 12th year This year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is proud to be hosting its twelfth annual Chamber Awards. Businesses across the UK are invited to showcase their talents and achievements - with the chance of winning a £10,000 cash prize.

Surrey Chambers means Business Our members are always at the heart of our activities and helping Surrey businesses move towards their business goals is a priority for our team here at Surrey Chambers.

With this in mind, we are pleased to be able to bring you our new Business Advice Service. Whatever success looks like for you and your business, our specialist team of expert advisors can help you make it happen.

Working in partnership with Branduin Business Support, Surrey Chambers of Commerce offers business advice and support which has been quality assured.

These experienced business advisors and specialists simply set out to find out what you, or your company’s board, want to do with your business and then help you to do it.

There is no ‘off-the-shelf’ solution from the team – it is always made-to-measure and based on an extensive analysis of the needs of your company.

The service includes: • Business Clinics Pre-book your 1 hour slot for advice on developing your business.

(For businesses with a turnover of less than £250,000) Cost: £25.00 plus VAT for members £75.00 plus VAT for non members

The prestigious competition recognises and promotes the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards dinner which will take place in London on 26th November.

For the first time in its history, the Chamber Awards will include an ‘Education and Business Partnership Award’, which will celebrate the efforts of schools and colleges to engage with their local business community.

The award supports the wider activity that Chambers of Commerce are already doing around the country to bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work.

Companies can enter into eight categories, covering exports, small business, people development, technology, high-growth firms, community, young people and partnerships with the education sector.

Louise Punter CEO of Surrey Chambers of Commerce said: “The Chamber Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution of businesses to their local community and the wider economy.

“As I travel around the county, visiting businesses of all sizes, it is inspiring to see so many companies finding innovative ways to grow their business, which will in turn create jobs and wealth, and deliver economic prosperity.

The awards acknowledge the

relentless efforts of these businesses and their talented employees.

“This year we are introducing a category that recognises the partnership between education and business in order to develop the talents of our next generation.

The award highlights the significance the Chamber Network and businesses place on preparing young people for the world of work.”

To enter online, go to www.chamberawards.co.uk or for further information you can contact the Chamber Awards team on 020 7654 5800, email awards@chamberawards. co.uk or follow @britishchambers on Twitter.

• Initial Needs Analysis for your Business We will work with your business to identify your goals and business requirements, through our proprietary Goal Mapping and Achievement Programme™ (GMap™).

This in-depth diagnostic tool will be completed with a skilled consultant working with your business on a one-to-one basis.

You will receive a report and a ‘road map’ to get your business where you want it to be. (For businesses with a turnover of more than £250,000) Cost: £50.00 plus VAT for members £250.00 plus VAT for non members • Quality Assured Specialists As part of our service, we have a full complement of experienced suppliers of business services. Whatever your business need, we can introduce you to a quality-assured provider of any service you require.

If you would like to book any of our business advice services please contact richard.guillaume@surreychambers.co.uk

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Management & Leadership, Training & Development?

Two pairs of terms often confused, but what is the difference and how do they help us in today’s business and economic environment?

Management is about ensuring day-to-day operations deliver ontime to customers the best products and services with the quality they expect at a price they can afford supported by excellent customer service.

Leadership ensures we don’t remain focussed on the day-to-day by anticipating future customer needs, creating a strategy to deliver them and redesigning the organisation accordingly i.e. adapt and evolve.

Leaders identify the skills and competences needed to get there, and then invest in closing the gap between where we are now and where we want to be. This ranges from securing funding for growth, finding bigger premises, purchasing new, flexible equipment or technology and investing in people.

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Mike Williams says ‘I have taught people these tools and techniques in manufacturing, financial and public services and they have never failed in improving organisational performance.

However the best results are delivered by combining them with regular coaching from an experienced practitioner to give long term, ongoing benefit’

For more information please call Mike Williams on 02380 464 153 or 07866 537 580 or visit our website. www.changewise.co.uk

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ChangeWise encourages this learning cycle through our Lean Awareness, Team Based Process Improvement, Achieving Excellent Customer Service and Operational Excellence training courses where your people will receive proven, practical tools and techniques for improving the office, contact centre, factory or academic environment.

These can be delivered on-site and partnered with on-going coaching and mentoring. This supports and encourages further development to maximise individual impact in the organisation through continuous improvement and sustaining change, leaving you to evolve the rest of your business.

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Training is about staff learning new tools and techniques to use back at the workplace. Through guided use of these new skills they become competent then eventually, with more experience, highly proficient. Thus, development has taken place.

However, sending someone on a training course and expecting them to change the organisation when they return underestimates the learning that has to occur before tangible results are seen. If training is backed up with ongoing coaching and support then their development takes place much quicker.

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Member News

Brooklands Radio show wins award Weybridge based Brooklands Radio is available online and on DAB digital from May 2nd - 31st and has just won an award for it’s weekly show ‘Just Women.’ The station is run entirely by volunteers many with professional media backgrounds.

Four members of the Just tWomen Team (pictured from left to right: Sharon Finch, Jackie Mitchell, Ivana O'Brien, Alison Florence) were presented with the Wonderful Women 2015 Community Award from Stargazer Events.

The award was organised by Diana Boulter from Stargazer Events and held at Sandown Park. It was attended by 150 women including the Mayoress of Elmbridge, Councillor Gillian Smith.

Alan Timbrell, chairman of Brooklands Radio said: “This is fantastic news and great recognition of the hard work and dedication of the team who put a great deal into their programme.

It times nicely with our first digital trial which runs from Saturday 2nd - 31st May.” Just Women is a weekly talk show first launched by former colleague Celia Jones some four years ago. The show interviews amazing women from across Surrey on subjects relating to kids, work and life in general. The show airs every Tuesday at 1pm and has six presenters all together including, Doreen Pipe

Chamber member named in the 100 greatest leadership speakers list and Anne Twist, who take it in turns to compile and present. It is also repeated every Thursday evening at 8pm and is available on podcast.

Each week guests share their experiences and, where applicable, professional insights offering some valuable advice covering a wide-range of topics for example; launching a new

business, relationships, health and money issues, dealing with children, teenagers, elderly parents, returning to the work place and more.

You can find out more about Just Women, Brooklands Radio and our forthcoming digital broadcasts on www.brooklandsradio.co.uk

Gordon Bell celebrates his centenary!

SATRO presented Gordon Bell from the Cobham office of Willmott Dixon, with a Certificate of Thanks in recognition of his outstanding volunteering to the charity.

Over the past five years, Gordon has attended 100 events and has given 700 hours of his time to help inspire and enthuse young people about the world of work.

They estimate he has helped over 3,000 young people across Surrey be inspired about their future careers. Well done Gordon and a huge thank you!

Dr Beccy Bowden, CEO, SATRO said, “Working with our hundreds of volunteers every day is a real honour. It is people like Gordon whose commitment and belief in young people keep our inspirational programmes alive.”

Gordon commented “volunteering for SATRO gives me a great opportunity to inspire young people; it is an exciting platform for thought

provoking conversations about suitable career paths in a fun environment. The social culture of my employer, Willmott Dixon, has allowed me to assist with a variety of events and network with other volunteers, organisations and schools.

Working with SATRO has given me so much back and the ability of some young people never ceases to amaze me.”

Tony Lynch of Keep Thinking Big, based in Woking, has recently been internationally recognised by Inc in the ‘100 Great Leadership Speakers For Your Next Conference’.

Within this list are very well known public figures such as Sir Richard Branson. Not only has Tony been recognised by Inc, but he is also a TEDx speaker. As a motivational leadership speaker Tony is now speaking and training locally as well as in America. In October, Tony will once again be hosting Live2Lead, an international leadership event, which provides an excellent opportunity to hear from world class speakers, delivering world class content to help you take your life, your team and your business to a whole new level.

This event is live from Atlanta and will be held in Woking on Friday 9th October 2015.

This very exciting event will also offer dedicated time to engage with other forward thinking people providing an opportunity and an environment to network and collaborate for future success.

Further information can be found at www.KeepThinkingBig.com

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Member News

New Research and Enterprise Office opens in heart of the Gatwick Diamond The University of Brighton has set up a new base in the Manor Royal Business District in Crawley to work alongside businesses and community partners in the Gatwick Diamond area. development and community engagement.”

The Research and Enterprise Office is home for the new Gatwick Diamond team which comprises seven members of staff from the university’s Economic and Social Engagement department.

The team is working with businesses in the area to highlight the university’s current offers and

develop new partnerships within the Gatwick Diamond. A series of ‘Insight’ seminars will be running from May which take the university’s latest research findings directly to the doors of businesses, delivered this year in partnership with Gatwick Diamond Business.

Debra Vice-Holt, the university’s head of economic and social

engagement for the Gatwick Diamond, is leading the new team.

She said: “This is a really exciting time for the University of Brighton.

The establishment of our new office in Manor Royal puts us in the heart of the Gatwick Diamond as we continue to work with our partners in the area on collaborative research, curriculum

The team will share its new office space with Steve Sawyer, chief executive of the Manor Royal Business Improvement District.

He said: “By moving into Manor Royal the University of Brighton is showing real intent to actively work with companies both in the business district and the wider Gatwick Diamond area. It shows how important they think the area is, and how important it is for the university to actually have a base among the many great companies we have here. I hope to take advantage of this relationship and I hope others do too.”

The new office space is open for university staff to use. Anyone wanting to use the space should call 01293 510222 or email the Business Helpdesk at businesshelpdesk@brighton.ac.uk

Changing young peoples lives Since 2006, unique educational theatre charity, Peer Productions, have made plays which genuinely change young people’s lives, reaching over 80,000 young people across Surrey and the south east. Their model involves delivering a free one year Actor Development Programme for young creatives aged 17 to 23.

Peer Productions’ trainees undertake intensive training and tour schools with original plays on challenging issues including teenage pregnancy and sexual health, body image and eating disorders, and self harm. Feedback includes “The production was excellent, the students and staff had nothing but positive praise.”

To date, Peer Productions have trained 83 young people, with 90% going on to drama school, university or related paid work within 12 months. Each year, some realise that performing is not for them, and staff provide tailored one to one support to

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help them find the right pathway.

They take the work ethic and skills the charity have taught them, including negotiating skills, team work and creative problem solving, and utilise these in diverse roles from swimming teaching to accountancy.

During their year with Peer Productions, each young person runs their own creative project.

They are given complete control and manage recruitment, budgets, marketing and planning to ensure they deliver on time, helping them to consider the ‘business’ side of the arts.

Artistic director Nina Lemon says “When I set up Peer Productions,

I saw a gap in training provision for creative young people and wanted to do something about it.

To be able to train for free and achieve nationally recognised

qualifications while you do it is a rare proposition in the arts.”

To find out more visit www.peerproductions.co.uk

Member News

Change…

Open-air season is announced

can we afford not to?

A new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic story The Wind in the Willows opens the Guildford Shakespeare Company’s tenth outdoor season in June.

Change is sticky and with 70% of change projects failing it’s perhaps no wonder that organisations choose to stay with what they know rather than take an adventure into the unknown.

Whilst 70% of projects may fail, 30% are successful so I guess we have to ask ourselves the question ‘What’s the difference, that makes the difference?” Research tells us that there is a myriad of reasons – lack of a clear vision, ineffectual planning, poor communication, the list can go on and on.

Whatever the reasons there is often just one factor that represents the difference between success and failure - PEOPLE. People can cause a project to fail or they create a successful ending that is far greater than anyone could have imagined.

Several studies by Johns Hopkins University show that 90 per cent of post-op coronary artery bypass patients did not change their lifestyle in any way after surgery. If we apply this knowledge to our business surely we have a very good reason for doing what we have always done - if people can’t make changes when their life is at risk, why would they make changes at work?

To do what we have always done and expect different results is, according to some, the definition of madness and in this everevolving world of ours can we really afford to not respond to changing market conditions and customer demands?

The fact that 30% of all change projects are successful must surely give us hope and actually the recipe for success is simple.

Successful change is dependent on change leaders connecting with all those involved and impacted by the change, involving them right from the start even before the scope of the change has been identified and the success criteria defined.

It’s also essential to engage with them throughout the change process, creating and implementing a plan that will touch their hearts and minds so they truly understand why the change is necessary.

As individuals, if we have been involved in identifying the change our business is making and understand the reasons why it is necessary, surely we are much more likely to take necessary steps to ensure a successful outcome.

Having seen this approach be successful in a number of teams and businesses I would urge you to be brave and embrace the opportunities that change offers.

Melanie Loizou, Director of Fish Climb Trees, which helps individuals, teams and businesses evolve and embrace change.

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The performance will be staged in the enchanting gardens and woodlands of Watts Gallery in Compton, a first for both the venue and GSC. Following the company’s success with their first in-house adaption last autumn of The Canterbury Tales, GSC are continuing their home-grown creations

with this new version of the much-loved classic story.

The production, written specifically for Watts Gallery’s grounds, will retain the heart of Grahame’s beautiful story-telling, whilst harnessing GSC’s sense of fun and invention.

In July the company returns to the grounds of Braboeuf Manor and The University of

Dates & Times The Wind in the Willows Watts Gallery Gardens & Woodlands 11 – 27 June (no perfs Sundays or 15 June) Evenings 7.30pm; Sat mats 2.30pm (13 & 20 June)

The Taming of Shrew University of Law, Portsmouth Road 11 – 25 July (no perfs Sundays) Evenings 7.30pm; Sat mats 2.30pm (18 & 25 July)

Box Office 01483 304384

Law on Portsmouth Road, for Shakespeare’s romantic comedy The Taming of the Shrew.

This ever-popular audience favourite sees director Charlotte Conquest return to GSC, following her triumphs with A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2012), The Merchant of Venice (2011) and Romeo and Juliet (2010).

Member News

Why you should #WearItWild for WWF Are you searching for an excuse to up-cycle that leopard print skirt abandoned in your wardrobe?

Or perhaps you’re bored of wearing the same navy suit day in day out. Then WWF’s Wear It Wild may just provide the solution.

