CONNECTED magazine August 2014

AUGUST 2014

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE

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CONTENTS |

Inside this issue

5

6-7

Chief Executive’s Comment Stamford Chamber News

8-10 Peterborough Chamber News

6 11

17

19

22

39

11-12

Ely Chamber News

13-15

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber News

16-17

18

Fenland Chamber News

19

Cambridgeshire Chamber News

20-21

Huntingdonshire Chamber News

Events

22-23

Out & About

Ask the Expert – Vehicle installation

25

26-27

In the hotseat – Paul Shadbolt

28

Policy Update

29

Chamber Updates

30-31

32

Charity of the year

33

Update from the LEP

34-35

Report from Ian Mackellar

36-37

New Members

38

39-41

Method – Creatively Engaged

International Focus Sector Updates

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 3

| EDITOR’S COMMENT

Contributing this month...

Welcome Find out about forthcoming business exhibitions in this month’s edition of CONNECTED. in September the Cambridgeb2b will return to Cambridge Airport for a second year and Peterborough b2b, formerly business Focus, moves to a new venue at the KingsGate Conference Centre in October. both exhibitions will bring together hundreds of business people to build new connections, promote products and services and showcase the city’s thriving business community.

The recent Comedy Night and black Tie dinner was a thoroughly enjoyable evening organised by the Chambers’ Construction Sector and is featured this month. The event raised over £700.00 for the Chamber Charity of the year, Peterborough Cathedral 900 development Campaign. in 2018 it will be 900 years since work began to build the Cathedral. The Peterborough 900 development Campaign has been launched to generate the necessary financial support required for the Cathedral to respond to the changing needs of the people it serves. you can find out more about the campaign on page 32.

David Bird db Sound and Vision A Master member of the institute of Videography and senior partner at db Sound and Vision.

Ian Mackellar MacKellar Consulting A freelance journalist with a background as business editor for a local newspaper.

Louise Dunderdale Method Creative

Sadie Parr Editor, CONNECTEd, s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Do you follow us on Twitter?

We regularly tweet Chamber news; follow us at @CambsChamber to be kept up to date with all the latest news.

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Chief Executive John bridge ObE | Editor Sadie Parr | Creative Director Jillian boys Publisher methodcreative.co.uk | Future business Centre, King’s Hedges road, Cambridge Cb4 2Hy | 01223 781220 | Print xlpress.co.uk Disclaimer Views expressed in CONNECTEd are not necessarily those of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce.

Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. The editor reserves the right to make amendments without notification.

Membership Development Officer Peter Watts 07545 697799 or bren Coleman on 01223 209811 Cambridge Enterprise House, The Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge Cb24 9Zr. Tel 01223 237414 Peterborough 6 The Forum, Minerva business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT. Tel 01733 370809 Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk | www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

@CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

4 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

A seasoned journalist who is now working in Pr.

Our editorial panel: We would also like to thank Chamber committee members responsible for shaping the key topics this month and researching these features to better serve the readers of CONNECTEd in this edition.

Advertise in CONNECTED and reach more than 7000 potential customers every month!

Contact the Method team on 01223 781220 or email connected@methodcreative.co.uk

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COMMENT |

Cambridge in the Spotlight Cambridge was transformed recently when the third stage of the Tour de France brought its competitors, supporters and the world’s media into the very heart of the city.

The response was overwhelming. Businesses embraced the opportunity to be creative and bask in the publicity surrounding the prestigious competition. The city, renowned for its love of cycling, was brought to life with knitted bunting, colourful window displays and special events that brought the community together with a tremendous spirit.

Although we are based a little further from the action over in Histon, we too were able to take part in the exciting build-up by housing one of 22 unique cycle sculptures created by local artist and cycling enthusiast David Mitchell. Pieces from his ‘Peloton d’Art’ were displayed by businesses across the city in the lead up to the big day, before being brought together as one final exhibition at Heffers in Cambridge. Each colourful piece was then put up for sale by secret auction, with a donation from each sale being made to Papworth Trust’s OWL centre. It’s a great example of how just one idea inspired by the Tour will have touched so many people.

The city was brought to a standstill as crowds lined the streets to see the procession of over 200 vehicles pass through the city ahead of the big race. There will always be critics but with events bringing people together throughout the day and indeed over the preceding weekend, it’s difficult to argue that the Tour de France was a five-minute wonder.

Organisationally it was a great success. Communications were excellent with key organisations turning to social

media to advise the public of transport changes and which viewing areas to avoid as they became full to capacity.

Businesses planned ahead for the disruption, many advising customers of changes in their opening hours or allowing employees to work from home to avoid congestion in the city centre. The city itself was showcased in the international media in the best possible light, and not just because the sun was shining so gloriously.

As we all work tirelessly to promote Cambridgeshire as a focal point for growth, opportunities and inward investment, the Tour de France provided just the spotlight our city deserves.

John Bridge OBE Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Social media provided excellent communication during Tour de France

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 5

| STAMFORD CHAMBER NEWS

Stamford Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Stamford

Stamford watchmaker celebrates engineering breakthrough Robert Loomes & Co is celebrating the culmination of a major funding deal from the European Union.

Robert Loomes & Co receive funding for manufacturing a British watch movement

The project, in conjunction with a major British University, has mapped and prepared drawings, models and cnc toolpaths to manufacture a British watch movement.

Whilst Robert Loomes MBHI remains tight-lipped about who he’s been working with, it is a big step forward for the nascent watchmaking company who currently manufacture around 75 entirely Britishmade watches a year, using vintage British movements. They were already capable of machining the bolt-on bits (dials, hands, crowns, cases, stems etc.) but designing a whole movement is a big hurdle.

Initially Robert spoke to a number of microengineering specialists, all were discussing costs way beyond the Loomes budget. He then approached one university after another until one professor saw a way forward. If they could persuade an independent, blind panel, that the project would stimulate world-class engineering [for Britain] then they could get full European Union funding.

Robert was especially gratified to discover, in the bowels of the engineering department, a copy of ‘Watchmaking’ by Daniels. One 6 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

of the senior technical advisors wandered over, “Oh yeah - I read Daniels and decided I could make a watch in my lunch hour. I’m 45 years old and I get 50 minutes for lunch every day. There’s time for me to do this”. He was immediately appointed as Loomes & Co’s liaison officer.

This is world-class and innovative engineering Eventually, after a year’s preparation work, which included the machine production of a repeatable and novel balance staff, Loomes and Co applied for the largest tranche of their funding. “We had to produce the balance staff first because one of the criteria for this level of grant funding is that what we do is not just world-class but also innovative.

So far as we know, nobody has ever made a staff, roller and balance wheel from one piece of metal. It was going to tick one of those vital boxes.”

Gary Smith, Senior Production Engineer at Loomes & Co, said: “This is a long-term project. From the start Robert knew that the balance was the most challenging component. If he could machine those, then we could do anything.”

They devised a way to machine the staff, roller and balance wheel from one piece of free-cutting invar. The parts still sit on Robert’s desk as an inspiration.

The panel of senior academics and engineers finally met in early 2013 and discussed if Loomes’ work was of national importance for Britain, was it novel, was it highly likely to generate further employment and would it expand Britain’s micro-engineering base.

In February last year, Robert received a very brief email from his professor stating “We have three out of four yeses so the project can go ahead.” Just over a year later Robert has finally taken delivery of the first sets of data, models and technical drawings.

“The drawings contain thousands of measurements. Not one single component is Swiss. It’s why I belong to the BHI and I cling to their founding principles.” n

STAMFORD 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

Local law firm celebrates 40 years with ambitious charity target Hegarty Solicitors first opened its doors on 15 October 1974 and to honour their 40th year of trading the partners and staff are aspiring to raise £10,000 for Sue Ryder, Thorpe Hall.

Hegarty’s ‘Life Begins at 40’ fundraising drive includes a number of activities, the keynote of which is a trek up Snowdon taking place on 27 September. The partners will be accompanied by 27 members of staff and

donning their walking boots to tackle the seven hour walk.

If you would like to know more about the Life Begins at 40 campaign, to offer sponsorship or if you wish to see the photos visit the Team Hegarty Virgin Money Giving page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ team/Hegarty40 and follow on Twitter #lifebeginsat40Hegarty. n

Hegarty staff put on their walking boots

IN BRIEF NOVEMBER AUGUST 2014 2013 Cummins B2B Cashflow launch Solutions apprenticeship expand programme Three more associates have recently joined B2B last Cashflow Solutions taking the total The 12 months have seen number to 19.investment in the considerable Karl Lanham, facility Associate, said: “These manufacturing at Cummins appointments give us aingreater regional Generator Technologies Barnack Road. coverage the continued As such,and thedemonstrate firm is launching the growth in the independent commercial manufacturing and engineering finance sector.” programme. There are apprenticeship B2B Cashflow Solutions havefour alsoyear been a total of 12 positions on the nominated for third year for programme, of the which four willrunning be given theCummins’ Business current Moneyfacts Awards in the to shopfloor workforce. category of Best Commercial Broker.

Alongside the opportunities offered in the manufacturing element, the programme will also offer the opportunity of careers within the company’s engineering department at their global headquarters in Peterborough.

Employee training specialist Marc Stanier, who will run the apprenticeship programme, said: “This apprenticeship programme is a clear indication of the commitment to investing in the workforce alongside the recent transformation work already well underway in the production areas.”

Parsons Estate Consultancy launch new website Parsons Estate Consultancy is delighted to launch its new website (www.parsonsestateconsultancy.co.uk) designed to showcase the breadth and depth of property consultancy services available.

