INSPIRING BUSINESS SUCCESS
ISSUE 69/AUGUST 2018
The official monthly magazine for Chamber members
GREATER
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER) is set to release its final report
PLUS. . . all the news from the Chamber Network Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce 100 YEARS inspiring business success
this issue
33
CONTENTS
30
25
21
29 5
Chief Executive’s highlights
6-7
Connections
8-9
Influence
10-11
Global reach
12-13
Knowledge
9
22-23
Cambs & South Cambs Chamber news
24-25
Out & about
27
Fenland Chamber news
29
Huntingdonshire Chamber news
30-31
Peterborough Chamber news
14
Protection
15
Ask the expert
33
16-17
New members
34-35
18-19
Charity
39
Signpost 2 Grow
20
Matthew Gooding column
41
Insight from Alex Spencer
21
Ely Chamber news
43-47
Stamford Chamber news CPIER
Events
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce 100 YEARS inspiring business success
connected August 2018 3
welcome from the
EDITOR
Welcome.... Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce 100 YEARS inspiring business success
Chief Executive John Bridge OBE DL Editor Sadie Parr
The winners were announced at a special lunch event in June and we are delighted to showcase our 2018 Global Award winners on page 11 in this edition of connected. Our inaugural conference, organised by the Business Women’s Sector, takes place at Murray Edwards College in September and will explore workplace culture. A panel of speakers will share their views and encourage delegates to enter into a debate. Full details can be found on page 43. We’re taking stand bookings for both our Cambridge and Peterborough B2B Exhibitions taking place in September and October. Full details can be found on the event pages along with listings of all our other summer events.
Sadie Parr Editor, connected s.parr@cambscci.co.uk
Published by
Print xlpress
DIARY DATES
Design Richard Thomas Clare Turner Advertising Caroline Baker caroline.baker@trinitymirror.com
July 2018
Membership team Bren Coleman 01223 209811 Paul Gibbons 07759 934111 Cambridge Enterprise House, Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZR. Tel 01223 237414 Peterborough 6 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT. Tel 01733 370809 Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk Visit cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk @CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
Aug 2018
5
Amazing Benefits of Chamber Membership, Peterborough
3
Riverboat Georgina Networking Lunch, Cambridge
5
Informal Networking Evening, Stamford
24 25 27 Global Business Network, Cambridge
16 A Rum Night, Cambridge
6
Amazing Benefits of Chamber Membership, Cambridge
Fenland Quiz & Hog-Roast, Fenland
Summer Garden Party, Cambridge
Sept 2018
Informal Networking Evening, St Ives
10 11 Informal Networking Evening, Ely
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
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.
4 August 2018 connected
14 19 20 26
Authentic Leadership Conference, Cambridge
Informal Networking Evening, Peterborough
Cambridge B2B Exhibition
3
Informal Networking Evening, Wisbech
Peterborough Quiz and Thai Buffet
view from the
BRIDGE
Informal networking evenings across the county are an important part of the Chamber events calendar and we are delighted to hold the Huntingdonshire Chamber events at St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club which is set in 230 acres of Cambridgeshire countryside. I met with Gordon MacLeod, General Manager, to discuss the exciting opportunities at their club. They have recently opened a 9-hole Foot Golf course which already has a booking for the Huntingdon District Schools Foot Golf Championship 2019. Our members were offered the opportunity to try the facility for free before our July informal networking event. You might enjoy having a go yourself!
It was a privilege to attend the opening of the iMET Centre (innovation in Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology) at Alconbury Weald having been a member of the iMET Advisory Board during its development. I took the opportunity to catch up with Jo Sainsbury, Managing Director, to discuss the exciting future for iMET and, although celebrating the building, the real focus is on what matters – the people who will benefit from the excellent training and development received there.
I was delighted to attend a recent dinner in Newmarket with Martin Clapson, Managing Director of Price Bailey, to celebrate the commencement of the World Cup. We were entertained by two former 1978 Argentina world cup winners, Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, who have also had successful careers at Tottenham Hotspur and were two of the first players to play in England under the new overseas player rules. Price Bailey are an award winning, top 30 accountancy and business advisory firm, serving private clients and regional, national and international businesses and they are a very supportive member of the Chamber.
John Bridge OBE DL Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce connected August 2018 5
We provide Chamber members with many opportunities to widen their network of business contacts – building connections, creating opportunities and maximising the benefits of being part of Cambridgeshire’s most vibrant business network.
CHAMBER MEMBERS WORK TOGETHER… CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE PUT ENCOCAM CELEBRATIONS IN FOCUS Joseph Coles and Karl Roberts, Level 3 Photography students, were invited to attend the anniversary of Encocam, a world-leading engineering company based in Huntingdon. The students, based at the college’s Huntingdon Campus, were tasked with capturing a technical conference and celebration event for the company’s Cellbond brand, which provides passive safety testing products and equipment within the automotive sector. The event was held for Cellbond’s customers, suppliers and partners, and focused on the future of the automotive safety testing industry. Joseph, from Peterborough, and Karl, from Somersham, worked to a live employer brief for the first time. They commented: “We really enjoyed the experience and hope to use some of the photographs in our portfolio work. There is no substitute for hands-on experience and we will definitely be able to draw on this in our future careers.”
Kristina Marusic, Marketing Executive at Encocam, was delighted with the results of the students’ work, saying: “We are extremely grateful to Cambridge Regional College for providing such talented photographers to record our event. They did a fantastic job and all our staff and customers will be able to look back at a memorable day.”
Mick George and East of England Arena and Events Centre form new agreement Having announced a revised commercial partnership last year, which saw local construction business Mick George Ltd become a key sponsor of the East of England Arena and Events Centre, relations have been further strengthened as the construction business advances its contractual support at the popular entertainment and events destination. Moving forward, Mick George Ltd will provide Waste Management, Facilities Management and Maintenance service for all associated works conducted at the location, reinforcing the positive business environment that currently exists in the region, with two iconic brands combining. 6 August 2018 connected
Jason Lunn, General Manager at the East of England Showground, said: “We are delighted to announce that our already long-standing relationship with Mick George Ltd has further developed. This will see our facilities and in particular our business-critical systems professionally maintained, managed and assessed as part of one overall contract. This should bring obvious efficiencies, for which we are extremely happy.” The remit of the agreement will permit the East of England showground to improve their environmental credentials courtesy of Mick George Ltd’s ability to better manage waste handling, collection, recycling and disposal requirements.
ELLGIA WINS MAJOR NATIONAL CONTRACT Ellgia is proud to have been awarded the national contract to provide British Sugar with their Waste Management and Recycling services. The long-term contract has started and includes working with their six major sites in Peterborough, Wissington, Bury St Edmunds, Cantley, Newark and Bardney. Ellgia is delighted to have been chosen as the waste and recycling partner and will work with British Sugar to provide a service that will deliver efficient, measurable, cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions. British Sugar will benefit from Ellgia’s innovative recycling and waste to energy processes whilst working towards their target of zero non-hazardous waste to landfill. British Sugar are the leading producer of sugar for the British and Irish food and beverage markets, processing around eight million tonnes of sugar beet and producing up to 1.4 million tonnes of sugar each year. Joe Hemsley-Rudd, Ellgia’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “Ellgia is delighted to be entering into this exciting new partnership with one of the leading UK’s brands in British Sugar. This partnership is a powerful endorsement of the Ellgia brand to showcase our ability to deliver our first class and industry leading complete service.”
widen your
CONNECTIONS
Showcase success in St Neots
CHAMBER RECEIVE TOUR OF AMAZON Amazon kindly invited the Chamber Board and committee members to a tour of their fulfillment centre in Peterborough in June. Amazon has created one of the most advanced fulfillment networks in the world, and this was a fantastic opportunity for members to see first-hand how they pick, pack and transport the enormous range of products they stock. Toni Hunter, George Hay & Co, commented: “The facility was amazing, and our guide was knowledgeable and affable. I was particularly in awe of the size and speed of the operations, and being an accountant, particularly interested in the KPI’s and metrics employed to ensure I get the best possible service for my Prime membership. If you get offered the opportunity to take part in a tour of the site, I would highly recommend it.”
The annual St Neots Business Showcase took place on the Market Square in June where more than 20 local businesses participated to promote their products and services. The outdoor exhibition was well attended by the general public and business representatives seeking to widen their client base and source new products and services available within the local area. The event was organised jointly by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and St Neots Town Council who understand the need for such an event in the town to recognise and celebrate the wide range of successful enterprises, large and small, operating in and around the St Neots area. The Mayor of St Neots, Cllr Barry Chapman, attended to officially
MEMBER2MEMBER OFFERS Free audit of your website and two hour consultation Ever wondered, how good is your website? Is it a truly effective business tool that helps you: • Increase the number of qualified leads • Find new customers • Increase sales and revenue • Retain your existing customers. We believe that your website can be your best salesperson - if done correctly. That’s why we have prepared this special member offer. Write to us at info@uk-websolutions. com or go to uk-websolutions.com/ freeaudit and you will receive a free audit of your website and a two hour consultation on how to reach new customers thanks to your online presence. Don’t forget to mention that you are a Chamber member and you will receive an additional 10 per cent discount on your first order in our company. The offer is valid only until the end of July 2018.
£25 Sizzling Summer August DDR For bookings of 10 people or more during August 2018 at Doubletree by Hilton Cambridge: • Room hire • Three servings of refreshments • Two-course lunch • Projector • Screen • Flipchart • WIFI £25.00 per person, subject to availability. Call 01223 259933 or email events. cambridge@hilton. com to book quoting AUGUST2018.
open the showcase and meet all the exhibitors. Local freelance photographer, Maciek Platek - who specialises in food, architectural and aerial photography - was awarded the prize for ‘best dressed’ stand by the Mayor. Maciek said about winning: “I am honoured and surprised, thank you so much.”
Book FREE event and meeting room space To show off our inspiring buildings in Peterborough and Cambridge, we are offering free event and meeting room space throughout the whole of August 2018, so whether you need a venue for your next team meeting, seminar or workshop, we’ve got you covered! Allia Future Business Centre Peterborough is located a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and has meeting rooms and event space for up to 220 people with striking views overlooking the Peterborough United Football pitch. Book by emailing hello@fbcpeterborough.co.uk or call 01733 666600 quoting FBCP-FREE2018 Allia Future Business Centre Cambridge is located a few minutes from the Cambridge Science Park and Cambridge Business Park. The building provides dedicated event space for up to 77 people. Book by emailing hello@futurebusinesscentre. co.uk or call 0845 4562432 quoting FBCC-FREE2018 Terms & Conditions apply – new customers only, additional catering will be charged.
connected August 2018 7
As a Chamber member you have the power to influence key decision makers and play a leading role in tackling the issues that are preventing your business from reaching its potential, while an experienced team of lobbyists represents your interests in Whitehall.