Security you can trust

Fides GF Consulting is an Ashtead based security company offering a variety of services for domestic and commercial properties.

You can trust us to provide you with a truly customised security package to meet your needs.

We are on call for you 24 hours a day

Call us for a free security assessment with no obligation

“At Fides GF Consulting, we strive to provide reliance, confidence and trust in an uncertain and unsecure world”

On Friday 5 June, WWF is challenging people of all ages to make a stand for nature and dress as wild as they dare – whether you sport animal-print socks at work, leopard leotards on the school run, or go all out in a wild onesie: we want to see your wild side!

Wear It Wild is important because in the last forty years we’ve seen wildlife populations decline by more than half. The number of tigers in the wild, for example, has reduced by 95% in the last century.

As WWF’s recent Living Planet Report highlights, thousands of other species are also threatened, and we need your support to make a difference. Funds raised by Wear It Wild will help support our work to tackle growing threats to the natural world and our precious wildlife.

What are you waiting for? Grab that zebra print scarf; don those animal

cuff links and come together to help protect our incredible wildlife.

Here are some fun ideas to inspire you to Wear It Wild: • Host a best dressed competition -plenty of people in the office love dressing up and enjoy a bit of competition.

• Organise an animal bake sale - combine dressing up as wild animals with enjoying some wild tasty treats.

• Compete in an Office Olympics - hold a sports day for work colleagues. Events could include the swivel chair dash, sticky tape shot put and paper plane javelin.

The only rules are: sign up at wwf.org.uk/wild, share #WearItWild, and be as wild as you dare … only fake fur please!

01372 801536 / 07582 740956 www.fidesgf.com

Warhol and the World of Pop Art The artwork of Andy Warhol will take centre stage in a unique exhibition at The Lightbox gallery and museum in Woking, which will showcase the colourful highlights of international Pop art.

From 25 July - 1 November ‘Warhol and the World of Pop Art’ will bring together some of the finest examples of both fine and applied Pop Art pieces from America and mainland Europe.

The exhibition will have a section dedicated to Warhol which will sit alongside other significant American Pop artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg, James Rosenquist and Jasper Johns. From Europe notable works by ‘new realist’ artists will include Claude Gille, Erró and Nikki de Saint Phalle.

Pop art emerged as a movement in the late 1950s as a response to the post-war boom in popular culture which led in turn to the rise of advertising, mass production, pop music and Hollywood movies.

Young artists felt at that time that traditional art techniques and subjects did not reflect the commercialised new world in which they lived and so they began to take influence from the imagery around them.

Warhol was at the forefront of this movement, working originally in the 1950s as a commercial illustrator, he used this inspiration and experience to make the transition to successful Pop Artist.

The exhibition ‘Warhol and the World of Pop’ will for the first time present a comprehensive overview of how Pop Art was adopted by America and Europe, not just as a form of fine art, but across all applied mediums such as packaging, pop music, fashion and furniture.

One of the focal points of the exhibition will be the highlyrecognisable series of ten multicoloured screen print portraits of Marilyn Monroe, created by Andy Warhol in 1967. To complement this, earlier Warhol pieces, some never before exhibited in Britain, will be on show such as textile designs, a drawing entitled ‘Shoe’ and two dresses from the late 1950s.

‘Warhol and the World of Pop Art’ will be on show at The Lightbox, from the 25 July – 1 November 2015. For further information please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk

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Spotlight On

Runnymede is focused on its future These are exciting times for Runnymede with millions of pounds being invested in the area. One town centre regeneration scheme has already been completed this year and another is about to start.

“About £240m benefits the county of Surrey every year and just over £80m of this came from the spending power of students in 2012/13. The university generated £167m for the borough of Runnymede in 2012/13, of which £55m came from students.”

Runnymede isn’t a council that is going to stand still when it comes to gaining vital investment for its communities.

At the beginning of the year a new Waitrose/Travel Lodge development opened in Egham and the council is looking to bring forward further regeneration in the town, as identified in the Egham Masterplan.

Another key project, known as Addlestone ONE, is already under way in Addlestone town

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centre. This scheme, which forms the first phase of regeneration, will transform the centre of the town.

Due for completion in October 2017, the scheme will deliver more than 200 new apartments, 440 new parking spaces, a six-screen cinema, a good quality supermarket and a 101-bedroom Premier Inn, as well as a range of restaurants and shops.

Councillor Pat Roberts, Leader of Runnymede Borough Council, said: “The Addlestone

ONE project is a good example of how Runnymede Borough Council is creating a new town centre, together with over 200 new permanent jobs and 213 apartments, whilst generating substantial new income for the council.”

In February, the Addlestone ONE scheme successfully secured a £34m loan from the Public Works Loan Board and Geoff French, Chair of Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Enterprise M3 has been very pleased to

support Runnymede Borough Council in its application for a loan from the Public Works Loan Board and we look forward to an ongoing working relationship with the council as the Addlestone regeneration project progresses.

“This project will be invaluable for bringing forward new homes and jobs in the town and will go a long way to giving the town the step-up it needs.”

Head back up the borough again to Egham and there is another economic success

Partnership works together to help businesses One of the organisations supporting companies in the area is the Runnymede Business Partnership Established in 1998, the partnership brings together local businesses, Surrey Police, schools, colleges, Royal Holloway University of London and the Borough Council in order to tackle issues affecting businesses across Runnymede.

The university generated £167m for the borough of Runnymede in 2012/13, of which £55m came from students.

“Royal Holloway also supports more than 7,200 jobs and visitors attending graduations, conferences and other events add a further £3m to the economy.”

With town centres being regenerated to meet the future needs of the community and a historic university making a story which has been established over decades.

One of the most important institutions in the area, Royal Holloway, University of London, was founded in 1886 and today has 8,750 students.

The university has a major impact on the economy of the area and a spokesman said: “In an independent report last year, Royal Holloway was shown to benefit the UK economy by £480m a year.

“About £240m benefits the county of Surrey every year and just over £80m of this came from the spending power of students in 2012/13.

multi-million pound contribution to the national economy year on year, it’s clear that Runnymede has a clear focus on its future.

The borough has a strong economy and is home to many UK, European and global headquarters for companies such as Samsung, British Gas, Gartner and Astellas Pharma.

It witnessed exceptionally strong growth in GVA in the decade to 2007 and has

The partnership works to reduce traffic congestion, establish good communications and networking, and works with local businesses, Surrey Police, the three Chambers and education providers by supporting local work experience schemes and similar projects.

Initiatives by the Partnership include an app, iRunnymede, which gives information on local businesses, a free loyalty card scheme to encourage people to buy local, an online business directory database, newsletters, free breakfast forums and various other activities with the aim of supporting businesses in Runnymede Borough.

It is also responsible for the introduction and running of the American-style Yellow School Bus service to reduce peak-hour congestion. Launched in 2002, the scheme now has seven buses which carry more than 450 students daily to four local secondary schools.

Visit www.runnymedebusiness partnership.org.uk for further information on the Runnymede Business Partnership

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Spotlight On continued to see continued growth, albeit at a lower level over the past few years.

Sectors in the borough exhibiting a higher proportion of employee jobs than for the South East include finance and business services, information and communications, energy and water and other services (arts/entertainment and recreation).

Runnymede has been particularly successful in attracting IT and business services companies by being able to offer: • excellent access to markets in London, the sub-region as well as internationally; • good quality accommodation at more competitive prices than Greater London; • a supply of highly qualified people; • an excellent environment in which to live with exceptional recreation and educational facilities.

The importance of the technology sector to the local economy is highlighted in a recent report, produced by KPMG and Markit, which ranked tech clusters in the UK. All the top ten clusters were located close to the M4, M3 and M25 motorways, with Runnymede ranked in sixth position.

Supporting the tech sector, there are a number of public and private research centres in the borough, operating in specialisms including pharmaceuticals, cyber security, animal health and nanotechnology. For example, Royal Holloway, University of London, is a UK Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, and is home to one of the largest and most established security groups in the world. ICT4D has climbed to seventh place in a list of the world’s top science and technology think tanks and was ranked first in the UK.

Supporting disability, creating ability

White Lodge Centre is as unique as all the babies, children, young people and adults we work with every day. We specialise in care for those with a range of disabilities, including cerebral palsy and other physical conditions and learning difficulties.

We rely on support from individuals, local businesses and corporates. There are so many ways you can get involved, including; • Sport and challenge events • Volunteer days

• Event/campaign sponsorship • Committed giving/donations

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There are so many benefits for you and/or your employees. Please check our corporate partnership page and get in touch, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact: Jane Cartwright, Community Fundraiser 01932 567131 jcartwright@whitelodgecentre.co.uk

Get in touch

White Lodge Centre, Holloway Hill, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0AE 01932 567131 whitelodgecentre.co.uk Registered charity number 286238

Members News

Memorable events with Brooklands Museum Brooklands Museum, the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation, is located in Weybridge, and with direct trains to London and less than 30 minutes from Heathrow, it is an ideal location for meetings and events.

With the demand for more memorable and original experiences increasing, Brooklands Museum offers the perfect opportunity to organise an event that gets people talking - not only with its fascinating and unique exhibitions and landscape but also with its stylish function rooms.

With extensive outdoor space, eight dedicated event rooms and a world class collection of historic motoring and aviation exhibits including Concorde, all of which can be used as hospitality spaces, it is an ideal venue to meet all your hospitality requirements.

New to the museum this year is The Vickers Suite which occupies a building which originally housed a supersonic wind tunnel built for the legendary Barnes Wallis and his research & development department. Now a flexible selfcontained hospitality space seating up to 100

people for dining or presentations, with its own kitchen and full AV it is overlooked by a stunning tribute to Alcock & Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Transatlantic Vickers Vimy aircraft and is a superb new ground-floor venue. With the unique Stratosphere Chamber on one side and the superb 4D theatre housing the Napier-Railton Race Experience on the other it offers an ideal location for meetings, exhibitions and celebrations.

With the launch of new creative hospitality packages this month which include summer dining under the wings of Concorde to fully inclusive day delegate packages we are sure to offer you a memorable event that exceeds your expectations.

For more information please contact: 01932 858005 email: hospitality@brooklandsmuseum.com www.brooklandsmuseumhospitality.com

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Members News

Businesses want to be in the EU, but a reformed EU

The Gatwick Diamond Economic Growth Forum is back for 2015 The 2015 event will be at the Arora Hotel in Crawley on the 4th June 2015

British businesses have delivered a clear message to politicians in Westminster and Brussels alike: they want to stay in the EU, but reforms are essential.

In the largest private sector business survey on the issue of the UK’s relationship in Europe, 55% of bosses said the most positive outcome for their business would be to operate in a reformed EU. The preference to stay in a reformed EU is supported by the survey findings that 63% of firms believe withdrawing from the EU would have a negative impact on their business.

Commenting, John Longworth, BCC Director General, said: “UK bosses continue to tell us that the best scenario for their business would be for the UK to remain in the EU, but with a new relationship.

“The harsh reality is that most politicians and business leaders are unaware of what is happening in Brussels and politicians of all parties are yet to provide a vision of what EU reform means in practice. The completion of the single market is moving forward at a snail’s pace with a risk of unravelling, the eurozone is consolidating and the European Central Bank has taken on a more prominent role. These are all challenging developments.

“If this continues we run the risk of being a member of a club where all the decisions are made by, and for, the Eurozone. The government must put EU reform at the top of the agenda. We must establish our relationship as a country that is part of the EU, but not part of the monetary union and ensure we have clear safeguards in place to protect ourselves against unwanted further integration. That is the kind of reform that UK businesses need in order to have the confidence to make long-term plans for growth and prosperity.”

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The conference, focussed on the Gatwick Diamond economy, and how it can be grown, is back for a second edition. Last year’s event attracted nearly 200 public and private sector delegates - the 2015 renewal will be bigger and better!

For 2015, as well as examining how we make the most of our airport, whether it expands or not, and generate the ideal economic and employment growth from it, we will be looking at the Gatwick Diamond’s established and successful advanced manufacturing cluster.

High-tech, low-volume highvalue manufacturing is big

around the region. It is a source of competitive strength and a big tick in the box for other such companies considering locating here. They would bring fast growth in jobs, and in particular in skilled employment. We’ll be looking at how we can grow this sector still further, and at what we can do to provide the right conditions – particularly infrastructure and talent – to ensure it continues to thrive.

The second Gatwick Diamond Economic Growth Forum took place on Thursday 5th June at the Arora Hotel, Crawley. 2014’s event brought 200 leaders from the public and private sector together to identify and discuss opportunities, debate threats

“In 2015 we will discuss the opportunities for the regional economy with a focus on Gatwick Diamond’s established and successful advanced manufacturing cluster”

and celebrate success in the £20.7 billion Gatwick Diamond economy. In 2014 we heard from leading experts and debated about how we can maximise our airport economy, with or without a runway expansion; the concept of “aerotropolis” or “airport city” and how it can be applied to the Gatwick Diamond; and examined how we can drive economic growth in all sectors.

The event is backed by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, and the Gatwick Diamond Business Association, and has the support of the local authorities in the area.

For more information http://gdegf.com

Members News

Mzuri Design appoint Dean Howard as Senior Designer Mzuri Design are delighted to welcome Senior Designer, Dean Howard, to their creative team.

Dean brings extensive design experience across a wide range of sectors including education,blue-chip, charity and not-for-profit organisations.

His skill set expands and complements Mzuri’s existing creative services and he is already making his mark with some exceptional design work.

The appointment underlines an exciting phase for Mzuri who are currently celebrating their tenth year of business. In addition to client work, part of Dean’s role will be to focus on exciting in-

house projects including the evolution of the Mzuri brand and the development of a new website, so watch this space!

Phil Tanner-Tremaine, Mzuri’s Creative Director said ‘We are thrilled to welcome Dean to the team. He is very experienced and it is a pleasure to be working together on creative briefs to achieve the very best results for our clients. We are excited to be focussing on our own brand this year too.’

Mzuri offer a free initial consultation and are official Growth Voucher Advisers.

