connected issue 102

The official magazine for Chamber members

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welcome from the

Welcome ....

Welcome to the final issue of connected for 2022. We really appreciate the support you’ve given us through advertising and content submission and look forward to this continuing.

Starting in January, connected will be produced bimonthly. To be included in the first issue landing the end of January, please ensure you have submitted your articles to me by Friday 6 January.

With events starting to build momentum and attracting pre-pandemic numbers we expect 2023 to be a great year for building new connections. The first three months of Chamber events can be found on page 44 and we hope to seeing you there.

If you have any suggestions for events please get in touch with Zoe McCabe Brennan, Events Executive, at z.mccabebrennan@cambscci.co.uk or join one of our Sector Groups and help shape the events that we run. Details of our Sector Groups can be found on page 16.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to working with you during 2023. The Chamber office will close at lunchtime on Friday 23 December and will re-open at 9.00am on Tuesday 3 January.

SADIE PARR

s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Chief Executive’s comments

As 2022 draws to a close we have seen a festive increase in event bookings. Our two recently held Christmas lunch events were very well-attended and we hope that this fantastic uptake for face-to-face events continues into 2023 allowing our members better opportunities to network, build connections and share knowledge and expertise. You can find the upcoming events we’ve already confirmed for the first three months of 2023 on page 44 so start getting dates in your diaries. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for details of other events as they are confirmed – there’s plenty more coming up.

This month’s issue of connected has some great content from our members and connections. Read an article from the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London announcing the first ever commercial and investment attaché at the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary on page 10. Find out why Chamber member TJ Property & Development will be appearing on the BBC TV programme ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ and hear from Peterborough Positive about their search for City Centre Ambassadors.

You can also read about how to get involved in the regions Local Skills Improvement Plan, known as the LSIP. Earlier in the year the Chamber successfully bid to lead the development and delivery of the LSIP for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on behalf of the Department for Education. We’ll be working closely with fellow business representative organisations to ensure strong dialogue and engagement with businesses from across the region and look forward to driving this important agenda forward to take a local approach to addressing skills gaps. The Chamber is one of 32 Accredited Chambers of Commerce leading LSIPs across the country, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Turn to page 35 to find out more about the project and how you can become involved.

Last month I was pleased to host Rachel Stopard, Chief Executive of Greater Cambridge Partnership, at one of our private roundtable sessions reserved for patrons and special

Chamber Patron Members

comment from the

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

guests. This was an ideal opportunity for Rachel to discuss the Making Connections 2022 Consultation with local businesses and guests relished the opportunity to ask questions and hear more about the consultation direct from Rachel. You can find the survey yourselves, plus information about the proposals, including an interactive map, frequently asked questions, dates of public meetings and ways you can share your thoughts at www.greatercambridge.org. uk/mc-2022. The consultation is open until midday on Friday 23 December. Please do share this with your teams to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say.

To find out more about becoming a Patron and joining us for future roundtable sessions, please do get in touch by emailing chamber@cambscci.co.uk

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. I look forward to connecting with each of you again after the festive period and continuing to work together in our battle against the rising costs of doing business and in our efforts in rebuilding our economy.

VIC ANNELLS Chief Executive

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.

ROOM HIRE

We have a conference room available to hire for up to 10 people with free parking at our office in Oakington.

£200.00 (plus VAT) full day, £115.00 (plus VAT) half day. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided for £2.00 (plus VAT) per person.

10% discount for Chamber members.

ONLINE HEALTH & SAFETY TRAINING

A popular service offered by the Chamber is our online H&S courses. All training is produced and managed by our NEBOSH qualified team. If you have any questions about health and safety training, just get in touch via the contact page at https://cambridgeshiretraining.co.uk/ and use the live web chat to get straight through to one of the team.

Earlier this year we added a new Data Protection and GDPR course to our list of training. You can see a full list of the courses available at https://cambridgeshiretraining.co.uk/

Are you a Charity?

You could save up to 50 per cent on the cost through our Charity Discount Scheme – visit https://cambridgeshiretraining.co.uk/articles/charity-discount/ to find out more.

Profile Building

Chamber membership can help support your organisations marketing mix with a range of opportunities to promote your business and reach your goals. Inform, persuade and remind people about your products and services and enhance your brand through advertising, sponsorship, exhibitions, speaking opportunities, and sharing your news, events and special offers to the Chamber Network.

• Discounted advertising rates in connected magazine

• Upload your news articles, events and member offers to the Chamber website for free

• Sponsorship opportunities to showcase your services and raise your profile

• Host an event or meeting to showcase your business

• Advertise job vacancies on the Chamber website

• Be found by other Chamber members with a free listing on our online member directory.

If you’re interested in hiring the ‘John Bridge Conference Room’ please email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 237414.

Exclusive services for Chamber members

Chamber membership provides you with links to national companies providing services at exclusive rates for members. Visit our website to find out more about our partner offers or contact the Chamber Membership Team on 01223 237414

• Chamber Cyber Essentials

• Chamber Finance Finder

• Chamber Roadside Assistance

• Half Price International Shipping

• Chamber Foreign Exchange

• Chamber Primary Health Plan

• Chamber Utilities

• AXA Health www.cambridgeshirechamber. co.uk/member-benefits/ partner-offers/

BUILDING CONNECTIONS

The Chamber provides many opportunities for members to widen their network of business contacts through building opportunities and maximising the benefits of being part of Cambridgeshire’s most vibrant business network. These photos show a selection of our events in 2022. We look forward to helping you secure new connections at Chamber events in 2023. Turn to pages 46-47 to find out what’s happening in January and February.

Cost-of-living panel discussion

Ely Informal Networking at Poets House

HR Employment Law Update

Huntingdon Informal Networking at The Old Bridge

International Women’s Day

Networking with Hertfordshire Chamber

Reception Drinks at Burghley House

Safari Networking at Quy Mill

Mental Health, Intersectionality and the Workplace Conversation

Speed Networking at Huntingdonshire Business Fair

HR Coffee Club

Construction Sector Comedy Night & Black Tie Dinner

Documentation processing over the Christmas Break

The Chamber will close at 1.00pm on Friday 23 December and re-open at 9.00am on Tuesday 3 January.

We will process online documents on Friday 30 December from 10.00am-1.00pm. Please ensure you upload all supporting paperwork to enable us to process these applications or email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk

The last date for submitting consular documentation is 11.00am on Friday 16 December. Documents submitted after this time will not be processed until Tuesday 3 January.

Diagnostic and Supply Chain Health Check

Ensure you are compliant and customs audit prepared.

We continue to offer new ways to support companies trading internationally and one of these is through a diagnostic and supply chain health check designed around the current UK Customs audit checks.

The health check will go through key stages of the following:

• Import procedures Export procedures

• Customs procedures

• Supply chain

• Customs valuation

• Incoterms

• Commodity codes

• Origin

• Freights

• Returns

• Samples

• C88/SAD form

We will also go through your procedures and SOPS.

Following the health check you will be

provided with a full report with diagnostics and support.

Cost: £1,500.00 (plus VAT).

To book your Diagnostic and Supply Chain Health Check please email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 237414.

If you require specific advice you can access our consultancy service which is available per hour, half day or full day.

How will Pound Sterling perform in 2023

Roll back 12 months, the Pound is at 1.35 and 1.19 against the US Dollar and Euro respectively. Even with the known headwinds, a year ago few forecasters would have predicted Sterling flirting with parity against the US Dollar and Euro.

Whilst Sterling may only end the year trading five per cent lower against the Euro (compared to January), it has deviated over 13 per cent in that time. Versus the US Dollar, Sterling has deviated over 25 per cent. This extreme volatility adds another challenge for businesses. Seeking support to interpret currency markets and have a foreign exchange strategy, is now vital for large and small businesses alike.

With the Markets more accepting of the UK’s third Prime Minister of 2022, Rishi Sunak, and it’s forth Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, Sterling should go into 2023 with less of a hangover from the short-lived debacle of their predecessors, Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng.

By publication, we will have digested Jeremy Hunt’s budget, and as I write it looks like a broad base of tax rises, scrapping of key projects, combined with spending cuts are on the cards. Fiscal drag tax rises will hit middle earners upwards, lowering of 45p tax band and reducing tax breaks

on pension contribution are set to impact those on higher incomes.

Sunak and Hunt and are walking a tight rope, overcompensating for Trussonomics risks making the recession deeper. Cameron and Osbourne doubled down on austerity, lowering growth for the next decade, with the legacy to UK finances and public services still being felt today.

Brexit and Trussonomics, two massive self-inflicted recalibrations for Sterling, now temper the expected upside. Should UK policy makers (Government and Bank of England) not score any own goals, the 2023 barometer for the Pound will be resilience to high inflation, energy prices, power supply and elevated interest rates. Recession is now a given, if shallower that expected and Sterling remains even, a deeper downturn and outperformed by Europe, Sterling again will test the lows of 2022.

The US Dollar surge of 2022 weighs heavy on inflation in the UK, Europe and beyond. Coordinated intervention by Central Banks may be out of favour however a nudge through policy, slowing down interest rate rises should be expected. For Sterling the immediate market consensus is to track back up to 1.24 against the US Dollar by January 24 and to remain flat against the

Euro. As ever the range of opinions from forecasters is wide, US Dollar 1.38 to 1.10 and Eur 1.46 to 0.92.

With certainty volatility will remain, Sterling will swing in favour when risk sentiment is high. Good UK data provides some upside potential; however Sterling is not on its own a driver and sentiment towards the Euro area and America provides the direction. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts on where Sterling will be through 2023, we’d love to hear from you.

Exporters have been benefiting from the depreciating pound, however alongside importers reviewing the costs being incurred and the strategy of managing currency exposure becomes even more important. As such, specialist support as provided by companies like Ascendant, can fill a gap not provided by larger financial institutions.

For more information on how Ascendant can benchmark your current supplier and to hear about how we are reducing the cost of foreign exchange for local businesses, contact karen.benson@ascendant.world

We’re your gateway to international trade, providing a unique combination of expert knowledge, essential documentation and the business connections needed to capitalise on new market opportunities overseas and succeed in a global marketplace.

Different traditions from countries and cultures around the world

Top Tips from Iwona Lebiedowicz, founder of PAB Languages Centre

December is that special time of year when a wide range of celebrations takes place, both religious and secular. For many, that means Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah celebrations. Some people celebrate December holidays as part of their religion, while others celebrate culturally. Understanding other holidays helps us to learn the foundations of society, embrace cultural history, and build values.

Let’s take a look at different traditions from countries and cultures around the world! In Italy, for example, Christmas celebrations officially kick off on 8 December, with a celebratory day called the ‘Feast Of Immaculate Conception’ (known locally as ‘L’Immacolata’). This day is a public holiday in Italy and is widely believed to be the day that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was graced by God to lead a life free of sin.

In Poland, The day of Saint Nicholas on 6 December is the unofficial beginning of the festive season in Poland. The 24 December is known as Wigilia (derives from the Latin word ‘vigil’) in Poland, when families gather together at the table for a Christmas Eve supper.

Traditionally, before gathering at the table to eat, people will wait until the first star appears in the sky. This symbolizes the star that showed the three kings the way to the barn in Bethlehem. If you are lucky enough to visit Poland for Christmas you had better have a big appetite – a traditional Christmas Eve dinner will consist of around 12 dishes!

On 6 December Romanians celebrate Saint Nicholas (or “Sfantul Nicolae” in

Romanian) a very popular character among children as they will receive small gifts on this day. Saint Nicholas is also the spiritual patron of Greece, Russia and of many other cities in Eastern Europe. According to the Romanian tradition, St. Nicholas comes with gifts on the night of 5 December. He places the gifts in everyone’s polished boots, except for those who have been naughty – they receive a whip or a stick instead, as punishment – so behave!

Hanukkah Celebrated in December

The menorah, dreidel, and gelt are symbols of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, also known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ is a celebration of a great victory, as it commemorates the triumph of Jewish people over religious persecution. Hanukkah means “dedication” in Hebrew. The eight-day holiday celebrates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Kwanzaa Celebrated in December

The name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase ‘Matunda ya Kwanza’ or ‘first fruit’. Since its creation by Dr Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa has been celebrated by people of African heritage around the world. Its seven principals, or Nguzo Saba, are meant to encourage unity, cooperation, and to preserve African culture and heritage throughout the world.

