connected issue 84

INSPIRING SUCCESS

ISSUE 84

The official magazine for Chamber members

OPPORTUNITY Take a look at the organisations on a mission to make Peterborough the country’s first youth friendly employer city

PLUS. . . ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE CHAMBER NETWORK

this issue

CONTENTS

12

8

15 16

16

31 5

Chief Executive’s highlights

24-25

Out & About

6-7

Connect

27

Fenland area news

8-9

Transform

29

Huntingdonshire area news

10-11

Export

12-13

Inform

14

Protect

15

Ask the Expert

34-35

16-17

New members

39

Signpost 2 Grow

18-19

Charity

41

Marketing Insight

Ely area news

43

Huntingdonshire Business Fair

21 22-23

Cambridge & South Cambs area news

30-31 33

45-47

Peterborough area news Stamford area news Skills Service

Events

connected 3

welcome from the

EDITOR

Welcome....

ISSUE 84 INSPIRING SUCCESS

Chamber members The official magazine for

OPPORTUNITY tions on a mission to make Take a look at the organisa first youth friendly employer city s Peterborough the country’

R NETWORK NEWS FROM THE CHAMBE PLUS. . . ALL THE LATEST

This month we are delighted to announce details for the 2020 Huntingdonshire Business Fair which returns to Burgess Hall in St Ives on Wednesday 29 April. Stands are now on sale but space is limited – turn to page 43 for further information.

Our member benefit sessions are returning to our events calendar and will take place across the county. Turn to pages 45-47 for details of our February and March events and visit the website for a full event listing.

Looking to support our charity of the year?

EACH have provided details of events you can get involved with during 2020 on page 19.

SADIE PARR

Chief Executive John Bridge OBE DL

connected Editor

Editor Sadie Parr Published by

Print xlpress Design Jill Rowbotham Advertising Caroline Baker caroline.baker@trinitymirror.com Membership team Bren Coleman 01223 209811 Ashleigh Jackson 01223 209812 Cambridge Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH Tel 01223 237414

• DIARY DATES •

19 20 25 26

FEB 2020

Informal Networking Evening, Peterborough

Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk Visit cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk @CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

MAR 2020

9

Informal Networking Evening, Ely

2

Informal Networking Evening, Huntingdon

Informal Networking Evening, Cambridge

4

Informal Networking Evening, Stamford

Informal Networking Evening, Wisbech

Amazing Benefits of Chamber Membership, Cambridge

5

Safari Networking Breakfast, Huntingdon

6

International Women’s Day, Peterborough

11 17 18 19

Safari Networking Breakfast, Cambridge

HR event, Huntingdon

Informal Networking Evening, Peterborough

Informal Networking Evening, Cambridge

@CambsChamber

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

4 connected

25 25 27 31

Amazing Benefits of Chamber Membership, Peterborough

Informal Networking Evening, Chatteris

Safari Networking Breakfast, Peterborough

Export Club, Cambridge

view from the

BRIDGE

Our recent Construction and Property Networking Breakfast at Alconbury Weald welcomed Mike Evans from Highways England who gave an informative briefing on the proposed A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme.

This new 10 mile dual carriageway is expected to cost in the region of £810m-£1.4bn; with construction expected to begin in 2022 with the road opening in 2025/26.

Mike explained the benefits of the scheme particularly for those who travel on it on a daily basis and the importance of the upgrade from an economic perspective fully supported by our Chamber.

It was a pleasure to catch up with Lottie Driver from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at our Christmas Lunch event. Lottie has been instrumental in the charities interaction with the Chamber during their time as Charity of the Year and I was delighted that she was able to join us.

Thank you particularly goes to those attending for the generosity of their contribution to the charity raffle and helping to support our chosen charity, both at this lunch and other key events during the year.

We also thank Westminster College for hosting the event and providing excellent food and company on the day, and Ian Mather, Chief Executive of Cambridge United Football Club, for his keynote speech. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce held a really positive and productive meeting at the Priory Centre in St Neots recently. We are very grateful to Hayley Williams, Managing Director of Keystone and committee member, who led a workshop to consider the key priorities for the committee going forward. There were lots of interesting, and positive ideas discussed. At our next meeting we will identify the key priorities to pursue over the next 12 months.

If you would like to join the committee of any of our local Chambers, please get in touch with the Chamber team on 01223 237414.

connected 5

We provide Chamber members with many opportunities to widen their network of business contacts – building connections, creating opportunities and maximising the benefits of being part of Cambridgeshire’s most vibrant business network.

BCC Annual Conference 2020 Thursday 5 March 9.00am start QEII Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P3EE What is the BCC Annual Conference?

The BCC Annual Conference brings together the UK Chamber Network and the wider business community for a day of stimulating panel debates and inspiring

keynote speeches from senior politicians, business leaders and opinion formers. You will have the opportunity to interact with businesses of all sizes and sectors and representatives from across the Chamber Network.

Why attend the BCC Annual Conference?

The British Chambers of Commerce

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS CONNECTED

INSPIRING SUCCESS

Annual Conference 2020 is an unmissable event for business leaders and those involved in corporate affairs or public policy. Keep up with the key developments in Westminster and understand how they will affect UK businesses. www.britishchambers.org.uk/events/ annual-conference

ISSUE 82

The official magazine for Chamber members

Promote your company in our magazine The official publication for the Chamber, brought to you by Cambridge News, puts you in touch with people you want to do business with. Content includes expert opinions, discussions and debates in addition to local business success stories and exciting new opportunities.

The magazine showcases local events and covers networking, new business, market leaders, ones to watch, and so much more.

In addition to placing an advert you can also include leaflets in this publication which is read by over 2,500 local business people each

6 connected

month.

RATES Quarter page - £125.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £225.00 (plus VAT) non-member Half page - £225.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £350.00 (plus VAT) non-member Full page - £450.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £600.00 (plus VAT) non-member Leaflet insertion - £400.00 (plus VAT) To place an advert, please telephone 07890 561669 or email caroline.baker@reachplc.com

MASTERPLAN Take a look at the St Neots Masterplan for Growth which will transform and better serve the community and business needs of the town

PLUS. . . ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE CHAMBER NETWORK

network and

CONNECT

ENHANCE YOUR CONNECTIONS Networking is key to individual and company development. Businesses network to develop relationships with

people and companies they may do business with now, and in the future.

These connections help to establish rapport and trust among the business community. The Chamber provides many opportunities for members to widen their network of business contacts through building opportunities and maximising the benefits of being part of Cambridgeshire’s most vibrant business network.

OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND OVER 150 EVENTS A YEAR Something for everyone – we run structured and informal networking events, sector specific workshops,

international trade training courses and business exhibitions across the county.

See page 45-47 to see what’s happening in March or visit our website to see our full event listing.

JOIN OUR SOCIAL MEDIA GROUPS Connect and follow us on social media to be kept up-to-date with the latest Chamber news and events.

LinkedIn – Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Facebook – Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Twitter - @CambsChamber Instagram - @CambsChamber

PARTNER OFFERS As part of your Chamber membership we have links with national companies providing business services at exclusive rates.

Chamber Roadside Assistance

Whether you have a small or large fleet of cars or a single commercial vehicle we can help you to keep your company on the move with Chamber Roadside Assistance.

In partnership with the AA, we’ll ensure you keep motoring at an exclusive competitive price; Chamber members can receive up to 67 per cent discount on the cost of business breakdown cover.

Half Price International Shipping

Taking your business to the world?

Make savings every time you ship with this exclusive half price offer from DHL, leaving you more money to invest in other areas as you establish our business on an international scale. Available to all Chamber members providing you’ve not shipped more than five times with DHL in the last 12 months.

Chamber Foreign Exchange

Moneycorp can save your business money by creating a foreign exchange strategy tailored to your business needs.