If you would like to see what they could do for your business visit www.mzuridesign.co.uk

Get that feel good factor Local charity White Lodge Centre supports over 2,000 disabled children, young people, and adults, families and carers in Surrey.

They are asking Surrey Chambers members and friends to get involved with this fantastic local charity as the mutual benefits are so rewarding.

For over 50 years the charity, based in Chertsey has strived to provide for all those with disabilities throughout Surrey. The charity’s running costs are not fully met by statutory sources and this year alone the fundraising team needs to raise £500,000 to keep the services running.

The relationships that the charity has built up with individuals, businesses and corporates throughout Surrey has made a vital contribution to keeping the centre running.

The charity is appealing for more to get involved and get that feel good factor that comes with helping others.

There are so many ways you and/or your company can get involved including: the latest sporting challenge, volunteer days, donations and sponsorship of events and campaigns. Or you may have something specific in mind that you would like to achieve for the charity.

They are more than happy to tailor projects to meet any objectives you may have.

“We work with companies of all shapes and sizes throughout Surrey and have built up some wonderful relationships, we do however need more and would love to hear from you if you can help support us.”

Jane Cartwright, Community Fundraiser “I love the White Lodge Centre and feel passionate about supporting

them. It’s so rewarding to be involved with fundraising and volunteer days because every little really does help. There is a positive, happy feel to the place and it’s lovely seeing the children having fun and enjoying their environment.”

Jane Armour, CHEP Addlestone To find out more please contact Jane Cartwright, Community Fundraiser on 09132 567131 or email jcartwright @whitelodgecentre.co.uk

Flagging up exit passport checks Business travel specialists Global Travel Management has flagged up the latest move by the Government to tighten up UK exit passport checks as keeping in step with international controls.

The new checks, introduced this month, require anyone leaving the UK to have their passports verified. They will affect travellers using crossChannel and Channel Tunnel routes, such as ferry passengers, Eurostar passengers and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle vehicle drivers.

Air passengers are not greatly affected as airlines already collect advance passenger information.

GTM has been ensuring its clients are aware of the travel changes through e-shots as well as on its website and facebook pages. “Increasingly everywhere you go, certainly outside of Europe, your passport data is sent via the airline to the government so it’s quite strict,” explains Sales Director Paul Baker. “We see it as our duty as a travel management company to push the communication about the changes out to our clients so that it adds a bit more weight to information they will have picked up on the news or internet and if they are due to go on the Eurostar they’ll consider allowing a bit more time.”

Exit checks were dropped in 1998 but were re-introduced as part of a new system in the Immigration Act 2014 aimed at helping police and security services to track movements of known criminals and terrorists.

The new three-phase initiative will require all passports to be scanned but only 25% to be fully checked in the first month.

This will increase to 50% in May and 100% by the middle of June. However, Eurotunnel decided to implement full checks from the start.

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Members News

Celebrate Music at Frimley Lodge Live Festival Weekender!

Frimley Lodge Park will rock and swing to the music beats this August with Frimley Lodge Live! music festival weekender on Sat 8 and Sun 9 August Now in its second year, this event now fills a whole weekend with awesome music entertainment live from Frimley Lodge Park.

Saturday’s line up sees a tribute to Queen (Magic a Kind of Queen) headlining, supported by tributes to U2, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Bon Jovi.

As part of their prize, the winner of Camberley Theatre’s Battle of the Bands 2015 will be proudly opening the show.

Sunday’s event will send audiences back to the era of The Rat Pack with a ‘Celebration of Swing’. Artists will include electro swing band Easy Street plus tributes to Frank Sinatra and Michael Bublé. This is a fantastic event for the whole family.

This thrilling weekend of music will include a licensed bar and food available on site. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic rugs and low backed chairs.

Visitors to the festival can take advantage of a super advance ticket offer before 1st June and buy day tickets for only £15 per person. Children under 12 go free and all young people under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.camberleytheatre.biz Sponsorship opportunities are available for Surrey Chamber of Commerce businesses.

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The Sun shines on Halow despite the rain 100+ Charity Riders Return to Guildford after riding 250 miles in 48 hours.

“Last year’s challenge saw halow raise £100,000 from this event and we hope to match this again this year.

Thanks to our generous sponsors every penny raised will go straight towards our services for young people.”

Tuesday 5th May 2015, wet weather conditions couldn’t dampen the spirits of over 100 cyclists riding for Guildford charity, the halow project. Led by halow Patron, Damon Hill OBE, the peloton arrived safely back in Guildford to complete the final leg of their 250 mile cycling challenge.

Despite a weekend of unsettled weather that included rain and gales, the sold out ride, now in its fourth year, left Roehampton in south west London for France on Friday 1st May 2015. On a route that took in beautiful countryside in the UK and France, riders endured a gruelling weekend of intense riding in order to meet the deadlines and schedule ahead of them.

Around 200 family, friends, halow young people, staff and volunteers gathered to cheer the halow250 team into the Guildford Rugby Club. It was an emotional home coming for riders having completed the challenge in awful weather conditions. Cheers and applause filled the air as riders came to a standstill surrounded by their loved ones. Riders received a welcome glass of prosecco and their medals from halow young people.

George Willis and Mark Foxwell of GM Recruitment & 2boats, who organised the ride, congratulated the riders and presented a cheque to halow Chairman, Martin Day, for a total of £76,526 for the halow project. Martin thanked all those who took part and helped to organise the ride saying, "That’s an incredible total, raised by an incredible group of people for a brilliant cause!" halow would like to thank the halow250 sponsors Young's and GM Recruitment for their hard work and financial support. Thank you to Sykes & Son, Üutensil, Mercedes-Benz of Guildford and Elswood Cycle Works and to everyone who supported the ride and ensured the riders were safe, comfortable and motivated. An enormous thank you to all the cyclists who worked hard in training, getting sponsorship and riding 250 miles, all for halow.

You can still make a donation to the halow250 campaign and be part of this amazing adventure to support young people with a learning disability.

If you have been inspired by our intrepid supporters check out www.halow250.org.uk to register your interest in halow250 2016!

“Last year’s challenge saw halow raise £100,000 from this event and we hope to match this again this year. Thanks to our generous sponsors every penny raised will go straight towards our services for young people.

Please show your support for our young people and our terrific riders by making a donation at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ fund/halow250” said Halow Community and Event Fundraiser, Hannah Adair.

The halow project is a Guildfordbased charity committed to supporting young people with a learning disability to have the same life choices and chances as any other young person. From its community based social activities and learning programmes, to its 1:1 personalised support via its Buddy service, halow helps young people to gain confidence, skills and be supported to live as independently as possible.

If you would like to make a donation, refer a young person or require further information, please visit: www.halowproject.org.uk

Members News

Charity’s 30th Anniversary marked with Royal Visit HRH Princess Alexandra made a visit to St. John’s School Old Chapel in Leatherhead on Friday April 24 to mark the 30th Anniversary of The Brigitte Trust.

When Risk is Good & Safety is Dangerous One such issue is the question of risk and safety.

Now I am not suggesting that we throw all safety to the wind but when it comes to looking after your finances and welfare, too much safety could be a bad thing! Now this is not a moan about the tedious detail of the pedant from “health and safety”, but rather the realisation that in the first half of this decade, the “Tiny Temperamental Teens” (3T), need to rethink their investment strategies for both retaining and making the most of our money.

The Princess met frontline members the charity, including two volunteers, Wendy Lane and Deirdre Lay, who have been with the Trust for 30 years and spent an hour speaking with volunteers, trainers and supporters The Princess also spent time talking to The Drummond family who were supported by the Trust.

A posy was presented by Lucy Drummond after the unveiling of a plaque and cutting an anniversary cake made by a supporter of the charity.

Catherine Hodgson, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “We were delighted to be joined by her Royal Highness on this special occasion to celebrate the Brigitte Trust’s

thirty years of continued support to people facing lifethreatening conditions across Surrey and into West Sussex” The Trust is recruiting volunteers for its next training courses in Woking, Epsom and Crawley in the coming months.

For more information visit the charity’s website www.brigittetrust.org

“We were delighted to be joined by her Royal Highness on this special occasion to celebrate the Brigitte Trust’s thirty years of continued support to people facing life-threatening conditions across Surrey and into West Sussex”

The 3T decade will in effect see a period of low interest rates, low inflation, low growth and quite likely low returns. So what was applicable in the last couple of decades may not necessarily apply now. Thus with deposit rates giving miserable returns and inflation subdued, the chance of some tangible and significant growth in the value of hard earned savings and funds is going to be quite measly.

In fact in real terms you may even be losing money.

As we often hear in the media, many are desperate to try and find better rates either from special deposits or even from the recent government pensioner bonds. The result though is still a pretty thin gruel and no real reward for those who have saved all their lives to now get such a penurious return. Yet it is the fear of risk that has meant for many that they could be seeing the value in real terms of their finances diminish by seeking apparently ‘safer’ investment. Whereas with the opportunity of taking some modest but measurable risk, the opposite can occur and that the clients have a chance of making greater returns and so, ironically, lowering the risk to their lifestyles.

Call 020 7760 8777 or Email: information@7im.co.uk

www.7im.co.uk

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International Trade

FAIRFX Country Currency Focus: China The official Chinese currency is the Renminbi, also known as the Yuan.

The service, headed by project lead Sarah Butcher, links local businesses

British exporters reap rewards - but more companies must make the leap

Yuan is issued and controlled entirely by the People's Bank of China (PBoC). The RMB exchange rates are decided by the People's Bank of China and the rate is only allowed to float within a narrow range, where the RMB is suitably weak versus the USD. The exchange rate is manipulated by fixing the USD/CNY-rate on each trading day. This is the exchange rate that applies to trade flows into and out of China only.

Why does China want a stable exchange rate?

The main reason for China to keep the value of its currency low versus its trade partners, is that it makes China’s exports cheaper, and thus more attractive. This exchange rate

policy helps maintain the high growth rate in China, as Chinese exports account for a large proportion of its growth.

In addition, a stable exchange rate eliminates some exchange rate risk for Chinese exporters and importers.

Consequences of a fixed exchange rate However, there are also several adverse effects that a fixed exchange rate creates. In order to control the exchange rates, China must also control the flow of its currency. Hence, China’s financial markets are relatively closed and the movement of renminbi in and out of China can only be made under strict regulations and requirements.

These tight controls mean that it is easier to send USD into

China and the fixed rate means there is very little currency risk to the Chinese recipient.

In addition, due to the acceptance of USD from trade partners outside of China, a demand for renminbi and large supply of USD is created as Chinese exporters still need to convert USD into their home currency. This pushes the value of the currency up and again the PBoC curbs this by selling renminbi and buying USD and US treasury bonds.

Hence, the PBoC continuously accumulates foreign reserves, which have lower yields than earned on Chinese investments. China currently holds the largest amount of foreign exchange reserves at approximately USD 4 trillion.

Businesses who make the leap into international markets are reaping the rewards, according to an international trade survey being published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The results show that the majority of current exporters (59%) recorded sales growth in 2014, despite stagnation in the Eurozone and the appreciation of sterling. Furthermore, a third of exporters (34%) had to expand their production capacity last year to cope with demand from international markets, compared to only 3% that reduced capacity.

Despite the rewards on offer to all firms, it’s the long-established international players that are getting most of the benefits. Of the exporters that responded to the survey, the majority (61%) have been trading internationally for more than 10 years, compared to only 6% who have been exporting for up to two years.

Firms considering exporting suggested that greater access to overseas distributors and partners, and increased funding and support, would encourage them to seek out international markets.

The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, John Longworth, highlighted the need for continued support for businesses looking to expand internationally quoting “we must redouble our efforts to grow a pipeline of new exporting companies that the UK economy so desperately needs”. With this in mind, ExportSurrey and the international trade team at Surrey Chambers continues to offer events which inform and advise businesses of the export opportunities available.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce and ExportSurrey are excited to announce further country specific events for 2015 which will include business opportunities in the UAE and Canada.

Find out more information on our website www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Global Travel Management - Award Winning Business Travel Specialist

GTM puts the world in your pocket - tailoring corporate travel to your needs Kingsway House, 123-125 Goldsworth Road, Woking, Surrey. GU21 6LR Tel 01483 747321 www.g-t-m.co.uk

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24 Hours with

24 hours with Farnham Castle Intercultural Training One great thing about being a part of the Farnham Castle Intercultural Training team is that no two days are ever the same!

We provide intercultural global solutions and products for organisations and business travellers needing the cultural competencies to succeed in today’s globalised world.

As an international business we are constantly learning new facts about various industries every single day.

We’ve designed and delivered programmes for world-recognised giants of the automotive industry who are setting up a new plant in China, to pig nutrition experts (who knew?) striving to set up a new supplier chain in Vietnam.

Our programmes are delivered anywhere in the world and solutions vary depending on the complexity of the work environment and the individual or team’s role.

In any one day we could be delivering an induction programme for Asian graduates joining a London conglomerate, and at the same time providing an intensive coaching session for a C-suite leader engaged in complex negotiations across a range of countries and cultures.

A typical day at Farnham Castle Farnham Castle Intercultural Training is based at the historic Farnham Castle in Surrey and has been since its launch in 1962. Every day we have the great delight of sweeping up the driveway into the stunning grounds of this 12th century castle which has played host to kings and queens over many centuries.

Typically we’re in the office for an 8.30 start where the day may begin with us welcoming delegates here for a cultural briefing. Often we play host to whole families relocating

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– the knowledge we share helps to mitigate the challenges of culture shock, preparing small children, mum, dads and teenagers alike for their new life overseas.

Then, it’s time for a team coffee and catch up before inboxes attack like a freight train! If we’re really lucky there will have been a wedding, or conference at the venue the day before and there might be some gorgeous home-made pastries and croissants leftover from breakfast that we can liberate and give a good home to.

Coffee and connect time is over and then back to the inbox to see what amazing opportunities are coming our way today.

Debbie has a new requirement to design a programme for an international project management team, from Holland, who don’t speak English and who are tasked with reengaging a de-motivated workforce of engineers in Wales, whilst Dianne is engaged in lengthy discussions with one of our expert trainers, briefing them on a forthcoming family programme for a diplomat about to embark on an overseas assignment in Yemen.

