CONNECTED February 2016

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE

CAMBRIDGESHIRECHAMBER.CO.UK

N 39 FEBRUARY 2016

eu membership Is it good for business?

THE OFFICIAL AWARD WINNING MONTHLY MAGAZINE

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Alconbury Enterprise Campus Alconbury Weald, Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 4WX www.alconbury-campus.co.uk T: 01480 413141

Alconbury Enterprise Campus is Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Enterprise Zone, supported by HM Government, and promoted by:

CONTENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 5 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S HIGHLIGHTS

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6-7 CONNECTIONS 8-9 INFLUENCE 10-11 GLOBAL REACH 12-13 KNOWLEDGE 14-15 SECTOR FOCUS 17 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2016 18-19 CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS

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20 ELY CHAMBER NEWS 21 FENLAND CHAMBER NEWS 22-23 OUT & ABOUT 24 CAMBRIDGE NEWS PARTNERSHIP 25 STAMFORD CHAMBER NEWS

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26-27 HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS 28-29 PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS 31 LEP FOCUS 32 CHAMBER AWARDS 2015 33 CHARITY OF THE YEAR 34-35 NEW MEMBERS 37 HOT SEAT

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38-39 REPORT FROM IAN MACKELLAR 40 ASK THE EXPERT –

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

41-43 EVENTS

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WELCOME TO CONNECTED A warm welcome to the readers of CONNECTED

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Contributing this month...

Ian MacKellar

MacKellar Consulting

Welcome to the first CONNECTED for 2016!

We are delighted to announce that the next edition of CONNECTED will be published by Cambridge News. Please see page 24 to find out more about this exciting partnership.

This edition is packed full of member news. Please do keep sending your news stories and photos through to me for inclusion in a future edition.

Stand bookings are already being taken for the Two Counties Business Exhibition and Huntingdonshire Business Fair. Please see the event pages for further details on the exhibitions and how to book.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a prosperous 2016 and we look forward to working with you.

A freelance journalist with a background as business editor for a local newspaper.

Zoe Scorer

Conscious Communications Head of Client Teams at a public relations and marketing agency.

Garry Mumford Insight Associates

Do you follow us on Twitter?

Sadie Parr Editor, CONNECTED, s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

We regularly tweet Chamber news; follow us at @CambsChamber to be kept up to date with all the latest news.

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE DESIGN & MARKETING STUDIO

Chief Executive John Bridge OBE DL | Editor Sadie Parr | Print xlpress.co.uk Design Louise Wightman: melbournehousedesign@yahoo.co.uk

Disclaimer Views expressed in CONNECTED are not necessarily those 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.

Membership Development Officer Peter Watts 07545 697799 or Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 Cambridge Enterprise House, The 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 | www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

@CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

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Partner of a professional accountancy firm.

Our editorial panel: We would also like to thank Chamber committee members responsible for shaping the key topics this month and researching these features to better serve the readers of CONNECTED.

Advertise in CONNECTED and reach more than 7000 potential customers every month!

Contact Sadie Parr on 01223 209805 or email s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Prices start from as little as £125.00 (plus VAT)

CONNECTING WITH THE CHAMBER NETWORK

JOHN BRIDGE IS INTERVIEWED BY HANNAH OLSSON FOR THE POLITICS SHOW

We were recently invited to take part in an interview for The ol t cs ho o the C m r e C t De l t t e te e to loc h re s of m ll o s of o s of estme t tr s ort fr str ct re across the city. We used the opportunity to highlight the need to streamline the bureaucracy and sticky tre cle th t re h m er s ft effect e ec s o m foc s o the o t ts r ther th rocess We still believe that it is very important to set up an independent ‘Transport for Cambridge’ organisation with the appropriate specialist expertise that focusses on traffic flows and the interrelationship of all modes of transport.

The Cambridge Roar has announced its line-up for 2016 and once again we are honoured to be supporting this exceptional fundraising initiative.

This year’s programme of events is even more diverse than the last and with so many people involved, it’s a brilliant opportunity for businesses to put something back into the community whilst enjoying the many events on offer.

It’s all in aid of The Prince’s Trust and Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, two incredibly important charities that both provide invaluable assistance and support to those that use their services.

JOHN BRIDGE SHOWS HIS SUPPORT FOR THE CAMBRIDGE ROAR WITH MASCOT ROARY THE LION

There are lots of ways to get involved with The Cambridge Roar, including a wide range of sponsorship opportunities and lots of events for your team and clients to get involved with. At the very least, why not catch up with Cambridge Roar mascot Roary the Lion for a #RoarySelfie and show your support on social media.

It was a great pleasure to celebrate the launch of additional weekend services on the Stansted Express service between Cambridge and Stansted Airport recently. The Stansted Express train service continues to grow in popularity, with total passenger numbers up 26 per cent to over 7.6 million in 2014.

It is so positive to see Abellio meeting customer demand and investing in doing what customers want and the proof in the pudding is the increase in passenger numbers the firm has already seen since this enhanced service was introduced. n

JOHN BRIDGE WITH SIR ALAN HASELHURST, MP FOR SAFFRON WALDEN, ANDREW HARRISON, MD AT LONDON STANSTED AIRPORT AND JAMIE BURLES, MD AT ABELLIO GREATER ANGLIA

John Bridge OBE DL Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

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Connections 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.

DELEGATION WHEN SME OWNERS CAN’T DO IT ALL

CHAMBER BUSINESS HEALTHCARE PLAN ONE WAY to maximise the benefits of being part of the Chamber network is to take advantage of the business services provided with exclusive rates for Chamber members. One of these is the Chamber Business Healthcare Plan in partnership with AXA PPP healthcare.

This plan offers healthcare cover that will help you and your team back to health and back to work.

CHAMBER EXCLUSIVES Sign up to the Chamber Business Healthcare Plan and you will receive: ASK any small business owner and they’ll no doubt tell you that setting up on your own brings pressure like no other. In short, you’re suddenly responsible for your own livelihood and all decisions rest on your shoulders. This pressure is unrelenting too, and as your business grows so do the risks. Pressure can drive you to thrive and we know from our own research* that SME owners are flourishing as the greater responsibility and freedom they are afforded spurs productivity and their overall wellbeing. However, there is a balance that should be recognised between taking the lead and managing the pressure and associated stress of spreading yourself too thinly.

AXA PPP healthcare’s research also revealed that a third of SME owners felt they could delegate more and nearly half believed that their work spilled over into their home life.

Prioritising who is responsible for specific job functions can help in fostering workplace wellbeing. It gives autonomy to others and leaves you with more time to concentrate on where you can add value. Therefore, SME owners have an opportunity not only to increase their own wellbeing and productivity but also that of their team and, in doing so, the overall health and prosperity of their business. *This research was conducted in June 2015 on behalf of AXA PPP healthcare among owners of businesses employing 30 or fewer staff.

ȗ 50 per cent discount off your Chamber membership for three years ȗ A free Employee Assistance Programme offering your staff expert qualified telephone counselling.

Plus two free services for all Chamber members: ȗ Health at Hand – access to a free 24/7 telephone helpline offering confidential health information and support from health professionals ȗ Personal Business Assistance – a dedicated support team to help keep your business going if you need to take time off for medical treatment.

Find out more at www.axappphealthcare.co.uk/chambers NB: Terms and conditions apply

DON’T MISS ANY OF OUR 2016 CHAMBER EVENTS THE CHAMBER has an event reminder functionality on its website, allowing businesses to register for reminder alerts nearer the time for events they’re interested in attending but don’t want to book until nearer the date.

There’s no obligation to book for the event once the reminder has been requested, and it

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is hoped that this functionality will help companies to balance busy workloads with the desire to seek new opportunities at the many events and seminars the Chamber holds each year.

To register for an event reminder, simply visit the event listing on the Chamber website and click on the ‘Event Reminder’ box at the

bottom of the screen. You will then be asked to provide your contact details including the email address you would like the reminder to be sent to.

To see our forthcoming events visit pages 39-41 of CONNECTED or the event pages of the Chamber website.

CONNECTIONS

GET CONNECTED There are lots of ways to connect with other Chamber members. At events, on social media, you could even pick up the phone after reading their interview right here in CONNECTED. This month we meet Anne Green from Building Services Design (BSD).

Q A

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR BUSINESS? My role is business development and communications for a mechanical and electrical design consultancy. I forge new relationships and maintain existing ones with clients and other construction consultancies. I co-ordinate the completion of PQQ and tender submissions for our region.

I am part of the communications team; we keep the company website and staff intranet fresh and up to date and promote BSD on social media too.

Q A Q A

Q A

Q A

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR RUNNING OR WORKING IN A BUSINESS? 1. Diplomacy 2. A good knowledge of Outlook (or your email/calendar package) to help you stay organised 3. A can-do attitude.

MEMBER TO MEMBER OFFERS DO YOU have a special offer for Chamber members? Upload to the member’s area of the Chamber website to be promoted through social media and right here in CONNECTED.

10 per cent off new US company set up and half price office support services Enjoy a 10 per cent discount on the cost of setting up a new USA incorporated company, with EIN number. Plus a 50 per cent discount for the first two months on any new contract for seven hours or more per week for personnel services, administration support, PA and/or accounting services for US requirements. Email Sorted USA at td@dme-usa.com to find out more.

Meeting rooms for hire Discounted meeting rooms available to hire with capacity for two to 90 people at Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) in Histon.

Cost effective – book as little as an hour. Call IWF on 01223 203030 for details.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND? Yoga and Meditation.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK AND WHY? Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. A book that makes me laugh out loud, inspires and has me in tears – all at the same time!

WHAT VALUE DO YOU GET FROM BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER? The construction forums are an invaluable way of networking in the local area and the training courses are relevant to what’s currently going on in the business world as well as being good value for money. n

Free no obligation phone system review BT are retiring their ISDN service and recommending customers to move to voice over IP. With free calls to 01,02,03 and UK mobiles, Force36 Ltd have saved customers up to 50 per cent. For a free review email improved.it@force36.net or call 01799 523265.

SPONSOR AN EVENT IN 2016

GAIN EXTRA EXPOSURE FOR YOUR COMPANY NOW IS the time to secure your spot as the sponsor of a Chamber event in 2016. You’ll be able to reach your target market with specially crafted key messages, additional brand exposure and exclusive advertising options.

From exhibitions and business breakfasts to HR and marketing workshops, we hold them all.

To find out more about the options and packages available please call the events team on 01223 237414.

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

BCC: POSITIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH BUT MANUFACTURING EXPORTS SLUMP THE BRITISH Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – Britain’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey, based on almost 7,500 responses from firms – shows that most key manufacturing and services balances were weaker this quarter, but manufacturing firms fared far worse. This has led Britain’s two-tier growth trend to become further entrenched.

Most key balances for the services sector dipped slightly again on the previous quarter, with domestic sales continuing to be the main contributor to overall growth. The sector however continues to remain resilient in the face of global headwinds.

However the manufacturing sector continues to struggle. Domestic and export sales and order balances have now fallen well below their pre-recession levels in 2007, suggesting that the sector is close to stagnation. Firms are looking to increase prices markedly in the next 12 months, but are also thinking about investing more in plant and machinery, suggesting that the sector is keen to make the most of low inflation and low interest rates to improve productivity.

Key findings for Q4 2015 ȗ Overall, the results suggest positive economic growth over the next year, albeit at a slower pace, but built mainly off the back of the services sector ȗ Most key balances were weaker in Q4 than in Q3 for both the manufacturing and services sectors; the falls in services are in general smaller than the declines in manufacturing ȗ Export manufacturing balances declined sharply to levels approaching stagnation ȗ The services sector export sales balance also fell by three points to +15% – the lowest level since 2011 ȗ Domestic balances were stronger than export balances, despite falling ȗ Intentions to increase prices rose markedly in manufacturing, from +8% in Q3 to +19% in Q4.

In services however, this fell slightly to +21% ȗ Both sectors report increased pressures for higher pay settlements ȗ Both sectors report increased intentions to invest in plant and machinery. Manufacturing rose six points to +24%, while the balance for services rose three points to +20%.