Highly competitive exchange rates, low or no fees, free online currency accounts plus access to Moneycorp online, a webbased portal for making payments and trading foreign exchange.

Chamber Primary Health Plan

This low-cost employee reward helps recruit and retain staff, manage risk and reduce absenteeism. Provided by Westfield Health, packages include cash benefits towards routine treatments such as dental and optical, diagnostic scanning facilities, a 24/7 advice line operated by GPs, Employee Assistance Programme and subsidised gym membership.

Cover starts from as little as £1.10 per employee, per week, with additional upgrades and partner cover available.

AXA PPP healthcare

At AXA PPP healthcare, our small business health insurance plans can be tailored to suit the needs of you and your business. We have a variety of healthcare cover options available that can be added to your plan, giving you the opportunity to look after your team’s physical and mental health and be there for them when they need it most.

For further details of these partner offers please visit the benefit section of the Chamber website or contact Bren Coleman on 01223 209810.

connected 7

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

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey Q4 2019: UK economy stagnating as service sector slows The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey reveals that the UK ended 2019 in stagnation, amid long term uncertainty, rising business costs and a slowing global economy.

The latest results of the survey – which is the largest of its kind in the UK and a leading indicator of GDP growth found protracted weakness across most indicators of economic health in the final quarter of 2019.

• Service sector indicators worsen and remain well below their historic average • Indicators for manufacturing and export orders are negative for two consecutive quarters for the first time in around a decade • Manufacturers planning to invest in plant and machinery at eight-year low.

The service sector, which accounts for almost 80 per cent of UK economic output, saw all its key indicators worsen compared to Q3 2019. These indicators remain well below their historic average.

The balance of manufacturers reporting a rise in domestic and export sales improved slightly. However, the balance of manufacturers reporting increased

8 connected

export and domestic orders has now been negative for two consecutive quarters. This is the first this has happened since 2009 and 2011 respectively.

Investment intentions remain weak by historic standards – the balance of firms in the manufacturing sector that plan to increase investment in plant and machinery dropped to its lowest level since Q4 2011.

Cashflow – a key indicator of the health of businesses – improved slightly from its lowest level in eight years but remains very weak across both manufacturing and service sectors.

Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The UK economy limped through the final quarter of 2019.

“The fourth quarter was characterised by a broad-based slowdown in the dominant services sector with all key indicators weakening in the quarter, amid sluggish household expenditure and crippling cost pressures.

“Despite some improvements, indicators in the manufacturing sector remain very weak by historic standards, and with

indicators for domestic and export orders continuing to contract, the near-term outlook for the sector remains challenging.

“A faltering service sector together with listless manufacturing activity points to a downbeat outturn for UK GDP growth in the fourth quarter of 2019.”

Responding to the findings, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The end of political deadlock at Westminster must also bring action to renew business confidence and tackle the prolonged stagnation that’s affecting so much of the UK economy.

The government must use its newfound majority to take big decisions to stimulate growth.

“If ministers take action to reduce up-front costs, move key infrastructure projects forward, and to help businesses on training, they’ll be rewarded with increased investment.

“However, they also must move quickly over the coming weeks to ensure that Brexit is done right. A clear future trading relationship with the EU is also crucial to many firms’ future investment and growth prospects.”

the power to to the power

TRANSFORM TRANSFORM

Big Bigincrease increaseininnumber numberofofpeople peopleusing using Cambridge CambridgeNorth Northstation station Passenger numbers at Cambridge North grewgrew by 66 Passenger numbers at Cambridge North by per 66 per centcent last last year,year, figures show. figures show.

Almost 813,000 entries and and exitsexits werewere recorded at the Almost 813,000 entries recorded at the station fromfrom January to December 2019, meaning almost station January to December 2019, meaning almost 8,000 people passed through every week, according to data 8,000 people passed through every week, according to data fromfrom the Office of Rail and and Road. the Office of Rail Road.

TrainTrain operator Greater Anglia sayssays that that passenger numbers operator Greater Anglia passenger numbers havehave continued to grow above expectations sincesince the station continued to grow above expectations the station opened in 2017, demonstrating its importance as a as vital opened in 2017, demonstrating its importance a vital pointpoint of access to the park,park, which was was previously of access to business the business which previously onlyonly accessed by road, Science ParkPark and and St John’s Innovation accessed by road, Science St John’s Innovation Centre.

Centre.

The The station has has friendly, helpful customer hosts, waiting station friendly, helpful customer hosts, waiting rooms withwith plugplug points, coffee shopshop and and largelarge car park and and rooms points, coffee car park cyclecycle parking area.area. parking Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, Jamie Burles, said:said: Greater Anglia’s Managing Director, Jamie Burles, “We’re delighted that that Cambridge North is proving increasingly “We’re delighted Cambridge North is proving increasingly popular two two yearsyears afterafter opening and and that that it is itbenefitting popular opening is benefitting residents and and locallocal businesses alike,alike, opening up new journey residents businesses opening up new journey opportunities in the easteast of Cambridge.” opportunities in north the north of Cambridge.”

The The three-platform station is served by four Greater three-platform station is served by four Greater a mathematical theory called the Game of Life

by Cambridge Anglia and and four four Great Northern departures an hour off-peak a mathematical theory called the Game of Life

by Cambridge Anglia Great Northern departures an hour off-peak mathematician John Conway.

– London Kings Cross (2), (2), London Liverpool Street (2), (2), mathematician John Conway.

– London Kings Cross London Liverpool Street Stansted Airport (1), (1), Ely (1), Kings LynnLynn (1) and Norwich Funded by the for Transport and and developed Stansted Airport Ely (1), Kings (1) and Norwich Funded

by Department the Department for Transport developed (1). (1).

by Network Rail Rail in partnership withwith Cambridgeshire County

by Network in partnership Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridge North station provides an alternative Since the start of Greater Anglia’s December timetable Council, Cambridge North station provides an alternative Since the start of Greater Anglia’s December timetable pointpoint for commuters in the easteast of the change, the station is also nownow on the direct routeroute fromfrom connection connection for commuters in north the north of the change, the station is also on new the new direct city city and and provides improved access and and journey times for for provides improved access journey times Norwich to Stansted Airport.

Norwich to Stansted Airport. passengers. passengers.

The The station has has 450450 parking spaces and and 1,000 cyclecycle station parking spaces 1,000 Cambridge station is still rail station on Greater Cambridge station is the still busiest the busiest rail station on Greater spaces.

The The cyclecycle shelter incorporates solarsolar panels that that spaces. shelter incorporates panels Anglia’s network withwith almost 12 million passengers last last year,year, Anglia’s network almost 12 million passengers provide up to 10 per cent of the station’s power.

Local cycle provide up to 10 per cent of the station’s power. Local cycle up 3.9 per cent on the previous year. up 3.9 per cent on the previous year. routes connect with the new station and it is within easy routes connect with the new station and it is within easy July July last last year,year, Greater Anglia has has beenbeen replacing all itsall its reach of the and and A10.A10.

Metal cladding on the of of Since Since Greater Anglia replacing reach of A14 the A14 Metal cladding on outside the outside on routes which startstart and and finishfinish at Cambridge station. the building and and footbridge incorporates a pattern based on on trains trains on routes which at Cambridge station. the building footbridge incorporates a pattern based

NUMBER NUMBEROF OFCOMPANIES COMPANIESININ CAMBRIDGESHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIREPASSES PASSES50,000 50,000MILESTONE MILESTONE

companies grewgrew by 6.3 per cent – 6,786 Figures just just released showshow that that companies by 6.3 per cent – 6,786 Figures released JohnJohn werewere registered during the year compared Cambridgeshire nownow has has moremore thanthan registered during the year compared Cambridgeshire Korchak Korchak to 6,384 in 2017.

50,000 companies located in the county – 50,000 companies located in the county – to 6,384 in 2017. for the first first time.time.