Sheelagh’s on the phone to the Sunday Telegraph to agree our contribution to a forthcoming business supplement and Laura and Gustavo are discussing emerging markets – where are the next key regions for international business growth likely to be and more importantly which companies are already exploring opportunities and could benefit from one of our services?

Around noon we get together for a brainstorm, typically what 2 key pieces of work is everyone involved in and what do we need from each other to make it happen.

The meeting is disturbed when one of our trainers calls from Brazil to tell us that the meeting room booked for her next training programme to be delivered, in Portuguese, in Rio, in one hour’s time doesn’t have a projector! Debbie leaps in to action

and the crisis is quickly and effortlessly averted which brings us nicely to lunchtime!

Time for lunch Our stunning venue is a fabulous plus to our working environment, as is the fact that our in house caterers are truly superb. Today all staff at Farnham Castle have been invited by Chef to a tasting session. Wherever possible all produce served at Castle events, be it a wedding, meeting, conference or private dinner, is locally sourced and Chef is keen for us all to help him with a coffee tasting session to decide on a new local supplier for our coffee.

In return for our ‘help’ he and his team has laid on a sumptuous spread for us – delicious, after which we sample 5 coffees and then have to cast our vote.

Back to the global marketplace After a bit of fun, a feast, coffee and a catch up its back to work where early afternoon sees Gustavo hosting an interactive webinar session focussing on Virtual Teamwork. It’s a truly global event with delegates joining from all over Europe, Asia and the US. The session goes down well and feedback is enthusiastic.

Then the team is hot-footing it out the door to a local client’s office to

present our recommendations for their global mobility programme.

The Client is very happy with one of the executions, looks like we have a solution for them! They are particularly excited about the country podcasts and want to move ahead quickly. We agree on next steps.

The day comes to an end with a 5:45 pm meeting with a promotional company to choose stands and merchandise for our next exhibition what gifts we want to give out as part of a special event. We decide on one very good and appropriate idea and give the go ahead to order and brand it.

All in all a busy, but productive day – not quite 24 hours, but in our intercultural view somewhere in the world it’s midnight!!

Cover Feature

The University of Chichester Business School - responsive, flexible, practical!

The Business School at the University Chichester is proud of its reputation of helping businesses develop by making the most of opportunities and tackling problems in practical ways.

The Business School is located in purpose-built facilities on the university’s Bognor Regis campus. The Bognor campus that will soon be home to a new Engineering and Digital Technology Park specialising in data science, manufacturing, product design and other digital technologies.

The way that we work at the Business School is simple. Firstly we work closely with you and your senior management team colleagues in the business to determine what is needed and how this fits with the organisation’s goals. Next comes how best this can be delivered: on-site, at the University, is a programme to be run over several months, or as an intense course, with or without a qualification. Central to this is how it contributes to what the organisation is seeking to achieve.

Take a few examples. A small manufacturing company seeking to develop into new markets.

This organisation has built a good reputation in the maritime and shipping sector. It has developed a product that meets an unmet need in the offshore wind energy sector. However they are unclear as to how to approach the sector and to market their goods. Using the Business School’s expertise in this area the organisation is now making important inroads in targeting the right people and marketing its products.

Currently we are working with a number of small manufacturing companies. From our experience many face a similar problem at a particular point in their growth when moving from smaller to large scale production. It is at this point that quality and efficiency need to be considered in a different light. It can no longer be the responsibility of a few people on the shop floor.

Quality and efficiency now need to be considered organisation wide with appropriate and nonbureaucratic systems in place to provide appropriate assurance and control. This requires a different mindset and attitude. Here we have been running four day programmes for production managers focusing on operations management, particularly practical tools and techniques and how these can be used across the whole organisation.

Finally a larger scale programme with the local NHS. This particular trust was formed from the merger of a number of smaller hospitals.

There were differences in working practices and culture. There are opportunities for efficiencies and to deliver better patient care.

Here we developed an accredited postgraduate course with the trust’s senior team, as part of their organisation wide development programme, for their senior managers and doctors.

The programme, comprising of 10 one-day sessions over a year,

began with the Chief Executive who discussed the challenges and opportunities that she was facing.

This set the tone for the rest of the day where subjects such as strategy, finance, operations management, and so on were discussed. It was a course whereby participants would learn together but work on individual projects delivering substantial benefit to the hospital trust. In other words it is an approach whereby learning is gained by doing. And doing is informed by contemporary ideas of management and leadership. In addition the Business School runs an MA in Management and Leadership taking people with several years’ experience who are keen to take the next step in their career. Again, meeting monthly and using delegates own experience as a central core around which learning is built, we use project work and the very latest insights from management and leadership.

A similar approach is taken to our part-time Day Release Degree in Business and Management for those at the start of their career.

This programme, leading to an honours degree, covers all the vital subjects in management with

assignments built around practical work-based issues.

From short and sharp solutions focused courses, consultancy based upon a development need, or longer programmes of study leading to a qualification we work to deliver tailored solutions focused squarely on business need.

Key to this is to bridge between recent academic insights in management and leadership and how these can be brought to life in practical day-to-day situations.

We don’t tell you how to run your business but we can help you to grow and develop it!

For more information give us a call: Andrew Adams Business Development Manager, University of Chichester Business School – 07796 655247 a.adams@chi.ac.uk Dr Rob Warwick, Head of CPD Programmes – r.warwick@chi.ac.uk To find out more about how the University of Chichester can help your business, go to chi.ac.uk/business or email business@chi.ac.uk.

theChamber 23

Cover Feature

Use Silver Intelligence to sprinkle stardust on your business....

Growing businesses usually demand levels of knowledge and experience to take them to the next stage that their budget cannot deliver. This capability is now in reach for less cost.

In search of good leadership Businesses stand and fall on many things but primary among them is leadership. A well-led business can soar, a poorly led one can find itself struggling to survive.

This special feature canvases some expert opinion to look at the qualities needed to attain good leadership and how such qualities should be prized at all levels of the company, not just the top.

24 theChamber

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagine: expertise that you could not otherwise afford; markets that become reachable; experience that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have; pushing your boundaries; up-skilling your people; reducing risk; new networks open new opportunities; succeed.â&#x20AC;?

We attract successful and experienced executives, who have decided to move to a plural or portfolio career, by offering them a marketing platform that delivers varied work on a day rate or project basis.

Silver Intelligence is a business which fuses high level resource with in-growth SME demand in a dynamic business model that generates both direct and indirect revenue opportunities. We offer growing businesses a portal to access high quality referenced senior advisors with a range of different experiences and skill ranges. This is not recruitment, but easy access to the best advice on how to enhance your business performance to propel your company forward.

Cover Feature

Use… Wisdom > Experience > Networks > Expertise > Know-how …to unshackle your business from the budget constraints of hiring people on an interim or other basis. Don’t make mistakes through lack of

resource or waste money because you thought you knew best – call in the person or team that can make your business fly.

Imagine: expertise that you could not otherwise afford; markets that become reachable; experience that you

don’t have; pushing your boundaries; up-skilling your people; reducing risk; new networks open new opportunities; succeed.

How do I find what I am looking for? Our Network Club groups Senior Executives in zones so you can easily find what you are

looking for. You can choose someone for a day, several days or group people together for a project. What you get is a life career experience of a successful person who can take your business to the next level with ease.

Everyone needs their own brand New response to the growing need to look after number 1 A recent report from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) describes how, over the last four years, 40% of new jobs created are categorised as self-employed, typically earning just over half the salary of a permanent employee and that they now account for at least 1 in 7 people in work.

There is a fundamental restructuring of employment occurring that will gradually draw more of us in.

Many of us will be familiar with the way larger corporations increasingly structure themselves – with smaller cadres of highly skilled, highly paid individuals at the centre surrounded by flexing pools of workers that are provided by outsourcing companies or free-lance worker(s) that are hired for specific one-off tasks on a ‘project’ basis.

Most of us will be, or already are, impacted by this tectonic shift and it is crucial we look to actively manage our

own careers, taking on the stance of an entrepreneur and actively developing our individual brand, whether we’re still employed by big business or have already taken the reins of our own livelihoods.

We all need to become self-aware of our own strengths & experiences and how to sell the brand of “YOU” on a continual basis – with every form of contact being a sales opportunity.

Career Keystones has responded to this situation with a series of workshops designed to develop the brand of YOU. We blend a person’s own strengths with core skills that have been identified by work with Europe’s number 1 MBA business school * as crucial for new leaders. Our first workshop targets networking and will be followed by others on leading, presenting and then writing.

For event details on how to start developing your own brand visit www.careerkeystones.com or email

theChamber 25

Cover Feature

Inspirational leadership - can it be learnt?

Does the prospect of change imply challenge or opportunity?

The one thing that is true is that handling change requires sound judgement and careful decision making.

Perhaps W. Edwards Deming’s quote, ‘It is not necessary to change, survival is not mandatory’ may make you smile, but as far as business leadership goes, business growth seems far more preferable to just survival.

Sir Winston Churchill, one of the greatest leaders of our time,

testifies to the need for learning to become a leader, and he was pretty clear about how this worked for him – ‘I love to learn, but I hate to be taught’. Does this negate the value of the many theories and models of leadership taught in our academic institutions?

Stuart Mitchell, a Surrey entrepreneur for over 20 years, believes that while there is a lot of theoretical knowledge about leadership, the practical

application of this is often sadly lacking in business. Does this explain why so many businesses fail before reaching maturity?

Leaving aside the theoretical study of leadership, what can a business leader do practically to aspire to inspire their staff, their suppliers and customers and also their stakeholders? Stuart describes 9 key processes which need to be learned to reach the level of an ‘inspirational’ leader.

Firstly, three basic principles of leadership are a vocation to lead, an aptitude for leading and a motivation to learn. Without these three requirements, managers who cling on to control and power will fail to step up to leadership. When the skills of delegation and empowerment are learned, the effective leader can create trust, respect and confidence in followers. Leadership development is like mountain climbing, with its challenges and risks.

“When the skills of delegation and empowerment are learned, the effective leader can create trust, respect and confidence in followers. Leadership development is like mountain climbing, with its challenges and risks.”

26 theChamber

Secondly, a focus on results is vital for leadership to succeed.

The process for getting results requires mission, vision, goals and actions which are shared and adopted by staff.

Distractions divert the effort towards the organisational goals. Leaders keep everyone focused on the business outcomes of the goals while addressing and containing the distractions.

Thirdly, the need for leadership accountability. When the leader communicates results and accepts accountability, they build credibility and authenticity.

Experience is learning from mistakes while, as a leader, never trying to justify yourself.

Completing the process takes commitment to learning about the 6 remaining processes including effective change management.

For more information, please visit: www.practicalleadership.info or contact Stuart Mitchell (stuart@stuartmitchellgroup. com).

Cover Feature

Leadership Excellence Great leadership and outstanding management is a learnable skill.

Often we can fall in to the trap of looking at world-class business leaders and thinking this is for the elite few.

However, wise individuals realise that leadership is a skill that can be learnt and taught. As I coach leaders, they often understand that there is a process for sustainable growth to take place. They appreciate that an event might motivate you but a process will keep you moving forward – this is one of the great benefits that a coach will bring to a client.

• What would need to happen for you to grow in your leadership?

• How would that look in your life and to those that you lead?

• What plan do you have in place now to grow in your leadership and management abilities?

These and other questions are fundamental for those that are serious in developing their leadership skills.

I often encourage those that I work with to have a time of ‘reflection’ to ensure their business is not a cause for their leadership skills to weaken.

Leaders are busy people, the challenge is - are they always effective?

As Peter Drucker says, ‘Follow effective action with quiet reflection.

From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.’

How do you develop leadership excellence?

One of the primary responsibilities of a leader is to identify and develop other leaders. Many leaders attract followers and don’t develop leaders. It takes a good leader to attract other leaders to their team.

For leadership excellence to take place – leaders need to reproduce other leaders. When they do -they see their own influence multiply as well as the effectiveness of the team they lead.

When leadership excellence emerges it will often cause the leader and their team to enjoy greater influence, impact and income.

For further information about leadership coaching and training please visit www.KeepThinkingBig.com Tony Lynch is a leadership coach, trainer, speaker & author. He has been ranked by Inc. in the ’100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference’ as well as being a TEDx speaker.

Helping you enjoy greater Influence, Impact and Income. ͚>ĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ůĞĂĚ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŽ ƉůĂĐĞƐ ƚŚĞLJ ĐŽƵůĚ ŶŽƚ ŚĂǀĞ ŐŽŶĞ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ LJŽƵ͛ - Tony Lynch

Building the brand of YOU

A new series of training workshops that blend your own strengths & experiences with a core skill so as to develop your own self-branding.

Learn how to present your best, unique self for a memorable impact in every situation.

Sell yourself to the maximum and unlock your competitive advantage.

07957 372 939

info@careerkeystones.com www.careerkeystones.com

Keep Thinking Big, offers a host of services designed for you to enjoy greater results.

Executive Coaching and Training Sales Training Leadership development programmes Keynote speaking - Tony Lynch has been ranked by /ŶĐ͘ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ͚ϭϬϬ 'ƌĞĂƚ >ĞĂĚĞƌƐŚŝƉ ^ƉĞĂŬĞƌƐ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵƌ ŶĞdžƚ ĐŽŶĨĞƌĞŶĐĞ͛͘

www.Keepthinkingbig.com +44 7747 481142

theChamber 27

Big Interview

Chance meeting that set the stage for a successful business Successful Chertsey company Dazzle and Fizz Parties can trace its beginnings back to the creation of theatrical comedy duo Daniel and Charlotte Brisco for a children’s stage show.

Daniel, Charlotte and son Oliver

As part of the casting for the show encouraging young people to consider careers in the NHS, Daniel, known as Dazzle, and Charlotte, known as Fizz, were asked to provide some of the humour.

They had never met but the rapport was immediate both on and off stage and the result was a burgeoning relationship.

