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CONTENTS |
Inside this issue 6
12-15
10
17 30-31
19
5
6-9
10
Chief Executive’s Comment Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber News Stamford Chamber News
12-15
16
Ely Chamber News
17
Fenland Chamber News
18
Huntingdonshire Chamber News
19
Cambridgeshire Chamber News
Peterborough Chamber News
20-21
Events
22-23
Out & About
Ask the Expert: Agency Agreements
25
26-27
In the Hotseat: Simon Fairhall
28
Policy Update
29
Chamber Updates
30-31
32
34-35
Report from Ian Mackellar
36-37
New Members
38
39-41
42
Wacky Races Charity of the year
Update from the LEP Sector Updates International Focus
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 3
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COMMENT |
Growth
Forecast
more positive news for businesses as the British Chambers of Commerce upgrades its growth forecasts for the next two years, predicting that UK growth will reach a seven-year high in 2014. The BCC’s economists have upgraded their growth forecast from 2.8 per cent to 3.1 per cent for 2014 and from 2.5 per cent to 2.7 per cent in 2015. With expected growth of 3.1 per cent this year it will be the first time since 2007 that annual growth has been above 3 per cent, but let’s not carried away. The expected slowdown in growth in 2015 is a sure sign that the UK is not out of the woods yet, and work must continue to enhance our longterm growth prospects. What this means to different businesses varies, but one thing many business leaders continue to agree on is that we all need assurances that interest rates will not be raised prematurely. Only this will provide the confidence needed to ensure businesses continue to invest for the future. The Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, recently made a speech in which he indicated that the timing of Britain’s first interest rate rise is ‘less important than the path thereafter’. That may be true, but nonetheless we continue to urge the Monetary Policy Committee to hold off raising interest rates for as long as it can do. The British Chambers of Commerce currently predicts that the first interest rate increase will take place in Q1
2015 and we believe the case for acting any earlier than this is far from being made. Businesses welcomed Mark Carney’s transparent approach when he arrived at the Bank of England and lay his metaphorical cards on the table. Right now businesses need him to flash those cards once again, to reassure business owners and investors that the future doesn’t hold any nasty surprises and that rate increases, when they do come, will be gradual.
John Bridge OBE Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
UK growth will hit a seven-year high in 2014
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 5
| CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS
Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber NEWS
Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce
An insight to St John’s College There is a thriving academic community, with a large number of Research Fellows, but there is more to the College than education. have been given a tour, including Cambridge business leaders when they held a dinner in April. They also learned that the College is part of sustainable cities and buys locally and they have also massively cut back on food waste.
St John’s College is an impressive venue for conferences, corporate events, private dinners and weddings
St John’s College
st John’s College has former students that include famous business and political leaders, as well as renowned scientists and artists, but they also have an impressive conference and dining facility which is dedicated to training and staff development. Bill Brogan, Catering and Conference Manager, explained: “The importance of front of house staff and the crucial role they play in the whole dining experience was emphasised recently when inspirational front of house
training was delivered by Dimitrios Leivadas, restaurant manager at Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck Restaurant.” Open all year for private dining, the College organises lunches, dinners and receptions, even when students are in term. They also host both commercial and academic conferences in the summer and at Easter. During the summer months they also open for bed and breakfast. A new kitchen was installed last year and many organisations
St John’s College is an active member of the Chamber and Bill sits on the Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber committee. The College has hosted the Chamber’s annual Christmas lunch where over 100 delegates enjoy the splendour of the Great Hall. The conference team are involved with other leading bodies including Conference Cambridge, Tuco and Food Service Managers Group. In additional Bill was elected to the Society of Gastronomes in January this year. n
History of St John’s
The Great Hall
6 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
St John’s College was founded in 1511 and is one of the oldest and largest colleges in Cambridge. Former students include famous business and political leaders, as well as renowned scientists and artists. It’s an inspiring place to study and visit. In 2011 the college celebrated its 500th birthday which was marked with special events and a Royal visit from The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh who unveiled a commemorative plaque. n
| CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS
Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber NEWS IN BRIEF JULY 2014
A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge & South Cambs
Domino receives global accolades at major industry show
New wave of software services Cambridge Software Engineering Ltd has won its first two contracts – developing an extranet website for contract hire and leasing company Marshall Leasing and providing applications support for Seymour Distribution, the largest independent UK distributor of magazines. The contract to develop a new extranet website for Marshall Leasing will draw on Cambridge Software Engineering’s technical strengths in the development of business intelligence solutions using Microsoft technologies. Nick Rogers, Cambridge Software Engineering’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted with the confidence that Marshall Leasing and Seymour have shown in us. These contracts demonstrate our ability to work alongside our customers, to understand their business problems and provide effective solutions that meet their needs.”
Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce
Domino’s stand at Interpack.
Domino recently exhibited at Interpack in Dusseldorf where they showcased coding and marking technology to a global audience. A report prepared at the Show highlights Domino’s strength in its field, particularly in seeing the potential for the ‘digital opportunity’ with the launch of its new N610i ink jet label press and its leadership in addressing the forthcoming requirements of the Falsified Medicines Directive. Sheila Richardson, Domino Group Marketing Manager, said: “Interpack was a great success, both in showcasing our new products and underlining our commitment to meeting the needs of sectors with specific technology.” n
History just got more interesting! Victoire Press in Bar Hill have just published a book for local author and historian, David Ball who decided to trace his ancestry. However, his own family tree proved to be of less interest than the dirt he dug up on several other residents; including the young man who kept a diary of his last years as he died of T.B; the local butcher’s heavily pregnant mistress who suddenly disappeared and the ancestor of Margaret Thatcher who killed a fellow worker! Whether it be history books, short stories or novels, Victoire’s in-house design department give the professional look to your work, and their digital printing capability ensures economy of pricing, making it a straightforward and cost-effective method. Self-publishing can be easier than you think!
8 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
Bat Punt Safari
Wildlife Trust members enjoy Bat Punt Safari wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridge and Northamptonshire are delighted to have held their first exclusive corporate members’ event of the year! Working together with Corporate partner Scudamores, they hosted a truly magical evening. In the still and quiet of twilight guided by passionate and knowledgeable bat experts, they watched and listened with ultrasonic bat detectors, to the variety of fascinating bat species at home on the River Cam.