David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, commented: “Coming after relatively weak figures in our Q3 survey, the falling balances in Q4 highlight the risk that the pace of growth may slow further. The results also underscore the serious obstacles that the UK will face when trying to rebalance the economy towards net exports. While worsening global circumstances are the main impediment, we are not doing enough closer to home to encourage businesses to trade overseas.” n

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vital Ely North JuNctioN upgradE postpoNEd uNtil at lEast 2019 THE ELY NORTH junction upgrade scheme, which is predicted to cost around £35 million to complete, was due to be completed in the current spending round, which runs until 2019.

However, Network Rail now says the work will take place in the next spending period, which runs from 2019 until 2024.

Details of the new plans have been published in a review of Network Rail’s building programmes by the company’s new chairman, Sir Peter Hendy. The document says the Ely scheme is being delayed ‘to allow co-ordination with safety critical level crossing works nearby’.

But it adds: “Despite this, Network Rail is aware of the strong aspiration of the Department for Transport and local user groups and MPs to see improvements to services on the Cambridge to King’s Lynn corridor as soon as practicable.”

However, the news is still a major blow to campaigners’ battle for improved services on lines including that from King’s Lynn to Cambridge and London and cross-country services through March and Thetford.

Network Rail originally hoped to have the Ely North Junction fully upgraded by the end of 2017 but in the summer it was told to review all of its projects planned between now and 2019 by the Department for Transport, raising fears that previously agreed projects could be delayed. n

INFLUENCE

Bcc’s BusiNEss aNd EducatioN summit The British Chambers of Commerce has held its first business and education summit to bring together the movers and shakers from the world of education and business.

THE impressive line-up included Prof Alison Wolf, Post 16 Adviser to the government; Sir Michael Wilshaw, HM Chief Inspector Ofsted; Nick Boles MP, Minister of State for Skills; alongside business leaders from companies including ASDA, Barclays and BT. Sir Anthony Seldon, Vice Chancellor of the University of Buckingham and former Master of Wellington College, the renowned public school, captured the audience’s interest by asking them to recall a teacher who had inspired them along their career pathway.

Sir Anthony believes that the relentless drive for examination results means that many schools are failing their students. He said that schools should be teaching young people to do things that computers cannot do, things like creativity, teamwork, empathy and resilience.

Another fascinating speaker was Lord Baker of Dorking, better known perhaps as former Education Secretary Kenneth Baker. Lord

Baker has been instrumental in the setting up of University Technical Colleges (UTCs), offering students the opportunity to learn high quality skills in industries including engineering and business. His most recent scheme is to launch a number of career colleges, set within existing further education colleges, to give teenagers a taste of the world of work from the age of 14.

Lord Baker said: “If young people themselves do not feel prepared for work, employers will continue to struggle with the recruitment issues that have become such a challenge for UK industry.” Together career colleges and UTCs will be bridging the skills gap.

The conference ended with an inspiring performance from young entrepreneur Fraser Doherty MBE, founder of Super Jam. Fraser was inspired to become a jam maker as he watched his grandmother at work in her kitchen. After some experimentation and research Fraser created a jam made from 100 per cent fruit,

FRASER DOHERTY MBE FOUNDER OF SUPER JAM WHICH IS MADE FROM 100 PER CENT FRUIT

without sugar or any additives.

At the tender age of 17 Fraser pitched his product to Waitrose who, despite turning him down, encouraged him to try again. He came back a year later, only to fail again. Undeterred he took on board the constructive criticism and was finally rewarded when Waitrose agreed to launch his jam. Still only 26, Fraser exports Super Jam to South Korea and China where he has a huge following and has diversified his product range.

Overall, a most thought provoking day! n

coNstructioN sEctor loBBiEs for traNsparENt procurEmENt policy THE programme for further construction and remodelling of schools in Peterborough was announced by Brian Howard at the November Peterborough Construction Networking lunch.

An audience of some 80+ construction professionals attended this event at the Peterborough Rugby Club.

Carillion were recently awarded the contract and the Chamber will be working with them and Peterborough City Council to host a Meet the Buyer event to ensure that as many local SMEs get an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Carillion team.

Martin Rayner, Construction Sector Chair, commented: “The Construction Sector committee has been lobbying Peterborough City Council for some while and it was pleasing to hear that they are committed to ensuring that a clear and transparent procurement policy is developed for the benefit of local businesses.” n Peterborough and Huntingdonshire Construction Networking events are held regularly throughout the year, welcoming businesses that are solely construction focussed. If you are interested in sponsoring a future event please get in touch with Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk

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Global Reach

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.

ASK THE CHAMBER

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COURSES

Seek advice and expert opinion from our experienced International Trade team.

Incoterms and Export Licence Controls Monday 25 January

WE OFFER a range of services to help exporters maintain their competitive edge in the international marketplace.

Our Global Membership package features cost-saving benefits and added services including online access to Tate’s Export Guide, the leading international trade reference publication covering the essential requirements for documentation and procedures involved in exporting to over 240 countries.

Our close working relationship with UKTI also ensures that Chamber members have access to expert advice and support and opportunities to take part in UKTI-led trade missions.

Need help with documentation?

Export documents are processed from our Cambridge office between 10.00am–4.00pm Monday to Friday. We have four qualified members of staff that can approve your documents and offer advice on the documentation you require for different countries.

There is an online documentation service designed to save you time and money. Many applications are approved within an hour of being submitted and with simple screens and online application that look just like the real thing, submission can be made in minutes.

To speak with a member of the international trade team please call 01223 237414. n

SHIPMENTS TO TURKEY WE HAVE been advised by HMRC that Turkey is refusing to accept A.TRs which do not have an original wet signature and stamp in boxes 12 (Customs Endorsement) and 13 (Declaration by the Exporter) and are returning all such movement certificates for verification. They

are likely to adopt the same stance on EUR1s.

The list of countries that do not accept electronic documents (A.TR and EUR1s) can now not be issued for Switzerland, Israel, Mexico, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Croatia, Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. n

This course gives you the opportunity to fully understand the comprehensive aspects of international commercial terms ‘Incoterms’, the costs involved and whether these should be met by the seller or the buyer.

Finance Options: Focusing on Letters of Credit Monday 8 February Getting paid is a vital part of the sales transaction. This course explores the options and advises how to reduce the costs involved in receiving payment.

Import: Compliance and Savings Monday 22 February This course will explain the rules and intricacies of goods crossing borders and will cover when import duties and taxes are applicable.

All courses run from 9.15am–5.00pm in Cambridge. Please see our website for course venue and full course description.

Cost per course: £250.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £300.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

Contact Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or email j.misseldine@cambscci.co.uk to book your place. n

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GLOBAL REACH

FREE nETwoRKing And AdviCE FoR ExpoRTERS THE GLOBAL Business Network, previously known as Cambridgeshire Export Club, brings together new and experienced exporters to form relevant connections across the world and learn about the latest initiatives to support their international trade activities.

As well as informal networking, each meeting will feature a guest speaker who will give a short presentation on a practical topic relating to international trade or country specific.

Here is what is coming up during the first part of 2016: ȗ 26 January: focus on China as Gill Searl from Linguagloss will discuss how companies can build a presence in China and offer advice on how businesses can capitalise on the Chinese market’s love of British brands and establish a successful E-commerce operation. ȗ 23 February: focus on Foreign Exchange as Georgina Cope from moneycorp explores cost savings and improvements in the way your company is managing its international payments. ȗ - # – no meeting due to Easter bank holiday

the month, except for March, August and December, at the Moller Centre, Cambridge from 5.00–7.00pm.

For 2016, these events will be sponsored

by Flight Centre Business Travel. Charlie Tulip, Business Development Team Leader, Flight Centre Business Travel, said: “It is a great pleasure to be sponsoring the Global Business Network event schedule for 2016 and helping local companies to create links with organisations that can help them succeed overseas. We are looking forward to meeting other members who trade internationally and joining them to create links with market specialists from across the world.”

Sponsored by:

ȗ ǕǙ +-$'ǽ focus on Intellectual Property with Bill Ward from Ward Trade Marks.

Free to attend, the Global Business Network takes place on the last Tuesday of

OVERSEAS BUSINESS NETWORK What is the Overseas Business Network?

It is a government initiative aiming to develop a global network of self-sustaining, business-led partner organisations offering a wide range of high quality business support in key markets.

What is the role of the OBN adviser?

UK OBN advisers liaise between companies, International Trade Advisers (ITAs), UKTI offices, OBN partners and British Chambers of Commerce (among other stakeholders). They connect people facilitating their communication, providing relevant information and contacts needed between all parties. OBN advisers introduce companies with the services offered

by foreign UKTI offices and OBN partners. They advise highlighting events, market trends and specific business opportunities in key markets.

How can I contact the OBN Adviser?

Ximena Florian (East of England OBN Adviser) can be contacted by email at Ximena.Florian@ mobile.ukti.gov.uk or by mobile on 07341 562989. n

LEGALISATION COST UPDATES There have been price changes to legalisation fees for documents going to Bahrain and Iraq. Please visit our website for the up-to-date costs or give the export team a call on 01223 237414.

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Knowledge 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.

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATION SKILLS

THE FINAL WORKSHOP PROVIDED TOP TIPS FOR PRESENTING TO AN AUDIENCE

TOWARDS the end of 2015 our Business Women’s Sector organised a series of workshops for business women in conjunction with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

The final workshop of the series, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, provided expert insight into the techniques we should all be using when speaking to an audience.

There was also an invaluable opportunity to implement those techniques in front of a small group to get feedback during the session itself.

If you couldn’t make it on the day, here are some top tips for when you’re preparing to present to an audience:

ȗ Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse ȗ Memorise your first line ȗ Have a back-up plan for if technology fails ȗ Dress appropriately – be comfortable but mirror the audience ȗ Watch out for unnecessary jargon!

There are more training sessions and workshops currently being planned for 2016.

Keep an eye on the Chamber website for details as they’re announced. n

PETERBOROUGH SALARIES RISE BUT LOCAL BUSINESSES FACE RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES PETERBOROUGH salaries are in line with national trends and continue to increase year-on-year, a local survey reveals.

Data from the Anne Corder Recruitment Salary Survey, created in partnership with Paydata, shows the average salary in the city increased by 1.8 per cent in the past 12 months.

National trends show the average salary increase at approximately two per cent.

Tim Kellett, director at Paydata, said: “The relatively limited base pay national increases across all industries mask some significant changes in some sectors, such as construction and house building.

“However, taking these fluctuations into consideration, Peterborough is on par with the national average.”

In total, 27 organisations that employ

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nearly 4,000 people in Greater Peterborough participated in the survey.

Beyond salaries, Pay Club meetings that delve deeper into the survey results revealed the challenges local organisations face when recruiting for digital and IT roles.

Anne Corder, owner of the Lynch Wood based recruitment agency, explained: “We know that organisations are struggling to find candidates with the skills they require. This is being reflected in the competitive remuneration packages offered to digitally savvy candidates.”

A general report of the core data from this year’s survey is available to all at www.annecorder.co.uk/salarysurvey.

Participants of the survey receive access to a comprehensive break down of salaries for different job roles.

ANNE CORDER IS LOOKING FOR EMPLOYERS TO TAKE PART IN THE 2016 SALARY SURVEY

Employers looking to take part in the 2016 Salary Survey and gain exclusive access to the full data can contact Anne Corder Recruitment on 01733 235298. n

KNOWLEDGE

BRAND CONSISTENCY

GROW YOUR BUSINESS

AT A recent ‘Maximise Your Online Presence’ workshop, run by the Communications Sector, delegates learned why brand consistency is crucial for business and were given practical insights into achieving brand consistency online.

Ensuring branding is consistent across all communications channels is vital for reinforcing brand identity and driving positive sentiment and trust – important components in the customer decision making process. The key areas that should be evaluated to ensure consistency and result in driving enquiries and sales were identified as:

FENLAND Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Fenland District Council (FDC), the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP), the College of West Anglia, the Apprenticeship Service and Peterborough Regional College hosted a productive Grow your Business through People Workshop at The Boathouse, Wisbech.

