connected Autumn 2024 edition by connected magazine

CHAMPIONING GREEN AND DIGITAL WITHIN OUR REGION

“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality”

Jonas Salk

Welcome to the Autumn edition of connected

Chief Executive Charlotte Horobin

Editor

Phoebe Ellwood

Published and Printed by

www.xlpress.co.uk

Design

Lee Watts

Advertising

Phoebe Ellwood

marketing@cambscci.co.uk

Membership Team

Montse Esquino 01223 209811

Jack Wilson 07564 054922

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

@CambsChamber

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

We’re over halfway through the year and what a fantastic 6 months it has been for the Chamber and the local region. With August seeing the return of our loved Safari Networking and September bringing the second installment of our Business Leaders Lunch along with AI in the Octagon and Women in Business.

Quarter three also saw the release of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Annual Report providing insights into the local region, along with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). The full overview of the QES can be found on pages 6 and 7.

To feature in the Winter edition of connected please submit your content or advertorial to marketing@cambscci.co.uk by Friday 13 December. Advertising content and current rates can be found on page 11.

Your content helps us to produce connected magazine each quarter, we appreciate your contributions and look forward to seeing what you submit next.

Phoebe Ellwood, Editor

the Winter

CEO comment

The Chamber believes that strength comes from unity, and we are dedicated to fostering collaboration, building partnerships and creating a supportive environment in which businesses can thrive.

Over the last quarter, we held our second installment of our Business Lunch, we welcomed Team Brit, the world’s only competitive team of alldisabled racing drivers. They not only shared their inspiring story of growth, impact and positive change, but also brought along one of their race cars and two interactive games for guests to try. We recognise that ill health is chronic problem, so to promote wellbeing we took networking outside for our Huntingdonshire

Forum at Grafham Water Centre. Along with visiting Anglian Water Treatment Plant in Chatteris, to show our members the process of taking our wastewater and returning it to the environment through natural processes. Read more about our local activity on page 8.

Last month, we proudly unveiled the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Annual Progress Report, a result of our close collaboration with local businesses, key stakeholders and educational institutions. This report highlights the significant progress made in aligning education and skills training with the strategic priorities of our region. The report marks a critical milestone in our efforts to bridge the gap between skills development and the real-world needs of our local economy. It underscores our commitment to developing a skilled workforce that meets the evolving demands of employers and reflects our collaborative approach to addressing skills shortages and creating sustainable economic growth throughout the region.

With the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Quarter 3 being released earlier this month, it is clear to see how local businesses have been affected since the General

Chamber Patron Members

Election earlier in the year. Thank you for your contributions, this, alongside our political engagement feeds into government at a critical time ahead of the Autumn Budget. Read more about the results on the following pages. Please note the next QES is set to go live 11 November, more details will be released through email. If you would like to subscribe, please email marketing@cambscci. co.uk.

Lastly, I would like to remind you that our second flagship event of the year CambsB2B is back in the South of the region at Duxford this November. Join us for a jam-packed day of networking and collaboration. Registrations for attendance is still live and can be booked through our dedicated CambsB2B website, www. cambsb2b.co.uk.

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey:

Business conditions stall as Tax anxiety grows

The survey was conducted after the General Election with fieldwork carried out between 19th August and 16th September 2024. The data from over 5,100 businesses across the UK (91% of whom are SMEs –fewer than 250 employees) also shows that most firms are still not increasing investment.

Taxation now the primary external concern

48% of responding firms say taxation is now more of a concern than three months ago, compared with 36% of businesses in Q2, with the professional services (53%) and construction sectors (51%) more likely to cite this.

Concern about other external issues continues to ease. 46% of firms say they are more worried about inflation compared to last quarter (49% in Q2 and 82% in Q2 2022). Concern about interest rates continues to fall, down to 29% of businesses (34% in Q2).

Business conditions struggling

The percentage of respondents reporting increased domestic sales has fallen to 35%, compared to 38% in Q2. 43% reported no change and 21% of firms said they had seen a decrease in sales.

There were some sectoral differences – with 27% of firms in manufacturing and retail reporting a fall in sales in Q3. Meanwhile, 42% of marketing, media and advertising businesses said they had seen a rise.

Business confidence flatlines

56% of companies expect to see their turnover increase over the next 12 months – a slight decrease from 58% in Q2. 29% expect no change and 15% expect to see turnover decline.

Profitability confidence has also fallen, with 48% of businesses expecting profits to increase in the next year. That compares to 51% in Q2. 32% expect no change and 20% of respondents believe their profits will fall (compared with 17% in the previous quarter).

Most firms still not increasing investment

Only 23% of responding businesses say they increased investment levels (new plant, machinery or equipment bought or rented) over the last three months. That’s down from 25% of firms in Q2. 59% say investment has remained the same, 18% reported a decrease.

Considerable sectoral disparities exist, with retailers least likely to report increased investment (21%). While 30% of production and manufacturing firms say they have increased investment over the last three months.

Expectation of price increases is levelling off

The proportion of firms expecting to raise prices remains the same as last quarter at 39%, after a rise earlier in the year. 58% of businesses say they expect prices to stay the same, and just 3% are expecting a decrease.

Labour costs continue to be cited as the main pressure for businesses, cited by 66% (67% in Q2). The issue is more significant for transport,

logistics or storage with 76% reporting it as a challenge, and 74% of firms in construction and hospitality sectors.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“The first half of 2024 saw better than expected economic and business confidence data. However, throughout summer, major uncertainties have mounted and now many of our indicators have flatlined or ticked down.

“On the domestic front, many businesses are increasingly anxious about the direction of economic policy, and taxation has now become their primary concern. The major escalation in the Middle East conflict will also be a significant factor.

“Investment levels remain the Achilles heel of the UK economy. Despite interest rates starting to fall and inflation easing, most SMEs are still hesitant to invest. Further interest rate cuts in the coming months will help alleviate borrowing costs, but SMEs will need support to fund the skills and technologies that will help boost productivity.

“This month’s Budget will be a critical juncture. Businesses will need to see action on solving the investment puzzle, supporting global trade, particularly with the EU, and easing tax anxiety.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:

“Our survey is a timely reminder of the real challenges businesses across our Chamber network are facing.

“With speculation rife about the tax impact of this month’s crucial Budget, businesses are clearly anxious. They understand the fiscal backdrop the Chancellor is facing and the need for the Government to address public finances. However, that must not be at the expense of investment and growth.

“While most firms are still expecting increased turnover over the next 12 months, confidence has dipped slightly. Sales and cashflow are also being hit, with the impact on manufacturers particularly concerning.

“Our message to Government is clear. Business stands ready to work in partnership to overcome challenges and help grow the economy. But an effective industrial strategy and a competitive tax landscape are essential to getting Britain booming again.”

Charlotte Horobin, CEO:

"Despite economic uncertainties, Cambridgeshire businesses have demonstrated resilience. Employment levels have risen across various sectors, and both domestic and international trade have shown encouraging growth. While challenges persist, these positive indicators suggest a promising outlook for our local economy."

Have your voice heard

Comment from Connor Butler, Engagement Manger

At the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, the Member Voice is at the very core of everything that we do and has been for over 100 years. It’s a great honour to be able to do my part to strengthen that voice through local engagement. Across the county we hold local events for members where they can share with us their successes and opportunities but also their struggles and pain points. With the Autumn Budget fast approaching it is vital that the Member Voice is heard and fed directly into government to ensure that the outcome is sensible and supports growth and sustainability. We will be meeting with MPs from all parties to ensure both the government and opposition have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the needs of business. We will also continue to engage with employers around the Local Skills Improvement Plan to make sure that skills shortages are being tackled.

Connor Butler, Engagement Manger

Monsters

of the Sea Peterborough Cathedral - 22 August

are suffering from long term illness and the importance of supporting health and wellbeing. Then, courtesy of the team at Grafham Water Centre, guests took part in a session of either archery, kayaking or paddleboarding.

Fenland Water Recycling Centre Tour

Members came together for an exclusive gathering at Peterborough Cathedral to foster connections and enjoy the Monsters of the Sea Exhibition. Vice Dean Revd Canon Tim Alban Jones gave and address about the Cathedral’s openness to collaborate with the local business community.

Networking & Outdoor Activities at Grafham Water Centre

Grafham Water Centre

Anglian Water Recycling Centre,

Members headed to Chatteris to join Anglian Water for a tour of one of their Water Recycling Centre. There are around 1,100 of these plants across the area Anglian Water serve. Water scarcity is a genuine threat to growth and it was interesting to learn about some of the processes our water goes through. There were also discussions about the future Fens Reservoir set to be built near Chatteris.

As the summer was coming to a close Members joined us at Grafham Water Centre for a session focusing on health and wellbeing in the workplace. Sheila Kissane-Marshall from Boutros Bear gave a presentation about how employers can support their staff who

Did you know that Holme Fen in Cambridgeshire is the lowest physical point in the UK below sea level at 2.75m?

Credit: A Smile a Day Photography

Labour market movements were on the minds of Members at this event in Ely. Hosted at Kings Ely, the largest employer in East Cambridgeshire and one of the oldest schools in the country founded in 970 AD. Mike Spicer and Hannah Lazarus from The PolicyDepartment delivered a presentation on current labour market statistics and the ‘state of the nation’ in East Cambridgeshire. Conversations were heavily around skills but green and digital skills needs were most prevalent

This event was sponsored by East Cambridgeshire District Council. Behind the Buses Stagecoach East - 24 September

Private Business Roundtables

The Future of Manufacturing

With the announcement of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Bus Franchising Consultation Members descended upon Stagecoach East for a their Behind the Buses tour. Before heading to the Stagecoach head office Members gathered at our Patron Member Novotel Cambridge North for a buffet lunch and an update from the CPCA about the consultation and how to get involved. Once they arrived at the depot Stagecoach delivered a tour of the facilities and showed what happens behind the scenes to keep our bus network moving. At the end there was even the opportunity for Members to get behind the wheel of a bus and get hands on experience.

Manufacturing leaders from across the region came together to talk about the future of skills and people in the industry. Prof. Colin Lindsay from InterAct spoke about the research they have conducted around the way manufacturing is viewed by the public. Fiona McGarry from Enginuity gave attendees some ideas about how they can begin to tackle issues attracting future talent. There was also a roundtable discussion where engaging with young people, soft skills, tutor shortages and accessing the apprenticeship levy were at the forefront.

Ian Sollom MP

and intentions for the upcoming parliamentary term and candidly shared his background with attendees. There was an insightful roundtable discussion covering subjects such as energy security, educational cold spots, planning and international trade challenges. This event was kindly hosted by our Patron Member Cambridge Support.

Daniel Zeichner MP

Members from the new constituency of Mid Cambridgeshire and St Neots met with their recently elected MP Ian Sollom. Ian laid out his views

Business leaders from Cambridge met with their MP Daniel Zeichner who is also the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs. With the budget fast approaching there was a lot to talk about. Conversations covered lots of areas including transport, connectivity, support for the agricultural industry, accessibility of the apprenticeship levy and the need to promote confidence in the economy through a fair budget.

What’s next?

If you wish to keep up to date with what is coming up in your local area visit our website. (insert QR Code)

Get connected

Grow your knowledge and build your connections at the Chamber, through a variety of our events. See what we have been up to recently.

Stamford Networking

September saw us back at Stamford for an evening of networking and building connections over drinks at The Crowns sister pub, Paten & Co. With a variety of businesses in the room it was fantastic to be part of a larger conversation. Join us every month

Connect your business

Connect with like-minded people and other businesses by promoting yourselves within the next edition of our official Chamber magazine connected or newsletters.