Chinese New Year Celebrated at the end of January

In Chinese culture, the New Year is an important time, rooted in tradition and customs passed down through the

ages. It is 15 magical days of reflection on the passing year and celebration of the future with family and friends. The main Chinese New Year activities include 1) putting up decorations, 2) offering sacrifices to ancestors, 3) eating reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve, 4) giving red envelopes and other gifts, 5) firecrackers and fireworks, and 6) watching lion and dragon dances.

The dates for many holidays do not fall on the same day in the Western (Gregorian) calendar each year. Holidays are also sometimes subject to change. Governments frequently add, delete, or move certain official holidays.

Our PAB Celebration card includes a mixture of religious festivals as well as national and equality, diversity and inclusion-related events. While the impact of these festivals will vary from person to person, and they will not necessarily impact all clients, staff, residents, or students we hope you will find this list of international holidays useful.

To download the Celebration card, subscribe to our newsletter https:// www.pabtranslation.co.uk/ and you will receive our PAB Celebration Card.

Heralding a new era for foreign investment in Oman

It’s been a long time coming, but Arwa Al Balushi is now the first ever commercial and investment attaché at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London at the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary, in charge of boosting the ongoing bilateral economic relations between Oman and the United Kingdom.

She says that her mission is to be achieved through three main channels: promoting Oman as a competitive, complementary and futuristic global business hub, concentrating on attracting Foreign Direct Investments attached to socioeconomic principles; opening new channels of investment opportunities in the British market for Omani institutions through the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) alongside the Oman’s private business community; and enhancing Omani non-oil exports to UK markets.

She emphasizes that Oman enjoys a world-class infrastructure, one of the most skilled and well-educated work forces and is equipped for the challenges of the Digital Economy which is why it is globally recognized as a competitive, diversified and resilient economy that empowers a thriving business community. Located at the heart of GCC markets with millions of final consumers targeted within this single market, at a nexus of east-west trade routes close to the booming consumer markets of Asia and Africa, makes it a natural strategic location for companies to establish and expand their worldwide footprint.

The Sultanate aims on its ambitious journey for diversifying its national economics pillars by concentrating on five main sectors which primarily are tourism, logistics, manufacturing, fisheries and mining, alongside other enabler sectors such as education, healthcare, ITC and circular economy, where it aims to target foreign direct investment’s contribution by 10 per cent out of the national GDP. Its ambitious economy is guided by “The Oman Vision 2040” a 20-year nationwide multi-sector plan representing a guide and key reference for planning activities and a blueprint for sustainable growth and success. The setting goal is to build a productive and diversified economy, founded on innovation, integration of roles, and equal opportunities; leverage Oman’s competitive advantages, driven by the private sector towards integration into the world economy and provide active contribution to international trade; and achieve inclusive and sustainable development, based on effective economic leadership that operates within an institutional framework of coherent and contemporary economic policies and legislation, to ensure financial sustainability by diversifying public revenues.

From start-ups and SMEs to multinational companies, the “Oman Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Investment Promotion” provides a wide range of support services and expert assistance. Whether you’re looking to start in Oman, look for a strategic local partner, increase your company’s exports or develop your project in any way - the Ministry’s investment team can help to ensure you get maximum value from being part of a growing and ambitious economy. In 2020 the “Oman Investment Authority (OIA)” was established as an independent legal and financial entity mandated to manage, develop, and invest funds and assets to generate maximum returns as well as enhance the national investment environment and attract direct foreign investments to the Sultanate. In addition, “Oman Ministry of Foreign” appointed trade attaches and established trade offices at most of its diplomatic missions abroad to help guide businesses and provide advice and assistance. With its Free Zones, Special

Economic Zones, Industrial Zones and Scientific Innovation Zones, Oman provides various incentives to investors including zero per cent personal income tax, zero per cent import or re-export duties, 100 per cent foreign ownership and exemption from corporate income taxes that could reach up to 25 years and other incentives that could be provided for strategic projects. All new investments are entitled to a one stop shop policy for all paperwork and transactions. All sectors benefit from the Sultanates membership of economic agreements: GCC countries, Gulf Customs Union, Greater Arab Free Trade Area and Free Trade Agreement with the USA. There are no restrictions on exports to and from GCC countries, Arab Free Trade Area and the United States.

Arwa Al Balushi said: “I am happy with this great assignment in an important step taken by the wise government of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in expanding the commercial and investment aspect between our two countries that have good longstanding relations, especially that the United Kingdom is considered one of the most important partners for the Omani economy and investment.”

She pointed out that the state’s policy in appointing commercial and investment attachés is a good initiative in strengthening the Omani economy and investment, finding foreign capital and opening and expanding the Sultanate of Oman relations in this aspect externally and coordinating strategies between the two countries and diversifying sources of income. It should be noted that the work tasks in the commercial annex in general incorporates a number of tasks, including coordination between the two countries, conducting the necessary research and studies on markets and consumption volume in other countries, following up on changes that occur in export and import regulations and trade restrictions, and working on translating regulations and laws and any amendments that occur in major industrial countries, providing data, information, activities and ensuring the implementation of economic and commercial agreements and other tasks assigned to the commercial and investment attaché.

We’re your gateway to international trade, providing a unique combination of expert knowledge, essential documentation and the business connections needed to capitalise on new market opportunities overseas and succeed in a global marketplace.

Our regular training courses provide the knowledge to assist with your international trade activities. Currently, all courses will take place online via Zoom.

chamber

CHAMBER TRAINING

Course Dates 2023

UNDERSTANDING IMPORTING

11 January, 19 April, 5 July, 8 November

This course covers all the basic key areas around importing and will explain the requirements for documentation, plus an overview of country of origin and incoterms.

UNDERSTANDING EXPORTING

12 January, 20 April, 12 July, 15 November

This course covers all the basic key areas around exporting. It will explain the requirements for documentation, plus an overview of country of origin and incoterms.

IMPORT/ EXPORT DIAGNOSTICS WORKSHOP

26 January, 27 April, 6 September, 6 December

Ensure your company has the right tools to be compliant in the new world of UK/International Trade. This workshop shows companies how to look at their SOPS and compliance, going through key areas of procedures and compliance, preparing for trading internationally either by exporting or importing.

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION

8 February, 10 May, 20 September, 13 December

The course looks at the procedures required to deal with customs. It is vitally important that importers and exporters understand the information required to be submitted, fines and inspections are things that no company wants to endure.

UNDERSTANDING A CUSTOMS DECLARATION

22 February, 25 May, 21 September, 14 December

The importance of understanding the legalities of a Customs Declaration has never been more important. Ensure your company has the knowledge to make sure your declarations are compliant should a HMRC Auditor arrive at your door!

UNDERSTANDING COMMODITY CODES

23 February, 1 June, 4 October

This course we will ensure you are aware of what a commodity code is and what it is used for, help you understand the process of how to classify goods, successfully classify a range of goods and understand the importance of getting your commodity codes correct.

UNDERSTANDING RULES OF ORIGIN 8 March, 8 June, 11 October

This course will explain all aspects of the Rules of Origin and Trade agreements and how to understand and comply with them to help companies be more competitive in export markets.

INCOTERMS 2020 15 March, 21 June, 12 October

This course will explain Incoterms® and their importance in international trade contracts, and give information on how to determine costs / liability.

UNDERSTANDING LOGISTICS 16 March, 13 June

Understand the process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination.

LETTERS OF CREDIT 7 June

Letters of Credit are becoming more commonly requested around the world. Make sure your business has the knowledge to trade on a Letter of Credit now to avoid delays and financial impacts.

INWARD AND OUTWARD PROCESSING 24 May, 16 November

The course will cover special procedures and the benefits of using IP and OP in your compliance.

Full course details are available on our website www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/training TRAINING COURSES

Our training courses run from 9.30am-1.00pm.

Cost per course: £250.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £330.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

To register please visit our website, email j.mansfield@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 237414.

To access these services please visit the protection page on the Chamber website or call our membership team on 01223 237414.

DUTY OF CARE FOR EMPLOYERS

Employers have a duty of care to employees in relation to Health and Safety. This duty extends to both the employee’s physical and mental welfare. With the current cost of living crisis, employers can support their employees during these tough economic times.

HOW CAN AN EMPLOYER ASSIST A WORKER FINANCIALLY AS THEY DEAL WITH THE RISING COST OF LIVING?

Employers have no obligation to increase salaries unless there is a contractual obligation to conduct agreed annual salary reviews. Some larger employers have decided to increase salaries to help with the cost of living. Employers may also consider paying a one-off bonus and paying contributions towards energy and broadband costs for employees who work from home. Other employers will look towards non-fiscal ways to support staff. Employees could be encouraged to use the cycle-to-work scheme to help with fuel savings and salary sacrifice savings for the employee.

The Trade Union Congress has asked the government to increase the National Minimum Wage to £15.00 an hour for all age groups. They want to achieve this target by 2030. The Low Pay Commission has recommended that the National Minimum Wage reach a level of two-thirds of average earnings by October 2024.

HOW CAN AN EMPLOYER SUPPORT EMPLOYEE’S MENTAL WELLBEING?

During a crisis, employers should recognise that an employees mental health can be affected in a diverse number of ways. Employers should adopt effective communication skills to listen to employee concerns. Employers can provide their duty of care in this area. Where employers have employee help schemes for counselling they should be used. Employers can function as mentors to help employees learn good financial budgeting skills. The simplest way to do this is to signpost employees to useful websites which have information and tools for budgeting. Where employees have debt issues, they can be directed to organisations giving free advice.

Employers can continue or adopt home and hybrid working as a solution to help employees save costs on fuel and transport. Employers should note that for some employees, homeworking may not be attractive due to the cost of heating their homes during the winter months.

This article is for guidance only. Should you have any enquiries about supporting employees with the cost-of-living crisis please call the experienced advisors using the Chamber Four Services helpline on 01455 852037.

HEALTH & SAFETY: MYTHS VS FACTS

1. How often should you review your risk assessments?

Risk assessments should be reviewed at least every 12 months, or sooner if something changes (a person who has a role/responsibilities within the risk assessment, or a process/machine changes).

2. Can we conduct PAT (testing) internally?

Yes, you can, but only if you have someone who is suitably trained and competent to conduct this training. You must also have the correct equipment to do this (a PAT machine).

3. I understand the classification of ladders has changed, what are the new classes?

Ladders were classified as: Class 1 (industrial), Class 2 (light trade), Class 3 (domestic).

However, they are now reclassified as EN131 Professional and EN131 NonProfessional. The weight limit is the same (150kg) but the professional standard tests are more vigorous. Please be aware the EN131 standard is a European standard and may change with the changes in legislation as the formalisation of documentation takes place due to Brexit.

4. How many Risk Assessments do I need?

You must conduct a risk assessment for everything that presents a hazard, the five steps to risk assessing are:

1. Review your assessment and update it as required 2. Record and implement your findings 3. Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions 4. Decide who may be harmed and how 5. Identify the hazards.

CHAMBER

Autumn Statement brings little comfort to hard-pressed small businesses

The Chancellor has kept his promise to prioritise financial stability and helping the most vulnerable members of society. However, in the middle of a recession, this statement will not grow business confidence.

Businesses in Cambridgeshire will welcome support for business rates and the continuation of the employment allowance, but many smaller businesses will be impacted by the fall in the dividend allowance.

The Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme expires on 31 March 2023 - when asked

about their ability to pay their energy costs, almost half of businesses say they will have difficulty doing so. The sooner we get clarity on where future support will be targeted the better.

It is encouraging to hear about plans to boost energy efficiency across the economy, but we need to see more urgency as businesses deal with increasing bills. Also, it is good news that Sizewell C will go ahead, and we’re relieved that HS2 has not really been cut any further. These projects will significantly boost regional economies while also improving our national infrastructure.

The Government must do more to improve business conditions for investment and growth; otherwise we will be starting from a weak foundation to power our recovery once global economic conditions stabilise. The Chancellor’s Statement is light on green innovation, and it does nothing to address current labour shortages and to boost export-led growth.

Lastly, we are pleased to see the East West Rail give importance to the OxfordCambridge Arc.

Vic Annells, Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

On Friday 18 November Mariana Garcia, Policy & Partnerships Executive at the Chamber, attended the Autumn Statement Webinar presented by the Tax specialists from Lovewell Blake Chartered Accountants and Financial Planners. Following the webinar Mariana spoke with James Rix, Manager at Lovewell Blake, to hear his view on the announcements.