This This gavegave a total of 48,390 companies for very the very a total of 48,390 companies in the at the 2018, At the of November 2019, 50,066 based in county the county at end the end 2018, At end the end of November 2019, 50,066based to 46,059 at the businesses werewere registered according to to compared compared to 46,059 at start. the start. businesses registered according company secretarial software specialist John Korchak, Director of Operations at at company secretarial software specialist Korchak, Director of Operations Inform Direct, based on statistics fromfrom InformJohn Direct, said:said: “This“This is a is significant Inform Direct, based on statistics Inform Direct, a significant Companies House and and the Office for for milestone for Cambridgeshire, passing Companies House the Office milestone for Cambridgeshire, passing National Statistics. the milestone of 50,000 companies for for National Statistics. the milestone of 50,000 companies the very first first time.time.

As an Leading the way werewere South the very Asinternational an international Leading the way South for those looking to locate a business.” for those looking to locate a business.” centre for world-leading research and and Cambridgeshire withwith 11,844, Peterborough centre for world-leading research Cambridgeshire 11,844, Peterborough Inform Direct’s award-winning company innovation, the county continues to attract withwith 10,665 and Huntingdonshire with Inform Direct’s award-winning company innovation, the county continues to attract 10,665 and Huntingdonshire with secretarial software, which helps users new enterprises and start-ups to join its 10,091.

The city of Cambridge has 8,874 secretarial software, which helps users 10,091. The city of Cambridge has 8,874 new enterprises and start-ups to join its throughout the life business, successful cluster. registered businesses. throughout the of lifetheir of their business, successful cluster. registered businesses. currently supports moremore thanthan 150,000 currently supports 150,000 “It is“Itclear that that the roll-call of leading These positive figures follow on from is clear the roll-call of leading companies.

These positive figures follow on from companies. global names and the fruitful links with Cambridgeshire enjoying a record year global names and the fruitful links with Cambridgeshire enjoying a record year continue to betoabe powerful driver during 2018 when the number of new academia continue a powerful driver www.informdirect.co.uk www.informdirect.co.uk during 2018 when the number of new academia connected 9 9 connected

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.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING COURSES High quality, accredited training for your team The Chamber runs a rolling programme of training courses that culminate in the nationally-recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.

The courses provide the knowledge to assist with your international trade activities and you will receive detailed notes to take away for build up a toolkit of reference information.

Finance Options: Focusing on Letters of Credit Tuesday 3 March Customs Declarations focusing on Import Compliance and Savings Tuesday 24 March

Customs Special Procedures: focusing on Inward Processing and Outward Processing Tuesday 28 April Rules of Origin: Preference and Non-preference Tuesday 19 May Cost per course: £300.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £450.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

All courses will be held at our Chamber office in Oakington.

Register online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/ training or contact Rose Griffiths on 01223 209817.

Customs Declaration Training – is your business ready for Brexit?

DATE Wednesday 26 February, Wednesday 18 March TIME 9.15am5.00pm LOCATION Chamber office, Oakington PRICE £280.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £350.00 (plus VAT) nonChamber members CONTACT Rose Griffiths on 01223 209817 or email r.griffiths@cambscci.co.uk Are you a customs agent, or does your company use customs agents and intermediaries to help you trade with the EU? If so, you need to know how to meet customs requirements fast and efficiently after the UK leaves the EU. There will be new processes to follow and new forms to complete.

Our training will highlight what you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration.

Certificates of Origin after Brexit There have been a number of meetings recently with the Department for International Trade (DIT) to discuss the designation of Certificates of Origin after 31 January 2020.

At present DIT have advised that Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce should continue to issue EC Certificates of Origin until the end of any transition period, currently 31 December 2020. Therefore, unless advised otherwise we will not start to issue UK Certificates of Origin until 1 January 2021.

HMRC have also advised that during the transition period that preference documents (EUR1’s etc) will continue to be issued as they are today. The UK Government have intimated their position to the EU and expect that the EU will communicate this to EU member states and to countries with whom the EU has trade agreements once the Withdrawal Agreement has concluded its passage through parliament.

There are concerns that border agencies in importing countries may be unaware of the transition arrangements.

Therefore, we ask that you report any instances of documents being refused by any country so that we can have a fast response system in place to address any issues and to try to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.

10 connected

Go

EXPORT

TRADE SUPPORT AND TRANSLATION SERVICE WITH PAB LANGUAGES CENTRE LTD The Chamber are working with PAB Languages Centre Ltd to provide Chamber members with free advice and competitive rates for language translations and support for importing and exporting businesses.

Keep an eye on our website for further details of this benefit as details are confirmed.

News from PAB Languages Centre - Let’s make the next 10 years spectacular!

In 2020 we need foreign-language services and cultural knowledge more than ever before, and we truly understand the necessity for multilingual and culturally competent employees and leaders. At PAB we have the experience, technology and resources to provide excellent language services, enabling companies to thrive internationally.

In summary, 2019 has been a challenging year and time of hard work and brave decisions. 2019 brought us a strong Board of Directors and we saw the change of the team dynamics, including letting go as well as welcoming new talented people.

We are extremely proud that PAB Languages was selected as a representative for 2019 UK Gov Parliamentary Review.

We successfully secured new strategic partnerships in the UK and overseas, and strengthen our community of professional translators, interpreters, lecturers and language experts, enabling us to effectively deliver expert language and cultural support as well as advice to our clients.

Our services include quality translation assurance in over 200 languages and in 2019 we introduced Market research

services available for 23 countries.

Global Awards launched by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce to recognise Our 10th Anniversary events proved to success in international markets. With be very popular, in Peterborough delegates empathy, honesty, integrity, accountability, were treated to a fantastic line-up of commitment and passion we will help more experts including the John Bridge OBE clients to communicate effectively and DL, Chief Executive of the Chamber, who build successful relationships with people officially opened the event. from different countries and cultures.

2020 is going to be a great year for PAB Iwona Lebiedowicz, Managing Director, Family! We will continue to sponsor the PAB Languages Centre Ltd

EXPORT CLUB DATE Tuesday 31 March TIME 4.00-6.00pm LOCATION Chamber offices, Oakington PRICE Free to attend, booking not required CONTACT Karen Cash on 01223 209804 or email k.cash@cambscci.co.uk Whether you are already involved in international trade or considering expanding into new markets, Export Club offers a unique informal environment to

share experience and expertise.

• Learn more about markets and successful strategies by talking to other exporters • Form relevant connections across the globe • Hear the latest initiatives and meet those that can help to support your international trade activities • Obtain export documentation advice from the Chambers’ in-house international trade team.

Keep an eye on the Chamber website for speaker details as they are confirmed.

connected 11

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

Property legal expert educates construction industry Beacon Wealth Legal, Property Solicitor Paul Burrows educated attendees at the Chamber of Commerce Construction and Property Networking Breakfast.

During his talk, Paul used a case study to demonstrate how even supposedly straight forward transactions, such as freehold acquisition, can have unexpected problems.

In this particular case the property being sold had an extension that had been constructed on land which the seller of the property did not actually own as it fell outside the property’s registered title boundary. Paul spoke about how he addressed matters for his clients, so they didn’t get caught out moving forward.

The event attendees ranged from developers, contractors, specialist contractors, architects, planning consultants, civil engineers, structural engineers, surveyors and quantity surveyors.

The presentation was received really well, with lots of questions being asked.

Arbicon explain how simple legislation changes can help with late payments for SMEs in construction Currently there are no effective legal rights in place to help small businesses (SMEs) with late payments.

A Compulsory Interest Rate and Debt Recovery Cost Rights are a solution.

The problem with contracts for SMEs in the construction industry is the imbalance of contract power. Larger firms impose onerous terms on smaller firms which ought to be outlawed. SME power can be gained with the help of effective legislation.

