connected magazine Spring 2024

Welcome ....

Welcome to the Spring edition of connected.

The start of 2024 has seen the introduction of a new events programme and we’re delighted with the support of our members to make this such a success. We’ve introduced Business Forums, Roundtable events and Business Leaders Lunches alongside our sector themed events, exhibitions and networking. See what’s coming up over the next few months by turning to our event pages.

Cambridge Children’s Hospital was our charity of the year for 2023/4 and we were proud to support them. You can find a recap on their time as charity of the year on page 12. Our plan for 2024/5 is to support as many of our member charities as possible in a variety of different ways through events and volunteering opportunities.

Your contributions is what enables us to produce connected each quarter. To feature in the Summer edition of connected, please submit your content, or book your advertising space, by Monday 24 June.

SADIE PARR

s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Chamber Patron Members

Parr s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Chamber contact details Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH Tel 01223 237414 Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk Visit www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

@CambsChamber

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

@CambsChamber

comment from the

Chief Executive’s comments

The Spring Budget may have been the last fiscal event before a General Election, but did it provide much needed support to employers and the workforce?

We expect that some measures such as further reductions to National Insurance, increasing the VAT threshold, freezing fuel and alcohol duty will we be welcomed, however there were no major announcements that will alleviate a testing economic environment. It was of course, important to hear that the Chancellor wants to back Cambridge to be the world’s leading scientific powerhouse, confirming a long-term funding settlement for the Development Corporation, which should see over £10million invested in the coming year. As we hear from our community, we need to see sustainable growth which is inclusive and the need to tackle the

transport, water, energy and health infrastructure is critical. We must also ensure the benefit is realised by the wider region. We really welcome our member’s views on ‘The Case for Cambridge’. AstraZeneca has pledged £650million to be invested into the UK, part of which will be used to develop the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Government has also reiterated its commitment to delivering East West Rail (EWR) in full, investing into the regions connectivity is key.

Over the next couple of months, we will be hosting roundtable events with MP’s across the county to hear their plans for the region and share the thoughts of our members. We have already hosted Darren Jones MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and party parliamentary candidate Andrew Pakes at British Sugar in Peterborough where the conversation included the need for access to finance, flexible training, planning and international trade. Please keep an eye on our website for details of future roundtables as they are announced.

Quarter 1 of 2024 has proved to be a great opportunity to build connections across the county through our new events programme. We are delighted to share the highlights on pages 6-8.

On International Women’s Day the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released information on the polling they carried out to highlight the scale of the challenge

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

to make workplaces across the UK more equitable. In February Sarah Howard, Chair of British Chambers of Commerce led our Workplace Equity Roundtable, taking insightful Q&As from guests alongside Jane Gratton, Deputy Director, Public Policy at the BCC. Breakout rooms gathered thoughts and ideas which have been shared with the BCC and will contribute to their important work on this commission. Further details of the campaign can be found on page 32-33.

Being a part of the business community is extremely important to our role at the Chamber are we were proud to be an official partner of the highly contested #21toWatch which shone a light on the most innovative, worldclass businesses that our region continues to nurture. We were also a judge for the Fenland Business Awards alongside Andy Silley, the Chair of our Fenland Chamber.

Finally, we look forward to connecting with many of you at our B2B North event on Thursday 13 June at KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough. There is still time to secure your stand or opportunities to elevate your brand by taking one of the sponsorship packages available. Turn to our event pages for details or please contact our events team for further details.

We always welcome your views; please do get in touch at chamber@cambscci.co.uk.

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.

GETTING CONNECTED AT CHAMBER EVENTS

2024 saw a change to our events calendar to bring you more opportunities to grow your knowledge and build your connections.

What a quarter it has been…

ROUNDTABLES

Our private roundtable events offer members the chance to have their voices heard by the likes of members of parliament, British Chambers of Commerce and Bank of England. Opportunities like this allow the Chamber to advocate the views of our members straight into central government, the Chamber will continue to provide platforms like this throughout the year for our members to lobby for change.

Bank of England

We kicked off January 2024 with a private roundtable with Bank of England, hosted at PwC, with representatives attending from local businesses to talk about issues around the economy.

Jonathan Haskel from the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee, supported by local agents Kieran Dent and Patrick Campbell, gave insights on the current state of the economy and sought feedback from attendees who represented a range of industry sectors.

Thinking Outside the Box

We mixed things up at the beginning of March by hosting a networking event at HMP Peterborough, with the aim of encouraging employers to consider expanding their talent pool by supporting and recruiting prison leavers. We welcomed Michael Moriarty of Mick George who shared their experience and encouraged other to follow. We also heard talks from prison staff, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and a person with current living experience. Thank you to Anne Corder Recruitment for sponsoring.

Workplace Equity Commission

In February we were delighted to be the first to host a virtual roundtable supporting the British Chambers of Commerce’s Workplace Equity Commission. Sarah Howard MBE, Chair of British Chambers of Commerce, set the scene on their work so far on the commission. The event included breakout rooms, full of in-depth discussions and knowledge shared, and we were delighted to share our findings with BCC.

International Roundtable

At patron member Novotel Cambridge North, we welcomed William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to discuss the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and what this means for UK businesses with the additional customs rules and checks.

Darren Jones MP

In March Chamber members from Peterborough met with Darren Jones MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and party parliamentary candidate Andrew Pakes at British Sugar, a new and exciting venue for us to showcase to members. The conversations covered a range of topics including the need for access to finance, flexible training, planning and international trade.

Ely Networking

Our collaboration with Ely Cathedral Business Group continues this year at our monthly Ely Networking series, sponsored by Grovemere Property. We mix the theme up each month, offering guests a wide range of insights and activities whilst building connections. First up was our legendary speed networking, our ears are still ringing! In February we were delighted to welcome Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, G’s Group and The Shearline Group, focusing on how companies can benefit from apprenticeships when considering their talent pipeline. In March we heard from Jon Torrens who gave a comedic presentation on the do’s and don’ts of presenting.

In February we partnered with CAMRA at The Maltings in Ely for the Elysian Winter Beer Festival. We were delighted to host this special event, exclusively open for businesses the day before the official opening. A huge thank you to Masters Logistical for sponsoring.

International Women’s Day

Our annual event celebrating International Women’s Day was hosted by patrons Huntingdon Racecourse and welcomed a room full of inspiring and wonderful people. We shared what we’re scared of when it comes to inclusion and what we’re committed to changing off the back of the inspiration heard from guest speakers: Katie Allen, Sarah Stones and Ross Renton.

Stamford Networking

Our Stamford network has grown incredibly and continues to do so, shown in our first two events of the year. We started at the fans favourite The Crown, welcoming over 60 business leaders to network informally over a drink after work. We were then pleased to support a new venue for us, Adnams, who were fantastic hosts. It was exciting to showcase and support such a fantastic store and give guests the chance to try their award winning wines, beers and spirits, all whilst making new and important connections with local businesses. We’re delighted our Stamford Networking will now be taking place on a monthly basis.

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.

Business Leaders Lunch

A new event added to our 2024 calendar and our first one in March was one we’re extremely proud of. We enjoyed prosecco on arrival, an impressive sit-down lunch, as well as some surprises throughout arranged by our wonderful hosts, Novotel Cambridge North.

We heard from event sponsors Allica Bank before our first guest speaker Rob Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, on the current outlook for 2024 across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and Rob delivered an insightful insight.

We then heard what we can only describe as an inspirational, hard hitting but amazing talk from Darren and Simon of Amazon Row. They are two of the four man team heading off in September to row the entire navigable length of the Amazon, raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital. There are sponsorship options for businesses to support and get their logo on the boat, as well as general fundraising, get in touch with us if you’d like further details.

Meet the Neighbours

Construction and Property Networking

Our Construction and Property sector consistently grows and thrives and 2024 doesn’t look to change this. A special thank you to Cambridge Regional College for hosting us in January and showcasing the facilities, to the culinary students for providing the amazing lunch, and the two construction apprentices who delivered fantastic talks on their experiences.

Thank you Steven Coleby of Marshall Skills Academy for being our guest speaker, a fantastic and engaging talk all around their work in building the next generation of talent, addressing and tackling skills gaps in the construction industry.

In March we headed to The Marriott in Peterborough for a jam-packed fantastic afternoon. A special thank you to GCE Hire Fleet for sponsoring and leading a panel discussion featuring Peterborough City Council, Sizewell C Supply Chain, Opportunity Peterborough, Breheny Civil Engineering, Volvo Construction Equipment and SMT. We also welcomed Sizewell C Supply Chain and the A428 Improvements team as exhibitors throughout the event and enjoyed a networking lunch.

In February we collaborated with Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce and Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce for our first Meet the Neighbours of 2024, welcoming over 80 businesses to build connections across county borders. East West Rail delivered an important update before guests worked their way around three tables building connections in a fast-paced format, before enjoying a full English breakfast. We were delighted to welcome Nate Lansdell of A Smile A Day Photography to the event, capturing some wonderful photos throughout.

We look forward to working with other neighbouring Chambers throughout the year.

HELPING YOU CREATE INSPIRING EVENTS

Planning an event can be a daunting task, but with the help of Meet Cambridge, the official conference and meetings bureau for Cambridge and the surrounding area, the process can be a seamless and enjoyable experience. Here are ten ways in which you can tap into its range of services to create a truly memorable event – whether it’s a residential conference, a one-day meeting, a training day or a dinner.

1. Advice and support

Meet Cambridge is the go-to resource for venue finders and event professionals, with a range of benefits on offer including support from a team of venue-finding experts to help you find the perfect location for your event.

2. Free service

Meet Cambridge understands that the success of your event is of utmost importance. That’s why there’s help to navigate the challenges of event planning, whatever type of gathering you are organising – and it’s free!

3. Impartial advice

You can trust Meet Cambridge to give you completely impartial advice with a focus on finding the best solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your event exceeds expectations.

4. Expert knowledge

Meet Cambridge’s highly skilled event professionals are experts in finding venues for any event in Cambridge. Whether you’re in search of the perfect space or looking for connections for additional event support, there’s the expertise and knowledge to help you.

5. Saving time

Time is a valuable resource, especially when planning an event. Meet Cambridge provides a one-stop shop to check suitability and availability with all its venues in one go, streamlining the planning process.

6. Inspiring event spaces

There’s access to a diverse range of more than 50 venues in and around Cambridge from the traditional and historic, to contemporary conference hotels, ensuring that your event stands out from the rest.

7. Available to all

Services are available to everyone and you don’t need a connection with the University of Cambridge or a

Cambridge College to host an event there. Whether you’re a seasoned meeting organiser or a first-time event planner, the team will provide you with as much (or as little) support as you require.

8. Large and international events

Sometimes an event may be too large to be hosted in one venue, so consider using the city as your venue instead! Meet Cambridge has the expertise and resources to help you build a seamless event which will give your attendees the full Cambridge experience.

9. My Event

The ‘My Event’ portal allows planners to manage enquiries and receive real-time responses from venues all in one place. Free of charge, this online system promptly matches event specifications with venues and responses and allows event organisers to track their enquiries, review responses, accept or decline venue offers, schedule site visits or download proposals.

10. Sustainable events

Meet Cambridge is committed to promoting sustainable events, with guidance on making environmentally conscious choices and contributing to a greener future. There’s also a Sustainable Events Toolkit on its website for ideas and resources.

For further information: please visit www.meet-cambridge.com

Bridging the communication gap: the role of personality profiles

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful organisation. It’s critical to ensure everyone feels heard and understood.

The first chapter in Thomas Erikson’s ‘Surrounded by Idiots’ is called “Communication happens on the listener’s terms”, i.e. everything we say to someone else is filtered through their frames of reference, belief, experiences, memories, values, biases, and preconceived ideas. This is one of the many challenges of communication: you simply can’t control how the listener receives what you say. But you can become a more effective communicator by adjusting yourself to how other people want to be treated.

So how do we navigate the different and diverse personalities and communication styles in the workplace? It can be a challenge: misunderstandings in communication are very often about our perception of the other person, and relationships can be improved when we understand them (and ourselves) better. That’s where personality profile tools can be your friend!

What are personality profiling tools?

They are assessments that give us an understanding of our likely natural preferences:

- How we approach work – faster or slower paced

- How we make decisions – from the head or heart

- How we communicate – relationship or task-oriented.

They give us valuable information for selfawareness, team building, and ultimately, improved communication and collaboration in the workplace.

There are many options including MyersBriggs, Insights Discovery, DISC, 16personalities, StrengthsFinder, to name but a few. I trained with a company called Clarity4D as I love their approach to making personal profiles simple and accessible for everyone.

Clarity4D

The Clarity4D model identifies four ‘colour energies’: Red (fire), Yellow (air), Green (earth), and Blue (water). We are all a mixture of all

four colours and have capacity to use 100 per cent of all four colours, however we do have a natural preference.

Whichever profiling tool you use it’s important to remember there is no right or wrong ‘result’ from the assessment. It isn’t about evaluating people’s skills or pigeonholing people: it’s about having a better understanding of their natural preferences and behaviours, remembering that people do not think, behave, or feel the same.

The four colours

People leading with Blue or Red energy tend to be more task-oriented and make decisions based on logic. They instinctively search for facts. They naturally notice tasks and work that needs to be done and are easily able to provide an objective and critical analysis. Those with Green or Yellow as their dominant colour tend to be more relationship-driven and make decisions based on gut instinct. They instinctively look for the impact on people. They’re naturally sensitive to people’s needs and reactions and tend to seek consensus.

Anyone with Blue or Green as their dominant colour are more introverted and need time to themselves. They tend to think and reflect first, then act later. Those leading with Red or Yellow energy are more extroverted and get their energy from being around others. They usually act first, then think and reflect later.

The benefits of personality profiles in the workplace

Let’s consider a practical application. Knowing whether someone in your team is more extroverted or introverted, for example, means you know whether they’re going to find it easier or harder to participate in a busy conversation, and you can adapt and support them accordingly.

What examples can you think of in your organisation? Maybe there’s been a time where actions haven’t been followed up after a meeting, or delegation has been unsuccessful.

Could a lack of understanding and communication be at the root of that?

Understanding the communication landscape in your organisation can have a hugely powerful impact:

Individuals can…

- Better understand, and play to, their strengths

- Recognise, and value, the differences in others and their preferred ways of communicating

- Better understand how their actions impact their colleagues

- Understand the behaviours expected in different situations and modify their reactions

- Improve relationships by interacting and communicating with their team and colleagues more effectively.