For the success of our communities and businesses, it’s time to scrap the visa cap Right now, in boardrooms in Britain and around the world, business leaders are weighing up where to invest and grow in the years ahead. In many cases, these companies are spoilt for choice, with countries large and small vying to attract their business by ensuring the most attractive possible environment for growth. Many firms that would have instinctively chosen the UK in the past are now having second thoughts. Yet it’s not just the twists and turns of Brexit that give them pause. Instead, it’s the business environment, and the policies decided by Westminster rather than Brussels, that are increasingly cited as a key cause for concern. Worryingly, company after company now says that the UK’s increasingly draconian immigration restrictions — and uncertain future visa policies — have led them to the conclusion that Britain is closed for business. The prime minister speaks repeatedly of her vision of a ‘global Britain’. Yet this laudable aim is being directly undermined by her own government’s stubborn policy of rationing visas for the skilled workers that businesses desperately need in order to grow. In each of the past six months the visa cap put in place seven years ago by Theresa May as home secretary has been reached. The malign effects of the government’s arbitrary visa cap are being felt across the UK, with dynamic companies effectively priced out of hiring the talent they need as quotas bite and the salary thresholds for securing a visa have risen into the stratosphere. This is a problem that hits London, the UK’s magnet for entrepreneurs and global talent, hardest of all. As research by the London Chamber of Commerce shows, 25 per cent of the capital’s workforce is from beyond these shores, compared with eight per cent elsewhere in the UK. Those already here contribute £50 billion a year to the city’s economy and £13 billion in tax revenues. Yet the skills gaps facing employers continue to rise, despite huge investments in apprenticeships and training. And whatever politicians may say, this isn’t just a London problem. Take the fast-growing technology company in Cornwall that spends more time in administrative battles with the Home Office than on business growth because 8 August 2018 connected
it has been repeatedly unable to hire experienced programmers from a niche global market to power its expansion. Or the manufacturers in the North West whose growth plans require skilled engineers with a decade or more of experience, who are as rare as hen’s teeth on the domestic market. The social and economic cost of the Tier 2 visa cap is becoming clearer by the day in communities across the country. It’s time to call out the fact that it is ideology, not common sense, that is stopping hospitals and GP practices from recruiting desperately needed doctors for an NHS under continued strain. It is ideology that stops our universities from recruiting key academic and technical staff, even as the government touts its industrial strategy and plans to boost spending on R&D. It is political stubbornness that is causing home-grown businesses to give up on expansion plans or relocate elsewhere because of the sheer cost and difficulty of recruiting those with the right skills. Ironically, the very same employers facing the biggest skills challenges are also the ones that are investing hugely in future talent here at home. They realise they need a stronger pipeline of British workers and are committed to making it happen. Yet it can take five, 10, even 15 years to train some of the
specialists businesses need. Meanwhile, skilled professionals will be needed from around the world, and fast. It is my fervent hope that Sajid Javid, the new home secretary, listens to his liberal and pro-business instincts and spends his first weeks in office convincing the prime minister and his cabinet colleagues to scrap the cap, as he indicated he would do at the weekend. As long as the Home Office continues to turn doctors, scientists, engineers, IT experts and exporters away from our shores, the government’s rhetoric about ‘welcoming the brightest and best’ rings hollow. So, too, does any sense of an ‘outward-looking, global Britain’. Scrapping the costly and damaging visa cap would give businesses around the world a sign that the UK is truly open for business. It would show the trading partners we are courting that we are open to their professionals. And for companies here at home who are struggling to recruit, it would give them newfound confidence to expand at a time when our stuttering economy needs all the confidence it can get. Dr Adam Marshall Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce This article was originally published in Times Red Box on 5 June 2018.
the power to
INFLUENCE
COLLEGES IN JOINT VENTURE WITH NEW IMET TECHNICAL SKILLS CENTRE Cambridge Regional College and Peterborough Regional College are proud to announce their collaboration with the iMET Centre in Alconbury Weald, which officially opened its doors to local businesses across the region recently. The advanced technical skills centre provides innovative training to the construction, manufacturing, digital and science sectors. iMET aims to address the identified skills gaps in these sectors by training both the existing workforce and providing a pipeline of future talent, through a range of apprenticeships and short training courses tailored to the individual needs of business throughout both Alconbury Weald, and across the East of England. The construction and fit-out of iMET was supported through £10.5 million from the Local Growth Fund, via Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, with land provided by Urban & Civic plc. The launch event took place on Friday 15 June, where guests enjoyed a tour of the facility to see first-hand the
latest techniques involved in delivering innovative training. Mayor James Palmer of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority officially opened the centre alongside Jonathan Djanogly MP for Huntingdonshire. Mark Robertson, Principal and Chief Executive at Cambridge Regional College and a Board Member of iMET, was extremely enthusiastic about the development of the centre, saying: “This innovative new training facility offers the highest standard of training to meet the skills required by employers in key sectors, whilst also providing an exciting career path for young people in the region.” Terry Jones, Principal of Peterborough Regional College and a Board Member of iMET, said: “We’re delighted to be at the heart of this exciting new collaboration. By joining forces with our colleagues in CRC we effectively double the catchment area for students, create the most extensive employer network in Eastern England and combine our investment power to deliver game-
BCC ECONOMIC FORECAST: UK SET FOR WEAKEST YEAR OF GDP GROWTH SINCE 2009
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has slightly downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting GDP growth for 2018 at 1.3% (from 1.4%) which, if realised, will be the weakest calendar year growth since 2009, when the economy was in the throes of the global financial crisis. The BCC has also downgraded its GDP growth forecast for 2019 from 1.5% to 1.4%. The downgrades have been largely driven by a more lacklustre outlook for consumer spending, business investment
changing innovation in skills training.” Joanne Sainsbury, Managing Director of iMET, welcomed guests saying: “The future of engineering and manufacture in the region is bright. We are committed to building strong relationships with local and regional businesses, to develop and deliver innovative training in a professional environment, and contribute to successful growth in these technical sectors. For the individual, this is a great opportunity to access an alternative career path into the exciting world of design, innovation and problem solving.”
and trade. While real wage growth has returned to positive territory, the UK’s leading business group does not expect this to translate into materially stronger spending over the forecast horizon, with weak productivity expected to limit the extent to which wages will increase, and household finances are likely to remain stretched amid historically low household savings and high debt levels. Business investment growth is expected to slow in 2018 to 0.9%, from 2.4% in 2017. The high upfront cost of doing business in the UK and the ongoing uncertainty over the UK’s future relationship with the EU are expected to continue to stifle business investment. The UK’s net trade position is expected to weaken over the next few years by more than expected in the previous forecast. Exporters will struggle to recover the ground lost in the year so far, as growth in key markets moderates. Growth in service sector output, a key driver of UK GDP growth, is expected to slow to 1.2% in 2018, which would be the weakest outturn since 2010. Consumer-focused industries such as retail and hospitality are expected to remain under the most pressure amid weak consumer spending. If realised, the forecast suggests the economy is in a torpor, with uncertainties around Brexit, interest rate rises, and international developments such as a possible trade war and rising oil prices, all having an impact. The BCC urges the government to focus as much as possible on the domestic business environment, reducing the uncertainty that firms face, and take action on skills shortages and poor mobile connectivity, which lower productivity and hold UK businesses back.
connected August 2018 9
We’re your gateway to international trade, providing a unique combination of expert knowledge, essential documentation and the business connections needed to capitalise on new market opportunities overseas and succeed in a global marketplace.
Accredited Training in International Trade The Chamber runs a rolling programme of training courses that culminate in the nationallyrecognised Foundation Award in International Trade. The courses provide the knowledge to assist with your international trade activities and you will receive detailed notes to take away to build up a toolkit of reference information. Export Procedures and Documentation Wednesday 19 September, 9.15am-5.00pm Incoterms and Export Licence Controls Tuesday 9 October, 9.15am-5.00pm Finance Options: Focusing on Letters of Credit Tuesday 17 October, 9.15am-5.00pm Import: Customs Compliance and Savings Tuesday 13 November, 9.15am-5.00pm Customs Special Procedures: Focusing on Inward Processing and Outward Processing Tuesday 27 November, 9.15am-5.00pm Rules of Origin: Preference and Non-preference Tuesday 11 December, 9.15am-5.00pm Cost per course: £250.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £300.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members. Venue: Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, 6 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT Full course outlines can be found at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk To book, please call Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk
10 August 2018 connected
Q&As
What is an ATA carnet? It is a document that acts as a passport for goods allowing temporary admission into a country. This reduces red tape and the provision of cash deposits that would otherwise have to be paid. Will EUR1 movement certificates save me money? Most probably. An EUR1 movement certificate will be used to support claims for preferential rates of duty, often zero, in
the country of importation. To qualify, the goods must originate in the United Kingdom on EU and be supported by a correctly completed and endorsed EUR1. The preference system only applies to countries where certain trade agreements exist with the EU. How should I list origin in box 3 on a Certificate of Origin? If you have goods of United Kingdom origin this must always be listed first (European Community – United Kingdom) followed by any other European countries. You then list other countries from around the world.
RBCC Business Forum 2018 On Tuesday 5 June, the RussoBritish Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) hosted its annual Business Forum. Opened by RBCC Patron HRH Prince Michael of Kent and entitled ‘Forging the Future: Opportunities for Innovation in Russo-British Business’, the event was a great success, focussing on the future of commerce between the UK and the Russian Federation. The Russian Ambassador HE Dr Yakovenko gave a keynote speech in which he highlighted the importance of business cooperation between Russia and the UK. This positive attitude was echoed by the numerous panellists, including representatives from Nord Stream 2 AG and Kaspersky Lab. Bob Murphy, a manufacturing manager for Ford
Motor Company who has spent the last six years in Russia, emphasised the commercial, governmental and cultural partnerships that Ford has forged in the country, and praised the loyalty and enthusiasm of his Russian colleagues. Liam Halligan, Economics Commentator for Telegraph Media Group, gave a frank but optimistic overview of his predictions for RussoBritish business, and warned British businesses not to get left behind – there are many obstacles to working in Russia, but the rewards are in much larger abundance. Should you wish to find out more about doing business in Russia, please contact the RBCC on 020 7931 6455 or visit www.rbcc.com
extend your
CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHAMBERS
GLOBAL AWARDS
WINNER 2018 We’re proud to announce the winners of our Global Awards 2018, designed to recognise members that really stand out from the crowd on the international stage. Award for International Service Provider WINNER: Anglia Translations Ltd For over two years Anglia Translations have been working with a Cambridge based company and have helped them translate their website into nine languages. Their client has seen a 60 per cent growth in the last year. Export sales now account for 90 per cent of their total sales and they are exporting to 47 countries. Plus, they have opened sales offices in Germany and the US.
GLOBAL REACH
Award for Achievement in New Markets WINNER: Yours Clothing Ltd Fashion retainer for women’s plus size clothing, Your Clothing have shipped to the UK, US and Australia for a number of years. In 2017 they identified Germany as a new market. They now have on average 800 new customers per week using their German website with revenue jumping by £158k per week. They are now planning to open a number of stores across Germany.
New Exporter of the Year WINNER: Finsen Technologies Ltd Since launching their UVC disinfection technologies to the international marketplace in June 2016, Finsen have successfully sold products to 14 markets across Europe, Middle East, USA and Australia.
Sponsored by Sponsored by
Award for Overall Growth in Exports WINNER: Linx Printing Technologies Ltd As a leading player in both the continuous inkjet and laser marking industries, Linx holds a large and growing worldwide market share and in 2017 they grew their market share across most regions with clear annual growth drivers underpinning double digit growth. Winners were announced at the Global Leaders Lunch which took place at Downing College, Cambridge on Friday 1 June.
UK exporters impeded by labour shortages The British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL, have published its latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook, based on survey and documentation data from UK exporters. The Outlook shows exporters are being hampered by widespread labour shortages, particularly in manufacturing, where two-thirds of firms struggled to recruit in the first quarter of 2018. Both sectors are being severely hampered by the prevalence of skills shortages. Of those recruiting, 66 per cent of manufacturers and 57 per cent of services exporters are struggling to find the right staff, according to the survey of over 3,300 exporters. In the manufacturing sector, the greatest difficulty was in finding skilled manual and technical labour (66%) and in the services sector, it was professional and managerial level positions (53%). Addressing the growing skills gap is a joint responsibility for business, government and the education sector. Companies themselves must do more to invest in training, but to do that they
need to be confident that the apprenticeship and training system is fit for purpose – particularly with regard to the apprenticeship levy and the implementation of new frameworks, where businesses have raised significant issues to government in recent months. The continued lack of clarity over future immigration rules – and business access to skills from overseas – is also a key issue where urgent action is required. The survey also shows that in the manufacturing sector, growth in export sales and orders remain stable, while they slowed slightly for the services sector in the first quarter of 2018. Elsewhere, the BCC/DHL Trade Confidence Index, which measures the volume of trade documents issued by accredited Chambers of Commerce for goods shipments, increased by 2.24 per cent on the quarter, and stands at the second highest level on record. You can download the full report from the export news section on the Chamber website.
connected August 2018 11
Chamber membership provides access to key information, expert advice and legal protection, enabling you to stay informed, legally compliant and free to focus on what you do best – building your business.
A new chapter for reading in Peterborough The first of its kind, A Vision for Reading in Peterborough, has been developed by Peterborough City Council, Vivacity and the National Literacy Trust. It builds on the great work already being done across the city by these partners, including the National Literacy Trust Hub in Peterborough, known locally as the Peterborough Literacy Campaign. The vision establishes reading as a priority for every service, business and community group, outlining how the city can work together to give Peterborough’s children improved opportunities through reading. A Vision for Reading in Peterborough prioritises getting more children enjoying reading and reading more often, which will support improvements in reading achievement. The aim of the vision is that by August 2021, the rate of literacy improvement in Peterborough will be double the national rate, with attainment raised to 75 per cent (or in line with national averages) for key literacy measures from early years to GCSE. The vision also strives to train 100 Reading Buddies, encourage 90 per cent of schools and 40 partner organisations to sign the Peterborough Reading Pledge, and increase library membership and usage by an additional 2,500 children each year. Councillor Lynne Ayres, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is a fantastic initiative which will have a positive effect for children across the city. We are committed to working with our partners to improve literacy results and this project builds on a solid foundation of work that has already been achieved. It is vitally important that children can read to a good standard in order to take advantage of opportunities throughout their time in education.”