Parsons Estate Consultancy, founded and managed by Simon Parsons, is a niche commercial property consultancy offering high quality professional services to investors and businesses in the Rutland area. The consultancy takes great pride in

approaching all projects in a personal and tailored way to fully understand its client’s needs and objectives.

Simon commented: “Developing a good relationship with clients to achieve their end objectives successfully is at the heart of everything Parsons Estate Consultancy does. Please get in touch with us for a comprehensive discussion or an initial quote on how we can meet your needs.” n

Simon Parsons

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 7

| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

Peterborough Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

Indesit gives youngsters a football experience Young football fans from Peterborough schools had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see and touch the famous FA Cup trophy, thanks to Arsenal.

Indesit, the leading household appliance brand, is a proud partner of Arsenal who defeated Hull City in this year’s FA Cup final. This ended Arsenal’s nine-year trophy drought and the club is continuing its celebrations with the community into the summer with the support of Indesit.

The trophy, along with the Arsenal Family Festival, a roadshow powered by Indesit, was at the company’s Peterborough site in June.

Around 30 pupils from three Peterborough schools were invited by Indesit to see the trophy and take part in the festival.

Children were able to emulate their football heroes by getting up close with world football’s oldest trophy.

The Arsenal Family Festival powered

by Indesit has activities including an interactive trailer centre with games to see who has the best skills and fun football challenges. n

A pupil takes part in the Arsenal Family Festival

Opportunity Peterborough launch Ignite Peterborough

Eco Innovation Centre on City Road

8 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

Opportunity Peterborough, with support from Peterborough Regional College, has launched an exciting new programme of business support to city-based young entrepreneurs. The Ignite Peterborough programme offers young entrepreneurs running new and established companies a suite of support services, including pre-start up advice, mentoring, consultancy, workshop training and qualification opportunities.

The Ignite Peterborough programme is a free service for young entrepreneurs aged between 16-30 based at the Eco Innovation Centre on City Road.

Cllr Marco Cereste, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “I was once a young entrepreneur and can see in these young

people the same passion I had to build my own business. But everyone needs support which is why the Ignite Peterborough programme is so fantastic and why I’ve become a mentor. Let’s make Peterborough the place for young businesses to flourish!”

Acting Chief Executive at Opportunity Peterborough, Steve Bowyer, commented: “Opportunity Peterborough is really proud to be delivering the Ignite Peterborough programme. We know that SME businesses are the bedrock of Peterborough and with a growing younger population these new businesses are the future of the city’s economy. We encourage young people to access the programme and make the most of the support available.” 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

IN BRIEF AUGUST 2014 Creative Content Company launch networking event

Teaming up to strengthen Peterborough’s position on the regional leisure and entertainment map

Businesses team up to strengthen Peterborough’s position on the regional map Retail and leisure businesses from around the city have teamed up to become the first to benefit from Peterborough Arena’s sponsorship opportunities.

Peterborough’s leading entertainment and conference venue is offering exciting bespoke partnerships to companies to share in its growing success.

With more than half a million visitors each year, and following its 2012 rebranding, the East of England venue has risen through the ranks of top UK entertainment and event hotspots.

The first four companies have teamed up with Peterborough Arena to stamp their own presence at the venue through sponsorship of various areas, putting their own business in front of tens of thousands of people.

Andy Barham, Marketing and Promotions Manager at Peterborough Greyhound Stadium recognises the vast and untapped potential opportunities the venue and the sponsorship can offer. He said: “The added ‘bonus’ is that all businesses and organisations involved so far seem more than willing to work together, to cross-promote and assist in whatever way

possible. It is refreshing to see the early shoots of co-operation with some of the city’s top attractions. I feel sure it will grow and develop in to something, which allows Peterborough to adequately demonstrate it’s rightful position as a ‘go to’ destination.”

Peterborough Arena Managing Director Keith Dalton said: “Since its rebranding in 2012, the venue has built a first-class reputation for hosting a wide range of premier events including public concerts, shows, exhibitions and business conferences, as well as national and regional rural, school and community events.

“We are now looking to share this on-going success with a range of like-minded partners who can benefit mutually in what Peterborough Arena has to offer and are thrilled that the first partners are now on board.

“A partnership with us will be a memorable and highly rewarding experience bringing a wealth of benefits. Our corporate partnership packages offer businesses and brands an unique opportunity to engage with their customers and our audiences.” n

The Creative Content Company really feel that people buy people and this is why they have designed a networking event to allow businesses to do just that.

Hazel Cottrell, Director of Creative Content Company, said: “The events are called #CreativeNetworking and we have had some amazing guest speakers so far including Business Person of the Year Richard Vanbergen of Flex-Able and BMA.”

College receives E-Safety award Peterborough Regional College (PRC) has gained the South West Grid 360 Safe award for E-safety.

Assessors from the South West Grid for Learning recently visited PRC to review the College’s e-safety provision. The Assessors met college staff, parents, Governors and learners and were pleased to find that there was a high level of protection for users of the developing technologies.

The South West Grid for Learning Trust provides the internet connection and a range of other services to colleges across the South West region and is in the forefront of national developments in e-safety.

Although many schools have been awarded the 360 degree E-safety Mark, no other colleges have achieved this nationally recognised award and PRC is extremely proud to be the first. To apply for the 360 degree safe E-Safety Mark, the College had to reach a series of benchmark levels and the evidence was then verified by a visit from experienced assessors. The college was able to demonstrate that it integrates e-safety from college policy through to ensuring students are ready for employment.

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 9

| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

Peterborough Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

Coveted award for Smiths Renault SMiTHS of Peterborough has joined an elite band of dealers driving excellent customer service after being named a J.d. Power dealer of Excellence for its commitment to providing an outstanding service experience to its customers.

The proud bretton Way dealership is one of only seven topperforming renault dealers around the country proving they have Va Va Voom after being named a ‘dealer of Excellence’ by global market research experts J.d. Power.

Group Md daniel Fitzjohn and Service Manager Mark bristow were presented with the coveted award by renault UK Managing director Ken ramirez and dr Axel Sprenger, J.d. Power European Head of Operations, at the French brand’s national dealer event in June.

Ken said: “The seven dealers, including Smiths renault, receiving the dealer of Excellence Award really have gone the extra mile and fully deserve this recognition and accolade for delivering what customers rightly demand most – outstanding service experience.” dealer Principal Mark Craig said: “This achievement is a credit to the team. We made a concerted effort to really put customers at the heart of everything we do, every customer is unique.” n

Daniel Fitzjohn and Mark Bristow collect the award

Raising finance just got easier

Satinder Mander

Roythornes expands commercial property team rOyTHOrNES Solicitors has announced the appointment of Satinder Mander to their expanding Commercial Property and renewable Energy teams.

Satinder joined roythornes in 2011 and undertook her formal training with the firm before qualifying as a solicitor. She won the Peterborough Trainee Solicitor of the year award earlier this year and will be working in roythornes Commercial Property team which handles the purchase and sale of commercial land, as well as being part of their busy renewable Energy team which advises on large scale solar and wind energy projects. n

10 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

PiLOT Fish have extended their offer to include a full commercial finance broking service.

They now have direct access to over 200 commercial lenders with a wide range of products ready to support business growth. Finance is available for property or asset purchases, working capital, business growth and acquisition. richard Jones, Md explains: “We have always offered specialist advice to SMEs on how to improve their cash flow, financial planning and become investment ready. Now we can go one step further and help anyone needing finance get the best deal possible from our extensive lending panel.

“We are very excited about how this will help more businesses find the finance they need to support their own growth ambitions.” n Richard Jones

ELY CHAMBER NEWS |

Ely Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Ely

Ely Traders celebrate Independents Day

Ely Chamber of Commerce

IN BRIEF NOVEMBER AUGUST 2014 2013 B2B Cashfl xanthos appointed ow Solutions to build expand website

Neaves & Neat

ON Friday 4 July 30 independent Traders took over Ely Market Place to showcase their products and services.

Steve Copeland, business development Manager at Labour Tech, was one Chamber member who found the event extremely beneficial. Steve commented: “Labour Tech were delighted to attend this event. it was a great opportunity to show case and promote our business to new candidates and clients

Peter Watts with new member Liz Parker

from the local area as well as raising our profile. it was a very enjoyable day and we look forward to being part of the celebrations next year!” david bryan TaxAssist Accountants Ely, commented: “We were pleased to attend the event and take the opportunity to meet up with other businesses from the Ely area. The more people that support the event the more successful it will become.” n

Three more associates have recently joined xanthos, the eCommerce specialist, have b2b Cashflow Solutions taking the total been appointed to build a new website number to 19. with a framework designed around Karl Lanham, Associate, said: “These content, structure and simple navigation appointments give us a greater regional for Woolies, Europe’s leading provider of coverage and demonstrate the continued specialist car accessories. growth in the independent commercial xanthos created a responsive design finance sector.” and build which enables the site to resize b2b Cashflow Solutions have also been automatically for mobile platforms. The nominated for the third year running for design team also implemented a onethe business Moneyfacts Awards in the page checkout system which has seen category of best Commercial broker. basket conversions increase by 67 per cent for similar projects.

Olga Travlos, Managing director of xanthos, said: “We are delighted that the roll-out has gone so smoothly.

With such a diverse range of products Woolies wanted a site that was simple to navigate, with products that could be found easily, combined with an effective and user friendly checkout process that would improve rOi. We are very pleased with the results.”

Contract win for Breeze Technology brEEZE Technology, a local business specialising in bespoke database and software design, has recently won a contract from a global pharmaceutical company to supply a bespoke database system to manage clinical trials of their product in London.