Leaders can…

- Identify which kind of tasks are most suitable for different people

- Discuss how their team prefer to be managed

- Create growth opportunities and help bring out the best in each person

- Discuss opportunities for changing the nature of people’s tasks and placing them in optimal positions that allow them to thrive

- Keep team wellbeing and motivation high during challenging times

- Create closer relationships with suppliers and customers

- Build collaboration and co-operation, ultimately leading to innovation

- Improve efficiencies by reducing errors, missed deadlines and wasted time/ resources.

Key takeaways

There is no right or wrong profile. People do not think, behave, or feel the same.

We can’t control how the listener receives what we say but we can become a more effective communicator by adjusting to how

other people want to be treated. Effective communication is the key to all relationships.

Shine Coaching helps SME’s improve individual and team effectiveness. To discuss Clarity4D personal profiles or 1:1 coaching for improving confidence, communication, delegation, prioritising, teamwork and more, email Jo Woods jo@shinewellness.co.uk or connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-woods-coach/

Building inclusivity for business success: understanding the Purple Pound and Access to Work

An Expert Q&A with Sarah Stones - Motivation Specialist, Speaker and Coach

Can you explain what the ‘Purple Pound’ is and its significance for businesses?

The Purple Pound refers to the spending power of disabled people and their households. It’s significant because it represents a substantial, often overlooked market segment. Businesses that become more accessible not only tap into this spending power but also enhance their reputation, expand their customer base, and build loyalty by showing commitment to inclusivity. In the UK alone, the Purple Pound is estimated to be worth £274 billion a year. There are 16 million disabled people in the UK. That’s one in four.

What are some key strategies businesses can adopt to become more inclusive of people with disabilities?

First, assess your physical and digital accessibility to ensure all customers can access your services. Training staff on disability awareness is crucial; everyone should feel welcomed and supported. Additionally, consider flexible employment practices to accommodate diverse needs, and actively seek feedback from disabled customers and employees to continuously improve.

What is ‘Access to Work,’ and how can it benefit employers and employees?

Access to Work is a government initiative that provides practical and financial support to help people with disabilities or health conditions start or stay in work. Benefits for employers include funding towards adaptations, equipment, or support workers, making it financially viable to hire or retain talented individuals with disabilities.

How does investing in inclusivity impact business performance and employee motivation?

Inclusivity builds a positive workplace culture, driving motivation, engagement, creativity, and productivity. Employees feel valued and supported, which reduces turnover and attracts talent. For the business, it means better problem-solving, innovation, and access to a wider talent pool. Inclusivity isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s smart business.

Can you share a success story where a business significantly benefitted from being more inclusive?

Absolutely. A local retail business implemented an accessibility audit and made changes to their store layout, website, and staff training. The result was a noticeable increase in customer footfall, including those with disabilities, and a boost in employee satisfaction, as staff felt proud to work for a company that prioritises inclusivity. Sales increased, proving that inclusivity is beneficial for both the community and the bottom line.

For businesses interested in becoming more inclusive, what first steps would you recommend?

Start with an accessibility audit of your physical and digital spaces. Engage with disability organisations for guidance and feedback. Then, explore the Access to Work scheme to understand how it can support your efforts. Committing to continuous learning and improvement is key to building an inclusive environment.

How can businesses ensure they are continuously improving their inclusivity efforts?

Continuous improvement comes from regularly seeking feedback from employees and customers with disabilities, staying updated on best practices in accessibility, and being open to change. Inclusivity should be an ongoing commitment, integrated into all aspects of business strategy and operations.

In your view, what does the future hold for inclusivity in the workplace?

The future is promising, with growing awareness and technology advancements making inclusivity easier to achieve. I believe we’ll see more businesses recognising the value of a diverse workforce and the importance of the Purple Pound. Inclusivity will become a standard, not an exception, driving innovation and success in an increasingly diverse world.

CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Proud to support Cambridge Children’s Hospital

The Chamber chose Cambridge Children’s Hospital as their Charity of the Year for 2023/24 and support the work to bring a dedicated children’s hospital to Cambridge.

We are pleased to announce that we have raised £2,195.50 through donations and sponsorship.

Two team members ran the Cambridge Half Marathon at the start of March in two hours 25 minutes. Thank you to those that sponsored them and helped raise £735.00 for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust.

We also raised £1460.50 at our charity raffle in our Comedy Night, organised by our Construction Sector, in June 2023 specifically for the Children’s Hospital.

Sadie Parr, Head of Operations at the Chamber, commented:

“To raise just over £2,000 for our Charity of the Year is amazing and we are

grateful for the support of our members in helping us to do this.

“We didn’t just raise funds for the hospital, but we gave the charity a platform at events and exhibitions to showcase the progress of the hospital and how individuals and organisations can get involved. We will continue to follow the build progress and support them at their fundraising events.”

Charlotte Horobin and Sadie Parr recently attended Give us a Lift & ACT Iftar 2024 with two Chamber member guests. The dinner was in aid of the new Cancer Hospital on the Addenbrookes site.

The Chamber will supporting a number of charities that are Chamber members in the 2024/25 financial year. Please reach out to us if there is a way that we can support you by emailing enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

Cambridge Children’s Hospital will be a world first hospital that cares for children’s physical and mental health together, in a way no-one ever has before.

The Cambridge Children’s Hospital (CCH) is an innovative and groundbreaking project for our region and is urgently needed as the East of England is currently the only area of the UK without a dedicated children’s hospital. CCH will be a world first – taking an entirely new approach to healthcare as the first fully integrated hospital to treat the whole child. CCH will provide treatment for both mental and physical health and will bring together leading research, treatment, and technology. Serving 1.5 million children in the area, and connecting with the 16 existing regional hospitals, CCH will draw on telehealth technology to allow the ongoing treatment of children and young people within their own homes and school environment, with admission for only those children in critical need. It will bring physical and mental health expertise together under one roof, working in unison to organise treatment that supports everything a child may be going through — whether that’s visible or not.

If you’d like to know more about the campaign, and the progress they are making, please visit their website www.cambridgechildrens.org.uk.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is more than firewalls, phishing tests, antivirus software and good IT support provision as you’ll see here! These things were necessary and adequate, but in 2024 they are necessary and inadequate.

You need a comprehensive set of cybersecurity services that work hand-in-glove with your IT support team and include risk identification and assessment, security policy and planning, penetration and vulnerability testing and real-time monitoring and response.

With our Cybersecurity Team in your corner you can rest assured you are protected against cyber attacks, no matter what form they take.

Cybersecurity is:

• Risk identification

• Planning for and responding to incidents

• Policy

• Testing

• Defence capability.

Here is the cybersecurity journey we can help you navigate!

Identify your cyber risks

Ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your data through risk identification and reduction techniques. This is known as the CIA Triad: Confidentiality: Information is protected from unauthorised access

Integrity: Information is protected from unauthorised change

Availability: Information is only available to authorised users.

Confirm your asset inventory, identify your High Value Assets within your IT systems, noting the findings in documentation which is then used to complete a cybersecurity Risk Register.

Cybersecurity planning

With your risks and high value assets identified put key plans in place to mitigate the risks and protect the assets.

Security Audit: Complete a thorough security audit

Incident Response: Prepare an Incident Response Plan to be enacted when malicious activity is suspected

Rupert Davey

Incident Recovery: An Incident Recovery Plan will define the steps to limit the impact on your organisation.

Test

your defences regularly

There’s no substitute for empirical testing so focus on the following areas:

• External penetration testing

• Internal device and network vulnerability scanning

• Security configuration sweeps

• Phishing simulations. Perform regular attack simulations and vulnerability tests to find the weak spots in your defences, feeding-back the findings to help harden your systems over time to emerging threats.

Defend against attacks in real-time

A security operations team (SecOps) will monitor your systems for malicious activity, using all of the tools at their disposal. They correlate data, logs and information from sources such as:

• Computer health

• Dark web scans

• Phishing reports

• Malware alerts

• Intrusion detection alerts

• Identity sign-in and user risk alerts

• Multi-factor authentication fraud reports. The same team should be responsible for conducting regular preventative maintenance on your security systems.

Cyber Essentials

Cyber Essentials is a government backed scheme that will help you to protect your organisation against a range of the most common cyber attacks. Our Cybersecurity Team can assist in helping you exceed the requirements.

• Review cybersecurity measures against the standard

• Advice and remedial action

• On-going compliance review and maintenance into the future.

The Cyber Essentials Plus standard is a UK government backed cybersecurity baseline assessed annually by external audit.

We are Cyber Essentials Plus certified and it covers our entire organisation.

About ctm Information Technology

We deploy, support and secure IT systems for businesses throughout the UK using Microsoft technologies.

We offer a range of Microsoft 365, Modern Work, Infrastructure and Cybersecurity managed services to both SMEs and larger enterprises.

We also offer access to market-beating discounts on Microsoft 365 and Azure products as a Microsoft Direct Bill Cloud Solution Provider (CSP).

Established in 1999, we have over 25 years’ experience in helping businesses get the very best from their IT.

About Rupert

Joining the company in 2003 in Technical Support, Rupert quickly showed his aptitude for management, rising through the ranks to Technical Support Engineer and Team Leader by 2005, to General Manager in 2007, and becoming Managing Director in 2016.

Rupert holds a first class honours degree in Computer Systems Engineering with Internet Technology from Bucks New University and is a Microsoft Certified Professional.

Get in touch

We can answer any questions you may have and, if you’re ready to get started, help you through the whole onboarding process in under an hour.

More information is online, here: www.ctm-it.com

Chamber Cyber Essentials is a partnership to help you to get #CyberEssentials certified and be protected from cyber-crime. Contact the Chamber Team for your exclusive discount code.

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.

BCC launch industry-led skills programme to unblock Britain’s planning pressures

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), with founding partner Aviva, is establishing a new five-year industry-led programme to increase skills and capacity in Local Planning Authorities (LPAs).

The programme will pay for at least 100 undergraduate and masters’ level qualifications for people entering the planning industry, and for people already working in LPAs who need to develop skills for more senior planning roles. It will pay for the learner’s training and will aim to facilitate work experience and jobs within LPAs. In return, at the end of their course of study, the learner must commit to work in a council planning role for at least two years.

The BCC is asking businesses from all sectors to contribute to the programme’s fund with the aim of raising at least £3 million. Aviva is contributing £500,000 as the first UK firm to support the scheme.

BCC members, of all sizes, are clear that limited resources and specialist skills within the planning system are delaying important investment that

would promote growth across the UK. The programme aims to address this by increasing the pipeline of talent into the sector and expertise among existing planners.

The Government is being urged to introduce a mechanism for those LPAs in greatest need of additional planning skills and resources to access dedicated funding.

Baroness Martha Lane Fox, President of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The UK’s economy is being held back by a slow planning system, and we must address the lack of resource by giving local planning authorities some hope of support.

“The Chambers membership is consistently telling us a slow planning system due to limited resource is blocking much-needed investment and halting growth. We want to work in in partnership with government to take concrete steps to support them to help unlock our planning system.

“Investing in Talent, Building Communities is a five-year programme led by the BCC,

with founding partner Aviva, to help local councils with endless delays in the planning system, get on with driving the British economy forward. It is vital that businesses of all shapes and sizes across the country contribute to this initiative.”

Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive of Aviva said: “Greater planning capacity is key to supporting more investment in UK housing, regeneration and infrastructure. More planners and more specialist planning skills will allow businesses to invest with more certainty and greater speed, boosting economic growth and make a meaningful difference to communities across the UK.”

Work begins on project gigabit rollout to 45,000 hard to reach homes across Cambridgeshire

CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has begun work to connect almost 45,000 hard to reach premises in Cambridgeshire as part of the government’s £5bn Project Gigabit programme.

Construction has now started following extensive planning and design work, with the first locations in the county to benefit from the new digital infrastructure including Fen Ditton, Grantchester and Milton. CityFibre will also be connecting a further 170,000 homes across Cambridgeshire as it aligns its nationwide rollout with the Project Gigabit programme.

The Cambridgeshire rollout - made possible through £69 million government investment - is the first of nine Project Gigabit delivery contracts secured by CityFibre since March 2022 with rollouts spanning Suffolk, Norfolk, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Sussex, Kent, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. These represent over £782m in government subsidies and unlocks almost £1.2bn in combined public and private investment in rural broadband.

Lucy Frazer, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and MP for South East Cambridgeshire, visited engineers deploying the new network in her constituency.

Welcoming the start of the build she said: “I’m delighted to see that CityFibre have started their full fibre rollout as part of Project Gigabit here in Cambridgeshire. This future-proof connectivity is critical for our region to drive growth expand job opportunities and connect our communities.

“I have consistently been pressing for greater connectivity in South East Cambridgeshire, since even before I was elected. At every stage I have pressed to ensure that Cambridgeshire is first in the queue for any rollout. As the project gets underway, it has been great to see first-hand the progress already made here in Fen Ditton, and to understand how this technology has been designed to ensure it will be fit for decades to come.

“As some of the first in the country to benefit from the Government’s £5bn programme of investment in new lightningfast connectivity, I’m pleased that the first households and businesses in South East Cambridgeshire will shortly be able to access services and reap the benefits of this brand-new network. Gigabit will also be coming very shortly to Milton and Landbeach.”

With Project Gigabit subsidies targeted at locations not addressed by commercial build plans, CityFibre will be the only full fibre network available to those homes and businesses and to the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that serve them.

The new network will provide residents and businesses with access to a wide range of Internet Service Providers including well-known brands like Vodafone, TalkTalk and Zen, as well as a number of exciting new providers.

Built using gold-standard XGS-PON technology, capable of supporting speeds of up to 10Gbps, CityFibre’s full fibre network will enable its current and future ISP partners to serve

customers with far faster and more reliable broadband services than the legacy copper-based network currently available in the build areas.

Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister, Julia Lopez, said: “Our multi-million pound investment in Project Gigabit is putting an end to buffering and bad connections. We are rolling out gigabit-capable networks faster than any other country in Europe, driving forward growth and new opportunities by providing millions of people across the UK with access to gamechanging connectivity.

“It’s fantastic to see that Cambridgeshire will be one of the first places in the UK to see spades in the ground, transforming the way people live and work in these rural communities.”