12 August 2018 connected
Anglia Ruskin University helps businesses to bridge the ‘skills gap’ with a growing Degree Apprenticeship Programme Cambridgeshire’s local university, Anglia Ruskin, launched the first of its suite of pioneering new Degree Apprenticeship courses back in September 2017. They’ve been pretty busy since then signing up both local and national employers who want to grow their businesses, upskill existing staff and beat the ‘skills gap’. Marc Rothera from the Degrees at Work team explains: “We’re supporting an incredible diversity of businesses with their apprenticeships. From huge multinational companies, with giant apprenticeship levy pots, through to hyper-local micro businesses which are looking to expand their operations by making use of the generous ‘Co-investment’ funding available to help pay for training.” As well as apprenticeships covering Digital & Technology Solutions, Chartered Building
and Quantity Surveying, Nursing and Chartered Management the university have also been working with a range of employers to develop new courses too. These include the UK’s first Data Scientist Degree Apprenticeship for the bioinformatics profession’ (developed with the Wellcome Sanger Institute), Civil Engineering and Digital Marketing, to name but a few. The Degrees at Work team are dedicated to helping employers set up world class apprenticeship programmes, so if you think you’d like to explore the options further and see whether you can make use of apprenticeships to grow and develop your business then contact degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk and we’ll be delighted to help you find a suitable programme and support you to establish it.
When your people need support for muscles, bones and joints Advice from AXA PPP healthcare A modern lifestyle can often lead to long hours spent sitting. So it’s no surprise that problems with muscles, joints and bones are among the most common reasons for needing time off work*. Regardless of the cause, if someone in your workplace suffers a musculoskeletal condition and has to take time off work, you’ll be a person down. In a small business, that can have a real knock on effect, because every employee really counts. Musculoskeletal problems have a habit of getting worse if they’re not treated. But many problems can be managed effectively by making small changes to maintain a healthy work environment. Here are a few things you can do to support your people: 1. Encourage your employees to take short and regular breaks away from their desks to help prevent stresses building up in their muscles and spine
2. Encourage your people to seek support and/or treatment as soon as they become aware of a problem. Unlike coughs and colds, gradual aches and pains can be harder to notice but early treatment can show positive results 3. Support them in avoiding certain manual tasks until the pain gets better. Allowing some time to heal can benefit your workforce in the long run 4. You could also consider supporting your people with business healthcare cover, to get them back to health and work quickly 5. And by trying to follow these tips yourself you can support your team by leading the way. Supporting your employees through early recovery may mean less pain, discomfort and stress for your people and, in turn, fewer absences from your workplace. *Office for National Statistics (2017).
grow your
Treat questions like wishes – use them wisely By Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing Questions help you to get a conversation going, find out what you need to know and steer the call towards a successful conclusion. However, as potential customers don’t want to feel interrogated during a call, the number of questions that can be asked in any one conversation is limited. Ask open questions Open questions (questions that can’t be answered with either ‘yes’ or ‘no’) can ensure that the conversation keeps flowing. This will help to prevent the potential customer from ducking out of the conversation and enable you to gather a huge amount of information during the call. Don’t use a script Scripts can make for a stunted conversation and lack of rapport which can often result in a
EML Electrical offer electric vehicle charging points EML Electrical are thrilled to confirm they can now offer electrical vehicle charging points to businesses across Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire – but why would you want an electrical charging point at your office? There are currently 13,000 electric cars on the road and it is suggested that by 2027 half of all new cars will be electric vehicles. By having an electrical vehicle charger at your office you are promoting yourselves as a ‘green’ company that care about your environment. This will also be
missed opportunity. Listen to the person you’re speaking to The more you listen to your potential customer, the easier it should be to tailor your questions and get a little more out of the conversation. Don’t be afraid of silence Although no one wants a telemarketing call to be filled with awkward silences and it takes confidence to leave a long pause after a question, pauses in the dialogue can produce impressive results. Don’t use them up too fast No matter how interested they are in your products or services, no one wants to be bombarded with questions. Minimising the number of questions telemarketers ask can often help them to find out more about a potential customer.
impressive to clients that have electric cars and it will prepare you for the future when many of your employees and even you, will have an electric car. If you’d like to find out more about installing electric vehicle charging points and how we can help, please contact us directly on 01733 598024.
Network and Learn with our HR Forums The Chambers’ HR and Recruitment Sector welcomes Nicola Cockerill, Employment Lawyer at Buckles Solicitors as the new chair of the group. Pulling on the knowledge from the committee, they are keen to share and provide a supportive network for members to buddy up and meet like-minded people and share ideas and challenges. Whether you are exclusively dealing with HR for your organisation, or HR is just one of the many hats you need to wear, we hope you will find the sessions informative, useful and even enjoyable. They will provide members with regular
KNOWLEDGE
Cambridge Regional College raising apprenticeship prospects Cambridge Regional College, with its campuses in both Cambridge and Huntingdon, has announced that it has 60 business partners currently recruiting for apprentices. As in other areas of the economy, local performance is outstripping the norms and even going against national trends. The introduction of the apprenticeship levy, designed partly to allow employers to choose and pay for apprenticeship training more easily, does have its critics but Maureen Horan, Head of Employment Services for Cambridge Regional College, says with the strength of the College’s relationships with employers in the area and a buoyant local economy, the prospects for budding apprentices in Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire are excellent. Earning while you learn, training whilst in work and studying for a nationally recognised qualification specific to a chosen career ticks all the boxes for both employer and employee, says Maureen Horan. “When you’re building valuable experience from day one and being taught in professional level facilities by tutors with hears of industry experience, you’re giving yourself a head-start in your career choice.”
interactive ‘workshop style’ sessions where you can mix learning with networking. The sessions will cover a number of topics followed up with more in-depth discussion in whichever direction you want to explore. There will also be time to network and meet fellow professionals along with an open panel Q&A session to discuss other burning HR issues in an open and supportive environment. Make these sessions your own and help us shape the programme - tell us what HR or employment related topics you would like to see covered. Would you like to share some of your expertise at a future session, or join our Sector committee? Please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@ cambscci.co.uk . connected August 2018 13
enhance your
PROTECTION
ChamberHR Members have access to four key services as part of their membership provided by Qdos Consulting. This service offers access to advice on all HR related matters including discipline and grievance, apprentices, national living wage, absenteeism, disputes, recruitment, annual leave and
To access these services please visit the protection page on the Chamber website or call our membership team on 01223 237414.
legislation. An HR health check is also part of this service. All of these four services are underpinned by: • One advice line which gives you unlimited access to experienced, specialist advisors covering HR, employment law, legal, health & safety, tax and VAT. Call 01455 852037 • One website that offers a comprehensive library of over 750
documents that are free to download and can be customised to suit the needs of your business These cover everything from employee recruitment to exit, legal documents and health & safety documents. • Comprehensive legal expenses insurance which covers you for employment disputes, tax investigations, property disputes, data protection and more.
TERM TIME WORKERS HOLIDAY PAY Qdos HR explain the correct way to calculate holiday pay for part-time workers. Calculating holiday / holiday pay can be a daunting task for employers. Throw ‘term time only’ employees in to the mix and you have a recipe for disaster! Over the last decade annual leave has gone through some significant changes starting with the Stringer case back in 2009 which ruled that employees on sick leave were entitled to paid holiday, British Gas Trading Ltd v Lock in 2015 ruling that holiday pay had to reflect a person’s earnings overall rather than restricting it to basic pay and then lately Sash Windows v King at the back end of 2017 ruling among other things that holiday pay claims could be backdated as far back as 13 years. When calculating holiday for workers who have an irregular or intermittent work pattern what was generally acceptable was to base it on the average accrued at a percentage rate of 12.07 per cent. The 12.07 per cent figure is 5.6 weeks’ holiday, divided by 46.4 weeks (being 52 weeks - 5.6 weeks). The 5.6 weeks are excluded from the calculation as the worker would not be at work during those 5.6 weeks. The EAT have now ruled that this is not the correct approach. In Brazel v The Harper Trust the court held that the correct way to calculate holiday pay would be to base it on the 12-week average excluding the non-working weeks. Ms Brazel worked in a school on a term time only basis. The school calculated her holiday pay using a 12.07 per cent of a term’s pay which left Mrs Brazel worse off than if the calculation had complied with section 224 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 which uses the 12-week average. Using this calculation meant that Mrs Brazel would have received more than a comparable fulltime employee but the court ruled that part time workers should not receive any less favourable treatment even if it meant that it was disadvantageous for a full-time employee as the regulations does not cover that situation. The correct way to calculate holiday pay for part time workers now, would be to add up the previous 12 weeks’ pay, excluding any non-working weeks, and then divide that figure by 12. That will give you an average of that person’s weekly pay. Ruth Frank, Employment Law Consultant, Qdos
14 August 2018 connected
ask the
Business Awards Sarah Scott-Foster, Events Manager at Archant, talks about the 21st annual Hunts Post Huntingdonshire Business Awards, which launched at the end of April and celebrate the county’s leading companies and entrepreneurs. The awards will once again be hosted at the wonderful Burgess Hall on 2 November 2018. Over 300 business personnel will come together to celebrate the best in business at the glittering awards ceremony which will once again be hosted by BBC Look Easts Stewart White. How long does the entry process take? From downloading your entry pack and saving it to your desktop, you will have until Friday 7 September to finalise your nomination. Most businesses say that completing the forms take anything from between an hour to more depending on what information you already have to hand. Can I enter my business more than once? Yes. You can enter up your business in up to three categories. Is it all about turn over, my business is very small? No. The judges look at all aspects of how a business is run and how businesses promote best practice, it isn’t just about the bottom line. I am a one man band; do I stand a chance against larger businesses? Yes. The judges will be looking at how the business is run as a whole, and not just your annual turnover but processes, procedures, client retention, staff retention (all elements of running a business). We are a large corporation why would we enter regional awards? Supporting local business is key, however many people think that they have to go to the big cities to find the best jobs and companies to work for. They are unaware of the fantastic businesses right on their own door stop. By entering regional awards, they are raising their profile locally; therefore it will help attract the right calibre of personnel to their business. I am entering on behalf of another company, what should I do? If you are an agency entering a company on their behalf, please state the company name on the entry form to avoid confusion. Please ensure you provide your contact details and most importantly those of the company you are entering for. If they become a finalist we will need direct contact with them When is the entry deadline? The entry deadline is Friday 7 September 2018. What are the costs on entering the awards? The awards are free to enter.
EXPERT
Make time for Making Tax Digital Toni Hunter, Partner at George Hay Chartered Accountants, talks about where we stand with Making Tax Digital (MTD), the role that software plays and how your accountant can help. What is MTD and who does it affect? MTD is a key part of the Government’s plans to establish a more efficient, effective and user-friendly tax system that makes it easier for individuals to stay on top of their affairs. Initially MTD will apply, from 1 April 2019 for VAT purposes only, to businesses whose turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (currently £85,000). What key dates should I be aware of? Under the current timetable: • From April 2019 - only businesses registered for VAT, whose turnover exceeds £85,000, will need to keep digital records and only for VAT purposes • From April 2020 - businesses will not need to maintain digital records or update HMRC quarterly for other taxes until April 2020 at the earliest. Can I continue using spreadsheets or is software my only option? HMRC has said that most businesses can continue to use spreadsheets for record keeping, but these must be combined with compatible software, capable of connecting to HMRC systems via an Application Programming Interface (API). We have yet to see how this will work in reality. How do I know which software to choose? When choosing accounting software for your business, consider factors such as ease of use, pricing and key features. Distinguish between features you require and those you would like; it’s essential that the software meets the fundamental needs of your business. In addition, to satisfy HMRC, software must be able to: • Preserve records in digital form • Create a VAT return from those records • Achieve two-way communication, with HMRC, via the API. What should I be doing to prepare for the changes? If you are already filing VAT returns each quarter, you may not be far from ready. Still, how you prepare will largely depend on how you currently operate. If you are engaged with cloud accounting, you should assess your current software’s suitability for MTD. Conversely, if you still rely on paper, consider making the transition to digital sooner rather than later. How can my accountant help? We can help you when it comes to choosing and implementing a system matched to your businesses requirements and we can provide professional advice throughout the transition and beyond. We support a range of online accounting software packages so, when it comes time to take the leap, we have trained advisers on hand to provide as much or as little assistance as you require.