“Thank you so much to the Wildlife Trust for the wonderful opportunity to enjoy the bats by punt on such a beautiful evening and to watch and learn so much from very knowledgeable and helpful guides.” Sarah Evershed, Hewitsons Solicitors “The evening made me look at familiar spaces through new eyes, and with new ears thanks to the bat detectors!, plus a fresh awareness of the importance of those spaces for the survival of our local wildlife.” Katya Lubarr, Downing College Cambridge n
| STAMFORD CHAMBER NEWS
Stamford Chamber NEWS
A round-up of news and events from across Stamford
New Chairman elected
Tim Lee with Richard Olsen
Police challenge New College Stamford students with unusual Doctor Who request
Businesses have elected a new leader following Tim Lee’s resignation as Chairman of Stamford Chamber of Commerce. Tim Lee, who has led the Chamber since 2008, stepped down at the organisation’s annual meeting at the end of May. He was replaced by Richard Olsen, Managing Director of the Olsen Partnership, based in Ketton, Stamford. Speaking following his election, Richard said: “Our priority as a Chamber is to develop more opportunities for businesses within Stamford and the surrounding areas and capitalise on the benefits of being part of a wider business network across Cambridgeshire.” Richard will lead the Stamford Chamber of Commerce committee in discussions and lobbying activities relevant to local businesses and will also represent Stamford businesses on the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors. n
Future leaders promoted in Boston Two promising employees, who were among the first to join the Duncan & Toplis leadership academy set up last year, have been promoted to Associate Partners. Sarah Clyde and Matt Herd at the Boston office were selected for the Academy, along with six others, after a challenging assessment day in June. Adrian Reynolds, Managing Partner, said: “We introduced the Duncan & Toplis Academy to identify and help individuals to develop their careers through targeted training and support. Being successful in the Academy does not necessarily lead to promotion, but it does demonstrate our confidence in the individuals selected and it provides a great opportunity for personal development.” n
Carpentry students build Doctor Who Tardis for local police
Stamford Police had an unusual request when they visited carpentry students at New College Stamford – they asked the group if they could build a life-size functioning Doctor Who Tardis! The Police planned to use the Doctor Who replica as a temporary community police office as they visited local towns and villages. Carpentry students Alex Knox, Sebastian Cadwallder, Tim Pocock and Jodie Whitburn jumped at the opportunity to get involved. Not only has the project been a hit with Stamford Police, but it has been a valuable experience for the students to develop their knowledge of joinery techniques, woodworking machinery, working as a team, working to deadlines, thinking outside the box and being creative, which they will need for a successful career in the industry. n 10 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
Matt Herd and Sarah Clyde
Free government funding to help small businesses get faster broadband GROWING communications agency, Cuttsy+Cuttsy, is moving a larger office I ONCE read to that a in South typical trade Cambridgeshire show can and installing faster of generate the equivalent 170 with the help treesbroadband worth of paper waste. If a connection voucher you of think of the number fromshows Destination of trade held inDigital. the UK The company is using each year, we’re getting into Destinationhigh Digital’s unimaginably numbers. Mathew Cutts voucher Soconnection why and where is all this scheme helpI with installation of new paper being to used? can’tthe remember the costs last time I went to a leased lines to itsshow newand offices. Mainlyupon specialising conference or trade remarked how excellent healthcare the Whittlesford-based the in brochure was.marketing, I attend these events because I value the company be itself, able to double in join terms content of thewill show I want to its be capacity educated, debates, Nick Milne of space business when it moves to topic AbbeyinBarns, network andand increase my knowledge of the question. Ickleton this summer. I am not saying that brochures aren’t useful, they can be Company Mathew Cutts said: “Goodthey need to informative and Director, help to direct attendees to where connectivity is vital to might our business. Our current go, or suggest what they like to see. Of course they are the time speeds need but with not broadband designed todoesn’t be keptgive for auslong andwe treasured, to deliver our services to our European clients. Thethe time, a lifespan of only one or two days, is it really worth faster connection will help the such film production money and environmental costus tobuild produce a product? side of theare business we need thecreation, bandwidth Event apps by no as means a new but to they have large the files.prominence The new connection will helpwithin the still transfer not achieved that they deserve us keepand costs down per circuit. employee and offer conference trade show Perhaps this ismore because they working.” are flexible designed to accompany a brochure, rather than act as a MathewIfalso comments getting a voucher replacement. delegates havethat all the information handed to was “Theat scheme wasthen easyintrinsically to apply for. Paulare less them in aquick: brochure the door, they at Destination Digital was quick to respond to our inclined to download an app. questions helped uscopy through the process. Our Yet, having and an electronic is cheaper, environmentally application was even approved same day.” friendly and a more up-to-date wayon of the getting information to Destination launched earlier this year by your audience. It isDigital up to was organisers to have enough confidence Connecting Cambridgeshire toan help small businesses to recognise that the brochure is outdated method of use digital technology. Small businesses Cambridge communicating with visitors, many of whominwill have tablets, and South Cambridgeshire can apply for a £3000 notebooks, smart phones and sometimes even all three. voucher to install until 2015, Once and for all wefaster shouldbroadband bid farewell to March the conference with government funding available on21st a first-come, brochure and move conferencing into the century. first-served basis.will Businesses canClick+ applyon online: Robinson College be hosting 7th November www.destinationdigital.info/vouchers 2014, an interactive event which focuses on the future of effective conferencing.
Intensive research and development reinvents the toilet LOW CARBON KEEP is a European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) funded knowledge transfer scheme designed to help SMEs in the East of England improve competitiveness, productivity and profits by working in collaboration with a UK Garry Moore, CEO of Propelair University and providing access to a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise. Phoenix Product Development is one organisation that has benefited. The company is a manufacturing and engineering firm that has developed and patented an innovative air flush toilet system called Propelair. Propelair uses just 1.5 litres of water per flush compared to 9 litres used by an average toilet, reducing the toilet’s water use by an 84%. The system combines an air pump within the water cistern and works when the toilet lid is closed. It improves hygiene by suppressing bacterial aerosols, and can be fitted virtually anywhere. Five years of intensive research and development and the collaborative partnership with Anglia Ruskin University helped to improve the existing prototype and increase its potential market appeal. The collaboration also led to cost savings during the development phrase. Garry Moore, CEO of Propelair, said: “We have been very happy with the partnership. Our product is now gaining traction in the B2B building and facilities management markets and has been installed in commercial buildings, local authority properties, financial institutions and a fast-food restaurant.”
If you want to find out more about how the Low Carbon KEEP knowledge transfer scheme can help fund your business, be sure to get in touch. W anglia.ac.uk/lowcarbon T 0845 1964310 lowcarbonKEEP
DESTINATIONDIGITAL.INFO
| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS
Peterborough Chamber NEWS
IN BRIEF JULY 2014 Help for new graduates Local graduates are being offered an enhanced registration service to help improve their career prospects by Anne Corder Recruitment. The service is aimed at 2013-14 graduates looking to work in a professional office environment. “We recognise the increasing demand for graduates in the workplace and also the increasing numbers of graduates looking for work – the secret is careful assessment to ensure the right match,” said recruitment partner Karen Dykes. “By introducing psychometric assessment into our process, it helps us to more accurately match personality traits/styles with the business cultures of clients and it also helps graduates with their own personal development plans.” ACR has a long tradition of working closely with graduates and placing them in many of the city’s leading companies over many years.
Breakfast briefing seminar Over 60 local companies attended a business breakfast seminar organised jointly by accountants Rawlinsons and Hegarty Solicitors. After a quick topical tax update from Rawlinsons partner Colin Crowley, delegates were advised on the latest changes to employment law from Hegarty’s Partner Tim Thompson, including the introduction of tribunal fees and changes to flexible working. Richard Borrington, a consultant from Rawlinsons P.I.P Limited; Rawlinsons’ joint venture pension and investment company, gave an outline of the employers journey through workplace pensions, whilst Hegarty’s Partner Andrew Heeler brought delegates up to speed on the new consumer rights bill.