Over 60 people attended the workshop which was designed to help Fenland businesses plan for growth, find out about funding from Signpost2grow and identify ways to recruit and develop employees.

Positive keynote speeches were delivered

by Neil Darwin from the LEP and Cllr Ralph Butcher from FDC. In particular delegates enjoyed hearing from the two Apprentice case studies: Ross Woodhouse from ALS, Chatteris and winner of the Fenland Business Awards, Apprentice of the Year, Tristan Mee from Worzals.

Grow your Business through People was developed by the Chamber’s Learning and Skills Sector and over the years has evolved. Further events will take place during 2016, the annual one being within the Ely Cathedral during Celebration of Business in May. n

ȗ Messaging and tone of voice ȗ Branding ȗ Visual imagery Consistency is key in creating a recognisable brand and ensuring the company’s positioning makes its products and services stand out against the competition.

The advice for helping you get your

company noticed (for the right reasons) is to first consider all of your customer touchpoints – phone, email, face to face, digital and print.

Keeping your messaging and visual identity consistent across your different platforms will strengthen your brand and ultimately leave a long lasting impression.

Finally, delegates were advised to evaluate the tone of voice in their messaging as this is an expression of a company’s values and helps to ensure the company is recognisable and unique.

Companies that follow these guidelines and establish a strong and distinctive company identity will find recognition of their brand and resulting success easier to achieve.

For more details about this contact zoe.scorer@consciouscomms.com. n

Twitter top tips If you couldn’t make our recent twitter workshop, organised by the Communications Sector, here are some of the top tips for best practice and gaining more effective results.

Share other people’s relevant content, they may reciprocate

Don’t use too many #hashtags – it is distracting, looks like spam and is ignored

Create relationships before trying to sell your products and services

Don’t have long conversations with people on twitter – take it to a DM

Profiles are generally public so everyone can see them

Use lists and group the people you follow so you can easily catch up with the key people you are following when you are short of time

Don’t over schedule tweets as it makes you appear robotic. You need to have conversations and interact

Lists can be public or private so you can follow your competitors without them knowing

Use twitter analytics to ascertain how effective your tweets are. You may need to register at analytics.twitter.com

Embed good tweets as testimonials on your website Use visuals to enhance your tweets Ensure your tweets link to your business goals and target audience Don’t send automated ‘thank you for following’ direct messages or send for every new follower as it will clog up your news feed. Try sending to a group of new followers outside of business hours

Leave room for people to easily retweet – the total number of characters you need to leave blank to ensure easy retweeting – enough for their handle and possibly a comment Test what time works for you to tweet Keep tweets short and try to use a call for action

For further guidance and tips on using twitter please visit the Communications Sector page on the Chamber website and download the informative guide ‘How to use Twitter more effectively’. n

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SECTOR FOCUS Updates from the Chambers’ Sector Groups COMMUNICATIONS

FULL CALENDAR OF COMMUNICATION EVENTS FOR 2016 THE Communications Sector group’s mission is to share its expertise, experience and industry best practice to help Chamber members communicate more effectively in all aspects of business.

To this end during 2015 members of the group have volunteered their time to develop and deliver training and support in the form of workshops, seminars, written resources and articles on many aspects of marketing, sales and communication.

This has included development of a series of guides designed specifically for SMEs which can be downloaded from the Communications Sector page on the Chamber website. Guide topics include: media relations, successful sales cultures, digital marketing, reputation management,

successful speeches, social media, effective business pitches, branding, blogging for business, online writing and Twitter. More topics will be added to the series throughout 2016.

Feedback from workshops and seminars delivered during 2015 has been so positive that the Group have put together a full calendar of new events for 2016 which start in February with a Social Media Strategy workshop. Other subjects to be covered include sales, LinkedIn, Twitter, content creation and visual communications.

Further details of the events will be circulated as the information becomes available, or contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk to ensure you are on the distribution list. n

INTERNATIONAL

New member for sector committee THE International Sector works to encourage members to consider working internationally as well as helping current exporters consider new markets. Through a number of events and the Global Business Network it is able to familiarise businesses with opportunities and how to reach new markets.

The sector committee recently welcomed Charlie Tulip to their group. Charlie joined the Flight Centre Travel Group in 2010 with an extensive travel/sales background and now heads up their new business development team for SMEs. He was instrumental in setting up the Cambridge office in 2011 and still takes an active role in the operation today.

His vast network across the Cambridgeshire region and his links with both the travel and international arena will set him in good pace and bring with him a wealth of knowledge to contribute into the sector.

The sector would welcome others to join their committee especially if you are trading or have excellent links with the global markets.

If you are interested in becoming more actively involved please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk. n

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SECTOR FOCUS For any feedback, general information regarding the Sector Groups, or to contribute, please get in touch with Helen Bosett. tel: 01223 209815 email: h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk

BUSINESS WOMEN

WHAT A YEAR FOR THE BUSINESS WOMEN’S SECTOR! HERE’S a round-up of the productive year for the Business Women’s Sector, led by Sara Collins, of Harnessing Creativity: ȗ One of 12 Chambers invited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to take part in a debate. The feedback has been used in discussions with the Minister for childcare, informed the business education survey and enabled the BCC to inform government about the issues faced by SMEs in regard to diversity. ȗ With Destination Digital and the Communications Sector we delivered a Social Media workshop for Women in Fenland. ȗ A summer social networking event in the beautiful gardens at the Peterborough Cathedral. Some were brave enough to trek up the Cathedral Towers and take in the panoramic view of the city.

ȗ Storm in a Teacup events encouraged members to connect and share experiences and ideas out of their own working environment. ȗ Women in Management workshops continued.

Packed with superb content and presented with the utmost professionalism, these sessions have been extremely well received. ȗ Sara was interviewed on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire promoting the Sector and the work we are doing. ȗ More recently and into 2016 we are piloting a project with St Peters School – Project Inspire. The project is aimed to raise aspirations and awareness to young girls of none traditional gender roles in STEM. ȗ Finally, the year would not have ended the same without our annual Christmas Lunch.

Fifty professional women filled the room at the Peterborough Marriott who hosted the 12th Business Women’s Christmas lunch.

Two fabulous, inspirational guest speakers Ann Houghton from Magpas Helimedix and Vicky Best from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service shared their stories, challenges and knowledge.

The sector looks forward to engaging with new people and seeing the return of familiar faces during 2016. Look out for our events by email, website and in CONNECTED. If you would like to be more actively involved and join the Business Women’s Sector committee we would love to hear from you. New ideas of what we could be doing are welcomed. Get in touch with Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk. n

LEARNING & SKILLS

WOULD A WORK TRIAL HELP YOU CONSIDER AN APPRENTICESHIP? WATA are pleased to announce the launch of the Engineering in Motion experience (F1 in schools) giving 16–24 year olds an exciting opportunity to do a Traineeship with a difference, creating Engineers of the future.

The F1 in Schools Technology Challenge gives participants an educational experience around Formula 1. They will work in a team to design, analyse, manufacture, test and then race miniature compressed air powered polyurethane based F1 cars.

The eight week programme includes five weeks at our purpose built skills centre in Huntingdon

followed by a three week work experience placement, giving you the opportunity to engage with an individual who has shown enthusiasm and passion for engineering.

To find out more about how a traineeship can work for your business please contact traineeships@wata.co.uk or call 01480 435544. n

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BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2016 The countdown begins…

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2016 THE COUNTDOWN to the Cambridge News and Cambridge Business magazine Business Excellence Awards 2016 is underway – with the winners due to be revealed on Thursday 17 March in the Great Hall, King’s College, when Jonathan Dimbleby will be the host and speaker.

We are delighted to announce the introduction of two new categories for 2016 – ‘Independent Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Medium Business of the Year’ which join the other nine categories below:

Small Business of the Year Hewitsons Award for Business Innovation Barclays Award for Large Business of the Year Pure Resourcing Solutions Award for Employer of the Year TWI Award for Technology Export Medimmune Award for Outstanding Contribution Allia Award for Social Entrepreneurship Price Bailey Award for Business of the Year Biomed Realty Trust Award for Business Person of the Year You can still nominate yourself or someone else, your company or another until entries close on Friday 22 January 2016.

Please visit cambridge-news.co.uk/ business-awards to nominate and don’t forget, this is a chance for a great deal of free publicity for what you do and has proved pivotal for previous winners. We are seeking entrants across all sectors and all entries will be judged on individual merit.

For any questions regarding the awards – including how to get involved as a sponsor – please contact nicola.gamlin@cambridgenews.co.uk or call 01223 434354. n

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CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge & South Cambs

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 DIGITAL OFFICE SUPPLIES LTD (DOS) JOINS FORCES WITH AUTOMATED SYSTEMS GROUP LTD (ASL) Commenting on ASL’s seventh acquisition in five years Mark Garius, Managing Director of ASL, said: “DOS have a built a strong and loyal customer base in the south of England and they will add strength and depth to our coverage in those areas. We have made this acquisition as part of our on-going plans for growth and expansion and we chose DOS carefully because their high standards and commitment to customer service match those of ASL. We are retaining their Essex office and staff as we recognise that their strong presence in the area needs to be maintained and grown.”

DOS’s owner and 10 staff will join the ASL team, taking the company’s total turnover to over £17m, headcount to over 110 employees, and they will continue their excellent MPS service, supported by ALS’s additional capabilities. n

SUCCESS AT THE 2016 WEDDING INDUSTRY AWARDS! The Jockey Club Rooms celebrated a surprise success at the East of England Wedding Industry Awards in November, winning the Best Wedding Venue (town or city) category.

These high-profile industry awards are voted for by couples who have been married at the venue in the previous year. It is therefore a direct result of our team’s efforts to make each wedding we host the very best experience for our wedding couples and their guests.

Charles Howard, General Manager, said: “This is a real team effort and a true reflection of the quality we strive to deliver for each and every wedding couple.” n

18 2 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

BIDWELLS RAISED MONEY TO MARK THEIR 175th ANIVERSARY

BIDWELLS RAISES £175,000 FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES THE money was raised as part of the firm’s milestone 175th anniversary celebrations and even now the money continues to roll in.

Everyone at Bidwells truly embraced the spirit of the occasion and took part in some weird and wonderful events to raise money for their nominated charities.

Patrick McMahon, Senior Partner, said: “When we first embarked on our fundraising year, we set a target of £100,000 but we had

modest expectations as to whether we could reach this. But as the year progressed, the fundraising events got bigger and bolder and it was soon clear we were going to beat our initial target.

“I am now delighted to announce that we have just broken the all-important £175,000 threshold, which when we started out we honestly never in our wildest dreams thought we could achieve.” n

Gold Star for caterinG team’S outStandinG cuStomer Service CATERING staff at St John’s College are celebrating being presented with a Gold Award for providing excellent customer service.

St John’s College was given the accolade

by CambridgeBID following visits by a number of ‘mystery shoppers’ who checked out the service on offer in the Buttery.

Following two visits by ‘mystery shoppers’ the Buttery scored an average of over 90 per cent, resulting in the Gold Award.

Bill Brogan, Catering and Conference Manager at St John’s, said: “CambridgeBID was impressed with the cleanliness of the Buttery and our efforts to be environmentally friendly, but what they found particularly outstanding was the knowledge and friendliness of our staff and their commitment to delivering the very best customer service. Ray is doing an excellent job as Buttery Dining Room

Manager, developing the skills in his team and ensuring that we are providing a varied range of dishes for our customers. I am delighted that they have been recognised in this way.” n

OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE RESULTS FOR ST JOHN’S COLLEGE CATERING STAFF

CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS

‘tiS the SeaSon to celebrate aS hilton openS in cambridGe

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 DOMINO WIN PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AND TOP ACCREDITATION Group Operations Director Rachel Hurst was presented with a 2015 IET Achievement Medal, one of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Achievement Awards, in recognition of her major and distinguished contribution to Manufacturing and Engineering.

GENERAL MANAGER ROBERT DODWELL CUTTING THE RIBBON AT HILTON CAMBRIDGE CITY CENTRE OPENING

HILTON Hotels & Resorts opened the doors of its newest property in the United Kingdom, the fully refurbished Hilton Cambridge City Centre, in time to welcome guests to this historic city for the festive season.