Theatre, said: “Myself and Daniel had never met before the show but we were asked to form a comedy duo and we ended up getting on very well.

“Daniel was a professional actor but I had tended to flit between acting and working in

In time it saw them use their passion for theatre and children’s entertainment to create a company which stages children’s parties nationally and internationally and which includes royalty among its clientele.

All that was a long way off when the couple were booked for the NHS-themed stage show.

Charlotte, who graduated from Royal Holloway University of London with a first class degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies and went on to gain a postgraduate diploma in Physical Superhero Party

28 theChamber

sales in London. I did not really know what I wanted to do with my life at the time and was still making up my mind.

“I loved working in the city, but did not feel satisfied creatively. I wanted to find a career that fulfilled both my love of business and theatre concurrently. At the time, I wasn’t sure that such a job existed!

“However, the idea of running my own business had always been there. I had grown up in a family which ran its own businesses so the idea had always been a part of my life.”

What eventually drove the couple to take the decision to set up their company was what turned out to be an extremely difficult time in their personal lives.

Charlotte fell pregnant but was very ill throughout much of the pregnancy, including a long period in hospital, and once their son

Big Interview was born, the couple re-evaluated their life and sought a way of earning some money while they worked out what direction to take.

The result was Dazzle and Fizz Parties, founded in 2010 on the Isle of Wight with Charlotte as Director and Daniel, who trained at the Birmingham School of Acting and has worked all over the UK delivering shows for children and teenagers, as its Artistic Director.

Charlotte said: “I had grown up on the Isle of Wight and, on going back, it was clear that nothing had really changed when it came to children’s entertainment. There were the same entertainers I had known doing the same thing they were doing when I was growing up.

“We wanted to do it differently and give children’s parties a contemporary feel.

Children’s lives have changed so much that the parties needed to change with them.

“Children’s lives are so fast-paced and they are surrounded by so much choice that parties have to reflect that. You cannot do the same thing that you have always done.

“We produce our own original material for which Daniel writes the scripts and our programme changes on a regular basis. You cannot have children and parents seeing the same thing that they saw the last time they booked.”

The business was a success and quickly built up a strong client bases, much of it in Surrey and London, and in 2012 the couple moved to Chertsey to be nearer their core market.

Two members of the Dazzle and Fizz acting team

Today, as it approaches its fifth anniversary, the company employs three people directly and uses twenty four self-employed actors to stage shows in high-end venues including those in Chelsea and Kensington in London as well as in Surrey.

In addition, the company has been booked by foreign and UK royalty, does parties for families and runs corporate children’s entertainment for companies including Harrods Lifestyle, Lidl, Net-a-Porter and Johnson & Johnson.

The work has seen the company run parties in the United Arab Emirates and, in addition, back home it tours its annual pantomime round schools.

Table styling and decor by Dazzle and Fizz

Charlotte said: “Things are going really well and we are growing year on year. We do advertise but most of our bookings come from word of mouth with people saying what a great show they saw.

“We have plans to expand further and would like to do more work for corporate clients in Surrey and London, which is where most of our work comes from. We are also looking to do more internationally, particularly in the Middle East from where we are getting bookings.

“We really love what we do. We are absolutely passionate about theatre and children’s entertainment.”

Children having fun at a typical Dazzle and Fizz Party

theChamber 29

Legal

State of the Economy in the South East The South East’s position as one of the more prosperous areas of the UK, in terms of both lifestyle and work looks set to continue, as demonstrated by the findings of Lambert Smith Hampton’s UK Vitality Index Report 2015 in which Guildford came out as the top destination in the UK, with other cities in the region dominating the list. figures for individuals are also at their lowest level since 2005.

The South East is responsible for nearly 14.9% of the UK’s economic output, which continues to be assisted by the region’s low unemployment rates, and ever increasing confidence within businesses, as demonstrated by a recent UK Business Confidence Monitor Report prepared by the ICAEW and Grant Thornton reporting that confidence is at an “all-time high” in the region. This is despite some uncertainty due to the upcoming general election, similar to that experienced by many businesses during the run up to the Scottish referendum.

A number of key infrastructure and business developments are proposed for the area which will likely only add to business confidence in the market including: • Plans for various supermarket openings in the region, including Waitrose in Guildford, Bagshot and Leatherhead.

The Office of National Statistics House Price index shows that, only behind the ever booming London property market, the South East has taken the lead in rising house prices, with an 11.5% increase in the last 12 months. The average house price in the South East now sits at £339,000, with a UK national average of £285,000 (£208,000 excluding the South East and London).

The increasing optimism in the region is also supported by improving statistics reported by the Insolvency Service.

The most recent statistics suggest that companies are continuing to remain strong across the UK, reflected by an increase in average turnover of 5.8% over the last calendar year in the South East.

In terms of insolvency procedures, liquidations are at their lowest annual total since 2008, administrations since 2004 and company voluntary arrangements since 2007. In 2014, 14,040 companies entered into liquidation, a decrease of 6.3% on the previous calendar year. Bankruptcy

• Continuing investment in Gatwick Airport with the Gatwick Q6 Capital Investment Programme, alongside continued discussions as to the potential for the expansion of Gatwick Airport.

• Funding for infrastructure across the south east, including £553m of the Local Growth Fund which has been committed to 80 infrastructure projects, and schemes to improve the transport network across the South East.

• Dover Harbour Board’s plans to regenerate the Dover Western Docks, which they say could create over 600 new logistics industry jobs.

The South East continues to buck the trend of what has otherwise been a sluggish period growth across the UK, and this looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, irrespective of who is in power following the General Election on 7 May. Roger Elford is a partner in Charles Russell Speechlys LLP’s Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency team.

A simple dashboard can help you avoid an unexpected “car crash” in your business and help you forge ahead faster…

In this article we show you how to easily create a dashboard that helps you keep your fingers on the pulse of the business and enjoy even greater success - and avoid costly mistakes!

There are several elements that are key to building a successful dashboard: 1. Right information - measure what’s really important to the success of your business - this will include a combination of financial and nonfinancial indicators. Sales, profit, available capacity, client satisfaction, staff motivation, etc 2. Accurate data - the underlying systems and processes have to be properly designed, set-up and maintained otherwise it will be “garbage in, garbage out”. A dashboard that gives you misleading information is no help at all.

3. Up-to-date - make sure the data is updated regularly. A real-time dashboard is something to consider, and might give you the most valuable

data, but a weekly or monthly dashboard is a great place to start.

4. Accessible - your business dashboard should be easily available to everyone who needs it not locked away on one person’s computer.

Without easy access people won’t get into the habit of checking their indicators and taking those important corrective actions.

5. Understood - ensure that you have someone in your business to help interpret the information correctly, and to help your management team understand what actions to take as a result 6. Used - yes it’s obvious, but unless your dashboard gets used it isn’t going to make any difference or help you enjoy greater success!

Jennifer Raines is the CEO of Your Right Hand Finance Team. Her team of 30+ commercially focussed finance managers and financial controllers work part time within growing companies, where the business owners need and value financial information and control, but don’t need the time, or the expense, of a full time person.

So what systems are best to design your dashboard?

• Cloud based accounts systems such as Xero come with a basic dashboard, • Add-ons such as Fathom or Spotlight are also available that can provide much more functionality and greater visibility of financial and non-financial markers.

• The familiarity and flexibility of Excel means it can be a good place to start designing your initial dashboard, and when set-up properly needs minimal manual data handling but are generally more manual than accounting systems.

Our finance people are experts in identifying the financial and management

The business owners know that their YRH finance person, who may work with them from as little as one day a week, looks after the day to day book keeping and accounting tasks, and focuses on accelerating the cash coming in. And they have management information that is relevant, insightful and commercially valuable.

information that’s important to you running your business with greater success. So if you’re looking for a dashboard that focusses on your company’s success then get in touch and we’ll sort it for you.

If you want to talk about what information you want or should be looking at, and how you can easily get it, call me (Jennifer) or a member of my team on 01252 820002, we’re more than happy to help you get what you need.

theChamber 31

Health and Wellbeing

It's time for great care Three local, experienced and dedicated GPs have opened Your Private GP Service at Clock House Healthcare in Epsom. They have been asked why? Dr Catherine Aboud responds on behalf of the team:

All three of us have worked in the NHS and continue to do so.

The NHS is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best health services by the Commonwealth Fund. It was there for me when I was born, and for my children

when they were born, and I’m confident it will be there for all of us, now and in the future.

However, 2015 has heralded a rocky start for general practice in England. The Royal College of General Practitioners announced in January: “It is a cause of national concern that patients are finding it so difficult to get a GP appointment.......We are really alarmed that the numbers of patients waiting a week or more has risen again and is now at an all time high.“ As healthcare professionals we are looking after an ever growing and ageing population. GPs are seeing 90% of all patient contacts within the NHS, yet the share of the budget general practice is receiving is at an all time low of 8.3%. Some family doctors are

seeing 40 to 60 patients a day.

The personal touch, the continuity of care and the understanding of the patient as an individual is difficult to attain in this environment.

The answer to the question “Who Cares?“, is that “We all do, we all must”. The challenge is delivering effective and timely care, within our current constraints.

Where does Your Private GP Service Come in?

Our aim is to practice modern medicine with traditional values.

We offer same day appointments with flexible times and durations six days a week. Opening times are from early until late. Home visits are provided. Patients are welcome to see the same GP and to discuss multiple concerns in one appointment.

Located in Clock House Healthcare, a superb private hospital with free patient parking, we are able to offer our patients a comprehensive on-site service which includes blood tests, ECGs, Xrays, ultrasounds and MRIs if required.

We provide a service which can be tailor-made to suit the individual and in so doing, we trust we can complement the NHS by relieving it of some of it’s stresses.

We feel we are providing an additional and alternative healthcare option to the people of Epsom and the surrounding area.

The aim is for great care with the added benefits of convenience, choice and time.

“GPs are seeing 90% of all patient contacts within the NHS, yet the share of the budget general practice is receiving is at an all time low of 8.3%. Some family doctors are seeing 40 to 60 patients a day. The personal touch, the continuity of care and the understanding of the patient as an individual is difficult to attain in this environment.”

32 theChamber

Health and Wellbeing

Walk in - Walk out varicose vein treatment In the UK one in four adults get varicose veins, however worryingly the majority either ignore their symptoms or encounter difficulties accessing treatment due to stringent NHS suitability criteria. Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, Mr Patrick Chong explains the symptoms and best treatment options.

“At present NHS patients in Surrey tend to fare better than in Hampshire as Hampshire requires the presence of advanced venous skin changes to be present before a patient is deemed eligible for treatment.”

What are varicose veins?

Veins return blood to the heart using precise ‘one-way’ valves working within the veins. When vein valves stop working or become damaged, blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, which most commonly occurs in the legs.

This can cause veins to become enlarged or swollen, usually appearing dark purple or blue and lumpy. Risk of varicose veins increases during pregnancy, when overweight and in old age.

What are the symptoms?

Other than their appearance symptoms include achiness and pain in the affected vein, varicose eczema, pigmentation around the ankles and more advanced venous skin changes such as stubborn heel and leg ulcers. At present NHS patients in Surrey tend to fare better than in

Hampshire as Hampshire requires the presence of advanced venous skin changes to be present before a patient is deemed eligible for treatment.

recommending less invasive methods such as Endovenous Laser and Radiofrequency Ablation techniques which use heat energy to permanently seal varicose veins.

Traditional techniques

Both methods involve the insertion of a needle and sheath into the affected vein using ultrasound guidance for accuracy. Then laser or radiofrequency energy is used to seal the damaged vein.

More than 33,000 patients undergo varicose vein surgery annually in the UK. Two thirds of these patients have open surgery under general anaesthetic which involves surgically tying and stripping out faulty veins from the leg.

Recovery can be slow due to pain and bruising, and usually takes a fortnight. Patients are also left with a large scar in their groin crease or behind the knee and have a risk of surgical wound infection.

New techniques The National Institute of Clinical Excellence published new guidelines last summer

These techniques take only 45 - 90 minutes using local anaesthetic. Patients can return to work two to three days later.

Spire Clare Park Vein Care specialises in "walk in, walk out" day case varicose vein treatments, with a number of minimally invasive options with experienced consultant vascular surgeons.

For more information call 01252 895 490.

theChamber 33

FFrustrated rustrated t d and unable help with your to get hel vvaricose aricose vveins?

Clar Clare eP Park ark V Vein ein C Care a provides the off minim minimally invasive full rrange ange o ‘walk-in ‘walk-in walk-out’ walk-out’ treatments for your your varicose varicose veins veins at an affordable inclusive price all inclusiv e pric e ffor self-funding private patients. priv ate pa tients.

We are experts W e ar ee xperts in endovenous laser bla tion (E VLA radiofrequency blation (EVLA), A AI`AtXec ¢9NcNTt£ AcL 1AmWNec I`AtXec ¢9NcNTt£

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C all 01252 895 49 Call 490 now to book into one o popula complimentary off our popular monthly 10-minute mini mon thly 10-minut cconsultations onsultations ffor or vvaricose veins with our e xperienced cconsultant o experienced vascular sur geon tto o ha ve yyour o veins assessed surgeon have and discuss yyour our ttreatment options.

01252 895 490 www.spireclarepark.com w ww.spireclarepark.com

Ask the Expert

Google’s recent changes could have costly repercussions for your business Thomas Hughes, marketing executive and copywriter, Forfront As of April 21st, you will have fallen down Google’s search rankings if your website isn’t mobile-friendly - and this could seriously impact your revenue. But it’s not too late to do something about it.

On Thursday April 21st Google began quietly rolling out a monumental new mobile-friendly update.

The search engine has boosted the ranking of mobilefriendly pages on mobile search results. This means that websites not optimised for mobile browsing will fall down the search results for mobile users.

What is a mobile-friendly website?

“A mobile-friendly website is a site where text is readable without tapping or zooming, clickable buttons are spaced appropriately and the page avoids unplayable content or horizontal scrolling.”