Tammy driver, director of breeze,commented: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for us at breeze and we are really looking forward to both the challenge and logistics of this project.” breeze has only been operating since February 2013 and provides bespoke database/management systems to micro and SME’s nationally, often integrated into Sage 50 Accounts. n Tammy Driver Steve Copeland from Labour Tech

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 11

| ELY CHAMBER NEWS

Ely Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Ely

Ely Chamber of Commerce

Michell Instruments awards £1,000 prize ELY sensing and instrumentation manufacturer Michell Instruments has awarded £1,000 of new science equipment to Bottisham Village College.

The prize was won in a science and technology competition for year seven and eight students in Cambridgeshire and was part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Fifteen teams from six Cambridgeshire schools took part in their Science of Water competition. The aim of the competition was to research a key feature of water and produce a poster that demonstrated their findings. The competition’s focus was chosen as this fits with the core business of company – designing and manufacturing sensors and instrumentation to detect trace moisture.

The winning team from Bottisham Village College looked at ways to remove moisture, examining de-humidifiers, evaporation and desiccants. The runners up were teams from

Impington Village College and Ely College, both with entries looking at surface tension.

Judges were Dr Stephanie Bell from the National Physical Laboratory, Dr Peter Wothers from Cambridge University and Mike Bannister, CEO of Michell Instruments.

Michell Instruments now plans to make the competition a yearly event. It is part of Michell’s on-going programme of schools outreach activities which also include offering work experience placements and participation in careers events in local schools.

Mike Bannister, CEO of Michell Instruments, said that inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers is one of the principles underlying Michell’s 40-year history.

He added: “Because we research, design and manufacture most of our products in the UK, it’s important to have a strong pool of talented engineers. Working to inspire an interest in science at an early age might help to encourage more children to consider

Mike Bannister, CEO of Michell Instruments

engineering as a career. That would not just be good for Michell, but good for the UK as a whole.”

The Michell Group has three manufacturing locations in the UK, the Netherlands and France, nine subsidiary offices across Europe, Asia and the Americas and a network of worldwide distributors. n

Superfast broadband arrives in rural East Cambridgeshire Businesses in rural East Cambridgeshire are celebrating the arrival of superfast broadband, which means they can grow and compete in a global market.

Businesses in these areas can now upgrade to faster fibre broadband and also get help to make the most of the latest digital technology - wherever they are – through Connecting Cambridgeshire’s Destination Digital business support project.

High speed fibre broadband being rolled out under the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme has already reached more than 11,000 homes and businesses in the district, which would not otherwise be able to get it.

Over 40 new green fibre cabinets went live across East Cambridgeshire in the first phase of the roll-out programme to June 2014, with more to follow in forthcoming phases, which may use alternative technologies to reach rural areas.

Better connectivity for businesses supports 12 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

the work of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s Economic Development team encouraging companies to set up, re-locate and expand in the district.

Mark Read, Chair of Ely Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Three Pillars Business Park, Sutton, has seen the impact

that faster speeds have made to his specialist supplies business Whizzle Ltd. For more on the scheme see www.destinationdigital.info. Residents can find out when they can get faster broadband on the ‘my area’ pages at www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk n

Left to right Cllr Tom Kerby, Economic Development Champion for East Cambridgeshire District Council, Mark Read, Chair of Ely Chamber of Commerce, and Cllr Ian Bates, Cambridgeshire County Council

CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS |

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge & South Cambs

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce

Barr Ellison boosts commercial team with strategic hire mark Satterly has been appointed as Partner for Corporate Services at Barr Ellison from international law firm Eversheds.

Over 20 years Mark has built up a strong practice acting for corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, joint ventures, equity funding arrangements, flotations and general corporate and commercial matters.

Elizabeth Deyong, head of the Commercial Property Team, said: “We are delighted to have Mark on board. He has particular expertise advising clients in the technology, food and drink and property sectors for which there is significant demand in Cambridgeshire.”

Mark’s experience extends across the spectrum of corporate activity from advising early stage companies on their funding arrangements through to advising on transactions for major listed and unlisted corporates.

Chambers has previously commented that “... the two items that characterise [Mark Satterly] are responsiveness and a commercial approach.” n

A music network for the region Realnet is pleased to announce a new and innovative online hub. They worked with the Music Education Hub to develop their ideas and aspirations for the online portal into a richly featured and functional platform. User input and content will drive the site, centred around the individual’s user profile and user dashboard.

Mush is a scalable, richly featured and growing platform, with additional functionality set to be released as the user base grows. This really is a first of a kind platform, which delivers a focal point for the region’s musical community and will enable growth and development of musical activities and interest. n

The new innovative online hub

Commercial Property Team

The MAGPAS CPR-athon 2014 The Qualifications Centre ran a CPR-athon with, and for, the charity MAGPAS at the Charities offices in Huntingdon.

A team of Instructors were on hand to teach basic CPR to anyone willing to learn it, in an attempt to raise awareness of the crucial lifesaving skill. A skill which when carried out by bystanders plays a critical part in the role MAGPAS play when providing advanced medical aid to patients.

Their role is to bring the Hospital to the patient as opposed to the Paramedics whose role is to get the patient to the Hospital.

So, as well as raising awareness and skill levels in CPR The Qualifications Centre was keen to raise awareness of MAGPAS as a charity and their location in Huntingdon and to let as many people as possible know what it is that they do and also raise some much needed funds to support the charity.

All those that took part in the event were awarded certificates in Basic CPR and following their training were able to test their skills on an advanced Manikin supplied by Laerdal. This Manikin is able to score the individuals efficiency in CPR as a percentage.

Almost all adults that tried this on the day scored above 90 per cent but only four managed 100 per cent (excluding the trainers).

The day was a first of its kind and is planned to be the first of many on an annual basis. Approximately £350 was raised for the charity. n

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 13

| CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge & South Cambs

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce

Lamps and Lights featured in Total Lighting magazine AN article in Total Lighting magazine highlighted Lamps and Lights with an interview with founder denise Hatherly. denise commented: “i spent my youth scouring local auction rooms for hidden treasures and a local antique lighting shop was a regular haunt of mine which ignited my passion for beautiful period lighting. After several years in London i returned to my roots in Cambridge to pursue restoring and selling antique lighting. i found it extremely difficult and time consuming sourcing quality restoration lighting products in retail quantities as opposed to wholesale and realised there was a gap in the market.

Not being afraid to explore new opportunities and challenges has led me to run a successful business.” n

Denise Hatherly featured in Total Lighting magazine

Investors in People award for Prospect Research

Stone king gears-up for growth with Conscious

PrOSPECT research is delighted to announce that they have passed their accreditation for investors in People with flying colours. They have been awarded the Core Award which investors in People describe as a very challenging one to meet and one that is increasingly seen as a measure of a quality employer. investors in People has commented on Prospect research’s accreditation by saying: “your success not only reflects your own commitment, but it is also an acknowledgement of the effort of everyone who works for the organisation.” director beth Walthew says: “Our people are indeed the core of our business. We have always had a policy of employing high calibre telemarketers and market researchers and creating a productive and fulfilling environment for them to work in. We are very proud to receive Beth Walthew the accreditation.” n

NATiONAL law firm Stone King has appointed Conscious Communications to handle public relations and business development activities across the East of England.

The appointment comes as the firm enters a new phase of regional expansion from its Cambridge hub, building its local profile and leveraging extensive national credentials in business, education and charity. Stone King has a well-established portfolio of regional clients and the Conscious Communications’ team’s remit will be to support the firm’s growth in these areas, with a particular focus on the business sector and SMEs. robert Meakin, Partner at Stone King, said: “We have a reputation for delivering invaluable counsel and support for private and maintained education providers and charities, in particular. Our priority focus for our next phase of strategic development is the expansion of our work with small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups.”

Commenting on the appointment of Conscious Communications, robert said: “Conscious Communications has an ethical and professional approach to the services it provides which matches our own. The team has a strong network of collaborative partners and we are delighted that we will be working with them to build our profile across the region.” n

14 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS 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

Adult Learners Week

Cambridge Building Society awards

The Cambridge recognised as regional lender of the year THE Cambridge building Society celebrated another prestigious accolade after being named as winner of the ‘regional Lending Provider of the year’ category of the 2014 Moneyfacts Awards.

Moneyfacts’ highly coveted awards are totally independent and are presented annually for product excellence and outstanding service, covering products from across a wide range of national financial services providers.

Seven other building societies were finalists in the highly competitive regional Lender of the year category. The Cambridge was also highly commended for ‘best Service from a Mortgage Provider’ and commended for ‘best Online Mortgage Provider’.

Commenting on the win Andy Lucas, Commercial director at The Cambridge, said: “These awards are a tremendous achievement for everyone at The Cambridge and we greatly appreciate the support we’ve received. The quality of our customer service and products remains at the heart of everything we do and to have this recognised and rewarded by the accolade of the top regional lender is something we are very proud of.”

Sylvia Waycot, Publishing director at Moneyfacts Group plc, said: “during a year in which it has continued to display real commitment to the mortgage sector, Cambridge building Society has clearly remained firmly committed to building relationships within the intermediary sector. The quality of its business development managers was once again highlighted.”

The latest win comes on the back of two other awards achieved by The Cambridge this year – it was named ‘Employer of the year’ at the 2014 Cambridge News business Excellence Awards and received a coveted ‘One Star’ by best Companies. n

JErViSbrOWN Training embraced Adult Learners’ week in June and combined it with a fundraising event for MAGPAS Helimedix appeal at The Qualifications Centre, bar Hill. in return for a donation, Angela and Matthew, directors of Jervisbrown, delivered Excel and Outlook training sessions where topics included how to evaluate data using formula, creating charts, applying conditional formatting and filtering; emails organisation, using the calendar, storing contacts and getting to grips with tasks.