Rob Palleschi, global head, full service brands, Hilton Worldwide, said: “Cambridge is a major hub for business and innovation in the United

Kingdom and is home to the largest commercial research and development centre in Europe.

In this historic and vibrant city, attracting millions of visitors each year, Hilton Cambridge City Centre is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers as it expands the Hilton brand’s presence in this strategic market.” n

PURE QUIZ NIGHT RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITY PURE Resourcing Solutions (Pure) hosted its annual charity quiz night in November, bringing local businesses and clients together for a fun evening which raised over £1,100 for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC).

With 20 teams of five there was a lot of friendly rivalry on the night. The overall winners were a team from PEM. Each winning team member was presented with a bottle of champagne. The event also included a raffle to help raise further funds.

David Culley, co-Manager of Pure’s Cambridge office, said: “We’ve been hosting quiz nights for many years and this event proved to be as enjoyable as ever. Thank you to everyone who took part, or who contributed in some way to help us raise money for this amazing charity.

It was particularly nice to welcome so many new clients and also to hear Peter Tingley, an ambassador for ARHC, speak so engagingly about how the money raised would be used to continue providing essential support to people in our local community.” n

new SiGnaGe for reSearch park HAVERHILL Research Park launched its new branding and unveiled new signage at the entrance to the park.

Wayne Hall, Managing Director of design agency Impact, said: “The new Haverhill Research Park

brand identity has been created to encapsulate the very essence of the region in discovering new horizons in science technology and research.

“The four coloured lines of the logo represent the four development plot opportunities available at Haverhill Research Park. This highlights the possibilities that each occupier who locates to the site has in building a new business horizon for the future. Ultimately this is represented by an inspirational sun/horizon icon made from the four lines.”

Nic Rumsey, Director of Jaynic, the developer of Haverhill Research Park, commented: “We are delighted with the new branding, which brings a fresh look to the park and comes at a time when exciting things are happening here.” n

Rachel said: “I was thrilled to receive this recognition from the IET and very touched to have been nominated by my peers. Although the accolade is a personal one, I believe I owe it to the skilled and talented team at Domino who excel in what they do and help to ensure we remain at the forefront of our field.” n

ANALYTIK APPOINTS NEW OFFICE MANAGER Analytik, leading suppliers of innovative analytical instrumentation, welcomes Louise Powell as their new office manager, taking complete responsibility for all operational, financial, administrative and logistical matters. She joins Analytik from PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and brings a strong background of relevant experience.

Louise has a Diploma in Administrative Management and an LCCI Private and Executive Secretary’s Diploma.

Speaking about her new job, Louise says: “I’m really excited to be joining Analytik at this important time in their development and I’m looking forward to getting involved with the systems and processes that will help drive the business forward.”

“Analytik continues to move forward,” says Managing Director, Ian Laidlaw.

“Having a solid administrative, organisational and financial base lays fundamental foundations that will enable Analytik to grow and achieve its full potential.” n

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ELY CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Ely

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Ely Chamber of Commerce

LIS EVERY, MAYOR OF ELY, OPENED THE NEW FACILITIES AT HIGHFIELD SCHOOL

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 TRIPLE CELEBRATION IN ELY Ely Tax and Accountancy had cause for a triple celebration recently. Val Lloyd and David Bryan recently moved their business to 76 Broad Street in Ely, a move which benefits both clients and the business.

David says: “Our office is much improved for visitors. Our more spacious facilities include a meeting room for client meetings and ample office space.”

The move was celebrated on the business’s third birthday where Mayor of Ely, Lis Every, officially opened the office.

The final part of the celebration was the recent appointment of an apprentice, Danielle Smith (left). Val had been her mentor at Ely College which developed into part-time work and then into the apprenticeship.

Val said: “We are delighted with how Danielle has settled into our business and is already making a significant contribution.” n

EMERALD FROG SUPPORTS SCHOOL’S GRAND OPENING EMERALD Frog Marketing joined fellow Ely Chamber Committee member Lis Every, Ely’s mayor, to celebrate the official opening of their new state-of-the-art facilities at Highfield School.

Lis cut the ribbon of the special needs school’s state-of-the-art new wing; an extension built to accommodate an increased pupil roll from 104 to 124 pupils.

The wing boasts a new Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities room, a sixth-form common room, a vocational life skills room, food technology room, ICT suite and a staff resources room. Two rooms in the existing school have also been

refurbished to create two additional classrooms.

The external area surrounding the new build has also been landscaped with new hard surfaces and the Highfield Friends and Parent Association will be fundraising and working with the staff and pupils to create a new sensory garden and allotment plots next year.

Emerald Frog Marketing has been supporting Highfield School with advice for their development of a social enterprise cafe in Ely to help equip students with work experience and life skills ready for their next step into employment. n

king’s ely wins award for technology provision KING’S Ely has won a national award for its outstanding ICT facilities.

The independent school for 1–18 year-olds, which was founded in 970AD, scooped the ICT Facility Award at the Education Business Awards 2015.

Despite its mediaeval buildings, the school is making advancements in ICT provision and is gaining a reputation as one of the leading exponents of using modern technology.

Sue Freestone, Principal of King’s Ely, commented: “We have invested a great deal in ICT over the past three years. The team at King’s Ely has done a fine job of planning and developing it imaginatively to produce an environment that enables our students to make the most of 21st century technology as a learning tool.”

King’s Ely has also become the first independent school in the East of England to win a national award for its commitment to promoting sustainable 20 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

transport within the school community.

The Modeshift STARS awards scheme has been established to recognise schools that have demonstrated excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable transport.

The scheme encourages schools to increase levels of sustainable and active transport and in so doing, improve the health and well-being of children and young people.

King’s Ely won the award for its school travel plan, which promotes the use of cycling and walking to and from school, as well as safer travel practices, both on and off school grounds.

Mark Hart, Chief Operating Officer at King’s Ely, commented: “The school has been working with the highways authority on several projects aimed at improving student and staff safety, including improved signage, crossings and lighting. An increase in school buses and bus routes to allow

PAUL CROFT WITH SIMON DREW AND CELEBRITY HOST CHERYL BAKER

pupils to travel to the school from key locations throughout Cambridgeshire has also reduced the number of vehicles travelling on the county’s roads.” n

FENLAND CHAMBER NEWS

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

A round-up of news and events from across Fenland

Fenland Chamber of Commerce

THE COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA’S ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WINS TEAM OF THE YEAR AWARD

RECOGNITION FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY COLLEGE OF WEST ANGLIA ENGLISH DEPARTMENT THE English department at the College of West Anglia were rewarded for helping students achieve outstanding English GCSE results when they received the Team of the Year award at the annual staff awards held at the Duke’s Head in King’s Lynn.

The award was given in recognition of the exceptional success rate in GCSE English last summer when 67 per cent of students achieved grades A*–C, more than double the national average of 33 per cent for 17+ year olds.

Principal David Pomfret said: “This was a fantastic result by our students and the English teaching and support team have been instrumental

in their success. The team are fully deserving of this award.”

The CWA annual staff awards celebrated the achievements of staff across the college’s three campuses in King’s Lynn, Wisbech and Cambridge and this year staff, governors and guests were present to see more than 30 employees receive awards across a range of categories.

The big winner of the night was engineering and electrical lecturer Chas Boston, who won both the award for Course Director of the Year and the overall award Employee of the Year.

Mr Boston said: “I was honoured just to be

NWES HIGHLY COMMENDED AT NATIONAL AWARDS NWES has been named the Highly Commended Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year at the National Enterprise Network Awards.

National Enterprise Network (NEN) announced the winners of its annual awards at the NatWest sponsored National Enterprise Network Annual Conference. Winners of the nine categories were announced by National Enterprise Network Chairman Chris Pichon and facilitator Declan Curry at the event held at the RBS, London.

Awards were presented to Network members to recognise excellence in the delivery of enterprise support and encourage the exchange of good practice. n

nominated, never mind receive ‘Course Director of the Year’. So you can only imagine my shock and surprise to be awarded ‘Employee of the Year’ as well.

“I am only here for one reason and that is for the learners in my charge. Without the people within the motor vehicle team and all of the staff involved directly or indirectly with the learners I deliver to, I would not have been honoured in this way. I feel it is also important to recognise our learners themselves, as they play the biggest part in our achievements.” n

CUB ACHIEVE ISO CUB have recently received the ISO 9001:2008 quality standard accreditation for the delivery of its five star customer promise, strong operational processes and the provision of products and services that meet the needs of their customers.

The family run business has been working hard over the last year to improve its energy solutions by offering a tiered package approach to energy consultancy. The packages include flexible and exclusive purchasing of gas and electricity, energy price monitoring and energy management services such as on-site audits. These bespoke services ensure its clients are meeting their business’ energy objectives today, tomorrow and in the future.

Managing Director of CUB UK, Louis Fairfax (above), said the latest development was a fantastic achievement for the business. n

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OUT&ABOUT Enjoy our monthly montage of events and happenings across the local area with this colourful round-up of events

Make sure you send us your photos each month and we’ll include the best of the bunch! Email images straight to Sadie Parr: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

PLATINUM PROPERTIES’ FESTIVE 5K This event was part of their fundraising initiative throughout the months of November and December for the Arthur Rank Hospice.

BORNEY SUPPORT CHILDREN IN NEED A fun day of fancy dress, cracker eating competition and guess the sweets raised funds for Children in Need.

ORIGIN8’S INCREDIBLE CHRISTMAS PERIOD With Christmas dinners, drink, candy cane, hot chocolates made with Belgium milk or white chocolate pebbles it was definitely a time to indulge!

CREATIVE MEDIA LEARNERS VISIT BBC’S ONE SHOW STUDIO HRC’s Creative Media learners were welcomed on to the One Show sofa during a recent visit to BBC studios in London.

FREEMASONS DONATE £100,000 TO THE ARTHUR RANK HOSPICE Lynn Morgan, Chief Executive of the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, was delighted to be invited to Ely Cathedral for a special evening hosted by the Cambridgeshire Freemasons where she was presented with a cheque for £100,000 as a further contribution to their Building Fund Appeal.

22 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

#GIVINGTUESDAY Cambridge Past, Present and Future held a bucket collection at the Asda store at the Beehive Centre in Cambridge. They would like to thank Asda customers for their generous donations totalling £90 and Asda for allowing them to collect at the store as part of their initiative to work with communities and local organisations.

DOUBLE ANNIVERSARY FOR GREEN HEAT Cambridge-based energy efficiency specialists, Green Heat Ltd and its founder, Peter Thom, celebrated a double anniversary recently. 2015 was a momentous year for both Peter and Green Heat, marking Peter’s 50th year in the heating industry and Green Heat’s 25th anniversary.

OUT & ABOUT

CHAMBER EVENTS CHRISTMAS EVENTS

FOCUS ON EGYPT AT EXPORT CLUB

BUSINESS WOMEN’S SECTOR CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Our last Export Club for 2015 welcomed speakers and representatives from the Egyptian-British Chamber of Commerce.

STAMFORD CHRISTMAS DRINKS

ENCOURAGING BUSINESS GROWTH Neil Darwin from the LEP and Cllr Ralph Butcher from Fenland District Council provided keynote speeches at our Fenland Grow Your Business Through People event, pictured with John Bridge.

Photos courtesy of Eternity Hall Photography

CHAMBER CHRISTMAS LUNCH

STAMFORD DRINKS RECEPTION John Bridge is pictured with John Dawson, Andrew Leech and Paul Rose, the sponsors of our Stamford Drinks Reception.

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NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CAMBRIDGE NEWS

NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR CONNECTED Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce and Cambridge News have announced a new partnership that will see the local newspaper publish CONNECTED magazine each month.

THE monthly member magazine will keep the CONNECTED name but showcase a modern, new-look from next month’s edition. Content will continue to be collated and edited by the Chamber while our partners at Cambridge News will be the first port of call for advertising enquiries from those readers looking to maximise their exposure.

John Bridge OBE DL, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cambridge News to continue to provide a quality, monthly magazine for our members to contribute to.