connected August 2018 15
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce 100 YEARS inspiring business success
Would you like to become a Chamber member? Get in touch today to find out the many benefits. Tel: 01223 237414 Email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk
NEW MEMBERS this month A4 PLUS LTD @A4PLUS AMDARIS @AMDARIS ARBONNE CBM UK @CBMUK CORNERSTONE (EAST ANGLIA) LTD @LTDCORNERSTONE
East of England Arena & Events Centre (Amadeus) Ideally situated just off the A1M, the East of England arena and events centre is well known for large arena and outdoor events on a national scale. What many don’t know, is that it also has dedicated conference and banqueting facilities in its Peterborough and Cambridge suites. Catering is provided by Amadeus, which is part of the NEC Group and brings over 40 years of experience in delivering catering solutions to venues and event organisers. They are committed to producing quality food from great ingredients, and ensuring speed of service and value for money never comes at the expense of quality and excellence. www.youreventspace.co.uk
EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL @EASTCAMBS EAST OF ENGLAND ARENA & EVENTS CENTRE (AMADEUS) @EOFEARENA INOTEC AMD LTD @NATROXWOUNDCARE KLADEX LTD PLUSFILE SO BLOOMING BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS LTD @SOBLOOBEA TAIT FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD UK WEBSOLUTIONS VISIT ELY @VISITELY WILDTRACKS LTD @WILDTRACKSUK
16 August 2018 connected
So Blooming Beautiful Designs Ltd So Blooming Beautiful creates bespoke flower designs for events. They are dedicated to telling your business story through the language of flowers. They can also supply unique flower designs for your office, reception area, dinner party and corporate gifts. Their designs, colours, flowers and shape work together to amaze your clients and stakeholders. www.sobloomingbeautiful.co.uk
news from
NEW MEMBERS
Robert Bruce Relocation Robert Bruce is a property finder helping individuals, couples and families find their ideal home in East Anglia. House hunting begins with excitement and enthusiasm but can become a test of stamina, stress and hassle. Fruitless viewings, missed chances, tense negotiations. Robert’s personal home finding service gives you an advantage. www.robertbrucerelocation.co.uk
UK WEBSOLUTIONS
Based in Stamford and Market Deeping Relax and Revive offers massage therapy, postural assessment and health advice to its clients. They also provide on-site massage to businesses in the East Midlands on a regular basis or as one off Wellbeing Days.
Your website can be your best salesperson if done correctly. UK WebSolutions offer web design and online marketing solutions that: • Increase the number of qualified leads and customers • Increase sales and revenue • Save time and money on marketing. Visit their website for a free audit of your website.
www.relaxandrevivestamford.co.uk
www.uk-websolutions.com
Relax & Revive
Oakwater Projects Oakwater Projects are an affordable and private housing development specialist based in Cambridge and operating throughout the South East. They are best known for procuring land and build packages for registered providers but they also offer s106 agency and a range of complimentary consultancy services.
connected August 2018 17
Will you be a Blue Tin Hero for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice? Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice needs your help – in the shape of Blue Tin Heroes – to round up tins, deliver them to Thorpe Hall in Longthorpe and to distribute empty tins around the region. Every year thousands of people choose to pop loose change into charity collection boxes in pubs, shops and community hubs rather than weigh down purses and pockets. What might only be a few pennies to each individual adds up for the charity. Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough receives, on average, £706 every month from collection tins. That’s enough to pay for a hospice nurse for more than five days. Community fundraising officer Sharon Baker has the task of co-ordinating Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice collection tins. She said: “We are really grateful to all the venues across the region which have one of our collection tins – the contents really do add up to make a difference here at Thorpe Hall. Now we need volunteers who are willing to use their community connections and knowledge to pick up full tins, distribute empty ones to venues which already support us and identify places which might like to have one of our collection tins at the till, on the counter or on the bar.” Husband and wife Elaine and John Rignall have already signed up as Blue Tin Heroes covering the area near their home in Stanground, Peterborough. Elaine said: “John and I are often out visiting friends and going places so it’s no bother for us to stop off on the way and pick up a couple of collection tins and give out some empty ones. It’s our way of doing something to help our local hospice.” To find out more about becoming a Blue Tin Hero please call 01733 225999 or email Thorpe.fundraising@sueryder.org. 18 August 2018 connected
ANNUAL CONFERENCE TACKLES HOT TOPICS FACING CITY CHARITIES Hot topics – including GDPR and digital media – facing charities around the city have been tackled at the Rawlinsons’ annual charity conference. The full-day event, now in its eighth year, has continued to grow in popularity; with around 150 delegates attending the event at the KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough on 12 June. The conference was not only an opportunity for charities to network and share information about the great work they do, but to also digest some excellent tips and advice from speakers addressing a wide range of topical issues, all relevant to the charitable sector including: • A national perspective from Lloyds TSB Foundation on the state of the charity sector • Results of the Rawlinsons charity benchmarking survey • The new GDPR privacy rules
• The importance of having a digital strategy • Applying for funding • Tax reclaim under the Gift Aid scheme • Mental health awareness. “The conference agenda was designed for employees and trustees of charities as well as new and potential trustees. Feedback is always excellent and this year was no different. Delegates were incredibly positive about the event and really benefit from the opportunity to network and share challenges and ideas with other charities,” said Mark Jackson, partner of Rawlinsons Accountants, part of the Baldwins Group. “Peterborough has a thriving charity sector from small community based groups to the big household names – which is one of the reasons this annual event is always so well supported,” he added.
CHARITY EVENT Colour Dash Ely 2018 DATE: Saturday 11 August, TIME: 11.00am-2.00pm LOCATION: King’s Ely, Ely, CB7 4DB Join EACH for a 5k fun run with an exciting twist - Colour Pirates who will shower you in powdered paint! Join us for a 5k fun run with an exciting twist - Colour Pirates who will shower you in powdered paint! There’s even a paint party before you set off which will make sure you leave truly coloured in paint.
Ticket Prices All tickets include entry, warm up, cup of paint, a t-shirt, a running number and water. Adult (age16+) £20.00 Child (age 5-15) £10.00 Family - £50.00 Team - £17.50 per person Under 5’s - Free - please note they will not receive a medal or paint. If you would like them to, please enter them as a child. CONTACT: Polly West on 01223 204916 or email polly.west@each.org.uk.
chamber supports
SUPPORTING
YOUNG
PARENTS
Romsey Mill runs an award-winning programme for young parents and is the lead response in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire for teenage mums and young dads up to 25 years – working with over 200 young parents each year. Our experienced Young Parents Workers provide expert personal, educational and parenting support, equipping young parents and their
CHARITY
children for a positive future. Having a baby can bring joy, laughter and new perspectives…accompanied by sleepless nights and lack of confidence and increased isolation. And these experiences can be even more challenging for teenage mums and young first time fathers, as illustrated by the story of one young mum helped by Romsey Mill.
Ashleigh’s story Judith Cork, one of Romsey Mill’s Young Parents workers, says: “We want to equip young parents and their children for a positive future. “We help them to adjust to the change in their circumstances, at a time when they can lack confidence and an effective support network, by providing expert personal, educational and parenting support.” “We do this by building lasting relationships of trust – so that they can feel confident to come to us, knowing that we will respond positively, without prejudice and in their best interests.” One of the young mums Romsey Mill has helped is Ashleigh – who had three children by the time she was 20 years old – including twins. Ashleigh first came into contact with Judith, through her midwife, when she was 18 and pregnant with the twins. After the birth, Judith continued to offer 1-to-1 support. Ashleigh says: “Being pregnant at 18 was scary. After my twins were born, Judith encouraged me to attend Romsey Mill’s Bumps and Babies group. I was so nervous, but very quickly met other young mums in the same situation. I’d felt so isolated before. I lost all my friends from school, who were still going out clubbing and doing teenage things. But the friends I made at Romsey Mill were so important to me – and still are. We really support each other.” Ashleigh always wanted to be a midwife and Romsey Mill has helped her to take the first steps
towards achieving her dream, providing courses in English and Maths and Shine – a selfesteem course. Ashleigh says: “The Shine course gave me a real confidence that I never had. I was always quite shy and the course made me feel better about myself. Without it I wouldn’t even have had the confidence to have conversations with anyone on the telephone.” Ashleigh says Romsey Mill helped give her confidence to fulfil her role as a parent and also to be positive about achieving her goals for her career. She is currently working part time as a hospital health care assistant and will start full time when her youngest son goes to school. She hopes to then then train to be a nurse before becoming a midwife. Ashleigh said: “I don’t want to live on handouts and I want to teach my boys that you have to work and earn your way in life. I hope that seeing their mum work and achieving her goals will help to teach them that.” “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Romsey Mill and I’m forever grateful for the help and opportunities they gave me.”
BRIDGE THE GAP CHARITY WALK – SUNDAY 9 SEPTEMBER Fancy a leisurely walk through a handful of Cambridge Colleges and the newly renovated Museum of Zoology – whilst raising funds to 2 local charities? All proceeds from the Bridge the Gap walk on Sunday 9 September are shared between Romsey Mill and Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Special rates are available for businesses buying 10 or more tickets, with opportunities to have gifts placed in goody bags given to over 2,000 walkers. Please contact Georgina Forbes to discuss on 01223 566492 or email georgina.forbes@romseymill.org. Romsey Mill: Telephone: 01223 213162 Email: info@romseymill.org www.romseymill.org Twitter / Facebook/ Instagram: romseymill
connected August 2018 19
business talk with
MATTHEW GOODING 130TH ANNIVERSARY How dynamic have you been so far today? If, like me, you’re feeling a little sluggish, the news that Cambridge is Europe’s second most dynamic city could be enough to put a spring back in your step. Ok maybe not, but the revelation, which comes from Savills Investment Management’s Dynamic Cities Index, is still an interesting and surprising one. Apparently Cambridge is ahead of Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam in terms of places that can best attract and retain talent, spur innovation and increase productivity. In fact, the only place that is more dynamic across the whole continent is London.
Impressive stuff for a city of 123,000 people, I’m sure you’ll agree. Irfan Younus, head of research, Europe at Savills IM, said: “Given the strength of the competition from across the UK and Europe, Cambridge’s second place is a remarkable achievement and testament to its sustained investment in new transportation, innovation hubs and residential developments.” Hmm, I think most of us would agree there’s still a way to go on the transport and housing fronts, but certainly the city’s innovation hubs continue to churn out new businesses at a rate of knots. Here at the Cambridge News we’re looking for the region’s most influential companies for an event we’re running later this year to celebrate the paper’s 130th birthday. Cambridge’s Most Influential Businesses will honour 130 local
companies that have made a positive impact on the region over the last century – whether through their contribution to the local economy, their outstanding customer service or simply because they are just representative of the area. News Editor David Bartlett said: “Cambridge is a special place because of its people and the bright minds that launch businesses, run companies, and innovate here. “We wanted to do something to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Cambridge News as a business that has been at the heart of the community since 1888.” A networking event to honour the 130 chosen firms will be held at Queens’ College on 17 October. If you think your company is dynamic enough to be considered, visit cambridge-news.co.uk/business for details of how to enter.
Matthew Gooding is Business Correspondent of Cambridge Business Magazine, produced by Cambridge News & Media.
We’re Auto Enrolment ready. Are you? Auto Enrolment reporting as standard Enhanced services for all main pension suppliers Complete solution enabling full AE compliance Hassle free payroll and HR data management GET IN TOUCH 20 August 2018 connected
01223 506366
pscpayroll.com
news from
ELY CHAMBER
Masters receive double honours at recent Palletline awards Masters Logistical have recently been recognised at the annual Palletline awards and were delighted to receive two top awards. Operating since 1991, Palletline is the ‘UK’s first premium, palletised freight distribution company, operating right across the nation and Europe’. Palletline is one of Amazon’s preferred carriers. Only the best warehousing and distribution organisations are invited to join Palletline’s elite network, and Masters are proud to be a key part of such a highly regarded company. Palletline prides itself on how it has revolutionised the way pallets are distributed. Each year it hosts an awards ceremony whereby they give recognition to their members across the country.
Expeditions put King’s Ely Senior students’ stamina to the test Intrepid King’s Ely Senior students reached new heights during an action-packed half term break. More than a dozen Year 9 Ely Scheme students travelled to Yorkshire to take part in the school’s annual Three Peaks Expedition. The challenge involves a circular walk bagging the summits of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales National Park – covering a distance of just under 25 miles and all within 12 hours, which the team successfully accomplished. A separate group of Ely Scheme Level 3 Hill Walking and Mountaineering students also spent some of their half term in Snowdonia being taught key skills in how to look after themselves and each other in mountainous terrain. The course covered efficient journeying over large ascents, decision making and dynamic route planning, as well as rope work and leadership skills to aid another person on steeper rocky terrain. The Ely Scheme aims to build important life skills that cannot always be taught in the classroom. While most independent schools have an
This year Masters Logistical were thrilled to take home two awards. Masters are delighted that not only have we earned The Top Liner Award for being one of the best performers in the Palletline network, we also received the highly prestigious Service Award, in recognition of the fact that we have continuously topped the Palletline performance charts. Masters are extremely proud to receive these two honours and that our dedication and commitment has been recognised by such a leading company. We strive to deliver an excellent service each and every day of the year and could not be happier that our hard work has been rewarded. We absolutely love what we do and cannot wait to continue delivering our
outdoor pursuits programme, the Ely Scheme is both unique and central to the whole King’s Ely experience, as young people are given tangible opportunities to push themselves to achieve beyond anything they ever thought possible. The aim is to develop each individual student through outdoor education and adventurous activity, concentrating on eight major elements: personal skills; self-confidence; teamwork; leadership skills; social and environmental awareness; problem solving; ability to cope with difficult situations and healthy respect for nature and the outdoors.
award-winning service all over the country. These accolades give our customers even greater peace of mind, that Masters are the best logistics partner for their needs.