Legislation is in place to compensate for late payment (the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998) does not go far enough. It provides a remedy of eight per cent interest over the base rate plus debt recovery costs but only in certain circumstances. Delete that and make the same remedy mandatory, automatically, onerous contract clauses will be void. Include the legislation to apply to party adjudication costs and trumping all other legislation and you have a solution.

In simple terms if the larger bullying firm pays late you get at least eight per cent interest above base rate plus your debt collector, lawyer and/or adjudication costs irrespective of what the contract

Jonathan Nugent

says. The government does not then need to do anything else and the focus on paying on time will improve.

For further information on late payments or to find out how Arbicon could help with your payment dispute, please visit www.arbicon.co.uk.

Jonathan Nugent, our Managing Director

How do you successfully manage workplace stress?

UK employer’s carry the cost burden of £42 billion per year due to poor mental health, most of which is preventable.

Vikki of Skylark was a high performing employment lawyer when she burnt out.

Read her 7 Top Tips to Successfully Manage Workplace Stress, which would have prevented her 12 connected

burnout, continuing with: TOP TIP 6: CONTROL YOUR WORKLOAD Not being in control of our own workload can often seem like a fait accompli with deadlines, client demands, team needs and delegated work all bombarding us.

However, it can negatively affect our performance and our stress levels.

What if, regardless of your position, role or grade, you could control your workload?

Well you can and I can show you how.

Time can often be one of those elusive factors in our environment, seemingly beyond our control. Yet, if we use our mindset of ‘Responsible Initiative’ we can take back control over time.

What time-wasting tactics lurk in your

day? Some of mine are: • Not properly prioritising urgent over interesting • Underestimating the time things will take • Having a list that’s too long • Feeling overwhelmed and procrastinating or avoiding what I need to do.

Recognise any? Once we notice them, we can start to manage them.

Secondly, time management is often more about priority management. Revisit your actions in Top Tip 5 and always check in with your vision to prioritise your actions each day. Ensure you first complete those tasks that move you closer to your vision.

Controlling your own workload is a key skill for higher and more sustainable performance with less stress!

learn and

INFORM

NEW 30 DAY PROPERTY CAPITAL GAINS TAX PAYMENT IS LOOMING Those involved in the disposal of residential property need to be aware that the deadline to settle Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is changing significantly.

HMRC has now confirmed that from 6 April 2020, anyone responsible for administering a taxable capital gain from the disposal of a UK residential property - be it from a deceased estate, property portfolio or other – will have to submit a ‘residential property return’ and make a CGT payment on account within 30 days of completion of the disposal.

“To date, CGT has been payable by 31 January of the tax year following the year of disposal, which has given a settlement window of anywhere between 10 and 22 months after the date of sale. Therefore

this 30-day ruling will dramatically reduce the time available to prepare calculations and pay CGT. Penalties or deadlines will be charged if the deadline is missed.

“This will not apply to properties covered by Private Residence Relief but, in turn, the rules for PPR are changing significantly too so there are a series of potential adjustments for those involved with property.”

Taxpayers who are within the selfassessment system will still have to report the capital gain on their annual tax return as well as completing the 30-day residential property return.

Daniel Sanctuary, chartered accountant at Mapus-Smith & Lemmon, comments:

Appointment making experts capture attention in 10 seconds or less

By Blue Donkey Intelligent Telemarketing Appointment making experts must capture the attention of the person they are calling in the first few seconds of engagement. If you find you sometimes struggle to capture attention, look at the tips below.

STAND OUT By giving buyers something authentic you’ll disrupt their routine and ensure their focus is entirely on you. Work on effective opening techniques so the start of your call is original, informative and captivating. Your call should begin with who you are, where you’re calling from, and the reason for your call. This should be short, original, and informative.

Then ask an open question that draws the person into your call in a relevant way - so no questions about the weather please!

GET PERSONAL If your telemarketing call sounds scripted, generic, or irrelevant, it will repel your buyer making them unlikely to pay attention. If you tailor your call, make it personal to their business, you’ll demonstrate that you care about their needs. Get the chemistry right in the first few seconds and you’re more likely to win face-time.

POSITIVITY We tend to overestimate how many

calls buyers get these days.

One of the worst things you can do when starting a conversation is with statements such as ‘I’m sure you get many calls like this’ or ‘I know you must be very busy’. The implication with such sentiments is that you believe they won’t want to speak with you.

SIMPLE Few things can cause a telemarketing call to wither and fade faster than technical jargon and business speak. Instead of trying to impress your contact with buzzwords and complex phrases, keep your conversation simple. Use short sentences and reference proof points or examples, and use dialog that’s accessible to anyone. That way your call is easy to digest and builds bridges in your communication, not barriers. Besides there is nothing more embarrassing or cheesy than using a piece of jargon incorrectly - cringe!

you are tuned in to your own feelings and emotions, rather than those of the person you’re communicating with.

Try to make sure you listen carefully to answers instead of attempting to think ahead to what comes next. Seeing a person in your mind will help you do this. This also serves to help the work become more worthwhile and meaningful so they are actually doing something with a social purpose, to help someone ATTENTION! else. According to wellbeing experts, Make sure you don’t become distracted meaning in the workplace is one of those things that is hard to define, but once during your call, and this is so easy discovered has far-reaching benefits. to do when you’re nervous because

connected 13

how to

PROTECT

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

Third party discrimination of employees Advice from Quest, provider of Chamber Four Services Can an employer be liable for third party discriminatory harassment of their employee?

There are many sectors like hospitality, health care and retail where staff work closely with the public and other third parties, whilst performing their duties.

With such close connections, staff could be subjected to verbal abuse, threatening behaviour or assaults that could be of a sexual nature, racial or otherwise.

Usdaw’s annual Freedom from Fear survey reported that over the past year over two-thirds of shop workers were verbally abused; 37 per cent were threatened and around 265 were assaulted every day which is a 25 per cent increase from last year. In such circumstances, could an employer be liable for third party harassment?

Under section 26 of the Equality Act 2010, harassment occurs when a person engages in unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic

14 connected

(such as race, sex, age, disability, religion and sexual orientation) which has the purpose or effect of either violating the other person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or offensive environment.

Despite the above provision, employees currently have very little protection where they are harassed by a third party as the statutory protection relating to third party harassment was repealed back in 2013.

Since its repeal, it was thought that an employer’s failure to prevent harassment by a third party was itself unwanted conduct and all that was needed was a loose connection for the employer to be liable.

Employers Liability However, in the case of Unite the Nation v Nailard 2018 the Court of Appeal held that this is a very high threshold to be liable. It was therefore held that the employer themselves must have had discriminatory motivation or

intention for failing to act in the face of complaints of third party harassment.

Chamber Four Services Members have access to four key services as part of their membership provided by Quest – ChamberHR, ChamberLegal, ChamberH&S, ChamberTax. These services are all underpinned by Chamber Legal Expenses Insurance.

HOW TO ACCESS

Advice line – call 01455 852037 for advice on HR, Health & Safety, Legal or Tax issues.

Website – visit www.chamberhr.co.uk

ask the

Using Business Video Effectively The massive increase in using video for business promotional uses on the

web continues. Andy K Wilkinson of Shooting Image Ltd in Ely gives some insights.

WHY USE VIDEO? 1. Viewers retain 95 per cent of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10 per cent when they read it in text (Ref: Insivia).

2. Almost half (49%) of web traffic is now on mobile devices (Google - figures for the first half of 2019). Watching video on such devices is easier than scrolling through text on small screens.

3. As well as improving Google rankings, viewers spend almost twice as long on websites with video compared to those without - that’s more time absorbing information the video conveys about your business, products and/or services.

VIDEO THAT GETS RESULTS? I’ve written before about this (Issue 82, p12) and different approaches work for different types of businesses. Make sure you use video in a considered and highly targeted way. A bad video could damage you and your business reputation whilst a good one will help gain new customers and retain existing ones. An effective video will encourage potential customers to contact you.