Shortcuts and quick tips were thrown in to demonstrate the benefits of taking time out to refresh and update your skills.

Feedback comments included: “brilliant training course, helpful and at a good pace”; “Very well explained and help when needed”; “Helpful and explained in a way suitable to each individual”; Excellent learning programme to update existing methods”. n

Communication is our strength.

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CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 15

| HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS

Huntingdonshire Chamber NEWS

Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce

A round-up of news and events from Huntingdonshire

Celebrating the fit and fabulous Luminus men!

IN BRIEF NOVEMBER AUGUST 2014 2013 B2B Cashflow Beacon welcomes Solutions Glennexpand Barker Glenn more Three joins associates the team as have an recently Independent joined B2B Cashflow Financial Adviser Solutions with taking 14 years the total number to 19. experience in the financial industry and will Karl work Lanham, towards Associate, becoming said: Chartered.

“These appointments Tony Larkinsgive Beacon’s us a greater Managing regional coveragecommented: Director, and demonstrate “Glenn thehas continued settled growth in well in and thehas independent a diverse knowledge commercial finance of the financial sector.” sector, due to his long career, B2B Cashflow and I amSolutions looking forward have alsotobeen nominated having Glenn for represent the third year Beacon running as for theIndependent an Business Moneyfacts FinancialAwards Adviser.” in the category of Best Commercial Broker.

Quest is on the move!

Thanks to exponential growth Quest Cloud Solutions Ltd is pleased to announce they have moved to brand new premises. Their new home will be The Incubator, the multi-awardwinning building that is part of the new Enterprise Campus at Alconbury Weald.

The move to this nationally-recognised building is a perfect reflection of the Quest brand – innovative and forwardthinking – and opens up a new talent pool for their planned expansion.

Joe George, Steve Woodford, Denis Rimmer, Phil Rozier and Matt Johnson with their Luminus branded sports bags

As a mark of gratitude for the way men at Luminus are helping make the world a better place, they were each given a Luminus sports bag and a card from Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham.

The sports bags were given as an additional boost to Luminus’ current ‘Health & Wholeness’ campaign where employees are able to participate in workouts every Wednesday, tone-up sessions, personal fitness training and an annual day’s event

focusing on health in the workplace.

Luminus is also entering over 30 employees in the Hunts Post ‘2 Wheels for Woodlands’ event and recently came second in the Father’s Day Huntingdon 10k Run. Luminus is committed to employee wellbeing and Luminus Men’s Day, coinciding with Father’s Day, is a celebration of the outstanding work done by Luminus men every day. n

Machinery investment at Borney Huntingdon based manufacturer Borney UK Ltd has invested heavily into a new top of the range digital textile machine. It is the newest model available and only one of three in the UK. Richard Beary, Director, commented: “This will open doors into working within other industries that we currently don’t work with.

It is a brand new exciting and innovative venture which will also bring job vacancies to the local community.

“We are currently undergoing interviews for experienced new business development managers to help push our brand into new areas and continue to the growth of Borney UK Ltd. “The new machine not only provides an amazing print capabilities but also gives us the opportunity to work with large retail high street stores and broadens our product portfolio even further.” n 16 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

Phillip Chappel, Production Manager, and Ben Flinders who has been promoted to head up the new machine

HUNTINGDONSHIRE 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

Maxine Lester Residential Lettings wins Sunday Times National Award Maxine Lester Residential Lettings won the Sunday Times Letting Agent of the Year for customer Service. The award recognises the company amongst the top three letting agents in the county for providing exceptional customer service.

They were competing against 5,000 offices at the awards ceremony in London.

The company won Bronze for Best Customer Service of the Year for a small office – the second year the company have won a Sunday Times award, previously winning overall best

agent in East of England.

Managing Director Maxine Lester said: “These awards are exceptionally tough to enter as the competition is very tough, so we are very proud to have been honoured with a Best Small Office for Customer Service. This award is recognition of our high standard of customer service and position as a market leader. Award wins like this demonstrate that we are delivering in ways that matter to our customers and also reassure new customers that they can rely on us.” n

IN BRIEF NOVEMBER AUGUST 2014 2013 B2B Cashflow Local businessSolutions catches aexpand high flyer!

Tom Lloyd, Three more Helpdesk associatesSupport have recently Technician joined B2B at Computer CashflowNetwork SolutionsServices taking the Ltdtotal (CNS), number has recently to 19.qualified as a Microsoft Certified Karl Lanham, IT Professional.

Associate, said: “These appointments Through personal give ussacrifice a greaterand regional coverage and diligence Tomdemonstrate passed the required the continued growth in the at examinations independent a single sitting, commercial enabling finance him to hold sector.” a highly respected position with B2BCNS Cashflow customers.

Solutions have also been nominated Alex Barrett, for the MDthird of CNS year Ltd,running said: for the “WeBusiness are extremely Moneyfacts proudAwards of Tom.”in the category of Best Commercial Broker.

WATA receives accreditation CISRS have recently accredited West Anglia Training Association for the delivery of Part 1 Scaffolding, COTS and SITS from its new build in Huntingdon.

Nigel Donohue, CEO, said: “The new Skills build provides WATA with the ability to extend its training offer. Interest has been really positive with companies utilising WATA as a training partner from both regional and national areas.

“This tremendous support from CISRS is testament to our £1,000,000 investment and highly competent delivery staff.”

Maxine Lester collecting the award

HR company awarded for voluntary sector work Keeping HR Simple has won a regional award for its pro bono work.

The company, run by husband and wife team Katherine and Jason Duff, won the ‘Business in the Community East of England Employee Volunteering Business Award’ for their work through Peterborough ProHelp, an organisation made up of over 30 professional firms that pledge their professional services, free of charge, to voluntary and community groups in their local area.

Jason said: “When we started out we had a

lot of help ourselves and as a business we wanted to give back in some way.”

Keeping HR Simple has worked with charities offering all types of HR assistance from employment law issues to helping with recruitment, including job descriptions, and training. “Basically we’re helping them to stay legal,” says Katherine.

One of the organisations to benefit from Keeping HR Simple’s professional help is mental health charity Mind in Cambridgeshire. n

Katherine and Jason Duff, with Patricia Fuller (centre) from ProHelp

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 17

| FENLAND CHAMBER NEWS

Fenland Chamber NEWS A round-up of news and events from Fenland

Fenland Chamber of Commerce

College learning trip to Poland JULiE darracott and Stacey Martin, staff in the hospitality section of the College of West Anglia, travelled 863 miles to Poland for a fact-finding stay funded by ACEr, Association of Colleges in the Eastern region.

Their flight had gone to rzeszow, two hours from their designation college at Zamosc, some 40km from Poland’s border with Ukraine.

They first attended a mix of practical and theory lessons. Over the course of the week they observed a mixed selection of lessons, some of which were taught in English or included some English for their benefit.

The visit was organised by ACEr to share good practice and build European links with other schools/colleges and is an ongoing project.

Stacey Martin, is a lecturer – Hospitality and travel and tourism and Julie darrocott is a teaching support officer in hospitality. n Julie Darracott and Stacey Martin

Do you really know

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PAT Testing We provide a programme of Portable Appliance Testing to meet the recommended guidelines.

Emergency lighting testing We provide inspection on compliance with current regulations.

New branding for Fosters FOSTEr Property Maintenance is rebranding and changing their identity with a smart new logo, but their core values remain the same.

Last October, Foster Property Maintenance became part of Lakehouse, an award winning support services business, specialising in construction and maintenance. They can now offer a wider range of services, so want to ensure their logo, work wear, vehicles and all communication materials reflect this change. Previously known as Foster Property Maintenance Limited, they are now officially Foster - part of the Lakehouse Group. Their new look and identity reflects the bigger, smarter organisation and helps to unite them as one with Lakehouse. n

Fire alarm testing We inspect, test and maintain fire alarm systems.

Council celebrates a brace of awards

Fixed installation testing We offer full electrical installation condition reporting and initial verification.

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18 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

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FENLANd district Council and Cambridgeshire Police walked away with two trophies at the prestigious MJ Awards ceremony.

Fenland beat off competition from all over the country to win awards for delivering better Outcomes and Trading Standards and Environmental Health. both entries were centred on the highly successful multi-agency Operation Pheasant project, a partnership operation that has enjoyed huge success in tackling problems relating to migrant exploitation, rogue private sector landlords and Houses of Multiple Occupation.

The National MJ Awards are highly competitive and seek to showcase best practice across local government. n

CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHAMBER NEWS |

Cambridgeshire Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from Cambridgeshire

Groundwork and News UK make a difference at the Hampton Community Sports Association a team of volunteers from News UK carried out work to maintain and improve the Hampton Community Sports Association (HCSA) facilities.

Lead by Geoff Bunce, Community Project Officer for Groundwork Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and working with Chas Ryan, Chair of the HCSA, 10 volunteers dug in to a range of tasks and did some much-needed weeding and painted parts of the facility.

Others tasks included painting internal and external doors and clearing rubbish and litter.

Geoff Bunce said: “It’s a pleasure to work with News UK – this volunteer day is the fourth we’ve done together and the improvements look great. It’s a brilliant opportunity for News UK staff to give something back to their local community.”

HCSA thank Groundwork for organising the day and supporting this community facility. n

The team of volunteers

IN BRIEF AUGUST 2014 Haverhill Research Park wins planning consent Planning consent for The Epicentre, the £5 million innovation centre at Haverhill Research Park, has been granted giving the scheme a tremendous boost.