12 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
Security excellence for charity Local security company, AOS provided security at a recent celebrity vs community charity football match, played at the Nene Park Academy and opened by the Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor June Stokes. This event was held to celebrate the multi cultures and backgrounds of Peterborough through the strength of sport. Having event and celebrity experience, the organisers asked AOS for their support. AOS, being committed to aiding charities and organisations in the local community, were more than happy to provide a Security Events
team for the day. The event received support from local businesses and included a funfair and entertainment. The AOS Events team interacted with hundreds of visitors on the day and provided security for the Arthur Wharton Trophy and celebrities including Paul Cannoville, the first black player for Chelsea, Luther Blisset, former England striker, actors Winston Ellis and Jamie Dorrington, Andrew Shim, actor best known for the film Shane Meadows and Junior Agogo retired Ghanaian professional footballer. n
AOS event team members with (far left) Luther Blisset and Winston Ellis (second right)
Travel Counsellor wins Queen’s Award business Travel Counsellor Clare Lockett is delighted to have received the Queen’s Award in recognition of international growth. Clare commented: “I have been working in the travel industry for over 21 years and travelled extensively on both business and leisure trips. With a vast amount of experience in dealing with business, groups and event travel, I’m perfectly positioned to respond to the demands of the most experienced business traveller. “In 2003 we were the first, and still the only, UK travel agency to receive the Queen’s Award for Innovation. In
2014 we’re delighted to have received the Queen’s Award again, this time in recognition of our international growth. It’s a really proud moment for us, especially in our 20th anniversary year.” Clare continued: “My business is based purely on providing my customers with the highest possible levels of personal service and I would be delighted to assist you with your corporate travel needs. I’m available for my clients 24/7 and in the rare event I’ll be unavailable, Travel Counsellors have an emergency assistance team so you’re always covered.” n
PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS |
Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk
Buckles Solicitors invited to 10 Downing Street Two Partners from leading local law firm Buckles Solicitors LLP were delighted to attend an evening reception with Samantha Cameron at 10 Downing Street. The special event was held to celebrate 10 years of The One Foundation, a charity that has raised over £10 million to help fund water projects in Africa. Buckles Solicitors has enjoyed a long working partnership with Duncan Goose, founder of the charity, providing legal advice and support since its inception in 2004. Nigel Moore and James Maxey represented
Buckles at the reception alongside other commercial trading partners. Samantha Cameron spent time speaking with those present, praising each individual for their contribution to the cause. Buckles has been instrumental in getting the One Water brand into World Duty Free shops and on board Virgin airline flights. “We were thrilled to be invited to honour One’s great achievements,” said Nigel. “We feel incredibly proud to share in the continued success of the social enterprise and all the lives around the world that it has helped.” n
CityFibre selects partner to deliver Gigabit Services A £30 million fibre optic network is due to be installed in Peterborough, turning it into a Gigabit City. Businesscoms will work with CityFibre to provide businesses with the services of the pure fibre network achieving download and upload speeds of up to 1,000 Megabits per second. Greg Mesch, CEO at CityFibre, said: “Businesscoms is an established and experienced ISP with immense knowledge of the city. It is an ideal partner to evangelise, support and integrate fibre solutions over the Peterborough CORE. The success of the Gig Up campaign in the city demonstrates the considerable interest that organisations have in using fibre to help them build their businesses.” n
Ground breaking ceremony
Nigel Moore with Samantha Cameron
Excellence award for IT apprentice Ellen
Ellen Goddard with her certificate
Celebrating an excellence award for going ‘the extra mile’ is IT apprentice and City College Peterborough student, Ellen Goddard. Ellen was presented with a City & Guilds Medal of Excellence award at a ceremony at her workplace. Ellen, who has recently completed her IT Professional Competence apprenticeship, received her award from City College Peterborough principal Pat Carrington, in front of colleagues and college staff. Ellen said: “When I left school I realised that university wasn’t for me, so I applied for the apprenticeship programme. “The programme has given me the inspiration to carry on with further qualifications to progress my career.” City College Peterborough principal, Pat Carrington, said: “We are so proud of Ellen’s achievements on her programme and success in these prestigious awards.” n
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 13
| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS
Peterborough Chamber NEWS
IN BRIEF JULY 2014 New challenge for Sales Executive Larkfleet Homes Sales Executive Kim Lawrence has been set a new challenge after helping the company sell all of its properties at The Coppice development. Now that work has begun on The Garage, Larkfleet is keen for Kim to work her sales magic there too. Kim will help potential buyers find their ideal property and talk them through the many options and processes involved in purchasing a home. Kim said: “The Coppice was really popular and I enjoyed meeting and helping the many different homebuyers who bought a house there. I am looking forward to taking on this new challenge at The Garage.”
A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
Buy-to-let landlords warning Local buy to let landlords have been given a warning by lawyers Roythornes after official statistics issued by the Ministry of Justice showed possession claims by landlords reaching record levels. Commenting on the statistics, which showed that there were over 47,000 possession claims made by landlords in the first quarter of the year, Claire Trolove, solicitor, said: “Many people are considering buy-to-let as a form of investment, but often they are unaware of the dangers and the safety nets that can be put in place to protect their rental income.” Claire advises all looking to enter the buyto-let market, or already with a property portfolio, to take legal advice: “There are a number of ways in which landlords can protect themselves, but without taking advice many remain unaware of them, only to suffer when things go wrong.” n
Claire Trolove
Contour Architectural turns copper into gold at Chelsea
The winning design
14 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
World-leading double-curvature metalwork experts, Peterborough-based Contour Architectural, have formed a dramatic copper centrepiece for a gold-medal winning show garden at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show. The copper smoke hood was made for Time to Reflect, the Homebase-sponsored entry by multiple award-winning designer, Adam Frost. The hood sits inside a stone and wood shelter that acts as both a focal point, and a place to admire the layers and textures of the garden from. Made from seven sections of 1.5mm copper, the smoke hood was shaped using a mix of traditional techniques and tools including Contour’s unique power hammer. It was TIG welded together without filler rod, enabling the welds to be rendered invisible by running the joints through a wheeling machine. Built by The Garden Room, in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, Time to Reflect has been designed for different generations to enjoy together a place where memories are both created and cherished. Contour Architectural’s Bruce Macleod said: “This was a challenging, yet enjoyable project and I am delighted that our efforts have been rewarded with such a prominent position in this gold-medal winning show garden.” n
Bespoke training course leads the way
By Lara Steptoe, Employment Services Manager, Peterborough Regional College
AS a start-up business the Landlord Hub has expanded rapidly over the past year and when the time came to take on more people, was more than open to innovative ways of recruiting excellent staff. Jobsmart met MD Heidi Shackell and together developed a bespoke training programme ensuring that new recruits hit the ground running. Combined with a week of work experience, this gave them the perfect opportunity to hand-pick new staff members for a fraction of the cost of their traditional recruitment process. Jobsmart Manager, Lara Steptoe, says “we were able to design training for the Landlord Hub that involved sales, account management and customer service training which will be invaluable to the candidates in this role or others.” Being able to reduce in-house training time, and ensuring that new employees are motivated, enthusiastic and knowledgeable from day one has meant that the Landlord Hub has recruited five new employees from the programme. Heidi Shackell says, “What we got from Jobsmart was a well-organised course; tailored to meet our needs. We have confidence in the people we have recruited and this has given us the conviction to run another programme.” Working with multinationals to start-ups, Jobsmart is able to design and deliver outstanding training to assist businesses find, train and retain their staff. The final word from Lara Steptoe; “Jobsmart’s aim is to work with business and provide a cost-effective alternative to traditional recruitment. Employers get trained, engaged and motivated staff, and the learners get new skills and experience. It’s a win/win situation!” If you would like more information about Jobsmart and how it could help your business, email: lara.steptoe @peterborough.ac.uk or phone: 01733 863068.
| ELY CHAMBER NEWS
Ely Chamber NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Ely
IN BRIEF
Exhibition success for LabourTech
JULY 2014 Michell Instruments celebrates 40 years of business Michell Instruments has announced a competition for Cambridgeshire schools as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. The winning team will visit Michell’s factory for a tour of the facility and to receive their certificates and a goody-bag of prizes. The winning school will receive £1,000 worth of science equipment. The competition is to be judged by a distinguished panel of scientists.
