Connect

We provide Chamber members with many opportunities to widen their network of business contacts – building connections, creating opportunities and maximising the benefits of being part of Cambridgeshire’s most vibrant business network.

INTRODUCING CHAMBER CYBER ESSENTIALS

We know that our members in Cambridgeshire are aware of the significant threat of cyber-crime to their organisation. Nearly 40 per cent of businesses in the UK reported having a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months and of these businesses one in five lost money, data or other assets. Consumers and clients are also becoming more aware of this growing threat and organisations need to prove that they are taking cyber security seriously. So, what can you do to help protect your organisation from cyber-crime? We are delighted to announce the launch of Chamber Cyber Essentials in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce and IASME. Cyber Essentials is a simple but effective Government backed scheme that helps protect organisations, whatever their size, against a whole range of the most common cyber-attacks. Certification via Chamber Cyber Essentials will: • Attract new business with the promise that you have cyber security measures in place • Reassure your supply chain that cyber security and data protection is an important priority for your organisation • Demonstrate to the ICO that you safeguard sensitive data and are on the right path towards GDPR compliance • Allow you to bid for tenders and contracts that require Cyber Essentials certification. Chamber members can access a discount on certification alongside a package of training, free cyber security guidance and the Cyber Essentials Readiness Tool. To find out more about Chamber Cyber Essentials and access your exclusive discount and free cyber security tools, visit the member benefits page on our website.

Chamber connection scores

Cambridge United is pleased to announce a season-long partnership with Novotel Cambridge North as the official Hotel Partner for the Football Club. The hotel, located next to Cambridge North Station with easy access to the M11 and A14, opened its doors in 2021. Part of the partnership will see Hotel Novotel branding at the stadium and use of facilities available to the First Team and Club. Christophe Ughetto, Hotel Novotel General Manager, said: “We are delighted to partner with Cambridge United Football Club for the 2022/23 season. Having opened our doors recently in Cambridge, we are determined to be involved and make a difference within the local community. “The values and ethics of Cambridge United Football Club, as well as the wonderful work done by their Community Trust, encapsulate what we believe in.” “We are delighted to add another global brand to our partnership portfolio in Hotel Novotel part of the Accor Group,” Head of Commercial Neil Rowe added. “The state of the art conference and leisure facilities will be valuable to the First Team and Football Club going forward.” Mark Bonner and Saikou Janneh visited the Cambridge North Novotel Hotel to celebrate the launch of the partnership.

NETWORKING IN THE SUN

In August we welcomed guests to our annual Summer Garden Party, this year taking place in the stunning grounds of Madingley Hall. The pimms was flowing all afternoon and the canapes were beyond delicious with something for everyone. Guests enjoyed playing the garden games, who knew you were all so competitive! We love seeing businesses coming together to enjoy a social event, networking in an environment so fun and relaxing that it doesn’t even feel like networking. One of our active members Chloe Field, National Conference & Event Sales Executive at The Jockey Club, said: “A huge thank you and well done to the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce for another successful networking event. The Summer Garden Party was a wonderful afternoon spent in the sunshine in the beautiful grounds of Madingley Hall. I really enjoyed meeting new connections and catching up with previous contacts while enjoying the garden games- I maybe had a little too much fun with the Croquet!” We’d like to thank Madingley Hall for sponsoring and the team at TR Global Events for supporting us with the running of this event.

Many businesses are struggling to navigate the current funding landscape as interest rates climb. The Chamber Finance Finder platform simplifies and speeds up the funding process, matching member businesses with the right funding solutions across loans, equity and grants. Register for a free account and within minutes you could be matched to funding opportunities available, including grants for innovation and progress towards Net Zero. You will also find innovative products such as VAT loans and invoice finance alongside traditional loans and asset finance. It’s quick and easy to check your eligibility and progress via the Swoop portal. Chamber members will also have access to several exclusive benefits, including:

CHAMBER FINANCE FINDER

• Five days a week Chamber hotline • Free financial health assessment • Templates and advice to aid applications • Finance updates. Visit the Chambers’ Swoop Funding page at https://swoopfunding.com/ cambridgeshire-chambers-ofcommerce/