Showcase yourself in our magazine that is circulated to over 2000 businesses within the local area each quarter.

Within connected, we feature articles, advertorials, local events, ones to watch and so much more!

To place an advert or article, or to find out mor please email marketing@cambscci.co.uk

Sponsorship Opportunities

Over the last quarter we have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available throughout the Chamber. These range from CambsB2B South, Festive events, connected edition sponsor, newsletter banners and more!

To get involved with sponsorship, please contact our events team at marketing@cambscci.co.uk.

If any events featured within this edition are of interest to you, please visit our website or contact events@ cambscci.co.uk for more information.

Chamber Primary Health Plan

The Chamber is proud to be in partnership with Westfield Health, who offer a health plan exclusively to Chamber members.

The Key Features include:

• Corporate paid plan

• Premiums that don’t increase with age

• Pre-existing medical conditions covered (except Personal Accident)

• Immediate cover on all benefits

• Voluntary upgrades and additional adult cover available.

For more information please visit the partner offers page on the Chamber website.

Let the AA keep you on the road

Running a company with vehicles at its heart means that staying still isn’t an option. The AA’s business breakdown cover will make sure your drivers get back on the road quickly – and with minimum disruption – if the worst happens. All you need to do is choose the rigt level of cover for you.

Whether you just have a single vehicle or run a whole fleet, the AA can cover your cars, vans, motorbikes and more – as long as they’re 3.5 tonnes or under. If you’re not sure if your vehicle would be eligible, you can call the AA on 0800 55 11 88 to check.

Cover from just £53.62 per vehicle, no matter how small your fleet! Visit theAA.com/business for a quote, using reference code 0360

Global News

Beyond our borders, a world of complex issues and exciting developments unfolds. From political upheavals to technological breakthroughs, global news affects us all, shaping our understanding of the world and influencing our lives. Stay informed and engaged with the latest international headlines.

Arab-British Economic Summit

Monday 25 November, 8.00am-6.30pm

This annual summit, under the banner of 'Friendship Through Trade', will highlight the strategic UK-Arab partnership with an emphasis on the widening scope of cooperation within various sectors and industries. The event will seek to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen transnational trade ties and bilateral investment flows in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit lowcarbon economy.

You can view the agenda and confirmed speakers, and register your place on the event website:

https://abcc.glueup.com/event/4th-arab-britisheconomic-summit-2024-93156/home.html

Supported by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

SAVE THE DATE

Global Annual Conference 2025

Thursday 26 June 2025, QEII Centre, London

A day packed with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynote speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities.

The host of the conference will be multi award winning journalist Clive Myrie. Clive is one of the best known and most experienced foreign correspondents and TV news presenters.

Keep your eye out for further information, agenda, speakers and booking links on our website and social media.

Chamber Training

International Trade Training

Details of courses coming up until the end of the year can be found below. Full course details are available on the training page of our website.

We can tailor courses to suit the needs of your organisation. If you’re interested in a bespoke course, please contact Ilona Karpanos on 01223 237414.

Export Processes & Procedures Training

Tuesday 12 November, 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.

Incoterms® 2020 Workshop

Thursday 14 November, 9.30am-1.00pm

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

Inward and Outward Processing and Returned Goods Relief

Wednesday 20 November, 9.30am-1.00pm

This virtual half day course will cover special procedures and the benefits of using Inward and Outward Processing, commonly known as IP and OP, in your compliance.

Understanding Rules of Origin

Tuesday 3 December, 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.

Cost per delegate:

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

14th Africa-UK Trade & Investment Summit 2024

In August our International Trade Advisor, Dr Ilona Karpanos was kindly invited to participate in the 14th Africa-UK Trade & Investment Summit 2024. The theme for this event was ‘Accelerating Growth Through Partnerships for Global Market Expansion’ and aimed to enhance economic collaboration between East Africa and the UK. Ilona’s participation emphasised the East of England’s strategic importance of international trade and the establishment of robust and enduring trade partnerships are essential for sustained success and growth.

During the conference Ilona discussed three questions in relation to strengthening the relationship between East Africa and Cambridgeshire. The first question focused on the strategies that could be put in place in fostering stronger trade links:

Transparency and Clear communication: Establishing clear channels of communication ensures the alignment on order specifications, pricing, delivery schedules and potential challenges. Regular and prompt updates foster trust and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently facilitating smoother transactions and building stronger connections.

Reliability and Consistency: Consistently delivering high-quality goods as per agreed-upon specifications and timelines builds confidence and stronger long-term relationships. Importers value suppliers who can meet demand consistently, while exporters appreciate reliable payment practices.

Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability: Cultural Sensitivity is vital in the global trade landscape. Understanding and respecting cultural nuances, business practices and local customs facilitates smoother transactions and stronger relationships based on mutual respect and appreciation. The Chamber has translation services available through our website www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk.

Ilona also addressed the sectors believed to have the greatest potential for growth and collaboration. Cambridgeshire offers a rich landscape that spans across various sectors, the most prominent found in our region as manufacturing and digital as stated in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Annual Report. These sectors along with Pharmaceutical, Education and Training are featured within the top 10 imports of East Africa and present the unique opportunity to bring the UK closer to

East African Businesses and Investors. The economies of The EAC depend on the export of agricultural commodities, manufactured products and services such as tourism.

The last element of the summit touched on how the Chamber leverages its resources to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in both regions to tap into these opportunities effectively.

A Bridge to Global Markets: The Cambridgeshire Chamber provides SMEs with support and resources necessary to venture beyond their domestic markets. Their global network and infrastructure are tailored to help businesses overcome barriers to entry and gain a competitive edge in foreign markets.

Market Intelligence and Insights: With the limited knowledge of how local SMEs can expand internationally, the Chamber offers market intelligence, providing businesses with vital information on industry trends, regulatory requirements and economic environments.

Networking and Connections: Within International business, the people are as important as what you know. Cambridgeshire Chamber facilitates valuable connections through a variety of trade missions, business benchmarking events and networking sessions. These events allow SMEs to meet potential partners and customers, fostering relationships through personal introductions through the Chamber.

Training and Capacity Building: The Chamber offers an extensive range of training programmes designed to develop and enhance the skills needed for International Trade. These programmes cover a diverse range of topics, including exports, documentation, international marketing strategies and more.

To find out more about our International Trade offerings please email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk or visit www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/export

Cambridge Tech Week

The annual Cambridge Tech Week took place from 9-13 September Cambridge Wireless brought the region together to celebrate the technology ecosystem within Cambridge. This weeklong event brought together leading tech companies, startups, researchers, investors and entrepreneurs from all over and the Chamber was excited to be in partnership.

The Chamber team were out and about across the city networking and learning more about the tech advancements within our local area. A range of panel discussions, conference-style workshops and exhibitions overtook Cambridge for the week.

With the Chamber team visiting the AI and Quantum event at Pembrooke College on Wednesday, they saw how Wayve are using AI technology within cars that will result in safer road use, especially within busy cities like Cambridge and Peterborough. The discussion that followed was focused on ‘The stages of adoption from R&D and Spin-outs to Enterprise’. Speakers from Digital Catapult, Secondmind, Cambridge Management Consulting and Dell Technologies explained the importance of research and design before implementation of AI into start-ups and scale-ups.

The second keynote speaker from Digital Catapult explained what their businesses specializes in and discussed the systems approach to developing AI innovation policies, touching on the lack of equity, diversity and inclusion in AI solution development and skills. With the final panel following on with what businesses really use AI for and if it is beneficial. Speakers from Lumyz, Appella AI, Monumo, Nokia Bell Labs and Twig spoke about how AI is important within a range of sectoral businesses but presents challenges in taking away key skill sets in those earlier tasks. The morning closed with an insightful talk form PwC who gave an informative speech on the growth of AI over the years and the importance of strategizing AI before using it in a business environment.

Thursday morning, the team attended a special live recording of the Cambridge Tech Podcast, as they listened to a panel discuss how to scale up in a smarter more efficient way. Following with a group discussion of how the UK can access the market internationally. With the key takeaways surrounding market research, regulatory compliance, distribution channels, funding

and logistics within the supply chains. With attendees being told that if they take these steps, they can effectively access and navigate both the UK and international markets.

This was followed by a campfire chat where participants could network to discuss how establishing partnerships and collaborations can enhance service delivery, improve efficiency and promote innovation. With key aspects from the event surround PublicPrivate Partnerships (PPPs), digital transformation, international cooperation and sustainable goals.

#CAMTECHWEEK held its Gala Drinks Reception at the Graduate, Thursday evening with Charlotte in attendance to congratulate the Cambridge Wireless team for a fantastic week. The Chamber has been working closely with CW to capture insights that will support the future talent pipeline for digital skills across the region as a priority within the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

The team concluded their week by attending the final event at the Bradfield Centre for the Future Tech Synmposium. The afternoon started with Eastern Promise discussing how educators are leading the way to bring AI tools into the classroom serving as insights into knowledge gaps. The first panel featured guest speakers from Form the Future, Educate Ventures Research, Eastern Education group, sAInaptic and two students from Anglia Ruskin University as they explored the impact that AI has on the education system.

The final panel explored the navigational opportunities and challenges in tech careers. With speakers from ARU, Arm and Black Talent & Leadership in STEM. Core messages from taken is that there are barriers when engaging in new roles and that businesses need to work together in identifying these and limiting them. Along with agreeing every student learns differently and that skill challenges that are present now may not exist in 10 years time.

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Cambridge Tech Week 2024 surpasses expectations with 5,000 attendees

Cambridge Tech Week, 9-13 September 2024, surpassed all expectations this year by attracting 5,000 attendees, including visitors from across the globe, who flocked to Cambridge for this dynamic five-day event. With an impressive line-up of expert speakers, cutting-edge tech companies, and a wide array of networking opportunities, the Cambridge Tech Week provided an unparalleled platform for learning, connecting, and doing business.

Michaela Eschbach, CEO of Cambridge Wireless, organisers of this mammoth event, said:

"We promised you that Cambridge Tech Week would be bigger and better than ever and we delivered, with:

• 5,000 + attendees (a staggering 400% increase on last year)

• 500+ companies represented

• 150+ expert speakers

• 24+ hours of networking

• Attendees from 20+countries including USA, Brazil, Chile, Africa, China and Japan."

Michaela continued: “We're thrilled with the success of Cambridge Tech Week 2024! These results would not have been possible without the huge number of contributors, sponsors and partners who committed their time to help make the event such a success.

Huge thanks to: Ann Fisher - Founder of Cambridge Tech Week; Chris Bruce and the CTW Committee; Anne Bailey and Form the Future; Dr Soraya Jones and all our Ambassadors; James Parton - The Bradfield

Centre, and Faye Holland - cofinitive, and jointlyCambridge Tech Podcast; and, all our many supporters and advocates. Cambridge Tech Week would not have been possible without our sponsors, including headline sponsors: Cambridge Consultants, PwC, Cambridge Management Consulting, Cambridge Enterprise, the University of East Anglia and HSBC. Many thanks also to the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce for all their support and, of course, a huge thank you to my team at Cambridge Wireless who worked tirelessly for almost a year to deliver CTW24."

Ann Fisher, Founder of Cambridge Tech Week, said: “The idea of holding this week-long event was to celebrate the brilliant tech businesses and wider ecosystem of both Cambridge and the East of England region. I’m passionate about the technology market, especially when it is used for good, and wanted to see Cambridge and the East of England unite to celebrate its global success and help future generations achieve their dreams. I’m delighted to see the energy and collaborations created last week and can’t wait for CTW25!”