Nexus IE/ Xcelodose® relationship still going strong Nexus Intelligent Engineering and Xcelodose® this year celebrate a successful 12 year partnership. In 2002, the Xcelodose® precision powder micro-dosing system was being developed and it needed a local, competent and experienced organisation to help develop the prototype. GBIS, recently rebranded as Nexus IE, was selected as the partner of choice and over the past 12 years has become the technical face of the Xcelodose® produce in 100 installations globally.
LaboutTech man their stand at Ely exhibition
labourtech were honoured to be a part of this year’s Ely Cathedral Business Group exhibition where over 130 businesses exhibited. Steve Copeland, Business Development Manager, commented: “The exhibition was a great opportunity for us to interact with some of the clients we work with as well as potential new clients. The event was a great success for us, particularly as it took place locally in Ely. n
Grow Your Business Through People G’s Fresh Produce and Ensors Chartered Accountants were invited as case studies to the recent skills event at Ely Cathedral organised by the Chambers’ Learning & Skills Sector. Paul Williams, Partner at Ensors Chartered Accountants, said: “Ensors Chartered Accountants were delighted to demonstrate the benefits that we gain by employing young people. “These enthusiastic employees are keen to be given the opportunity to use their newly learnt skills in the workplace. This was ably demonstrated by two of our ‘rising stars’ who explained the benefits they have received by being supported in gaining work experience whilst studying
for their professional exams. “As a firm, we take on a mixture of school leavers and graduates. Having such a mix enables us to plan their work and learning more effectively. They also qualify at different times, enabling us to plan for the future. Beverly Dixon, HR Director at G’s, said: “Greg Langham spoke about his experience of working internationally within the G’s group whilst completing an apprenticeship in Business Administration Level 3. The event gave us the chance to demonstrate how valuable it is within G’s to invest in and develop our people and share this learning with other local businesses.” n
Emerald Frog Marketing in Top 100 Emerald Frog Marketing has been rated in the top 100 UK small independent marketing agencies in the inaugural UK Independent Agencies Census. The report, published in The Drum magazine, showcases the success of marketing agencies that go it alone in a business space traditionally dominated by large networks. Ranking at number 53 nationally for client satisfaction, Emerald Frog also gained recognition for their 90 per cent growth in turnover in 2013/2014.
16 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
Ely Chamber of Commerce
Paul, Holly and Lucy from Ensors
Beverly and Grey from G’s Fresh Produce
Fenland Chamber of Commerce
| HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS
Huntingdonshire Chamber NEWS
A round-up of news and events from Huntingdonshire
Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce
Much to celebrate for Huntingdon accountants Chartered Accountants Haines Watts is celebrating winning three industry awards in a row and business growth that has led to a further expansion of its team. The company has won the Accountancy Firm of the Year for SMEs at the FDs’ Excellence Awards, the financial industry’s awards held in association with the ICAEW and the CBI. Haines Watts won the Auditor of the Year Award for SMEs in the previous two years, making it the only firm to have won awards in three consecutive years. This has been followed by the appointment of two new members of staff to support the company’s continued growth, particularly in the area of outsourced book-keeping and whole client financial management. Dawn Bowater and Leigh Barraclough have joined as Regional Finance Seniors bringing the Haines Watts team up to eight. Managing Partner Simon Laskey said: “Outsourcing has become a huge growth area for us, working with small and medium sized companies; we’re effectively an outsourced accounts department for some of our clients. We’re delighted that our expertise in working with these companies has been recognised yet again in the FDs’ Excellence Awards.” n
The team at Haines Watts
Prism Electronics runner raises money for charity
George Hay set to lead way on regulated probate services
Account manager Glen Dear of contract electronics manufacturer Prism Electronics has taken part in this year’s Milton Keynes marathon to raise money for Cancer Research. Asked what inspired him to take part Glen responded: “I like to set myself a physical challenge most years and when a friend of mine said that only one per cent of people in the UK complete a marathon in their lifetime we agreed that’s what we would do. “As cancer has affected a close family member and friends of mine, it felt like the right charity.” So far Glen has raised over £500 for Cancer Research and the figure is still climbing! Prism business development director David Dickin said: “When we heard Glen was running a marathon to raise money for such a worthy charity many people at Prism were keen to support him in this impressive challenge. “Completing this marathon is not only an amazing personal achievement for Glen but raises awareness and funds for Cancer Research. “We have a very compassionate team here at Prism and we are delighted to be able to support members in their community and charity work.” n
A partner at George Hay has passed exams that will allow it to become one of the first chartered accountancy firms in England and Wales to offer regulated probate services. Barry Jefferd, a tax partner at George Hay, which has offices in Biggleswade, Huntingdon and Letchworth, has become one of the first people to sit and pass the exams required by the Institute for Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for members to carry out work related to probate, the process under which a person’s estate is distributed after they die. The ICAEW was recently approved as the first non-legal regulator of probate services and is currently waiting for Parliament to authorise the order implementing the change for member firms to start offering a regulated probate service. Barry said: “I have passed the new exam demonstrating my expertise in this area and am excited that we will soon be able to offer regulated probate services. “We already have extensive experience in providing estate services, such as acting for the executors of an estate, and once our new authority is granted it will give clients additional peace of mind that we can carry out the whole process.” n
18 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHAMBER NEWS |
Cambridgeshire Chamber NEWS
A round-up of news and events from Cambridgeshire
Gross & Co sponsor charity event
IN BRIEF JULY 2014 Health insurer makes national shortlist of ‘trusted’ companies
Emmerson Dutton and Elizabeth Hodder
Gross & Co Solicitors and Duttons Estate Agents are co-sponsors of an annual charity event, Bury’s Hidden Gardens, for the third consecutive year. This event has been running for 27 years and has raised close to £300,000 for St Nicholas’ Hospice Care in that time. By providing sponsorship for the event, Gross & Co and Duttons ensure the proceeds
from the event will reach the hands of St Nicholas’ Hospice. Elizabeth Hodder, Partner in Gross & Co, said: “My firm has worked closely with St Nicholas’ Hospice for many years. We know the work they do and the challenges they face to source funding. I am a keen gardener and putting the two ideas together is a perfect combination for us.” n
Westfield Health has been announced as a finalist in a national awards ceremony, joining a shortlist of ‘companies that consumers in Britain really trust’. The not-for-profit health insurer is one of six finalists in the Most Trusted Health Insurance Provider category of this year’s Moneywise Customer Service Awards. Westfield Health Executive Director Julie Gill said: “Customer satisfaction has always been at the core of everything we do and through continuous investment, training and development, we strive to give our policyholders an unrivalled service. “Making the grade on the Moneywise awards shortlist shows just how valuable our commitment to providing world class customer service really is.”