Lovewell Blake is a Chamber member and a firm of Chartered Accountants and Financial Planners with eight offices across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. James is also a valuable committee member of the Ely & East Cambs Chamber. Prior to attending the webinar, James also discussed some of the changes announced on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire.

What does the Autumn Statement mean for your business?

Jeremy Hunt said that everyone would feel the pain in his Economic Statement; that is certainly true of businesses, and SMEs in particular. Given that they are the real engine of growth in the UK economy, he may find that attacking them on every front will not prove popular in the business community.

Going into this Autumn Statement, small business owners had already been targeted with a significant increase in the rate of corporation tax from April next year and an across-the-board 1.25 per cent uplift in tax on dividends.

The statement piled on the pain. Perhaps it wasn’t surprising that the Chancellor chose not to extend the ‘Super-Deduction’ beyond next March (the Annual Investment Allowance remains in place, extended to £1m), but the reduction in small business R&D tax relief announced in the statement effectively reduces tax relief on R&D for small firms from 230 per cent to 186 per cent.

The 9.7 per cent increase in the National Living Wage will add cost for businesses, not just at the lower end, but with a knock-on effect right across the wage structure. Add to that the freezing of the employer national

insurance threshold, and employing people is about to get much more expensive.

Meanwhile, uncertainty about energy costs continues. The Chancellor acknowledged that bills are likely to remain high throughout 2023 by extending the residential energy cap for another year. But businesses received no such relief and will have to wait until the new year before they learn what – if any – further support they will receive after March. For those renewing energy contracts right now, that lack of certainty hardly helps.

Meanwhile, business rate payers are facing big rises following the announcement that business premises revaluations will go ahead as planned next year. There will be some transitional relief, but this is sure to be another rising cost for businesses. Better news for those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, who will see relief extended for another 12 months.

The only silver lining is what the Chancellor didn’t do: no VAT increase, no rise in national insurance rates, and no rise to headline income tax rates. But this will give small comfort to hard-pressed small businesses.

What is clear from the statement is that the Chancellor has accepted that high levels of inflation are here to stay for at least another 12 months, and there is little he can do about it. Sadly, it seems that businesses will have to resign themselves to a tough few months ahead.

Lovewell Blake have summarised the points from the Autumn Statement into a one-stop guide of all the items that will affect either you, your business or both.

As a Chamber member you have the power to influence key decision makers and play a leading role in tackling the issues that are preventing your business from reaching its potential, while an experienced team of lobbyists represents your interests in Whitehall.

Photo by Diane Helentjaris on Unsplash

the power to

Those points are Income tax rates, Income tax allowances, Dividends, NICs thresholds, Corporation tax rates, Capital allowances, Research and Development, Company Share Option Plan, VAT, Cost of living payments, Uprating of benefits, Raising the benefit cap, National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage uprating and In-work conditionality for Universal Credit claimants.

Some of the key points for businesses and the accordingly breakdown can be found below.

Dividends

The government has also confirmed that, from April 2023, the rates of taxation on dividend income will remain as follows:

• The dividend ordinary rate - 8.75%

• The dividend upper rate - 33.75%

• The dividend additional rate - 39.35%.

As corporation tax due on directors’ overdrawn loan accounts is paid at the dividend upper rate, this will also remain at 33.75 per cent.

In addition, the government will reduce the Dividend Allowance from £2,000 to £1,000 from April 2023 and to £500 from April 2024. These changes will apply to the whole of the UK.

In September 2021 the government published its proposals for new investment in health and social care in England. The proposals were intended to lead to a permanent increase in spending not only in England but also by the devolved governments. To fund the investment the government introduced a UK-wide 1.25 per cent Health and Social Care Levy based on the National Insurance contributions (NICs) system but ringfenced for health and social care.

The Health and Social Care Levy Act provided for a temporary 1.25 per cent increase to both the main and additional rates of Class 1, Class 1A, Class 1B and Class 4 NICs for 2022/23.

From April 2023 onwards, the NIC rates were intended to revert back to 2021/22 levels and be replaced by a new 1.25 per cent Health and Social Care Levy.

However, the government has:

• Reversed the temporary increase in NICs

• Cancelled the Health and Social Care Levy completely.

According to the government, not proceeding with the Levy will reduce tax for 920,000 businesses by nearly £10,000 on average next year.

For SMEs, the government predicts that the savings will be around £4,200 on average for small businesses and £21,700 for medium sized firms from 2023/24.

In addition, it will help almost 28 million people across the UK save £330 on average in 2023/24, with an additional saving of around £135 on average this year.

MORE DETAIL FOR EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS

The changes took effect for payments of earnings made on or after 6 November 2022:

• Primary Class 1 NICs (employees) generally reduced from 13.25% to 12% and 3.25% to 2%

Secondary Class 1 NICs (employers) reduced from 15.05% to 13.8%.

The effect on Class 1A (payable by employers on taxable benefits in kind) and Class 1B (payable by employers on PAYE Settlement Agreements) NICs will effectively be averaged over the 2022/23 tax year, so that the rate will generally be 14.53 per cent.

CORPORATION TAX RATES

It had been previously announced that the expected increase in the rate of corporation tax for many companies from April 2023 to 25 per cent would not go ahead. However, the government announced on 14 October 2022 that this increase will now proceed, and this has been confirmed.

This means that, from April 2023, the rate will increase to 25 per cent for companies with profits over £250,000. The 19 per cent rate will become a small profits rate payable by companies with profits of £50,000 or less. Companies with profits between £50,001 and £250,000 will pay tax at the main rate reduced by a marginal relief, providing a gradual increase in the effective corporation tax rate.

In addition:

• Bank corporation tax surcharge changes will proceed, meaning that from April 2023 banks will be charged an additional three per cent rate on their profits above £100 million From April 2023 the rate of diverted profits tax will increase from 25% to 31%.

CAPITAL ALLOWANCES

The Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) gives a 100 per cent write-off on certain types of plant and machinery up to certain financial limits per 12-month period. The limit has been £1 million for some time but was scheduled to reduce to £200,000 from April 2023. The government has announced

that the temporary £1 million level of the AIA will become permanent and the proposed reduction will not occur.

Up to 31 March 2023, companies investing in qualifying new plant and machinery are able to benefit from capital allowances, generally referred to as ‘super-deductions’. These reliefs are not available for unincorporated businesses.

IN-WORK CONDITIONALITY FOR UNIVERSAL CREDIT CLAIMANTS

The government will bring forward the nationwide rollout of the In-Work Progression Offer, starting with a phased rollout from September 2023, to support individuals on Universal Credit (UC) and in work to increase their earnings and move off benefits entirely. This will mean that over 600,000 claimants on UC whose household income is typically between the equivalent of 15 and 35 hours a week at the NLW will be required to meet with a dedicated work coach in a Jobcentre Plus to increase their hours or earnings.

The Autumn Statement sets out reforms to ensure businesses in the energy sector who are making extraordinary profits contribute more. From 1 January 2023, the Energy Profits Levy will be increased to 35 per cent and extended to the end of March 2028 and a new, temporary 45 per cent Electricity Generator Levy will be applied on the extraordinary returns being made by electricity generators.

The Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) will be maintained through the winter, limiting typical energy bills to £2,500 per year. From April 2023 the EPG will rise to £3,000.

The government is also setting a national ambition to reduce energy consumption by 15 per cent by 2030, delivered through public and private investment, and a range of cost-free and low-cost steps to reduce energy demand. More information can be found at https:// www.lovewell-blake.co.uk/news/theautumn-statement-2022 where you will find a full report of what was announced and find a link to watch a recording of the Autumn Statement Webinar.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with James at j.rix@lovewell-blake.co.uk

“The government are aiming for shortterm pain with long-term gains. Ultimately there are difficult times to come.”

James Rix, Ely Office Manager for Lovewell Blake LLP

IT, Security and Digital Sector news

5 Reasons To Migrate Your Files To SharePoint

1. One document , one copy. With SharePoint, you only need one copy of the document. This applies even when you are collaborating with a teammate. Traditional file share servers require you to send a copy of a document for you and your teammate to collaborate, but in SharePoint you work on the same file.

2. Searching for files is easy. Research has shown that we can spend nearly two hours a-day searching for files. With SharePoint you can find your file in nanoseconds.

3. Backups. Your data is in the cloud and accessible 24/7. It also contains version history, so you can see all previous versions and who made what edits. However, we do recommend backing up your data externally.

4. Security. Your files are safe in SharePoint. Microsoft ensures that its data centres contain the highest levels of cyber security. We recommend adding MFA and enabling conditional access. Conditional access is where certain criteria is required before access is granted.

5. Document management. Our favourite aspect of SharePoint is the ability for the team to collaborate on reports, proposals, and other documents at the same time. Rather than emailing files back and forth your team can edit the same document in real-time.

For more information regarding Microsoft SharePoint please email us at ask@cambridgesupport.com or visit cambridgesupport.com

The aim of this sector group is to educate our members with trusted advice in IT, Security and Digital communication through one united voice.

We can only deliver the above by remembering the following values:

Honesty and integrity – we aim to build trust with our members and need to foster a culture of openness, transparency and responsibility

• Relationship – we commit to building healthy relationships with each other and nurture partnerships for the benefit of our members

• Knowledge transfer – we share our expertise, without a personal agenda, that will help our members, give them a competitive advantage and raise awareness of new risks and technologies.

We will be organising and running events, including online and face-to-face, with the aim to educate and support members but also make these events fun and interesting to attend.

As a committee, we meet online bi-monthly, to discuss the latest in this sector and come up with fresh ideas for future events and support for members. If you would like to get involved please email Connor Butler at c.butler@cambscci.co.uk.

If you are interested in any of our Sector Groups please visit our website for more information.

Our Sector Groups are:

• Construction & Property

• HR & Recruitment

• Inspiring Women

• International

• IT, Security & Digital

Chamber membership provides access to key information, expert advice and legal protection, enabling you to stay informed, legally compliant and free to focus on what you do best – building your business.

Microsoft’s SharePoint has a host of great benefits for document collaboration.

What is GA4?

Many of you will be familiar with Google Analytics (GA). It’s the analytics toolkit that allows you to monitor traffic to your website, visitor behaviour, conversions and bounce rates. It provides the intelligence and data from which you can make important decisions about your website structure, layout, content and marketing strategy.

The exciting news is that the current standard is being replaced with a new version - Google Analytics 4 (GA4) which rolls out on 1 July 2023.

What is different to the existing version?

The interface looks and feels very different, in fact, if you are used to the current version of analytics, you will be in for a shock!

The whole ethos, the new version is event-based rather than session-based. Everything from the start of a session, through user engagement to page view will be identified as an event. This can be

Google Analytics 4 –What’s all the fuss about?

confusing initially but makes sense after you have used the tool for a bit.

GA4 unifies tracking across your websites, and apps. Bounce rate is no longer available, it’s all about engagement now!

Why is it better than universal analytics (GA3)?

Machine learning and data modelling plays a much larger part. The algorithms will learn from your unique data and be able to predict a whole raft of important metrics, things like the percentage of your audience that are most likely to purchase and those least likely to return to your website or app. These audiences can then be marketed and targeted in different ways. And this can all be set-up in just a few clicks.

GA4 is designed to be privacy-centric and will work with or without cookies.

By using its machine learning and data modelling capabilities it can fill in data gaps as the world moves towards a cookie-less future.

Several metrics that were manually set-up are now available out of the box. These are called enhanced measurements and include metrics like outbound clicks, scrolling, video engagement and file downloads.

Why should I take advantage of GA4?

Necessity – Google announced that as of the 1 July 2023 the current version of Google Analytics will be sunset. You must have Google analytics 4 set-up prior to this date or else you will have no data to analyse!

To take advantage of the advanced machine learning insights and the raft of bespoke reporting options.

Why should I set-up GA4 now?

Data collection is not retrospective, until you set up GA4 data will NOT be collected. We’d suggest you need at least six-months data to optimise marketing decisions.

How do I set it up?

• If you set-up a new Google analytics account, it will automatically be configured as GA4

• If you have an existing Google Analytics account, then this guide from Google gives you the various options https://bit.ly/3XPZHKc

• If you use Google Tag Manager, then you will need to add a configuration tag and extra tags for all events you wish to track.