Chris Bruce, Chair of the CTW Steering Committee, said: "This year's theme was Innovate, Invest and Grow and we worked hard to create a programme that showcased these topics. The result was a great mix of innovators, investors, industry participants and young people seeking a future career in tech. Every session was oversubscribed and there was huge energy and excitement as delegates networked and identified future collaborations."

Olu Orugboh, Chair of Cambridge Wireless, said: “We were delighted with not only the number of attendees for the main CTW conference and fringe events (a huge 400% increase on last year) but with the diversity of our audience across race, gender and age. As we begin plans for CTW25, is there room for improvement to reflect diversity within our programme? Do we want to support change across the tech sector? Absolutely!”

For the team at Cambridge Wireless, work has already begun for CTW25, as we collect feedback via delegate and contributor surveys. So watch this space for news of CTW25 and how you can get involved!

Final thanks to all our sponsors:

Without our sponsors, Cambridge Tech Week would not be possible, huge thanks to: Cambridge Consultants, PwC, Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge Management Consulting, HSBC, University of East Anglia and UEA for Business, UKTIN, Mills & Reeve, Brockton Everlast, Cambridge Judge Business School, Department for Business and Trade, The Bradfield Centre, Cambridge Tech Podcast, Cambridge Science Park, St John's Innovation Centre, FORA, Frazier & Deeter, Paragraf, Appleyard Lees, MPA, Marks & Clerk, 42 Technology, UHY Hacker Young, Nordic Ninja, KPMG, Zetter Recruitment, Barclays Eagle Labs, Keltie, Rathbones Group Plc, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, IC Resources, Cambridge Future Tech, Pragmatic, First Intuition, Cambridge Dining Company and British Business Bank.

Thank you all so much for your support!

Security Trends and Threats in 2024 and Beyond

The cyber security landscape is evolving quickly, with ransomware, AI-powered attacks and data leaks becoming bigger challenges. Organisations must adapt and strengthen their defences to stay ahead of these growing threats.

Ransomware on the rise

According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, ransomware attacks have significantly increased compared to 2023, accounting for 32% of all breaches (up from 24%). Attackers increasingly use a technique called ‘double extortion’, where they encrypt and steal data, pressuring victims to pay even if they have backups. High-profile incidents like the MOVEit attack and the 2022 NHS breach show just how damaging these attacks can be.

AI in cyber crime

AI is giving cyber criminals more powerful tools. From voice cloning to deepfakes, attackers are using AI to craft highly convincing social engineering schemes. In one case, fraudsters cloned a company director’s voice and scammed an employee into transferring $35 million. AI-as-a-service makes these technologies even more accessible to attackers.

Data leaks escalate

Data leaks are happening more often and on a larger scale. In January 2024 alone, over 29.5 billion records were compromised. Massive breaches like the 10 billion password leak on BreachForums highlight the ongoing risk of poor password practices and unpatched systems.

How IT Governance can help you

Organisations that adopt a proactive, multi-layered security approach to cyber security, invest in AI-driven solutions and foster a culture of awareness will be best positioned to defend against these emerging threats.

Our Cyber Security Complete E-Learning Suite equips your employees with essential knowledge to spot and respond to cyber security threats. With short, engaging courses and a challenge game to reinforce learning,

staff can quickly gain practical, actionable insights. Build a culture of security and compliance with our expertdriven, highly rated training designed to strengthen your organisation’s defences.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the workplace

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can have a profound impact on individuals in the workplace, affecting both their mental well-being and overall productivity. SAD is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, typically during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. The limited exposure to natural light during these seasons can disrupt the body's internal clock and lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns.

In the workplace, SAD can manifest in a variety of ways, impacting both employees and employers alike. One significant challenge is the potential decrease in productivity among affected individuals. The symptoms of SAD, such as lethargy and difficulty concentrating, can hinder employees' ability to perform optimally. This decline in productivity may lead to missed deadlines, errors in work, and an overall decrease in the quality of output.

Furthermore, SAD can contribute to a decline in employee morale and engagement. The persistent low

mood associated with this disorder can result in feelings of isolation and detachment from colleagues. As individuals struggle to cope with the symptoms of SAD, they may withdraw from social interactions, impacting team dynamics and hindering collaboration.

Employers should be proactive in addressing SAD in the workplace to create a supportive environment. One crucial step is raising awareness about SAD and its impact on mental health. Providing educational resources and workshops can help employees recognise the signs of SAD and encourage them to seek assistance if needed. Additionally, fostering an open and empathetic workplace culture can reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, making it more likely for individuals to seek help.

To mitigate the effects of SAD, organisations can consider implementing practical solutions. For instance, optimising the workplace environment by maximising natural light exposure can positively influence mood and energy levels. Flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted work hours, can also help

Annual General Meeting Notice

Notice is hereby given that the twenty-first Annual General Meeting of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held at Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge CB24 3AH on Thursday 28th November 2024 at 9.30am for transaction of the following business:

Ordinary Resolutions:

• Approval of the report of the Directors and the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024.

• Re-election of Director: Harvey Bibby whose appointment as a Director was approved by members at the November 2021 AGM wishes to continue in office. Members are asked to approve his re-election as a Director for a second and final three-year term until the 2027 Annual General Meeting.

• Election of Director: Eleanor Woolcott was co-opted onto the Board of Directors in June 2024 and Katy Davies was co-opted onto the Board in October 2024.In accordance with the Articles of Association members are asked to approve their appointments

employees manage their symptoms by allowing them to create a schedule that aligns with their individual needs.

Seasonal Affective Disorder in the workplace is a significant concern that affects both individuals and organisations. Recognising the impact of SAD on productivity, morale, and overall well-being is crucial for employers. By fostering a supportive environment, raising awareness, and implementing practical solutions, workplaces can become more resilient in the face of seasonal mood changes and contribute to the mental health and success of their employees.

SAD can start at the end of the summer when the days start to getting darker and carry on through to spring, but this is not the case for everyone, to find out more about SAD please click on the link from the NHS https:// www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonalaffective-disorder-sad/overview/

If you were interested in educating your workforce about this as well as other mental health challenges and how to approach them, contact us at ABC Life Support.

for an initial three year term until the 2027 Annual General Meeting.

• Re-appointment of Azets Audit Services Limited as Auditors of the company.

• Authorising the Directors to determine the Auditors’ remuneration.

The Directors Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 are available on the members’ section of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry website.

A proxy voting form can be downloaded from the members’ section of the website. In order for the votes to be registered at the meeting this form must be returned by email or by post to the registered office, 48 hours before the meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors

Michael Tolond Company Secretary September 2024

Registered office: Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge CB24 3AH

Ollie’s Wood

In June this year, Huntingdon Racecourse were delighted to unveil ‘Ollie’s Wood’ as part of their treeplanting commaitments in partnership with Nature’s Corridor – a charity who work with local businesses to help ‘demonstrate a responsible approach to safeguarding the environment’

A 350-tree woodland area of specially chosen trees were planted in memory of nature-loving teenager Ollie Oldham, a pupil of the Samuel Pepys School in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, who would have turned 18 in June, died in August 2022 at the age of 16. Ollie Oldham was born with a rare blood disorder and a pre-leukaemia in the womb. Ollie went on to have numerous operations but sadly died two years ago this summer. Ollie would regularly join his family on walks around the racecourse and it is with their permission that the Racecourse named the new wood in his honour.

The trees in the woodland are a combination of alder, silver birch, grey willow, white willow, black poplar, and hawthorn.

Over 80 volunteers attended the racecourse over 20 days to help plant trees and hedging.

Through the help of Natures Corridor, the racecourse has planted over 450 trees with the commitment of planting over 9000 trees across the site, and 1.5k of hedgerow. Creating a new b-line for nature. Whilst also aiding flood recovered.

To get involved in volunteer planting days at the racecourse, email huntingdonenquiries@thejockeyclub. co.uk

FORA comes to Cambridge

In 2023, leading flexible-workspace provider Fora opened a brand new six-storey space on Station Road in Cambridge, designed and built with sustainability at its core. Awarded with the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the workspace is powered exclusively by REGO certified renewable electricity, with solar panels providing up to 20% of the building’s power. Heat pumps minimise carbon emissions and low-flow water systems reduce daily usage.

The workspace is topped with a brown roof, with an organic surface left to self-vegetate naturally, as well as an additional green roof fitted with bug hotels, to encourage further biodiversity. Rainwater collectors on the roof are linked to Cambridge Water’s treatment systems, maximising the amount of water available for reuse.

Fora pioneers innovative design approaches across its workspaces, embracing biophilic principles to enhance member wellbeing and productivity. As stewards of the workplace, Fora empowers its members to operate sustainably, minimising ecological footprints while creating spaces that support business performance and foster employee wellbeing.

Environmental Taxes: What are they and what reliefs are available?

When the government legislated a net zero emission target by 2050, the UK became the first major economy to pass net zero emission law. The target requires the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero within the next three decades, as recommended by the Climate Change Committee.

Now, considerations for the environment are a cornerstone of a sustainable business plan and forecast. This has been made especially clear in recent years, with the introduction of more environmental taxes.

Environmental taxes are those levied on activities that are considered harmful to the environment, with reliefs and savings available to businesses which promote environmentally friendly activities.

The taxes and schemes vary per business type and size and include:

• Climate Change Levy

• Emissions trading

• Capital allowances on energy-efficient items

• Landfill Tax

• Aggregates Levy

• Plastic Packaging Tax

Tax relief or exemptions may be available for some businesses if they fall into an eligible criterion.

Gemma Thake, Tax Partner at accountancy firm Price Bailey comments: “There are multiple tax reliefs and schemes available for organisations that can demonstrate that they are operating in a more environmentally friendly way. These reliefs are mutually beneficial; they encourage both sustainable activity within a business and better support those organisations that are putting the time and resource into developing these activities.

“For energy intensive businesses, there are significant reductions on the main tax rates of the Climate Change Levy if you enter into a climate change agreement with the Environment Agency. This includes a reduction by over 90% on electricity as well as other significant reductions on other traditional fuel sources.”

Gemma continues: “Other notable taxes include the Plastic Packaging Tax, which came into force in 2022. It is now especially important to lower the amount of plastic in our environment, and so this tax has been introduced on finished plastic packaging components that contain less than 30% recycled plastic. If your packaging falls below this threshold, you will pay tax of £217.85 per tonne of your packaging. This should be factored in early to your manufacturing processes and financial planning to mitigate unforeseen tax liabilities.

available to your business, visit their website here or contact Gemma Thake.

Minimise your Impact from Ransomware Attacks

“When it comes to the Climate Change Levy for example, you do not need to pay the main tax rate if your business uses a small amount of energy, among other criteria. Equally, there are reliefs available on fuel costs such as electricity, gas and solid fuels if you comply with certain environmental conditions.

Ransomware has been making headlines as a formidable threat to companies due to its ability to cripple businesses IT systems. Ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts files and systems, holding them hostage until a ransom is paid. By understanding ransomware attack methods and taking preventative

Gemma Thake, Partner in the Tax team at Price Bailey

steps, you can minimise the impact on your business. We’ll cover what you need to know and how to limit disruptions.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malicious software, often delivered via phishing emails, infected websites, or vulnerability exploits. Once inside a system, ransomware attacks spread rapidly to encrypt files at the system level or on shared drives accessible over the network. Encryption essentially locks companies out, halting access or the ability to interact with files until the encryption key is retrieved.

Malicious actors often demand a ransom payment in exchange for a decryption key. If companies refuse or fail to pay, the data will forever remain encrypted. Attackers typically demand untraceable forms of electronic payments like Bitcoin. The price of a ransom varies, and it can range from several hundreds to millions of pounds. Many companies end up paying which further fuels more attacks. We would recommend a security audit for any business, to identify any vulnerabilities.