Throughout the build, CityFibre will work closely with local stakeholders to ensure disruption is minimised and that the build is managed safely and efficiently. Typically, teams will only remain in each road for up to three days at a time, and residents will be contacted ahead of any work starting.

Greg Mesch, Chief Executive Officer at CityFibre, said: “Our brand new network will go a long way to addressing the digital divide between our towns and cities and those in the countryside. There are real benefits to be felt from multigigabit speeds and unparalleled reliability and these are just as important to people living and working in rural areas. For the first time, underserved communities can choose between an old copper network built for phone calls and a modern full fibre network designed for the data age.”

Full fibre networks use 100 per cent fibre optic technology to carry data at light speed all the way to the home or business, offering near limitless bandwidth and reliable connectivity. People interested in upgrading to full fibre can find out more about the build, pre-register their interest and ensure they are updated on service availability at: www.cityfibre.com

SARAH WEST

Getting the fundamentals of SEO right

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is often depicted as a ‘dark art’ – but grasping the basics can significantly improve online visibility for your business.

Whilst it’s complex, focusing on the fundamentals of SEO can improve your website’s performance in search results.

So, Sarah West, founder of East Anglia’s leading B2B marketing agency, Full Mix Marketing, has taken a look at how B2B organisations can optimise their sites for search engines.

FIRST, WHAT IS SEO?

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is the actions you take to ensure your website appears more frequently and higher up in search results for the keywords you wish to target.

The three key areas you can affect are:

• Relevance – content appropriate to search queries

• Authority – perceived trustworthiness and credibility

• Structure – site organisation and user experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the fundamentals which you can address:

Content

Arguably, the most important element of SEO is having content that directly addresses users’ search queries – the more relevant your content, the higher your chances of appearing in search results.

Include text, images and videos that address your target audience’s needs and interests. Regularly updating your content signals to search engines that your website is current and relevant.

Keywords

To improve ‘relevance’, incorporate keywords that your target audience is likely to search for. Aligning your content with their searches increases the likelihood of your website appearing in results. You can use free and paid tools to research keywords, as people may not use the terms you expect!

It’s essential to integrate keywords naturally into your content – overloading your website with keywords can have a negative impact on search engine rankings.

On-Page Optimisation

Apart from the core content, various website attributes also contribute to SEO. Page titles that appear in browser tabs should include keywords as they’re among the first elements search engines assess.

Strategically use keywords in your on-screen headings and image descriptions (alt tags) too. Webpage addresses are crucial to indicate page topics and importance to search engines.

Authority

Authority is demonstrated to search engines through high-quality backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites.

A typical link-building strategy involves sharing content with third parties for publication and linking back to your site. Beware of purchasing or creating links from low-quality sources as this can harm your SEO.

Internal linking within your site is also important for user navigation and search engine understanding of your content.

Technical SEO

Websites contain complex HTML and computer code, which can be prone to errors and disliked by search engines. Tools – both free and paid – can assess attributes like crawlability, broken links and speed.

It’s crucial for websites to be hosted on secure (HTTPS) servers with proper security certificates.

Mobile-Friendliness

In B2B organisations, many websites are primarily accessed through desktops, but Google has recently shifted to ‘mobile-first’ indexing. This means a mobile-friendly and optimised website is now crucial for SEO. Ensure your site is responsive across browsers and screens for a seamless experience on different devices.

Most website builders and CMS platforms support this and online simulators can help preview your site’s appearance on various devices.

User Experience (UX)

UX is associated with having an effective website that users enjoy and supports successful sales. However, UX also significantly impacts SEO, which intertwines the two. It’s crucial to ensure your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly and presents information clearly and accessibly.

Incorporating numerous internal links helps users explore your site.

Local SEO

Local SEO is important if your business’s location impacts who you serve, for example having a branch or serving specific regions. Claiming and optimising your Google My Business listing is fundamental, providing a platform for customer reviews.

Incorporating local keywords and regionspecific content further enhances local SEO efforts.

Getting your SEO fundamentals right

As we’ve seen, the basics of SEO are straightforward – Google and other search engines prioritise quality websites that meet users’ needs.

Executing SEO requires technical skills and the creation of great content to boost relevance and authority.

As East Anglia’s leading B2B marketing agency, we help our clients with all three areas of SEO. If being found online is important to your business, we can help.

If you need any help with your marketing, visit www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk

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

CHAMBER FOUR SERVICES

Included in your Chamber membership is Chamber Four Services covering HR, Legal, Health & Safety and Tax. You have access to advice lines, document libraries and legal expenses insurance.

HOW TO ACCESS THESE SERVICES

Advice lines: call 01455 852037

Document libraries: Access via https://chambercambs.questcover.com/login and use your unique credentials to enter the site.

If you don’t have these, please contact the Chamber on 01223 237414 or email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

Does the absence of exclusive toilets constitute sex discrimination?

The Employment Tribunal (ET) had to determine this in the case of Abbas v ISS Facility Services 2023. The employer in question was a facilities management services provider with over 10 thousand employees in the UK. Ms Abbas worked for the company, and was the only female staff member working at the site in which she was based.

ABBAS V ISS FACILITY SERVICES –THE BACKGROUND

Toilet facilities on the site in which Ms Abbas worked comprised a male toilet with open urinals and a singular cubicle toilet, as well as a single accessible toilet. She was instructed to use either of the available toilets, and complained about a failure to provide an exclusive femaleonly toilet as a result.

The doors on the toilet did not have locks, so it could easily be opened from the outside by male employees. The hygiene in the men’s toilet was also reported as poor, with Abbas highlighting how there was often urine left on the toilet seats. The line manager agreed to fit a lock on the single toilet and placed a sign on the door – though this was only printed paper attached with tape. As such, the sign would often fall off and the employee had to repeatedly reattach the sign.

The employee continually complained about this situation, and – after three years, she raised a formal grievance. The complaint also included other workplace issue. Ms Abbas’ GP had signed her off from work for six months due to stress. While off from work, her employer refurbished the toilets and added secure locks. Even though she was satisfied with these improvements, Abbas decided to still file a direct sex discrimination claim as she argued she was treated less favourably due to her sex.

ABBAS V ISS FACILITY SERVICES –THE DECISION

The Employment Tribunal upheld the claim for direct sex discrimination. To reach this decision, they followed the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision in Earl Shilton Town Council v Miller 2023. In this case, female staff were forced to use male toilets whenever the female toilets were used by children from a playgroup who were in the same building. The EAT found that their failure to provide adequate toilet facilities for females compared to males amounted to less favourable treatment, and was direct sex discrimination as a result. Furthermore, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

state that employers must provide separate toilets for men and women. For failing to provide equal facilities, Ms Abbas was awarded £15,000 for injury to her feelings – though this also included an element for sexual harassment due to a separate matter.

This article is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Quest Advice Line Service for free on 01455 852037

Child sexual abuse is a growing problem, one that is getting worse year on year. The Internet Watch Foundation is at the forefront of the battle to protect survivors of abuse and make the Internet a safer place for all.

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is a technology-led, child protection organisation, representing a proactive global response to the growing problem of child sexual abuse imagery online. It’s their mission to search for, remove and prevent the proliferation of child sexual abuse images and videos hosted online.

Located in an office in Histon’s Vision Park, Cambridge a team of more than 70 diverse people work towards a united mission of seeing a world where no child is ever sexually abused. Here, over 20 analysts work each day assessing images and videos of children suffering sexual abuse.

They work with a community made up of tech industries, law enforcement, governments, the education sector, charities, and the public to track down and remove this imagery wherever it appears online.

The imagery they see ranges from the abuse of babies to the exploitation of teenagers and contains some of the worst horrors known to man.

These heroes, many local to Cambridgeshire, do one of the hardest jobs imaginable. It’s no easy feat, but their sacrifice helps preserve the rights of children, internet users, and service providers worldwide.

Since their start in 1996, the IWF have removed more than one million webpages confirmed to contain this abhorrent imagery. With each webpage containing hundreds or sometimes thousands of illegal images, this equates to the removal of millions of criminal images from the internet and the prevented revictimization of countless survivors.

Thanks to their work, the UK is now one of the safest places on earth to be online.

One of the greatest challenges faced by organisations like the IWF is raising awareness. Many parents and carers believe their child is

safe at home, but any child with access to an internet connected device is vulnerable.

In 2023, the IWF identified 275,655 webpages containing child sexual abuse. Almost every webpage, 92% (254,070), were found to contain “self-generated” images or videos. This is imagery where a child has been groomed, manipulated, or coerced by a perpetrator to performing sexually via a webcam.

Often, a child does not fully understand what they were doing, why they’re doing it, or the risk that their images could be saved, shared, and traded by criminals on dedicated child sexual abuse sites and forums.

Since the pandemic this type of content has seen an increase of more than 1000%, with perpetrators taking advantage of the increasing amount of time children spend online to learn, socialise, and play. This is especially true of younger children, with last year’s data showing 42% (107,615) of webpages contained “selfgenerated” imagery of children under 10 years old.

While this issue is distressing, the IWF is keen to reassure parents/ carers, teachers and concerned members of the community that they are not alone.

Knowing what you can do to keep your child safe online can often feel overwhelming. But as experts in this field, the IWF is clear that the most important step you can take to keep your child safe online is to TALK:

Talk to your child about online sexual abuse.

Agree ground rules about the way you use technology as a family. Learn about the platforms and apps your child loves.

Know how to use tools, apps, and settings about.

As a not-for-profit charity, this extraordinary organisation depends on the public to support their work.

The IWF are at the very heart of this wonderful community and urgently need your help to raise awareness and essential funds to aid their mission of seeing an internet free from child sexual abuse material.

Their supporters are remarkable people from all walks of life. They do their bit to help keep children safe online, whether that’s raising awareness in their local communities, fundraising through bake sales, running marathons, or making voluntary donations. Their efforts help to support the IWFs vital mission and contribute to innovative tech for good, welfare & training and prevention campaigns.

The IWF know that change starts at home, and they’re looking for local supporters, project funders and corporate organisations to join them in their mission to see an internet free from child sexual abuse. Could that include you?

If you want to make a real difference and support an impactful cause, please get in touch with Kate Moss, IWF Head of Fundraising, via email kate.moss@iwf.org.uk, telephone +44 (0) 1223 61871 or LinkedIn. connected

Take your people development agenda from groan to grin

Simone Robinson, Director at First Ascent Group, Cambridge, extols the benefits of brain science-led training and how it can overcome the groans next time the word ‘training’ is mentioned.

The mere mention of the word ‘training’ often elicits a groan, a reaction which has become all too familiar in boardrooms and office spaces alike.

However, for business leaders striving to foster a culture of growth and innovation, it is crucial to understand why this reaction occurs and how to overcome it. Here are the five main reasons behind the collective groan and some ‘brain scienceled’ suggestions to ensure training in your organisation becomes a catalyst for success.

1. I have been to SO many training sessions – not another one!

Many of us have endured long, tedious training sessions that seemed disconnected from our daily responsibilities. This misalignment between training content and job relevance can leave participants questioning the value of the time invested.

Suggestion: explaining the reason for, value of and content within the training will help everyone become far more enthusiastic. Learners want to know the value, both professional and personal, of attending training sessions. Include a launch event within the training programme explaining how this engaging and practical training programme will directly impact learners and how, through the reliance on brain science, it will be different to their previous experiences.

2. I am so busy – I do not have time for training!

The feeling of ‘cognitive overload’ is widespread across all industries and having to be ‘out of office’ (even if the training is delivered virtually) can cause some learners to view training in a negative light.

Suggestion: acknowledge these concerns and ensure your training programmes are delivered over several sessions instead of a whole day (or two) away from the office. Brain science has proved that long-term retention works better when we have time to reflect on what we have learned and even better when we have had a chance

to use the tools and techniques learnt in our normal working day.

3. I forget everything as soon as the training ends!

Another common grievance is that, although sometimes interesting and valuable, training is not memorable, so what is the point. If participants feel they have been put on training to ‘tick a box’, employers will struggle to measure a return on investment and participants will continue to have a negative view of training.

Suggestion: ensure your training programmes are designed to deliver ‘sticky learning’. Effective and impactful training needs to be easy to recall, especially under pressure. Providing environments, activities and even conversations where participants create their own ‘lightbulb’ moments can change the brain and thereby create behaviour change.

4. I thought I was doing my job well –why do I need to attend training?

Brain science has shown that feeling threatened can lead to poor decisionmaking and a tendency for individuals to feel anxious. If training is positioned in a ‘you must do this or else’ tone the threat response will instantly be felt by participants.

Suggestion: include participants in the planning of the training so they are part of the journey from the beginning. Perhaps invite your training provider to meet participants virtually to discuss the training programme and ensure no one feels training is being ‘done to’ them. Providing participants with some element of control of their workplace training will be greatly beneficial.

5. Training is so boring!

Sleep-inducing presentations with an over reliance on text heavy slides, confusing images and a presenter who literally reads from their slides. This is often the scenario people have in mind when they think of previous training experiences. Dull as the proverbial dishwater.

Suggestion: employers should promise - yes promise - that brain science-led training, no matter the topic, will be interesting, informative, interactive and inspiring. Let participants know they will be doing something different every 20 minutes as brain science shows that the brain tends to lose focus after about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes of sustained attention, participants’ brains need to be given time to reflect, ask questions, discuss or do an interactive activity to help learning stick.

Developing your people to improve productivity, manage change and innovate for the future is essential. Taking your people development agenda from groan to grin can be achieved by working with the best training providers available.

The First Ascent Group (www. firstascentgroup.com), incorporating The Oakridge Centre, has been providing brain science-led leadership, management and team training for 25 years and we recognise one size does not fit all. We start with an open mind, a clean sheet of paper and lots of experience. We listen to your objectives, aspirations and operational realities. We question and challenge you to understand the situation. Then we recommend a programme to engage your people for maximum impact.

From boards and senior leaders to graduates and apprentices, our engaging and energising programmes and workshops incorporate contemporary brain science and are delivered by our highly experienced team. The result: a programme that everyone will remember as the most effective and enjoyable development experience of their careers. For further information, contact Simone Robinson on 01223 223807 or via email at simone.robinson@ firstascentgroup.com

Experts in profiling and people development

Driving performance through brain science

Developing a deeper understanding of how people think and behave, improves interactions, collaboration, creativity and productivity

- Attract and retain employees

- Enhance communication

- Develop talent

- Improve engagement

- Drive productivity and innovation

- Achieve cultural transformation

REVEALING PREFERENCES. REALISING POTENTIAL.