Many of you won’t be responsible for GA monitoring of your website traffic – instead this will be dealt with by your digital marketing agency who, like Granite 5, will use insights and metrics to inform the decisions they take with respect to your digital estate. If that’s the case, talk to your agency and make sure they’re ready to get GA4 rolled-out on your website immediately.

Finally

Go beyond standard, make sure you track your own key metrics, for instance, eCommerce tracking, if applicable, or other conversion types like form submissions and email clicks.

If you want to take advantage of the many advanced benefits of GA4 you need to set it up pronto!

Get in touch with your digital partners for any help or assistance with your set-up or give us a shout at hello@granite5.com or 01223 208008.

About Granite 5

For more than 23 years, Granite 5 has been one of the leading digital marketing agencies in the region. We now work with clients of all sizes, sectors and specialisms – their common feature? The desire to get more impact out of their digital estate.

Whether it’s website design, SEO, PPC, Analytics, Social Media, Content or Strategy – get in touch today to find out how we can elevate your brand to the next level.

James Warmington-Smith, Digital Optimisation Specialist at Granite 5, explains the changes and what you need to do to set everything up.

Get your LinkedIn profile in tip-top condition

also ensures your LinkedIn profile, business website and other marketing materials are consistent.

First up, create an engaging banner image for your profile. This could come from your website or be an impactful photo with the addition of your business logo and details of the services you offer. Just make sure to check how it looks on a phone, as over 57 per cent of LinkedIn users access the platform via their phone these days.

Next up, you want your ‘About’ text to grab potential customers’ attention, so don’t make it about you but about what you can do for them.

It’s also worth making the most of the ‘Featured’ panel at the top of your profile to showcase projects, testimonials, posts, or even videos that give prospective customers a greater sense of who you are and how you work.

Social proof is vital

No longer just an online home for your career history, LinkedIn is an efficient way of reaching and engaging with your potential customers. With over 10m UK business professionals actively using LinkedIn every week, are you presenting yourself in the right light?

Dan Ince of BrandWorks Social shares his top tips to ensure your LinkedIn profile does you, and your business, justice.

Your LinkedIn profile is more important than your website home page

When you consider how many people are active on LinkedIn, the potential for prospective customers to see your content and view your profile is massive. Plus, in a Google search, your LinkedIn profile will often be ranked higher than your website. So, make it easy for customers to find you and understand how you can help them by ensuring your LinkedIn profile makes a great first impression. You wouldn’t turn up to a networking event in casual clothes, without your business card or a summary of what you do, so why would your LinkedIn profile be any different?

Get the basics right

People buy from people, so rather than no photo or even worse, a blurry, out of date snap, it’s worth investing in a professional looking headshot you can add to your profile.

Review and update your headline. Does it clearly describe what you do and who you do it for?

Ensure your contact information is up to date and includes your email address and a link to your website. I know this sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many profiles lack basic contact information.

Take your profile to the next level

With the basics done, you’ll want to ensure your profile really stands out and grabs the attention of your ideal customers. This is easily done by using the same phrases and imagery on your LinkedIn profile that you developed for your website. Not only does this make developing your profile easier, but it

One of the most important sections, ‘Recommendations’, sits at the bottom of your profile.

You wouldn’t buy something from Amazon with zero reviews or, even worse, a few one-star reviews, would you? When it comes to LinkedIn, it’s no different. Social proof, whether delivered through stars, reviews or referrals, provides confidence and builds trust. So, help prospective customers understand you’re right for them by asking your current customers for a review you can share on your profile. Simply click the large + symbol at the top of the Recommendations section to search and send a review request to your favourite customers.

Beyond your profile, use LinkedIn as a business marketing tool

With confidence your profile is in tip-top condition, you can take LinkedIn marketing further by sharing content, making connections and engaging with others to build your business relationships.

If you’d like to explore using LinkedIn as a marketing tool for your business, or you’d like the weight of social media management lifted off your shoulders by a specialist agency, follow Dan on LinkedIn or visit brandworkssocial.co.uk

The construction industry has seen in recent times massive cost inflation coupled with increasing taxes and more detrimental rules. What is forgotten is for any business to survive it needs to be paid, cash flow, to cope with all the economic pressures. Failure to get paid can lead to bankruptcy and if the firm paying goes bankrupt, which is now rife, that can be fatal to the payee. Jonathan Nugent, Managing Director of Arbicon looks at the typical problems contractors face in respect of payment and how to tackle them.

What mistakes do contractors make that lead to payment problems and what can be done?

Non-payment can be as a result of contractors leaving themselves open to claim or cynical profiteering by the paying party. The solution is engaging in an effective contract and deploying an effective dispute resolution process arising from that contract. Lack of attention and understanding of the contract is nearly always the source of all problems and mistakes made. What is an effective contract and how can it be deployed?

The first point to make is who are you in contract with? A more common mistake than you might think! Ensure the full details and credit rating of the other party have been clearly identified. The remaining points are to get all the conditions and terms right not just payment terms. Where terms are missing or imposed without review by you, you are heading for big trouble.

Deployment of your own set of terms at the quote/tender stage is the best solution. If the paying party does not counter them by the time you start work, they will be the contract terms. If you sign a contract subsequent to the start, that new signed contract will wipe out your terms and will be the contract. Why would you sign anything after your start with your terms in place? Know your power here. Any order or contract issued after the start is not worth the paper it is written on unless you accept it. Normally before the start, there is a prestart meeting or subcontract order, that will aim to wipe out your terms so consider this carefully, negotiate properly

and avoid onerous terms that the paying party want to impose.

Pay attention to all terms, Price, Time and Scope are essential, look at the detail. Also, what payment terms are there? Is the price fixed or remeasured quantities? Is there a price increase clause? Is there any design responsibility? Is there a legally compliant specification and design? Is there a programme incorporated? Is there an EOT, loss/expense and Liquidated Damages provision? Is there a definition of practical completion? What retention is there and when is this be repaid? What is going to be delivered? What preliminaries are expected? What qualifications need to be incorporated? Are there any warranties and insurances required? What provisional sums are there and how are these dealt with? Suspension and termination rights? How are variations dealt with? What can be recovered in respect of late payment and debt recovery costs? (If Late Payment Act applies or not?). What notices must be served and how? Are there assignment rights? (passing the contract to a valueless firm that cannot pay). What adjudication provisions are there? The list goes on.

Beware as noted above, look out for amended or onerous terms such as supplement the labour, where the paying party can unilaterally engage others at your expense or if the Employer goes bust and does not pay, you are not entitled to any payment, these are legal clauses. Watch out too for instant termination and condition precedents all of which need looking at and might be illegal, so take advice.

With an effective contract in place how can payment issues be tackled?

Irrespective of contract content you can adjudicate and force payment in any commercial contract.

The Construction Act dictates payment and adjudication rights use it. It makes certain clauses illegal and makes the parties engage in an ‘adequate’ payment process. Any clauses that seek to take away the right to payment dependent on some process for example are void. The Construction

Act does however allow the parties to be free to agree how and when payments are made, so beware of onerous conditions on these points as they will not be illegal. Payment applications and notices are required and the deployment of these properly is essential, they must be in time, state the sum due and the basis of the calculation of that sum. The sum due is called the ‘notified sum’. Mistakes are commonplace and Employers or contractors that do not understand the legal process here are likely to get into trouble. If notices are absent or void, the payee get what he asks for if it is asked for properly.

If a payment has been ‘notified’ and not paid, you can suspend the works with a seven-day notice, all costs of demobilising, subsequent remobilising, delay losses and an extension of time will be due under statute, if your contract says otherwise it is void.

To pursue unpaid sums do not use court. Use adjudication, the process aims at a legally binding payment order in 28 days. If you are already in court it does not matter, your need no permission, you can adjudicate at any time. It will normally end the court proceedings and the cost of such if common sense prevails. It is recommended that advice from a construction claims consultant such as Arbicon specialising in adjudication be taken as we understand the legal aspects of payment and all other issues, plus prosecuting in adjudication and essentially having construction expertise.

If you have effective Late Payment provisions in your contract such as eight per cent above the base rate and debt recovery costs you can add interest and Arbicon’s fees to the claim.

Arbicon, the leading firm of Construction Claims Consultants, highlight the source of payment problems experienced by Construction Contractors in this current tough economy and how to tackle them

This is a really overwhelming subject matter particularly at the start of the journey. However, the trainers have removed the fear and replaced it with fun!

Mawditt, Walters Ltd

Session 1 – Starting your Low Carbon Journey

This session provided a very useful introduction to a relatively new subject for me, there were lots of useful take aways and practical tools which will help us on this journey.

Oli Bachini, Hunts Forum for Voluntary organisations.

Lisa

A children’s hospice has launched its new Virtual Gifts webpage – giving the public an opportunity to buy meaningful presents that keep on giving this Christmas. The initiative is now live on the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) website and features five options – Gift of Comfort, Gift of Play, Gift of Compassion, Gift of Memories and Gift of Creativity.

They range from £15 to £40 and allow people to buy and personalise a gift, while directly helping children, young people and families being cared for and supported by EACH.

“We’re very proud of our Virtual Gifts,” said EACH Director of Fundraising Kevin Clements.

“It’s a simple way to donate, while at the same time treating someone special to a meaningful present that keeps on giving.

“We all have family and friends who are difficult to buy for but this is a new way to get something special, while making a significant difference to our charity. Every purchase will help support children and young people with lifethreatening conditions, and their families, across East Anglia.”

Gift of Comfort (£15) could pay for an hour with a care assistant, Gift of Play (£15) could put a smile on a child’s face as they discover inclusive and accessible play for their abilities and Gift of Creativity (£24) could pay for an hour of music or art therapy. Gift of Memories (£35) could pay for a memorymaking kit full of activities for the whole family while Gift of Compassion (£40) could pay for two hours of bereavement support with a specialist EACH counsellor.

A card acknowledging the gift can be sent to the recipient and there is an opportunity to add a personalised message. To find out more, visit each.org.uk/virtual-gifts

Hundreds light up the Peterborough night with Starlight Hike

Hundreds of walkers donned their best fancy dress and glow-in-the dark accessories on Saturday 22 October for a special hike under the stars to celebrate the memory of loved ones.

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough, sponsored by Perkins Engines Company Limited, saw over 300 people of all ages take on a 5k walk in support of national healthcare charity Sue Ryder.

The spectacle started at Ferry Meadows County Park, where teams and individuals sporting bright coloured clothing, flashing headwear and neon face paint enjoyed a fun disco-style warm up from Clubbercise before setting off on a 5k route around the tranquil setting off the country park, enjoying live music along the way. There was also an opportunity for participants to place a poignant dedication during the event in honour of someone special to them. Last year Sue Ryder provided over 830,000 hours of care to thousands of families across the country, including from its Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Peterborough is expected to raise over £25,000 to help Sue Ryder provide even more expert and compassionate palliative care, and create a future where everyone has access to support at the end of their life or following a bereavement.

Asif Shaheed, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We’re absolutely blown away by everyone’s support for this year’s Starlight Hike, turning out in their brightest lights and outfits to make the night an amazing success. You all looked brilliant! “Thank you to our headline sponsor, Perkins Engines Company Limited, all our supporters, and of course our dedicated team of volunteers and marshals, without whom we would simply not be able to put on this fantastic event.”

Virtual Gifts are meaningful presents that keep on giving this Christmas

How to deal with Christmas stress

Dr Aneesh Shravat Chartered Psychologist

The festive period is meant to be a time to get together, enjoying each other’s company, exchanging presents and having a good time. Unfortunately, this time of year can also be the most stressful for all sorts of reasons, particularly if you or a loved one is going through cancer treatment. Here are some tips to help enjoy the festive season:

1) Don’t ignore the festive season during a treatment - If you enjoy celebrating the festive season then try and enjoy it even if you can’t do the same things you usually do. You may be able to adjust your festivities to fit your abilities. It may help to do simple things like listening to music, watching some classic festive favourites (my personal favourites are It’s a Wonderful Life and Elf) or holiday crafts or other relaxing festive activities.

2) Try not to overdo it – This is quite a common occurrence that we hear about at our Maggie’s centre and it is quite normal to try and keep Christmas as similar as possible to times prior to treatment. However this often leads to more stress and fatigue, be kind to yourself and if possible let friends and relatives take more of the strain this year.