VIDEO FOR WEBSITE? If you value your company image

EXPERT

and want to ensure you come across professionally, then you’ll best attract ideal customers with the help of an experienced videographer. If your business has several distinct areas, a short, welcoming overview video on the homepage might be best, supplemented with further short videos about each of your key offerings on their appropriate web pages.

VIDEO FOR SOCIAL MEDIA? If you’re a small/new business and most of your potential customers access your content via various social media channels, then amateur/self-produced video may be a good start point until you’re able to budget for professional help.

CREATING NUMEROUS VIDEOS COST EFFECTIVELY? One (increasingly in demand) approach is to use a videographer to create well-structured professional videos for your website. Then, from these, lots of very short, edited extracts can be produced. These can then be ‘drip-fed’ onto social media channels in a targeted marketing campaign. These videos will help channel traffic back to your website and so grow your brand, reach and Google ranking.

Don’t underestimate the power of video - use it, but use it well.

FIRST AIDERS IN THE WORKPLACE Danielle Bridge, founder of ABC Life Support CIC offers advice on having appointed first aiders in the workplace.

I hear so much about first aid at work including Mental Health First Aid. We are only a small organisation, with 25 people, do I need to have first aiders in my workplace?

The answer is yes.

The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 states that employers need to provide a safe working environment for its employees and this includes Mental Health (stress) and they recommend that if you work in a company with 5-50 workers, there should be at least one person trained in first aid.

Another first-aider should be in place for every 50 workers after that.

Accidents can happen, even in low risk organisations with few employees – remember you will need to account also for staff holidays and absences.

With 526,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety being

reported in 2016/17 in Great Britain you should think about the need to include Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace although this isn’t yet compulsory.

Basically, the bottom line is, if you

work with humans all forms of First Aid Training need to be provided. We need to look after our people and keep them safe.

Any first aid training questions? Email Danielle@abclifesupport.co.uk

connected 15

Would you like to become a Chamber member?

Get in touch today to find out the many benefits.

Tel: 01223 237414 Email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

• THIS MONTH’S NEW MEMBERS • Accountability-Plus @aap_trp

Intelli-Cool IS Online Ltd

Active8 Managed Technologies Ltd KJ Beckwith Consultancy Big Web Warehouse Ltd Brightfield Business Hub

Mec-A-Tec Services Ltd

Cake and HR

NetSupport Ltd (Business Continuity Division) @NetSupportGroup

Cambridge Chesterton Indoor Bowls Club Ltd

Rotary Club of Cambridge Sena Furniture @SenaFurniture

Cambridgeshire Football Association @CambsFA

Setfords Solicitors

Clear IT Solutions @ClearITSolution

Shelford Rugby Ltd @ShelfordRugby

EBCam Ltd

SJH Management Associates Ltd

Ely Standard @elystandard

Slepe Hall Hotel @slepehall

Hockeys Estate Agents @Hockeys_EA

State Bank of India UK @sbi_uk

Hunts Post @huntspost

The Coldroom Ltd

Institute of Export & International Trade @IOExport

Wisbech Standard / Cambs Times @cambstimes24 Xaar 3D

Coulter Elite Resourcing Coulter Elite Resourcing is a professional, personal and passionate recruitment consultancy based in Peterborough.

Since 2008 we have gained an excellent reputation in working with both clients and candidates in commercial, engineering/technical and FMCG sectors both locally and nationally. For further information as to how we can help please call 01733 306030. www.coulterelite.co.uk 16 connected

Big Web Warehouse Ltd Big Web Warehouse is a warehousing and e-fulfilment business based in Peterborough.

Family owned and trading for over 20 years, they are passionate about providing excellent service with tailored solutions for your companies storage and handling requirements.

Big Web provides storage and fulfilment for web shops, B2B, Amazon and eBay sellers. www.big-web-warehouse.co.uk

Cake and HR Cake and HR is a knowledge sharing forum for anyone with responsibility for people including HR, FDs and CEOs. They share practical ideas on what actually works in HR, whilst eating cake.

As people management experts they also deliver training for managers, and coaching for HR and top teams. www.cakeandhr.org

news from

SHELFORD RUGBY CLUB Community rugby club, dedicated to promoting the sport and its values within the local community. They also double up as a fantastic and versatile venue for events, functions and conferences. www.shelfordrugby.co.uk

NetSupport

Based in Market Deeping, NetSupport BC provides a range of business continuity services, from server hosting to support for workplace and disaster recovery – for organisations of all sizes.

Should a disaster strike, customers can move their staff to the workplace recovery centre and maintain their service with minimum disruption. www.netsupport-bc.co.uk

SETFORDS SOLICITORS Graham Peebles qualified as a Solicitor in 1987 and throughout his career has specialised in all aspects of residential property conveyancing.

Graham has lived and worked in Stamford for over 20 years, he enjoys excellent links with estate agents and the local business network through which he has a loyal following.

He has a deep understanding of the property market in the

Stamford and Rutland area and is adept at handling high value and complex transactions.

Graham takes a detailed but practical and pragmatic approach to his work with the aim of ensuring a smooth and swift conclusion to property transactions. He is approachable and accessible and constantly strives to provide exceptional service levels. www.setfords.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS

Gordon Hemphill Aspray (Peterborough) take care of residential and commercial building damage insurance claims on behalf of the policyholder.

Aspray (Peterborough) is a trading name of GH Associate Consultants Limited which is an Appointed Representative of Aspray Limited. Aspray Limited are authorised and

regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and can be found on the Financial Services Register (www. fca.org.uk/register) under reference 466101 for claims handling only.

They could deal with any property damage insurance related claim, such as damage caused by water, fire, flood, impact, storm criminal or tenant malicious.

Hockeys Estate Agents Gavin Human, Associate Partner at Hockeys Estate Agents, is proud to join and support Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce.

Being a local, family owned, independent estate agent, Hockeys are keen to support other local businesses in and

around Cambridgeshire. Their new high street office on Mill Road compliments their extremely successful office in Willingham and puts them in the heart of the Cambridge community. www.hockeys.co.uk

SLEPE HALL HOTEL Slepe Hall is a luxurious independent hotel set in the quaint market town of St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

The Historic Grade II listed building offers 16 en-suite bedrooms, welcoming bar, an a-la-carte restaurant, function rooms and is the perfect venue for conferences, events, trade shows, parties and weddings all year round. www.slepehallhotel.co.uk

connected 17

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s nurse-led care scheme with Addenbrookes’ Hospital wins national award!

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is celebrating, having been announced as the winner of ‘The Michael Howard Award’ at The Hospice UK Awards, in November 2019.

The Hospice UK awards supported by the National Garden Scheme, took place on the second evening of a three-day national conference, seek to recognise the huge contribution that both inspiring individuals and innovative programmes have made to hospice and end of life care in local communities across the UK. ‘The Michael Howard Award’ recognises the importance of innovation in collaborative partnerships between hospices and hospitals to enable more people to be cared for in their preferred place at the end of life.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity has been

working with its local acute hospital trust, Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) since December 2017, to introduce a project enabling patients dying in Addenbrookes’ Hospital, to have the option to die at the Hospice. The nurse led care scheme is aimed at patients who are unlikely to benefit from further treatment and whose needs are too complex to be supported at home, or in a care home.

Commenting on Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s achievement, the judges said: “The project makes a measurable difference, can be scaled and replicated, has an innovative funding model... and fits perfectly with Lord Howard’s vision of how hospices could make a difference! He always believed that in-reach from hospice into hospitals was the answer - that led to the start of the HOLISTIC project.

“A really great example of innovation and partnership working which has a measurable impact on people’s experience of care at the end of life. It’s a model that I’m sure will be taken up in many other localities based on this learning.”