The Most Common Ransomware Attacks

Cyber criminals use various techniques to infect systems with ransomware. The most frequent methods are stated below:

Phishing Emails

Phishing involves sending fake emails posing as trusted sources to fool users into opening attachments or clicking links loaded with malware. Ransomware attacks exploit trust to infect systems once activated. Email security solutions filtering untrusted emails can offer protection from this.

Compromised Websites

Websites compromised to trigger drive-by downloads are a common contamination method. Just visiting the site might expose systems to ransomware exploits. Implementing DNS-based security products such as Cisco Umbrella or implementing firewall-based web filtering in on-premises environments will help to protect against compromised websites.

Vulnerability Exploitation

Unpatched software flaws are like open doors allowing people remote access to your systems. Ensuring regular patching thus closes those open doors and better protects your business.

Partner Networks

By hacking partner systems that are linked to a company’s network, attackers breach trusted pathways to spread ransomware across associated systems and servers using access rights. Vetting partners’ security postures will help protect your interconnected networks.

Best Practices for Prevention Against Ransomware Attacks

While ransomware creators devise new techniques constantly, following cyber security best practices can minimise vulnerabilities that they target for exploitation. These would include the following:

• Keep operating systems, software and firewalls updated.

• Protect your endpoints and servers with and EDR solution such as SentinelOne.

• Train employees to identify phishing emails.

• Backup critical data regularly and keep offline.

• Control access rights and permissions.

• Monitor networks for irregularities.

• Patch known system vulnerabilities rapidly.

• Review partner network security standards.

By taking a proactive stance and preparing contingency plans to enable rapid response, disruptions and losses incurred by ransomware incidents can be mitigated significantly.

Conclusion

Ransomware attacks are a definite cyber threat all businesses face. However, raising awareness among staff, implementing cyber best practices, ensuring robust backups, and planning incident response workflows arms you with layered defences to reduce disturbances. Strengthening business resilience makes surviving ransomware attacks achievable. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Cambridge Support and our experts will gladly help any questions you have. 01223 921000 or ask@ cambridgesupport.com.

The LSIP Annual Report Has Landed

In August we shared the latest update on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Supported by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the LSIP has been a major initiative in tackling the skills gaps in our region and supporting local industries.

The LSIP annual report shows how much progress we’ve made so far, including securing nearly £2.5 million from the Local Skills Improvement Fund. This funding has allowed us to boost education and training programs to better align with the needs of local businesses, ensuring that the workforce we’re developing matches industry demands.

What We've Achieved So Far

Since the LSIP’s launch, we’ve been working closely with employers, education providers, and other key stakeholders to identify the most critical skill shortages across sectors like Life Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing, Digital & IT, and Agri-tech. By pinpointing these gaps, we’ve been able to tailor our efforts to meet the specific needs of our regional economy.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re really proud of the progress we've made so far. This report reflects the strong partnerships we've built with local businesses and educational institutions. It’s all about making sure that the skills training that is being provided is directly linked to what employers need.

“It’s a huge step forward in creating a skilled workforce that’s equipped for the future. The collaboration between the Chamber, local businesses, and education providers has been essential in making sure we address these skill shortages and support longterm economic growth.”

Government Recognition and Support

It’s not just local organisations recognising the progress we've made. The LSIP report has also been well-received at the national level, with the Minister for Skills, Baroness Smith of Malvern, noting that the report is a valuable tool for local skills providers, employers, and stakeholders. She pointed out that reports like ours help inform national initiatives like the newly established Skills England, which will benefit from the insights we’ve gained through the LSIP.

What’s Next for the LSIP?

While we’ve made a lot of headway, we know there’s more to be done. The LSIP report also outlines the next steps for further improving the skills and capabilities of the regional workforce. Moving forward, we’ll continue to focus on our priority sectors where the need for skilled workers is most urgent. We're committed to building on this momentum and ensuring that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough remain competitive, with a workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Stay Engaged

We encourage everyone involved, from stakeholders to community members, to check out the full LSIP report. It’s packed with detailed insights and highlights our strategic direction when it comes to skills development in the region. If you’re keen to see how these efforts are shaping the local workforce, the full report is available online.

News Round-Up: Sustainability, Digital Transformation, and Key Insights from LSIP Developments

There’s a lot happening in the region, and we’ve got some exciting updates to share. From the upcoming CambsB2B South event to the latest insights from our Q2 Labour Market Webinar, this round-up focuses on sustainability, digital transformation, and the vital role of soft skills in today’s job market.

CambsB2B South: Focusing on Sustainability and Digital Transformation

Mark your calendars for CambsB2B South, happening on Wednesday, 13th November at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. This year’s event is set to highlight two crucial area: sustainability and digital transformation. With local businesses increasingly focusing on these themes, CambsB2B offers a valuable platform to explore how green practices and digital innovation are driving economic success in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The event will kick off with the Business Leaders Breakfast, featuring a panel discussion with prominent business figures, followed by an exhibition running from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Insights from our Quarterly Labour Market Webinar

Our Quarterly Labour Market Webinar, featuring Charlotte Horobin (Chamber Chief Executive), Mike Spicer (Policy Department, Managing Director), and Hannah Lazarus (Economic Analyst), provided valuable insights into workforce

trends, skills gaps, and strategies for enhancing the regional talent pipeline. The presentation was well-received, with attendees praising the depth of analysis on current employment challenges and the need for upskilling in digital and sustainable practices.

If you missed the webinar, you can find the recordings on our website. The session highlighted key findings from the LSIP Annual Report and emphasised how businesses can address skills shortages and adapt to changing market demands.

The Growing Importance of Soft Skills

One key takeaway from our recent LSIP Annual Report is the increasing importance of soft skills in the job market. Data shows that soft skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving are among the most requested by employers in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Over the past five years, these skills have consistently topped job postings, with communication being the most in-demand.

problem-solving—skills that are crucial for navigating a rapidly evolving job market. As we continue to focus on sustainability and digital transformation, developing these soft skills will be vital for ensuring a well-rounded and adaptable workforce.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to CambsB2B South, we’re excited about the opportunities for learning, networking, and innovation that the event will bring. It’s a chance to delve into how businesses can leverage sustainability and digital tools to drive growth. Don’t forget to register and follow the conversation on social media using #CambsB2B.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to support our region’s growth and development.

Employers - Has your social media policy kept pace with business practice?

By Nel Woolcott – Managing Director, Anne Corder Recruitment.

With statistics revealing that 92 per cent of people (recently surveyed) use social media at work in some capacity – it may come as little surprise that Brits spend over an hour each day scrolling whilst at work.

From the early days of Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) there is now a growing list of social media channels and platforms.

In many cases, employees may be actively encouraged to use social media in the workplace, particularly if this a crucial element of their role – either for the company they work for or a client they represent.

But what happens when the work and social lines become blurred? How can employers protect themselves against any misconduct, reputation harming or damaging comments or a breach of company confidentiality?

This is where having a social media policy, and reviewing it on a regular basis, comes in.

Employees should also be trained in those policies to prevent them having a get-out clause in the event of disciplinary action.

Did you know: (from StandOut CV) June 2024

• 92% of UK workers use social media whilst at work.

• Brits spend an average of 1 hour and 17 minutes per day on social media at work.

• Millennials are the most active users of social media in the workplace.

• Just 5% of people use social media exclusively for workrelated purposes.

• 1 in 10 people use social media to look for jobs whilst at work.

• 79% of workers user social media for habitually checking feeds.

• Social media use at work costs the British economy an estimated £14 billion per year.

The use of social media is now deeply integrated in many employees’ job roles and duties, such as for promotion and marketing, recruitment and communication purposes.

Due to this, it’s important for a business’s social media policy to reflect how social media is used throughout the company and that it is kept up to date consistently.

Adopting a comprehensive social media policy will allow you to establish clear standards of good practice, whilst simultaneously alerting your staff to the risks associated with social media.

Only a few years ago, these issues simply didn’t exist. Now cyber-bullying, offensive comments on Twitter and inappropriate use of Facebook are hitting the headlines regularly, which in turn is seeing the courts introduce laws for situations you could never have imagined not so long ago.

Types of Misconduct on social media

• Trolling or harassing individuals on social channels.

• Breaching company confidentiality.

• Posting content or comments that are discriminative.

• Posting opinions that may impact or damage the company's reputation.

Construction Green Summit

In July we hosted our first Construction Green Summit, which aimed to explore how sustainable growth can add to your bottom line, attract new talent, win new business and ultimately give you the green competitive edge.

The jam-packed event consisted of a networking breakfast, two panel discussions and a mini exhibition, finishing with a networking lunch.

Thank you to ARU for supporting and hosting the event, who shared their innovative range of courses available to the industry that have sustainability embedded, including their new Degree Apprenticeship in Civil Engineering.

Event sponsor

The event was kindly sponsored by Oxford Energy Academies (OEA).

OEA are a leading provider of energy training courses, apprenticeships and assessments. Their fully equipped Energy Academies offer a wide range of gas, electrical, plumbing, oil and renewable energy skills training, assessment and qualifications.

In May 2024, a new centre opened in St Ives with high quality workshop and assessment areas, classrooms and computer facilities.

Dave Bendell, Director, opened the event with some insights into what OEA does and what sponsoring our first Summit meant to them, showcasing their offerings and reaching new audiences.

‘Save Money, Make Money’

Panel 1, ‘Save Money, Make Money’, featured a thoughtprovoking discussion with a panel of experts, including Gillian Brown – Lloyds Banking Group, Stuart Searle –Practical Energy Solutions, Emma Fletcher – Octopus Energy and Chris Donachie – TSA Riley.

Panellists discussed the challenges of sustainable business practice, energy choices and skills, amongst many more topics.

Thank you to our fantastic panellists who produced an insightful discussion and took questions from our engaged full room of guests.

Thank you ESP Limited for sponsoring the panel and Darryl Kent, Executive Engineer, for hosting.

‘Horizon Scanning’

Panel 2, ‘Horizon Scanning’, included insightful discussions on the future of the construction industry within the sustainability sector, technologies that are to come, supply chain resilience and skills shortages.

Our panel of experts included Ashley Shorey-Mills –Sizewell C Supply Chain, Dave Bendell – OEA, Paul Gaughan – CIOB and Parminder Summon – ARU, who not only shared their knowledge and experiences, but answered a range of questions from an engaged audience.

Thank you Sizewell C Supply Chain for sponsoring the panel and Steve Dighton, Business Development Manager of Breheny Civil Engineering for hosting.

Exhibition

An exhibition featured throughout the event with businesses showcasing what they are doing across the sector.

During the networking breakfast, break and lunch, guests had the chance to discover what the showcasing businesses can offer and the inspirational things they are doing to maximise their sustainability. Thank you for joining us GCE Hire Fleet, Peterborough Environment City Trust, EML Electrical, Auditel, Mr Charger, CIOB, Cambridge Regional College, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, Practical Energy Solutions and OEA.

Chamber Four Services

Included in your Chamber membership is Chamber Four Services covering HR, Legal, Health & Safety and Tax.

How to access these services

Advice lines - call 01455 852037

Document libraries - access via https://chamber cambs.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.

Equal Pay for Equal Work: What You Need To Know

Do employees have the right to equal pay for equal work? In this day and age, the answer might seem straightforward – of course, employees are entitled to equal pay for equal work. However, despite widespread awareness of this core principle, many large businesses still fall short of compliance, exposing themselves to significant legal risks, potential damages, and reputational harm from public scrutiny.

Let’s examine a recent case where this occurred, understand what went wrong, and explore how you can ensure compliance while protecting your business’ interests…

Do Employees have the Right to Equal Pay for Equal Work?