3) Try and prepare – Making decisions can be difficult whilst you are on treatment, however if possible try and plan early to take the strain off you and the family. You can order Christmas food online or do the gift buying extra early this year. If you are struggling to do any planning, or making any decisions regarding Christmas come and talk it through with one of our Cancer Support Specialists.

4) Communicate with your family regarding your needs – This is also a key topic in the Living with Less Stress Course we run here at Maggie’s. During the festive period it can be really helpful to communicate your needs with you friend and family ahead of time. It may be that you can’t attend a certain get together or can only stay for a short period of time. You can also communicate what makes you feel comfortable.

5) Keep it simple – If you can only manage to keep Christmas simple and spend it with family and friend, that is fine.

6) Focus on Gratitude – It can be helpful to keep a diary of one thing that you are grateful for every day no matter how small it is.

7) Say ‘No’ when its necessary - Saying ‘No’ can be more difficult than it sounds however by saying ‘No’ you can give yourself a sense of control particularly when you are feeling fatigued or you don’t feel up for a big gathering.

GUEST ARTICLE

A LOOK INTO LIFE AT DEVONSHIRE GARDENS

Devonshire Gardens is a new sustainable neighbourhood, coming soon to the heart of Cambridge, that will deliver 120,000 sq ft of wellbeing-focused workspace and 70 Build-to-Rent homes set in a new public park.

This summer, Cambridge City Council granted planning permission for the site of the Travis Perkins depot on Devonshire Road to be transformed into a new vibrant sustainable neighbourhood by mixed-use developer Socius and Railpen, the investment manager for the £37 billion railways pension schemes.

The sustainable vision, designed by Buckley Gray Yeoman, will transform the three-acre site into Devonshire Gardens, bringing much needed new homes, workspace, a public park and community facilities including; a creche, pavilion and flexible community space.

Net zero workspace will be delivered across two new buildings designed to meet the needs of corporates and fast-growing businesses in the Cambridge ecosystem, providing a range of flexible floorplates and adaptable spaces for collaboration.

The new homes will comprise of a mix of apartments, with 20 per cent affordable in line with local policy. The homes are designed to meet the city’s net-zero carbon ambitions and will be powered by electricity from renewable sources with no reliance on fossil fuels.

The buildings will be connected by a green public park featuring over 120 trees, hundreds of new plant species and a community food garden. The scheme will also create new walkways and cycle paths, improving connectivity to Cambridge rail station and supporting the vision for Devonshire Gardens to be a majority car-free neighbourhood.

Devonshire Gardens will be delivered in accordance with the One Planet Living principles and will increase biodiversity on the site by over 350 per cent. Utilising the Natural Cambridgeshire toolkit, the development has been designed to support Cambridge City Council’s Climate Change Strategy.

Once completed, Devonshire Gardens will meet the need for high quality workspace and homes, delivering over 1,500 jobs and generating in excess of £100m worth of social value. Socius and Raipen would like to thank the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and fellow members for being so supportive throughout our journey so far. Also engaged throughout were Cambridge City Council and a number of local charities and community organisations, including Cambridge Sustainable Food, Allia and Indie Cambridge. Here is what some of these organisations, as well as local residents, kindly said about our plans:

“At present both paths on either side of Devonshire Road are far too narrow for the amount of people walking to and from the station. The introduction of this scheme and the additional parallel footpath will improve the walk (both ease and safety) to the station.”

Resident in Stourton Street, CB1 “YMCA Trinity Group also supports the opportunities for young people to take part of this exciting new scheme. We also feel the developer is genuinely engaging with local charities like us.”

GUEST ARTICLE chamber

“We are pleased to see the commitment to sustainable community and charity involvement, as well as creating a community that embraces both biodiversity and sustainability, whilst sensitively turning this brown field site, into an attractive space which will support housing, offices and various community amenities and green spaces.”

“The development also incorporates a range of sustainability features to help address the climate crisis, including green transport initiatives (such as an EV Club & cycle hub), enhanced biodiversity (including tree planting & space for wildlife) and a community garden.”

“Socius has worked closely with the community before, during and after their public consultation and I have been impressed with their dedication to ensuring local organisations are involved at every stage.”

“Devonshire Gardens is clearly innovative and community minded, and has allocated a space for a Library of Things in their plans. This, along with several other proposed community amenities, is clear evidence of just how well the proposed development addresses urgent local needs and contributes to future-proofing Cambridge’s communities.”

To find out more about Devonshire Gardens visit: http://www.devonshiregardenscambridge.com/

Break

Cambridge

Would you like to become a Chamber member? Get in touch today to find out the many benefits. Tel: 01223 237414 Email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

Meet

Whitco

Brown&Co LLP

Brown&Co is a leading provider of agency, professional and consultancy services in Architecture & Planning, Rural, Commercial, Residential property, Agriculture and the Environment. The firm has 260 staff in 14 offices across East Anglia, the Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber as well as Poland, Romania and St Lucia. Brown&Co has a RIBA Chartered Architectural and RTPI Chartered Planning practice.

ADVERTORIAL

FROM HOUSES TO HOMES UNDER THE HAMMER

When we (Julia and Trevor Ilott) started our full time property journey in March 2018, little did we realise where the journey would take us. From starting out sourcing property deals for investors then diversifying into the short term rentals market providing a ‘Home from Home’ for the corporate sector to finally ending up filming to appear on the BBC TV programme ‘Homes Under the Hammer’.

The opportunity to appear on the famous TV programme came about through our passion of buying run down properties and refurbishing them with the aim to turning them into dream family homes for the lucky buyers. Our current project was bought via auction and although we couldn’t make it to the actual auction house on the day, we won the bid over the telephone. Unbeknown to us Gary, the representative from The Auction House East Anglia (who we bought the house through) put our names forward to the makers of ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ who subsequently got in touch to see whether we’d be interested in appearing on the show. Of course we agreed but choosing which two people from our partnership of four to appear on the show proved to be more difficult. Trevor Ilott and Khilan Shah graciously conceded that Julia Ilott and Rimple Shah would be better candidates to appear as it was agreed that both Trevor and Khilan have a face for radio!

On the day of initial filming, we were graced with the presence of the legend that is Tommy Walsh who put Julia and Rimple totally at ease making the whole experience far less daunting than it could have been. We have since been contacted by the makers of the show to ask us to carry out a mid-way film which we graciously accepted and have already filmed. This means that our property will be featured on two shows which is really exciting for all involved.

If you would like to watch the first episode then please get in touch at enquiries@tjpad.co.uk where we will let you know once the release has been announced.

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that could be featured on this page?

Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237424 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Beacon Top 100 for 10 Years Running

successfully met client expectations, and established themselves as a positive influence within their communities.

Beacon have been shortlisted for 10 consecutive years, which is an extraordinary achievement. With each passing year, they have consistently proven they are one of the best in their industry.

This year, Beacon’s nomination was assured by their ESG, ‘Greener Us’ campaign, and their ‘Good to Great’ team.

Beacon Wealth Management Ltd has been recognised as a Citywire New Model Adviser Top 100 for the tenth year in a row!

The Top 100 title celebrates the best of the professional financial planning industry. The shortlisted firms have scored highest on the Citywire metrics,

ESG is at the heart of everything Beacon Wealth Management does. They have recently celebrated 10 years of their five risk-rated Ethical portfolios.

Their ‘Greener Us’ ensured the review of big and small changes to reduce their carbon footprint. Some implemented actions were planting a wildflower meadow for the local community, building bug hotels in the office garden, and installing smart meters.

Their ‘Good to Great’ team is a task force that explores the client and staff experience and discovers opportunities for improvement.

Managing Director, Tony Larkins, commented: “To be recognised as a top 100 firm for 10 years in a row truly reflects the continual hard work of our advisers and supporting staff. I am extremely proud of all of my team and the company we have built to service our clients to the highest possible standard.”

Howes Percival named in Top 100 UK ‘Best Companies’ list third year running

Leading law firm Howes Percival has been ranked in the nationwide ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list for the third year running, and 12th in the top 25 East of England Best Companies list.

The list celebrates excellence in workplace engagement and is widely acknowledged as the most searching and extensive research into employee engagement carried out in the UK.

The results are based on employee opinions on how the company supports wellbeing in the workplace, gives something back to society, shows strong leadership and teamwork, provides opportunities for personal growth and offers fair pay and benefits. Only the organisations with the highest level of overall employee engagement qualify for the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list.

This year’s list confirmed Howes Percival in 59th position in the UK’s 100 Best Large

Companies to Work For category and 12th in the top 25 East of England Best Companies to Work For list.

The firm achieved a two star Best Companies accreditation, which is given to organisations with an ‘outstanding’ commitment to workplace engagement. In addition, Howes Percival ranked 8th in the Top 10 Best Large Law Firms to Work For 2022 list.

Howes Percival’s Chairperson, Geraint Davies, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For, again. To be listed three years running demonstrates the kind of consistency and progression we, as a management team, have been aiming for. We have been on a journey, and it has taken long term commitment and investment from the firm, but we have firmly positioned Howes Percival as a progressive, people-first employer of choice.

“The listing is based on employee opinions, so to get this reinforcement from our own people makes it very special indeed.”

Knowles Transport set to move up a gear with acquisition of Masters Logistical

the past six years, Knowles Transport has committed further to its expansion goals by welcoming the company, and its people, on board and acted as an ideal opportunity to expand our operations right on our doorstep.

“It is a match that is not only strategic, but being a 3PL warehouse and distribution specialist like ourselves, we felt that Masters Logistical was an excellent fit to bring on board. Furthermore, Masters ethos, company values and customer centric approach are very much synonymous with our own.

Cambridgeshire-based Knowles Transport has announced that it has acquired a 100 per cent shareholding in fellow 3PL warehousing and distribution provider Masters Logistical. Based in Ely, Masters offers warehousing and distribution services across Cambridgeshire and East Anglia and is a member of the Palletline freight distribution network. With an ethos that centres around always delivering the highest levels of service to customer.

The acquisition of Masters comes at a period of significant growth for Knowles Transport, a business which has gone from strength to strength in recent years, following a period of substantial and continuous investment into the business as it builds for the future.

Citrox Biosciences

By consistently meeting strict criteria without any non-conformities, Citrox Biosciences proves its commitment to provide high quality products, whilst meeting all customer and regulatory requirements.

“During the latest audit our Quality Management System was assessed on its ability to deliver consistent, high standard of quality service and products to customers and we have successfully

Founded in 1932 and now in its third generation of family leadership, Knowles Transport has since established itself as a high performing third-party logistics specialist within the UK contract logistics industry, primarily serving the ambient food, drink and packaging sectors.

With a fleet of 325 vehicles and trailers, and a total of two million sq. ft of warehousing space across two sites and a headcount of 380, Knowles’ fleet will be bolstered by a further 42 vehicles and trailers, 85,000 sq.ft of warehousing space with expansion capabilities of a further 50 per cent, and 30 members of staff.

Alex Knowles, Managing Director of Knowles Transport, said: “Following a 100 per cent growth in sales revenue over

“We are delighted to have successfully completed the acquisition of Masters Logistical – which under the Knowles umbrella will continue to trade under its name, offer its full range of services and retain its status as a long-standing shareholder member of the Palletline network. We are proud to be welcoming such an established and well-respected brand into the Knowles family.”

Paul Upton, Managing Director, Masters Logistical, commented: “Deanna Wood and I are very excited to of found a suitable successor for the business, sharing our family values Knowles Transport will continue to grow and develop the business ensuring it’s future success.

“We would like to thank our loyal staff, customers and suppliers for the support and encouragement they have given us over many years and we wish them all the greatest of success.”

re-certification

passed re-certification. Therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all members of the team for their hard work and adherence to quality on a daily basis” states Richard Thomas, Managing Director of Citrox Biosciences.

ISO 9001 is the most internationally recognised standard for a Quality Management System (QMS) designed to be used as a powerful business improvement tool, since it helps

businesses not only to increase efficiency, but also to improve customer satisfaction.

Richard Thomas adds: “Achieving ISO 9001:2015 recertification demonstrates our dedication to continuous improvement throughout the business to further benefit our customers. Quality remains at the core of our business as we strive to provide leading non-toxic, plantbased solutions for the management of harmful micro-organisms.”

Ltd successfully passed ISO 9001:2015

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that could be featured on this page?

Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237424 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Mayor opens new Allia Future Business Centre Cambridge Guildhall

Allia’s new Future Business Centre at Cambridge Guildhall has officially opened. The Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Mark Ashton cut the ribbon, and together with the Mayoress, Barbara Ashton and other Cambridge City Council representatives, they toured the ground floor which forms the new impact business hub, to meet Allia staff and the new tenants proud to move into their new workspace in the iconic building.

The non-profit organisation is leasing the building from Cambridge City Council, in order to let workspace to start-ups, charities and enterprises. This creates a city centre innovation business community, with a dedicated reception, a range of private offices, a co-working suite and five meeting rooms available for external hire.

New tenants that were present to meet the City Council tour party and talk about their ventures included COFARM (a local agroecological community farm), Orca Scan (a barcode tracking app) and the Cambridge Centre for the Integration of Science, Technology and Culture (CCISTC), University of Cambridge.

Joining the Mayor and Mayoress were Fiona Bryant, Director of Enterprise and Sustainable Development; Cllr Mike Davey, Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and Transformation; Jemma Little, Economic Development Manager; Dave Prinsep, Head of Property Services; and Andy Wood, Facilities Manager

They also toured the community area within the centre, which will include a shop, a café and a large exhibition space for community art groups and networks, opening later in the autumn.

Cllr Mike Davey, Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and Transformation, said: “Supporting businesses and the city centre economy are priorities for us and that’s why we have worked with Allia to set up this new business centre.

“Our goal is for the centre to become a valued hub for start-ups, charities and enterprises and we’re pleased to have Allia as partners given its experience and expertise in running similar centres elsewhere in the city.

“The Guildhall is well located for organisations looking for a city centre presence and I am sure the flexible, collaborative workspace will appeal to many.”

NEW HR DIRECTOR AT DOMINO PRINTING

At Domino Printing, April Jones has been promoted to HR Director, Europe, Middle East & Africa, with a remit to work in partnership with regional HR teams and also support the company’s Digital Printing operation across the world.

April joined Domino in 2019 as Senior HR Business Partner, following roles in various global businesses where she focused on such areas as generalist HR, organisational change and supporting and coaching senior leadership teams. Speaking of her new role, April says: “I am looking forward to driving key initiatives integral to making Domino a great place to work – the success of inclusion and engagement and our talent development – but mostly offering strong leadership to the fantastic HR team I have across Europe.

“Since joining, I have been supported by Domino to enhance my personal development by studying for further professional qualifications and am now a Prosci Change Management Practitioner, having met the standards required by this internationally-recognised organisation.

“Over the last few years, we have seen a shift in the way the HR team needs to partner with its business areas, particularly around hybrid working which requires a different approach and brings new challenges. This is an exciting time and I look forward to playing a key role in ensuring its success.”

Picture credit: Keith Heppell

Meet Mittens: Wyboston Lakes Resort’s hotel brasserie becomes first in UK to welcome robot waiter

Mittens is the new cat-like robot waiter in The Gravel Pit Brasserie at the Waterfront Hotel on the Wyboston Lakes Resort. The hotel is the first in the UK to invest in a state-of-the-art robot waiter, which has been programmed to deliver food from the kitchen to the serving team in the dining area.

Steve Jones, Managing Director of Wyboston Lakes Resort, said: “Automation has been a major focus at Wyboston Lakes Resort in the last few years and has solely served to support our teams and enhance the guest experience. Following a onemonth trial, Mittens is our latest addition. Customers are still served by our brasserie team; however, they no longer need to run back and forth to the kitchen to collect food, making more time to spend with customers to deliver great service. “The response from our team members has been overwhelmingly positive because the robot is highly functional, improves efficiencies, and has made their jobs easier. Customers have found the robot very entertaining, too.”

Pudu Robotics is the company behind the ‘Bellabot’ robot, which has the face of a cat and has been affectionately named ‘Mittens’ by the Wyboston team. It can sing, talk, purr, show a range of facial expressions, and enjoys a pet on the head. It will even get a bit sassy if deliberately disrupted!

The interactive robot is lightweight and travels steadily at an average walking pace taking up to four large trays of food at a time. It uses a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to manoeuvre safely through the brasserie and around tables, chairs, and co-workers.

A display screen can be programmed with key messages.

To set up the robot, the Pudu Robotics team visited Wyboston Lakes Resort to map out the brasserie area using laser scanning technology. Pudu used the brasserie table plan so the robot can be programmed to move directly to a designated zone where the team then take the food and serve the customer.

Pudu also mapped out the function area, so Mittens – or any future robots that may be added – can also be used to support the team in this space.

Webtec, the specialist hydraulic measurement and control company, has launched its new manufacturing approach called Make it BLUE® - a four-step process to help customers maximise the productivity of their hydraulic machinery but without the complexity of costly consultancy.

Make it BLUE has been developed following consultation with many customers, who have benefited from Webtec’s more integrated approach to product customisation through combining over 55 years of sales, engineering and manufacturing experience that Webtec is now formally offering through this process.

Make it BLUE, is a four-step process defined as Begin, Listen, Upgrade and Engineer. With each step of the process the Webtec team-work with the customer to really understand their requirements before moving on to the next stage.

In addition, Webtec also offers Lifetime Support once the product has been delivered and continuous training and advice.

Martin Cuthbert, Webtec’s Managing Director, commented on the introduction of Make it BLUE: “After two years of planning and preparation we are excited to be launching Make it BLUE

and we believe that this embodies Webtec’s unique approach in helping customers’ improve the productivity of their heavy machinery. From our customer trials the results speak for themselves; 168,000 gallons of fuel saved per year, $5,000 saving in spare parts after just one use, 243 man-hours saved in postdelivery product modifications and 5+ IoT projects in progress at any time”.

Further details of Make it BLUE® can be found at: http://www.webtec.com/make-it-blue

Make it BLUE® is registered trademark of Webtec Products Ltd.

Webtec’s New Make it BLUE® four step process helps customers maximise productivity and save money

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that could be featured on this page?

Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237424 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Stone King rated one of the best UK law firms by The Times

Cambridge law firm Stone King has once again been included in The Times Best Law Firms list for 2023, ranked by other lawyers as a top three firm nationally for its excellence in both the education and charity law sectors.

The Times’ annual list includes the top 250 law firms in England and Wales, out of almost 10,000, as voted for by lawyers.

Steven Greenwood, Managing Partner at Stone King, says: “It means a lot to be so highly recommended by fellow legal professionals for our work and we are very grateful for their recognition of our expertise.

“Our people are passionate about their work and we pride ourselves on doing the very best for our clients and communities but also doing the right thing as an employer and a business.”

To compile the list, an independent research firm asked solicitors and barristers across the country to recommend the best law firms in 28 categories, with checks in place to prevent respondents choosing their own firm or voting more than

once. Those firms with the most votes are included in the final list, with the top three identified according to the number of recommendations received.

The accolade comes shortly after Stone King once again received top rankings from independent guides Chambers and the Legal 500.

Law firm adds to private client and property teams

and has a justly, proud reputation as one of a relatively small number of firms in the sector with the knowledge and capability to provide a full service to the rural community, is an exciting move for me.

“Roythornes takes pride in its excellent client care and I feel privileged to be part of the team and available to support its clients and families through significant change in their lives.”

Moving north from a Bedford-based firm, Serena was attracted to Roythornes due to its work with a number of high-net-worth clients. Serena said: “Despite carving a niche early into my legal career and pursuing experience in the real estate industry, I am still learning and realise the value of opportunities that different practices can offer.

Alconbury-based top 150 law firm Roythornes Solicitors has brought in two specialists to bolster its private client and commercial property teams.

Ayesha Brown, a senior associate with more than 25 years of industry experience, will be offering comprehensive and expert advice on all aspects of private client work including estate and succession planning, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, estate and trust administration.

Joining her is newly-qualified solicitor Serena Kang, who will be overseeing a range of responsibilities associated with the ownership, sale and occupancy of commercial properties within Cambridgeshire and beyond.

Ayesha said: “I’ve always enjoyed working with clients in the agricultural sector so to join Roythornes, which is highly respected

“From my first contact with Roythornes I was confident that it’s a firm intent on ensuring progression for its staff and providing the best for its clients, so it’s established position within Cambridgeshire is unsurprising. I hope to bring my own specialist knowledge to the firm and continue to develop.”

The arrival of Ayesha and Serena marks Roythornes’ 56th and 57th addition in 2022 across its five offices in the Midlands and East Anglia. Vember Mortlock, Managing Director at Roythornes, said: “We work with everyone from major blue-chip companies and established family businesses to new start-ups and individuals so hiring professionals with specific industry knowledge and an awareness of the opportunities within the region is key to ensuring our services are the best they can be.

“Ayesha and Serena are both fantastic recruits to the private client and commercial property teams in Alconbury and we look forward to seeing them thrive while at the firm.”

Ayesha Brown Serena Kang

This Land wins prestigious business award

This Land, a provider of high-quality homes for the eastern counties, has been awarded Silver for Property Industry Business of the Year 2022 at the Independent SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards.

This Land were judged Silver winners for their delivery of highquality housing schemes that met planning conditions whilst displaying a high level of innovation and environmental initiative.

Speaking about the award David Lewis, CEO at This Land, said: “We’re delighted to win this acclaimed award, we pride ourselves on

setting new standards for future developments through a design-led approach and continue to innovate by practising modern methods of construction, and adopting new technologies to deliver high performing homes efficiently and safely.

“The award also recognises our commitment to mitigating the impact of construction on both the environment and local communities. We are immensely proud that our dedication to achieving visually striking schemes that are sustainable and energy efficient has been acknowledged by the judges.”

Energise wins two prestigious awards

At Energise, wellbeing and authenticity are at the very centre of who we are. Some of the policies we have implemented and enhanced to promote employee wellbeing include an unlimited annual leave allowance, with the freedom to choose rest as and when we need it depending on individual preferences and commitments; an ‘all win’ bonus scheme based on non-financial targets such as volunteering days and meeting training and development objectives; flexi-time to support a practical and enjoyable work-life balance; regular team away-days for an extra chance to unwind and spend some quality time together and many more.

Energise has been awarded Employer of the Year and Overall Winner at the 2022 SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards.

The Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Mattioli Woods plc, is presented to the business that has shown outstanding commitment to employee wellbeing and truly puts its people first.

Speaking about the recognition award Tamsin Alsbury, Co-CEO of Energise, said: “We are lucky to work alongside a great group of people. Our company policies focus on creating a supportive, inclusive, and healthy workplace for all our employees to thrive. I would like to use this opportunity to say a huge thank you to our amazing team.”

The night finished with Energise being crowned with the most prestigious award of the event, the Overall Winner; awarded to the highest-scoring gold winner.

Awards for angli-EAR Hearing

The team at audiology clinic, angli-EAR Hearing, in Great Shelford is celebrating after scooping Gold and Silver at the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2022.

Founded in 2016 and employing a team of 10 clinical and support staff, angli-EAR Hearing provides family audiology services including ear wax removal, hearing assessments,

hearing devices, paediatric services, tinnitus solutions and cochlear implants. angli-EAR Hearing was rewarded with the accolades in the Best Customer Service and Website of the Year categories at the glittering black tie gala dinner held at the five-star Cambridge Country Club. The event, celebrating business excellence across 20 categories, was attended by business leaders, sponsors and small and medium-sized enterprises from across the county. angli-EAR Hearing’s Director, Trevor Chapman, praised the clinic’s team, commenting: “What an amazing night! To go home with two awards is a fantastic achievement. Customer Service is at the absolute heart of our business and we are thrilled to achieve such outstanding recognition in the Best Customer Service Public Vote award. I’d like to

thank the whole team at angli-EAR Hearing; they make me very proud. Their commitment and drive means they always go the extra mile to ensure clients receive the very best experience and top quality care when they visit our clinic.

“We are also delighted to win the Website of the Year award. The website is our online customer service tool, showcasing our experience in hearing healthcare for all the family. Swift help is available 24/7 via our online advice pages, FAQs, quick online diagnostic tool and handy booking system. The award is a seal of approval for our customer experience online.”

As a Gold winner, angli-EAR Hearing are now through to the National Finals of the SME Business Awards to be held at Wembley Stadium in early December.

insight from

SARAH WEST

Why it’s important to have a proper marketing strategy

‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’ is a cliché. But, in marketing, it’s one which has been proven true.