Red Shoes launch new website
Littleport based Red Shoes Accounting Services, has launched a dynamic new website that is targeted towards customer’s needs, is easy to navigate, responsive to mobile and tablet devices and allows customers to access a wide range of information about their accountancy needs, along with a huge range of financial planning tools and resources. The new website’s content has been streamlined to provide a more user-friendly and engaging experience for Red Shoes Accounting Services web visitors and clients. Victoria Cooper, Proprietor at Red Shoes Accounting Services, said: “The new website has a fresh and contemporary feel and has been designed with user experience firmly in mind. It has been developed to ensure compatibility with today’s browsers and mobile devices. As well as explaining the comprehensive variety of services that we offer to support individuals, entrepreneurs establishing a business and small and medium sized business with their accountancy requirements, we also have informative blogs, downloadable guides and useful links to help visitors with their accountancy requirements.” In addition, the new website allows visitors to engage with Red Shoes Accounting, and keep up to date with industry news, via an array of social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. connected August 2018 21
Cambridge Consultants inspire the next generation of STEM innovators
Senior appointment takes college’s hospitality to new level Murray Edwards College has appointed Teri Byrne as Catering Operations Manager, a new role which encompasses a broader range of responsibility for the hospitality functions for all customers – including Fellows, staff, students and conference and events delegates. With three years at the college as Front of House Manager, Teri has recently completed a Level 4 Diploma in Hospitality Management in her spare time which has enhanced her skills for her new role. “Meeting and surpassing the expectations of all of our customers is possibly one of the most challenging aspects of my job”, she says. “How do we continue to keep customers engaged and stand out from the crowd? “I am passionate about helping my new team – in excess of 40 including casual staff – to develop their skills and experience through our ongoing training programme and collaborative discussions on how we can be more creative as a customer-facing operation.”
Wildtracks Ltd expand and thrive Wildtracks Ltd, a successful outdoor activity park near Newmarket, are going from strength to strength. Substantial growth over recent years has facilitated further investment in new attractions and service offers. Wildtracks have just launched their new VIP Team Building Days for all sized parties. The service allows companies to design their own bespoke team building day, selecting from a range of activities. The Wildtracks team organise everything from transport to food and challenges. Popular activities include karting, quad bikes, battlefield live, clay pigeon shooting, archery and off-roading including blind 4x4 driving that is sure to get the heart racing! A 10 per cent discount is available to all Chamber Members for a limited period. Interested parties are invited to call Hattie to discuss their requirements on 01638 751918. 22 August 2018 connected
Cambridge Consultants invited Year 7 students to apply to attend a STEM project day. They were challenged to identify an issue that affects people in their day-to-day lives and design a technological solution to solve that problem. The winning students visited the Cambridge Consultants office in Cambridge Science Park and were treated to an activitypacked day, where they had the opportunity to meet employees in different roles across the organisation, learn about the product design process and get stuck in to an
Old ticket hall reopens as pub A brand new pub and restaurant is now open at Cambridge rail station, located in the old ticket office, and named in its honour. The Old Ticket Office, which opened in June, is City Pub Group’s latest venture offering a modern day tap house and dining in the stunning restored building. Visitors can enjoy the bright heritage railway colours, dining booths with seating in the style of vintage train carriages and railway memorabilia. In contrast, the service is 21st century with the option to pay instantly and earn rewards via the pub’s City Club app. Designed to appeal to people passing through on their way to catch trains, food can also be ordered take away and the pub features a ‘bottle shop’ where drinks and snacks can be purchased for onward journeys. The Old Ticket Office is right next door to Cambridge station’s recently improved booking hall and complements the £4 million investment made by Greater Anglia in redeveloping the entire station.
engineering design project. The students were tasked with designing a tool that would help people with one arm to eat a boiled egg more easily. After meeting with end-users to understand their challenges and experiences, the students investigated current solutions available on the market and then worked together to brainstorm and design their products. They also had the opportunity to produce egg holders with a 3D printer and learn about robotics, including how to programme a robot arm to move lego bricks. Vicky Larmour, Cambridge Consultants, said: “The day was tremendous fun from start to finish - over the day we took the children through the life of a typical client project and the energy and enthusiasm that the children brought to all the tasks was amazing. Almost 100 staff volunteered to help with the day, from all areas of the organisation, and I very much look forward to running another day with other partner schools in the future.”
Citystay awarded in the SME Business of the Year category Citystay Serviced Apartments were thrilled to be awarded in the 2018 Cambridgeshire SME Business Awards in the SME Business of the Year category. The award criteria focussed on business that showed outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination as well as sound business practices. The independent judging panel were looking for entrants who demonstrated sustainable growth combined with exceptional commercial success. Reservations & Guest Services Manager, Krista Kortelainen, and Operations Manager, Declan Fitzhenry, collected the award on behalf of Citystay at a gala dinner held at Newmarket Racecourse. Declan Fitzhenry commented: “Citystay hold guest satisfaction, job satisfaction for our staff and giving something back in equally high regard. It has always been a fundamental belief of Citystay that to deliver an outstanding service to our guests, we must have the correct infrastructure and culture in place. We are delighted therefore to receive this award as affirmation of achieving this from the local business community.”
news from
CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER
Domino appoint new Director Domino Printing Sciences has appointed Lutz Doehnert as Group Research & Development Director, to build on the company’s innovative technology, software and coding solutions. Lutz brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role and has a proven track record of innovation and leadership in multinational, manufacturing technology industries.
Lutz says: “It’s an exciting time to be joining Domino, as the new Group Research & Development Director. With Domino’s investment in both its people and products, the company is in a strong position to offer more product development initiatives, building on its commitment to delivering industry-first coding and marking solutions to a variety of sectors.” Hilary Wright, Group HR Director at Domino, added:
“We are delighted to welcome Lutz on board. Together with helping our customers to do more and leveraging Domino’s innovative technology, our focus is to serve the needs of some of the world’s most recognised global companies and help them to achieve improved production and brand protection. With a proven track record of innovation, Lutz will be a key asset in helping us achieve this strategy.”
Scrutton Bland strengthens its Employee Benefits team
St John’s College shortlisted for prestigious national culinary award Jaroslava Vankova, who is Functions Supervisor at St John’s College, was ranked in the top six for the 2018 President’s Award with the Réunion des Gastronomes. The award, which identifies and encourages excellence in professional food and beverage services, is open to anyone working full-time at a team management level in food and beverage services in the UK hospitality industry. Jaroslava was selected for the final shortlist of six and invited to the Institute of Directors in London to meet a judging panel and have lunch with the other candidates. She started working at St John’s College as a casual employee before becoming Functions Assistant in 2013 and then being promoted to Functions Supervisor in 2017. Bill Brogan, Catering & Conference Manager at St John’s College, said: “We are incredibly proud of Jaroslava’s achievement in reaching the final shortlist for the President’s Award in the Réunion des Gastronomes. “This prestigious organisation provides a unique opportunity for learning and advancement supported by members of the Réunion and the Award is pitched at the very highest levels in the industry. Although she didn’t make it to the final three, it was a great experience for Jaroslava and underlines her commitment to developing her career further.” All finalists will be invited to the Annual Banquet at the Savoy in November, at which the winner will be announced.
Scrutton Bland Financial Services Ltd has strengthened their Employee Benefits team with the appointment of Steph Gordon as Senior Employee Benefits Consultant. Steph joins the team having worked in this area of financial services for a number of years. She is also a member of Chambers’ HR and Recruitment Sector. Scrutton Bland’s Employee Benefits department is based in Cambridge, but with teams located in the firm’s four offices across the region they are able to assist employers with the implementation and management of both new and existing
benefits packages to help attract and retain employees in a competitive market. Steph said: “It is great to be on board. The Employee Benefits team at Scrutton Bland is working closely with both new and existing clients and a particular focus at the moment is around flexible benefits and financial education, which is an area in which I have particular experience.” James Bolton, Employee Benefits Partner at Scrutton Bland commented: “Steph brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in Employee Benefits and I’m delighted to welcome her to the team.”
The Cambridge’s CEO becomes trade body Chair Stephen Mitcham, The Cambridge’s Chief Executive, has been elected Chair of the Building Societies Association, the Society’s trade body. Following over a decade at the helm of The Cambridge and a year as Deputy Chair, Stephen will undertake year-long duties promoting the sector to ensure members continue to benefit from the diversity that building societies bring to the UK’s financial services market. Stephen said: “I am taking over as BSA Chair with a strong belief in the critical part that building societies play in today’s financial services market. Being customer-owned we can operate differently, able to take a longer term view. The visible effect is to add to consumer choice, allowing us to serve not only the mainstream but those customers with more complex needs who are underserved by the rest of the market.
“The experience I have gained in leading The Cambridge over the last 11 years has reinforced my view that the mutual movement has a key role in helping people across the country both find a safe and secure home and develop the savings habit. Building societies not only have a history to be proud of but a bright and vibrant future to look forward to. “My 12-month tenure will see the UK leave the European Union and enter into whatever transition arrangements are eventually agreed. As UK-domestic players, building societies are well placed to operate through the inevitable changes that will come, but the sluggish UK economy is of concern. Our focus is to do everything possible to promote the interests of our 23 million members, savers and borrowers alike.” connected August 2018 23
Send us your photos each month and we’ll include the best of the bunch! Email images direct to s.parr@cambscci.co.uk
Networking Climb Delegates attended a Chamber breakfast event at Clip ‘n Climb Cambridge where they took part in speed networking before having the opportunity to try out the climbing walls.
STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS FOR THE BRAIN TUMOUR CHARITY Students studying Health and Social Care and Childcare courses at Cambridge Regional College, baked and sold cakes at the Huntingdon campus with all proceeds going to the Brain Tumour Charity. A raffle also took place on the day with the tempting grand prize of a giant chocolate cake. In total the students managed to raise nearly £250.
Riding the storm to complete a 100km challenge Two team members from Beacon Wealth Management Ltd, Natasha Oliver and Pippa Ellis, took on the challenge of the Women -v- Cancer 100km London Night Ride on 26 May, which is a female only cycling challenge. After months of training, fundraising achieved just under £2,000 in sponsorship.
COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOUNDATION Cambridge Regional College is playing a significant part in encouraging high quality graduates to consider exploring a career in teaching Further
24 August 2018 connected
Education through an innovative partnership project with the Education and Training Foundation and local universities.
it’s happening
OUT & ABOUT
King’s Ely Junior singers enjoy funfilled tour of Cologne King’s Ely Junior’s sweet-sounding Chamber Choir wowed audiences during their action-packed tour to Cologne. The 30-strong choir, made up of boys and girls from Years 5 to 8, enjoyed a hugely successful tour of the Western German city, where they performed three services and two concerts in just five days.
Mick George Fly Without Wings
Domino Printing helps science activities at local school get off to a flying start Domino Printing has pledged to deliver a threeyear programme of structured enrichment sessions to children in Year 4 at Bar Hill Community Primary School. Based on the theme of Flight, this year’s programme includes an introduction to flight, how to build a plane, the aerodynamics of flight, space and flight in nature, all led by a team of seven Domino employees.
Fourteen brave employees from local construction business Mick George Ltd took to the skies to face their fears and in turn, raise money for charity Macmillan Cancer Support, one of the companies chosen charities for 2017/2018. An amazing £1,505.00 has been raised to date for the exertions.
Anglia Translation receive Global Awards Peter Watts presented the award for International Service Provider to Anglia Translation at a recent Peterborough breakfast after they were unable to claim their award at the Global Leaders Lunch. Further details can be found on page 11.
connected August 2018 25
Leading the way
Local recruitment agency Ann Pettengell rebrands to mark a new chapter of growth, proving it knows what works when it comes to spotting talent in Cambridge.
C
ambridge recruitment agency Ann Pettengell builds on its established heritage in the city, as it enters a new phase of growth that sees it rebrand to further appeal to its expanding client base, which ranges from local SMEs to global corporations.