The 30,000 sq ft, four-storey innovation centre, will provide facilities for start-up and growing businesses. The Epicentre is expected to be completed

by September 2015 and could create up to 300 jobs. Financing for The Epicentre is expected to be provided by New Anglia and the Greater Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), who have already funded the recently completed infra-structure for the park.

The Epicentre will offer tailored support services designed to boost the growth ranging from cost-effective, flexible, managed space to business advice, integrated telecoms, broadband internet access and networking facilities.

Wyboston Lakes walkers complete Hadrian’s Wall challenge Staff at Wyboston Lakes have completed another demanding charity walk, continuing an annual tradition that now goes back 13 years.

Following Hadrian’s Wall, the northern boundary of the Roman Empire, this year’s walk started at Wallsend, near Newcastle, and finished at Carlisle. It involved four days of solid walking in which the group completed 76 miles of footslogging – plus a few extra miles at the end in search of their hostel for the night!

The group included members of Wyboston Lakes’ HR and Food & Beverage departments, with Operations Manager Paul Rhodes joining for a day. They were joined by the venue’s former director Barry

Stonham, who established the tradition of the annual charity walk in 2002. Particular challenges included occasional heavy rain and thick mud and a hostel ‘drying room’ which

actually had no heating to help dry out soggy boots and clothing! £1,500 was raised for Bedford & District Cerebral Palsy Society. n

Wyboston Lakes walkers

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 19

| CHAMBER EVENTS

CHAMBER EVENTS Please visit the Chamber website for full details of all future Chamber events www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

Your essential business calendar for the next month

business Exhibitions CAMBRIDGE B2B DATE Wednesday 24 September TIME 10.00am-4.00pm LOCATION Cambridge international Airport, Newmarket road, Cambridge, Cb5 8rx The Cambridge b2b Exhibition provides unrivalled promotional opportunities for your business within the Cambridge business community with over 700 visitors through the doors at last year’s event.

With your company exhibiting at The Cambridge b2b Exhibition, you will benefit from being one of over 100 companies that come together under one roof to celebrate business, to showcase products and services, gain business contacts and develop new ideas and business opportunities.

Stands are selling out fast, don’t delay if you want to exhibit at Cambridge b2b 2014. n

Networking at Cambridge B2B 2013

PETERBOROUGH B2B Working with partners Opportunity Peterborough we bring you Peterborough B2B Exhibition DATE Wednesday 22 October TIME 9.00am-4.00pm LOCATION Kingsgate Centre, Peterborough, PE1 4yT VISIT www.peterboroughb2b.co.uk

Peterborough

2 Exhibition

The Peterborough b2b Exhibition brings together over 600 business people to build new connections, promote products and services, discover suppliers and be inspired by guest speakers. Take advantage of the free entry and free seminars!

Formerly known as business Focus, the Peterborough b2b Exhibition is the place to promote your business in 2014. With 600 people attending last year’s event and this year’s stands starting from just £229.00 (plus VAT), Peterborough b2b Exhibition is a cost-effective marketing tool that should form a vital component of your company’s marketing strategy.

This year’s Peterborough b2b Exhibition is organised

by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Opportunity Peterborough. n

20 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

Cambridge Airport house Cambridge B2B

Over 700 visitors attended Cambridge B2B in 2013

CHAMBER EVENTS |

Sector Events

Networking Events

organised by the International Sector

Peterborough Business Breakfast

Cambridgeshire Export Club

DATE Friday 25 July TIME 7.45-10.00am LOCATION Peterborough Marriott, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6GB MEMBER PRICE £15.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £22.50 (plus VAT) CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

DATE Tuesday 29 July DATE Tuesday 30 September TIME 5.00-7.00pm LOCATION The Moller Centre, Storey’s Way, Cambridge, CB3 0DE PRICE Free to attend CONTACT h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk or telephone Helen on 01733 370809 An informal networking evening for exporters and those considering it. n

Networking over breakfast Delegates at Export Club

Riverboat Georgina Networking Lunch DATE Friday 8 August TIME 12.00-2.30pm LOCATION Riverboat Georgina, Jesus Lock, Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AX MEMBER PRICE £25.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £35.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk Join the Chamber for a glass of Pimms and buffet lunch at our popular annual Riverboat Georgina Networking Lunch. The two hour cruise is a perfect opportunity to meet potential new business partners and clients, build upon existing relationships with key business people, promote your company and increase brand awareness and of course take a break from more structured networking events. n

Riverboat Georgina

Informal Networking Evenings September 2014 Informal Networking Evenings will not take place during August but will return across the county in September.

Wed 3

The Crown Hotel, Stamford

5.30-7.30pm

Mon 8

The Lamb Hotel, Ely

5.00-7.00pm

Wed 10

Waterfront Bar, St Neots

5.00-7.00pm

Tues 16

Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon

5.00-7.00pm

Wed 17

Park Inn, Peterborough

5.00-7.30pm

Thurs 18

Holiday Inn, Cambridge

5.00-7.00pm

Wed 24

Elgood & Son, Wisbech

5.00-7.00pm

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 21

| 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

Sponsored Bike Ride Media Matters organised a sponsored bike ride which raised around ÂŁ17,000 in aid of the NSPCC. 175 riders took part in the 17 mile bike ride around Rutland Water.

An insight to Social Media overseas Over 100 delegates attended the Making Social Media work for your Business event held at the Moller Centre, Cambridge in June.

22 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

OUT & ABOUT |

Peterborough Greyhounds raise £15k for charity

World Cup at Ely Market Place Yarn on the Square showcased their products and services at Ely Independents Day with knitted world cup players.

A cheque for £15,000 was presented to the Thorpe Hall Hospice Appeal raised at a fundraising gala evening held at the greyhound stadium.

Tour de France Chamber staff were amongst the crowds to watch the Tour de France action as it made it’s way through Cambridge City Centre on 7 July.

Comedy night raises over £700 for Chamber Charity of the Year This sell-out Comedy Night & Black Tie dinner was a great success with £717.00 raised for Peterborough 900 campaign.

Borney team expands Tom Biddlestone has joined as Signage Sales Manager, bringing a wealth of knowledge with over 20 years experience working within the signage industry. Tom is pictured with one of the signage Installation Teams.

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 23

SMART MONEY FOR BRIGHT BUSINESSES Our ÂŁ5.24 million scheme is now open to SMEs and start-ups within or serving the medical technology, assisted living and telehealth sectors.

See if you qualify for a package of free support and even a cash grant to take your business idea further, faster.

Just call us on: 0845 196 4205 Find out more at: medtechcampus.com Delivered across the East of England by:

ASK THE ExPErT |

Ask the expert: Vehicle Installations Naeem Khokhar, Director at Select CBS, explains about the common vehicle installations that they regularly undertake.

Q A

Where is CBS based?

CbS is in the heart of Cambridge – 31b Clifton road.

Q

How many items does CBS have in stock?

A

We keep 72 of the most popular items in stock. There are thousands available.

Q

Does CBS install things in vehicles other than cars and vans?

A

if it has wheels and a steering mechanism, we install – so yes, cars, vans, tractors, motorbikes. And the odd tank!

Q

What is the most unusual or challenging item you’ve ever installed?

A

We once fitted a vehicle tracking device in a tank! it was for a limousine company that hires out unusual vehicles for proms and May balls.

So keeping track of it makes sense doesn’t it?

Q A Q A Q A

What is your most popular item for cars?

Easy question. Tow bars.

What is your most popular item for vans? bluetooth. Fleet managers and business owners are realising that bluetooth increases productivity and makes sense from a health and safety point of view.

Q A Q A

What is going to be the next ‘big thing’ for cars? dAb radio. CbS is the first company in the UK to have official government digital accreditation.

And for vans?

Two trends are emerging. One is tracking CO2 emissions; the other is monitoring driver behaviour, e.g. erratic driving which costs in terms of fuel consumption and the lifetime of the vehicle.

Does CBS experience seasonal trends?

Absolutely. Summer is tow bar season. in the autumn people want reversing cameras, bluetooth and hands free kits.

When the temperature drops in winter and there’s a lot of rain, we install heated seats and parking sensors on a regular basis. in spring, people invest in in-car entertainment like MP3 connections or headrest dVd screens for those backseat passengers!

Q A

Does CBS install anywhere else than Clifton Road?

We have 105 engineers across the country who install hands free kits, tow bars and alarms. These engineers also carry out project work for CbS’ large vehicle fleet customers. recently we installed yellow roof lights for one van fleet and sinks with electrical hot water heaters for another. n

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 25

| IN THE HOTSEAT

In the HOTSEAT

Paul Shadbolt business development director, SME banking, East of England at Lloyds banking Group If you are looking to grow your business, business development director for SME banking in the East of England Paul Shadbolt believes there is no better time than now.

Paul addresses a business event

HELPiNG businesses to achieve their goals is something that Paul Shadbolt relishes.

The business development director has been with Lloyds bank for 34 years and has recently taken on the role of Commercial business development director for SME banking in the East of England, a role that covers a 20,000 square kilometer area.

“My role is about the Ms,” he explains with a laugh. “i’m looking to get Lloyds supporting more medium sized businesses than they currently do. A medium sized business has £10-25 million turnover.

There are 1,066 existing Ms in the region according to Companies House records, and i’m working on meeting them!”

26 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

Year on year lending has gone up by 11.5% – a massive uplift Paul believes it is a good time for businesses in the region that want to grow. The company recently published its bi-annual business in britain survey that asked 1,500 businesses across the UK for their views.

“We have seen an uplift in confidence in the last five consecutive reports. businesses

are confident about their order books, they are confident about the sales volumes, and more are looking at exporting.