“Our award-winning magazine is a key communication channel for Chamber members who use the monthly publication not only to promote their own news and special offers but also keep in touch with what’s going on within the local business community across the county.

I am confident that it will continue to grow in popularity under the Cambridge News and we are all looking forward to seeing its refreshed, new look next month.” n

CHAMBER ADVERTISING

Promote your business with exclusive marketing opportunities We are excited to be getting a brand new look – and are still offering you the same great value!

We provide Chamber members with costeffective opportunities to advertise products and services to other companies with half price adverts in the Chamber magazine and on Chamber emails. You can also post your company leaflet to 1,200 Chamber members inside their monthly copy of CONNECTED.

ADVERTISE IN CONNECTED Promote your company in our award-winning magazine

Quarter page – £125 (plus VAT) Half page – £250 (plus VAT) Full page – £500 (plus VAT) Plus 10% discount when members book three editions or more.

To advertise your business in connected magazine contact Emily Lloyd-Ruck on 01223 434225 or email emily.lloyd-ruck@cambridge-news.co.uk 24

CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

STAMFORD CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Stamford

CUMMINS GENERATOR TECHNOLOGIES AND UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN COLLABORATE FOR MARKETING COMPETITION IN NOVEMBER, 12 students from the University of Lincoln took part in the ‘Pitch it!

Cummins Business Challenge’ in partnership with university’s Careers and Employability Team.

The task was to devise an innovative marketing strategy to aid the launch of a new alternator in seven days. All three of the teams worked superbly to provide approaches that showed an understanding of our customers, an insight into new approaches as well as showing how they successfully worked as a team.

The students were from diverse disciplines – such as design, business, engineering, computer science and creative marketing – and each brought their own take on the challenge, which was inspiring to witness, confirming diversity drives innovation.

The final result was incredibly close. The Cummins panel made up of the marketing, product planning and global HR departments had a tough decision once all three teams had presented. The winning team, Eliana Lewis, Ellie Cheney, Emmanuel Uanseru and Connor Davies eventually took the prize because of their strong combination of creativity with customer understanding.

The students who were involved said the experience of presenting to the panel had really built their confidence and that the task itself helped them use skills they had not realised they possessed. We are very excited about this new, ongoing collaboration with the University of Lincoln and are already looking forward to 2016’s challenge. n

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

solicitors bring christmas cheer to children’s charity CARING staff at Buckles Solicitors teamed up with a leading local children’s charity to kick-start the countdown to 2016!

The law firm had a mini makeover at its St Mary’s Street offices, thanks to some colourful artwork by children supporting the Little Miracles charity – which supports the families of youngsters with additional needs.

The colourful prints were on show in the Buckles reception and available to buy – with proceeds being donated to the charity and its work with families in the area.

Senior associate Sarah Westwood, who heads up the Stamford branch of Buckles said: “We are thrilled to be able to support such a wonderful charity.

Little Miracles does such an amazing job and the artwork we have on display is colourful and so full of character.”

The Stamford branch is also showcasing a selection of artwork by pupils from Copthill Independent Day School. The pictures, painting and models are in pride of place, being admired by staff and clients alike. n

CALENDARS AVAILABLE AT THE STAMFORD OFFICE

TALKSPACE ENGINEERS PROPERTY MOVE ACCORDING to Jonathan Hand, Managing Director of commercial property consultancy Talkspace, many firms looking to relocate or expand find that the choice of available commercial property is in short supply, which can result in significant delays to the timescales of a move.

Exceptional engineering company PEME has bucked the trend by selling their existing property

and with the help of Talkspace, finding and completing on the sale of new office premises in Peterborough within a matter of months.

PEME Director, Ian Morris (left) told us: “We engaged Jonathan Hand to help us search for new office premises and within a day he came back with five properties to consider.”

Engaging with a commercial property expert early on can save a significant amount of time in the initial property search. Ian agreed: “I found Jonathan to be very straight talking and he delivered everything he said he would.” n

LAW FIRM APPOINTS FAMILY SOLICITOR

SIMON PARSONS JOINS BERRYS

JULIA Weber has recently joined Hegarty Solicitors and is based at their Oakham office.

Julia brings a wealth of expertise and expands the services to include all aspects of family law.

Matthew Sidebottom, Partner and Head of the Family Department at Hegarty Solicitors, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Julia to the firm. Julia brings with her a wealth of experience and local knowledge and we are sure this expertise will be a great asset to the firm.” n

2015 was a big year for Berrys and BNE as in July the two companies joined together.

Simon Parsons has joined the team in the Berrys’ Kettering commercial office, heading up commercial agency for the firm.

Simon commented: “The merger has allowed Berrys to build a team with experts across commercial, residential and rural sectors; this wide expertise means that all property, business and planning needs can be met under one roof.” n CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

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HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

A round-up of news and events from across Huntingdonshire

Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 BEACON A TOP 100 INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER Citywire recently released the list of Top 100 Independent Financial Advisers in the country.

Once again Beacon Wealth Management Ltd has been awarded this title. This is the third consecutive year that Beacon has been ranked in the Top 100.

New Model Adviser said: “Managing Director Tony Larkins’s credentials alone are impressive: he is certified, chartered, a qualified life coach and current regional vice-chairman for PFS.” Tony commented: “I am very pleased to be in the Top 100 IFA’S 2015, it is fantastic to know that your hard work is being recognised, it is a very rewarding feeling.”

Beacon place their clients’ need at the forefront of everything they do, which is one of the many reasons it is such a successful and recognisable company. n

AWARD WINNERS CELEBRATE SUCCESS

COLLEGE STUDENTS RECOGNISED AT AWARDS CEREMONY

STUDENTS from The College of Animal Welfare and CAW Business School had their hard work and achievements recognised at the college’s annual Students Awards Ceremony in November.

The ceremony was a celebration of achievements that students have made during the past year, not only at the college’s Godmanchester centre but also at its other centres in Potters Bar, Leeds and Edinburgh, as well as students who are learning in their workplace all over the country.

Each student who received an award had worked hard to reach a high standard and, in some cases, overcome personal challenges.

Barbara Cooper, Principal of The College of Animal Welfare, said: “The awards ceremony is one of the biggest highlights of our year. All of the award winners have worked really hard and thoroughly deserve this recognition.”

She continued: “I would like to congratulate all of our award winners and wish them every success for the future.” n

NEW TRUCK FOR WARREN ACCESS Warren Access is eagerly awaiting the delivery of the newest addition to their Newcastle fleet, the versatile ISOLI PNT 210JD4. This is the third ISOLI truck that Warren Access has purchased in the last 12 months.

Over recent years the company has seen a rise in the popularity of 3.5 tonne 20 metre trucks, so this machine will be put straight to work! It has a number of unique features that will greatly benefit their customers.

Warren Access purchased the machines from Access Platform Sales (APS), the exclusive UK distributor for ISOLI products.

Graeme Warren, Managing Director of Warren Access, said: “The two ISOLI’s we have in our fleet are loved by our customers and staff alike, when we heard they had designed a new one with even more innovative features we knew we could get it out to work. Another great advantage to us is the fact that the sales and technical support, national product back-up and the stock of parts are all in the UK and covered by the IAPS Group. This is a key benefit to us to ensure that the machines will have as little downtime as possible.” n 26 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

TEAM LUMINUS GEARED UP FOR THE HEALTH AND WHOLENESS CHALLENGE

LUMINUS WIN ‘WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR’ LUMINUS has been awarded ‘Workplace of the year’ at the annual Living Sports Awards for the second time. The award recognises Luminus’ commitment to health and wholeness in the workplace, as well as in local communities.

Luminus impressed the judges with its ‘Organisational Wholeness Strategy’ and the Health and Wellbeing Team Challenge which launched in January 2015. As part of this initiative, teams throughout the business share changes they have made towards better health and fitness and the positive results they have experienced. Some key achievements have been weight loss, lower blood pressure and improved sports performances.

Not only this, Team Luminus has taken part in a variety of sporting events throughout the year.

As part of the team’s efforts, hundreds of pounds has been raised for great causes.

Luminus also demonstrated its commitment to supporting participation sport in the community through local sponsorship.

Dr Chan Abraham, Luminus Group Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have won the ‘Workplace of the Year’ category at the Living Sports Awards 2015. Health and wholeness is really important to us and the efforts of all our employees exemplify the outworking of our 2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal.” n

HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS

GEORGE HAY WELCOMES EIGHT NEW MEMBERS OF STAFF

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 QUEST CLOUD LAUNCH NEW PRODUCT

GEORGE HAY’S TAKES ON EIGHT NEW RECRUITS AS COMPANY GROWS

CHARTERED accountancy firm George Hay has recruited eight new members of staff to the team.

This is a result of phenomenal growth experienced in recent years and the new recruits will help the firm to continue to offer an excellent level of customer service to all clients.

Barry Jefferd, Managing Partner, said: “It is the first time in our 76 year history that we have recruited so many new members of staff at the same time and seven of these vacancies were

for new positions within the firm. I am delighted that George Hay is gaining new clients at such a rate and our new team members will help us to continue to grow and uphold our excellent reputation in the marketplace. I would like to wish all of them well in their careers with George Hay.” The new team members include trainee accountants, a trainee tax assistant, a payroll administrator and a receptionist. n

building on work experience success

SCOTT AND KEELAN (CENTRE) WILL BE BACK IN 2016

LEVEL 2 Carpentry learners at Huntingdonshire Regional College have completed a highly successful work experience placement with RG Carter Building Ltd. So successful, in fact, that they have been invited back in 2016.

The pair assisted in constructing the

purpose-built health club complex for Urban & Civic at Alconbury Weald and the company paid for them to complete their Health & Safety CSCS Card training during their placement.

Scott Burke and Keelan Diblasi approached HRC Job Coach, Angie Scotcher, to request the initial placement and haven’t looked back since.

They were presented with toolboxes and tools by the company after completing their first placement and RG Carter have offered them more work experience with the company on a restoration project also based at Alconbury.

Scott said: “I enjoyed working with the team of carpenters and I’m grateful for the experience with RG Carter.”

Keelan added: “We worked with some great colleagues and we really appreciate the toolbox gifts they gave us.” n

CENTRE PLANS TO TRANSFORM NEUROLOGICAL AND DEMENTIA CARE THE MARBROOK Centre Cambridgeshire has been praised for the design of its £7m complex, having won the Best New Care Facility category in the Independent Healthcare Apex (IHA) Awards.

The neurological rehabilitation service will offer a unique approach developed on a firm foundation of best practice research and experience, aimed at providing the highest quality care for those living with neurological conditions. The Marbrook Centre will also

provide a specialist facility for those living with dementia, developed in full accordance with Stirling University’s published dementia good practice standards and committed to achieving gold standard accreditation. Both services provided at the award-winning Marbrook Centre will be available to adults of all ages.

The award won for the revolutionary design was received by Dawn Bloy, the Centre’s Deputy Manager, and Robert Myers, Head of Care Pathways. n

Quest Cloud are delighted to announce a new product in their range called DIVVIED. Having been in development for nearly a year, DIVVIED was born from the wishes of their customers looking for a managed and supported alternative to Dropboxtype File Sharing technology.

Nick Lee, Business Development Manager at Quest, said: “The one aspect of Cloud most end-users are now comfortable with is file sharing and although Dropbox is fine for personal use, for business use there are several issues and risks.”

Those businesses who sign up for DIVVIED will benefit from a fully-featured file sharing solution, with all users centrally managed, so you can control what files they share and with whom.

Unlike other file sharing solutions, Quest guarantee your data is stored safely in UK data centres compliant to UK data protection laws – and fully supported by a UK based helpdesk team ensuring you are well looked after every step of the way. n

WATA’S FIRST SCAFFOLDING APPRENTICES CELEBRATE SUCCESS WATA has recently seen their first scaffolding group finish their apprenticeship framework.

The group of five apprentices started in May 2014 on an 18 month programme. They carried out a two week block course every three months. The apprenticeship is designed for people who want to become a skilled scaffolder accredited under the Construction Industry Scaffold Record Scheme (CISRS) and are aiming to pursue a career in the construction industry.