Haverhill Research Park hosts Cambridge Agents open day Haverhill Research Park recently held an open day for commercial agents to see the opportunities for potential occupiers bringing the Cambridge science park environment to Haverhill complete with a Cambridge postcode. The 30 agents were treated to a champagne reception and a tour of the park, followed by lunch at the new Flying Shuttle Marstons Pub at the entrance to the park. Harry Rands of chartered surveyors Bidwells was the lucky winner in the prize draw with a meal for two at Cambridge’s top Michelin-starred restaurant Midsummer House. Nic Rumsey of Carisbrooke said: “It was a great turnout and we were delighted that so many agents from Cambridge came to see the park in all its glory with the road infrastructure now in place and fully-serviced plots available for occupiers.” Carisbrooke is expecting a planning consent shortly for Epicentre, its 30,000 sq ft innovation centre, which will offer local SMEs space on a flexible basis. n
Helen Chaplin, Haverhill Research Park on-site sales manager, and Harry Rands of agents Bidwells
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 19
| OUT & ABOUT
Out&About Enjoy our monthly montage of events and happenings across the local area with this colourful round-up of Chamber gatherings. Make sure you send us your photos each month and we’ll include the best of the bunch! Email images straight to the creative team: connected@methodcreative.co.uk
Huntingdonshire Construction and Property Network John Bridge OBE pictured with David Smith, Chair of the Construction Sector and Graham Smith, Chair of the Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce.
Januarys Treasure Hunt £1,500.00 was raised for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity at the recent Treasure Hunt organised by Januarys which saw 20 teams searching for clue answers around Cambridge City Centre.
22 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
Tour de France sculptures Unique sculptures have been designed for businesses to display in the build-up to Tour de France visiting Cambridge. There are 22 in total and the Chamber sculpture is decorated with red dots, which signifies the ‘King of the Mountain’ jersey.
OUT & ABOUT |
Celebrating a decade!
The Mayor of Ely
CambridgePPF celebrated a decade of investment at Coton Countryside Reserve with sponsors Carter Jonas and Birketts. There was a BBQ for members and a guided walk to the top of Red Meadow Hill for a quiz, supported by the Blue Lion in Hardwick.
John Bridge OBE and Helen Bosett with Lis Kuschel, the newly appointed Mayor of Ely at the recent Ely Cathedral Celebration of Business event.
Informal Networking
Get Knitting!
Local businesses gathered at The Crown Hotel, Stamford for informal networking in June.
Yarn on the Square invited the public to help knit an eel at Ely’s Eel Festival in May.
Networking Top Tips Our recent Networking Masterclass event offered top tips to networkers when they met recently at Cambridgeshire Football Association.
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 23
IN THE HOTSEAT |
an organized, mass-participation cycling event. There are a lot of charity related events and there are corporate social responsibility benefits that accrue for that too.” But he points out that getting involved in sport isn’t limited to cycling. Different sports are developing shorter and different versions of their game for time-pressed people – such as rush hockey and Twenty20 cricket. Fun work events such as Wacky Races, the annual B2B charity fundraiser recently held at Milton Country Park, encouraged teams to compete in canoes on the water and then on a landbased assault course. Team-building exercises encourage inclusion and working together, and give people the chance to try something new – which is often easier than returning to a sport with pre-existing expectations of how you used to succeed. Simon has been involved in sport since he was a student. He started his career working for the British Polytechnic Sports Association, and has been involved in various sports roles for 25 years, and has led Living Sport since 2009. “I’ve been incredibly lucky. The expression that working in something you love does not feel like work – that applies to me. Hockey is my game. I still find time to umpire at the weekend,” he says.
Teams at this year’s Wacky Races
Simon’s boldest challenge to date is signing up for a 300-mile four day London to Paris cycle ride in August. He explained: “The cycling bug has bitten me since the announcement of the Tour de France coming to Cambridge. I have been spending half a day a week on cycling-related work, primarily around how we can support the cycling clubs to really benefit from and generate a legacy from the Tour coming. I thought I would like to do a bit more.” Simon has paid for the trip and is fundraising for Living Sport’s work in disability
sport and junior cycling. As his last ‘big cycle’ was when he was a youngster he has started training, and in the process has become a cycling enthusiast – with a new bike from Greenwheel Cycles in Peterborough, a speedometer and learned about fixed shoe plates. To find out more about Living Sport, visit: www.livingsport.co.uk To sponsor Simon in his London to Paris bike ride, visit: www.doitforcharity.com/SFairhall n
TOUR DE FRANCE route through Cambridge Approx 12.15pm:
tour de france
- Begins on Gonville Place by Parker’s Piece - City centre via Regent Street - Sidney Street - Turns left at Round Church - Kings Parade - Trumpington Street - Trumpington Road - A1301 Trumpington - Great Shelford - Hinxton - Travels to Saffron Walden, - Through Essex - Finishes in London on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace
In training for the London to Paris ride
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 27
| POLICY UPDATE
Policy UPDATE Keeping you informed, representing local business
Learn to Work needs you!
Learn to Work (LTW) is a school based project designed to bring employers and teachers together to inspire the next generation about the world of work. Derrick Woolf and Judy Newlove have developed this project and are passionate about motivating children to get on in school in order to ensure they will get on in work too. Huntingdon has been chosen to pilot the Learn to Work project and Judy is working with three primary schools and two secondary schools in Huntingdon and needs your help. All you need to do is to put forward a ‘rising star’ employee who will go into a Huntingdon school on three occasions, over several months, to work with a group of children, telling them about their work and why they enjoy it. These rising stars will tell the children 28 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
about themselves and their careers to date. The idea is to motivate school children by telling them about real world jobs, careers and occupations that will give them a purpose to learning. The programme will include approximately 125 pupils and needs 20 businesses to volunteer Motivators. Each Motivator will be given a pack of information outlining what will happen during the three school based sessions of the programme. Ahead of each contact session teachers will prepare the children to ensure the Motivators’ time is used effectively. Lis Kuschel, Chair of the Chamber’s Learning and Skills Sector, said: “Your young and enthusiastic employees are key to inspiring the next generation. They will provide role models for the children and motivate them to aspire to a range of interesting jobs they might not otherwise have known about.”