Source: Google

Therefore, as a result of these Google changes, if your website isn’t mobile-friendly it will essentially vanish for the huge number of users browsing on the go.

Any mobile-friendly competitors will capitalise with an enhanced ranking and a much larger share of traffic for your key search terms.

What can you do?

There are two main options available: 1) Begin development on a mobile-responsive website.

A major obstacle to redeveloping your website might well be the hefty price quoted by some software companies.

At Forfront we can design, write, develop and deploy a brand new, mobile-responsive website for your business with flexible pricing and payment plans that can be tailored to suit your individual budget.

Why is this important?

2) Develop a mobile and tablet app for your business.

The top search result on Google gets 33% of the clicks. The second position gets 18% and the traffic only decreases from there.

As well as the myriad of advantages of developing a mobile app – increased visibility, brand awareness, a direct marketing channel, heightened engagement, potential to monetise through ads or in-app purchases - this option will also improve your website’s Google ranking.

According to the Global Web Index, 80% of internet users own a smartphone and roughly 30% of site visits come from mobile devices.

With the April 21st update Google also introduced App Indexing, which lets Google treat apps just like websites in its search results.

We develop websites and mobile apps at Forfront.

With over seventeen years of software, website and app development experience we’re ideally positioned to develop with the future mobile web landscape in mind.

Our technical teams are all based in-house here in Surrey, so we are able to provide a flexible, personal and cost-effective service to suit your long-term business needs.

Visit www.Forfront.com for more information.

FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2015

WEAR IT WILD Images: © Packshot / WWF-UK

DRESS TO EXPRESS YOUR WILD SIDE AND HELP PROTECT AMAZING WILDLIFE Sign up at wwf.org.uk/wild #WearItWild

theChamber 35

G ov er n m ent Funded

WAVERLEY TRAINING SERVICES 3DUW RI :DYHUOH\ %R RURXJK &RXQ QFLO ÂŤ

Workplace Qualifications

APPRENTICES ENTIC C

Every employer sh shou ho ld have one!

Contact us to discuss the benefits of employing an apprentice within your company

Your company could really benefit by taking on an apprentice WTS can off fer appr p enticeships in: Business & Administration Customer Service Social Digital Media Team Leading and Management Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools Debt Recovery ITQ

Telephone: 01252

725872

wtsadmin@waverley.gov.uk The Pump p House, Kimbers Lane, Farnham GU9 9PT

Development

Professional Qualifications

- taking your career to another level In a competitive business environment, whether you’re looking to progress your career, enhance your business knowledge or are even thinking of changing career direction, gaining a well-recognised professional qualification can help to demonstrate your professionalism and commitment in addition to providing that vital differentiation in a job market.

“Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have that extra qualification on their C.V. which shows their level of understanding in business as well as their commitment to their careers. We offer a great selection of courses to reflect these market requirements”

From one day short courses such as Team Leading and Finance for Non-Financial Managers through to professional qualifications with Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) or Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Guildford College can support your career ambitions in order to help you succeed in your field of business.

Ben Geeson, Head of Business Development at Guildford College, says, “Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who have that extra qualification on their C.V. which shows their level of understanding in business as well as their commitment to their careers. We offer a great selection of courses to reflect these market requirements”.

Professional courses can be taken on a part time basis, usually a couple of hours after work once a week, or in some instances a distance learning facility can be offered.

Short business courses run from 9am – 5pm. Check out the website for all dates and prices.

Guildford College Group is also one of the largest apprenticeship providers in the area, offering over 30 types of apprenticeships at mixed levels.

If you want to find out more about employing an apprentice, please call the Guildford College Services to Business hotline on 01483 44 85 30 or email employers@guildford.ac.uk.

theChamber 37

Members News

Happy Staff mean Happy Customers The findings of a recent study by Gallup indicated 63% of employees worldwide are “not engaged”. And in the UK 26% of employees are actively disengaged.

Imagine what impact that can have on customers!

Here are the top 4 tips to employee engagement:

Set expectations No one likes uncertainty or being left in the dark; set your expectations and explain what ‘good’ looks like.

And give them the skills, resources and confidence to do this really well.

Define everyone’s areas of responsibility to ensure no gaps or duplication of effort, avoiding the frictions that occur when someone hasn’t pulled their weight or others are seen to ‘interfere’ with your way of doing things.

Your team get confused if you say one thing but do something else! Be the perfect role model.

Communication None of us likes being kept in the dark; let people know what’s going on.

Conduct briefings to include what's happening that could affect your business or customer experience in any way (e.g. maintenance, staff shortages, unavailable products or services), as well as feedback from staff on their observations or ideas.

Let your team know how the business is performing, and what this means to them.

Communicate any changes that are happening in the business before they happen, and how this might affect them.

Responsibility Ask your team for their input and their ideas. Often they’re closest to customers and know first-hand what’s most important to them. They’ll invariably spot simple things that can improve business.

Give them the authority to make decisions and do what’s best.

You only have to look at what people achieve when you’re not there to realise how capable they really are. This gives a sense of pride and ownership.

Reward and recognition Celebrate and share successes; everyone likes to be appreciated, and sometimes it’s as simple as a heart-felt thank you at the end of a busy day.

Consider what’s important to individual team members; not everyone is motivated by the same things. Play to people’s strengths and give them development and responsibility in areas they excel in.

Make your business somewhere people love to work, and are happy to be advocates and ambassadors for your business.

Caroline Cooper is an author, speaker, trainer, and consultant on customer services and customer loyalty. For further information visit www.naturallyloyal.com

Change that sticks; Change that slips A lot is written about change: that it is inevitable, that it is disruptive, that it is good for us.

As a business owner change is fundamentally what you are about.

You set up a business to change things, be they your own personal circumstance, an idea to be brought to market or to improve on what has gone before.

Once you are up and running the need for change continues. And that is how you and your business improve, ultimately delivering benefits to your clients.

A key part of our proposition is to help our clients identify the changes they want and need to make in order to achieve their goals.

Change that requires people to do and behave in different ways can be the most powerful change you will ever make. Once you have someone

38 theChamber

thinking differently, you unleash the huge potential of their own imagination and creativity. However if you have team members who are reluctant, resistant or even rebellious about change the negative effect can be disastrous.

A client contacted us about a change initiative that had kicked off following a strategy session we had together last year. The development team wanted to introduce more lean and agile working to accelerate developments, reduce cost and improve innovation. The initiative had started well with support from other departments including sales and service. However the head of development felt that the momentum had slowed.

We had a conversation and identified five areas where the change could be reinforced: 1. Communication: rarely does any lasting change in people’s behaviour come about from a single communication. To create change and make that change stick requires a ‘campaign’ over an extended period of time 2. Intellectual and emotional: the reasons for and benefits of change need to be articulated. Different people react to and accept different types of persuasion, some need hard evidence and intellectual persuasion, others more emotional, energising persuasion

3. Multi-level: when promoting change, it is important to engage multiple levels in the business 4. Leadership: if you believe in the benefits of making a particular change you should take on a leadership role to ensure the change happens 5. Process, systems and measurement: the preceding four points are focused on people.

Sustaining any change requires support and that usually comes from processes and systems. Change also needs tracking and evidence which comes from measurement to show how you are improving, moving in the right direction, and doing something worthwhile.

Design

Why design thinking can make you a better leader There are hundreds of books, thousands of meetings and millions of Google results about leadership and the best traits to have.

If you can cut through the noise, there is certainly some good information out there, but we at FdK don’t feel there is enough on how leaders can benefit from using design thinking.

We saw a worrying survey by Design Week recently suggesting that most businesses “fail to understand the benefits of design” and more see it as a cost than a benefit.

Design is too often perceived as a surface activity and rarely something that should run through an entire organisation; SomeOne co-founder Simon Manchipp describes that perception as “lipstick on a pig”.

Leaders need to understand that while design thinking can produce successful products and services it can also be used to improve business operations and turn that pig into a unicorn (well, maybe not quite that flashy).

So let’s take a moment to talk about what design thinking means.

It’s a user-centric method to identify and solve problems. On the face of things, it’s about developing a business in response to the problems and needs of the market it operates in.

But from a leader’s point of view, design thinking can be turned inwards

to help develop internal operations in response to the strengths and needs of a team.

This not only includes business owners but leaders at every level of a business can benefit from usercentric thinking that informs their daily decisions and helps maintain a high standard of job satisfaction, communication and efficiency without the need for massive strategic change.

It’s something Silicon Valley is beginning to understand with more and more firms seeing the value of designers who know how to work with and within the constraints of the tech industry.

On top of that, start-ups with designer co-founders now make up 20 per cent of the leading venture capitalfunded businesses in Silicon Valley.

Outside of the tech industry, a good example of a company using design thinking throughout their organisation is restaurant group Leon.

“There was a recognition from our chief executive and our CMO that design was really important,” says Head of Design, Jo Ormiston.

“We have lots of different teams within Leon but they all need creativity and design - from training our team members to the restaurant interiors, we try to engrain our design and brand into everything we do.”

We believe you should too, whether you are a small start-up or large business.

Written by Ollie de Kretser PR & Online Communications Manager FdK Design Consultants Twitter - @FdK_Studio ollie@fdk.co.uk 01483 243565 View our “Good Design is Good Business” e-book for free by visiting: http://www.fdk.co.uk/freegood-design-is-good-businessbooklet/

theChamber 39

Technology Showcase

Biotechnology. So What?!

I have been planning to include biotechnology in an issue of the Technology Showcase for several months. It is an area which is often misunderstood and under-valued, especially when considering the agriculture and food sectors.

But before we explore that further; what is biotechnology?

Welcome to the Technology Showcase Welcome to our Technology Showcase.

In this edition we are looking into the interesting world of biology and biotechnology. There are many areas to explore and at first I was spoilt for choice. Then a chance meeting at a Surrey Chambers’ event gave me the inspiration and direction I needed: agriculture and food.

A special thank you goes to Tozer Seeds in Cobham and I hope you enjoy reading more about the team’s innovative and world-leading work in seed technology.

Don’t forget if you have any interesting technologyrelated stories or news to share please drop me a line at elaine@ehenterprises.com.

Elaine Dr Elaine Hickmott is Creator of The Diamond Effect and Technology Ambassador for Surrey Chambers of Commerce. www.eh-enterprises.com

40 theChamber

Of all the descriptions I found in the literature, I think the one given in The State of Food and Agriculture explains it well.

Biotechnology is described as ‘any technique that uses living organisms or substances from these organisms to make or change a product for a practical purpose’. But why should we care what it means and what impact does it have on our lives anyway?

The benefits of biotechnology are helping us every day often without us realising. From the food we eat to our household chores it has played its part.

This may be in applications as diverse as the production of rennet used to make certain

cheeses or the enzymes used in a range of detergents. Plant breeding techniques are also assisting growers to meet everincreasing demands for all-year round crop availability and uniformity of produce. Yields can be increased and costs reduced which translate into improved supply for us, the consumer.

Old and New in Harmony It is easy to assume that biotechnology is a modern phenomenon. The scientific knowledge behind it may be relatively new but its use is not.

Humankind has been employing traditional biotechnological techniques for thousands of years. It is believed that early

farmers as far back as 10000BC began selecting plants with the most favourable characteristics for propagation. In addition, cross-pollinating different species of plants to create hybrids has resulted in many of the fruit and vegetables we know and love today.

Harnessing and manipulating the power of the genetic makeup of plants is therefore not new and has been at the heart of securing a superior crop for farmers and growers both past and present.

Complementing these traditional techniques is a range of modern biotechnology tools that enable scientists to gain greater insight into genetic composition and genetic mechanisms.

For example, bioinformatics uses and organises information relating to the structure and function of biological systems.

Molecular markers allow more reliable information to be collected on the distribution of genetic information which in turn can improve the success of plant breeding and conservation activities.

In essence, the real power of these newer approaches comes from deeper understanding. The long breeding cycles of traditional plant breeding can be reduced thanks to the insights gained from techniques like bioinformatics and molecular markers. They are not a replacement for more traditional methods but an enhancement and will help to improve agricultural success for communities around the world.

As you can see there is much to discover and learn in the field of biotechnology, yet like many areas of technology, we can often fail to recognise the benefits it brings to our lives and the amount of work and talent that makes these benefits a reality. This is definitely true when we buy our fruit and vegetables. We may or may not give a passing thought to the grower but I am sure not many of us consider where the seed has come from or the painstaking years of research undertaken to create a new variety.

Now it is time to redress the balance a little and introduce you to Tozer Seeds and the part they play in securing harvests globally.

Suburban Breeding Tozer Seeds has been developing new vegetable varieties for over seventy years and I had the privilege of visiting the site and Dr Frances Gawthrop, Tozer’s Research Director, in preparation for this Showcase.

An independent British vegetable plant breeding and seed company, Tozer Seeds is based in Pyports, Cobham.

Initially the majority of its customers were local but by the 1970s it was supplying seed to commercial growers across the UK. Today it has offices in Spain and in the USA and its seed is sold and grown across the globe through an extensive network of distributors.

The market has changed substantially in the last twenty years. As well as fewer but much larger producers, the seasonality of vegetables has been eroded through an expectation of year round supply which is addressed by either extending the UK season or importing vegetables from across the world. The changing practices have impacted plant breeding and modern vegetable varieties require a higher yield potential, improved quality, uniformity, flavour and shelf life but also need to be resilient to changing environmental conditions and have resistance to pests and diseases.

Tozer Seed’s ability to respond to these changes is matched by a reputation for innovation and creativity. It released the first commercial F1 hybrid varieties of parsnip and celery and

“The benefits of biotechnology are helping us every day often without us realising.

From the food we eat to our household chores it has played its part.

This may be in applications as diverse as the production of rennet used to make certain cheeses or the enzymes used in a range of detergents.”

maintains the market leading varieties of both these crops.

The innovation continues with the development of a novel vegetable, the Flower Sprout (pictured), a cross between a Brussels Sprout and a Kale which has recently received much media attention.

It takes between ten and fifteen years to develop a new variety of vegetable. Tozer Seeds use traditional plant breeding techniques and modern biotechnology but not those described as genetic modification. The process usually starts with the creation of genetic variation, suitable parents are selected and cross pollinated. Years of hand pollination follow to ensure the new variety is uniform and stable.