The agency’s rebrand represents an evolution of the business to further bolster its offering to the leading sectors that
operate in Cambridge and contribute to the success of the region, whilst sharpening its competitive edge as a recruitment agency in the city. The company will also relocate to an office space in the new development on Cambridge Innovation Park, which will increase floor capacity and cater for continued growth. An accumulated insider knowledge of the local area means that Ann Pettengell has earned a reputation for understanding the logistical complexities involved in matching the right candidate with the right role. As the city continues to expand, the rebrand sees the agency affirm to both existing clients, and the next generation, that it has its finger on the pulse when it comes to knowing the Cambridge market. Sarah Flack, client services director at Ann Pettengell, said: “The business has continually evolved over the years, to adapt to the fast-growing, changing landscapes in Cambridge. We’re now ready to enter this new phase of our journey, which will build on the success we’ve achieved through the enduring relationships we’ve built.
01223 350234
jobs@annpettengell.co.uk
“Our new brand represents the extensive knowledge and expertise we hold, and we look forward to working with our broadening range of clients to reach their recruitment goals on all levels.” Relationships sit at the heart of Ann Pettengell, and this approach has seen the business flourish over the last 40 years. The agency works collaboratively with its clients to find capable candidates for suited roles, enabling businesses to excel with the appropriate team in place. The company continues to recruit for positions from entry level to executive, capitalising on its scope of expertise to source high-level candidates for senior roles in some of the most distinguished companies in the Silicon Fen, and its renewed visual confidence aligns with this offering. This new chapter will see the agency continue to develop its established relationships with candidates and clients, whilst building new ones, by providing dynamic and ambitious organisations with quality applicants, in permanent and temporary roles, across a range of sectors.
news from
FENLAND CHAMBER
Open day to showcase work of Friends of March station community group Over 150 people visited March station for a model railway exhibition and the chance to see the work carried out by the Friends of March Station to restore the old station room interiors. The event took place on Saturday 16 June, the second of three events organised by the volunteer group throughout the year to showcase the work they do as station adopters and raise money for further improvements. The event raised £200 which will be used to complete the internal work so that one of the station’s rooms can become a permanent model railway room. Organisations who attended and supported the event included the Wickham model railway layout, Macmillan Cancer Support , Bramley Line Group and Paper Chain gifts and cards, as well as the Friends of March Station volunteers who served tea, coffee and cakes all day. Adrian Sutterby, who leads the group, said: “We were very pleased with the turnout which demonstrates the level of interest in seeing the disused side of the station and rooms that, over the last nine years, we have slowly been restoring so that they can come back into community use. We would like to thank everyone who came for their generous donations.” The Group’s final open day of the year will be held on 8 September, as part of the national Heritage Open Days weekend. Paul Haynes, Greater Anglia’s Community Partnerships Manager, said: “This is a great example of bringing a station building right back into the heart of the community and was a lovely event. We are very grateful to the Friends of March station for their hard work which has brought real benefits to the community by bringing these disused rooms back into use. “There are many more rooms like this at stations across our network available to community groups and I would urge anyone who has an idea for a project to get in touch.” Greater Anglia is offering empty spaces in stations to local communities across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Anyone who is interested should visit https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/ about-us/community-space
Sports Awards 2018 An annual celebratory evening was held at the College of West Anglia Sports campus, located at Alive Leisure Lynnsport, to recognise the hard work of exemplary students. Sports and leisure programme manager Scott Leadley compered the event, during which students were awarded for a number of skills and personal achievements over the last academic year. Kale Heath and Georgie Lingham were recognised as Sports Man and Sports Woman of the Year, respectively. Kale is studying Level 3 Sports Science at the college and is also an active member of King’s Lynn Golf Club. Throughout the year, he has attended a number of competitions up and down the country, performing at an exceptional level. His lecturer, Ed Cussons, said: “Kale is a dedicated young man who continues to work hard and he has a real chance of making a professional career in the game of golf.” Georgie is a level 3 personal training student and recently became a member of Saracen’s Women’s Rugby Club. She is also a voluntary coach for West Norfolk Ladies Rugby Club, delivering training sessions with the skills she has learned throughout the duration of her course. Part-time lecturer Shaun McKenna said: “Georgie has great enthusiasm and I wish her all the very best in her future sports career.” Sports Apprentice of the Year went to Jake Johnson, who is completing his level 3 personal training apprenticeship with Heros Fitness, King’s Lynn. Part-time lecturer Julie Lawrence said: “Jake has progressed in leaps and bound. If he continues to build on his experience and confidence, he will have a successful career within the industry.” The CWA Basketball Academy was recognised as Team of the Year, after a very successful season; placing second in their league, first in the regional tournament and fifth at the Association of Colleges (AoC) national competition.
connected August 2018 27
Cambridge Classics Wooden Double Glazed Windows & Doors Like for Like Traditional Wooden Windows & Doors For your Period or Listed Property
Proudly g rin Sponso
No Minimum order from one window to the whole of your beautiful home
01223 313 185 www.cambridgeclassics.co.uk cambridgeclassics
@cambridgeclassics2017
@CambClassics
news from
Deadline date for entries: Friday 7 September
Cellbond develops new testing leg Cellbond, the world-renowned designer and manufacturer of vehicle passive safety test equipment, has developed and produced a legform which is being used to test the extent of injuries to pedestrians in road traffic accidents. The new Advanced Pedestrian Legform Impactor (aPLI), suitable for tests with both high and low bumper vehicles, was released to the global Automotive Passive Safety Testing market. Cellbond has been working on the aPLI project
Breheny are winners Breheny Civil Engineering has won the Talent Champion at the NCE100 Companies of the Year 2018 Awards. The awards ceremony brought together the UK’s top civil engineering firms and their clients for a prestigious evening of celebration, recognition and networking. The NCE100 Awards recognises the most forward-thinking, innovative firms operating in civil engineering today. These are the firms that are doing the right things, in the right way, to deliver the outcomes that benefit society. The Breheny Civil Engineering entry focussed on the need for the company to train and develop their own staff. This was demonstrated by their Institution of Civil Engineers training scheme, which has seen over 60 staff become professionally qualified, an in-house training scheme for site engineers, apprenticeships, post graduate day release training and mentoring of staff. After a face to face presentation to a panel of our expert judges, made up from the most influential industry clients and peers gave the following overview of why Breheny Civil Engineering won the Talent Champion award: ‘The presenters had an authentic, committed approach to talent development in a challenging part of the sector. There was evidence of true collaboration with Universities and local Governments to create a training centre. They provided excellent feedback from a range of sources’.
Steve Dighton, Business Development Manager and Simon Burnside, Pre-Contracts Director at Breheny Civil Engineering with Awards Judge Jonathan Chapman and New Civil Engineer magazine editor Mark Hansford.
HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER since 2016 in collaboration with an international working group which includes the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) and the Japan Automobile Research Institute (JARI). Dr Mike Ashmead, Founder and Chairman of Cellbond, said: “We are delighted to have been able to make such a significant contribution to the global aPLI project. Our project engineers have developed and produced a biofidelic leg which accurately represents a real-life pedestrian and we are very pleased with the feedback from our colleagues in the industry.”
UK’s largest solar carport FlexiSolar, the innovative solar carport specialist, is currently constructing what is set to become the UK’s largest commercial solar carport solution - at Bentley Motors’ manufacturing headquarters in Crewe, Cheshire. In a project due to complete in September, FlexiSolar is building a system encompassing 10,000 solar panels with a capacity of 2.7MW. The bespoke solar carports are set to shelter 1,378 car parking spaces at
the manufacturing facility. Speaking about the UK’s first of a kind large scale construction, Chairman of FlexiSolar, Robert Carpenter said: “We are delighted to confirm details behind the large scale solar carport at Bentley’s manufacturing facility in Crewe. This large scale solar carport system is a clear example of an integrated energy solution; and one that utilises an existing parking area without sacrificing valuable land resources.” FlexiSolar is backed by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency driven to support the science and technology innovations that will grow the UK economy.
Do you have some exciting news to shout about that could be featured on this page? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk connected August 2018 29
Do you have some exciting news to shout about that could be featured on this page? Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk
Cross Keys Homes opens new Customer Central The new retail space on Bridge Street has been refitted to include self-serve payment machines, touchscreen kiosks and space for one-to-one customer consultations. Members of the CKH Care team are based at Customer Central alongside specially trained Sales and Service Advisers to help new and existing customers with enquiries relating to CKH homes and services. The team is available Monday to Saturday, from 8.30am until 5.30pm, except Thursdays when Customer Central is open until 7.00pm. CKH has been providing affordable homes for rent in Peterborough since 2004. Over the years they have introduced new care and support services as well as become a leading developer of homes for rent and for
sale through shared ownership schemes which allow buyers to purchase a share of their home and gradually staircase to full ownership. Customer Central is now the main hub for CKH Care where new customers are able to view LifeLine personal alarm equipment and discuss their care needs in person with a member of the team. Customers are also welcome to visit the store for information relating to CKH tenancies, shared ownership, and employment and volunteering opportunities. Claire Higgins, Chief Executive of Cross Keys Homes, said: “We’re delighted to open the doors to our brand new Customer Central. Everyone is welcome to come and take a look at what we have to offer and chat to a member of the team - hopefully you’ll learn that we might be able to help you in ways you hadn’t previously realised. “Everything we do at CKH is designed to build stronger, healthier communities so whether you’d like to know more about how shared ownership could help you buy your own home or would like to understand how our support services can help people of all ages maintain their independence, we’d love to see you at Customer Central.”
CHEF DE LA MAISON CELEBRATE 20TH BIRTHDAY Chef de la Maison is an outside catering company based in Fengate who have been feeding local businesses for the last 20 years. They recently moved to larger premises and welcome anyone to visit and have a look around - there is always homemade cake and fresh coffee on offer. With a five star food hygiene rating they deliver fresh, good quality and value food for any type of event from finger buffets, hot buffets, BBQs, hog roasts, canapé events and more. Enter our competition - Like and share our facebook page by the end of July and you could win Afternoon Tea delivered to your office for 10 people. www.facebook.com/ChefDeLaMaison
30 August 2018 connected
Local Law Firm Demystifies Legal Services Hegarty Solicitors have launched a new website with the aim of demystifying legal services. The new Hegarty Solicitors website features a resources area containing legal guides, frequently asked questions and information to help explain and simplify legal services. Laura Charnley, Marketing Manager at Hegarty Solicitors, commented: “Language used in legal services can often be unfamiliar and processes may seem complex, therefore a key focus in designing our new website was enabling local people to access legal information in an easy, informative way. “Our new website features a range of frequently asked legal questions, alongside guides to legal services to help explain these processes. Our guides use plain English to explain what will happen at each step along the way, whether that be a conveyancing matter, divorce, writing a will or many other common legal matters. “Alongside these resources, people accessing our website can make use of handy calculators to find out how much their case is likely to cost.”
news from
Partner Promotions at Greenwoods GRM Greenwoods GRM LLP, a UK Top 200 law firm, is delighted to announce five partner promotions. Employment solicitor Joanna Scally leads our employment services in Cambridge and is well known in the Cambridge business community. Jo has established herself as the ‘go to’ lawyer on employment issues for many Cambridge-based clients and is adept at building excellent client relationships. Keith Williams, also in our Employment team, inspires clients with confidence no matter how difficult the situation. He has the ability to take on hugely complex issues and clients remark on the reassurance he provides. Keith takes the time to get to know how clients work and reflects their way of thinking in his advice. Leading the Peterborough and Cambridge Private Client team since 2016, Kerri Pellington-Woodrow now takes on the role of joint Department Manager for a team significantly enlarged following the Greenwoods GRM merger. Under Kerri’s leadership the team combines excellent technical skills with a dedication to outstanding service delivery. Greenwoods GRM’s commercial property presence in Cambridge has gone from strength to strength due to Kelly Peck’s determination and hard work. As a result, we are now firmly on the list of law firms to talk to about property issues in and around Cambridge. Samantha East is a force to be reckoned with in the commercial property world, well known by our clients for working tirelessly to get the job done, including through the night given the time difference for some of her international clients. Sam also leads our team delivering a range of legal services to the manufacturing sector. Robert Dillarstone, Greenwoods GRM’s Managing Partner, is delighted to announce the promotions: “Jo, Keith, Kelly, Kerri and Sam will make excellent Partners. Key to Greenwoods GRM’s ethos is creating the ideal conditions for everyone’s success and we are very proud of what each has achieved. These promotions recognise their hard work, ambition and enthusiasm.”