Learn to Work provides Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce members from every sector with the opportunity to take part in this pilot project which, if successful will be rolled out nationally into areas where there are young people lacking knowledge of the world of work. Graham Smith, Chair of the Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This project sounds like something many Chamber businesses will be keen to take part in because it will generate an opportunity to share something about themselves as well as the Chamber and its activities generally.” If you think schools should do more, and at an earlier age, to inform children about the world or work this is your opportunity to put forward a Motivator. To find out more about this programme or to volunteer a Motivator, please get in touch: g.prangnell@cambscci.co.uk n
CHAMBER UPDATES |
Chamber Updates An overview of news from your Chamber
Chamber Event Alerts The Chamber has launched a new event reminder functionality on its website, allowing businesses to register for reminder alerts nearer the time for events they’re interested in attending but don’t want to book until nearer the date. There’s no obligation to book for the event once the reminder has been requested and it is hoped that the new functionality will help companies to balance busy workloads with the desire to seek new opportunities at the many events and seminars the Chamber holds each year. John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The new event reminders have been welcomed by Chamber members who, as we all know, have busy diaries and don’t always feel able to commit to events and seminars too far in advance. We’ve all seen an event advertised before that we’ve been interested in and the next thing we know the date has passed. Our new event reminders will provide those interested in
attending with a timely email reminder just before the event to allow places to be booked if diaries allow.” To register for an event reminder, simply visit the event listing on the Chamber
website and click on the ‘Event Reminder’ box at the bottom of the screen. You will then be asked to provide your contact details including the email address you would like the reminder to be sent to. n
Cambridge Business Breakfast held at the Quy Mill Hotel
New benefit to protect Chamber members against threat of bad debt The Chamber has launched a new member benefit, Chamber Credit Insurance, to provide companies with protection against the threat of bad debts, to help them operate and grow successfully. Provided by Euler Hermes, members who take out Chamber Credit Insurance are covered nationally and internationally against the failure of a customer to pay their trade debts, perhaps because they’ve become insolvent, fail to meet the agreed credit period or as a result of political events that may cause delay in
payments being made. The insurance also allows you to assess the creditworthiness of potential customers, enabling you to manage risk more effectively and grow your business by taking larger orders than you otherwise might have with new customers. Chamber exclusive benefits • 10 free credit limit indications valuing £250 so you can immediately see the creditworthiness of your new and existing customers in both domestic and international markets
• Free half an hour review of your Terms and Conditions by prestigious law firm Lester Aldridge • First three debt placements will be collected free of charge with our award-winning collections service • 10 per cent no claims discount after the first year To find out more visit www.chambercreditinsurance.co.uk n
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 29
| CONNECTED MAGAZINE
Charity business event
Wacky Races 2014! Teams in this year’s charity challenge battled it out on the water, then had to contend with an inflatable assault course on the land...
Competitive teams from a range of local companies took to the water at Milton Country Park for the third annual Arthur Rank Fundraiser organised by Method
The third annual canoe relay race at Milton Country Park near Cambridge was both a business networking event and a way for local companies to throw their weight behind the fundraising campaign for the new Arthur Rank Hospice, due to open in spring 2016 at Shelford Bottom. Outdoor experience company StepOut4Adventure provided canoes, guidance and support. Participants came from residential estate agents Bradshaws, commercial property consultants and chartered surveyors Januarys, recruitment consultants Cooper Lomaz, and banking experts HSBC. Also taking part were Living Sport, the charity that works to raise the
30 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
profile and engagement of sport, the Cambridge News, Star FM and a joint team from Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and event organisers Method Creative. Teams made a cash pledge, which has gone directly to the hospice. Many of the competitors had never been in a canoe before, and found themselves negotiating a slalom and picking up rubber ducks, inflatable animals and helium-filled balloons from obstacles around Todd’s Pit lake. But even those who had the advantage of taking part in the past had to tackle a new element in this year’s competition a series of wacky challenges on the
land-based inflatable assault course. The team from Cambridge News was victorious, and took top place. Arthur Rank is the only adult hospice in Cambridgeshire and many of its facilities are now over 30 years old. To refurbish and cope with the level of demand they have decided to move to a new facility rather than close for a year to renovate their existing site. The plans and land have already been secured, and the trustees have collected more than £4million for the 24-bed project towards the £8.9million total bill, but funds are still needed. The new hospice will accommodate a larger inpatient unit, be the base for
CONNECTED MAGAZINE |
the Hospice at Home service, which supports patients and their families who want to die at home, whilst also housing a public café, seminar rooms, and a day therapy lounge. Dr Lynn Morgan, chief executive of the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said: “It is fantastic to receive such wonderful support from a range of very reputable Cambridge companies. Wacky Races raises vital funds for us and bring us a step closer to our goal to build a new hospice. The money raised will help us to make a great difference to the lives of even more people throughout Cambridgeshire in the coming years.” Method’s brand and strategy director, Kirsten Corrigan, said: “It’s great to see so many new faces battling it out for the trophy! This year is particularly important as all money raised will go directly towards the new hospice appeal. The teams this year were even more competitive than ever and we’d like to thank everyone for getting in the spirit!” Last year Wacky Races was named a finalist in the Third Sector Business Charity Awards. To find out more about the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity please visit www.arhc.org.uk n
The Cambridge News team took the trophy for 2014 adding it to their 2012 win
Grabbing balloons during the canoe race
Wacky fun during the land-based relay race
FINAL RESULTS 2014 WACKY RACES FINAL POSITION
TEAM NAME
COLOUR
ON THE WATER
ON LAND
FINAL SCORES
1
CAMBRIDGE NEWS
80
70
150
2
JANUARYS/ Cambridge Young Professionals Group
60
80
140
3
LIVING SPORT
70
50
120
4=
BRADSHAWS RESIDENTIAL
20
60
80
4=
HSBC
50
30
80
5
Cooper Lomaz Recruitment
40
20
60
6
STAR FM
10
40
50
7
METHOD/ARTHUR RANK
30
10
40
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 31
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| SPECIAL REPORT
Report from Ian MacKellar
Euro Elections This month we bring you another of Ian’s personal reflections on the results of the European Elections. the UK Independence Party started life as a single-issue pressure group. It now has two issues, both of them disreputable. Its policies are economically, socially and morally wrong. Yet a very large number of benighted Cambridgeshire folk voted for those policies in the May elections, resulting in UKIP and the Conservatives sharing the spoils with around 50,000 Euro votes each. In Cambridge City, neither party polled as many as the Greens, which strongly supports the contention that the UKIP vote was largely for ‘none of the above’. Of course, the relative success or failure of any of the contestants should be seen in the context of barely one-third of the electorate bothering to vote. It was also interesting to note that the BNP vote of the 2009 European poll collapsed: I suspect I know where it ended up! When the Euro ballots were counted, I was in central Europe and took the opportunity obliquely to probe the thoughts of a significant number of US, Canadian and a few British citizens, few of whom were aware that there had been an election. They also showed a staggering ignorance of central European history 80 years ago, even though many of them had gone there to ‘share the experience’ of WWII
34 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
70 years on. By contrast, the Germans and other central Europeans I spoke to were acutely conscious of their political history and were determined never again to allow the political far right (or far left) to draw them into conflict. The peace and prosperity achieved in post-war Europe remains at the front of their minds and the EU is the glue. Sadly, it seems not to be even at the back of our minds.