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

• NEW MEMBERS •

A Smile a Day Photography

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Growth Hub

Durham Magneto Optics Ltd

Future Minerals Ltd

FWP-IP

Howden Insurance Brokers

J7 Enterprises Ltd

Maple Networks Limited

Michael O’Hagan Consultancy

StarSwift Information Security is an established Information Security Consultancy and Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) with a history dating back to 2006. Our primary aim is to empower businesses in efficiently managing their Information and Cyber Security needs by providing a comprehensive range of services.

Recognised as a National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Assured Service Provider, NCSC Cyber Advisor and Certification Body for both Cyber Essentials and the IASME Cyber Assurance schemes, our core focus is on supporting businesses in effectively overseeing the fundamental aspects of Information and Cyber Security. We work with companies and charities of various sizes and across diverse sectors, acknowledging the universal importance of protecting organisations.

If you require any assistance or guidance concerning Information or Cyber Security matters, we are readily available to help. Reach out to us via our website www.starswift.co.uk or email at contact@starswift.co.uk for support.

Nexus Fostering

Plain Sailing Motivation

Proampac

RDML Limited

Reed in Partnership (Reed Environment)

Ryan

Starswift Ltd

Tesu Health Ltd

TradeMastermind

Hello, I’m Sarah Stones, a Motivation Specialist based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire.

I founded my business, Plain Sailing Motivation to help organisations recruit, retain, and manage staff who are both motivated and engaged, while also guiding individuals towards jobs they truly love.

Through tailored coaching, impactful training, and inspirational speaking engagements, I take pride in saving organisations both time and money.

This is achieved by cultivating a deep understanding of what staff need and ensuring managers are fully equipped to offer the right support.

My mission is to create environments where everyone can thrive and achieve their full potential. I look forward to connecting with you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-stones/

FWD-IP Ltd is a leading tech provider of cutting-edge audiovisual, critical communications and security solutions. The family business, originating in Ely, has always shown a commitment to fostering local business growth and community engagement in East Anglia with widespread projects now spanning across the UK.

The Chamber serves as a cornerstone for businesses in the region, providing valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to drive economic prosperity and innovation. FWD-IP is aligned with the Chamber’s mission and an active member of the local business community since its inception in 1992.

Managing Director of FWD-IP, Stuart Grainger, comments: “It is great to be part of this dynamic and influential organisation that champions business excellence and collaboration within our community. This membership presents us with good opportunities to connect with other business leaders, contribute to other local initiatives, and continue delivering innovative audiovisual, critical comms and security solutions tailored to the needs of our clients.”

FWD-IP brings a wealth of expertise and ongoing support to the commercial, educational and residential sector (fibre and wireless network design and installation, data cabling/ telecommunications) and robust security systems including CCTV and door access which is well-suited to large scale venues, businesses parks and stadiums. Community engagement has always played a key role in FWD-IP’s business strategy and the firm have been a long-term supporter of Cambridge City Football Club having recently agreed a threeyear naming deal on the new FWD-IP Community stadium opening this year and, a sponsor of the Cambridge City Ladies football team for over five years now, promoting and supporting women in sports, technology and engineering.

With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, the company has established itself as a trusted partner in delivering state-of-the-art audio-visual solutions that enhance communication, collaboration, and augment entertainment

experiences. With interactive screens, digital signage and striking video walls, FWD-IP deliver high impact solutions in large campuses, music venues and festivals including Cambridge Club Fest as well as intelligent meeting room solutions that drive workspace efficiencies in the corporate arena.

FWD-IP also do extensive work for educational settings working with a large network of local schools and universities here and across the country, helping Cambridgeshire County Council, plus, various academies and trusts to optimise learning environments nationwide with affordable smart technology. Heritage buildings, institutions and places of worship are also beneficiaries of their tech integration including The University of Cambridge, St John’s College, The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge (OLEM) and Ely Cathedral amongst others.

As a member of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, FWD-IP looks forward to actively participating in Chamber events and initiatives aimed at driving economic growth, promoting entrepreneurship, and fostering a thriving business environment in Cambridge and beyond.

For more information about FWD-IP and its range of audiovisual, security and comms solutions, please visit, www.fwd-ip.com.

Taro Robert Tyson - Freelance Draughtsperson

My name is Taro Tyson, and I am a Sole Trader and Freelance Draughtsperson. I collaborate with clients who require Computer Aided Design drawings for their business. The work can be challenging at times, but from experience, I have the ability to adapt to a variety of work environments. From the initial concept, inception and design intent. If you have any questions, please contact me at tarotyson@btinternet.com or telephone 07939 248752

Combined Authority CEO keynote speaker at Business Leaders Lunch

The Chamber held its first Business Leaders Lunch in March at Novotel Cambridge North, kindly sponsored by Allica Bank. We were joined by guest speaker Rob Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority. With the Spring Budget recognising the strategic importance of Cambridge to the UK economy, Rob outlined how the Combined Authority were keen to work with all partners to ensure sustainable growth, for the whole region.

Rob emphasised the need for the Combined Authority to engage with residents and businesses, working with the constituent councils and the Business Board to ensure that there is a shared ambition for the area focussing on the following key areas:

• Skills

• Connectivity

• Climate

• Transport

• Further devolution to the region

Rob was clear that the Combined Authority needs to hear from the audience and wider as individuals and businesses in what they want, and what they want to see to help them succeed. We want to see businesses excel in our area which is good for our economy as well as the place.

The Combined Authority has been through an improvement journey over the last 18 months and is delivering against a Best Value Notice issued by Government. Through the Independent Improvement Board the organisation has taken significant steps to address this and continues to embed a culture for a successful organisation which will benefit businesses and residents across the region.

The role of the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is to deliver economic prosperity across the region as laid out in the Devolution Deal, to make Cambridgeshire and Peterborough a leading place in the world to live, learn, work and do business. One of the Mayor’s key areas of focus is on challenging inequalities, how health improves the area, and improving transport and connectivity. The Combined Authority continues to work with the bus operators to improve services, if connectivity improves, so will usage.

Transport for rural areas is key in light of the cost rise in car insurance. These costs are becoming too high for many which makes bus connectivity even more important. The local transport connectivity plan has a focus on expanding and adding new bus routes, combatting low patronage in rural areas, ambition for wider connectivity and looking at the carbon footprint.

The introduction of East-West rail will connect communities between Oxford and Cambridge with jobs, education and opportunities and is another important part of improved connectivity, alongside the enhancements to the Ely rail junction. Questions were taken from the floor…

Peterborough is a forgotten territory, what is being done for the area?

The Combined Authority with partners secured £48m for the station quarter in Peterborough through the Levelling Up Fund. This project aims to make improvements to better connect Peterborough Train Station directly to the city centre and a key gateway for everyone.

Once a Further Education cold spot, the Combined Authority worked closely with Peterborough City Council and Anglia Ruskin University along with partners and key stakeholders in planning and building the new University which was an ambition of the city for over 40 years, again through the Levelling Up Fund. The next phase of the University will open later this year and plans for further growth and investment are already well developed.

Charlotte Horobin and Rob Bridge

Peterborough is set to be the fastest growing local economy in the country between 2024 and 2027.

The Combined Authority are taking a stand at UKREiiF in May which is a three-day event bringing together the public sector alongside Government, investors, funders, developers, house builders and more. We will be campaigning to make the regeneration of Peterborough into an international destination and continue to drive forward its economic growth. So personally, I don’t think it is a forgotten area and there are plans in place to achieve even more for Peterborough.

What are you going to do differently? We don’t play nice here.

We need to follow what other areas do; they discuss some differences and difficult areas in private and put on a united front in public.

We need to achieve commonality and shared ambition with Board Members which will relate to businesses and residents. It is really important we have a shared vision; in turn this will allow us to access further investment and devolution for our area.

How do authorities view the Government vision for Cambridge?

There is some concern in what the announcements will really lead to and how it can be delivered. Regarding houses, the question is where and how can these be built. Water scarcity is a challenge in delivering the current local plans.

Local authorities need to play a part in whatever delivery model is decided. With the case for Cambridge there is not enough clarity on all of the elements yet.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, commented: “It was a pleasure to have Rob join us for our first Business Leader events to share his vision for the region and the obstacles being faced. We look forward to working with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority to support businesses in our local area going forwards as we navigate the support required for the economy.”

The event was concluded with a presentation from Endurance Limits showcasing their upcoming challenge Amazon Row, with a commitment to raise £250,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity whilst attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the quickest time rowing the length of the Amazon River. We were pleased to have the chance to see the boat which will take them on such a daunting journey and our community are welcome to sponsor their epic adventure and see their company logo on the hull of the boat.

ABOUT ROB BRIDGE

Rob began his role at CPCA in June 2023 and previously was Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council, a unitary council which came into existence in 2021.

A Cambridgeshire resident, Rob has overseen the successful implementation of a wide range of projects and initiatives, including the establishment of North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) as a new unitary authority.

Prior to his role at NNC, Rob was Chief Executive of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC). As a successful strategic leader, Rob has driven positive cultural change. He has an approachable and personable style and believes in creating cultures that allow people to be their very best.

Rob has also led on regeneration, external investment and transformation and is passionate about improving public services and the place where people live and was the lead Chief Executive for the Hertfordshire Growth Board.

Prior to his role as Chief Executive of WHBC, Rob spent eight years as Corporate Director and Chief Finance Officer at Fenland District Council.

Under Rob’s leadership as a local authority Chief Executive, the councils have made progress in its ambitious modernisation programmes to ensure services are delivered in the best way possible for local residents, businesses and communities.

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Custom building your home with us is like visiting a specialist tailor for a bespoke suit or dress. We offer you the opportunity to design every aspect of your home, ensuring it fits your needs and desires perfectly.

But we understand that the journey from vision to reality can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From securing the perfect plot in sought-after South Cambridgeshire locations to expertly managing the construction process, we take care of everything so you can focus on your excitement for your new home.

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CHARITY NEWS

Nexus Fostering helps raise funds for local Scouts Croatia trip

When Cambridgeshire Foster Carer Kelly asked if we could help raise funds for her son to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Croatia with their local Scouts group, we were more than happy to help. Their local scouts are gearing up for an exciting challenge – they’re climbing Mount Snowdon to make dreams come true! The Scouts group are seeking everyone’s support to send them on a magical camping trip to Croatia, where they’ll discover the joys of teamwork, outdoor exploration, and new friendships.

Foster Carer Kelly and son Austin are taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Snowden, and we were thrilled to donate £200 towards Kelly’s target. At Nexus Fostering, our aim is to support our foster carers with their goals as a thank you for their continued dedication to the children and young people they care for.

Siblings enjoy a day of football fun at Cambridge United

Youngsters hit the back of the net during an action-packed day of football fun.

The event was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and hosted by the Cambridge United Foundation. It was for brothers and sisters who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care at Milton.

Fifteen youngsters visited the League One Club and highlights included a guided tour of the Cledara Abbey Stadium. They got to walk around the pitch, sit in the dug-outs and see both dressing rooms, as well as meeting club mascot Marvin the Moose.

After lunch, they enjoyed a quiz together before having the chance

to grill first-team player Fejiri Okenabirhie during a special Q&A. The striker also posed for photos and signed autographs.

“The children had so much fun and we’re extremely grateful to the Cambridge United Foundation,” said EACH Family Support Practitioner Fay Wilde. “They were brilliant and put so much effort into the day, having to be flexible and adapt plans because of the weather not playing ball!

“Every one of the children said they had a great time.”

After a wet start, the rain cleared and youngsters were able to get outside and take shots at a giant inflatable goal – scoring points by hitting certain targets – as well as playing games including Giant Jenga.

Ed Taylor, the Cambridge United Foundation’s Engagement and Wellbeing Programme Manager, said it was an honour to host the EACH party. “I’m so glad we were able to put on this very special day.

“As a club and foundation, we have so much respect for the amazing work EACH does to support families across Cambridgeshire.

Golf Day Secures Hole in One for Air Ambulance

East of England based Streets Chartered Accountants, a top 40 accountancy practice, hosted their tenth annual Charity Golf Day raising a record amount of more than £8,000 for the Air Ambulance.

The total amount fundraised will be divided between our three regional charities; East Anglian Air Ambulance, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The winning team on the day was Varley Orthopaedics with Civil Recovery Solutions coming in second and The One Group in third place. The winners of the Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin competitions were Adam Aisthorpe and Paul Ward respectively.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all those people who sponsored, donated, gave their time and helped in some way, without whom the day would not be possible.

Streets Partner Jon Day, said: “The support we have received has been truly overwhelming and has helped us raise a staggering £8,063 for our three local Air Ambulance services. We’re delighted to be able to support our local Air Ambulance Services, who are the true winners of the day.”

A hole lot of Support!

An annual charity golf tournament organised by a Bishop’s Stortford business raised its record haul to support those battling cancer.

Insurance broker Sterling arranged its third golf competition with this year’s fundraising total being split between four UK cancer charities – one of which was Maggie’s in Cambridge.

Organisers were delighted that the 2023 Sterling Cup saw a huge £15,000 collected to support good causes, with Maggie’s receiving a fantastic donation of £2,500.

Maggie’s were delighted to welcome Peter Cook, manager at Sterling Insurance to their centre recently, to share the impact that their fundraising makes to people affected by cancer.

Peter Cook said: “With the sun shining, and to see so many smiling faces coming together to help raise £15k, was a pleasure. It was wonderful to visit and see at first hand the support and environment that Maggie’s services offer and we are very pleased to, once again, support the charity through the Sterling Cup.”

Maggie’s professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefits advisors and is funded by voluntary donations. Since Maggie’s opened its first centre in 1996, the charity has developed a programme of support that is proven to help people with cancer, as well as family and friends, take back control.

EACH’s

first Jail or Bail event raises more than £35,000

‘Corporate convicts’ enjoyed their freedom after taking part in a quirky charity challenge and helping raise more than £35,000.

The Jail or Bail event was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) and saw business representatives held in custody throughout the day on Friday 16 February. Their crimes ranged from stealing the office milk to ‘oversharing’ and they had to spend a maximum of five hours ‘behind bars’, canvassing support in order to raise £1,000 each via their JustGiving pages.