The final stage involves trials and testing the maintenance and reproducibility of the new variety.

Dr Frances Gawthrop explains, “Plant breeding and development form a core part of the company’s business.

It is the key to our success and enables us to retain our independence. It is awesome than within a single seed, there is all the genetic information required for a plant to grow, flower and set more seed.”

Having visited Tozer Seeds and gained deeper insight into the work carried out by the team, I now have even more respect for the biologists, biotechnologists and horticulturalists that help bring food to our plates.

If you would like to learn more please visit www.tozerseeds.co.uk.

Enter Satro’s STEMX Awards today!

Are you a technology company actively investing in education and training?

If yes, then Satro’s 2015 STEMX Awards are for you. A celebration of excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the awards recognise the achievements of young people and the contribution by businesses from across Surrey and North Hampshire.

Successful entrants will be invited to join special guests and the Satro team at a gala

awards evening on Tuesday 29 September 2015 at WWF’s impressive Living Planet Centre in Woking; a building which shows design, materials and technology working together to reduce environmental impact.

For full award details, entry forms and deadlines, plus information on the sponsorship opportunities available, please email stemx@satro.org.uk.

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New Members

Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies: Mandira Ltd Mandira Sarkar Hotels/restaurants

07876 135096

Investors in People (Grant Thornton UK David Umpleby LLP) 02077 383510 www.iipsouth.investorsinpeople.co.uk Business Consultants One Hit Consulting Monika Juneja 01483 243339 www.onehitconsulting.com Monika Juneja Recruitment & HR

01252 560435

The Wellness Company Louise Meers 07794 458062 www.wellnessandmore.co.uk Health & Social Work Shooting Star Chase Kate Law 01932 823117 www.shootingstarchase.org.uk Charity Bibby Financial Services Stacey Fairclough 01753 218200 www.bibbyfinancialservices.com Financial services Agovo Ltd Kimberley Quester www.agovo.co.uk IT and communications

08455 212199

VJS Accountancy Services Limited Victoria Smith 07870 702194 www.vjsaccountancyservices.co.uk Accounting Sandler Training (West M25) Paul Glynn 01784 390623 Training & Education PJ Hi-Fi Limited Richard Taunton www.pjhifi.co.uk Retail/wholesale

Yabba Media Suzanne Bellenger www.yabbamedia.com Marketing & PR

01483 504801

02035 655513

01483 274719

Zoe Griffiths Consultancy Zoe Griffiths 07771 917093 www.zoegriffithsconsultancy.com Business Consultants SESCA Enterprises Ltd Christina Brook www.sesca.co.uk Training & Education

OrbitTech 01932 300360 www.orbittech.net IT and communications Austen HR Alison Austen www.austenhr.co.uk Recruitment & HR

Shopsitaliano Shupikai Kaseke www.shopsitaliano.com Retail/wholesale

FAIRFX Toby Crow www.fairfx.com Financial services JIk Software ltd John Steadman www.jiksoftware.ltd.uk Recruitment & HR SenexGroup Andrew Minhinnick www.senexgroup.org Business Consultants GoFest Paul Farris www.gofest.co.uk Leisure & Entertainment

01737 223999

02077 789322

Straight A Training Jayne Raftery www.straighta.co.uk Training & Education The Heart of Work Felicity Dwyer www.heartofwork.co.uk Training & Education

02081 234661

Reflectory Consulting Vanessa Evans Business Consultants

07941 616495

Simon Greenhill Entertainment Simon Greenhill 07957 219612 Leisure & Entertainment Redhill & Reigate Golf Club Steve Kempton 01737 240777 www.rrgc.net Leisure & Entertainment Retell Natalie Clarke www.retellrecorders.co.uk IT and communications

01932 779755

01622 761704

Credence Consultancy Gill Fee 07921267247 Hospitality, Marketing, Sales, Event & Venue Consultancy

07834 040839

BEGA Lighting UK Ltd Brian Ridout www.bega.de Manufacturing

020 816688

Cargo Recovery Consultants Ltd Jolanta Martin 01428 641188 Business Consultants JAC Mediation Janet Crowe www.jac-mediation.org Business Consultants

Biz School Ruth King www.bizschool.org.uk/ Training & Education

01306 882098

Accolade Legal Services Ltd Ian Canavan 01428 604433 www.accoladelegal.uk Legal Money Plan-it (Wealth Management) Ltd Craig Chapman 01372 940832 www.surrey.moneyplan-it.co.uk Financial services

07411 995994

Bluebell Web Solutions Mel Farmer 07881 622955 www.bluebell-web-solutions.com Marketing & PR

01252 821868

Carol Miller Media Carol Miller Marketing & PR

01962 736019

Randall Greene Richard Edwards www.randallgreene.com Accounting

01483 773172

01483 230440

theChamber 43

Members News Growth and positive outlook the theme of 2015 Economic Forum The theme of the 2015 Hart Brown Annual Economic Forum, will be “Leading the way” with three top speakers discussing their views on how the British economy is driving worldwide growth, and what actions should be taken to ensure the economy continues to strengthen.

Britain’s economy is driving growth across the world, according to Christine Lagarde, Head of the International Monetary Fund. The economy grew faster than expected in the final months of 2014, and consumer confidence has risen to the highest level in 12 years. The UK’s dominant service sector continues its robust expansion and job creation is rising at near record pace. Over the next year, business investment is expected to show a strong positive growth, which will be one of the main factors in ensuring the economy continues to strengthen. The March 2015 budget set a clear plan for fiscal health and growth. However, there is still uncertainty about what impact the general election will have on the country’s ability to continue to lead this economic recovery.

To help make sense of the various messages emanating from politicians and economists, Hart Brown’s 11th Annual Economic Forum, on 25th June at the University of Surrey, will see leading economists and business figures discussing their perceptions on the current and future state of the economy. The panel of speakers will comprise: William Hobbs, Head of Equity Strategy at Barclays, Tim Price Partner and Director of Investment, PFP Wealth Management and Michael Coughlin Group Managing Director, Bathroom Brands Holdings (UK).

“The Hart Brown Annual Economic Forum is now established as the premier business event in Surrey,” commented Nigel Maud Chief Operating Officer at Hart Brown.

“With around 400 delegates, it provides a unique opportunity for the business leaders of Surrey to hear the views of top commentators, and to network in a stimulating environment.”

The headline sponsor of The Hart Brown Annual Economic Forum is The University of Surrey.

If you would like to attend the Hart Brown Annual Economic Forum please register online at www.economic-forum.co.uk/registerfor-economic-forum.php The event is free to attend but registration is essential to secure your place.

44 theChamber

Camberley town centre gets set to offer a welcome that WOWS! Retailers in Camberley Town Centre are being given a chance to learn how to make a great impression on their customers.

Businesses from within the Town Centre’s Business Improvement District (BID) are being offered the opportunity to brush up on their customer service skills with a range of workshops provided free of charge by Collectively Camberley.

The set of 3 accredited workshops are available to local businesses from the BID and are delivered in partnership with training bodies WorldHost and People1st.

WorldHost and People1st provide customer service training has been used to train over 160,000 people in the UK, and one million people worldwide. That includes tens of thousands of volunteers and staff at

the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics, who were widely praised for the fantastic welcome they gave to visitors.

The first of three workshops, Principles of Customer Service, was held on 15 April at Camberley Theatre and welcomed a range of independent and national retailers including Alcatraz, Obelisk Way and The Mall’s Ask Me Point team. The remaining sessions will be run on 6th May and 17th June and can be booked directly with the BID team.

The second workshop, Sales Powered by Service, aims to transform staff into effective sales professionals who not only listen to your customers’ needs,

but maximise on them. The final workshop, Principles of Customer Service, gives Managers or Supervisors the knowledge and coaching skills to create a real customer service culture in their business.

The BID devised the training programme as a result of a large scale mystery shopping programme that took place late last year. With over 50 local businesses agreeing to have their service, products and local knowledge put to the test.

BID Manager for Collectively Camberley, Lucy Boazman, said “We received some really impressive results in the 2014 mystery shopping project with the majority of businesses scoring well above average across the board.

We’re hoping these workshops will give local businesses the knowledge to maintain these high standards. Customer service can make or break a business and it’s important that teams are trained on good customer service. When customer service is high, customer satisfaction will be even higher and that’s perfect for business.”

“These workshops are one of a number of initiatives that we’ve introduced to support the towns local businesses.”

Great Charter Festival Sunday 14 June 2015 A free festival of art and ideas that will take place at Royal Holloway, University of London.

We are expecting 4,000+ people from across the County and further afield to attend on day and are keen to get local businesses involved through a variety of opportunities, including advertising in the programme.

Based in the Founder's Building, the events will take full advantage of the University's spectacular High Victorian architecture and setting.

The festival will take the form of a summer fair with a radical

twist. Catering to a wide range of audiences, it will showcase the vitality of local arts activity but also take a creative and critical look at Magna Carta, with a particular emphasis on its contemporary resonances.

Drawing on local and national talent, our ambitious and diverse cultural programme will feature music and dance, art and crafts, talks and workshops. Exploring the history and legacy of Magna Carta, the festival will be a celebration but also an

opportunity to ask questions.

What do we mean by liberty?

How can it be secured and protected? Is it something we already enjoy or that we must continually strive for?

Please email Diana Edmunds at Diana.Edmunds @royalholloway.ac.uk for more information.

Members News

Fulbrook school reaches semi finals of business enterprise competition with help from local entrepreneur Fulbrook School in New Haw, Surrey is celebrating this week as they found out that they have reached the semi-finals of a national competition to find the best group of young business entrepreneurs in the UK.

As part of their preparation, they have been getting mentoring and business advice from local entrepreneur and businessman Mike Walker, who is MD of MGN Events, an event management and party planning business based in Hersham, Surrey.

Mike has given up his time to mentor pupils in business skills at the school in New Haw Surrey for the last two years and has helped to prepare them for this year’s competition where they are competing for investment of up to £2500. The students have come up with a business idea for a social enterprise which recycles old textiles and also donates usable items to a local woman’s refuge.

Mike Walker said: “I am delighted that this group of Year 9 students have made it to the semi- finals of this prestigious UK wide competition. They have come up with a fabulous idea which we have been working on refining over the last few weeks and it has been really inspiring to watch it come to fruition. It is a privilege to work with the students and help them to learn about what it takes to run your own business” Fulbrook school are taking part in the Mosaic Enterprise Challenge 2014/15. The competition is an initiative of Business in the Community, supported by the Prince of Wales.

It has been running since 2007 and is designed to develop and encourage pupils’ entrepreneurial skills.

Mike Reekie, Business studies teacher at Fulbrook school said: “Mentors like Mike have been invaluable in getting us to this stage in the competition. It is their business acumen that helps these teenagers to make the right decisions and really have belief in their business ideas. By working with people who actually run their own businesses, the pupils have been given invaluable advice and the sort of expertise that is rarely available to 13 and 14 year olds.”

This year 4,000 students will be taking part from schools across the UK. The winning school from each region this year will be invited to take part in the Grand Finals in London in April.

Spelthorne Borough Council launch Inward Investment website for Staines-upon-Thames The perfect blend of town and river, with Heathrow on the doorstep.

Spelthorne Borough Council are pleased to announce the launch of their new inward investment website, www.investstaines-uponthames.co.uk. The fantastic new website is part of the ongoing re-branding of Stainesupon-Thames and has been built to showcase the town as a major hub for business, as well as providing advice and support to existing local businesses.

The website will be accompanied by a glossy, 12 page promotional document highlighting the town’s inherent strengths.

The document will be freely accessible on the new website or in hard copy on request.

The new website and document form the next stage in the ongoing re-branding of Staines-upon-Thames, which started with the renaming of the town in 2011. With Economic Development being one of their priorities, Spelthorne Borough Council have looked for new ways to market Stainesupon-Thames whilst at the same time adapting to the ever changing presence of the online “digital high street.”

There are a range of exciting features that make the website an effective tool for business. “Staines-upon-Thames Delivers” gives a wide-ranging breakdown of the reasons to invest in the town, whilst the “Do business” and “Resources” sections offer the best advice and support.

The site also contains a number of FREE to use interactive features. These features include a comprehensive business directory to help provide a platform for local businesses. Each directory page includes full contact details, links to the company’s website and social media feeds, in addition to a map to highlight the location of the business.

Finally, for those wishing to discuss the latest hot topics in business, or for those who wish to network but can’t find to time to attend breakfast meetings, investstaines-uponthames.co.uk offers a discussion forum to help members connect with each other, find new clients or suppliers and allow you to voice your opinions on the latest local developments.

Cllr Colin Davis, Spelthorne Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development said “Staines-upon-Thames has long been seen by some of the world’s largest companies as a perfect base for business. With unrivalled transport links and close proximity to Heathrow Airport and Central London, the town’s perfect blend of town and river setting offer a productive business environment and a fantastic standard of living. Investstaines-uponthames.co.uk will provide a vital online presence and give the rest of the world a window through which to view the riches Staines-upon-Thames has to offer.”

For more information about the new website or promotional document, please contact economic.development @spelthorne.gov.uk

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Chamber Events

Key events coming up in Surrey Chambers’ calendar

Members Networking Evening 27 May 2015 Reigate Manor Hotel, Reigate 18.00 - 20.00 Members FREE Non Members £30 Join members and non members for another great networking opportunity. Networking is a sure fire way to create sales and ultimately grow your business. Developing fresh, new and long lasting business contacts is a constant need for any business wishing to succeed. The question is, “Are you networking enough”?

The event is absolutely free to members and refreshments and canapés will be served throughout the event. What do you have to lose? Just don’t forget your business cards!