Barely one-third of the electorate bothered to vote Foreigners do not have three ears or four noses, as UKIP supporters seem to believe, even if most of those who come to the UK are willing to work for a living. They do not ‘take our jobs’, though they may sometimes show us how we ought to be doing them. There are sinister similarities between the National Socialist Party, which came to power in Germany in 1933 and moved rapidly – with popular support – to genocidal tyranny and Britain’s UKIP, British National Party, National Front and English Defence League. Let no-one doubt that they are all neo-fascists and a profound threat to
our democratic way of life. Unfortunately, the Tories, Lib-Dems and Labour Party are all too craven to say so for fear of not getting their supporters’ votes next May. Why would any candidate want their support? Backing Loonies or a respectable alternative such as the Greens as a protest against established parties is one thing. On the other hand, trimming policies simply to attract votes from thugs is profoundly distasteful. We should be able to expect politicians to stand up for what is morally right and to repudiate mob prejudice. Back to reality! UKIP’s impact was much less marked in such district council elections as were held this year, though it did pick up a
SPECIAL REPORT |
few seats in Huntingdonshire. The local results indicated a greater degree of sophistication among the electorate than the Euro results later suggested. Nonetheless, UKIP’s ‘Tea Party-lite’ attitude to small government – combined with the controlling Tories’ extraordinary recent attitude towards service delivery – may put further pressure on what is left of HDC’s economic development activity, which will be scant comfort to the business community.
Ironically, Labour’s success in Cambridge City may turn out to have quite the opposite effect. But, then again, it may not. The outcome of the Euro poll simply means fewer MEPs for Cambridgeshire businesses to lobby. Over the past five years, the three Tory members, Lib-Dem Andrew Duff and Labour’s Richard Howitt have represented the county’s firms assiduously. There has never been any point in engaging with UKIP and there will continue to be none. It may be ‘mid-term’ in the British parliamentary cycle, but it is
a new term in Europe. Those 50,000 UKIP votes in Cambridgeshire have helped to ensure that the East of England’s influence in Europe is virtually halved. It would not be fair to accuse politicians as a class of institutional corruption – although a few are clearly criminally dishonest – but they do seem to be morally feral. And they wonder why people won’t turn out to vote for them. I can tell them why: it is because they are neither trusted nor trustworthy. When they start to give straight answers to straight questions, admit when their policies have not worked out as they had predicted, agree that other people (even political opponents) might have workable ideas and stop trying to make cheap party points, they may start to regain electors’ trust. Fat chance! n
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 35
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36 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
| CONNECTED MAGAZINE | CONNECTED MAGAZINE
LEP LEP FOCUS FOCUS
Keeping you informed and up to date Keeping you informed and up to date
Agri-Tech business get funding boost The Agri-Tech sector in the East has received a welcome boost thanks to the first grant allocations from the new Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative. Created to support innovation within the Agri-Tech sector, The Eastern AgriTech Growth Initiative will be providing £250,000 from its £3.2 million pot to help four local businesses to deliver innovative new projects. Two successful projects located in Cambridgeshire are:
•
KisanHub – Based in Cambridge, the team at KisanHub have created a cloud-based, integrated software platform that allows farmers to make informed decisions about their day-to-day operations and markets. The funding will be used to develop and trial a Crop Yield Prediction, Irrigation and Fertiliser recommendation model that uses satellite data and meteorological information to support on the ground decisions.
•
Pangaea Agrochemicals – Based in Norwich and Cambridge, Pangaea Agrochemicals concentrates on finding solutions to pests and weeds that have become resilient to existing pesticides. The team will use the funding to develop a formulated product that can control resistant weed species using active ingredients that have had efficacy in the past. The funding will accelerate the development of this technology and allow the team to run further trials in the local area.
Mark Reeve, Chairman of the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative and the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP), explains: “Our funding has been designed to support 38 | CONNECTED JULY 2014 |
a wide-range of businesses in the Agri-Tech sectors, from research and development of new products right through to food processing and packaging. The first round of successful grant applicants reflects the diversity of the funding we have available, and the significant positive impact it can have both on the businesses and the wider Agri-Tech community. Mark continued: “I would encourage businesses in our local area to find out more about the grant funding we have available, and I look forward to making even more funding announcements in the near future.” Michael Gifford from Pangaea Agrochemicals, said: “Pangaea Agrochemicals are delighted to have been awarded this grant. We have a really exciting technology that will prove vital in the battle against resistant Black-grass. The support from the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative will allow us to develop our solution to this national problem using the world-class facilities and expertise available in East Anglia.” Giles Barker from KisanHub, said: “The Eastern Agri-tech grant could not have come at a better time for KisanHub. The grant will propel our R&D satellite project so we can bring innovative solutions to farmers at a field level. This will help to establish KisanHub as one of the leading companies in agriculture software. Helping farmers globally ‘grow more, using less’.” The Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative provides grants of between £10,000 and £150,000 to businesses based in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk, Suffolk, Rutland, North Hertfordshire, or Uttlesford.
The funding has been provided by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund following a successful application submitted by the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP) alongside New Anglia LEP, Norfolk County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, and partners. In total, the partnership has secured £3.2 million of funding for the Agri-Tech sector that must be used by March 2015. Businesses can find out more about the Eastern Agri-Tech Growth Initiative by visiting www.agritechgrants.co.uk or calling Project Manager Martin Lutman on 01480 277180 or emailing info@agritechgrants.co.uk. n
The Chairman of both the scheme and the LEP, Mark Reeve.
SECTOR FOCUS |
Sector Focus
Updates from Chambers Sector Groups
For any feedback, general information regarding the Sector Groups, or to contribute, please get in touch with Helen Bosett. tel: 01223 209815 email: h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk
LEARNING & SKILLS
Grow Your Business Through People It was great to see such a good turn-out for the second Grow your Business through People event which was held as part of the Ely Cathedral Business Group’s ‘Celebration of Business’ event. Employers and providers came together to look at and discuss how they could develop and grow their business and retain their existing workforce by developing their skills. Professor Terri Simpkin, Senior Lecturer at Lord Ashcroft International Business School, inspired businesses to engage and develop themselves. Real life examples of businesses already growing through their people was given with two business case studies: Ensors Chartered Accountants and G’s, both are quoted on page 16. Delegates took part in interactive workshops including a taste of the Growth Accelerator. Once again we appreciated the support from our sponsors West Anglia Training Association, Lord Ashcroft International Business School at Anglia Ruskin University, Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership, Cambridgeshire County Council, National Apprenticeship Service and Ely Cathedral Business Group. This event was organised by the Learning & Skills Sector. n
HR & RECRUITMENT SECTOR
How to build and retain a talented team Discover how improving your company’s recruitment and retention strategies and the way you communicate with your workforce can help you attract and develop more talented individuals within your business. This workshop, organised by the Chambers’ HR and Recruitment and Communications Sectors, will explain how connecting, engaging and communicating with your people can help ensure all employees feel valued. They will examine the employee life cycle, providing expert advice on the different stages of employment that attendees can implement within their own workplace. Practical exercises will also help participants to apply what they’ve learnt and build confidence to develop their own recruitment and retention strategies and communications plan after the event. Please see page 20 for more details and how to book, or refer to the event page on the Chambers website. n
Delegates participating in an interactive workshop
ICT SECTOR
Bring your own device… but be careful It’s exhibition season for a lot of companies who are out and about promoting their brand. In the past this meant a detachment from the office, but these days everyone keeps in the know with modern day tablet and smartphone technology. The problem is, unless it’s a company device, your employees might be putting your business at risk. Mobile devices from home aren’t always secure, used for visiting insecure websites and transfer data from other personal devices that share the same risks. It’s imperative to have corporate mobile device protocols in place if this is the case, to ensure business protection. To learn more about mobile device strategy, get in touch with the Kamarin Computers IT support team on 0800 0433 106. n Tablet technology
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 39
| SECTOR FOCUS BUSINESS WOMEN
Meet Rani! This month we feature Rani Viknaraja, Business Owner of K8 Data Protection Consultants. If you would like to feature here please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk
Q A
What do you do in business?