MORE THAN £47,000 BRIDGES THE GAP FOR TWO WELL-LOVED LOCAL CHARITIES! The walk, which this year visited Christ’s College, Cambridge University Library, Queens’ College, Corpus Christi College, Pembroke College and Downing College, has now raised an incredible £550,000, since it started.

A cheque for £47,645 was presented to Romsey Mill and Arthur Rank Hospice Charity with funds being split evenly between the two local Charities. Thanks to continued support from Cambridge’s local businesses, community groups and 135 passionate volunteers, every penny raised through walkers’ registration fees, participant sponsorship and donations, goes directly to these two charities. 2,000 walkers took part this year. Over 18 consecutive years 35,000 people have now taken part in the event!

18 connected

To celebrate the success, headline sponsor The Cambridge Building Society opened the doors of their Central Cambridge store on St Andrews Street to previous participants, volunteers and sponsors who gathered to reminisce about the highlights of this years’ walk, as well as new people and companies interested in getting involved in 2020.

Having experienced Bridge the Gap for the first time Sharon Allen, CEO of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, commented: “It was an amazing day - we were so fortunate with brilliant sunshine. All of our fantastic supporters and the entertainment contributed to a great atmosphere.

It was lovely to see friends of the Hospice, both longer term and newer connections, throughout the day and to see everyone having such an enjoyable time and then to hear consistently positive feedback as people returned from their experience of visiting the Colleges. We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the walkers who took part! It is thanks to their support, and that of our sponsors, that we are able to raise a significant amount of funds for two charities that make very real differences to people living in Cambridgeshire.”

The Committee also offer their grateful thanks to the University of Cambridge, the event’s sponsors including The Cambridge Building

Society, the Rotary Club of Cambridge, Cambridge Assessment, TTP Group, and Co-op, and all those who provided support, volunteers, publicity, refreshments and entertainment before, during and after the day.

The walk is very much a collaborative community event and this aspect remains integral to its success, as Neil Perry Chief Executive of Romsey Mill explains: “Bridge the Gap is a uniquely Cambridge event, and one which the team and volunteers from Romsey Mill greatly enjoy. Once again, this year’s Bridge the Gap was a fantastic demonstration of what real community partnership looks like and what it can achieve. Bridge the Gap brings together people from all aspects of Cambridge life – businesses, Colleges, community organisations and individuals – to provide a great experience for walkers, who were able to access some of the most exclusive areas of the Colleges.

It also helps to raise vital funds for our two local charities, as we work alongside people when and where they most need support. Thank you to everyone who took part or helped make Bridge the Gap such a success this year!”

If you would be interested in supporting Bridge the Gap walk, taking place on 13 September 2020, please contact Arthur Rank Hospice Charity on 01223 675888 or email fundraising@arhc.org.uk.

chamber supports

CHARITY

Coming up in 2020…

Check out our 2020 calendar which features a brand new event for 2020 – ‘Splash Out’!

From family-friendly 5k’s to huge challenges like the London to Paris Cycling Challenge, we’ve got an event just for you.

And why not get your colleagues, family and friends together to enter a team?

You will have loads of fun, and you’ll be raising money to support East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at the same time.

There are also an array of exciting opportunities for your company to sponsor some of the below events – get in touch with Lottie Driver from EACH on 01223 800765 to find out how your company can get involved.

PETERBOROUGH SPLASH OUT A brand-new event for EACH this year, the Splash Out promises to be an event to remember! At the Splash Out you can run, walk or jog through foam and water, and tackle four inflatable obstacles.

When: Saturday 16 May Where: Peterborough Embankment

BUBBLE RUSH – HUNTINGDON & SAFFRON WALDEN

After the incredible success of our Bubble Rushes in Cambs and West Essex last year, we are bringing the bubbles back to both Huntingdon and Saffron Walden!

Participants run a 2.5km route through four coloured bubble stations – or two laps to make a 5k.

The bubbles come up to about four feet high, leaving your white Bubble Rush t-shirt dyed an amazing array of colours!

This event is open to all ages, and is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, so everyone can get involved!

Where and when: Huntingdon Racecourse – Sunday 7 June Walden Park (or “Audley End Park”) – Sunday 6 September

CAMBRIDGE TREASURE PUNT The classic Cambridge pastime of punting meets a fun and competitive treasure hunt! Teams of six can enter

the Treasure Punt to explore the historic city, prove their Cambridge knowledge, and of course win fantastic prizes!

The scavenger hunt will be followed by a reception with food, fizz and networking, and the announcement of the winners.

This event is open to teams from companies – either get your colleagues together or get in touch as an individual to be added into a team. Bookings open on our website soon, be quick – there are limited spaces!

When: Thursday 9 July Where: Cambridge City Centre

RIDE LONDON 2020

The Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100 is a unique challenge that starts in London and continues out into the stunning Surrey countryside before returning through London for a spectacular finish on The Mall. The race takes place on a similar route to the London 2012 Road Cycling races, allowing you to relive the Olympic experience!

People wishing to take on the Ride London for EACH can apply in two ways; by applying directly through Ride London OR by applying for one of EACH’s nine charity places.

When: Sunday 16 August Where: Starting at the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

LONDON TO PARIS CYCLING CHALLENGE 2020

Covering just over 300 miles, this four day route will take you through lovely countryside in both the UK and Northern France. This is set to be a fantastic ride – the tarmac in France is superb, and cycling is the nation’s favourite sport, so don’t be surprised if the locals cheer you on!

There are two options for being part of Team EACH for this challenge – either raising charity sponsorship or a selffunded place.

When: Wednesday 2 September – Sunday 6 September Where: Starting in London To register or to find out more about any of our events, visit www.each. org.uk/get-involved/events-diary or get in touch with Lottie Driver on 01223 800765 / lottie.driver@each.org.uk.

If you would like to find out any more, please contact Lottie Driver using:: Tel: 01223 800765 • email: cambs@each.org.uk • www.each.org.uk • Twitter: EACH_hospices • Facebook: EACHhospices Registered Charity Number: 1069284.

connected 19

Ceilidh success for 35 year celebration!

Rowan, the Cambridge-based charity and arts centre, celebrated 35 years in November with a celidh and mini-auction that raised £8,000. Rowan is delighted to be one of the Mayor of Cambridge’s charities of the year and as such was allowed to host this special event at the Guildhall. A thank you also to Rowan’s main sponsor ARM. The evening was filled with great food, good fun, lots of dancing, as well as a raffle and auction. Local artist Samantha Ellis donated an amazing interpretation of London’s Oxford Street for the auction which sold for a fantastic £750.

“It was brilliant,” said Tracey, a student artist who attends Rowan three times a week working in the woodwork studio as well as attending forest school on a Friday, “I was so happy we had the chance to dance at the Guildhall with my friends and other people who support us. I have been coming to Rowan for a long time. Learning new skills and being with my friends makes me so happy.”

Operations Manager Des Trollip said: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined businesses and supporters was wonderful! and Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, HM us. To have so many people together Thank you to our Patron, Dame Norma Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, for Major, the Mayor of Cambridge Gerri Bird attending. Here is to the next 35 years!” from students, staff, volunteers, local

20 connected

news from

ELY & EAST CAMBS AREA

THE CAMBRIDGE UNWRAP NEW LOOK ELY STORE In December The Cambridge welcomed guests to the reopening of its Ely store after its transformation into a vibrant and contemporary space.

At their Christmas themed launch, local people from in and around Ely came together and helped officially ‘unwrap’ the Society’s new store for its members.

Local businesses, customers and passers-by were then invited to enjoy mulled wine, Christmas crackers and

mince pies whilst the first transactions in the new store were taking place.

As a part of The Cambridge’s commitment to transforming its branch network into contemporary destinations, the Ely redesign enables a more personal and intuitive customer experience. The new store offers a bright open plan area, giving customers the flexibility to make quick transactions and to have more in-depth face to face conversations

whilst accommodating more private conversations through closed door areas.