The event was a first for EACH’s corporate fundraising team.

Those being held at Milton were Amy Starkey (Jockey Club Racecourses), Noel Byrne (Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa), Sharon Livermore (Kameo Recruitment), Steve Elsom (Number 4 Consulting) and Paul Smith (Handelsbanken). After being arrested outside the hospice, they spent the day at nearby Milton Hall.

They were allowed to use their laptops and phones, to appeal for financial help, and, in total, the convicts raised more than £35,000.

“It was an enormous success, both in terms of funds and raising awareness of the work we do,” said Senior Corporate Fundraiser Billie Nugent.

“A very big thanks also to those who donated and helped them secure their bail money. To raise as much as we did was astonishing and far exceeded our expectations.”

After arriving at the hospices, the convicts were arrested, handcuffed and read their rights by real police officers. They then booked in for the day, fingerprints were taken and they were asked to change into grey custody tracksuits. As soon as they reached their fundraising target, the convicts were free to go.

“An extra special thank you also goes to the police forces in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk,” added Billie.

Peterborough Positive hosts a summer of free city centre events!

Peterborough Positive is excited to continue its mission to animate the city centre by organising free events that will encourage footfall and entertain.

Here are some to look forward to:

Yoga at the Cathedral: Free, relaxing and informal yoga sessions in the grounds of Peterborough Cathedral on the following Saturdays: 11 May, 8 June, 13 July, 10 August, and 7 September.

Euro 2024 Family Trail: With football fever set to grip the nation, you can enjoy a football themed, family trail around the city centre on Saturday 15 June. Starting at Peterborough Museum and finishing with

a penalty shootout, this free trail promises fun for all ages.

Peterborough’s Strongest: This thrilling event returns to the city centre, so join in the excitement on Saturday 10 August, as athletes go head-to-head in a bid to become Peterborough’s Strongest!

Big Screen Family Film: Get the popcorn ready and enjoy a family film in Cathedral Square, as big screen entertainment returns to the city centre on Sunday 18 August. For more information and details of other events being organised by the city’s business improvement district, visit www.peterboroughpositive.co.uk

Scale of Workplace Equity Challenge revealed

On International Women’s Day, new polling carried out for the British Chambers of Commerce by polling agency ‘Find Out Now’ highlights the scale of the challenge to make workplaces across the UK more equitable.

Six months into the BCC Workplace Equity Commission’s UK wide inquiry, new data has been published alongside an interim report by the Commission.

The polling found that:

• 93% of respondents said they understood the term ‘Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion’, while 6% did not understand or were not aware of the term

• 73% said they understood the term ‘Workplace Equity’, while 28% did not understand or were not aware of the term

• A quarter of respondents (25%) ‘disagree’ that everyone in the workplace has the same access to opportunities, resources and treatment, while 75% ‘agree’

• 28% of respondents said they felt they’d unfairly missed out on a workplace opportunity in the past two years, which they believed they were suitably qualified for, while 71% ‘disagreed’.

March marked the half-way point of the BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission. The commission has brought together businesses, UK and international Chamber representatives, as well as key stakeholders from across civil society. The group first met in September and issued a call for evidence. A summary of the evidence has been published. Some of the main themes emerging from the evidence are:

• Firms who have taken steps to improve fairness in the workplace have seen tangible benefits and there is a lot of good practice in local business communities across the country

• Fair recruitment practices are critical to making equitable workplaces

• The main barriers for firms were knowing where to go for information and a lack of time and resource

• Fear of saying or doing the wrong thing can lead to paralysis which does not benefit the employer or the workforce

• Businesses are aware that skilled people are being forced to leave the workforce because of the cost and availability of care/ childcare

• SMEs value opportunities for peer-to-peer learning with organisations of similar size or within their sector.

The BCC’s Workplace Equity Commission will now look to come up with practical recommendations for SMEs, to be published in a full report in September.

Sarah Howard, Chair of the British Chambers of Commerce and co-chair of the Workplace Equity Commission, said: “Our research results confirm what the BCC hears consistently – there’s still a huge task ahead to create level-playing fields for everyone in more workplaces. We now need to turn this evidence into action.

“A quarter of people told us they don’t believe everyone in their workplace has the same access to opportunities. That’s means many people in workforces aren’t being employed at their full potential. Our Workplace Equity Commission is determined to help companies, particularly SMEs, to make real change.

“Making workplaces equitable makes good business sense. Ensuring everyone has the support they need to reach their full potential in the workplace not only helps to improve staff recruitment and retention, but also boost productivity and growth. The ambition must be to see firms creating a level playing field for all individuals, no matter who they are.

“Over the coming months our experienced commissioners will be considering the wealth of evidence we’ve received and looking to make practical recommendations for employers, intermediaries and government.

“On International Women’s Day our research findings are a timely reminder of the work ahead. We want to help firms break down the barriers to workplace equity and for everyone to reap the benefits.”

Greater Anglia holds special International Women’s Day event

On Friday 8 March, more than 50 female members of the Greater Anglia workforce were hosted at a special event to mark International Women’s Day.

The day consisted of four interactive sessions that covered a variety of topics, including how to break into leadership roles, as well as discussions on topics that can cause issues for mental health, such as menopause and miscarriage.

The attendees, who were all from a wide variety of roles across Greater Anglia, also had the chance to try the company’s stateof-the-art driving simulators to get a taste of what it was like to be a driver.

External speakers led 30-minute sessions including Baljit Kaur on personal branding and leadership, and Fiona Skinner from The Fertility Coaching Company. Greater Anglia’s own occupational health nurse, Gabriella Antwi, created an engaging session around women’s health and menopause.

The event was also a chance for networking with staff between different departments. Leaders from within Greater Anglia were also on hand to talk to attendees about getting involved in other departments such as engineering, and to encourage mentoring, career development, and colleague-led network groups around disability, race and culture and sexuality.

#InspireInclusion

A women’s network group called ‘Up!’, aimed at being a support network and further voice for women within the company, was also relaunched.

Katy Bucknell, Greater Anglia’s HR director, said: “We have a huge number of talented women at Greater Anglia who work at all levels within the company.

“It was great to host the day for our colleagues. It was an opportunity to share information on women’s health support that is available in the business and to give everyone a little further help in their careers, if they wanted it.

“All our speakers gave inspiring stories and created some great discussions during their sessions and were very empowering.”

At Greater Anglia, 30 per cent of all women in the company are in management positions and latest staff polls from November 2023 show 78 per cent of female respondents would recommend the company as a good place to work and that 75 per cent are proud to work there.

Over the past year, Greater Anglia has partnered with female-friendly job board Work180. Work180 display and promote vacancies on its website and across social media and host career events at a number of shopping centres and job fayres.

The International Women’s Day event was held as part of Greater Anglia’s wider diversity and inclusion strategy, which is aimed at making the company a better place to work.

The Chambers’ annual event celebrating International Women’s Day was hosted by patrons Huntingdon Racecourse and welcomed a room full of inspiring and wonderful people. We shared what we’re scared of when it comes to inclusion and what we’re committed to changing off the back of the inspiration heard from guest speakers: Katie Allen, Sarah Stones and Ross Renton.

Sarah Stones, Motivation Specialist, Speaker and Coach was proud to share her journey. Speaking on the theme of #InspireInclusion, Sarah recounted how lessons in resilience, determination, and independence were a key part of her upbringing. One memorable story involved Sarah’s mother encouraging her to stand up independently after a fall when she was four, despite concerns from others that Sarah needed more support. This approach built Sarah’s self-sufficiency, a quality she celebrated her mother this Mother’s Day.

Sarah’s speech was a tribute to all the strong women who shape our lives, underlining the power of inspirational figures and the importance of building strength and resilience.

Medical innovations, Sustainability, Agritech and AI dominate #21toWatch 2024 Awards

The sixth annual #21toWatch innovation awards were unveiled at an awards ceremony at The Bradfield Centre in Cambridge, the UK Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation.

The annual Awards – which highlight the Top21 standout individuals, gamechanging companies, and world-leading innovations from across Cambridge and the East of England – are widely relied upon to be an early indication of the NextGen innovators set to make a considerable contribution to a better world and future.

Since its beginnings in 2018, #21toWatch alumni have included startups which have grown into world leading companies such as CMR Surgical, Riverlane, Paragraf, Flusso, Colorifix, Unitary, VividQ, Broken String Biosciences, Xampla, Sano Genetics, SATAVIA, Porotech and Cambridge Gan Devices – and the total amount of investment in #21toWatch alumni and British entrepreneurship now tops £1.036 billion (£1,036,508,387) to date. (This figure excludes undisclosed sums and private equity but does include the £621,383,288 investment in 2019 winner, behemoth CMR Surgical.)

This year, there has been a sharp focus on medical innovation with early disease detection and surgical advancements high on the agenda. Ground-breaking innovations from across Cleantech/ Sustainability are also included with some exciting battery developmentsand the Agritech and AI sectors have also featured heavily.

Some of the breakthrough medical innovators honoured this year include:

• Cambridge Vision Technology, a company focused on the notoriously difficult work of detecting early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease - so essential if the emerging treatment drugs (which need to be administered early at mild cognitive impairment stage) are to be effective in slowing the devasting progression of the disease. Cambridge Vision Technology’s solution is a game-changing hardware device and integrated software platform which paves the way for cost-effective non-invasive mass screenings of the condition, making early detection available to all.

• Bakul Gupta, co-founder and CEO of Deliver Biosciences, whose work on ‘re-programming’ cells in vivo is enabling fatal diseases to be cured at a fraction of the time and cost of

existing curative therapies. Bakul’s work involves developing nanoparticle delivery vectors for targeted and specific delivery of payloads.

• William Oak Diagnostics, with an innovative point-of-care test able to identify numerous micronutrient deficiencies at the push of a button –which is transforming maternal, child and infant health testing.

• Heartfelt Technologies, with an automatic, AI-supported, noncontact telemonitoring solution for heart failure patients, which is set to revolutionise heart failure telemonitoring.

Many of the ground-breaking innovators/ innovations came from the cleantech/ sustainability sector, and included:

• Paolo Bombelli and team, who are pioneering the development of a technology capable of generating electricity from microbial photosynthesis. The novel technology can substitute portable batteries for powering billions of small electronic devices.

• Remedium Energy, with its revolutionary carbon capture technology - the first of its kind to make the process of capturing carbon dioxide profitable. The novel battery operates by capturing carbon dioxide from the air or from high emitting cement/steel plants to store as electricity. As well as minimising carbon emissions, the technology provides up to $50 per tonne of carbon dioxide captures and provides a solution for renewable energy storage problem.

Bakul Gupta

• Jack Chengzhi Guo, cofounder of Protonera, which is developing a new way to treat waste plastics. Based on interdisciplinary research at the University of Cambridge, Protonera’s novel technology turns waste plastics into green hydrogen and valuable organics.

• Molyon, which has developed a new cathode material to enable high energy-density and long-life lithium-sulfur batteries – and which fundamentally opens up new modes of transport and facilitates the NetZero transition.

• Cellexcel, which has created a novel process to manufacture waterresistant bio-composite materials to replace conventional composites such as fiberglass, carbon fibre, plastics and metal.

Agritech was also strongly represented in this year’s Top21, which included:

• Autopickr’s fully automated asparagus harvester, ‘Gus’, which combines cutting-edge AI, novel navigation technologies, robust robotics, and the latest cutting technology to optimise the harvesting process.

• Antler Bio’s livestock platform, EPIHERD which harnesses gene expression data and AI to evaluate the status of livestock in order to best prescribe targeted husbandry interventions to increase performance, efficiency, welfare and sustainability.

• Nadia Radzman, a plant biologist who is working on rehabilitating forgotten legumes such as the African yam bean back into the food system, having discovered that they can greatly reduce our nitrogen use and increase sustainable food sources. While current food production uses huge amounts of nitrogen fertilisers (poisoning land, water and air), legumes work with microbes in the soil to take nitrogen from the air and create their own fertiliser.

And, with significant developments within the AI sector, our Top21 winners included:

• BeyondMath, a NextGen deeptech company revolutionising traditional engineering design practices with the latest AI developments, resulting in reduced time, cost and environmental impact during production. BeyondMath’s founders were part of the team at Evi Technologies that built the AI that was acquired by Amazon and turned into Alexa.

• Tenyks, a University of Cambridge spinout that is inventing and building the technology to drive the AI revolution. Tenyks is developing the most advanced MLOps monitoring and validation platform to empower computer vision engineers to build more reliable models faster. They are focused on the way humanity interacts with AI - with a mission to protect the world from the misuse of AI and to ensure that AI is developed with passion, excitement, and joy.

The final Top21 were selected from a shortlist of 40 out of 301 applications - and across a range of sub-sectors spanning aerospace, insurtech, augmented reality (AR), AI, and biotechnology - by an independent judging panel: Jon Bradford, Partner at Dynamo Ventures; Serial Entrepreneur Fiona Nielsen, CEO at Neurolentech GmbH; and Nitin Patel, founder of Impact Management Consulting Ltd.

Entrepreneur Faye Holland, who created #21toWatch, said: “The #21toWatch alumni list reads like the Who’s Who of successful British entrepreneurship with previous winners already huge contributors to a better future.

“With every new Awards, I think it’s going to be impossible to trump the previous year – but it always happens as the level of ingenuity never decreases. And with the work of our partners and judges we are consistently picking the right businesses to watch - in last year alone, which was a particularly difficult year for investment, our alumni raised over £110m in investments and funding which is simply incredible.

“It is a genuine thrill to see the companies and the people behind them progress. We are honoured to be there at the start of each journey.”

Over the last five years, #21toWatch has celebrated and promoted over 1,700 game-changing startups, groundbreaking innovations and standout individuals. After being named in the #21toWatch Top21, over 42% have received much-needed seed and Series A funding.

Jack Chengzhi Guo

EPIHERD platform

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Navigating the DORA Legislation: a comprehensive analysis and strategic approach with DSM Group

In an era marked by digital transformation and escalating cyber threats, the need for robust disaster recovery and organisational resilience measures has never been more critical. As governments worldwide move to bolster infrastructure resilience, the forthcoming Disaster Recovery and Organisational Resilience Assurance (DORA) legislation emerges as a pivotal regulatory framework. This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the impending DORA legislation, its implications for businesses, and the strategic role of dedicated disaster recovery suppliers like DSM Group. By examining the intricacies of compliance requirements and outlining tailored service offerings, businesses can proactively fortify their resilience in alignment with DORA mandates.