Rowan Williams welcomed to Peterborough Cathedral It was announced in June that the Rt Revd Donald Allister, Bishop of Peterborough, has appointed the Revd Dr Rowan Williams as Canon Precentor and Bishop’s Adviser for Liturgy and Worship. She will take up her post in September 2018. Rowan has been Anglican Chaplain to the University of York since April 2010. During that time she has also been an honorary Minor Canon of York Minster, and a member of the General Synod of the Church of England. Canon Precentor is one of three full time clergy posts at the Cathedral, the others being the Dean and the Canon Missioner. The Canon Precentor is responsible for the worshipping life of the Cathedral, including the choir, and will have pastoral oversight of the congregation. In addition, she will have a role in the wider diocese to advise on liturgy and worship. Bishop Donald said: “I am delighted that Rowan Williams has accepted our invitation to serve as Canon Precentor at Peterborough Cathedral and Bishop’s Adviser for Liturgy and Worship. She brings very strong gifts in worship and liturgy, as well as her own personality and rich experience of priestly ministry. I look forward to welcoming her, and to seeing her gifts used in the Cathedral and more widely in the diocese.” Rowan is delighted to be joining the Cathedral: “I’m really looking forward to starting at Peterborough Cathedral, and especially to working with Tansy Castledine as Director of Music. I think we may be the first ever female Precentor/Director of Music combination in a British cathedral.”
PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER Handelsbanken new addition to team The Handelsbanken Peterborough Branch is delighted to welcome a new team member, Fiona Frost, to the role of Account Manager Support. Fiona is joining us following the completion of her degree in German Studies from The University of Nottingham and during her 2015 and 2016 university summer holidays she interned at the Peterborough Branch. “I am really happy to be working at the Handelsbanken Peterborough Branch and the team have been very welcoming. We held an eigth anniversary summer BBQ at Ferry Meadows at the beginning of June where it was great to meet some of our customers and I look forward to speaking to and meeting many more in the near future.”
Sterling Stock is co-opted by ILTSA Guy Porteous of Sterling Stock Auditors is pleased to announce that he has been coopted at the recent ILTSA AGM in Preston. Guy says: “It feels brilliant to be recognised in this way and to be coopted on to the National Council of my professional body. It is a fantastic organisation and one that I am honoured to now play an active role in.” ILTSA is The Institute of Licensed Trade Stock Auditors and is the only qualifying
body for stocktakers within the licensed trade. ILTSA has members throughout the UK and across the Republic of Ireland and Europe. All qualified stock auditors of ILTSA have proved their ability through professional stocktaking training and extensive qualifying exams. If you’re looking for a stocktaker that stands out, head and shoulders above the rest, then why not contact Guy at Sterling Stock Auditors! connected August 2018 31
LANO SCHEMA Dining the modern way 4 STATION ROAD, HISTON, CAMBRIDGE CB24 9LQ T. 01223 236 456
info@kitchensmiths.co.uk www.kitchensmiths.co.uk
facebook.com/ kitchensmithsltd
news from
STAMFORD CHAMBER
New director appointed at local marketing firm
Promoting Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials with Strawman Strawman recently dusted down their jodhpurs and busted out the bridles, ready for one of the biggest events this summer. And it’s not the return of the office fashion show. The 2018 Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials are just around the corner, and during preparations, Strawman were approached for print advertising work to build awareness. With several keen riders in the office, this was a special opportunity for the Strawman team to work closely on one of the most prestigious weekends on the eventing calendar, for such a historic local institution. The full-page advert in Horse & Hound magazine, communicating the unique heritage and unmatched elegance of the competition, made for an exciting project. The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials begin on 30 August – and if you fancy a chat while you’re in the neighbourhood, pop by Strawman’s Stamford office. Joint hacks can also be arranged, based on preference.
Talkspace launch new website
A huge thanks to Reuben and Callum at Productive Design in Market Deeping, who designed the new site. The relaunched website incorporates our new branding and is full of useful information. We explain who we are, what we do - property search, lease negotiation, purchase negotiation, clients success stories, the talking space blog and an advice section which includes downloads like our eight-step guide, newsletters and videos. It’s user-friendly giving people the opportunity to be added to our mailing list for new material, newsletters and also requesting a call back or just giving them the opportunity to check us out. www.talkspacegroup.co.uk
Marketing Agency, OlsenMetrix Marketing, has appointed Robyn Sinclair, a former Account Manager at the agency, to its board of directors. OlsenMetrix has grown steadily in recent years, and with an ambitious plan for further expansion, the appointment of Robyn Sinclair as Client Services Director is an essential step in ensuring that the business has the right management team in place to deliver against these plans. Robyn, in her role as Client Services Director, will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for OlsenMetrix’s high standards of client delivery. Robyn joined the agency in April 2017, as an Account Manager, bringing an impressive 14 years’ agency experience with her. Having worked with big name brands such as Rolex, Aviva, Brita and Leger Holidays, to name a few, she has been responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and development of a number of key accounts. Richard Olsen, Managing Director of Olsen Metrix commented: “Robyn is an accomplished marketer who has made a notable impact during her brief time at the agency. Having worked across a range of businesses, including SMEs and blue-chips, from different sectors, she has an exceptional ability
to translate business goals into effective marketing strategies; a vital component for us moving forward.” In conjunction with her previous role as Account Manager, Robyn has worked closely with the management team in the specification and implementation of improvements and value-adds to their business operations. Robyn says: “The company has made a significant investment of both time and money into technologies and process. These changes and improvements will further empower the client services team in fulfilling their roles on a day-to-day basis and in reaching the very best possible outcomes for our clients.” Sasha Olsen, Chair of OlsenMetrix, says: “Since Robyn has joined the team, she has had a very positive input into many areas of the business, both operationally and strategically. Robyn is a very talented individual, she is naturally very solutions focussed and has a rare ability to think both creatively and logically when faced with challenges. “We are both delighted that Robyn has joined the board and foresee great things for our client services team. This appointment is testament to her performance in the business to date, her wealth of experience, and demonstrates her continued commitment to the future of OlsenMetrix.”
OlsenMetrix Marketing’s directors, Richard and Sasha Olsen, welcome Robyn Sinclair (centre) to the board as Client Services Director
Do you have some exciting news to shout about that could be featured on this page? Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk connected August 2018 33
CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND PETERBOROUGH INDEPENDENT ECONOMIC REVIEW (CPIER) he purpose of CPIER is to create a single strategic position to help the greater Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area consider the case for greater fiscal devolution and powers to unlock the delivery of major infrastructure, including showing how the area delivers benefits to the rest of UK.
Darren Hill, Commercial Property Manager at Cheffins, comments on CPIER.
“The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review (CPIER), is set to release its final report on its findings this September forming the backdrop for future strategic policy and decision-making by the Combined Authority. The interim report was released at the beginning of May and has drawn varied responses from local communities and action groups. It ought to eventually provide a comprehensive picture of the current economic situation and future challenges, with decision-making and infrastructure investment based on compelling arguments throughout the devolved geography. The main positive from the interim review is that economic growth in the area appears to be above that already reported, however, this will increase the urgency for new and improved transport and housing infrastructure in order to sustain this growth moving forward. Similarly the report highlighted the need for improved connectivity across the region to allow all of the local population to be able to take advantage of opportunities throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The challenge is going to be whether the present Local Government structure in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can effectively deliver the priorities highlighted. The interim report noted, for example, that there is a real need to provide clarity on the current roles and responsibilities for the Combined Authority as well as the Upper and Lower Tier Authorities. If anything, the review of Local Government across the area being led by Andy Wood OBE on behalf of the CPCA is perhaps even more important and may ultimately be the decisive factor in Cambridgeshire maintaining its status as a global leader for science and technology. Focussing on Ely as an example, there are a series of viability questions which ought to be considered by the CPIER. Whilst the report recognises the importance of market towns as economic centres for local populations, the sustainability of these needs to be considered in the current retail climate. Ely has already seen some positive additions including a new cinema and Leisure Park, and the town will benefit further from the completion of the Ely bypass which should help to encourage greater business investment into the area and build on the strong employment growth 34 August 2018 connected
enjoyed over the past decade. With only single carriageway access into the city via the A142 or the A10, Ely is known for being historically difficult to access during peak times and cannot encourage two-way commuting flows from Cambridge. Unsurprisingly this has had a major impact on business, particularly when it comes to office and retail take up. The bypass should go some way to address this problem and encourage an uplift when it comes to rental values in the commercial property sector. Once the bypass is finished, we are likely to see an uptake in demand and as Ely has relatively low stock levels, higher rental values will be achieved as a result. As prices in Ely are currently averaging approximately £14 per square foot on the business parks, if demand takes off as expected, we would predict that prices rise closer to £16 - £18 per square foot in the next two years. East Cambs District Council, (through business rate uplift) and local businesses will be key beneficiaries of this project, as will other local corporations which have been priced out of Cambridge. Cambridgeshire is one of the most disparate regions in the country when it comes to density of business space and the more that other locations in the county can be opened up for trade the better. Lancaster Way Business Park is a great example of a location which has thrived despite the poor road networks and this has become a major force in the eastern region as a commercial centre. The Business Park is a strong supporter of the bypass as it should continue to reinforce its status as a go-to location for companies looking for space outside of Cambridge itself. From a lasting value perspective, the bypass will help the likes of Lancaster Way Business Park to grow and continue to attract some of the best occupiers in the region. Similarly, if it opens up Ely as a commercial centre in the way which is expected, it will have a profound effect on the wider economy. It will create jobs, help local businesses to thrive, and will encourage larger corporations to take up space in the city which will be to the benefit of the local community. Whilst out of town research and business parks may continue to thrive, the concern for the area, however, is the current and future viability of the historic city centre itself. Collaborative effort is now required to address the structural shift taking place in the retail environment and its effect on the city centre’s shopping parades. Whilst free parking has helped to draw shoppers into Ely, extra incentives may be required to help entice independent traders to take on city centre premises and maintain the town’s current vibrant tenant mix. These could include the District Council offering business rate relief for smaller independent businesses, adopting a more commercial approach to town-centre planning and providing strong leadership to encourage investment in the City Centre through the re-use and promotion of existing sites. Town centres like Ely are simply unable to offer the right type of space to meet current
space requirements of the major multiples which tend to want larger units to allow for showrooming, full range merchandising and an improved shopper environment. Whilst Ely is very much an option for larger corporations to expand their portfolios in the East, the high rates for a secondary shopping location makes the town more difficult for independent traders to survive. As Ely continues to be a location earmarked for expansion, the city needs to be enabled to provide the services and facilities that a growing local population requires. Despite, adopting a town centre first approach to retail planning, National Planning Policy has conversely led to significant out of town retail development over the past decade leading to a repositioning of the role of the typical UK market town and this should be addressed to rebalance the region’s geography. Whilst the proposals for a new out of town retail development at Ely Octagon Business Park is welcomed for larger, warehouse-based retailers such as Lidl, Wickes and B&M, this needs to be handled carefully in conjunction with promoting the city centre as an affordable and exciting location for smaller traders. Hopefully the CPIER report will seek to address these issues in detail and provide some clear recommendations on the future vision for Ely as well as its smaller counterparts such as Soham and Littleport.
report on
CPIER
connected August 2018 35
Strengthen your business and leadership with our
Intercultural Communications 1 to 3-day course
Our internationally-leading tutors, previously working with UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Barclays and Tesco, can help your team to strengthen their understanding and communication skills to effectively work in an increasingly global community.
Understand and appreciate cross-cultural complexities in an increasingly global and connected environment
Enhance awareness and sensitivity to their own and other’s cultural identities
Understand how cultural differences can affect typical communication practice and behaviour
Book your course Based in Cambridge, this flexible course can be delivered stand-alone or as part of your development programme. It can also be tailored to your needs as an organisation, including regional or country-specific focus. Arrange an appointment to discuss your preferences with our team.
Gain useful insight into cases of intercultural misunderstanding and avoid potential issues of discrimination
01223 698091 intercomms@anglia.ac.uk
german quality kitchens New 20 18 display s now in ou Cambr r idg showro e om
T: 01223 248 409 | Unit 31 Clifton Road Cambridge CB1 7EB T: 01638 640 400 | 1 Old Station Road Newmarket CB8 8DT www.bydi.co.uk
info@bydi.co.uk
W H I C H B U S I N E S S E S H AV E B E E N T H E
REGION’S MOST
INFLUENTIAL ORGANISATIONS I N T H E PAST 1 3 0 Y E A R S ?
This year the Cambridge News is 130 years old and as part of our celebrations we want to recognise 130 local businesses that have had a positive impact on the region over that period – whether through their contribution to the local economy,
their outstanding customer service or because they are just representative of the area. The 130 businesses will be profiled in the Cambridge News later this year, so be sure to take part in this portrait of a local economy that has impact on a global scale.