“They are confident about the increase in profitability and 31% of firms are looking to increase headcount in the next six months.

Their challenge is finding a sufficiently skilled workforce.

“What we are seeing in the SME market across the East of England – an area which includes all of Cambridgeshire, Essex, half of Hertfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk – is that our year on year lending has gone up by 11.5%. That’s a massive uplift. That is showing that lots of businesses in the East of England are taking on more debt to

IN THE HOTSEAT |

grow their businesses.”

Paul said that during the last 18 months the overall feeling has been of economic improvement as recruitment companies are busier, people have more money in their pockets, and mergers and acquisitions are up as business are looking to invest their cash by buying other businesses.

Support can include finance, networking and having a mentor but the view that banks are not lending money is something he would challenge.

“We have to have a responsible lending assessment of whether people can afford to repay what they are borrowing. The regulations changed in 2007 to make the lending assessment more stringent. but we are approving 80% of all borrowing requests.

Additionally, in the SME lending market while some bank’s net lending is down 3%, Lloyds is up by 5%.” banks can support SMEs in more than just access to finance. This support can include networking events, and having a mentor. Lloyds hosted a networking event on the morning of the Tour de France route through Cambridge for around 60 people, as their Gonville Place branch was right on the starting line.

The networking was not restricted to just office-based businesses. “One of our customers did the catering for the event and people came along because they wanted to be part of what was an amazing event,” he said. “i think having such a huge event in Cambridge made starting conversations at our networking event easier for those who find it challenging to speak to new people. i can remember when the Olympics were on and people on the train talked to each other. Coming up on the train to Cambridge everybody was talking about the Tour de France. it just broke that barrier where people are reluctant to open a conversation.”

They recently supported the Transatlantic business Forum at duxford organised

by deyton bell Ltd which included the US Ambassador, and several economic breakfasts are on the horizon.

Paul himself mentors two businesses, and he says that companies do not need to bank with Lloyds to take advantage of this service. Lloyds has 1,000 employees trained to mentor SME’s and social enterprises through the business Finance Taskforce accredited scheme. ”i meet with them once a month or more often and we talk through the issues they are facing, what is causing concern or what opportunities are out there. i myself have found that it’s never too late to learn – one of my businesses i mentor has helped me get on to Twitter.”

Paul’s background has always been focused on business customers. He previously led a team of six relationship managers based in Cambridge and Ely, and was responsible for 2,000 business customers, so with a customer focus, he is keen to meet and to chat.

He lives in Walkern, Hertfordshire with his wife Sandra. Away from work Paul enjoys early Saturday mornings on the golf course, and for adrenalin kicks riding his motorbike. n Get in touch with Paul: paul_shadbolt paul.shadbolt@lloydsbanking.com

The position of the SME market in the East of England

Business Confidence We have seen an uplift in confidence in each of the last five reports

£ Increase In Profitability

The SME Market

31% of firms are looking to increase headcount in the next six months

In the East of England year on year lending has gone up by 11.5%

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 27

| POLICY UPDATE

Policy UPDATE Keeping you informed, representing local business

The Goal is Work Long-term sustainable economic growth is dependent upon small and medium sized businesses growing into larger businesses.

This requires schools to be turning out a supply of talented ‘work ready’ young people with employment as their goal.

Too many of you tell us you’ve offered excellent apprenticeship opportunities but been unable to find suitable candidates.

Only last year a construction firm in the Peterborough area wanted a school leaver to employ to become a qualified Quantity Surveyor – a fantastic opportunity to learn whilst earning - but was unable to fill the position.

A manufacturing company in East Cambridgeshire has similar problems filling various engineering apprenticeships. Even if they find potential young people often parents’ advise their sons and daughters to go to university - with all its associated costs and no guarantee of employment - rather than enter employment.

28 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

Fortunately, some of our local schools – quite a few are Chamber members – realise they need to engage more with the business community; to increase knowledge of the local economy and find out about the employment opportunities available.

Many of you are engaging in projects and programmes designed to inspire and motivate tomorrow’s workforce Many employers are engaging with schools, teachers, students and parents to help young people and their families get a better understanding of the world of work. It isn’t easy keeping up with the myriad of changes to qualifications and the education system, let alone changes in the labour market.

Chamber members have shown a willingness to help educate the community about today’s world of work. Many of you are engaging in projects and programmes designed to inspire and motivate tomorrow’s workforce: from offering work experience placements and internships; to inviting

school teacher’s into the workplace to learn about the skills required by business; to attending careers fairs and festivals; to carrying out mock interviews and helping with CV preparation.

Recently several Chamber members attended the Annual Conference for teachers of Information Advice and Guidance.

Representatives from a number of the Chamber’s Sector Committees told teachers about jobs and career opportunities in engineering, in charities, in communications and international trade.

One Cambridge Chamber member is working with a local school to champion business. Businesses’ working with schools, teachers, young people and parents in these ways is new and relationships need to be developed before real change takes place but these are steps in the right direction.

If you want to get involved please let me know: g.prangnell@cambscci.co.uk n

CHAMBER UPDATES |

Chamber Updates An overview of news from your Chamber

Business Awards – Celebrating Business Excellence Now in their 17th year, The Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards are open to all companies, both large and small, and the people who make these firms successful.

The Fenland Enterprise Business Awards are now in their sixth year and aim to celebrate business excellence within the region.

Closing date for entries: Friday 29 August. n

Closing date for entries: Friday 5 September. n

#ChamberNetwork here are a few of the ways that you can get involved and increase your contacts through your Chamber membership.

• Post your company news and events on the Chamber website • Contribute to a national debate through our policy forum • Join the Chamber Idea Exchange and share expertise and ideas

• Follow us on Twitter @CambsChamber • Join our LinkedIn groups and take part in discussions. n

Quarterly Economic Survey results The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2014 which shows that the economy is still strong and moving in the right direction, with many key balances higher than they were before the recession.

BCC Director General, John Longworth, says moderate declines of the pace of growth are ‘unsurprising’ given that the economy ‘jolted forward’ in the first quarter of the year.

He applauds UK businesses for their continued ‘dedication, confidence and resilience’ but urges the Bank of England not to act prematurely on raising interest rates as this could ‘limit the growth ambitions among the very firms we are counting on to drive the recovery’. n

Free services from AXA PPP The Chamber works closely with AXA PPP healthcare to offer free access to a variety of business resources. As a Chamber member, you’re entitled to use Personal Business Assistance and 24/7 telephone information service, Health at Hand.

Personal Business Assistance A dedicated support team to help keep your business going if you need to take time off for medical treatment.

Health at Hand Free access to the 24/7 telephone helpline, offering confidential health information and support from health professionals.

Exclusive offer Become a member of AXA PPP healthcare and get 50 per cent off your Chamber membership. The Chamber Business Healthcare plan can be tailored to suit your businesses needs and you’ll also get FREE access to the Employee Assistance

Programme for all members of staff at no additional cost.

For more information speak to one of AXA PPP Healthcare’s Business Health Advisers on 0800 023 4021. n

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 29

| CONNECTED MAGAZINE

Creatively Engaged Whether you have a start-up or a fully established business, communication is something that you can’t afford to get wrong.

The way that people communicate is changing and every day you should ask yourself whether your stakeholders are really engaged.

Method – the next chapter Since the 2013 B2B exhibition, our journey has continued. We’ve moved offices, built a talented engagement team, welcomed some new clients on board and delivered some compelling campaigns for our existing clients.

Our move to the Future Business Centre marks the start of the next chapter and highlights our commitment to social enterprise. We believe in building and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships, while contributing to the local business agenda.

Engaging on a deeper level Engagement is fundamental to what we do, and we can measure our success by looking at how our client’s have developed.

Take the recent re-branding exercise for Bradshaws. This was more than just a

change to their logo, it was about making a difference to their future. It was about changing perceptions and it was about giving them the support to enable them to transform into a leading local estate agent, not just financially but in the way that they think about their brand and in the decisions that they make.

“People have developed filters to block out messages that don’t appeal to them.”

because of all the noise and because of the new filters that people have developed to block out messages that don’t appeal to them.

Now consider you want to communicate your message and build it based on knowledge and insight into what the target audience wants to hear. You listen to them first and then develop your message based on the feedback that they give you, using language that suits them – not you!

That’s the difference in its simplest form and that’s why engagement is important to us and why we believe it should be the foundation of all communication. n

By engaging with Bradshaws throughout the process, it has encouraged them to engage with their stakeholders on a deeper level and has enabled them to challenge their traditional approach to communication.

Power of engagement We believe in the power of engagement, but why? Consider this...

You want to communicate your message.

You have figured out what you want to say, how you want to say it and who you want to say it to, but nobody is listening.

Why… because they can’t hear you. It’s not because you need to shout louder, it’s

“Engagement isn’t just a buzz word, it’s the ultimate level of communication. If people are engaged, they listen. If they’re not, they switch off.”

Suzanne Pattinson, Head of Engagement

30 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

CONNECTED MAGAZINE |

– Steve Martin

Come and say hello!

We’ll be at the Cambridge B2B exhibition this year and our new engagement team will be there to say hello.

We’ll also be hosting a seminar, which we promise will be engaging and provide food for thought.