Yes - employees do have the right to equal pay for equal work. The Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark Asda Stores v Brierley case confirmed that

employees are entitled to equal pay for work of equal value if certain conditions are met. Specifically, workers must be on substantially the same terms as those in different roles unless any differences can be objectively justified by material factors on a non-discriminatory basis.

Building on this precedent, a recent Employment Tribunal decision found that Next had engaged in sex discrimination. The retail giant paid its sales consultants - most of whom were women, lower hourly rates than their warehouse operatives, who were primarily men. The Tribunal rejected Next’s argument that the pay disparity was justified by higher market rates for warehouse work. This ruling potentially opens the door for over 3,500 current and former Next employees to file equal pay claims.

What Should Employers Do to Ensure Compliance?

To ensure compliance with the Equality Act 2010, employers should conduct an equal pay audit. This helps verify that your pay structures are fair, transparent and aligned with legal requirements, which mandate that men and women be paid equally for work that is the same, similar, equivalent or of equal value. The latter can apply even if the work isn’t identical, but is comparable in terms of effort, skill, and decisionmaking.

It’s important to note that potential claims for unequal pay can go back up to six years after an employee leaves the company, so taking proactive steps now could prevent costly legal issues in the future. For further assistance with this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact our HR/Legal Advice Line Team for FREE on 01455 852 028, where a team of experts can assist with your individual needs.

Cambridge Building Society Community Fund Soars:

First Ever Member Panellist Joins, Fund Goes from Strength to Strength with Cash Booster and Game-Changing

Grants Awarded.

The Cambridge Building Society has announced key updates to its Community Fund, which aims to support local charities and community groups addressing housing and homelessness.

Recent developments include the addition of a new member panellist, a substantial increase in The Fund's resources, and the awarding of nearly £30,000 in grants to three local charities.

The Cambridge welcomes Jodie Welch as its first member panellist for the Cambridge Building Society Community Fund. Jodie, a transport planner at Stantec in Cambridge, brings valuable expertise and passion to this role. Recognised for her contributions to the community, she received the ‘Young Property Person of the Year Award’ at the 2022 Eastern Echo Awards. Jodie has also volunteered with Jimmys Cambridge and became the first LandAid Ambassador for the Eastern Region, reflecting her commitment to addressing housing issues.

As a panellist, Jodie will play a crucial role in evaluating grant applications and helping guide funding decisions to support initiatives that improve housing access and alleviate homelessness.

Since The Fund's launch in 2020 it has awarded over £161,000 in grants to various housing projects and campaigns.

To support this good work, the Society has added an extra £135,000 to the Community Fund by taking part in the UK Government backed Dormant Assets Scheme. The scheme allows financial institutions to use dormant funds for public good.

In the latest round of funding, nearly £30,000 has been awarded to three local charities committed to supporting those in need.

Cambridge Re-Use received £10,000 to support its mission of providing essential furniture to individuals living in poverty or at risk of homelessness. This grant will enable the charity to fund van drivers, ensuring the collection and delivery of donated furniture to those in need.

Citizens Advice Rural Cambridgeshire was awarded £10,000 to fund a specialist housing adviser for one day per week. This role is crucial in providing housing-related advice through phone, email, and face-to-face appointments, supporting approximately 100 vulnerable individuals.

Papworth Trust received £9,638 to renovate a two-bedroom bungalow, making it accessible for disabled individuals. This project will enable

residents to live independently, enhancing their quality of life and fostering independence.

Dan Haynes, IT Manager and Community Fund panellist at The Cambridge Building Society, said: “We are thrilled to enhance our Community Fund with additional funding, which will further our mission to support charities dedicated to housing and homelessness."

"We are also excited to welcome Jodie Welch to our panel; her expertise and dedication to community service will be invaluable in guiding our grant allocation decisions.

"Our commitment to supporting local organisations, like Cambridge Re-Use, Papworth Trust, and Citizens Advice Rural Cambridgeshire, remains strong, especially during these challenging times. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund is now accepting grant applications from local charities and community groups. Organisations within a 15-mile radius of our branch network are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £10,000. Applications for the current round are open until the start of November.

For more information about the Community Fund and how to apply, please visit www.cambridgebs.co.uk.

EML Electrical

NEW MEMBERS

Inkjet Ltd

dbfb communications LEE Ventus Limited

Perfect Drainage Solutions CPSL Mind

FastSigns Evolve Technologies

EJ Software NPZ Technology

Cogwheel Counselling Inspire 2 Ignite

Young Cost & Carbon Consulting Limited Scape Procure Limited

Apiary Solutions Action Coach Huntingdon

Construction and Planning

Back in September, we held a productive meeting with our members regarding the planning consultation, focusing on three key areas: local authority (LA) resources, policy stability, and planning for business and commercial developments. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) planning skills fund was positively received as a step forward, but members agreed that it’s only a small contribution toward the larger changes required.

There was support for the better balance between commercial and strategic planning, though the focus

remains more on residential developments. Concerns were raised about local plans not undergoing sufficiently stringent tests before being implemented, and the need for more transparent discussions around Green Belt policies.

Members highlighted the complexity of the planning system as a significant barrier to growth, especially with limited budgets for LAs. There is a desire for a more collaborative approach from LAs, clearer distinctions between major and minor developments, and improved access to pre-planning applications for smaller projects. Increasing support for planning skills and career pathways also emerged as important themes.

Our membership is changing!

Our membership is changing!

We’ve listened to YOU and developed packages appropriate to what you, our members, want.

Our NEW membership model offers a value-based proposition, evolved to suit the needs throughout a business’ life cycle. Become part of the only business membership body that represents all size and sector of business across the whole region of Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Stamford.

As a member of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, everyone within your company has access to a wide range of benefi ts and opportunities that enable you to grow your company and generate new business.

We run 100+ events a year, from forum networking events to major B2B exhibitions.

Feature on our social media channels and become part of an ever-growing business community.

Feature in our online directory, list your offers, events and venues on our website and build your profile in our quarterly Connected magazine. Tak e the opportunity to host our events, enter sponsorships or partnerships with us.

Graham Young – Auditel ~ “Promote”

"I’ve found the 'Promote' package to be excellent value—it’s packed with features that will significantly boost my visibility and raise awareness of my business within the chamber, making it a fantastic investment."

Julie Marsh – Apiary Solutions ~ “Connect”

“The new membership model fits my business growth. At the moment I'm a 'Connect' member however as the business grows I'm able to grow my membership which is perfect for me.”

Make your business greener with EML

Want to reduce your energy bills, improve your carbon footprint and work towards decarbonisation? EML can help!

We offer a range of services, including energy audits, energy monitoring and electric vehicle charger installation, designed to make your building and your vehicles greener and more efficient.

Greener

buildings

Greener buildings

Is there an energy monster hiding in your server room? Or maybe you’re unknowingly air-conditioning empty rooms! We have two services that can help identify where you’re using unnecessary power and enable you to make changes that can save you money. We’re also experts in solar panel installation, so you can generate your own green energy.

Energy Audits

We’ll arrange for an expert to visit your premises and analyse the way energy is used in your building. Even if you think you’ve got energy saving covered, you’ll be surprised by what’s draining power unnecessarily. We’ll pull together a comprehensive report on how you can make changes to bring down your energy consumption. These recommendations could be small steps – such as adjusting the settings on timers – but when it comes to energy, even small changes can make a big difference.

Energy monitoring

In this comprehensive service, you’ll get a real-time overview of energy use in your building. We’ll install advanced sensors that monitor gas and electricity consumption and can help identify surprising energy hotspots. We can also monitor water usage, so you can get an overview of all your utilities. You’ll have your own portal to access the information from the sensors on demand, and we can create regular detailed reports to help you interpret the information and give you expert advice on how to make improvements.

Solar panel installation

Reduce your carbon footprint (and energy bill) even further by generating your own energy. We offer a complete service, from consultations and feasibility studies to design and planning, fuss-free installation and ongoing maintenance and support.

Greener transport

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a good way to work towards the decarbonisation of your business.

EV charging point installation

Greener transport EV charging point installation

Our expert team provides a ‘turnkey’ service, meaning once you’ve brought us onboard, you don’t have to worry about anything else. We’ll meet with you, come up with a design to fit your needs, handle every aspect of the installation, mark up the bays, install signs and support you afterwards with our excellent after-sales service. All of our chargers can be vinylwrapped in your branding, ensuring they’re eye-catching as well as practical.

We’ve installed hundreds of charging points across the country, and only source the highest-quality chargers from trusted manufacturers, ensuring durability and efficiency. Our installations comply with all current regulations and standards, giving you peace of mind that your charging infrastructure is safe and reliable.

Movable EV charging – power where you need it

Portable EV chargers are a great option if you don’t have access to or can’t accommodate a permanent charger. Whether you’re hosting an event, at a site temporarily or testing out how EVs work for your company, our Kempower Movable chargers – which are available to hire or buy - can keep anything from a car to an HGV on the road without needing a fixed charging point.

Movable EV charging – power where you need it

Kempower Movable chargers are compact but mighty. While they’re easy to transport and set up, they still pump out up to 40 kW with a single CCS2 connector or 20 kW for two simultaneously.

Whether you choose to hire or buy from us, we’re on hand to help you get started, for charger maintenance and for any questions you might have.

Whether you choose to hire or buy from us, we’re on hand to help you get started, for charger maintenance and for any questions you might have. To find out

Local employers earn awards for commitment to veterans and defence

More than 20 public bodies and charities in our region have earned one of the UK Government’s top awards for supporting the Armed Forces community.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold and Silver Awards celebrate the employers’ positive role in supporting defence and inspiring others to do the same.

This month nine organisations across East Anglia have earned the highest honour for backing our Armed Forces—the Gold Award—from the Ministry of Defence. To win gold, an organisation must show exceptional commitment to the Armed Forces community, implement HR policies that accommodate their needs and encourage other employers to do the same.

Marshall Group is one of Cambridgeshire’s two 2024 Gold Award winners. The group operates in a variety of sectors and runs Cambridge City Airport, where it is also based. Christopher Walkinshaw, Group Director of External Relations and Communications, said: “To be recognised with a Gold Award in this way is a proud moment for everyone at Marshall.

“We have employed many former Armed Forces personnel in our business over the past 100-plus years. They bring a deep understanding of the military environment—which is important for so many of our customers—together with the values, culture and approach which are essential for effective teamwork Gold Award winners are powerful advocates for the Armed Forces Covenant, a pledge made by employers to support reservists and bring Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families into the workforce. Anglia Ruskin University, which has campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and London, considers its commitment to the Covenant a key reason for its 2024 Gold Award success.

Prof Michael Almond, Anglia Ruskin’s Professor of Veterans and Families Studies, said: “The award reinforces the university's leadership in championing the welfare and contributions of the Armed Forces

within the academic and broader community. It promotes the Covenant to external organisation with which we interact, nationally and internationally.

Prof Almond believes veterans and Cadet volunteers contribute hugely to the workplace. He said: “Our Armed Forces staff are adept at teaching, speaking, writing, organisational planning, first aid and aiding the development of immediate colleagues. All these attributes are encouraged in their military training, which can be brought back onto campus. Veteran employees bring a wealth of practical skills.”

Christopher agreed, saying: “As a business, Marshall employs many highly engaged people who are involved with the wider Defence community on many levels, including veterans, reservists, adult Cadet volunteers and their families. A Gold award recognises the part they all play every day.”

A 2024 Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award went to another Cambridgeshire business, Peterborough-based Boons Transport.

The scheme aligns with the new government’s manifesto promise to strengthen support for Armed Forces communities. Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns said: “Our Armed Forces community make incredible sacrifices to keep the nation safe, and it is only right that they are welcomed and valued in the workplace when they leave service.”