I am a Data Protection Consultant. Data protection is complex and boring, but it is mandatory! I offer practical advice on compliance, train staff, help to craft policies, offer ‘health checks’ and other related services in order to ensure that your organisation is on the right side of the law.
Q A
What are your top three tips for running or working in a business? 1. Have a Plan 2. Rise to challenges
3. Enjoy what you do.
Q A
What do you do to unwind? Rani Viknaraja
At number one is time with my grandchildren, theatre, writing and a Chelsea bun from Fitzbillies in Cambridge!
Q A
What’s your favourite book and why?
The Little Prince by Antoine de SaintExupéry. This book has some powerful messages that impress me: “All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.” “I am who I am and I have the need to be.”
Q A
What value do you get from being a Chamber member?
The Chamber has deepened and extended my business relationships. This networking goes beyond a mere exchange of business cards, as they have become a rich and ongoing source of inspiration and ideas. On this note, I have two Big Thank Yous. Firstly to dear Sarah Flack from Ann Pettengell for introducing me to the Chamber! Secondly to the jolly, efficient and friendly colleagues at the Chamber who are always there when I need them! n
Afternoon tea goes down a storm This year`s series of ‘Storm in a Teacup’ sessions got off to a thunderous start at the Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon on 22 May with a real storm playing as background music outside! Over a cup of tea and cake, thorny issues were grappled with and potential solutions aired and discussed. It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere, very convivial and supportive. All those that attended enjoyed the challenge and got real value from the experience. Kelly Fryer, Managing Director of Chrysalis commented: “Storm in a Teacup is a great idea! The people there found it useful to be able to bring their problem to talk through with
Discussing issues over afternoon tea
40 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
others. Connections happened after too, which is useful.” The storm will be brewing again in other locations around the county but a confirmed date is Thursday 16 October at the Peterborough Marriott. Come and join us and be a part of the solution! DIARY DATE: Nautical Networking – enjoy a pleasant trip punting on The Cam followed by a BBQ at The Granta on Thursday 17 July from 3.00-6.00pm. Further details will be announced on the events list on the Chamber website. n
Sara Collins, Sector Chair, welcomes guests
SECTOR FOCUS | COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR
Simple steps your company can take to generate more leads from your website This event is essential for anyone responsible for your company website or generating new sales leads, including business owners, managers, marketing managers and sales managers. Learn how responsive design could improve the customer experience on your website, keeping prospective customers reading about your products or services for longer and helping them find what they’re looking for more easily. We’ll also be sharing innovative ways to engage with users and encourage them to provide their contact details - ideas that you will then be able to implement on your own website to turn visits into leads. Plus, for those website visitors who don’t provide their details, we’ll introduce you to Lead Forensics. This software solution provides the business name, address, telephone number, industry, turnover and employee numbers of your otherwise anonymous website visitors, and tells you exactly what areas of your business they’re most interested in! Fore more details of this breakfast event on 9 July, please see page 20 and the Chamber website. n
Moving employees to a higher level of engagement Employees are your biggest investment and should bring the greatest reward. Yet even today, in too many organisations, employees are viewed as an asset to be managed rather than as individuals who can create the next innovation for success. Long-term engagement starts with good communication between employer and employees as well as among co-workers, fostering a positive working environment. By working with employees to create a clear career path and set goals with a potential for growth, a manager can create positive esteem within each team member. By showing them that they are valued and have responsibility, and then to recognise and reward them for a job well done, a manager can create an ‘involved employee.’ It is then much easier to turn that sense of involvement into enthusiasm and a sense of pride in ownership that creates the highest levels of engagement with employees. n
Employee engagement
Communications Sector welcomes new Chair and Vice-Chair After two years of dedicated service as Chair of the Chambers’ Communication Sector, Kirsten Corrigan has handed over the reins to Alison Taylor. Replacing Alison as Vice-Chair is Sara Drawwater. Both have been members of the Sector committee since its inception. Alison Taylor is Managing Director of Conscious Communications, the public relations and marketing agency with a conscience; and Sara Drawwater is Director of Something Beckons, specialising in showing SMEs how to communicate successfully online. Alison Taylor said: “The Communications Sector Group was conceived by Kirsten two years ago and we are very grateful to her for her energy and enthusiasm in chairing the Group since then. “Our mission is to ‘share our expertise, experience and industry best practise to help Chamber members communicate more effectively in all aspects of business, including both internal and external communications’, and we will continue to focus on this objective in the coming months.” At a recent Communications Sector meeting, the group drew up a list of priority skills and experience that they plan to share for the benefit of members as a programme of events and editorials. A full list of the priority areas can be viewed on the Communications Sector page of the Chamber website. Sara commented on her appointment: “I’m excited to take on the role of Vice Chair. I’m passionate about raising awareness of the benefits of effective communication and I’m looking forward to supporting Alison and the Group in our knowledge sharing mission.” GET INVOLVED: If you would like to contribute to the work of the Communications Sector please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk or call 01733 370809. The Group would be particularly keen to hear from people with the following areas of expertise: digital marketing, marketing collateral and branding. If you are responsible for communications within your company and would like to be kept informed of the Sector’s activities, simple send your contact details to Helen. n
Sara Drawwater
Alison Taylor
CONNECTED JULY 2014 | 41
| INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
International FOCUS Helping to support international trade
Global Network, Global Opportunities The British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Conference 2014 – Global Network, Global Opportunities – will bring together new and growing exporters, policymakers and business leaders, to meet our UK and overseas network and get connected to opportunities around the world. n
International Festival for Business Experience the Power of the Global Chamber Network @ IFB 15-16 July 2014, Liverpool The upcoming International Festival for Business presents a opportunity for businesses to setup sustainable and profitable partnerships with both national and international businesses. For more details please visit www.bit.ly/ChamberGlobalNetwork n
DATE Thursday 9 October TIME 9.00am start LOCATION The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SD Visit www.bccexport.co.uk for more details. n
International Trade Course Import: Compliance and Savings DATE Tuesday 8 July TIME 9.15am-5.00pm LOCATION Future Business Centre, King’s Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB24 2HY MEMBER PRICE £250.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £300.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 209808 This comprehensive course provides a clear explanation of import practices and terminology relating to the UK company in the role of buyer. You will also discuss more complex scenarios where there are more parties in the chain and where goods may be moving from or to locations other than that of the seller and buyer. This one day course will appeal to those responsible for customs conformity, whether you are working for an international company, or are a small sole Proprietor, these changes will affect you and your trade, and could help save you money. For details of all our international trade courses please visit the training section on the Chamber website. n 42 | CONNECTED JULY 2014
Documentation changes EUR1 forms for Serbia As of 28 May Serbia no longer accepts electronically stamped EUR1 forms.The option has been removed from ExportCert, our electronic documentation system, and you will need to raise a manual document. If you would like further information or a basic excel template to raise your EUR1 form please contact the Chamber Export team on 01223 209803.
Documentation going to the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce The Arab-British Chamber of Commerce put up its prices from 1 June. For the most up-to-date fees please visit the documentation section of the Chamber website where you will find a full breakdown of all certification and legalisation costs. n