Sara Cartin, WATA Commercial Operations Director, said: “It’s great to be celebrating the end of our first scaffolding apprenticeship group. They have been an excellent, well motivated group who have developed some good employability as well as trade skills throughout the course.

“Across the 90 scaffolding apprentices we currently have on programme our predicted achievement is that 92 per cent will remain on programme and get a full apprenticeship qualification providing a stepping stone into supervisory and management roles within the construction sector.”n

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PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

CATHEDRAL SQUARE PETERBOROUGH

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 LOCAL RELATIONSHIP BANK CREDITS AWARDS TO CONSTANT CUSTOMER FOCUS

Handelsbanken has welcomed news of three independent awards. The fastgrowing banking, wealth and investment management provider has attracted awards from Financial Times and sister publication Investors Chronicle magazine (‘Best Private Bank’), financial magazine International Banker (‘Best Customer Service Provider of the Year – Western Europe’), and Citywire Wealth Manager magazine (‘Best Overall Medium Firm’ for Handelsbanken’s wealth and investment management business, Heartwood).

Handelsbanken has received this award from the FT and Investors Chronicle for three out of the last four years, the initial shortlist being based on a survey of readers’ banking experiences. It is also the second year in a row that Heartwood has received this accolade from Citywire Wealth Manager.

All three awards follow the announcement in October that Handelsbanken has been rated top for customer satisfaction for the seventh year running, in an independent survey of British banks’ personal and business customers. The bank puts customer satisfaction first, believing local branch teams like Julian Turner’s in Lynch Wood are best-placed to serve and make all decisions relating to their customers.

Julian Turner commented: “As a bank built on strong and lasting relationships, we focus first and foremost on satisfying our customers by providing the best local advice and service we can every day. We make all the decisions that matter to our customers here in the branch, and in the absence of head office targets or bonus incentives our customers can be assured we are working in their best interests at all times.” n

28 2 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

Peterborough awarded Smart City of the year 2015 THE World Smart City Congress is the key annual event for smart cities organised by Fira de Barcelona.

The awards were presented in November at a ceremony attended by representatives of the cities and companies shortlisted in four categories, including Smart City of the Year. The Barcelonabased congress worked with seven international experts to evaluate 265 entries from 52 countries.

Shortlisted cities in the Smart City of the Year 2015 included Moscow and Dubai, but judges were impressed with Peterborough’s commitment to becoming the UK’s first circular city and its environment capital vision. Peterborough’s collaborative approach to citizen involvement, also convinced the awards jury that Peterborough

should win the award.

Delivered by economic development company, Opportunity Peterborough, and Peterborough City Council, the DNA Smart City programme focuses on growth, innovation, skills and sustainability with the goal of making Peterborough a better place to invest, work and live.

Steve Bowyer, Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough and Director of the Peterborough DNA programme, said: “This award puts Peterborough well and truly on the international stage and positions us as a thought leader in smart and future city thinking. This is a huge tribute to all the people involved in the project and to the businesses and citizens of Peterborough.” n

WARNING: THIS BOOK CONTAINS SNAKES (WELL AT LEAST ONE ANYWAY!) A NEWT went down to the pond one night…

What did he find? Who did he meet?

Let Froglife take you on a journey with our amphibian friend using this beautifully illustrated new book. The Perfect Pond is a children’s story with a difference. Set in the British countryside with native wildlife characters, the book introduces children to their natural heritage and encourages discussion about UK species and their habitats, ecology and conservation.

Author, Froglife’s Conservation Youth Worker, Rebecca Neal said: “There are just not enough

children’s stories about wildlife in our own backyard. Newts are as cool as crocodiles, or maybe I’m just biased!”

Froglife will be using the book when working with primary schools. It is aimed at Key Stage 1 children aged five to seven, but can be enjoyed by younger and older children alike.

At the back of the book is information about the different characters, definitions, basic information about why amphibians and reptiles are under threat, and suggestions of things you could do to help.

Jenny Leon, Froglife’s Learning Co-ordinator, said: “This is not just a great story, it actually stimulates real discussion. If we care about the environment, we need to be having these conversations with the children in our lives.” n

PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

IN BRIEF FEBRUARY 2016 DARDAN SECURITY FORMS NEW OPERATIONAL DIVISION

BUCKLES STAFF CELEBRATE THEIR ACHIEVEMENT AT THE LAWNET AWARDS

BUCKLES SOLICITORS AWARDED NATIONAL INDUSTRY ACCOLADE THE company was presented with the highly coveted LawNet Law Firm of the Year Award at a special ceremony.

Buckles – which last won the accolade in 2011 – were among the winners from a number of categories announced during the LawNet conference and dinner in the West Midlands.

Buckles Managing Partner Colleen Gostick,

who won the LawNet’s Managing Partner of the Year Award in 2008, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won this prestigious award and my huge thanks to every member of the team who has contributed to Buckles achieving this fantastic award.

“We have had an amazing year and this achievement is the icing on the cake for us.” n

MHA MACINTYRE HUDSON WIN DEALMAKERS OF THE YEAR AWARD Laurence Whitehead (below right), Managing Director of Corporate Finance at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, scooped the ‘Dealmaker of the Year’ at the Central & East of England Dealmakers Awards hosted by Insider Media.

Whitehead’s team has advised on six major deals during the last 12 months and beat off stiff competition in its category from corporate finance teams.

The judges were impressed with Whitehead’s continued commitment in engaging with other M&A experts in the region and ensuring that deals are kept local.

There were awards in eight other categories, including Private Equity Team of the Year,

Alternative Funder of the Year and Corporate Law Firm of the Year.

Laurence Whitehead of MHA MacIntyre Hudson said: “We’ve had a very good year, working on a number of high profile deals.

We are really pleased that our work has been recognised at these prestigious awards. MHA MacIntyre Hudson has established a skilled team with the range and expertise to advise on deals across a broad range of business sectors.

We are delighted to have won.” n

reCruit mint hireS three new ConSultantS

ANDY PARTRIDGE

RECRUIT Mint Ltd has introduced a new venture, freshening up the way recruitment business is conducted in Peterborough: The Mint Academy.

Three positions were opened to join Recruit Mint on a permanent basis.

Applicants were taken through an intensive, planned application process, which included a telephone interview through to a fully-packed assessment day.

The talent, effort and enthusiasm of the candidates was boundless, making the final stage job offers a phenomenally difficult task.

The Academy has been created by Recruit Mint Directors Aaron Bowes and Mark Burton, and Engagement Presenter and Trainer Andy Partridge. n

Following significant growth in mobile patrol, response and keyholding services, Dardan Security has formed a new division ‘Dardan Patrol and Response Services’, operational with immediate effect.

With a fleet of 40 vehicles supporting in excess of 1,000 clients throughout the entire East Anglian region and an existing annual turnover of approximately £2m this new division is a critical part of the £11m Dardan business.

Andy Foster, Head of Support Services, will be responsible for the Patrol and Response Division as well as their 24/7 Control Room based in Norwich. Andy is supported by two contract managers; Mark Collings who will remain responsible for services in the north of the region and Steve Martin who recently joined Dardan from G4S to cover the south of the region.

Commenting on this recent announcement Philip Anthony, Managing Director, said: “This new development is another positive and progressive step for the company as we continue our growth to being a quality, service driven business with specialist sectors.” n

NEW TECHNICAL SCHOOL

GREATER PETERBOROUGH TECHNICAL COLLEGE

A BRILLIANT new opportunity for 14–19 year olds interested in a technical education is coming to Peterborough. The £12 million state-of-the-art Greater Peterborough University Technical College (GPUTC) opening in September 2016 will provide year 10s and 12s the opportunity to specialise in subjects such as engineering, architecture, construction and design whilst simultaneously studying for GCSEs or A Levels.

Sponsored by organisations such as Anglian Water, Perkins Engines and the Larkfleet Group who are guaranteeing students job interviews upon completion of study. This results from the organisations’ close work with the students throughout the academic year as they guide the school’s curriculum, as well as providing work experience. n

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LEP FOCUS Keeping you informed and up to date with the LEP

Defining the future

“Enterprise Zone status brings with it a number of benefits, including a business rate discount of up to 100 per cent for five years…”

CAMBRIDGE COMPASS GETS THE GO AHEAD A cluster of local development sites is celebrating after being awarded Enterprise Zone status thanks to the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon George Osborne MP, unveiled a series of new Enterprise Zones across the UK within his Autumn Statement.

THE CAMBRIDGE COMPASS ENTERPRISE ZONE creates a unique opportunity to expand the reach of Cambridge – global innovation centre – to the surrounding market towns, new communities and wider rural areas to boost the local and national economy. It includes sites in Waterbeach, Haverhill, Ely, Cambourne, and Northstowe.

Enterprise Zone status brings with it a number of benefits, including a business rate discount of up to 100 per cent for five years for businesses moving into part of the Cambridge Compass Enterprise Zone. As a bonus for the local area, the LEP will retain 100 per cent of the business rate growth within the Cambridge Compass Enterprise Zone for the next 25 years, which will enable further investment in economic growth across the area.

Mark Reeve, Chairman of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP, said: “Securing Enterprise Zone status for the Cambridge Compass is a real boost for the local economy. We know that businesses, particularly international ones, want a base in Cambridge, which can drive up local rents and constrain supply. By drawing these sites together

under the Cambridge Compass Enterprise Zone, we can provide a unique proposition to national and international companies looking for a new place to locate their businesses, drawing out the benefits of Cambridge to the surrounding area.”

The sites included within the Cambridge Compass Enterprise Zone are as follows:

ȗ L ancaster Way, Ely – Located north of Cambridge on the A10 growth corridor and main train line to Cambridge and London, Lancaster Way has outline consent to construct up to 125,000 sq m of additional office, R&D, industrial or warehouse and distribution accommodation to suit occupier’s requirements

ȗ Cambridge Research Park – Located close to Cambridge, this site offers nine hectares of serviced employment land

ȗ C ambourne Business Park – Located to the west of Cambridge, Cambourne Business Park provides a unique opportunity for a new business environment within a growing new settlement where homes and jobs are co-located

ȗ H averhill Research Park – Situated to the south east of Cambridge on the A1307, Haverhill Research Park offers 37,000 sq m of commercial space

ȗ N orthstowe, Phase 1 – Conveniently located close to Cambridge off the A14 and on the Guided Busway, this development is the first phase of employment land within Northstowe (which will be the largest new town to be built since Milton Keynes).

The Cambridge Compass Enterprise Zone will come into effect from 1 April 2016, with the 100 per cent business rates discount on offer to new occupiers until 31 March 2022. Find out more at www.gcgp.co.uk. n CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

31

CHAMBER AWARDS 2015 Chamber members celebrate awards

CHAMBER RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR EXPORT SERVICES

MIKE ASHMEAD OF ENCOCAM

In November 2015 our export team processed the necessary documentation to support over £40million worth of exports…

THE CHAMBER was named as runner-up of the Excellence in International Trade Services Award at the national Chamber Awards 2015, putting it ahead of 50 other Chambers that offer similar services across the UK. The Chamber impressed judges with the large number of specialist events and training courses it organises to facilitate connections between exporters and market experts. It was also recognised for its market-leading partnership with Tate’s Export Guide that saves exporters hundreds of pounds each year as its online information guide is included within the Chambers’ enhanced membership package.

John Bridge OBE DL, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We were delighted to have been recognised for the support we offer Cambridgeshire’s vibrant export community while these companies work to realise opportunities overseas to drive growth.

“In November 2015 our export team processed

LINCOLN MILES OF BELCHFIRE SURF

DELEGATES AT THE AWARDS DINNER

32

CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

PURE RESOURCING SOLUTIONS PICKED UP THE AWARD FOR PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT

the necessary documentation to support over £40million worth of exports, a 49 per cent increase on the previous month. This is evidence that we and our partners organisations are succeeding in helping local businesses to forge connections with local market experts across the world and enable them to access the support they need to realise their global potential.”