Greater Anglia unveils partnership with Cambridge United FC

The train operator for the East of England, Greater Anglia, has announced a new partnership with Cambridge United Football Club ahead of the upcoming 24/25 EFL League 1 season.

The collaboration will see Greater Anglia become the official sponsor of the iconic Habbin Stand at the Cledara Abbey Stadium. As the title sponsor of the Habbin Stand, Greater Anglia's branding will be prominently displayed, strengthening the connection between the train operator, the club and the community.

It closely aligns two organisations with a strong commitment to serving the Cambridge community and the surrounding region. With Cambridge North railway station just a short walk away from Cledara Abbey Stadium, travelling to and from the U’s fixtures could not be easier. Cambridge North benefits from a fast and frequent rail service to and from Cambridge and neighbouring areas (including Waterbeach and Ely) from Cambridge North station and this new partnership is intended to enhance supporters’ matchday experience when watching the U’s.

The train operator for the East of England, Greater Anglia, has announced a new partnership with Cambridge United Football Club ahead of the upcoming 24/25 EFL League 1 season.

Home and Away supporters can expect live matchday supporter travel information, exclusive promotions, and special incentives to make travelling to games as convenient and as cost-effective as possible. Rail passengers are encouraged to buy tickets in advance, including via the Greater Anglia app, to avoid queues on matchdays and benefit from the best value fares as the U’s begin their 24/25 League 1 campaign.

Neil Rowe, Head of Commercial at Cambridge United Football Club, said:

"We are delighted to welcome Greater Anglia as our official stand sponsor for the upcoming season"

"In Greater Anglia we have a partner that is committed to offering United supporters a sustainable and reliable service to watch the U’s.

Greater Anglia and Cambridge United FC mark the new partnership (Credit. Cambridge United FC)

“We are excited to work with a major brand that shares our passion for community and sustainability."

All Greater Anglia’s services are operated by new, high quality trains and the operator provides a very punctual and reliable service, which has been the best performing in the UK for the last 15 months.

In addition to the £1.4 billion investment in new trains, the City of Cambridge has seen record levels of investment in other rail initiatives in recent years. Cambridge North station was successfully opened in 2017 and has welcomed over 4.2 million passengers in the last seven years while, in 2025, the new Cambridge South station is due to open.

Both of these new station projects enable better connectivity to key areas of Cambridge, while helping to ease existing levels of traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions.

Mike Barry, Greater Anglia’s Head of Customer Service West, said:

“We are really proud to announce this partnership with Cambridge United FC and become the official sponsor of the iconic Habbin Stand. We are always working to play a positive role in the communities we serve and create beneficial partnerships across our network.

“Cambridge North railway station is just a short walk from the Cledara Abbey Stadium, making rail an ideal option for travel to and from games. It also helps the

Moore East Midlands welcomes Laura Blows as the new Senior Tax Manager

Moore East Midlands is pleased to announce the addition of Laura Blows as Senior Tax Manager in the Peterborough office. Laura brings a wealth of tax experience and expertise to the team and will work closely with the tax department to enhance services and provide outstanding advisory services to clients.

Laura joins Moore from a smaller local accountancy practice. In her new role, she will manage the tax team and assist with client advisory work. Laura shared: "I am excited about the challenge. I wanted a role within a larger firm to encounter

planet too, by reducing CO2 emissions by as much as 70% compared to the car.

“Travelling by train is cheaper than you think, and with our price promise and no booking fees, you are guaranteed to get the lowest price when you book through our website.”

Fans can also save money on their rail tickets with Duo, GroupSave and railcard promotions.

Duo tickets allow two people travelling together on weekends to benefit from 25% off tickets, while groups of three to nine adults can save 1/3 on Off-Peak fares with GroupSave.

There is also a range of railcards available, which gives passengers discounts on train tickets. Most railcards cost £30 for an annual membership and offer 1/3 off travel. A breakdown of the railcards and their benefits can be found on the Greater Anglia website.

Greater Anglia does not charge a booking fee. For the cheapest fares, customers should book direct via the Greater Anglia app or website.

Greater Anglia has recently celebrated the 5th anniversary of its first new train entering passenger service. As well as recording-breaking performance, that is consistently the best in the UK, passengers are also benefitting from greater comfort, increased seating capacity, better accessibility, and other features, such as plug/USB points and fast, free wi-fi.

more complex and interesting scenarios and continue learning."

Matthew Grief, Tax Specialist and Partner at Moore East Midlands, commented: "We are thrilled to welcome Laura to our team. Her extensive experience and dedication to tax advisory will be a great asset. Laura's addition allows us to expand our services and continue providing industry-leading solutions to our clients.”

Moore East Midlands is a leading provider of accounting and advisory services, committed to delivering exceptional client service and innovative solutions. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

For more information, please contact: east.midlands@ mooreuk.global

George Hay Chartered Accountants appoints three new partners in 85th Anniversary year

For Huntingdon-based George Hay Chartered Accountants, 2024 has been a memorable year so far with the appointment of three new partners –Samantha Green, Caroline Hicks, and Emma Wilsher –and celebrations to mark the firm’s 85th Anniversary. With offices also in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, the firm offers a full suite of accounting services, including audit, tax compliance and planning, payroll, bookkeeping, and business advisory – all under one roof, as well as Probate & Estates services via GH Probate Ltd., and Will writing via GH Wills Ltd.

The latest appointments recognise internal talent as the trio were previously promoted to Associate Partners in the firm back in 2022, and represents an exciting period of change for the practice as it continues to grow and develop.

Samantha, who is jointly responsible for managing George Hay’s Huntingdon office alongside Barry Jefferd, said: “George Hay is poised for continued growth and the journey we are on is one that I am proud to be a part of.

“I’m excited to continue to play a role in the expansion and development of our services, to meet the needs of our innovative and evolving client base.”

By welcoming new skills into its existing leadership team, the firm continues to realise new ways to support its clients and colleagues long-term, to enhance its unique offering and to continue its journey via the next generation.

Commenting on these latest milestones, Senior Partner Barry Jefferd, said: “I am incredibly proud to be celebrating the firm’s 85th Anniversary this year, which coincides with a period of exciting change for us with the appointment of new partners and the launch of new services.

“To still be here, all these years later, is testament to the special people that make up our team and to the importance we place on nurturing lasting relationships with our clients.

“When you consider that our team combined has clocked up over 700 years of service, I have no doubt whatsoever that George Hay will continue to thrive for many years to come and we look forward to celebrating more success at the Centenary!”

The firm, which employs over 60 people, marked the occasion with a BBQ and Garden Party for staff on the picturesque grounds of Edworth Manor, a venue nearby to their long-standing Biggleswade office.

To find out more about George Hay Chartered Accountants, visit: www.georgehay.co.uk

Guardtech Group celebrate double success at SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards

Suffolk-based contamination control specialists scooped the Best Enterprising Business Gold award as well as Silver for Family Business of the Year

HAVERHILL cleanroom construction experts the Guardtech Group are celebrating again after winning two awards at the SME Cambridgeshire Business Awards.

The controlled environment design & build gurus clinched the Gold award for Best Enterprising Business at a glitzy Cambridge Marina event last Thursday evening, as well as Silver for Family Business of the Year – the latter a repeat of last year’s success.

Guardtech previously won the Business Innovation award at the same event two years ago with portable cleanroom shipping container solution Cleancube.

The Best Enterprising Business Award is recognition for a stunning 12 months of activity for the Group, including the most projects completed in the company’s history, the highest year of turnover and an everincreasing schedule of international projects – from large-scale turnkey builds to Cleancube shipping container cleanroom facilities and smaller-scale Isopod cleanroom pod systems.

Commercial Director Mark Wheeler said: “These awards are a reflection of all the hard work and dedication each and every person working for each of our brands gives to the Group every day.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the team that we have assembled and are continuing to build. These awards

help to demonstrate that what we are doing is working – and we will continue to strive to make this company the best organisation that it can be.

“We constantly strive for improvement – and it is a huge part of our company ethos that we appreciate, respect and do all we can to deliver for each and every client. Well done to everyone involved – onwards and upwards!”

Guardtech will now represent Cambridgeshire in the SME National Business Awards at Wembley Stadium on 6 December, while they’re also set for two more awards showpieces in the coming weeks.

First, the Group are up for Marketing Team of the Year at the London Construction Awards on 27 September – before they return to the capital for the National Building & Construction Awards on 24 October, where they’re finalists in the Innovation of the Year category with Cleancube Mobile Cleanrooms.

For more information on the Guardtech Group’s products and services, call 0330 113 0303, email sales@ guardtech.com or visit www.guardtech.com.

Halloween trail tops off fabulous year of events!

Peterborough Positive is thrilled to announce the return of their free, family-friendly Halloween Trail on Saturday 26th October.

The city centre’s Business Improvement District has once again partnered with Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery to invite families to join their trick or treat trail and hunt for spooky characters hidden in businesses around the city centre.

Peterborough Positive has organised successful free events and activities in the city centre this summer. From serene yoga sessions in the historic grounds of Peterborough Cathedral to a Glastonbury big screen event, and the popular Peterborough's Strongest competition, to a fin-tastic showing of Finding Nemo in Cathedral Square, there has been something for everyone to enjoy.

More exciting events and projects are being planned for 2025. For the latest updates and announcements, follow social media @PeterboroughPositive or sign-up to the mailing list at www.peterboroughpositive.co.uk

Michael Portillo joins Greater

Greater Anglia has today (2 September) launched series two of its Life on Rails podcast with Michael Portillo featuring as the special guest in episode one.

Presented by Lucy Wright and Dominic Rosso from the company’s Corporate Affairs team, the Life on Rails podcast gives passengers a peek behind the curtain of one of the largest train operators in the country.

Across this brand-new series of the magazine-style podcast, Life on Rails will welcome a wide variety of special guests who will share their incredible stories. Greater Anglia employees who are at the heart of operations will also explain how they have helped make Greater Anglia the most punctual and reliable train operator in the UK.

There will also be special features that will showcase how Greater Anglia is working tirelessly to give its passengers better journeys. Guests include fleet and operations colleagues who will be discussing how the new fleet of trains have helped to transform rail travel across East Anglia. Later in the series, senior leaders from the Greater Anglia Executive Leadership Team will join the podcast, as well as representatives from Network Rail to discuss how they are continuously investing in rail infrastructure and the role they play in helping us achieve record-breaking performance.

Each episode will delve a little deeper into some of the recent Greater Anglia news highlights. Lucy and Dom will examine some of the company’s most talked about stories and share some previously unknown information.

In a new feature called Destination in the Spotlight, the podcast will welcome Community Rail Partnership Officers from across the network who will share some of the beautiful locations on their route and talk about some of the exciting activities that they are hosting.

In the first episode which launches on Monday 2 September, the journalist, broadcaster, and railway advocate Michael Portillo joins the podcast to discuss his Railway Journeys, what made him fall in love with rail travel, and what he finds most attractive when travelling on the Greater Anglia network.

Michael Portillo, said:

“I have a lot of fondness for Greater Anglia, and it was a pleasure to join their Life on Rail podcast.

“The introduction of the new trains has been particularly impressive, and I have been struck by their acceleration and punctuality. They also look very smart while being quiet and therefore do not upset my soundman if we are ever filming.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to spend time in East Anglia and the Greater Anglia staff very often come out and greet us. They want to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible, and I am truly grateful.”

Also in the first episode, Lucy and Dom will speak with Greater Anglia’s Safeguarding and Community Safety Manager, Georgia Payne. With World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, Georgia will be discussing how we support people struggling with their mental health.