So come and find us, give us your feedback and inform us so that we can better engage with you! n

Employee engagement is equally as important

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 31

| CHAMBER CHAriTy OF THE yEAr

Chamber Charity of the Year Peterborough 900 About the Peterborough 900 Campaign THE Peterborough 900 Campaign is raising money to mark the 900th anniversary of the current Cathedral building in 2018 by: • Providing a new Heritage and Education Centre to interpret the faith and history of this wonderful place to new audiences • developing Cathedral and community music by re-pitching the magnificent Hill organ so that it can be used with other instruments and develop further as a centre for choral and instrumental music

Branded wine helps top up the fund WOrKiNG with Peterborough 900 Corporate Partner, Hawkshead Wines, the Peterborough 900 Campaign is introducing two Cathedral-branded wines to offer guests at Cathedral receptions and dinners. The wines will also be on sale via the Cathedral website later this year.

The white wine is a Chilean Los Villos Sauvignon blanc from the Valle Central and the red is a Plaimont Gascogne rouge from Southern France.

A proportion of the proceeds from each bottle sold goes towards the Peterborough 900 Campaign.

This is just one example of how a business can engage with the Cathedral on a corporate level to introduce their products and services to a new client base.

The distinctive picture on the wine label shows an old engraving of the Cathedral as it would have looked in the early 18th Century. n

• Enhancing the Cathedral and its Precincts so that they can continue to host large gatherings for Christian worship and civic occasions, as well as individual visitors • Setting up an endowment to provide regular income to sustain the Cathedral’s music, mission and ministry in the future. you can help by joining the Peterborough 900 Corporate Partner scheme. Get in touch with us for more information. n Peterborough 900 branded bottles of wine

Spotlight on history

Contact us James Dyer, Peterborough 900 Campaign Manager Rachael Clarke, Senior development Manager 01733 355315. campaign@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk Find out more about Peterborough Cathedral’s Peterborough 900 development plans at www.peterborough900.org.uk n 32 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

HUNG in the Holy Spirit Chapel near the main door of the Cathedral is a memorial to an Australian soldier from the First World War known as ‘the lonely ANZAC’.

Sergeant Thomas Hunter joined the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in 1914. He was badly wounded in France then evacuated and put on a red Cross train bound for Halifax. The train stopped at Peterborough and as he was too ill to go any further he was taken to the local infirmary where he died on 31 July 1916.

The plaque was paid for by donations from ‘fellow citizens of the Empire’. n

CONNECTED MAGAZINE |

LEP FOCUS

Keeping you informed and up to date

Investment in economic growth The local economy will be supported by an additional £21.1 million worth of investment next year thanks to the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

The LEP has worked closely with partners to ensure that the £21.1 million unlocks a further £14.5 million from the private sector, £11 million of public funding and £41 million from future Growth Deals. Totalling £87.6 million of additional committed investment for our local area between 2015 and 2021.

£87.6 Million

of additional committed investment between 2015 – 2021

Mark Reeve, Chairman of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership, said: “All bar one of our top Growth Deal priorities have received

funding, securing £21.1 million worth of investment from Government for our local area for the next financial year. This is good news for local businesses because it enables us to tackle some of the key issues holding back their growth.

The investment will help to deliver over 3,000 new jobs and unlock land for more than 4,000 new homes to be built. The projects include funding to create a Cambridge Biomedical Innovation Centre, new facilities for TWI and a Technical & Vocational Centre at Alconbury Weald Enterprise Campus, and a Food Manufacturing and Processing Centre of Excellence in Peterborough. Plus infrastructure improvements to Bourges Boulevard and Junction 20 of the A47 in Peterborough, King’s Dyke level crossing in Whittlesey, and funding to support an Access Study for Wisbech.

In addition to these projects, the LEP has been allocated a further £1.55 million of investment in their Agri-Tech Fund and the

cash required to set up a Growth Hub to provide business support for the whole area.

Mark Reeve added: “Having developed our Strategic Economic Plan alongside businesses and other key partners, we know that it holds the key to the future economic success of our area. Negotiations for the next round of funding will commence shortly, and we will be looking to Government to build upon this initial package with increased investment in the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough area to deliver a positive impact for not just our local economy, but for the national economy as a whole.”

£1.55 million to set up a Growth Hub to provide local business support

The Growth Deal is the latest in a number of key investments secured for the local area including £20 million of annual funding for the Greater Cambridge area via the City Deal, £16.1 million worth of Growing Places Funding that is being actively reinvested in our local area, £3.2 million of Agri-Tech funding, and a future commitment of £1.5 billion to support the much needed upgrade to the A14.

You can find out more about the work of GCGP by visiting www.gcgp.co.uk n

CLG Minister Stephen Williams MP with representatives of the LEP, local authorities and businesses at Alconbury Weald Enterprise Campus

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 33

| SPECIAL REPORT

Report from Ian MacKellar

Transport Strategy

Cambridgeshire companies can influence the priorities.

It doesn’t happen often in the economic cycle that the ability for business to influence public policy coincides with the Treasury’s willingness to spend our money on something that might benefit us. But we may soon be in that position in relation to transport – and companies in Cambridgeshire have a chance to influence the priorities, if not necessarily the decisions.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s consultation on its Long-Term Transport Strategy has been under way for a couple of months, but there is still time for companies to put in their four penn’orth.

It does seem to be one of the better public consultation documents – although you have to read 70 pages of it to appreciate the well-researched work that has gone into it. Most businesses would have appreciated a more concise summary. Nonetheless, it does cover the predicted needs of the next 15 or 20 years, and includes a realistic analysis of current and likely future pressure points.

We all know about the A14, and we fervently pray that deliverance will come in the next few years (unless we live in the Offords or other affected settlements, of course). But we also know that there is no resilience in the network, so the cure will make the congestion even worse in the short run.

34 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

The county council promises that its strategy will take a holistic view and avoid moving congestion from one location to another to share the pain. But to what extent is that actually in Cambridgeshire’s gift?

Well, being prepared to respond when cash becomes available for new infrastructure is a good starting point. And, if the county can say that it has the positive, rather than tacit, support of business and the wider local community, it would not go against Cambridgeshire in a competition for funds. That is why responding to the consultation – either in full support or in the hope of modifying the final policy – looks like a wise use of a bit of member companies’ time.

An early opportunity could come sooner rather than later. A cynic might predict that the Chancellor would announce the availability of some unexpected, recovery-related cash for transport infrastructure in his Autumn Statement in November, with a view to revealing the successful schemes in the Budget in March. Are we by any chance due a General Election in May 2015?

It doesn’t always work, of course, as history shows. Shortly before the 1992 General Election the Government demanded that the British Railways Board announce an order with York-based Brel for the 188 commuter carriages that now form the core of the fleets working

SPECIAL REPORT |

between Cambridge and Peterborough and London’s Kings Cross station. BR (quite properly) refused to do so until the day after the poll. Conal Gregory, the only Master of Wine in the Commons, lost his seat in York – though John Major won the election, probably because Neil Kinnock had shot himself so spectacularly in the foot at his ‘victory’ rally in Sheffield.

I have often argued in this column that accountability for public spending should lie where the revenue is raised – hence the need for root-and-branch reform of local government – but the fact that the mechanism for delivery is flawed should not prevent businesses contributing to the formulation of policy.

Here we have a variety of funding sources – HMG directly, the Highways Agency, Network Rail, local government, private enterprise etc – promoting schemes delivered quite often by those who are not paying for them. That’s an argument for another day.

What we have here is the need to solve a number of problems created by the prosperity of one of the fastest-growing regions of the UK that is also a major driver of recovery, with five times as many R&D jobs in Cambridge than the UK average and a cluster of high-tech businesses employing nearly 43,000 people. The county’s population is set to increase by a quarter over the next two decades.

Rail use has grown by 60 per cent in 10 years and bus use by 30 per cent. At the same time road traffic, including HGV journeys, has increased inexorably in spite of the interruption of the recession and

we need new roads, railways, pedestrian and cycle links to fulfil the economic, social and leisure requirements of a growing population.

Many of the schemes in the county’s pipeline for early delivery are multi-modal. They include the Ely southern bypass, replacement of the level crossings on the A605 at Kings Dyke and the A10 at Foxton, new stations at Cambridge Science Park, Soham and Alconbury, and there are other rail projects, including completion of the Thameslink cross-London services from Cambridgeshire to the south coast, Intercity Express trains for the county, and railfreight infrastructure improvements. For the longer term there are also needs to improve the A428, A141, A142 and A10.

As the report’s author, county council deputy chief executive Graham Hughes, insists, it’s not a random selection of schemes.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It’s very important for us to understand whether the strategy is generally supported or whether we need to amend it to get that support before we get into debate with the Government.

“Transport is just so important for business and, after house prices, it’s one of the most important things on individuals’ agenda.” n

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 35

| NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

NEW Members

A warm welcome to our new Chamber members

NEW MEMBERS

Big Creative

THIS MONTH

www.bigcreative.co.uk

ALTTA

Big Creative provide outstanding innovative products in every aspect of print and display from their digital, litho and large format presses.

Approved Marketing Ltd Bartercard Big Creative Boud Minerals Ltd Collaborative Systems Consulting Complete IT European Gas Brokers Norwich & Peterborough Building Society Parsons Estate Consultancy Ltd Realnet Ltd Recruiter Republic SJ Geomatics The Bramton Company

Solutions for Accounting www.solutionsforaccounting.co.uk Solutions for Accounting are amongst the top 10 Sage Business Partners in the UK. They combine in-depth knowledge in accounting with technical expertise and are dedicated to providing the best possible solutions for their customers whilst at the same time understanding their unique business requirements.

Whilst they specialise in accounting solutions they also provide a wide range of business solutions, which include business intelligence and contact management solutions.

They have an open and friendly approach to business and their commitment to client satisfaction is of great importance to them.

36 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

ALTTA www.altta.co.uk ALTTA is a commercial training company, with an Accredited Training Academy in Peterborough. They can offer a wide range of courses and services aimed at all levels, from managers to operators within the logistics and transport sector.