The announcement was made at the national Chamber Awards 2015, which celebrated the achievements of hundreds of Chamber members from across the UK and the best of the 52 accredited Chambers to which they belong.

Three Chamber members from Cambridgeshire were in the running for national awards having already been crowned champions of the East of England. Lincoln Miles of Belchfire Surf won the East of England’s Young Person in Business award, Pure Resourcing Solutions won the Award for People Development and Encocam were crowned Export Business of the Year. n

CHAMBER CHARITY OF THE YEAR

BRANDON (CENTRE) AND HIS FAMILY WITH MAGPAS PARAMEDIC DAN READ AND MAGPAS DOCTOR SIMON LEWIS

11 year old Brandon had just finished his first day of secondary school at Swavesey Village College. He got off the bus near his house in Papworth, when he was involved in a collision with a second bus, leaving him with life-threatening head injuries.

BRANDON NEARLY DIED WHEN HE WAS HIT BY A BUS BRANDON’S mum Kate was at home waiting for Brandon to get back, when a couple of his school friends banged at the front door. After being told what had happened to Brandon, she ran down the road as quickly as she could.

“When I got there, there was a massive crowd of people. Brandon was lying in the road and he wasn’t conscious. His face was already unrecognisable on one side.”

It was then that Magpas Doctor Simon Lewis and Paramedic Dan Read arrived in the Magpas Air Ambulance. They anaesthetised Brandon on the scene, providing him with the specialist care that he needed, helping to reduce the effect of his severe head injury. The Magpas Doctor and Paramedic team then took Brandon to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in a land ambulance, monitoring his condition all the way.

Brandon has since made a brilliant recovery, and he explains that without the Magpas team things might have been different for him. He said: “Magpas basically handed me back my life. If they hadn’t come that day, I wouldn’t be here right now.”

Kate added: “Brandon wouldn’t have made it to the hospital without the immediate specialist care Magpas provided him with. Thank you for saving our son’s life!” n

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT MAGPAS Magpas relies entirely on public donations and your support will help to save more lives like Brandon’s.

The Magpas Doctor and Paramedic team is the only enhanced, pre-hospital emergency medical care service in the East of England to be available 24/7.

THE MAGPAS TEAM TREATING BRANDON AT THE SCENE OF HIS ACCIDENT, WHILST WORKING ALONGSIDE THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

It costs four million pounds a year to keep Magpas running. To find out how you can help, please call 01480 371060 (Option 2), or email Debbie@magpas. org.uk. Thank you.

CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

33 3

NEW MEMBERS Would you like to become a Chamber member?

Get in touch today and find out the many benefits. tel: 01223 237414 email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

A round-up of the new members that have joined the Chamber in the past month

NEW MEMBERS THIS MONTH ANNA’S HOPE ASHCROFT INSTRUMENTS LTD BRIGHT BUSINESS ADVICE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING LTD DALROD (UK) LTD DIRECT SOLUTIONS GLOBEX EUROPE LTD JEO RECRUITMENT LTD OUTLOOK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

ANNA’S HOPE

www.annashope.co.uk Anna’s Hope supports children in the East of England diagnosed with a brain tumour. After funding the Anna’s Hope Specialist Nurse at Addenbrookes Hospital the charity now funds physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy in support of a pioneering children’s neuro-rehabilitation service at the hospital called Brainbow.

PAPWORTH TRUST PITKIN & RUDDOCK LTD ROBINSON CONSULTANTS LTD SAHOTA CHAUFFEURS SNAPDRAGON CONSULTING THORLABS LTD TIME PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT

SAHOTA CHAUFFEURS www.sahotachauffeurs.com

TOTAL COMPUTING SUPPORT – TOTAL SOLUTIONS VMHOSTS

34 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

Sahota Chauffeurs – Executive Private Hire, based in Wisbech, provide luxury professional chauffeur services and transport for any occasion. Whether you’re a corporate or personal client they provide luxury chauffeur driven cars for airport transfers, seaport transfers, special events and weddings. Their chauffeur service is highly professional and you can be sure of an extremely reliable service.

NEW MEMBERS

TIME PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT LTD

PINNACLE HOUSE

www.tprl.co.uk

www.pinnaclehouse.co.uk

Time Personnel Recruitment is one of Peterborough’s fastest growing recruitment agencies. They put their success down to the time they take understanding your business to enable them to individually tailor a recruitment package specific to your needs. This, together with their ability to provide you with access to the strongest talent in the recruitment market, is how they ensure your expectations are met for both temporary and permanent placements.

Pinnacle House features 45 newly decorated fully furnished offices, including a managed reception and car parking. They offer start-up packages for businesses seeking office space. The building has recently had a complete transformation with extensive building work to turn it into a modern business centre ready to support Peterborough businesses with an environment in which to grow, expand and prosper in 2016.

RELATE PETERBOROUGH & DISTRICT

TUPLIN GROUP www.tuplin.co.uk

relatecounsellingpeterborough.co.uk

The Tuplin Group provides companies with specialist case making and export packing services for the worldwide movement of valuable goods.

Relate Peterborough exists to support people in the community with their relationship challenges. They recognise and acknowledge what a brave and courageous step it is to take to access relationship support services. Each year they deliver between 1,500 and 2,500 counselling hours to local Peterborough people.

With 40 years’ experience their expertise also includes case design, project planning, complex transport arrangements UK and abroad, storage, freight forwarding and hazardous packing.

BUILDING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN YOUR AREA

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Fenland 4%

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30% peterborough

✓ Protect Your Company ✓ Get Involved ✓ Succeed Internationally ✓ Reduce Business Costs

15% Huntingdonshire Cambridge & South Cambs 35%

7% Other 01223 237414

www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

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IN THE HOTSEAT

DARYL BROWN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF MAGPAS HELIMEDIX, EXPLAINS HOW THE MAGPAS TEAM IS WORKING HARD TO REMAIN THE BEST OF THE BEST With a 45 year reputation as one of the leading clinical charities in the country, Magpas Air Ambulance volunteers undertake one of the best training programmes in the UK. SO IT’S no wonder there’s such huge demand for its 50 plus medical volunteers’ expertise, with the team regularly covering a huge geography incorporating up to 10 different counties.

“Our role is to provide by land and air, cutting-edge, pre-hospital care to patients affected by life-threatening illness or major traumas across the East of England, and we’re proud to be one of just a handful of organisations to provide these services 24/7. As a privately funded charity and thanks to our exceptional training programme, the team is able to use pioneering equipment and techniques that are a great enhancement on standard NHS provision.

It can mean the difference between life and death for the patient, but it comes with a £4million a year price tag.

“We really are set apart by our training capabilities, having piloted the first training programme for doctors in pre-hospital medicine.

It’s since been accredited by the General Medical Council and rolled out to training providers and other air ambulances across the country.

But for our volunteers the training doesn’t end there and internally, especially, there is an ongoing commitment to continually improve

“Magpas wants to provide the highest possible level of care and continue to improve outcomes for patients in life threatening circumstances.” the way incidents are dealt with. Our doctors and paramedics get together once a month to discuss the cases they’ve worked on and discussions take place behind closed doors to identify what worked well and what could have been better. It’s a very honest, open process that demonstrates how everyone within Magpas wants to provide the highest possible level of care and continue to improve outcomes for patients in life threatening circumstances.

“Key to this process is the way that, as a team, we don’t differentiate between the doctor and paramedic role. There’s no hierarchy, our volunteers truly are working in partnership and that results in a highly effective combination that draws on the expertise and experience within two very different work zones. It’s great exposure for our paramedics who develop a greatly extended skillset, while for doctors who are not so used to operating on a patient out of the

“We really are set apart by our training capabilities, having piloted the first training programme for doctors in pre-hospital medicine.”

sterile hospital environment, they are working alongside a paramedic who’s more in their comfort zone providing medical assistance to a patient in their home, workplace or at the roadside. We believe it’s a winning combination that enables us to provide the highest possible levels of pre-hospital care.”

Interestingly, Daryl’s role extends beyond the ground-breaking pre-hospital care provided by Magpas. As Lead Governor at Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, he has been given an insight into the complex and advanced workings of one of the world’s leading hospitals, as well as knowledge of patient rehabilitation and the patient experience. He’s also working hard to influence and improve the future of patient care in the community as a District and Town Councillor for Huntingdon East and as Deputy Mayor of Huntingdon.

It all points towards a genuine personal commitment to providing the best possible levels of patient care, from the roadside all the way along the road to recovery. But it all starts with a very special local medical charity and a team of dedicated volunteers who are proud to be on call night and day, none of us know when we might need them. n

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REPORT FROM IAN MACKELLAR

EU Membership – is it good for business?

The facts, we are often told, speak for themselves. If only they did.

Olga Popova / Shutterstock.com

BEWARE of such assertions: they usually herald some gross distortion of the truth – such as those we can expect to hear from both sides in the impending ‘debate’ on Britain’s promised EU referendum.

Sadly, much of the argument is likely to be founded on selecting information that seems to reinforce prejudice, rather than an attempt to offer balanced argument. That’s a shame, because there is merit in both positions.

Try this example. Sir Winston Churchill, Britain’s wartime Prime Minister, was one of the architects of what we now know as the EU. But you can be sure that some of those advocating Britain’s withdrawal will tell you that in 1944 he said: “If Britain must choose between

38 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

“If Britain must choose between Europe and the open sea, she must always choose the open sea.”

William Churchill, 1944

Europe and the open sea, she must always choose the open sea.” What the Eurosceptics will not tell you is that the remark was shouted in frustration at the cantankerous leader of the Free French, General Charles de Gaulle, on the eve of the Normandy landings.

Yet Churchill was actually well ahead of his time. Four years before de Gaulle famous proboscis got up Churchill’s nose, the latter had declared Britain and France to be a single nation with common citizenship – though he had to row back when the Nazis invaded France.

Even so, as early as October 1942 he had written to Anthony Eden, then Foreign Secretary, later to follow him as UK Prime Minister: “Hard as it is to say now … I look forward to a United States of Europe, in which the barriers between the nations will be greatly minimised and unrestricted travel will be possible.”

That dream was quite quickly realised not long after the war, with the creation of the European Coal and Steel Confederation. That

had very little to do with coal and steel, except to the extent that, at the time, you could not wage another European war without huge quantities of them. Where the League of Nations failed, the ECSC succeeded. That limited, but strategic, community became the EEC under the 1957 Treaty of Rome, then the EC, now the EU. There has not been a war, nor even a significant skirmish, between member states since then, even though there are now nearly 30 of them.

So the primary objective has been achieved in spades. Anyone who thinks otherwise still has the chance to ask people who lived through the aerial bombardments of London, Coventry, Liverpool and dozens of other British cities 75 years ago whether that matters.

But that’s only part of the point. Not only have we avoided war, but we have benefited hugely from the peaceful transition to a continent-wide single market. Of course, there are niggles about over-interference by petty

REPORT FROM IAN MACKELLAR

(and not-so-petty) bureaucrats, but that is no reason to throw out the baby with the bathwater – not least because the baby might not have survived childbirth without the EU. What would Brexit mean in practice? Dr Mike Ashmead, MD of Huntingdon-based cutting-edge engineering group Encocam, is clear: some of its operations would have to move elsewhere in Europe because mainland Europe is the group’s biggest market. Not only would engineering jobs be lost but so too would less skilled support functions.

“We would have to take action to protect ourselves,” he said. “For example, we would take our design office from Huntingdon to Madrid, and there would be funding to help us do that.”

As to other parts of the group, “we would go somewhere we could get financial support – and maybe the climate would be better!”

But Dr Ashmead is hardly uncritical. “I’m the last person to say the EU is perfect, but we can’t be grumpy from outside it. We have to work on it from the inside. Leaving would be very bad for business.”

He is critical of the UK Government for two reasons – first its failure to provide adequate skills training, which means he has to recruit engineers from outside Britain, and secondly for its failure to explain the benefits of EU membership.

“Even our local shopkeepers don’t realise how much they depend on Europe and the jobs

the EU supports. Yet the Government allows outrageous comments to go unchallenged.

I hope Chamber members will take the same proactive stance as the CBI has.”