Local fit out and design specialists COEL were responsible for the new attractive design and layout of the store.

Jerry Overhill, Director of Operations at COEL, said: “COEL are privileged to work with Cambridge Building Society on now our third store together; their commitment to creating a customer centric environment is to be admired.”

Andy Jukes, Head of Direct Distribution at The Cambridge, commented: “The opening of the new Ely store follows in the footsteps of the significant investment we’ve already made to our St Ives, Central and Great Shelford stores over the past three years. Our members have shown us that our presence in the local community is valued and this investment felt like a natural opportunity to better serve our customers in Ely and North Cambridgeshire.”

Matthew Attridge, Customer Service Manager, said: “The investment made to the Ely store is really going to make a difference to the way we provide service to our customers. It’s been great to see the Ely store transform, and I’m looking forward to seeing the new store in action and seeing the real benefit it can make to our customers.”

King’s Ely Junior pupils send Postcards of Kindness to care home residents Kind hearted King’s Ely students have been putting pen to paper to help bring cheer to elderly people living in residential and care homes.

Year 7 and 8 pupils at King’s Ely Junior have been supporting the wonderful ‘Postcards of Kindness’ initiative, spearheaded by national care home provider, Your Health Group. The campaign was launched in 2018 and has grown rapidly to the point that more than 1,200 residential and care homes are now involved.

Speaking about the campaign, the charity said: “We want to combat loneliness and isolation across the country and remind our residents that there is always somebody thinking of them, regardless of where in the world the postcards have come from.”

King’s Ely Junior pupils have loved writing and sending their postcards and have been delighted to receive some back!

Lorraine Oldham, Key Stage 2 Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Co-ordinator at King’s Ely Junior, has been working with the students on the project.

She said: “Our pupils have thrown themselves into this wonderful project, writing and illustrating not only postcards but also birthday cards for residents. They were so

surprised and delighted to receive replies from one residential home in Norfolk.”

connected 21

‘MOST WELCOMING ESTATE AGENCY’ People buying or selling a home with Bidwells are set to enjoy ‘the most welcoming visitor experience in Cambridge’ after the 180-year-old property consultants revealed plans for a new Trumpington home for its estate agency business.

Proposals for Bidwells’ second new ‘fully-agile’ building in two years have been approved by city planners and the firm is today revealing CGI impressions of how the glass-fronted pitched-roof 5,000 sq ft building will look when complete.

Bidwells re-opened their headquarters in early 2018 after a transformative refurbishment project to create Cambridge’s first fully-agile refurbished building.

The multidisciplinary firm won plaudits for delivering a step change in the quality of its client service by creating a larger and more enticing visitor area, eight stylish new conference rooms and a large open plan 140-seat café where clients are encouraged to stay for lunch or coffee after meetings.

Bidwells’ new Trumpington High Street home for its Cambridge sales, lettings and new homes business will integrate

the flexibility and functionality of Bidwell House with a stylish and welcoming interior design approach. This will ensure visitors receive the same warm welcome and flexible service as they do in Bidwell House.

Head of Residential, David Bentley, said: “Our ‘agile working revolution’ has been such a success in Bidwell House so we’ve taken everything we learned during and after the move and applied it to our home sales and lettings business.

“Buying and selling a home is a hugely important decision and a sometimesstressful experience so we want people to feel comfortable when they come and see us and not feel rushed. We want it to be the most welcoming visitor experience in Cambridge.”

HAT TRICK FOR DOMINO Domino Printing Sciences is celebrating another successful year at The Manufacturer MX Awards, achieving awards in three prestigious categories.

The company was nominated for no fewer than seven awards this year and walked away with the ‘Supply Chain Excellence’ and ‘People and Skills’ accolades, as well as being named runner-up for ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ for 2019.

This is the third year in a row that Domino has won awards at the event, after winning ‘Operational Excellence’ in 2018 and ‘Supply Chain Excellence’ in 2017.

Celebrating the best of British manufacturing, The Manufacturer MX Awards is an annual event organised

by The Manufacturer magazine in partnership with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. The event is universally recognised as the gold standard for bench-marking performance across a range of manufacturing categories.

22 connected

Awards are presented following a rigorous and detailed review of each company’s entry by groups of judges, who visit each factory in turn to inspect processes, and interview management and staff.

Carl Haycock, UK Printer Operations Director at Domino, said: “We are particularly delighted to win the ‘People and Skills’ category for the first time.

This award recognises the development and contribution of all our employees, something which was commented on so positively by many judges and peers at the event.”

Stay safe online with app developed by CRC students

Students from Cambridge Regional College are helping people stay safe online in a team work project with Cambridgeshire Police.

The team have designed a cyber safe advice tool that is set to become a mobile phone app.

It gives step by step guides to staying safe on social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. It is hoped the pioneering initiative will be rolled out to police forces across the UK. Detective Chief Superintendent Martin Brunning said: “Young people were a key target audience for this project, so it made sense to appoint a group of local students to develop the app.

“The students live in the world of social media and were highly experienced at using the top four platforms we wanted to focus on. They investigated how we could educate and support users successfully and limit the risks associated with online activity.”

Mark Robertson, Principal of CRC, said: “I am really delighted that our fantastic Uniformed Public Services students have been able to work with Cambridgeshire Police to create and share materials to promote the importance of cyber safety. Our students will be sharing the messages around CRC, and with schools across the region, helping people to stay safe whilst enjoying the internet and social media.”

news from

CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS AREA

CUBIQ UNVEILS NEW COMMUNICATIONS TEAM Award winning creative agency Cubiq has boosted its PR and Marketing offering by recruiting three new communications specialists.

Cubiq also offers design, branding, print and digital services and is now working with more than 200 clients. The agency will soon be doubling its office space in Newmarket and was recently named Business of the Year at a local business awards ceremony.

Senior PR Consultant Charlotte Pettitt brings to Cubiq more than 10 years’ experience of securing regional, national and international coverage. Charlotte has four CIPR PRide Awards to her name, two of them Gold following a global campaign, and has worked across many sectors including; food, sport, tech, beauty, property and transport.

Digital Marketing Executive Noelia Espinosa is Google certified with extensive

experience in SEO and PPC campaigns.

Focused on elevating rankings and driving results, Noelia studied at the University of Seville and worked in a marketing agency in Barcelona before moving to the UK to enhance her skills.

Abby Rolfe joins as a Marketing Executive and is responsible for content, blogs and social media management. She has previously drafted marketing copy, newsletters and blog posts for a variety of businesses and is now studying for a CIM Foundation Certificate.

The trio joins PR & Marketing Account Manager Charlotte Cox who in her two years at Cubiq has become indispensable thanks to her client relationships and skills in digital marketing and content creation.

Charlotte is CIM Certified and focuses on hospitality and destination marketing. PR & Marketing Account Executive Jessica Fidoe is currently on maternity leave.

Successful fundraising celebrated Meet Cambridge has celebrated two years of successful fundraising for a regional mental health charity, with an official cheque presentation ceremony.

In January 2018, Meet Cambridge chose Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind (CPSL Mind) as its dedicated charity and since then has held a series of events and activities to raise a total of £2,750 to support those with mental health issues.

Meet Cambridge also chose to donate all the proceeds from its 20th birthday celebrations to the charity, including a special event attended by more than 90 people and headlined by Bryony Gordon, a prominent advocate for mental health.

Judith Sloane, Deputy Manager at

Meet Cambridge, said: “We have enjoyed supporting CPSL Mind with a range of fundraising events and activities over the last two years. Mental health is now higher on the agenda but work still needs to be done to raise awareness and the demand for the charity’s services continues to grow.”

RISING STAR AT AUDIT Murray Edwards College is celebrating being upgraded to a Four Star Campus Rating for the en-suite accommodation it provides for conference delegates and B&B guests in vacation periods.