Most leaders plan all the time. However, we’re not always so quick to communicate our plans with others. If marketing is critical to your business, formalising your strategy and plan could be critical too.

Sarah West of leading B2B marketing agency Full Mix Marketing, takes a look at why:

WHAT IS A PROPER MARKETING STRATEGY?

A formal marketing strategy is a written document which details your marketing plans. Beyond that, the format can be flexible. It could be a short document, highlighting the marketing you intend to use – or a larger document including all the analysis, decision making and details you used.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY CONTAIN?

When we create a client’s marketing strategy, it typically includes:

• Background and objectives – the company’s journey and what it hopes to achieve

• Market analysis – of their products and services, competitors and marketplace

• Existing marketing analysis – a look at any marketing they’ve delivered and lessons learnt

• SWOT analysis – especially good for identifying opportunities

• Marketing channel mix – the right blend of strategic, digital or traditional marketing

• Messaging – the core message to communicate

• Plan and Gannt chart – breaking down the what, when and how much

• KPIs – ways to gauge success.

Whilst it’s good to consider all these areas, not every element needs to be present. A smaller document can be created simply detailing your chosen marketing channels, key messaging and a Gannt chart of planned delivery.

SO, WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A PHYSICAL STRATEGY?

1. Make it real

A written marketing strategy and plan helps crystalise thoughts and provides a permanent record of decisions. Referring to your marketing plan and delivering what was agreed helps save time and focus efforts.

2.

Get everyone on the same page

Business is best when everyone pulls in the same direction. A written marketing strategy is easy to share with your team and can be referred to in meetings when instructions are given and efforts assessed.

3. Come to the right decisions

Guess work is rarely the best method for deciding anything! Writing a marketing strategy encourages everyone to give it due attention. By following a tried and tested path, decisions tend to be better.

4. Understand where you’ve been

Most businesses have more marketing experience than they think.

Over the years, you may have tried varying approaches. Creating a strategy is a great opportunity to consider your experiences.

If prior marketing failed, it’s important to understand whether it was wrong or simply not sustained for long enough!

5. Avoid mission creep

We’ve all started with a clear goal that’s quickly changed into another! It’s important to be flexible and pragmatic and - if situations change or something isn’t working - it’s important to change tactics. However, if you made good decisions for the right reasons, sticking to your marketing strategy should be best.

6. Pick the right channels

Your marketing strategy needs to be big on digital marketing, right? Picking the correct types of marketing is critical and you need to consider what to choose, what to lose and how to make your marketing methods work together. Creating a strategy gives the opportunity to formally consider your options.

Put yourselves in your customer’s shoes. Consider how they hear about products or services, where they search and the methods which will break through the noise of their busy day.

7. Stick to the message

If your customers are interested in quality, there’s little value in talking about costs!

A marketing strategy can help you think about how you’re going to present who you are and what you do. Consistency is key. Say the same thing enough times and people will believe you!

8. Set milestones

If you don’t set goals, how will you know when you’re successful?

Setting purely statistical milestones can be misleading. Instead, a formal marketing strategy can help you identify the actions which lead to the desired outcomes.

And, don’t forget time. Results are typically slow at first before they dramatically increase as momentum builds!

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT MARKETING STRATEGY

An effective marketing strategy is an investment which saves time and increases results. Few businesses achieve their goals without one. A successful strategy is typically at the heart of what we deliver for clients, helping turn their aspirations into the strategic, digital and creative marketing which will make them a reality.

If you’d like more help to create the right marketing strategy, visit www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk

LOCAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT PLAN

What is an LSIP?

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a truly business-led and locally owned approach to bringing together employers, education and training providers, as well as other key local stakeholders, to set out the priorities for change. LSIPs work to make post-16 education and training better meet the needs of local employers, through providing employees with the skills they need for the workplace.

The LSIP is set in statute in the Skills and Post16 Education Act 2022. This means that the Department for Education is committed to funding independently led employer-driven activity to shape the skills landscape.

To ensure that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has the flexibility needed to innovate and tailor the approach to the specific needs of the region’s economy, the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has been awarded the role of designated employer representative body.

We’ll be working with partners across the region to deliver this project, and we want to hear from you.

How do I get involved?

We want to speak to representatives from businesses of any size that are located or recruiting in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

We also want to speak to further education, and post-16 technical education providers (including independent and sixth form colleges) with learner bases in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

On our website, we’ll be sharing opportunities to get involved with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough LSIP, including through short interviews, upcoming events and focus groups, and through remote communications with us.

Get in touch with us today to book yourself onto an upcoming session at LSIP@cambscci.co.uk or sign up to our mailing list to find out more.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan is led by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and funded by the Department for Education.

PETERBOROUGH POSITIVE RECRUITING CITY CENTRE AMBASSADOR ROLES

Working alongside the city centre’s business community, the Ambassadors will also be the ‘eyes and ears’ of Peterborough, communicating any issues and liaising with the local authority and other key stakeholders.

Pep Cipriano said: “We’re looking for candidates that ideally know Peterborough inside out and have the same passion for the city as the rest of the BID team does. The City Centre Ambassadors will be responsible for welcoming and supporting visitors and tourists to Peterborough, as well as looking out for the businesses within the centre and creating strong lines of communication between stakeholders and companies.

“The Ambassadors will be highly visible in the city centre. They will work closely with the City Council’s enforcement team, reporting any issues to them so that they can be swiftly dealt with.”

Peterborough Positive, the city’s BID (Business Improvement District), is recruiting City Centre Ambassadors to support businesses and visitors in the city centre.

The Peterborough BID was voted in by city centre businesses in November 2021 for a five-year term. Representing over 400 businesses and organisations in Peterborough, the BID will lead on a range of projects which include increasing footfall, making the city centre a safer, cleaner and more welcoming place, and building a business community. The City Centre Ambassadors will play a key role in delivering these priorities.

These roles will involve supporting businesses and visitors of Peterborough city centre in a proactive and ambassadorial way by championing enthusiasm, passion and communication. The Ambassadors will report to Pep Cipriano, Peterborough Positive’s Business Improvement Manager, and will be based from the office in Westgate Arcade, Queensgate. As on-the-ground representatives of the BID, they will be important in representing the city in the best possible light.

Mark Broadhead, Chair of Peterborough Positive, says: “The Ambassadors will be absolutely crucial in supporting the BID’s activities over the next few years. We have seen how much of a difference street ambassadors have made at other BIDs around the country and are now ready to put our own in place. The Ambassadors will have a positive impact on footfall in the city centre, as well as improving the perception of Peterborough to all who visit.”

View the full job description and details of how to apply at: http://www.peterboroughpositive.co.uk/ latestnews

Visit the website www.peterboroughpositive.co.uk and follow Peterborough Positive on LinkedIn and Twitter @PboroPositive for regular updates on the Peterborough BID’s activities.

Financial Wellbeing

Organisations are increasingly aware of the importance of considering the whole person when we engage with our staff. Although it is true that we are not privy and cannot always be privy to individual circumstances, we can take on board the widespread societal situation regarding the challenges faced by most people.

We know that there are risk factors which can affect an individual’s mental health and this can and does include money worries for several reasons. The cost-of-living crisis is the one that is currently in the public eye but there are also situations where people are living outside of their means, gambling problems and preexisting mental health challenges. The symptoms of mental health difficulties and mental illness can make it harder to manage spending and even get a fair deal on products and services.

The City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA) has substantial evidence around the link between good mental health and financial security and it is important to note that there are several barriers which could potentially hinder somebody seeking help on this subject matter, including but not limited to, stigma, shame, a perceived lack of available supports and when talking about men in particular, a lack of talking about things which cause mental and emotional distress.

I implore you to remember that it is not necessarily about the salary itself, but how secure and comfortable one feels in the financial position that one finds themselves in, and as with most things in life, this is all relative!

From an employer perspective, education around literacy and support available are important to breaking down stigma and allowing people the opportunity to discuss this without fear of judgment. You have the power to improve the financial and mental wellbeing of your workforce by introducing new processes or resources which build financial resilience which in turn will create a culture of support and provision of essential help if problems arise.

There are a few resources available that can help your organisation understand the supports available and that can help you implement programs of education and services in your place of work. Take a look here for further information:

• Mental Health at Work – Supporting the financial wellbeing of your employeeshttps://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ toolkit/

• City Mental Health Alliance - https:// citymha.org.uk/Resources/How-ToGuides/Financial-wellbeing

• Money and Mental Health - https://www. moneyandmentalhealth.org/publications/

• MoneyHelper - https://www.moneyhelper. org.uk/

• https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/ mental-heath-of-men-and-boys/men-andmoney-facing-the-pressure-to-provide/

COLLEGE CELEBRATES ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY FUNDING SUCCESS

Cambridge Regional College (CRC) is celebrating a successful partnership bid for enabling funds from the Darwin Tree of Life Public Engagement Programme, supported by The Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Following a recent visit to the Cambridge Campus to discuss the potential for research and development projects exploring biodiversity and eco-systems within the college, Dr Nicola Chapman at The Wellcome Sanger Institute and CRC Director of Supported Learning, Jeremy Lloyd, submitted a bid for funding to develop the Cambridge Campus green areas while providing learning opportunities to students.

The CRC team are celebrating the welcome news that the bid for funding has been successful, and they are now drawing up plans to develop a Nature Garden including a refresh of the campus pond areas. As the Nature Garden matures it will enhance biodiversity at the campus, the students will then be able to monitor species diversity. An accompanying package of learning activities to support college curriculum activities and works skills sets, will be developed and introduced as part of the ongoing project.

Jeremy Lloyd said: “We are thrilled to be working with the

The Wellcome Sanger Institute on the creation of the Nature Garden, a project that will be open to all students. There is an abundance of wildlife on the college campus which will provide our students with an opportunity to explore science and biodiversity from a different perspective.

“The first step will be to determine a baseline of species diversity and then investigate the best methods to promote biodiversity through the use of plants and microhabitat creation. As the Nature Garden matures it will enhance biodiversity and the students will be able to monitor species diversity on an annual basis.”

As the partnership develops, the college will work closely with Dr Chapman and her team at The Wellcome Sanger Institute to introduce workshops, talks and tours to further develop knowledge and understanding of biodiversity, marine biology, wildlife and ethics.

Dr Nicola Chapman said: “The Darwin Tree of Life project touches all aspects of the UK’s wildlife and their communities. I am pleased that Cambridge Regional College have been successful as they are a forward thinking, inclusive and innovative college.”

GREATER ANGLIA CAR PARKS SWAP PARKING METERS FOR TREES IN CARBON REDUCTION INITIATIVE

Greater Anglia has signed up to the Meters for Trees carbon reduction initiative, removing pay and display machines from its rail station car parks and swapping them for trees.

The initiative is run by PayByPhone, which offers easier ways to pay for rail station car parking at all Greater Anglia’s car parks.

The move has seen Greater Anglia remove 71 pay and display machines at 52 of its NCP-run car parks across the east of England and plant eight trees in the Amazon rainforest. Meters for Trees is the first award-winning carbon footprint reduction initiative of its kind in the UK. Launched in June 2019, Meters for Trees sees participants reduce the number of parking machines in favour of PayByPhone’s cashless parking payment technology.

For every 10 parking machines, PayByPhone donates one tree to the client and offsets one tonne of carbon dioxide through Portel-Pará REDD, a Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) audited project in the Amazon rainforest that combats deforestation.

Simone Bailey, Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Director, says: “Rail is already the greenest way to travel but we are always looking to become even more sustainable, in line with the industry’s aim to become carbon neutral by 2050.

“Joining PayByPhone’s Meters for Trees, we are taking another

step forward in making our customers’ journeys as simple, clean and green as possible.”

In the first 12 months alone, 50,000 miles will be saved by not having to maintain machines or to collect cash from them, and PayByPhone will offset nine tonnes of CO2 on Greater Anglia’s behalf.

To make Meters for Trees even more powerful, all the PayByPhone stickers under the Greater Anglia contract are ReActivair ‘pollution eating’ signage. Made from naturally occurring materials, ReActivair’s revolutionary technology means PayByPhone’s signage uses the energy from sunlight to breakdown harmful pollutants and odour molecules in the air surrounding the area where it is placed, helping to improve air quality and to reduce pollution.