L-R: Michael Portillo and Dominic Rosso (Credit. Greater Anglia)

Thalia Rushmore is the Community Rail Partnership Officer for the East Suffolk Lines between Ipswich, and Lowestoft and Ipswich and Felixstowe. She joins the podcast to speak about some of the beautiful locations along this route and share some of the exciting activities that they are hosting.

Dominic Rosso, Greater Anglia's Senior Media and Public Relations Manager, said:

“The Life on Rails podcast is back. We are truly excited to give passengers a peek behind the curtain of Greater Anglia and showcase how we are putting passengers first.

“It was a true delight to welcome Michael Portillo to the podcast and hear how his affinity with the railway began and why he believes that rail is the best way to travel."

Regency Power Generation

Regency Power Generation are widely recognised as a leading supplier in standby power projects.

From standby power in small businesses to life safety in multi-billion pound buildings, they have a power solution that can meet any requirement. The fact that all of their products are manufactured in their group headquarters in Spalding is a massive benefit to their customers, ensuring there is the upmost confidence in their products.

Regency are a member of the Xeinz Group Ltd. A family-owned group of unique business units which specialise in different aspects of power generation dating back to 1950.

Over the past 12 months Regency have been undertaking a project to launch a new range of Stage V Diesel Generators. These generators are manufactured in accordance with the European Commission's Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD). Using the latest engine technology, these products are designed to operate in the same way that the most modern automotive engines would, built to the latest emissions standards to provide the most efficient temporary power available. Regency’s new Stage V generators means they can help you work towards your sustainability goals while protecting your business from any power outages.

Regency Power Generation are a proud supplier of UK manufactured Diesel Generators. Whether you are receiving a full installation by their team, or a simple service or inspection of a diesel generator you already have on site, their customers will always receive the highest level of support by dealing with a group of companies with over 70 years of experience.

Life on Rails series 2, episode 1 is now live. It is available on all usual podcast platforms and www. greateranglia. co.uk/podcast. The podcast will be issued bi-monthly.

L-R: Georgia Payne, Dominic Rosso, Lucy Wright (Credit. Greater Anglia)

Fantastic trio of award nominations for Wyboston Lakes Resort

Award winning conference, training and leisure venue

Wyboston Lakes Resort has again been recognised as one of the best conference venues in the country by being nominated as a finalist for three awards at the event industry’s Famtastic Awards.

It has been shortlisted as a finalist for Conference Centre/ Hotel of the Year and for Independent Venue of the Year, also for Green Initiative of the Year for its Green Energy project.

Louisa Watson, Marketing Director and Sustainability Lead, said: “It’s particularly exciting to be recognised in these awards because they are voted for by many events professionals across our industry including many of our customers and competitors. It’s a great honour and superb compliment to the team and the venue.”

The resort’s stylish Woodlands Event Centre has won many awards since it was transformed to meet the needs of the latest generation of delegates and event organisers. With a variety of rooms fully equipped with the latest technology, it is highly popular and busy with events for many sectors including financial services, pharmaceutical and associations.

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

Continuing the Resort’s commitment to its mantra of ‘More Sustainable, No Apology,’ more than 3200 solar panels have just been installed across the site as part of its Green Energy Roadmap to make the site increasingly self-sufficient with green energy.

The results of the Fabulous Famtastic Awards 2024 will be announced at a gala event on 1 November.

For more information, please visit www.wybostonlakes.co.uk/ business

Getting Wild at Wyboston Lakes Resort boosts mental health, wellbeing and productivity

Wild Wellbeing Days, Wild Work Days, Nature Walks and Evening Bat Walks are just some of the new health and wellbeing initiatives recently introduced by Wyboston Lakes Resort to enable delegates to Experience More at the Bedfordshire venue.

The Resort’s Begwary Brook Nature Reserve has been managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire for over 20 years and recently the team at the Resort have partnered up to create these packages. The Wildlife Trust will provide expert guides to help those taking part to make the most of the experience on the Nature Reserve.

Wild Work Days are tailor made and include practical conservation experience and boosting wellbeing while developing team building and communication skills. The Nature Walk is a healthy 45-minute stroll around the Reserve while the Wild Wellbeing Day is a series of activities to boost mental and physical health. In addition, the Trust’s experts can share their knowledge and insights in Wildlife and Conservation Talks.

Richard Smith, Chief Commercial Officer of Wyboston Lakes Resort explained; “Recognising that personal well-being is paramount, we wanted to create the opportunity for event organisers to integrate healthy experiences into event planning that can ultimately boost productivity.

“Outdoor activities and natural surroundings are becoming essential components of event programmes, providing attendees with much-needed fresh air and a break from traditional indoor settings.

“The Nature Reserve at Wyboston Lakes, a hidden gem for 40 years, offers gentle exercise, tranquillity and experiences.

“Under our theme - Experience More – these new Corporate Packages are not only good for a company’s ESG, they also offer event organisers the opportunity to turn their business conference or meeting into a truly memorable experience for their delegates.”

All activities are designed for groups and should be prearranged with the Wyboston Lakes Resort team.

https://issuu.com/wybostonlakes/docs/get_wild_at_ wyboston_lakes?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ www.wybostonlakes.co.uk

Vero HR shortlisted in three categories at the Personnel Today Awards 2024

The HR services and outsourcing provider, Vero HR, has the chance to take home another trophy as they have been announced as finalists at this year’s Personnel Today Awards in three categories.

The glittering awards ceremony will take place at the Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane, London, in November and is organised by one of the most well-respected HR publications, Personnel Today. Last year, Vero HR made it to the shortlist for the HR Consultancy of the Year Award but unfortunately, was unable to take the win.

This year, however, the business that will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in January has been shortlisted for

Howes Percival appoints first Head of Construction to meet growing demand

Howes Percival has recruited Partner Piet van Gelder as the firm's first ever Head of Construction, to meet the growing demand for construction law services.

Piet's appointment follows a period of sustained growth for Howes Percival's wider real estate and development team, which is nationally recognised and has advised on some of the largest development projects both regionally and beyond.

Piet is a specialist construction and engineering lawyer who advises clients in the construction, engineering and renewable energy sectors and in respect of compliance with the new regime under the Building Safety Act. Piet has experience over the whole lifecycle of projects from compliance with building regulations, procurement and resolving commercial issues and project accounts.

Piet has been involved with many engineering projects outside the renewables sector including nuclear waste plants, process engineering plants, sequence batch reactors and waste to energy plants.

He has been involved in substantial disputes in the Technology & Construction Court and in international

the Early Careers Award (for supporting young people in kickstarting their HR careers with work experience and graduate opportunities) and Talent Management Award (for their dedication to internal talent and career development), along with the HR Consultancy of the Year Award for the second year running, and is in a strong position to bring home at least one of the titles.

To be named a finalist and be up against some huge corporate giants including Rolls-Royce and Lloyds Banking Group is enough reason to celebrate. But the team of 40 HR professionals, including CEO and Founder, Mike Kealey, are hopeful that their outstanding levels of personal service – backed up by a plethora of 5/5 client reviews on the independent review platform Clutch – will see them through to success.

Find out more about Vero’s award-winning HR services at www.verohr.co.uk.

& domestic arbitration, as well as an experienced practitioner in adjudication and a keen proponent of mediation.

Lucy Lord, Partner and Head of Property at Howes Percival, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Piet to Howes Percival to head up and grow our construction offering. Piet has a wealth of experience and a strong client following. He is a great recruit for us and brings the calibre and credibility we need to align with the strength of our development team and take our proposition to the next level. The local and national market in development terms remains very strong and we are seeing our development instructions increase quarter on quarter. As a result, we need to expand our construction offering which is a critical specialism for our development clients."

CambsB2B is the Chambers largest flagship event, which we bring to you twice year in the North and South of region. Join us this November as we’re back at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford. Find out more on our upcoming events page.

Transforming Lives Across Cambridgeshire

The Growth Works with Skills programme, funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), is transforming the lives of over 160 residents by equipping them with new skills which they will need to succeed in today’s job market.

The scheme offers personalised learning and development pathways, empowering individuals to gain meaningful employment via internships, while also helping local businesses find and nurture the talent they need to thrive.

Since the launch of its internship pilot in June 2024, the programme has been supporting over 160 residents, including successfully placing 17 residents into paid internships. The 13

Silver Sponsor – Smart Solutions Group

“It's been fantastic to be fair, you guys have come in and built a relationship with us. You look after our CCTV, you look after IT support, cyber security, telephony as well. And I think that the biggest thing you've done is given us confidence, on match days there's lots of different sectors that we rely on, you know we've got retail, we've got Hospitality we've got access control, we've obviously got IT, we've got all the kiosks and none of those facilities can work without the correct Network and IT support. And I think what you guys have done so well is providing us with characters like Dan and Connor that give us match days support, we don't have to worry anymore. I think previously we had a nervousness when we went into match days that you know is everything going to be okay, are we going to lose you know access control or is the retail systems

week programme offers residents the chance to gain hands-on experience in industries they are passionate about. One such success story is Catherine McFadzean, a 29-year-old resident of Cambridge. After completing a 13-week paid internship at Fitness Rush in Old Hurst, Huntingdon, Catherine reflected on the life-changing impact it had on her:

"I was the first intern to be enrolled in the pilot program, and this experience has completely transformed my life," she said. "After years of struggling with addiction issues, I’ve gained the confidence and direction to pursue a career in the fitness industry. I have been provided with not only a unique insight into the industry, learnt new skills, but I have also increased my confidence within the workplace and now been offered the chance to secure full time employment."

Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, expressed his support for the program, stating: “This scheme goes beyond work-based training. It’s genuinely transforming lives by boosting individuals' confidence, sense of purpose, and overall wellbeing. By providing opportunities like these, we’re helping build brighter futures for people across our community.”

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Growth Works with Skills has partnered with over 500 businesses across the region. The programme empowers residents, offering interns the opportunity to showcase their skills and provide support in securing long-term employment opportunities.

For more information about Internships with Growth Works with Skills and how it is shaping careers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, visit: www. growthworkswithskills.com.

going to go down, are we not going to be able to take payments, we don't have that worry even down to the televisions in.”

Alex Harris, Peterborough United Commercial Director

Speed Networking Sponsor – Welch Group

Welch’s Transport: Driving the Future of Green Logistics

One Bee, Battery, and AI Algorithm at a Time

At Welch’s Transport, we’ve always been about more than just moving goods from A to B. We’re interested in moving forward, pushing boundaries, and leading the charge toward a more sustainable, eco-friendly future. This year, our green initiatives have really kicked into high gear, and we’re excited to share some of the ways we’re making a positive environmental impact – from bees and biodiversity to electric trucks and cutting-edge AI technology.

Building Biodiversity

Sustainability isn’t just e-trucks and green logistics – we need to embrace every part of our environment. That’s why we’ve taken steps to turn our flagship depot in Duxford into a haven for biodiversity. In partnership with Gardeners Beehives, we’ve installed beehives to help support local wildlife and tackle the decline of the UK’s honeybee population. We’re also creating wildflower verges, planting trees, and putting up bird and bat boxes around the site. It’s a small but important part of how we’re making a difference, not just on the roads but in the green spaces we work alongside.

Leading the Charge – Literally

Of course, our biggest strides in sustainability come from our trucks. Over the last year, we’ve added some serious horsepower to our fleet in the form of fully electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). First came our 19-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide, which has been delivering emission-free in and around Greater Cambridge, supporting businesses that want to reduce their carbon footprint for over a year.

Now, we’re taking things to the next level with the arrival of our 42-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech T, part of a major milestone for both Welch’s Transport and the UK’s drive toward zeroemission freight. This beast of a truck is set to transform long-haul deliveries, proving that electric power can handle the toughest jobs without compromise, making sure our deliveries aren’t just on time but in line with our commitment to sustainability.