Even our own former Prime Minister, Sir John Major – no Euro enthusiast in anyone’s book, having refused membership of the Euro and the Schengen Treaty – thinks ditching membership would be a “leap into the unknown”.

In this context David Cameron’s rather amorphous proposals to reform the EU sit oddly. His sop to the UKIP xenophobes – changes to in-work benefit rules – would mean a few hundred legal migrants would lose a few bob, though it would probably cost more to change the law than the exchequer would save.

More of a concern to people with brains is

that – until the time is right for the UK to join the Euro – sterling should be able to sit alongside the Euro without discrimination as a fully-fledged European currency. That is what Cameron should be seeking to secure.

The notion that the UK would regain sovereignty by creating a European Free Trade Association of non-but-neo-EU nations is laughable. All EFTA founding members, bar Norway and Switzerland, are now members of the EU, and they are bound by the same EU regulations.

For the UK, it’s Hobson’s Choice – appropriate when Hobson’s livery stable was in Cambridge – we can continue as a member but play a full part. Or we can leave and either pay the same without influence or go bust as a nation. But they won’t tell you that in the ‘out’ campaign. n

“Even our local shopkeepers don’t realise how much they depend on Europe and the jobs the EU supports.

Yet the Government allows outrageous comments to go unchallenged. I hope Chamber members will take the same proactive stance as the CBI has.”

Dr Mike Ashmead, MD of Encocam

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ASK THE EXPERT This month’s Ask the Expert focuses on successful business

ASK THE EXPERT Garry Mumford, Partner at Insight Associates, offers financial advice for a successful business.

AS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNER FOR OVER 20 YEARS WHAT WOULD YOU SAY MAKES A BUSINESS SUCCEED? Creating a successful business is like creating a successful dish. The core ingredients such as passion, dedication, hard work and commitment are vital. Added to that are skills, tips and techniques that the individual chef or business owner brings to the mix. In my experience financial insight is fundamental to business success.

HOW CAN FINANCIAL INSIGHT BE ACHIEVED? Financial insight in your business can be distilled down into two distinct elements namely ‘understanding’ and ‘control’.

Understanding your cash flow, what is owed to you, what you owe, understanding your stocks and other trading assets. Having a clear picture of how your business is making money Then controlling what happens by tightly monitoring sales, margins and costs, defining and monitoring key performance indicators, setting budgets and long term goals and making any necessary adjustments along the way.

HOW FREQUENTLY WOULD YOU MONITOR CASH FLOW? Cash flow should be reviewed on a very regular basis. Not monthly or weekly but daily so access to online banking

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is essential. The recording method will vary depending on the complexity of the business but in many cases a simple spreadsheet will suffice.

It should show cash coming in and cash going out. It should predict what you expect to happen and be amended to reflect what actually happened. It is vital to investigate any variances and unexpected events!

Monitoring your cash flow daily gives a greater understanding of how the oil in the engine of your business is performing and prevents surprises.

IN YOUR EXPERIENCE WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON ERRORS THAT BUSINESSES MAKE WITH CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT? Many businesses fail to closely monitor how much the business is owed by its customers. A good measure to manage this is debtor days which is definitely something every business should monitor and keep to a minimum. This can be achieved in a number of ways.

Prompt invoicing – if you deliver goods/services on the third day of the month why wait until the last day of the month to invoice?

Invoice as soon as you can ensuring it is sent to the correct person and the details are complete and accurate. Give clear instructions on who to pay, how much to pay – including bank details, what they are paying for, who to call with queries, your VAT number and what your payment terms are.

Have a sound credit control policy and adhere to it. Regular credit checks may form part of that policy. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for

money owed to you – always be professional and polite but firm. Be prepared to take further action if necessary.

Regular sums can be collected by Direct Debit or Standing Order and you may wish to offer early settlement discounts, or request part payments up front.

HOW DO MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS DIFFER FROM FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS? As the name suggests management accounts are there to help the management make decisions about the business. They should contain the answers to the questions management ask about the performance of the business. They are for internal use and should be produced monthly – ideally as soon as possible after the month end.

Financial accounts do not aid the decision making process. They are for external users and normally produced annually to satisfy compliance commitments with Companies House and the tax man. They comply with fixed accounting rules and regulations in a consistent format so external users can compare different businesses.

Creating a successful business is like creating a successful dish.

The core ingredients such as passion, dedication, hard work and commitment are vital.

CHAMBER EVENTS Your essential business calendar for the next month

INFORMAL NETWORKING EVENINGS JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

MAXIMISE

YOUR MEMBERSHIP DATE Tuesday 26 January, Tuesday 16 February and Thursday 25 February TIME 9.30–11.30am LOCATION Milton Hall, Ely Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB24 6WZ DATE Wednesday 10 February TIME 9.30–11.30am LOCATION Chamber office, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT PRICE Free to attend CONTACT Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 or email b.coleman@cambscci.co.uk to reserve your place

Get connected with business people across Cambridgeshire every month – for free.

JANUARY WED 27

OLIVER CROMWELL HOTEL, MARCH

5.00–7.00PM

TUE 2

HOLIDAY INN HUNTINGDON RACECOURSE

5.00–7.00PM

WED 3

THE CROWN HOTEL, STAMFORD

5.00–7.00PM

MON 8

THE LAMB HOTEL, ELY

5.00–7.00PM

WED 17

PARK INN, PETERBOROUGH

5.00–7.00PM

THU 18

HOLIDAY INN, CAMBRIDGE

5.00–7.00PM

FEBRUARY

Storm in a teacup

COME along to our free ‘Maximise your Membership’ sessions to familiarise yourself with the benefits that are included within your membership package, discover our latest promotional opportunities and get connected with our cost-saving service providers. n

Global buSineSS network DATE Tuesday 26 January and Tuesday 23 February 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 AT JANUARY’S event we will be joined by Gill Searl from translation specialists Linguagloss, who will be providing a short presentation on how Cambridgeshire companies can build a presence in one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world – China. Gill will be offering advice on how businesses can capitalise on the Chinese market’s love of British brands and establish a successful E-commerce operation.

In February we will be joined by Georgina Cope from foreign exchange specialists moneycorp, who will be providing a short presentation on how Cambridgeshire companies can benefit from the proactive service that a non-bank FX provider offers.

It will also cover how companies can protect their profit margin and minimise the risk caused by exchange rate fluctuations, helping you to determine whether there is any scope for cost savings and improvement in the way your company is managing its international payments. n

DATE Tuesday 26 January TIME 10.00am–12.00pm LOCATION The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge, CB1 1LY PRICE £12.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £17.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01223 209815 or places can be booked via the Chamber website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk SHARE knowledge, experience and bounce ideas off other women outside of your own working environment over tea and cake. n

Sponsored by:

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CHAMBER EVENTS Your essential business calendar for the next month

networkinG maSterclaSS CAMBRIDGE BUSINESS BREAKFAST DATE Friday 12 February TIME 7.45–10.00am LOCATION Cambridge United, Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, CB5 8LN PRICE £15.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £22.50 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or places can be booked via the website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

DATE Wednesday 3 February TIME 11.45am–2.30pm LOCATION Poets House, St Mary’s Street, Ely, CB7 4EY PRICE £20.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members only CONTACT Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or places can be booked via the Chamber website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

KIRSTEN Smith, HR Consultant, will be presenting on the importance of workplace wellbeing. With 15.2 million sick days each year in the UK due to stress, anxiety or depression, Kirsten will be explaining the benefits of a workplace wellbeing strategy and sharing low and no-cost ways of improving your employees’ health and mental health, which in turn can help your business thrive. n Sponsored by:

PETERBOROUGH SAFARI NETWORKING BREAKFAST DATE Friday 29 January TIME 7.45–10.00am LOCATION Park Inn, Wentworth Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DH PRICE £15.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £22.50 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or places can be booked via the website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk MOVE around three different tables, taking two minutes at each one to make those initial introductions with everyone and explain what sets your business apart from its competitors. n 42 CONNECTED FEBRUARY 2016

BECOME one of the most confident and effective networkers in the room by discovering how to present yourself and convey your company’s USPs effectively.

Exclusive to Chamber members, our Networking Masterclass will ensure you’re gaining maximum benefit from every networking opportunity. There will be expert tips to enhance your networking performance including ways to exploit the different ways men and women prefer to build relationships plus learn about the powerful ways you can use effective body language.

You’ll also have a chance to familiarise yourself with different networking formats including safari networking, speed networking and informal discussions over lunch. An essential event for all new Chamber members and anyone who doesn’t feel at ease in a networking environment. n

SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY DATE Wednesday 10 February TIME 9.30–11.30am LOCATION Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, nr Huntingdon, PE28 4NL PRICE £20.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £27.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01223 209815 or places can be booked via the website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk DISCOVER how to create and deliver an expert social media strategy with the help of this essential two-hour workshop.

Whether you’re just starting out and want to get it right or are a more seasoned social media user, this session will ensure you’re investing your valuable time and budget on the right activities. By the end of the session you’ll have a solid understanding of the three most important ingredients of your strategy, a plan for how you’re going to apply your strategy and you’ll take away top tips on how you should deliver it.

This interactive workshop is designed for social media users at beginner and intermediate levels of experience. n

EVENTS Please visit the Chamber website for full details of all future Chamber events www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

BANK OF ENGLAND – A UNIQUE INSIGHT DATE Thursday 18 February TIME 6.00–8.00pm LOCATION The George Hotel, 71 High Street, St Martin’s, Stamford, PE9 2LB PRICE £10.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £15.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01733 370809 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk

forecasts which will have been released just before the event, providing a timely opportunity for businesses to discover the facts behind the figures.

There will also be opportunities for networking with other members of the business community over buffet refreshments. n

JOIN US for an evening with the Bank of England to discover first-hand how the Bank expects the economy to perform over the coming months.

At this special event Pam Wright, Deputy Agent for the East Midlands at the Bank of England, will offer unique insight into the Monetary Policy Committee’s latest economic

Sponsored by:

EFFECTIVE HR: MANAGING SICKNESS ABSENCE DATE Thursday 25 February TIME 11.45–2.00pm LOCATION Marriott Hotel, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6GB PRICE £17.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £25.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01733 370809 or places can be booked via the Chamber website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk DISCOVER best practice techniques for dealing with short-term and long-term sickness absence from work at this essential HR seminar.

This interactive event will provide line managers and HR personnel with the framework needed

to effectively manage employee absence and return to work, whilst ensuring that you are also meeting your legal responsibilities.

A series of role play demonstrations will offer topics for discussion and expert advice on how to address all staff absences, including how to manage an employee who has sporadic short term absences for different reasons and another who has been absent for a long period of time due to stress and depression.

This essential best practice seminar is designed for business owners, managers and HR personnel and includes additional opportunities for networking over a buffet lunch. n

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – BUSINESS EXHIBITIONS The Two Counties Business Exhibition Wednesday 16 March, 11.00am–3.00pm Newmarket Racecourse

THE TWO Counties Business Exhibition is a unique opportunity to extend your business beyond the local area, encouraging connections between like-minded business people from across Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and beyond.

Run in collaboration with Suffolk Chambers of Commerce and supported

by West Suffolk Council.

There is free admission to all visitors and with stands available from £90.00 (plus VAT) it’s a great opportunity not to be missed. n

The Huntingdonshire Business Fair 2016 Thursday 21 April, 10.00am–4.00pm Wood Green Animal Shelter Sponsored by Alconbury Weald and Borney

PETERBOROUGH BUSINESS BREAKFAST: FOCUS ON SALES DATE Wednesday 24 February TIME 7.45–10.00am LOCATION Pinnacle House, Newark Road, Peterborough, PE1 5YD PRICE £17.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £25.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members CONTACT Jenni Misseldine on 01223 209810 or places can be booked via the Chamber website at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

DISCOVER how to increase sales by improving the way you define and communicate and communicate your company’s unique value proposition at this Peterborough Business Breakfast.

This special event is expected to be popular as businesses focus on increasing their sales for 2016. n

AT THE 2016 Huntingdonshire Business Fair over 600 business people will come together to build new connections, promote products and services and be inspired by our programme of guest speakers. n

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