Nominate your business at
www.cambridgeshirelive.co.uk/cambridge130
connect with
SIGNPOST 2 GROW
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Better Business for All (BBfA) Partnership
Being a small business owner there are many things that need to be organised and understood in detail before you can begin to focus on your product or service. Local regulations are an important factor and needs to be approached in the appropriate way. Better Business for All (BBfA) brings together business and regulators to consider and change how local regulation is delivered and received, that makes the process easier to understand and use. BBfA involves the creation of local partnerships to identify the issues facing local businesses and shape the provision of effective support serves to them. It gives you access to help that is tailored to your needs, making it easier for you to ‘get it right first time’. Overview The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Devolution Deal set out a vision to develop a strategic approach to regulatory delivery which will remove regulatory barriers to growth for businesses. The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Better Business for All Partnership has drawn regulators, Signpost 2 Grow and business representatives together with the
aim of providing an effective signposting and targeted business support service tailored to meet local needs. Our Aims and Objectives of BBfA Partnership • Developing a relationship between businesses, business focussed support organisations and regulators built upon trust, understanding and a desire to together improve compliance with regulation and support of business growth • Committing to consult with business to improve understanding of how the partnership can assist businesses to achieve and maintain compliance • Clear communication and provision of all information in one accessible location • Streamlining and improving access to information, to enable businesses to understand and apply regulation and guidance • Promoting and supporting Primary Authority with businesses that would benefit from being part of a partnership
• Helping to build confidence amongst the business community enabling them to plan and make compliant business decisions, for example by signposting to funding and advice • Promoting exporting and support that the Department for International Trade (DIT) can provide to businesses who wish to expand their business to an overseas market. How Better Business for All can help your business By having that partnership between your business and regulatory services it allows your business to grow and ensures that you are confident and secure in your knowledge of business regulations that are currently in place. Get in Touch For more information please contact the Signpost 2 Grow Team by emailing hello@signpost2grow.co.uk or call on 01480 277180.
connected August 2018 39
insight from
ALEX SPENCER
Four steps to creating a mission statement Have you ever thought about writing a mission statement but worried that you didn’t know where to start? It is not as complicated as it looks - a mission statement is simply a few lines about why your ideal customer should use your product or service. It should say exactly what problem your product or service solves, list the benefits to the consumer, and emphasise your point of difference from your competitors. Plenty of businesses get by without ever having a mission statement to guide them. But an effective mission statement can be a really useful way to pull your team together and get them all working towards the same goal for your business. It tells everyone why you do what you do. Here are the four basic questions that your company’s mission statement must answer:
• What do we do? • How do we do it? • Whom do we do it for? • What value are we bringing? Creating a mission statement works best when you can get whole teams together to try to answer these questions because they will instinctively know your business. Ask your team, is the service or product you provide unique or do you have lots of competitors? Is the way you do it different? How do your company values influence the way you work? Who is your ideal customer and what benefit do they gain for you that they couldn’t get elsewhere? Here are some mission statement from famous brands: BBC - “To enrich people’s lives with programmes and services that inform, educate and entertain.”
Breaking that down, the BBC (1) create programmes (2) that inform, educate and entertain, (3) for people in general, (4) to enrich their lives. Uber - “Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers.” The Uber mission statement broken down: (1) Uber is evolving the way the world moves, (2) We make cities more accessible by seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, (3) for riders and drivers, (4) opening up more possibilities and business. Now you get the idea, perhaps it’s time to create a mission statement of your own.
Helping you thrive in a changing world Accountancy, audit and tax advice. Bookkeeping, payroll and tax returns. A complete solution for businesses and individuals. T +44 (0)1733 379 300 E east.midlands@moorestephens.com
www.moorestephens.co.uk/eastmidlands
PRECISE. PROVEN. PERFORMANCE.
Moore Stephens East Midlands is an independent member firm of Moore Stephens International Limited. Registered to carry on audit work and regulated for a range of investment business activities by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. DPS40252 April 2018
connected August 2018 41
chamber
Transforming Workplace Culture - join the debate! The Chamber’s Business Women Sector, in partnership with Murray Edwards College, is for the first time hosting a conference entitled ‘Authentic Leadership’ focusing on the Collaborating with Men report. Murray Edwards College has led on some fascinating research that focuses on key ways to transfer workplace culture. The morning will highlight the benefits of more inclusive cultures and how through: • Seeking to understand women’s (and some men’s) issues with workplace culture • Individual interventions to tackle gender bias behaviour • Building closer relations between men and women • Action for leaders to model gender inclusive behaviour and communicate the benefits. We’ve lined up an exciting panel of speakers sharing their views and ideas
for the future to support workplace culture transformation. Through making small incremental changes in individual behaviour, this can add up to big changes for women’s advancement into the top levels of careers. Workshops will give you the tools to take away and consider how you might use these to add value in your own workplace. Speakers so far include: Fiona Duffy, Director of Development Murray Edwards College Qun Yang, Co-founder of Biorbyt Ltd, Executive Director of Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre, Cambridge Judge Business School Anne Bailey, Co-founder, Form the Future CIC The conference is on Friday 14 September, starting at 10.00am with registration and finishing with a buffet lunch and networking and will be held at Murray Edwards College, Cambridge. To book your place and be part of this exciting debate, which is open to all, please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk.
EVENTS
The Business Women’s Sector is a thriving part of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce with activities focussing on three strands – development, inspiration and networking! To find out more about the Business Women’s Sector please contact Helen or Karen Beckwith, Sector Chair, karen. beckwith@peterborough.ac.uk. You can follow us on twitter too @CCWomensSector.
connected August 2018 43
Don’t move, IMPROVE! with windows, doors & conservatories from N&C Glasss BI-FOLD DOORS
WINDOWS
• Conservatories / Porches • Shop Front Replacement
ow TradiN ng in our
35th YE
• Glass Roofs
AR
• Solar Controlled Double Glazed Units • Domestic & Commercial Repair/Replacement • Energy Efficient Double Glazed Sealed Units and much more!
www.nandcglass.co.uk
Visit our showroom at: Unit 103, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB6 3NX Or for a FREE quote call: 01353 667964 or email: info@nandcglass.co.uk Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 7am-5pm Saturday: 7am-12pm
chamber
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce
EVENTS
100 YEARS inspiring business success
AMAZING BENEFITS OF
CHAMBER
MEMBERSHIP DATE: Wednesday 5 September TIME: 9.30-11.30am LOCATION: Peterborough Chamber, 6 The Forum, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT DATE: Thursday 6 September TIME: 9.30-11.30am LOCATION: Milton Hall, Ely Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6WZ PRICE: Free to attend, please register in advance CONTACT: Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 or email b.coleman@cambscci.co.uk Come and learn the real, tangible benefits of membership in terms of financial savings and
increasing revenue and profitability. Whether you’re looking to generate interest in your services and increase sales, develop your professional skillset, explore new opportunities to do business overseas, or take advantage of the cost-savings and protection available, our extensive membership package offers it all. You will also discover our latest promotional opportunities and get connected with our benefit service providers. We will also explain how we can help you engage with others in the Chamber network and across the wider business community.
FENLAND QUIZ & HOG-ROAST DATE: Wednesday 25 July TIME: 6.00-9.00pm, plus informal networking 5.00-6.00pm LOCATION: Elgood & Son’s, North Brink Brewery, Wisbech, PE13 1LN PRICE: £12.50 (plus VAT) Chamber member, £20.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber member CONTACT: Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk Battle it out for this year’s trophy in teams of up to four people and compete against members of Norfolk Chamber. After you’ve had the chance to show off your general knowledge it will be time to enjoy a hog roast with networking in the award-winning brewery gardens. Informal networking will take place from 5.00-6.00pm at the Elgood’s Visitor Centre and is free to attend.
SUMMER GARDEN PARTY DATE: Friday 27 July TIME: 2.00-4.00pm LOCATION: Cambridge County Polo Club, Lode, Cambridge, CB25 9HF PRICE: £30.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £37.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT: Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk This year our annual garden party offers the opportunity to reinforce long-lasting business relationships alongside a few games of Polo, so make sure you invite all of your company’s key networkers along. A finger buffet and refreshments will be provided and you are welcome to stay after our event until the Polo matches conclude at 6.00pm Sponsored by
Chamber members can book events online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk connected August 2018 45
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce 100 YEARS inspiring business success
Your essential business calendar for the next months.
INFORMAL NETWORKING EVENINGS
September 2018
3
St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club, St Ives 5.00-7.00pm
5
The Crown Hotel, Stamford 5.00-7.00pm
10
Allia Future Business Centre, Cambridge 5.00-7.00pm
Secure your stand at this year’s B2B exhibitions These events allow exhibitors to put themselves in the spotlight while over 500 business people visit them to build new connections and explore what new products or services exhibitors have to offer their company. Visitors can make use of the day by engaging with exhibitors and other visitors, attending seminars designed to enhance business knowledge and skills and take part in speed networking sessions.
Poets House & Restaurant, Ely 5.00-7.00pm
19 20 26
Metro Bank, Peterborough 5.00-7.00pm
B2B Exhibitions
Elgood & Sons Ltd, Wisbech 5.00-7.00pm
Cambridge B2B Exhibition DATE: Thursday 20 September TIME: 10.00am-4.00pm LOCATION: Quy Mill Hotel and Spa, Cambridge STAND PRICES: starting from £270.00 (plus VAT) for Chamber members CONTACT: Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk
Organised in partnership with
Authentic Leadership Conference DATE: Friday 14 September TIME: 10.00am-1.30pm LOCATION: Murray Edwards College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DF PRICE: £25.00 (plus VAT) Chamber member, £32.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber member CONTACT: Helen Bosett on 01733 370809 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk Organised by the Business Women’s Sector Join us for a lively morning of guest speakers, debate and networking! We will discuss workplace culture and look at encouraging girls to explore careers perceived to be reserved for boys. More details of the conference can be found on page 43 or refer to the event page on the Chamber website.
Sponsored by
Visit www.cambridgeb2b.co.uk for further details
2
Peterborough B2B Exhibition
Peterborough B2B Exhibition DATE: Wednesday 31 October TIME: 9.00am-3.30pm LOCATION: KingsGate Conference Centre, Peterborough STAND PRICES: starting from £229.00 (plus VAT) for Chamber members and Bondholder members 10% discount on stand bookings made before 1 September CONTACT: Helen Bosett on 01733 370809 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk Organised in partnership with
Event host
46 August 2018 connected
Visit www.peterboroughb2b.co.uk for further details.
chamber
A RUM NIGHT DATE: Thursday 16 August TIME: 5.00-7.00pm LOCATION: Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Stow-Cum Quy, Cambridge, CB25 9AF PRICE: Free to attend, places are to be booked in advance CONTACT: Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk Informal Rum O’Clock Networking at Quy Mill Hotel & Spa - join us for all things Rum related!
EVENTS
RIVERBOAT GEORGINA NETWORKING LUNCH DATE: Friday 3 August TIME: 12.00-2.30pm LOCATION: Jesus Lock, Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AX PRICE: £25.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £35.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT: Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk A highlight in the Chamber calendar… join us for a two-hour cruise along the River Cam, it’s the perfect opportunity for some informal networking and the chance to treat key clients and staff members whilst enjoying a buffet lunch.
Global Business Network: Entering the US Market DATE: Tuesday 24 July TIME: 5.00-7.00pm LOCATION: The Moller Centre, Storey’s Way, Cambridge, CB3 0DE PRICE: Free to attend CONTACT: Helen Bosett on 01223 209815 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk Organised by the International Sector Whether you are already involved in international trade or considering expanding into new markets, Global Business Network offers a unique informal environment to share experience and expertise. This month we welcome Sponsored by Frank Levene, Director of Avitus Group, who help to facilitate USA entry. Frank will give a short presentation and advise of the key steps you need to take to establish yourself in the US.
Sponsored by
PETERBOROUGH
QUIZ &
THAI BUFFET DATE: Tuesday 11 September TIME: 6.00-9.00pm LOCATION: The Brewery Tap, Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 2AA PRICE: £60.00 (plus VAT) per team of four CONTACT: Helen Bosett on 01733 370809 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk Over seven quizzical rounds that are guaranteed to bring out your competitive streak, this year’s Peterborough quiz will be a totally mixed bag of questions something for everyone! We’ll be offering spot prizes along the way and whilst the scores are being tallied up you will be able to tuck into a Thai buffet before the winners are announced and the coveted Hegarty Shield presented. Sponsored by
connected August 2018 47
Relationship developers With you every step of the way to deliver your people strategy.