She will be joined by her twin sister in March 2025, bringing Welch’s Zero Emission fleet up to 6% of overall vehicles and nearly a millions pounds worth of investment.

Shaping the Future of Freight

Just as important as the vehicles is the infrastructure that powers them. Our involvement in Innovate UK’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme is a crucial part of our sustainability journey. ZEHID is all about proving that electric HGVs can replace conventional diesel

trucks at scale, and we’re thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project.

ZEHID brings together a consortium of forward-thinking companies, including Renault Trucks and Voltempo, to introduce 100 electric HGVs and 32 new charging locations across the UK. The goal is to provide real-world evidence that electric HGVs can deliver the same performance as diesel vehicles while cutting emissions to zero. As one of the few SMEs involved in this initiative, we’re proud to be putting these innovations to the test in our daily operations, showing that even smaller operators can lead the charge in the green logistics revolution.

At our Duxford depot, we’ve installed one of the UK’s first publicly accessible HGV superchargers, a 150kW powerhouse that can charge an electric truck quickly and efficiently. This will

be joined by a 1-megawatt, 6x bay charging hub in Q3 2025. But is not just for us – it’s for other hauliers and fleet operators who are making the switch to electric. We see it as a way to encourage collaboration and drive industry-wide change. After all, if we’re serious about achieving Net Zero, we need to make sure the infrastructure is there to support it.

The AI Power Behind Our Green Logistics

While electric trucks are a huge step forward, we know that true sustainability is about making every part of our operations more efficient. That’s why we’ve partnered with Optimize, an AI-driven route optimization platform that’s transforming the way we plan and execute our deliveries. By using sophisticated algorithms to analyse traffic patterns, delivery schedules, and vehicle capacity, Optimize helps us find the most efficient routes, cutting down on mileage, fuel consumption, and emissions.

The results have been incredible. On certain days, Optimize has helped us achieve up to a 15% reduction in mileage – and that’s before we even factor in the benefits of our electric trucks. With this technology, we’re reducing our carbon footprint and

improving our operational efficiency, which is a win for both our business and the planet.

By integrating AI into our logistics operations, we’re showing that the future of freight is smart, efficient, and sustainable. And the best part? We’re just getting started.

Collaborating

for a Greener Future –From ENROUTE to JOLT

Our green journey doesn’t stop at electric trucks and AI. We’re proud to be part of several pioneering projects that are driving the decarbonisation of the freight sector. One such project is ENROUTE (Efficient Network for Road-freight Optimisation, Utilisation, and Transfer of Energy), where we’re working alongside partners like Syselek and the University of Cambridge to explore how data-sharing can improve the efficiency of electric HGVs. By using real-time data to optimize charging, we’re helping to develop a scalable solution for lowcarbon freight operations that could benefit the entire industry.

Then there’s Project JOLT, a collaborative initiative aimed at helping operators like us transition to electric fleets. Through JOLT run by the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (SRF), we’re sharing our experiences and insights with other hauliers, proving that even smaller businesses can make big strides in sustainability. Working together to overcome the challenges of decarbonisation and showing that a green future is possible for everyone.

Innovation in Every Corner

And that’s not all! There’s a lot more happening at the Welch Group. We’re embracing everything from drone deliveries and cargo bikes for last-mile logistics to using AI to measure freight. We’re even exploring grid balancing using HGV batteries to support renewable energy. It’s all part of our mission to innovate at every level of our operations, making sustainability and cutting-edge technology the cornerstones of our business. For

us, innovation isn’t just a side project – it’s part of our DNA and essential to the way we operate in this fast-evolving industry.

Going Solar and Saving Water

It’s not just our trucks that are going green – our depots are too. Over the past few years, we’ve made major investments in renewable energy, starting with the expansion of our solar estate. Our solar panels are now generating 125kWh of clean energy when the sun is shining, with plans to double that next year. We’re also exploring wind energy options to further reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and make our operations as self-sufficient as possible.

Water conservation is another area where we’ve been making waves. Our lorry-washing facility at Duxford uses an underground water reservoir, which has saved over 3 million litres of water since 2016. It’s a simple but effective way of reducing our environmental impact and ensuring that we’re doing everything we can to operate sustainably, even in the smallest details.

A Greener Tomorrow

At the Welch Group, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but we know that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Every day, we’re looking for new ways to reduce our carbon

footprint, improve our operations, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future for the logistics industry.

Whether it’s through our electric HGVs, our AI-powered route planning, or our commitment to renewable energy and biodiversity, we’re dedicated to driving positive change – not just for our business but for the planet. And as we look ahead, we’re excited to see what the future holds for green logistics.

So if you are an organisation in Greater Cambridge that would like to learn more about decarbonising your supply chain, want to transition to an electric van(s) and need somewhere to reliably charge or just want some help on your decarbonisation journey, then contact us today!

Safari Networking Breakfast

Back by popular demand! We hosted a Safari Networking Breakfast, in what is usually a quiet August, at the stunning Haycock Manor Hotel in Wansford.

These events are a great chance for guests to maximise connections in a fast-paced format, moving around tables throughout the event, eventually meeting most people in the room.

Before the networking chaos began, we were delighted to have event sponsors, Brave Agency, deliver a fascinating presentation, all around ‘what marketing isn’t’.

Mark Leech, Marketing Strategist at Brave Agency, delivered the refreshing and insightful presentation

with a thought-provoking perspective that sparked some great discussions. Mark looked at the progression of marketing in recent years and how as businesses, you can align your marketing strategies to create value and meet customer demands, via the leverage of a growth mindset and audience-first approach

Brave Agency are a full-service UK Web Design Agency, proficient in eCommerce, SEO, PPC, and CRO.

“With more than two decades of experience, we know a thing or two about succeeding in the eCommerce arena. Our passionate, creative, and highly skilled team of specialists will work closely with you, delivering tailored solutions that will help propel your business to new heights. Whether you need an ingenious new website, a daring rebrand, a powerful marketing campaign, or all of the above, Brave is here to help your brand fulfil its true potential”.

The event closed with a networking breakfast, a delicious full English that always impresses the guests! Thank you to The Haycock Manor Hotel for hosting.

Business Lunch

At the beginning of 2024 we introduced a new series of events, our Business Lunches. Back in March we hosted the first, which was hugely successful and in July we hosted a second edition, with attendee numbers increasing and the event reaching an even wider audience.

Huntingdon Racecourse were the hosts this time around, with their stunning racecourse being the perfect backdrop for this esteemed event. Huntingdon Racecourse, patrons of the Chamber, showcased their impeccable facilities, which can host much more than race days. Huntingdon Racecourse offer extensive facilities and the flexibility to cater for conferences, meetings, exhibitions, parties and more. They provided an outstanding two-course lunch and the friendly and helpful team exceeded expectations as usual.

Prosecco reception

Guests were welcomed to the Racecourse with a prosecco reception, a great chance to make initial introductions to the other guests. The sun came out for us once again and we were able to enjoy the reception outside, all whilst admiring the vehicle on display from our headline speakers… more on this later!

Mike Greene

Our first guest speaker was Mike Greene, serial entrepreneur and Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, who shared his fascinating insights on the importance of working as a team, how we can learn from each other, and his inspiring personal story of adapting throughout his life and growing his entrepreneurship into what it is today.

Team Brit

Our headline speakers, Team Brit, delivered an inspiring presentation on their work as the world’s only competitive team of all-disabled racing drivers, who race against teams of able-bodied drivers on a totally level playing field - something that no other sport can offer. They didn’t only share their inspiring story of growth, impact and positive change, but also brought along one of their race cars and two interactive games for guests to try, an amazing addition to the event.

Thank you Mike Scudamore, Team Principle, and drivers Asha Silva and Anjali Silva-Vadgama for joining us and sharing their inspiring story.

The next edition of this popular event is on 13 November at our flagship event, CambsB2B South. Join our Business Leaders Breakfast at 8.00am, ahead of the official opening of CambsB2B South > https://www. cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/business-leadersbreakfast-2

Going Global

In our already jam-packed September, we also hosted an event themed around ‘Going Global’ at Urban & Civic, Alconbury Weald, inspiring businesses to trade internationally and giving them the confidence to take those first steps.

The event consisted of a networking breakfast, a panel discussion and a mini exhibition. A huge thank you to our panellists for sharing their journeys of international growth and insights into the problems they've faced along the way, with solutions for the guests to take away and

consider going forward. With our guest panel speakers Stuart Gibbons OBE and Karolina Wlodarczyk, MA, DBT Export Champion of Le Mark Group, Hollie Jackson of Domino Printing Sciences, Al Kingsley of NetSupport and Ash Vohra of GM Freight. With our panel host Stuart Searle, Managing Director of First Mailing and Board Director at the Chamber, expertly managing the Q&A from an engaged audience of guests.

It was great to be supported by Invest in Huntingdonshire and Department for Business and Trade who were also in attendance.

Thank you to the exhibitors who showcased what they do throughout the networking mini expo, Anglia Translations Ltd, Invest in Huntingdonshire and Department for Business and Trade.

AI in the Octagon

We held out monthly Ely Networking in a different location in September, in collaboration with Ely Cathedral Business Group we hosted an AI in the Octagon in Ely Cathedral, as the concluding fringe event for Cambridge Tech Week.

This insightful night started with attendees networking before taking their seats to listen to a panel discussion.

Compared by Al Kingsley, he was joined by Peter Heneghan from The Future Communicator alongside Miranda Hartley from Evolution AI.

During the evening, it was discussed that there's a 365% growth in digital jobs in East Cambs and Fenland alone, with 1 in 11 roles in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in digital. However, we do know that investment in training in this area of tech is below where it should be, aiding in the exploration of AI.

We would also like to thank those that braved the weather and attended last night, along with bringing donations for Ely Foodbank, and donating to the East Anglian Air Ambulance it is very much appreciated!

Women in Business

“Be the woman that talks about the women that aren’t in the room”

We held our first Women in Business event at Patron Fora in Cambridge. With over 70 women and allies in the room, it was an incredibly insightful afternoon.

From networking to huddle groups, we collected responses about how women feel in the workplace and

what opportunities are available in today's economy. The afternoon was filled with valuable insights, new perspectives, and a collective of continued support. Some key takeaways from the day included:

• Challenges with confidence and juggling work-life balance

��• Opportunities for leadership roles

��• Mentoring and Networking are desired initiatives

• Preferred topics of interest surrounding empowerment, leadership, and mentoring

Thank you to Fiona McGonigle CMgr MCMI for cohosting with Charlotte Horobin for the event and to Sandra Wiggins and Payal Walker, Founders of Women on Boards CIC® for on board for sharing their efforts in influencing change. A big thank you to our huddle leaders and all those who joined for an afternoon of sharing perspectives and networking

This event was powered by Anglia Ruskin University and featured delicious food from Fry's Catering!

5.30-7.00pm

4.30-6.30pm

If you are bulk mailing over 4,000 items, we can offer incredible discounts to help your direct mail campaigns. First Mailing have been working to promote and grow businesses for nearly 25 years. From major retail brands to smaller independents, we offer the full range of traditional, social media and digital marketing services. By using a mixture of marketing methods, your exposure will be wider and more impactful.

We can produce in-house all your printed products from simple flyers to full colour brochures as well as offering the complete packing and fulfilment services to distribute them in the most cost effective manner. By providing the social media and digital support services, we maximise your chances of interaction with existing clients and new prospects. Our team are based in Huntingdon and are a wise bunch with the mix of experience and knowledge needed to kick start your campaign.

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