Chamber Connections Waverley Breakfast 28 May 2015 Lythe Hill Hotel, Haslemere 08.00 - 09.30 Members £12 Non Members £20

Chamber Connections Spelthorne & Runnymede Breakfast 03 June 2015 Staines Riverside Café, Staines 08.00 - 09.30 Members £12 Non Members £20

Surrey Chambers Investec Derby Ladies Day 05 June 2015 Epsom Investec Derby, Epsom Downs Racecourse 11.00 - 19.30 Members £219 Non Members £249

Chamber Connections Woking Breakfast 05 June 2015 De Vere Venues - Gorse Hill, Woking 08.00 - 09.30 Members £12 Non Members £20

Quintessentially English, undeniably traditional, always exciting and never predictable; the Epsom Derby is one of the world’s greatest sporting events and has enthralled race-goers for over 230 years.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce are pleased to announce our official exclusive collaboration with member, Silks Event Promotions providing members the opportunity to experience The Silk Hospitality Pavilion situated within the Upper Tattenham Enclosure at Epsom Downs Racecourse, over the two days of Investec Derby Festival.

For more information to book a table of 10 contact the events team on 01483 735540

Business Women in Surrey

Chamber Connections Elmbridge Breakfast

Chamber Connections Reigate & Banstead Breakfast

02 June 2015 Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, Bagshot 15.30 - 17.30 Members £24 Non Members £40

09 June 2015 Burhill Golf Club, Hersham 08.00 - 09.30 Members £12 Non Members £20

11 June 2015 Reigate Manor Hotel, Reigate 08.00 - 09.30 Members £12 Non Members £20

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Chamber Events

UAE expanding your business internationally 17 June 2015 The County Club, Guildford 17.00 - 20.00 Members £12 Non Members £20

Badminton Networking Event 12 June 2015 Lightwater Leisure Centre, Lightwater 18.00 - 20.00 Members £10 Non Members £15 Local companies meet for a couple of hours to play badminton in a relaxed and friendly environment. The standard of play (and fitness) is varied, and you'll take part in several games of mixed-doubles. Come along and see for yourself - you'll get to play with at least 5 partners during the evening, against different opponents each time.

Then, it's drinks and snacks in the bar to catch up with everyone else.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce is delighted to be hosting a panel event sponsored by Santander and in partnership with the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce on ‘UAE expanding your business internationally’ The event which will be held at the County Club in the heart of Guildford will offer delegates a fantastic insight into trading with the UAE, the advantages of taking your business overseas, the importance of understanding cross cultural issues, case studies from businesses who have traded in the UAE followed by an interactive Q&A session with our panel of experts.

The One Hour MBA 17 June 2015 Projectfive, Camberley 18.00 - 20.00 Members £10 Non Members £20

Open 18 Hole Golf Competition at West Surrey Golf Club 16 June 2015 West Surrey Golf Club, Godalming 13.00 - 21.30 Members £73 Non Members £98

Reigate & Redhill Business Forum 16 June 2015 Canon, Reigate 16.30 - 19.00 Members FREE Non Members FREE

Surrey Business School invites you to attend an one hour workshop, giving you a taster of what the University’s prestigious MBA programme has to offer.

Understanding Generation Y 18 June 2015 Canon, Reigate 17.30 - 20.30 Members £22 Non Members £35

Annual Summer Lunch 23 June 2015 De Vere Venues - Horsley Park, Guildford 12.15 - 15.00 Members £45 Non Members £60 An excellent opportunity to take a table for 10 and entertain your clients. Bring your clients and entertain them, say thank you to your staff or just come by yourself and make new contacts.

Halfway through the celebration, if you have come for networking, you will be allocated a new table number to move to meet new people.

At the lunch we will be supporting the charity, Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Fund, and there will be a raffle with some excellent prizes to be won.

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Members Benefits

Air Conditioning Spring Maintenance Offer!

Take the FREE Change Challenge

Advantage Air Systems has been designing, installing and maintaining energy efficient heating and cooling systems for the last 20 years and has built a solid reputation based on quality and service.

Would you like to know how ready your business is to deal with tomorrow’s challenges?

Let us come in and spend a couple of hours with you and your team.

At the end we will give you an overview of what's working well and how you can build on this to ensure you get maximum benefit from any opportunity that comes your way.

At Fish Climb Trees we help individuals, teams and businesses embrace change by using a blended mix of consultancy, coaching, training and facilitation.

INTERESTED? To find out more, call 07887 547093 or email: hello@fishclimbtrees.co.uk

"Everybody is a genius.

But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Spring has sprung and Advantage is offering all Surrey Chambers Members 10% off of routine maintenance for their air conditioning equipment.

Extended use of any air conditioning system without proper preventative

maintenance can degrade the equipment’s performance and will ultimately lead to unreliable and inefficient operation.

Spring is an ideal time for a service visit to be carried out in preparation for the warmer months ahead.

Regular maintenance will ensure: • Optimum energy efficiency • Prolonged equipment life • Compliance with current F Gas Regulations

To receive 10% off your spring maintenance visit

Call: 01306 628282 Email: sales@advantage-asl.co.uk Quote: SPRING Offer ends 29.05.15

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Member News

GoFest for company and family away days Create a truly memorable and rewarding experience for your employees and bring your company away day or family fun day to GoFest 2015, the UK’s Family Festival of Sport, Fitness, Dance and Health on 10-12 July at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford.

Company and family fun days are the highlight of many staff calendars and the pressure is on to do it right.

The day needs to be exciting, entertaining and inspiring, catering for both adults and children.

GoFest presents an exceptional opportunity to get stuck in to team building activities, whilst offering participants a fun, motivating and unforgettable day.

With professional coaching and activities led by some of the UK’s top talent such as Fulham FC, Harlequins RFU and Surrey Storm, you can rest assured that as well as providing your employees and their families with an amazing day out, you will also be offering a life changing experience, with newfound knowledge and skills to take away and develop. Branded as “The Sporting Glastonbury” by Olympic silver medallist and

GoFest ambassador Sharron Davies MBE, GoFest offers activities for different tastes and age ranges in mind, so there’s something for everyone to have a go at.

Remove the competition from the boardroom and into GoCompete, with inter-company competitions and the chance for one of your employees to be crowned GoFest Champion. Or reward your teams with massage and spa facilities in GoChill, our relaxation zone to help your team unwind together and recharge after a busy half year.

With a huge range of activities for all ages, GoFest presents the perfect opportunity to interact with similar aged peers and get active together in a fun

fuelled environment.Top quality dance and live music acts on Friday and Saturday nights take over the main stage once the activities cease, giving your employees and their families the chance to drink, eat and strut well into the warm summer evening.

If you’re interested in finding out more, visit www.gofest.co.uk/awaydays

A stunning NEW bathroom for The Waterside Inn Cottage, Bray Delivering outstanding customer service is something that as a family run business, Raycross Interiors prides itself on.

When Robyn Roux first came to us requiring the complete service to design, supply & install a stunning new bathroom for the Mallard Apartment at The Waterside Inn, it was the perfect opportunity for us to mirror their high level of client expectation with our high level of design expertise along with our unique project management service and our high-specification products.

“The complete process from our initial consultation with Graham Cross, through the planning & design stage to then having the new bathroom installed was done with complete confidence and extreme efficiency. With the Mallard Apartment being rented out throughout the year to guests of The Waterside Inn, it was imperative that the schedule of work was completed on time. Graham

project managed the installation every step of the way and the work was completed on time and to a very high specification.

We are delighted with the completed bathroom and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Raycross Interiors, their

personal attention to detail and outstanding customer service is superb.”

To see our full porftolio on this project for the Roux Family, visit www.raycross.co.uk/clientportfolios

Bibby Financial Services climb Sunday Times Best Companies list to reach top 50 Independent SME funder jumps 48 places in top 100 companies to work for Independent SME funder, Bibby Financial Services (BFS), has been awarded a place in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies for the fourth time, climbing 48 places to take 50th position.

The business is the country’s largest independent invoice finance provider, employing 700 people in 18 offices and funding over 7,000 SMEs in the UK. Commenting on the award, Chief Executive for BFS in the UK, David Postings, said: “Reaching the top 50 is a milestone achievement for us and I’m absolutely thrilled that we have been able to improve on our 2014 ranking.

“Being a great place to work is the cornerstone of our success and this award demonstrates that our hard work and commitment is paying off.”

The Sunday Times lists – compiled by Best Companies - are based on the views of employees and businesses are ranked on areas such as leadership, charitable giving, employee well-being and personal development.

Formed in 1982, BFS is part of the Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group, a 200 year old business services company.

UK HR Director for BFS, Sarah Cook said: “We have invested heavily in our workplace benefits package over the past year to enhance the support we offer to staff. Health assessments, baby bonuses, flexible working hours and holiday-buy are just a few examples of the excellent benefits we offer to our people.

“Having a happy and loyal workforce is extremely important to us and this award means even more knowing that it has been voted for by staff,” Sarah added.

The award ceremony was held at Battersea Evolution in London on 26 February. Reaching the top 50 means the company is now classified as an ‘outstanding’ employer, achieving twostar accreditation.

David concluded: “One of our core values is working as a family. This award is dedicated to our people across the country and shows that working as one team leads to great success.”

Further information about careers at Bibby Financial Services can be found at: www.bibbyfinancialservices.com /meta/careers

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Chamber Chat

5 minutes with... a subscription-based service that charges £20 per month for unlimited access to a flexible and talented workforce looking to work flexible hours. Just like a social network, businesses simply grow ‘talent pools’ of individuals or a ‘virtual workforce’ that can be contacted as and when required.

What 3 words would you use to explain your company?

Helping businesses grow.

What differentiates your organisation from others?

At MUMBU we believe the traditional way of finding great people is flawed in that it focuses on people’s skills and capabilities and leaves the most important bit (the individual) to the end of the process. Our model flips this around by unashamedly focusing on the person and bringing them to life, so that businesses get to know the individual at the beginning rather than the end of the hiring process. We believe that to hire the best recruits businesses need to ‘hire for attitude and train for skill’. This is especially true of small businesses where fitting in to the existing team is critical.

Nick Garnett, Director at MUMBU Explain Mumba to someone unfamiliar with the business: MUMBU is a new, easy-to-use online platform that enables businesses to sidestep the typical recruitment model by accessing the local resource pool directly, making previously hidden talent available in a simple, cost effective way.

It’s about helping local people and local businesses find each other for each other’s mutual benefit. For example, a business looking for help with their bookkeeping or marketing could have an expert on their doorstep. At the same time individuals, such as those who no longer want to work full time or who are trying to achieve a better work life balance, are able to make themselves ‘discoverable’ to businesses throughout Surrey.

Unlike the traditional recruitment model, which typically involves consultants who charge a percentage of the individual’s salary, MUMBU is

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We also place control of recruitment back in the hands of businesses by providing a low cost service with no middlemen, no expensive recruitment fees and no hassle. It enables businesses to see beyond the CV, which is arguably an out-dated (if not archaic) approach to recruitment, and helps them to avoid making bad recruitment decisions, which are often costly and time intensive to fix. MUMBU allows Surrey businesses to find out a person’s true motivations, unfulfilled ambitions or even their hidden talent. Using a real-time calendar, businesses can search for prospective candidates on their availability, character traits and, of course, skills. In doing this, businesses are able to get a good feel for a person before they’ve actually met them.

What is your vision for the future of the business?

We want MUMBU to become an essential component of any SME’s hiring strategy and the match.com of the recruitment world. Matching individuals who are looking for a change of career, or only want to work part time, with businesses who maybe can’t afford to hire someone full time, or whose staffing requirement is seasonal or flexes on a monthly or weekly basis, is at the very heart of MUMBU. We want to open up all opportunities for businesses and individuals to allow them to establish what works well for them.

As it stands, there’s no way of uncovering these opportunities as until now there has been nothing that facilitated the process. MUMBU fills this void and provides a win-win for both businesses and individuals. Our vision is for MUMBU to be the organisation that effectively bridges that gap whilst making recruitment an affordable, accessible and successful experience for everyone who uses it.

What advice would you give to a company considering setting up in Surrey?

Surrey is a great place to start a business, after all it’s a thriving county that borders London. However, the most important thing is to focus on finding a business opportunity that you are passionate about. You must enjoy what you do as this will give you the additional energy to go the extra mile that is required to become a success. Another advantage of being based in Surrey is the large pool of talented resources, so businesses should sign-up to MUMBU (www.mumbu.com) and begin building the talent pools needed to either start or grow their organisation.

If you were telling another business person about the chamber what would you say?

I would say it’s a great way to learn about the local business community and discover a useful support network. Like MUMBU, it’s business orientated but with a focus on the individuals behind the businesses.

And finally, as a Surrey business, what do you see as the local key factors for success/growth over the next 12 months?

For MUMBU, it’s about a steady acquisition of businesses and individuals. We’ve created the technical platform but for it to work effectively, benefit the Surrey community and for MUMBU to fly, it needs local businesses and talented people to sign up. From a general business outlook, the economy has turned a corner, confidence is returning and the opportunities we saw pre-recession are starting to present themselves once again. It’s now down to businesses to build the right team, ensure that their infrastructure is scalable and focus on their market. With passion, confidence and an ability to keep it simple there should be no stopping Surrey businesses.

To help one of the UK’s fastest growing companies go further, Heathrow needs to do the same.

Nearly a third of the global population has no access to electricity.

Only an expanded Heathrow is able to take him there.

But Chris Baker-Brian is helping change this with BBOXX: the briefcase-sized battery box that’s providing reliable solar energy in 35 developing countries.

And he isn’t alone in standing to benefit. Expansion at Heathrow will create up to £211 billion for the UK economy, and up to 180,000 jobs.

From the Congo to Colombia, BBOXX powers phones, homes, schools and hospitals, changing the lives of some 205,000 people. Chris wants to make that 20 million.

Only when Chris can connect to the developing world can he get the developing world connected.

He knows exactly what he needs to keep his growth on-grid.

But to do it, he needs more direct flights, to more of the world’s emerging markets.

And that includes an expanded Heathrow.

See why other bright British businesses need a expanded Heathrow at heathrow.com/takingbritainfurther Source: Airports Commission, “Heathrow Airport North West Runway: Business Case and Sustainability Assessment”, November 2014.

#TakingBritainFurther