SJ Geomatics www.sjgeomatics.co.uk SJ Geomatics are an experienced and professional land surveying company offering a friendly, cost-effective and time-sensitive service nationwide. They have been instructed by large and small companies including local authorities, architects and structural engineers.

They recently expanded into the area and are keen to establish a varied range of clients.

NEW CHAMBER MEMbErS |

Would you like to become a Chamber member?

Get in touch today and find out the many benefits. tel: 01223 237414 email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

Recruiter Republic

Complete IT

www.recruiterrepublic.com

www.complete-it.co.uk

recruiter republic is the UK’s pre-eminent rec2rec (recruitment to recruitment) agency, helping recruitment professionals of all levels create and explore unique opportunities in recruitment throughout the UK and internationally.

CiT provide market leading iT support services and have done for over 20 years. Through their network of nine offices, they provide local iT support to over 300 SME clients, but it’s how they deliver it that is most important.

BUILDING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN YOUR AREA

5% STAMFORD

Fenland 4%

✓ Promote Your Business Ely 4%

30% peterborough

✓ Protect Your Company ✓ Get Involved ✓ Succeed Internationally ✓ Reduce Business Costs

15% Huntingdonshire Cambridge & South Cambs 35%

7% Other 01223 237414

www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 37

| INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

International FOCUS Helping to support international trade

Bonded Warehouses A bonded storage facility is a space in which payment of duty and VAT on goods within can be deferred until the goods are sold and/or removed. It is therefore effectively a duty-free zone, similar to a port, and can hold goods for up to four years.

They are able to not only store general goods under bond, but are also licensed similarly to hold beer, wines and spirits, whether for import or export.

There are two main advantages of storing goods in a bonded warehouse: traders benefit from substantial savings through deferment of the payment of tax and duty need not be paid on imported goods which are intended for re-export.

If you would like to know more about bonded storage facilities, please contact Fiona Tester on 01223 209803 who can put you in touch with one of our export members. n

BCC International Trade Conference Attend as part of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Group!

DATE Thursday 9 October TIME 9.00am start LOCATION The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London, EC1Y 4SD MEMBER PRICE £50.00 (plus VAT) when attending as part of the Chamber group. Alternatively £75.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £100 (plus VAT) CONTACT g.prangnell@cambscci.co.uk to attend the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce group 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.

Reasons to attend

• Network with like-minded business people with an interest in international growth

• Hear from experienced exporters on how they built successful international businesses

• Meet companies who can help you grow a global business.

Bonded Warehouse

International Trade Courses course dates have been set for the autumn: 8 September – Export Procedures and Documentation 29 September – Incoterms and Export Licence Control 10 November – Finance Options: Focusing on Letters of Credit 17 November – Import: Compliance and Savings 24 November – Rules of Origin: Preference and Non-Preference 1 December – Processing Reliefs: Inward and Outward 8 December – Agents and Distributors These training courses will provide you with the knowledge to assist with your international trade activities and you will receive detailed notes to takeaway to build up a toolkit of reference information. n

38 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

Who will be there

• UK businesses from all sectors that are new to exporting • High-growth exporters interested in new markets • British brands with an international presence • UK Chambers of Commerce and their members • British Chambers and Business Groups representing highgrowth markets overseas

• Business and international trade support organisations from the UK and around the world

• Senior representatives from the UK government and the diplomatic community. n

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

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Comedy Night full of Laughter LOTS of laughter filled the room at the recent Comedy Night and black Tie dinner. This popular event was a sell out with 100 business people creating an enjoyable atmosphere at Orton Hall, Peterborough which was hosted by the Chambers’ Construction Sector.

Thanks to Academy Entertainments for providing class comedian Johnnie Casson who gave the audience a good laugh with his jokes.

A charity raffle raised £717.00 for our nominated Charity Peterborough Cathedral’s 900 Campaign. Thanks to all who donated a raffle prize for the cause. Same again next year! n

Constructive centre piece

John Bridge, Iain Crighton, Johnnie Casson, Helen Bosett and David Smith

ICT SECTOR

ICT Sector – here to help members THE Chambers’ iCT Sector committee offer their support to all Chamber members.

Led by david Jaggard of Fluid, the sector keeps members up to date with new technology by providing regular updates and features within the Sector pages of CONNECTEd and via the iCT sector page on the Chamber website.

More importantly they are also very willing to offer free impartial iT advice and guidance. you may have issues with your iT system, broadband connection, or

possibly considering upgrading software - these or any other iT related questions could be put to our panel. With such a wide range of expertise and knowledge within the steering group, do not be shy to put a question to them of an iT or telecoms nature – they would welcome the opportunity!

Later in the year you will see some of them making representation at the informals as Ask the Expert - they promise to talk your language too!

Any questions or issues can be sent to Helen bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk n

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 39

| SECTOR FOCUS BUSINESS WOMEN

Meet Sophie!

This month we hear from Sophie Young from Greenwoods Solicitors LLP If you would like to feature here, contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk

Q A

What do you do in business?

I am a solicitor at Greenwoods Solicitors LLP, specialising in employment law.

We have offices in Peterborough, Cambridge and London. Greenwoods advise on many different aspects of law including corporate, commercial property, disputes and private client.

Q A

What are your top three tips for running or working in a business?

1. Communication is key, whether that is with your colleagues or your clients.

2. Get the most out of everything and everyone you meet in order to reach your potential.

3. Use your personality. People aren’t robots and the market is competitive so be yourself and shine.

Q A

What do you do to unwind?

I love food, so anything to do with cooking, baking or eating! I have family in New Zealand and Thailand and love to visit them whenever possible. I also like walking, biking and Pilates and have recently completed a 40 mile walk, through the night, around Rutland for Greenwoods’ charities of the year.

Sophie Young

Q

I f you could pick anyone to sit next to at a dinner party, who would it be and why?

A

John Simpson because he has been at the front-line of major global events throughout the 20th and 21st century. He would have some amazing stories to tell.

Q A

What value do you get from being a Chamber member?

The chance to meet like-minded people who are always willing to listen and give you some handy hints. n

international

Getting Connected Globally An expert panel of speakers lined up to help businesses understand how they could be using social media to improve communications and engagement with customers, employees and key stakeholders at a joint event organised by the Chambers’ International and Communications Sectors.

Our keynote speaker was Jonathan Wichmann, former Head of Social at Maersk Line, and he was joined

by Richard Beattie, Senior Director, Marketing and Social Cloud EMEA for Oracle, Sara Drawwater of Something Beckons and Notburga Preining, Export Communications Consultant for UKTI. If you weren’t following the evening on social media, here’s what you missed….

40 | CONNECTED AUGUST 2014

How do you increase value of your social media reach, engagement & influence? by being trustworthy and open says @JonathanWich It was a move to become more transparent that led Maersk Line to introduce social media to engage with public – what’s your biz objective?

Get everyone on board, empower employees to be brand advocates and use resources you already have - #socialmedia tips from @JonathanWich Do you use social media to really listen to your customers? If you really tune in, you can give them what they really want #winwin Did you know 61% of consumers expect brands to engage with them on social media? Great stat from @RichardLeRosbif

Do you think it’s more important to hire a social media whiz or someone who’s passionate about your biz? The latter, says @RichardLeRosbif And what you said…

Heidi White @TheMovingFoodie Hate the phrase, but, lessons learned so far @cambschamber #socialmedia seminar: in-house trumps agency, LISTEN & communicate, no hard sell!

ABC Languages @AbcLanguagesCam Great 1st half of @cambschamber Making Social Media Work for your Business - wise words from @orca_social @TheCCExchange @RichardLeRosbif n

SECTOR FOCUS | communications

Embracing Social Media into your Business We have come to the end of the series of Social Media workshops hosted by the Chambers’ Communications Sector. All three session were well received and lots of valuable information provided to delegates.

Robert Parker, Genealogist and Trainer at My Family Genealogy, completed the series and commented: “I attended all three social media workshops organised in conjunction with Sara Drawater @ somethingbeckons and Huntingdonshire

Regional College. Having been confused by social media these sessions opened my eyes to the potential of Facebook, Twitter, Google +, etc for my business.

I now have a social media strategy, an appreciation of the different ways to use the different platforms and a calendar to keep me on track. Thank you!”

This programme will be repeated in early 2015. Please keep an eye out for further announcements in CONNECTED and on the Chamber website. n

Robert Parker

Get Involved Social Media is just one of many priority areas the Communications Sector will be providing support for during the next 12 months.

Their mission and priority areas can be views on their dedicated page on the Chamber website.

The Sector group is seeking new members to their regular planning meetings especially with expertise

Sara Drawwater and Robert Parker

in the areas of Digital Marketing, Measurement for external communications, Marketing Collateral and Branding.

If you would be interested in playing an active part within their programme please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk n

Better Video blogging Here are some tips to help you achieve better results: 1. Use a tripod, set the lens at eye level.

2. Choose a location where the stronger light is on your face rather than behind you, or adjust the exposure (so you aren’t a silhouette). Frame the face so the eye line is a third of the way down the image.

Sit with shoulders at a slight angle to the camera for a less formal look. Check there is nothing distracting in the background.

3. Shut windows and doors to reduce external noise. If your camera has the facility, use a plug in tie clip microphone.

4. Set the correct colour balance for the light in the room or if you are not sure, use auto.

5. Prepare and practice, although it will sound more natural to work from headings than a memorised script.

Finally, clear a space ready for your Oscar. n

Example of a correct photo

How not to take a photo!

CONNECTED AUGUST 2014 | 41

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