Rebecca Maisey, UK Client Director for PayByPhone, says: “We are delighted Greater Anglia has joined Meters for Trees. Each time we welcome a new client to the programme, we are contributing to a cleaner environment and better local air quality. At a time when the need to combat deforestation has never been more urgent, Meters for Trees offers parking operators a straightforward way to create a more environmentally sustainable future.”

For more information about Meters for Trees, please visit www.metersfortrees.co.uk

Photo by Jan Huber on Unsplash

LEADERS IN SUSTAINABILITY RECOGNISED AT THE IIE AWARDS 2022

Wednesday 16 November marked the iiE Awards and the celebration of success in sustainable business. Organisations across over 550 sites in the UK were recognised for creating positive and long-lasting change in their working practices, to help tackle climate change and waste. These included those just starting out in sustainability all the way to those going above and beyond.

The online event also featured talks from renowned leaders in sustainability, Dr Sally Uren OBE, Chief Executive of Forum for the Future, and Henry Unwin, Director of Sustainability at Daylesford Organic. Both of whom discussed the importance of being a regenerative business and shared practical tips on how to implement learnings into organisations.

This year saw a 57 per cent increase in organisations seeking out iiE accreditation, due to iiE success stories alongside market demands on businesses to make the net-zero transition. Current members have gone above and beyond despite difficult economic challenges, with approximately a third of this year’s submitted accreditations achieving Green, the highest iiE award level. iiE Green members alone saved enough electricity to power 1,500 homes for a year, demonstrating how carbon management can also cut costs.

April Sotomayor, General Manager & Principal Consultant, said: “12 years on from our launch, Investors in the Environment goes from strength to strength, empowering people and their organisations to account for their environmental footprint, learn what to do next, and benchmark their progress. We make it easy and rewarding for business to do their bit and get recognised for these efforts.”

Thank you to the organisations that supported this year’s iiE Awards: including BGL Insurance, Cambridge & Counties Bank, Compare the Market, Ecotricity, Green Energy Switch, Hunt & Coombs Solicitors, Roythornes Solicitors and Sustrans.

To find out more about the environmental accreditation scheme and its members, visit www.iie.uk.com.

2022 AWARD

WINNERS

Best Carbon Reduction 2022: Gateshead Council Commendation to Peterborough College Sponsored by: Green Energy Switch

Best Waste Reduction 2022: Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust

Commendation to Andy Thornton Ltd Sponsored by: Compare the Market

Sustainable Transport Champion 2022: Compare the Market Commendation to University of Northampton and Budget Paper Supplies Sponsored by: Sustrans

Natural Environment Champion 2022: Westover Vets & Oaklea Trust (Joint Winners) Sponsored by: Cambridge & Counties Bank

Best Newcomer 2022: Cromwell Tools Commendation to Atkin Jones and Oundle School Sponsored by: Hunt & Coombs Solicitors

Sustainability Influencer 2022: British Veterinary Association (BVA) Commendation to Vets4Pets Milton Keynes Sponsored by: BGL Insurance

Overall Outstanding Achiever 2022: Wear Referrals        Commendation to LEDA Sponsored by: Roythornes Solicitors

Overall Outstanding Achiever (Large Business) 2022: Durham County Council

Commendation to Hull City Council Sponsored by: Ecotricity

THE POWER OF PEERS

One of the most exciting things that we’re doing is building a connected, collaborative community only open to our high growth business clients across the region.

Why do we rate the power of peers so highly? Lots of reasons! Firstly, having been through all the trials, thrills and spills of rapid growth ourselves, and of just building and sustaining a high growth business, we know exactly how lonely, stressful and challenging it can be.

First, a few facts - of the 5.8m small businesses in the UK, 75 per cent are sole traders, 95 per cent don’t grow beyond nine employees, and even in that latter group, the big majority are less than five. Government estimates from the beginning of last year show that of the 2.2m VAT and/or PAYE registered businesses, only just over 200,000 grow to 10-49, and another 35,000 in the 50-249 bracket. And if you grow to more than 100 staff, you’re in a select group of the 0.2 per cent of businesses that make it past that milestone. So pretty much a flat line and a pimple. The Cambridge and Peterborough region is no different to anywhere else.

Most people find those statistics staggering. So if you really are a high growth business, where do you go for help? Who can you trust to talk to about a challenge? To be challenged? To get those sparks and lightbulb moments? To get reassurance you’re taking the right approach? Where can you meet someone who might be able to help you turn the dial on your business, because they understand what it’s really like.....? Or give you a validated connection to someone who can? To make an ask and get an answer from someone who’s already been where you are? And to be able to give an answer and some guidance to someone who’s coming along behind you?

As the adage goes, it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know.

Many business networks naturally are full of small traders and micro-businesses, because as we’ve just seen, that’s the nature and profile of UK business. But the needs and interests of a 10, 40 or 100 person scaling company are very, very different. There’s little corporate engagement in such networking activities - but corporates are frequently of great interest to scale up companies, particularly around open innovation and supply chains. And whilst we’re great fans of sector networks spanning all sizes of businesses, particularly for engendering technical collaborations and knowledge-sharing, the challenges of growing a business, in and of themselves, span all sectors.

Bringing together senior leaders who share similar positions and experience but work in different sectors, encourages dynamic thinking and provides fresh perspectives on ideas and issues. Learning of the commonalities and differences in the growth journey, particularly around the key tipping points, and being

exposed to a wider diversity of thinking, helps businesses better understand their own strengths, the impact of their blind spots, expands their comfort zone and helps drive business growth.

It is the personal experience of running a growth business that makes peer-to-peer support and exchange distinct from the counsel of friends, family and even professional advisors. Peer group members understand the responsibility and pressures of being at the helm of a business in a way that others simply cannot unless they too have done it themselves.

A thriving, value-added, connected ecosystem is a huge asset we recognised nearly two decades ago as a ‘soft’ growth essential, not just to catalyse and accelerate growth, but to help sustain it during periods of economic austerity, major market disruptions and global crises. And we’ve built a few of them in our time, all based on understanding of the members needs and wants and an unrelenting focus on the delivery of value to the participants, both as a whole and to segments.

It’s not a quick and easy task, and the community itself needs to commit, to adopt a pay-forward ethos for the benefit of all, and help drive its success. But the individual, business and economic payback is enormous. Clients have become enduring friends, suppliers, business partners, buyers, collaborators, connectors, trusted advisors, investors and non-execs.

So we’re building a thriving, sustainable community of peers through the donation of voluntary time, and the support of those who understand that if we give a little, we can all gain a lot. If you’re an ambitious, growth business, we hope that you will join us, benefit from all the Growth Works support, and be part of this community.

Ready to get started? Register your interest online and you’ll receive a warm welcome: www.growthworks.uk/get-started

SMART ENERGY

Smart meters are a smart decision for your business this winter

Firms of all sizes are currently confronted by a host of challenges, from soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates.

As a business owner, you need to ensure that your doors stay open and that your business can thrive no matter what the season brings. Did you know that a smart meter could help your business this winter and beyond? Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters currently being rolled out in homes and small businesses across Great Britain by energy suppliers.

If you are looking for practical advice to help tackle these challenges, a smart meter could be a positive step for your business.

MAKE INFORMED CHOICES ABOUT YOUR FIRM’S ENERGY USAGE

A smart meter could give you valuable insights into how your business uses energy, day and night, helping you to identify ways to reduce your energy use.

CLOSE THE DOOR ON ESTIMATED BILLS

Installing a smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings. Once installed, smart meters digitally measure

how much energy you’re using and send your meter reading directly to your energy supplier at agreed intervals, putting an end to estimated bills.

DON’T LET ENERGY COSTS KEEP YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT

Installing a smart meter can help you closely monitor where you spend your money, helping with planning and projection of costs in the short, medium, and long term. They allow you to spend less time worrying about cash flow and more time running your business.

FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A SMART METER

Whether you rent or own your business premises, you could still be eligible. If you don’t have your own gas and/or electricity meter, ask your landlord if they plan to get one for your building.

Half of eligible businesses across Great Britain already have a smart or advanced meter installed.

Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible for a smart meter. Click here https://bit.ly/3DZ7PPx to find out whether you are eligible. You can also contact your energy supplier or broker.

Events Calendar January – March 2023

Chamber members can register for events via the Chamber website www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk or please contact Zoe McCabe Brennan, Events Co-ordinator on 01223 237414 or email z.mccabebrennan@cambscci.co.uk

Wednesday 8 March 2023, 9.30am-1.00pm

Peterborough Cathedral

Peterborough Cathedral will again provide the setting for a morning of inspirational speakers, networking and debates to celebrate International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Join us and hear from guest speakers and a panel discussion on how to #EmbraceEquity

Book now to avoid disappointment as places expect to sell out fast!

£25.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £35.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members

Register online or contact Zoe McCabe Brennan, Events Executive, on 01223 237414 or email z.mccabebrennan@cambscci.co.uk

Sponsored by

For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity.

Equity isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.

A focus on gender equity needs to be part of every society’s DNA.

www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

EVENTS

Chamber members can register for events via the Chamber website www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk or please contact Zoe McCabe Brennan, Events Executive on 01223 237414 or email z.mccabebrennan@cambscci.co.uk

SAFARI NETWORKING BREAKFASTS

Take the opportunity to meet new business connections through safari networking. This relaxed but structured format offers guests the chance to move around the room and form connections with new business contacts from a wide range of industry sectors.

Tuesday 24 January, 7.45-10.00am

The Haycock Manor, Wansford

Informal Networking Evenings

Start 2023 by building new connections at these free events taking place across the county.

Catch up with familiar acquaintances you haven’t seen for a while, mingle with new business contacts and share knowledge and skills with like-minded professionals

JANUARY 2023

The Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon

Wednesday 11 January, 5.00-6.30pm

The Brewery Tap, Peterborough

Tuesday 17 January, 5.00-6.30PM

Fellows House, Cambridge

Thursday 19 January, 5.00-6.30pm

Poets House, Ely

Monday 23 January, 6.00-7.00pm

FEBRUARY 2023

TBC St Neots

Wednesday 8 February, 5.00-6.30pm

Mantle Space, 9 Hills Road, Cambridge

Thursday 16 February, 5.00-6.30pm

The Crown Hotel, Stamford

Tuesday 21 February, 5.00-6.30pm

Poets House, Ely

Monday 27 February, 6.00-7.00pm

Our guest speaker is Dan Ince from BrandWorks Marketing.

Tuesday 28 February, 7.45-10.00am

Orton Hall Hotel, Peterborough

Our guest speaker is Kristian Downer from DowSocial.

CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY NETWORK

Network with other construction and property-related companies at these specialist informal events taking place across the county.

Construction & Property Networking Lunch

Friday 27 January, 12.00-2.00pm

Peterborough United Football Club

We’re delighted to welcome Matt Gladstone, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, as our guest speaker.

Construction & Property Networking Breakfast

Friday 17 February, 8.00-10.00am

Brampton Park Golf Club, Huntingdon

Our guest speaker is Neil Walker, Security Manager at Rutland Security. Sponsored by Rutland Security

chamber

Chamber members can register for events via the Chamber website www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk or please contact Zoe McCabe Brennan, Events Co-ordinator on 01223 237414 or email z.mccabebrennan@cambscci.co.uk

SPEED NETWORKING, CAMBRIDGE

Friday 10 February, 9.30-11.30am

Novotel Cambridge North, 2 Cambridge Square, Cambridge, CB4 0AE

This unique networking event allows delegates to take part in speed networking whilst supporting Maggie’s, the Chamber Charity of the Year.

Delegates will enjoy refreshments on arrival before hearing from Hayley Webb, Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Cambridge. Hayley will talk about how architecture can affect wellbeing and how all Maggie’s Centres are unique in their design. The Cambridge Centre plans have been approved and we will be allowed a sneak peek of the new design.

Saiman Miah, Senior Architect at Mott MacDonald, will explain the role of an architect in projects such as the Maggie’s Centre build and talk about some of the work they are currently undertaking. Saiman will cover how they help form client briefs and deliver them through the RIBA work stages 0 to 7. He will use one of his building examples for this and summarise this from sketches to a completed building.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to take part in our popular speed networking session. There isn’t a moment to spare as you move around the room with just 60 seconds to highlight your company’s unique selling points to each delegate.

Cost: £10.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £15.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

chamber

EVENTS

All income from tickets will be donated to Maggie’s.

This event is supported by Novotel Cambridge North.