UNDERSTANDING THE DORA LEGISLATION:

The DORA legislation represents a paradigm shift in disaster recovery governance, encompassing a multifaceted approach to organisational resilience assurance. Rooted in the imperative to mitigate the impact of disruptions on critical services and infrastructure, DORA mandates stringent requirements across key areas:

1. Disaster Recovery Planning and Preparedness: DORA necessitates the development and maintenance of comprehensive disaster recovery plans tailored to the specific needs and risk profiles of businesses. These plans must encompass robust strategies for data backup, system restoration, and business continuity, ensuring swift recovery in the event of a disaster.

2. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Central to DORA compliance is the conduct of thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities, threats, and potential points of failure within organisational operations. Companies are tasked with implementing proactive mitigation measures to address identified risks and bolster their resilience against disruptive events.

3. Compliance and Reporting Obligations: DORA imposes stringent compliance requirements, mandating regular audits, reporting, and documentation of disaster recovery efforts. Non-compliance with prescribed standards could result in severe penalties, reputational damage, and operational disruptions, underscoring the imperative for proactive adherence to regulatory mandates.

ROLE OF DEDICATED DISASTER RECOVERY SUPPLIERS:

Amidst the evolving regulatory landscape and the complexity of DORA compliance, businesses can derive significant strategic advantage from partnering with dedicated disaster recovery suppliers like DSM Group. With over three decades of experience in the IT and disaster recovery sector, DSM Group offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to address the diverse needs and challenges of modern businesses:

1. Disaster Recovery Assessment and Consultation:

o DSM Group conducts thorough assessments of existing disaster recovery capabilities, identifying gaps, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement

o Leveraging its deep expertise, DSM Group offers strategic guidance and consultation to help businesses develop robust disaster recovery strategies aligned with DORA requirements.

2. Data Backup and Recovery Solutions:

o DSM Group provides cutting-edge data backup and recovery solutions, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the integrity, availability, and accessibility of critical data assets

o From on-premises backups to cloud-based replication and disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS), DSM Group offers a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client.

3. Business Continuity Planning and Implementation:

o DSM Group collaborates closely with clients to develop and implement robust business continuity plans, encompassing procedures, protocols, and resources necessary to sustain essential operations during and after a disaster

o Through tabletop exercises, simulations, and training programmes, DSM Group empowers businesses to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities, minimising downtime and mitigating the impact of disruptions.

4. Compliance Management and Reporting:

o DSM Group assists clients in navigating the complexities of DORA compliance, providing expert guidance, support, and documentation to ensure adherence to regulatory mandates

o Through regular audits, assessments, and reporting mechanisms, DSM Group helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to resilience and regulatory compliance, mitigating the risk of penalties and sanctions.

5. Eco-Friendly Disaster Recovery Solutions:

o In addition to its core service offerings, DSM Group is committed to environmental sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices and initiatives into its disaster recovery solutions

o From energy-efficient data centres to sustainable procurement practices, DSM Group minimises its environmental footprint while maximising the resilience and sustainability of client operations.

IMPLICATIONS FOR VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS:

1. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs):

o SMEs often lack dedicated IT and disaster recovery resources, making compliance with DORA particularly challenging. These organisations may struggle to develop and maintain comprehensive disaster recovery plans without external support.

o Partnering with dedicated disaster recovery suppliers like DSM Group can offer SMEs access to expertise, resources, and technologies necessary to navigate DORA compliance effectively. DSM Group’s tailored solutions and consultation services can help SMEs overcome resource constraints and fortify their resilience against disruptions.

2. Financial Institutions:

o Financial institutions are prime targets for cyber attacks

and operational disruptions, given the sensitive nature of their operations and the value of the data they handle. Compliance with DORA is paramount for safeguarding customer information, maintaining trust, and preserving financial stability

o DSM Group’s data backup and recovery solutions, coupled with its expertise in compliance management, make it an ideal partner for financial institutions seeking to enhance their resilience and meet DORA requirements. From secure data storage to rapid system restoration, DSM Group equips financial institutions with the tools and capabilities needed to mitigate risks effectively.

3. Healthcare Providers:

o Healthcare providers are entrusted with sensitive patient data and critical medical infrastructure, making them vulnerable to cyber threats and operational disruptions. Compliance with DORA is essential for ensuring the continuity of care, protecting patient confidentiality, and safeguarding public health

o DSM Group’s expertise in healthcare IT and disaster recovery enables providers to implement robust data protection measures, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard patient care in the face of disasters. From encrypted data backups to redundant systems, DSM Group offers tailored solutions to address the unique challenges faced by healthcare organisations.

4. Government Agencies and Critical Infrastructure Providers:

o Government agencies and critical infrastructure providers play a vital role in national security and public safety, making them prime targets for cyber attacks and other threats. Compliance with DORA is essential for safeguarding critical services, protecting national interests, and preserving public trust

o DSM Group’s experience in working with government agencies and critical infrastructure providers positions it as a trusted partner in fortifying resilience and ensuring compliance with DORA mandates. By leveraging cuttingedge technologies and best practices, DSM Group helps these organisations mitigate risks and maintain operational continuity in the face of evolving threats.

As the deadline for DORA compliance approaches, organisations of all sizes and sectors must take proactive steps to fortify their resilience and ensure regulatory compliance. By partnering with dedicated disaster recovery suppliers like DSM Group, businesses can access the expertise, resources, and support needed to navigate the complexities of DORA effectively. Whether it’s developing comprehensive disaster recovery plans, implementing robust data backup solutions, or managing compliance obligations, DSM Group offers tailored services to meet the diverse needs of organisations across the spectrum. By embracing resilience, preparedness, and strategic partnerships, businesses can mitigate risks, enhance operational continuity, and thrive in an increasingly uncertain world shaped by the demands of the DORA legislation.

Motivation: the fuel for high-performing teams

Creating high-performing teams requires more than just skills and expertise; at its core, motivation is key. A motivated team is energised, focused, and driven to succeed, making motivation crucial for achieving outstanding results. It’s the spark that ignites productivity, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges. Motivation ensures that team members are actively engaged and committed to their work; transforming routine tasks into opportunities for growth and achievement. When team members are motivated, they contribute their best ideas, work more efficiently, and collaborate more effectively.

Leaders play a pivotal role in this dynamic. By understanding which Motivator drives each team member, leaders can tailor their approach to meet individual and collective needs, boosting team morale and performance. Recognition, clear

communication, and opportunities for professional development are practical ways to keep motivation high.

Ultimately, a motivated team is a winning team; able to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and achieve excellence together. In a competitive landscape, the teams that thrive are those where motivation runs deep, driving them towards shared success.

Sarah Stones is a Motivation Specialist, based in St Neots, Cambridgeshire. Sarah’s business, Plain Sailing Motivation helps organisations recruit, retain and manage motivated and engaged staff and helps individuals find jobs they love. Through her coaching, training and speaking, Sarah is proud to save organisations time and money by ensuring they know what their staff need and their managers are able to provide the right support.

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.

Company start-ups in Cambridgeshire hit record high

Recently published figures show that more new businesses were established in Cambridgeshire during 2023 than in any previous year to date – making the county one of the most successful in the UK.

A total of 8,677 new formations were registered in Cambridgeshire during the last 12 months, an increase of 12.1 per cent on 2022 when 7,739 were recorded.

This brings the number of registered companies in the county to an all-time high of 60,023.

The statistics are taken from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using data from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics.

Across the county’s districts, Peterborough formed the highest number of new businesses (2,698), followed by Cambridge (1,865) and South Cambridgeshire (1,614).

John Korchak, Managing Director at Inform Direct, said: “It is excellent news that Cambridgeshire can celebrate a record year for new company formations during 2023.

“The year undoubtedly presented a range of challenges for business including tepid predictions of economic growth, volatility in energy prices and uncertainty from world events. However, the formation figures demonstrate very clearly that Cambridgeshire entrepreneurs remained undeterred and pursued their ambitions to establish new ventures.

“This positive picture is mirrored in the overall position for the UK which saw the highest ever number of new companies established during 2023. The total number of UK formations exceeded 900,000 for the very first time.”

The UK saw 900,006 new companies, compared to 805,141 in 2022, which represents an increase of 11.8 per cent. It brings the total number of UK companies to a record 5,476,772.

Dissolutions of UK companies totalled 662,915, an increase on the 578,679 companies dissolved in 2022.

To see a more detailed picture of company formations in Cambridgeshire – including a full local breakdown – visit: https:// www.informdirect.co.uk/companyformations-2023/cambridgeshire/ Inform Direct is a company secretarial and formation specialist. Its awardwinning company secretarial and formations software currently supports 350,000 UK companies.

Navigating the Transition: Challenges and Solutions in ISO 27001 Compliance

ISO 27001 is a globally recognised standard for ISMSs (information security management systems), playing a crucial role in safeguarding organisational data worldwide. As organisations transition from ISO 27001:2013 to the latest edition (ISO 27001:2022), they face various challenges, including gap analysis, risk assessment adjustments and alignment with updated standards.

To navigate these challenges, organisations must undergo thorough internal audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness. Management reviews are essential for evaluating the adequacy of an ISMS, while external audits focus on conformity and opportunities for improvement. The transition timeline from ISO 27001:2013 to ISO 27001:2022 involves key deadlines and considerations, with certification bodies ceasing recertification against the older standard by 30 April 2024.

Furthermore, compliance with ISO 27001 extends beyond the certification process. It requires continual adaptation to evolving cyber security threats and regulatory changes.

Platforms like CyberComply offer comprehensive solutions, including risk assessment, documentation management and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance, to support organisations in maintaining ISO 27001 compliance and addressing broader cyber security challenges.

Staying informed about regulatory updates and emerging technologies is crucial. Organisations must remain vigilant and proactive in adapting their cyber security practices to ensure ongoing compliance and data protection. By understanding the transition process and leveraging appropriate resources, organisations can enhance their security posture and build trust with stakeholders.

How IT Governance can help you

With CyberComply, you can rest assured that your information security and compliance requirements are addressed thanks to its extensive toolbox and specialised technologies. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it’s crucial to stay vigilant, and CyberComply helps you do just that.

Please contact us at www.itgovernance.co.uk

Cambridge Support are the 9th fastest growing IT support provider in the UK

Cambridge Support has been recognised as the ninth fastest growing IT company in the UK. In a recent industry report by IT Channel Oxygen, the Oxygen FastGrowth Top 50, highlighted the nation’s fastest growing IT firms.

Using publicly available company information, the IT Channel Oxygen’s report studied SMB companies that have a headcount of more than 15 employees and included companies that specialised in IT support, IT consultancies or IT solution services. Cambridge Support was the highest-ranking IT support company in the Cambridgeshire region. From their humble beginnings just five years ago, the report showed that they have grown

by 700 per cent, establishing themselves as a leading provider of excellent IT support services in Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas.

Managing partner, Philip Mashinchi, said: “Not having been aware of any these nationwide reports, we were surprised and delighted to be included. We always knew that we were one of the fastest growing IT companies in Cambridgeshire but never considered how we compared with the UK elite. As a company we have been a member of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce since the first day of trading and the Chamber has played its part in our growth and we thank them for that. Ultimately, it is our team, customers and

Black Talent and Leadership in STEM Programme welcomes Marks & Clerk as Consortium Member

Cambridge Wireless are pleased to announce that leading international intellectual property firm Marks & Clerk has joined the Black Talent and Leadership Programme as a Consortium member of the ‘Be the Change’ initiative which addresses the underrepresentation of Black Talent in STEM.

As a consortium member, Marks & Clerk will have access to our online tools and resources in addition to joining senior

leaders at our invitation only events which bring together key stakeholders, industry experts and thought leaders to engage in insightful discussions, share expertise and foster collaboration across the sector to help support and develop Black Talent in STEM.

Simon Mounteney, Managing Partner, Marks & Clerk Europe, added: “We are delighted to join the Black Talent and Leadership in STEM Programme as a Consortium member of ‘Be

suppliers that have made the company what it is, and we are grateful.”

While Cambridge Support was chosen as one of the top 50 companies, to be featured as the ninth fastest growing IT company in the UK is a remarkable accomplishment. Their growth rate of 700 per cent is staggering and their headcount has continued to increase every year, beating every IT support company in the area.

LOOKING AHEAD: CONTINUED GROWTH AND INNOVATION

This outstanding achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and expertise of the entire team. This ranking is not just a milestone; it’s a springboard for even greater accomplishments in raising the bar for IT support services in the Cambridgeshire region.

Cambridge Support | 01223 921 000 | cambridgesupport.com

the Change’. By becoming a member of this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This partnership not only enhances Marks & Clerk’s ability to support and empower Black talent within these critical sectors but it also strengthens our resolve to make a real difference and help individuals within these sectors to unlock their full potential.”

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

Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Careers in the Spotlight during National Careers Week

Cambridge Regional College (CRC) joined forces with Cambridgeshire based civil engineering and infrastructure company, Milestone Infrastructure, to create a set of careers videos to inspire young people and help them choose the right career for them. The videos were launched during National Careers Week 2024 (4-9 March) and coincided with careers fairs held in Cambridge and Huntingdon with over 60 recruiting employers from different industries. This collaboration forms part of a wider project funded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), aimed at enhancing careers information, advice, and guidance (CIAG) provision for young people in the region. This video project builds on the success of previous Career Spotlights produced with SPT Labtech.

The latest videos capture the experience of individuals working in a range of onsite and office roles from Graduate Civil Engineer to Environmental Manager and HR Business Partner. Several show live infrastructure projects including Milton Road in Cambridge.

The Career Spotlights series features professionals talking about what their job entails, their careers and how they got there. Gary Williams, Business Director, Milestone Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with CRC and highlight the career opportunities within the highways industry. As a company we employ roles across all disciplines with the added benefit of knowing the work you do directly benefits the local community. We can’t wait to welcome the next generation into our ranks.”

The videos are available for viewing on the college website, www.camre.ac.uk/ careers_hub and Form the Future will highlight to students through their delivery in schools and offer as a resource on their website, formthefuture.org.uk

Howes Percival recruits corporate specialist

Howes Percival has appointed Corporate Solicitor Ollie Flowers as a Legal Director in its rapidly growing Corporate, Commercial and Banking (CCB) team in Cambridge.

Ollie specialises in corporate transactions and has considerable experience of advising on a wide variety of work

including M&A transactions, fundraisings, restructurings, joint ventures, share schemes and general corporate advisory work. Ollie acts for a wide variety of clients including entrepreneurs, private companies, LLPs and partnerships, including on transactions involving venture capital and private equity parties. Ollie works with clients in a wide range of sectors including technology, automotive, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and media.

Ollie joins Howes Percival’s dedicated CCB team in the city, led by James Stephen. The team of six grew rapidly during 2023 to meet client demand, including the appointment of Associate Josie Rogers (Corporate) and Director Faye Meredith (Banking).

Cambridge Howes Percival Corporate Partner, James Stephen, commented:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Ollie to Howes Percival. Ollie has a great reputation in the local market and is a perfect fit within our existing team, in terms of experience and seniority. His venture capital and private equity experience in particular are very much in demand locally.

“Bringing Ollie into the team adds further credibility to our Cambridge CCB offering and is reflective of the wider growth of the Cambridge office. We are increasingly being instructed on larger and more complex corporate transactions and we have the people on the ground in Cambridge to handle the full range of CCB work. As a firm, we have outlined plans for further growth in the next two years and we will continue to bring on board quality lawyers to help support our expanding teams.”

Leading Tax specialist Andrew Cockman joins the fast-growing practice

Streets Chartered Accountants is delighted to announce that the widely acclaimed tax specialist Andrew Cockman has joined its practice.

Andrew Cockman, who is well respected by his fellow tax professionals, is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner who has focused on private client and trust related taxation throughout his career in accountancy, having worked in Big 5 accountancy practices, as well as other firms in the top 10.

His specialism includes tax planning for non-UK domiciliaries and their offshore trusts, as well as inheritance tax and capital gains tax consulting for shareholders in family companies and their family trusts. He is particularly interested in estate planning.

Andrew is also closely involved with the Tax Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and is a member of the Private

Client Committee of the Tax Faculty. He contributes a monthly article on estate planning for Croner i’s Tax Weekly as well as contributing regularly to the Tax Faculty’s TAXline magazine.

Paul Tutin, Chairman and Managing Partner at Streets, said: “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the firm with his appointment as a Tax Partner within our Tax practice and as a member of our Private Client team.

“With the expansion of our practice, it is important we can service the needs of our clients and in particular the requirement for more specialist high-end tax advice and planning. Andrew will therefore be a great asset to our team and clients alike. We are very fortunate to have secured his appointment.”

Guardtech Group take total cleanroom package to next level

The Guardtech Group have taken their total cleanroom package offering to even greater heights with the launch of their new Isopod Rapid Cleanrooms website. It is the fifth subsite unveiled by the Group in the space of just 12 months, following new dedicated brand websites for CleanCube Mobile Cleanrooms, Cleanroom Solutions and Guardtech Cleanrooms as well as a new umbrella site for the Guardtech Group as a whole.

Isopod cleanrooms are a rapid, more cost-effective, flexible cleanroom alternative to traditional modular builds, available for flat-pack delivery and with the option for self-assembly installation.

The new website – www.iso-pod.co.uk – will host the Guardtech Group’s revolutionary Isopod Configurator – a unique tool that allows users to ‘build their own cleanroom’ online.

Marketing Manager Joe Shackley said: “We prioritise the customer experience at Guardtech – and with this new website, we’ve tried to turn what can be a complex process into something straightforward and fun.

“We realise how valuable our knowledge and expertise is when it comes to developing the perfect cleanroom, but we also want our customers to enjoy the overall experience and feel really happy with the outcome after using this new site and then dealing with our talented teams.

“Isopod is a rapid solution – so the process needs to be quick and efficient. But we also want it to be enjoyable. The customer is king – and we want to ensure that all Isopod clients are as happy with the process as they are with the product.”

That product is a range of high-performance cleanroom pods made from the same quality components that Guardtech use in traditional modular installations.

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

Last Minute Meetings

Meet Cambridge launched a new service in February 2024, offering last minute bookings for meeting rooms from its venue portfolio for up to 20 people.

The official conference and meetings bureau for Cambridge is responding to requests from local businesses and organisations seeking a room, away from the workplace, to hold a board meeting, interview, training session or any other small gathering which can be booked at short notice.

Organisers can reserve a room from two weeks to just 48 hours ahead, with standard AV facilities and simple refreshments.

Venues participating include traditional Colleges through to

contemporary buildings, providing the opportunity to meet in a different and unique setting.

Judith Sloane, Head of Meet Cambridge, said: “We have recently seen a rise in requests for room-only bookings with short leadtimes for smaller meetings – typically under 20 people.

“That’s why we have teamed up with our member venues to offer this online service, through our website, which gives access to available rooms at short notice. It’s ideal for those looking for a space, away from the office, with AV included and simple catering.

“Our core venue-finding service – for larger and more complex events – remains the same.”

Wyboston Lakes Resort progresses on Green Energy Roadmap

Wyboston Lakes Resort has implemented phase one of its Green Energy Roadmap and embarked on phase two of its path towards self-sufficiency in Green Energy.

356KWh of solar panels and a 200KWh storage battery installed at The Willows Training Centre are already helping to make the Centre more self-sufficient in electricity even on some winter days. At the same time, at The Woodlands Event Centre, a new upgraded Building Management System (BMS) which incorporates the use of Artificial Intelligence is reducing energy waste still further and optimising energy usage.

After investing £650,000 in phase one, work has started on phase two on which the Resort is investing a further £2.3m. This includes installing solar panels and storage batteries at The Woodlands Event Centre, The Waterfront Hotel and the Resort’s Knowledge Centre. Once completed later this year, the Resort will have in total 1.4 Megawatt hours of solar panels and 1.1 Megawatt hours of storage batteries.

Transferring energy between buildings

In addition, systems are being installed to transfer electricity between buildings when appropriate, with The Woodlands Event Centre linked with the Waterfront Hotel and The Willows Training Centre connected to the Knowledge Centre.

Pat O’Hea, Director of Projects at Wyboston Lakes Resort, said:

“These installations will not only enable us to operate on green energy generated on site but also significantly reduce our purchasing, which is a major saving for a Resort like this.

“We are also currently working on plans for phase three which would, once agreed and implemented, make us fully self-sufficient in Green Energy.

“These projects are further demonstrations of the total commitment to the Resort’s philosophy of ‘More Sustainable, No

Apology’ which we put into practice in every way we can, all day, every day.”

Through the resort’s Room2Grow sustainability initiative so far, 23,000 trees have been planted around the 380-acre site with thousands more to come. This scheme gives guests staying more than one night at Wyboston Lakes Resort the chance to chose to have a tree planted on the resort instead of having their room cleaned.

The Resort has been zero-to-landfill since 2015 and, to ensure that zero food waste goes off-site, has installed a biodigester, turning food waste into fresh compost for use across the site including for tree planting.

The resort’s commitment to sustainability has been independently accredited by earning gold awards from the Green Tourism Awards and the IACC, and EcoSmart Platinum Venue Award from Greengage Solutions.

Meet, play and grow at Nene Park!

With the rise of hybrid and remote working, regular time away from the desk job is now even more essential to help re-connect and re-energise your team. Nene Park Trust in Peterborough works with companies and organisations of all shapes and sizes to create bespoke away days, host team-building adventures and provide unique meeting room facilities – all amidst the tranquil beauty of Nene Park.

RECONNECT AND RECHARGE

At Nene Outdoors Watersports & Activity Centre in heart of Nene Park, our team-building experiences and away days offer the perfect blend of adventure and camaraderie, providing a much-needed break and the chance for teams to reconnect. Rediscover the joy of collaboration, learn new skills and most importantly, have fun!

TAILORED EXPERIENCES

At Nene Outdoors, we understand that every team is unique. That’s why our experienced instructors work closely with you to tailor

activities that align with your objectives and team dynamics. Whether it’s high-energy watersports or low-impact land activities, we ensure that your experience is perfectly suited to your team’s needs.

THE PERFECT VENUE

Situated within Nene Outdoors Watersports & Activity Centre, our Lakeside Meeting Room offers a versatile space for a wide range of corporate events. Whether you’re hosting a team meeting, seminar or social occasion, our venue provides a serene backdrop with stunning lake views and a private decked veranda.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

For organisations committed to corporate social responsibility, our corporate conservation days offer a meaningful way to give back to the community. Join us in preserving the natural beauty of Nene Park through hands-on conservation activities led by our knowledgeable staff. Strengthen team bonds while making a positive impact on the environment.

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

From full-day team-building sessions to leisurely afternoons in our Lakeside meeting room, the opportunities at Nene Park are endless. Enhance your experience with optional add-ons such as a lake and river cruise or a sunset BBQ to make your away day truly memorable. Whatever your preferences, we’ll create a bespoke package that exceeds your expectations.

START YOUR ADVENTURE TODAY

If you’re ready to re-connect and re-energise your team, contact us and we’ll help you plan an unforgettable experience at Nene Park. www.nenepark.org.uk/corporates

Vero HR recognised as leaders in HR Advisory Solutions 2024East of England

HR and people services provider, Vero HR, has been named the leader in HR advisory solutions in the East of England in Corporate Vision Magazine’s HR & Employment Awards 2024.

Judges’ comments included: “With nearly two decades of experience, Vero HR brings a rich history of aiding businesses in achieving success. Their extensive knowledge base positions them as a reliable partner for organisations navigating the everevolving landscape of HR challenges.

“With a strong focus on technology efficiency, consistent delivery, and exceptional personal service, Vero HR has garnered acclaim for its measured commercial efficiency and powerful people management.”

This follows a successful 2023 awards season for the company, winning the Customer Service Award at the Peterborough

Telegraph Business Awards, Silver Award for Service Excellence at the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards, and being a finalist at the Personnel Today Awards for Large HR Consultancy of the Year.

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

Greater Anglia wins three national awards

Greater Anglia has won three national awards for train performance for the second year in a row.

At the Golden Whistles Awards 2024 – an annual event organised by Modern Railways magazine and the Chartered Institution of Rail Operators to celebrate excellence in UK railway operations – the train operator again won the award for Best London and South East operator (for its commuter and regional services), Best Long Distance operator (for its Norwich – Ipswich – Colchester –London intercity services) and Best Operational Performance (for minimising delays).

It is the first time that an operator has achieved such success at the awards two years running.

The awards are solely based on actual operational results and statistics, rather than any wider factors, and reflect Greater Anglia’s sustained high levels of train performance over the last year.

The Greater Anglia moving annual average PPM figure is now at 94.6 per cent, using the long-standing public performance measure (PPM) which records train arrivals at destination within five minutes of schedule time (or 10 minutes for intercity services)continuing the historically high results being delivered by the train operator for the last four years.

The impressive results are also evident using the more challenging “Time to 3” performance measure – which measures the arrival

within three minutes of every single train at every single station it serves. On this measure GA’s annual performance is 94.3 per cent. These consistently good results, and associated recognition at the awards event, are testament to a number of factors, including the positive impact of the new trains now in place across the entire Greater Anglia network (which accelerate quicker, brake quicker, are more reliable and enable better recovery from delays than the trains they replaced); a real focus from teams across Greater Anglia on improving performance, and joint work between Greater Anglia and Network Rail to raise punctuality and reliability standards (including better infrastructure performance delivered by Network Rail).

It means that GA is consistently the best-performing operator in the UK, despite operating over one of the more complex and congested networks.

DOMINO EMPLOYEES ACHIEVE CHEMISTRY ACCREDITATION

Domino Printing is celebrating the success of Chemists Federica Lisa and Edward Field who have successfully secured Chartered Chemist (CChem)

status through the Domino–RSC Accredited Scheme.

The Scheme has three in-house Coordinators at Domino: Dr Steven Lancaster, Analytical Team Leader, Christina Bird, Senior Analytical Chemist and Fiona Calver, Senior Ink Verification Specialist.

Christina Bird said: “In recognition of their commitment to advancing excellence in the chemical sciences, we congratulate Federica Lisa and Edward Field on achieving Chartered Chemist status.

“This internationally recognised award requires chemical scientists to maintain high professional standards through continued learning and reflective practice.

Our RSC-Accredited Training Scheme is delighted to support candidates on their journey to chartership.”

Federica Lisa paid tribute to her mentor Fiona Calver for her support and said: “The one-year process of working towards being a Chartered Chemist offered me the opportunity to reflect on the achievements and skills I have gained throughout my employment at Domino.”

Edward Field added: “Achieving Chartered Chemist status has allowed me to reflect on my professional achievements and the impact they have made, as well as renewing my enthusiasm for science-based formulation and innovation in ink development.”

Domino’s RSC Accredited Training Scheme has been running since 2013 and since then, 18 chemists have achieved Chartered Chemists status.

Local school-children join award-winning composer

Peterborough Cathedral was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as renowned composer Alexander L’Estrange premiered four magnificent pieces commissioned specifically for the Cathedral.

The event, held on Tuesday 5 March, was a celebration of music, culture, and collaboration, bringing together over 200 local school children. Other attendees included music enthusiasts, parents, Cathedral staff and community members.

The majestic setting provided the perfect backdrop for L’Estrange’s compositions, which beautifully intertwined traditional elements with contemporary flair. However, the highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the participation of the children, who lent their voices to the performance with great enthusiasm.

The premiere of Alexander L’Estrange’s compositions at Peterborough Cathedral was an unequivocal success, made possible by the Cathedral’s collaboration and longstanding

partnership with The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers. It not only showcased the remarkable musical talents of the award-winning composer, but also reaffirmed the Cathedral’s commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering meaningful connections within the community.

New website calls on the local business community to make their mark with volunteering

Volunteer Cambs is a newly launched online platform that enables residents of Cambridgeshire to explore volunteering near them in a brand new way. In a few minutes, you can be matched with an organisation or group in the community that inspires you to make your markwhether that’s to expand on your existing skills, discover new ones, unlock your potential, or create lasting friendships with like-minded people.

As well as being promoted as a tool for individuals who live in Cambridgeshire, local businesses are also encouraged to take a look - as the platform is well-placed to provide inspiration and opportunities for business-led volunteering drive. For the first time, businesses keen to donate their team’s time and skills can find an array of volunteering opportunities all in one place - in the knowledge that they are supporting a local good cause.

Keystone Marketing, based in St Neots, directed the brand, messaging, and launch.

The Keystone team started working with the team at Support Cambridgeshire last year to develop the idea. Initially, Keystone facilitated a workshop with key volunteer-supported charities and not for profits; before creating the brand name, a unique brand identity, and key messaging. Keystone was also asked to develop an overarching marketing engagement strategy for the county launch and Fenlandspecific outreach earlier this year.

The website has also had backing from the Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. Speaking about the launch of Volunteer Cambs Dr, Nik Johnson said: “The role of volunteers in supporting our local communities is crucial, and it’s always humbling to see the efforts of our residents who give up their time and skills to support the causes that are important to them. I’m hugely excited about the impact the Volunteer Cambs portal is set to make in matching volunteers with the organisations that need them – and am proud to see our

region leading the charge and shining an even brighter light on the importance of volunteering and making connections like never before.”

Volunteer Cambs works by asking organisations and groups to load up their opportunities and profiles directly so there’s always something new for volunteers to look at every time they visit the site. Good causes that promote their work then benefit from having a continuous stream of potential volunteers.

There are many changes afoot in international trading for UK Exporters and Importers, and we are aware that the guidance on such changes are not always easy to navigate. If you need assistance in how to work through these changes, or guidance on where best to research these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here at the Chamber.

Costly paperwork burden lifted for UK steel product exporters

Thousands of UK businesses are breathing a huge sigh of relief after the European Union decided to lift a huge paperwork burden.

Since last autumn, companies exporting products containing iron and steel to the EU, have been required to provide ‘mill certificates’ to prove the elements did not originate from Russia. This proved either expensive or impossible for many UK businesses resulting in the loss of crucial export markets.

Following months of talks by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), with UK and European officials, the EU has now scrapped the paperwork requirement. Officials in Brussels have now designated the UK as a partner country on steel sanctions against Russia, meaning the certification paperwork is no longer needed.

Commenting on the announcement from the European Union, the BCC’s Head of Trade Policy William Bain said: “Businesses up

and down the country will be delighted at this outcome. A lot of hard work has got us to this position, which is strongly welcomed by the whole Chamber Network.

“We had many meetings and communications with both the UK government and the EU to highlight the negative impact the mill certificate requirements were having. In roundtables with senior officials, firms bravely described their experiences of ongoing lost orders and cash flow issues.

“Without those accounts from real businesses about the nature of the problem, and the need for a pragmatic fix, we could not have got this far. We’d like to thank to UK and EU officials for listening to the concerns of businesses and agreeing a solution.

“This is a big win for the collective power of our Chamber network.”

Forecasters slowly turning Sterling positive, caveats remain

With recent years being negatively hectic for Sterling, 2023 was noted for its calmer performance in the currency markets. 2024 has started in a similar vein, with Sterling the top performing currency in the G10. Up over five per cent against the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc, albeit much lower headway has been made against the Euro and US Dollar.

Forecasters are slowly turning positive towards Sterling, expecting a drift upwards against both the Euro and US Dollar through the rest of 2024. Positive Sterling does not necessarily mean a positive view of UK PLC. The reality is, market forecasters are still playing interest rate bingo, expecting the Bank of England to keep its base rate higher that its peer central banks for longer.

“A Sterling reputation” is the title of a recent report from Goldman Sachs, in which the company announced an upgrade to its forecasts for the Pound to Dollar exchange rate.

“Sterling has been the best performer in the G10 year-to-date, benefiting from the recent positive cyclical repricing in markets. We still think that GBP has room to run,” says the note. Analysts at the Wall Street bank say the Pound has benefited amidst slightly looser global financial conditions and better growth pricing. If these conditions persist, gains can extend.

The caveat remains, Sterling is more susceptible to negative economic indicators being posted, than the US Dollar or Euro.

The range trading stance for Sterling in 2023 will prevail through 2024, with one to two per cent retractions on any negative news. A change of tone from the Bank of England, with faster than expected loosening of monetary policy would see Sterling downshift from current forecasts.

Forecasted ranges for 2024; against the US Dollar, 1.1750 to 1.3150, and for the Pound Euro cross 1.1050 to 1.2050. further demonstrate the generally stable outlook. Trading at the bottom of these ranges will as likely be more due to confidence in others than a necessarily negative UK tone.

Goldman Sachs are more positive, adjusting forecasts for Sterling against the US Dollar to 1.30, 1.33 and 1.35 in three, six and 12 months (from 1.28, 1.30 and 1.35).

With cost pressures still a challenge for Businesses, reviewing the costs being incurred and the strategy of managing currency exposure becomes even more important. Specialist support as provided by companies like Ascendant, can fill a gap not provided by larger financial institutions.

Cambridgeshire headquartered, Ascendant would love to hear your views and perspective on The Pound, its expected performance, and the impact to your business. Just contact us on the email below. Ascendant offers Chamber members a free review and benchmark of their current supplier, contact us to hear how we are reducing the cost of foreign exchange for local businesses, and putting relationships at the heart of our customer focused service.

karen.benson@ascendant.world

Export finance – what is it, how does it work and how can it help your business?

Choosing to export your products or services is a great way to expand your market and increase business sales and profits. Operating in overseas markets can lead to greater economies of scale and better margins.

Businesses who choose to export can however face new challenges. High upfront costs, increased shipping times and long payment terms can put significant pressure on your business cashflow.

Businesses who trade overseas frequently offer deferred payment terms, often up to 120 days post shipping. This can lead to businesses experiencing a cashflow gap between shipping the goods and receiving payment.

Export finance offers a solution to smooth the peaks and troughs of cashflow and can help you to better manage your relationships with your overseas customers.

Director of business finance at Pilot Fish, Ewan Clarke emphasises the significance of export finance in stabilising cash flow and ensuring peace of mind for exporters: “Often export businesses can be waiting weeks to receive payment as products take time to ship. Export finance helps to bridge the gap between raising an invoice and receiving payment from your customers. With facilities delivering up to 85 per cent of the invoice value, they are a great way of providing cashflow stability and peace of mind.”

How does it work?

Exporters can expect to receive payment within 24-48 hours of submitting an invoice. Some facilities will transfer funds on point of shipping, rather than point of delivery, allowing you to address your working capital needs sooner.

Ewan shares how one client was protected during major international shipping

delays: “Our client in the sustainable microencapsulates industry had sent an international shipment. Delays in the Red Sea added five weeks to the delivery time. Fortunately, the client’s export facility transferred 85 per cent of the invoice value on shipping, protecting the client from a large, delayed payment. With their working capital protected, the business was able to continue daily operations.”

What are the benefits of an export finance facility?

• Businesses get immediate access to finance that would otherwise be inaccessible for up to 120 days

• They can use the working capital to invest in other areas of the company and its growth

• They protect working capital and avoid late payment charges for your own bills

• Facilities can grow as your business grows

• Export finance is ideal for SMEs that need funds but have limited banking facilities

• Chasing late payments can be outsourced to the lender.

Export facilities come with a pre-agreed service fee. This is deducted from the invoice value, meaning the borrower isn’t locked into a long-term repayment plan. Furthermore, export finance facilities often offer additional support services such as confidential multilingual credit control. This means debts are collected by professionals fluent in the debtor’s language, enhancing communication and reducing the likelihood of disputes or payment delays.

In conclusion, export finance offers a lifeline to businesses navigating the complexities of international trade. By accelerating funding against shipping documents and providing protection against payment risks, it empowers exporters to seize global opportunities, manage cash flow effectively, and sustain growth in the competitive global market.

What is an ATA Carnet

An ATA Carnet is essentially a ‘passport for goods’ replacing the need for usual customs documentation whilst allowing fast, trouble free importation into visiting countries. They can be used for multiple trips, are valid for one year and cover over 80 countries

ATA Carnets can cover three categories:

• Commercial samples

• International Trade Fair/ Exhibitions

• Professional equipment.

ATA Carnets guarantee customs that all duties and taxes will be paid in case of breach of conditions. Carnets are mostly used for following purposes:

• Exhibitions

• Filming equipment

• Horse racing

• Equipment testing

• Photoshoots

• Vehicles for demonstration or racing

• Musical performance

• Fashion shows.

ATA Carnet can be obtained for around 80 countries who are participating in this scheme. What are the Benefits and advantages?

A Carnet allows you to take goods out of the UK to either one destination or multiple destinations with only one document. Carnets are easy and quite quick documents to obtain (within 72 hours).

How much does ATA Carnet cost?

There is no fixed cost, as fees vary according to the category and value of goods as well as the countries being visited. Costs will however be a fraction of the value of items covered. For support in obtaining an ATA Carnet, please contact Justyna Burkiewicz, International Trade Officer at the Chamber by emailing internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 237414.

TRAINING

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

International Trade Training

internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk

Details of courses coming up over the next few months can be found below. The full list for 2024 is available on the training page of our website.

CUSTOMS PROCEDURES & DOCUMENTATION TRAINING

Wednesday 8 May, 9.30am-1.00pm

This virtual half day course looks at the procedures required when dealing with customs authorities and the information needed for submitting customs declarations to enable goods to be imported or exported.

CDS: NEW CUSTOMS FOR EXPORTS/IMPORTS

Tuesday 21 May, 9.30am-1.00pm

Our training will highlight what you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration and to understand the Customs regimes and will focus on completion of a customs declaration on CDS.

COMMODITY CODES MASTERCLASS

Tuesday 4 June, 9.30am-1.00pm

Understanding commodity codes is vital to internationally trading businesses. This virtual half day course will provide an insight into what commodity codes are and how getting them wrong can have a big impact on your business.

LETTERS OF CREDIT AND METHOD OF PAYMENT MASTERCLASS

Tuesday 11 June, 9.30am-1.00pm

The course provides an overview of all methods of payment when trading internationally to include the risks and benefits involved. It will then concentrate on the Letter of Credit aspect guiding you through the rules of managing a letter of credit, making sure documents are compliant and payment is successful.

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

UNDERSTANDING RULES OF ORIGIN

Thursday 20 June, 9.30am-1.00pm

This virtual half day 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.

IMPORT PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES

Wednesday 3 July, 9.30am-1.00pm

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

EXPORT PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES

Tuesday 9 July, 9.30am-1.00pm

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

CIOB Training

We are delighted to have confirmed a new training partnership with The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Chamber members will now have access to discounted training courses which can only be accessed by booking through us. Featuring a number of courses including Construction for Non-Construction Professionals, Construction Programmes: Managing Time and Stakeholders and Construction Quality Management, there is so much on offer to suit what you are looking for.

TRAINING

INCOTERMS® 2020 WORKSHOP

Tuesday 16 July, 9.03am-1.00pm

This virtual half day workshop will explain each Incoterm® and their importance in international trade contracts.

To book your place, please register via the Chamber website.

Costs: £250.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £330.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

Chamber Members please use the discount code ‘MEMBER’ to receive your exclusive discount.

Payment is required at time of booking.

Courses can also be tailored to meet your company’s specific requirements. For more information about a bespoke course for your company, which can be delivered remotely or in person, please contact us on 01223 237414.

Please visit the training section on our website for full course details.

To book, please contact us at events@cambscci.co.uk.

CIOB also offer CPD courses, featuring courses on decision making, GDPR and leadership and diversity. Some are free of charge and others have a small cost. You can book these directly with CIOB on their website at https://www.ciobacademy.org/cpd/

Stamford Networking

We are delighted to share our popular Stamford Networking events are now a monthly occurrence. Join us ‘Home’ and ‘Away’ as we return to the fan-favourite The Crown one month, before trying a new venue in Stamford on the alternate month.

Tuesday 21 May, 5.00-6.30pm – TBC

Tuesday 18 June, 5.00-6.30pm – The Crown Tuesday 16 July, 5.00-6.30pm – TBC

Construction and Property Networking

Our thriving Construction and Property sectors will return for their popular networking lunch on Friday 17 May. We’re also delighted to announce we’ll be hosting a Construction Green Summit on Friday 12 July at the impressive ARU Peterborough.

Check out our website for further details on both.

Keep an eye on the website and Chamber social media channels for other events as they are confirmed.

Ely Networking

Our monthly networking series in collaboration with Ely Cathedral Business Group continues across Summer. Poets House are the hosts for our monthly event, that grows each month and welcomes new faces each time.

Make new connections in an informal setting over a drink after work and hear a short talk from a guest speaker. These events are kindly sponsored by Grovemere Property.

Monday 20 May, 5.30-7.00pm – Poets House Monday 24 June, 5.30-7.00pm – Poets House

Please note this event won’t be taking place in July due to our Summer Drinks Reception being hosted at The Old Hall in Ely.

Keep an eye on the website and Chamber social media channels for other events as they are confirmed.

Summer Drinks Reception

Thursday 18 July, 3.00-5.00pm

The Old Hall, Stuntney Causeway, Ely, CB7 5TR

Our annual Summer event of the year is set to be a good one. Join us for an afternoon of networking with canapes and fizz at this prestigious location. Hosted on The Cathedral Terrace with a view of Ely Cathedral at the stunning and sought-after venue, The Old Hall, this event is not to be missed.

Build new connections, catch up with familiar faces, treat your colleagues and clients to a social afternoon and enjoy THE Summer event of the year.

chamber

British Chambers of Commerce Global Annual Conference 2024

Thursday 27 June QEII Centre, London

The British Chambers of Commerce is delighted to present their Global Annual Conference 2024. This year’s theme is “The Future of the Economy”.

The full day conference will be an opportunity for business leaders from across the UK, and the globe, to come together to discuss the key challenges to build a better future for business, the economy, and people in our local communities.

The conference will be centred around five key breakout sessions:

• People and Work

• Global Britain

• Digital Revolution

• Green Innovation

• Local Economy of the Future.

Throughout the day, delegates will hear from key senior politicians and other notable public figures and engage in thought-provoking discussions with colleagues from across the Chamber Network. Away from the sessions, the Networking Zone is an opportunity for delegates to meet existing and new contacts; and the exhibition stands will see the best of British business, and the Chamber Network, from across the UK and around the world showcasing their work.

Tickets prices:

£125.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £250.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/globalannual-conference-2024/

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