Following an in-depth audit, Murray

Edwards College was awarded the accolade from VisitEngland, the country’s national tourist board, in recognition of the facilities and services on offer in its bedrooms and bathrooms in Buckingham House, Canning and Eliza Fok House.

Chris Pope, General Manager of Conferences, Catering and Residences, said: “We were thrilled to achieve a Four Star Campus Rating for the high standard of accommodation in three key areas of the College – official recognition of the hard work carried out by our team to deliver a high quality experience to our guests, that is different from the offering in hotel chains and traditional B&Bs.”

Cubiq founder John Treby commented: “We’re going from strength to strength after 15 years and that’s because we are able to offer our clients such a breadth of expertise under one roof. Our PR and Marketing specialists are a key part of our growing team and are very well placed to ensure that businesses of any size can reap the rewards of significant publicity and promotion to their target audiences.”

Pure’s Mark Colton celebrates promotion Pure, the professional recruitment company for the East of England, has promoted Mark Colton to the role of Managing Consultant.

Based at Pure’s Cambridge office, Mark now has in excess of 20 years’ experience of recruiting within the Cambridge area. As well as specialising in accountancy recruitment, Mark also focuses on short-term and contract recruitment at a senior level, such as placing interim Finance Directors, as part of the Pure Executive team.

Gill Buchanan, Chief Operating Officer at Pure, said: “We are always proud to recognise and reward our team for delivering exceptional customer service and high quality recruitment consultancy.

Mark has made a huge impact since joining Pure. He works in partnership with clients and candidates alike and has developed long-term relationships as a result of his professionalism, impartiality and advice.

He is a great ambassador for our company and really lives the Pure values.

His promotion is extremely well deserved.” connected 23

Send us your photos each month and we’ll include the best of the bunch!

Email images direct to s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

GET CONNECTED AT CHAMBER INFORMAL NETWORKING EVENINGS Wine tasting and sustainability at Cambridge College These free events allow you to mingle with new business contacts, share knowledge and skills with like-minded professionals and catch up with familiar acquaintances. In January we were hosted

by Barclays Bank, St Andrews Street Cambridge branch, St Ives (Hunts) Golf Club, The Solstice in Peterborough, Poets House, Ely and the Oliver Cromwell Hotel in March. See our event pages for forthcoming dates.

Bidwell’s award winning planning team mobilises Seven new planners and 12 promotions have boosted Bidwells’ award-winning Planning team as it continues growing to meet increased client interest in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

24 connected

St John’s College hosts its first Chinese wine tasting event to showcase a selection of wines from China, with a tasting session led by an international specialist in the field.

Plus, they strengthen their commitment to sustainability by holding a special evening featuring environmental presentations and concluding with a four-course tasting menu created by two of the UK’s leading Vegan chefs.

it’s happening

Chorus Homes donates to the Godmanchester Food Bank

OUT & ABOUT

DOMINO PRINTING HELPS EMPLOYEES STAY HEALTHY Domino is demonstrating its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle for its employees with the launch of a new Wellness Programme. They

have introduced a range of initiatives focussing on Mind and Body, including workshops on creating wellness, managing stress and mindfulness.

Chorus Homes’ staff donated over 130kg of food and £400 to the Godmanchester Foodbank. The donations were made through staff giving cash and food as well as participating in a Christmas charity raffle.

POLITICS EAST John Bridge OBE DL appeared on BBC Politics East on 19 January with Stewart White, British Journalist, Paul Bristow MP and Sarah Owen MP where they discussed EU Settled Status. John also took the opportunity to talk about

the progress of the A14 and the short term challenges while they complete the upgrade. It is very positive that the first part has been completed a year ahead of schedule!

Jonathan Djanogly visits Royal Oak Jonathan Djanogly MP visited The Royal Oak in Hail Weston on his pub tour of the constituency. Tony Larkins, Managing Director of Beacon Wealth Management and major owner of the pub, was in attendance. It was an opportunity for Jonathan Djanogly to get behind the bar and pull a pint with Tony, with pub manager Connie overseeing.

connected 25

news from

FENLAND AREA

CWA wins two Silvers at European Championships

Message from the Chair

College of West Anglia‘s (CWA) programme manager of Equine Studies, Emma Pewter, won both Individual and Team silver medals at the MCI (Masters Cheval Iberique) European Dressage Championships, held recently in Paris.

The four day-long annual competition sees national teams from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain compete against each other for the MCI European Champion titles.

Emma had to perform two separate tests; a dressage test, followed by a freestyle test set to music the next day.

Scores from each were combined to decide the overall individual European champion.

Emma took silver after missing out narrowly – by just one per cent - to a competitor from Italy.

Her score in the individual went towards the overall Team MCI GB score, which placed them in silver medal position with the Belgian team and the French team taking gold and bronze respectively.

Emma competed with her horse, San Rafael, a 21-year-old Lusitano stallion which is owned and trained by herself.

Emma is the Programme Manager for Equine Studies at CWA’S Cambridge Campus where she has regularly taken ‘Rafa’ to be handled by students, who have prepared him for competitions.

Emma said: “I could not be prouder of my horse. I’m also delighted that the CWA students got so involved in following our success. Hopefully this has motivated and

I recently took over the Chair of a rejuvenated Fenland branch of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. When I took over the Chairmanship, along with the committee, we had a couple of objectives which were to improve the membership in Fenland, by improving the offer that the Chamber provides, but also to try and improve the understanding of business in Fenland - something that will help the Chamber of Commerce to help businesses, but will also, I hope, help the various public bodies in the district in their efforts to grow the local economy.

As a way of starting off that process of improving the understanding of the local business community, as Fenland Chamber member, you may have seen our recent survey which I hope you have been able to complete.

I know filling out these surveys takes a little time, so we have tried to keep it as short as possible.

Please also remember, the aim of this is to improve the knowledge of organisations that are here to help you.

I can be contacted on my email at chair.fenland@cambscci.co.uk and would welcome your comments or any local issues or concerns your business faces so as Fenland Chamber we can look to address these.

inspired them and shown that you can follow your dreams with through correct training and dedication.

“A few days after we returned from Paris, we won the Prix St Georges and Advanced Medium Lusitano Championships at the Nettex British Dressage Associated Championships at Bury Farm, Bedfordshire, to finish off our competition season in style. Rafa will now have a well-deserved break from competing over the winter, and I will see how he feels in the spring before deciding whether we will aim for the MCI European Championships in Milan next year.”

Martin Curtis

CWA raise money for BBC Children in Need Staff and students at the College of West Anglia have successfully raised over £400 for BBC Children in Need after completing their fundraisers to support the 2019 Appeal. The money raised will go on to help transform the lives of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. One member of staff said: “We’re overwhelmed with the response we had to doing our fancy dress activity as a fundraiser and would like to say a huge thank you to all those who took part! It was great fun supporting BBC Children in Need and to know that we’ve raised money for a great cause is a fantastic feeling.”

connected 27

news from

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

Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

HUNTINGDONSHIRE AREA

Top 100 Independent Financial Adviser seven years running Beacon Wealth Management has been celebrated as one of the best IFA’s (Independent Financial Advisers) in the UK, in the recently announced New Model Adviser Top 100. This means the firm have been included for seven consecutive years.

The New Model Adviser Top 100 awards the top 100 financial planning businesses in the UK that are going above and beyond for their clients, as well as their team and contributing to the profession as a whole. New Model Advisor send out long and detailed surveys to firms, covering investment fees, training, succession plan, client education and diversity. Scoring the firms is based on answers not assets.

Survey responses are assessed using an approved point-scoring-system, some of the factors they look at include;

evidence of well-qualified staff, robust investment propositions, carefully segmented client bases, good use of technology, willingness to share best practice, recruitment and contribution to professional standards.

Tony Larkins, Managing Director at Beacon Wealth Management Ltd, commented: “I am very proud of my team, for this great achievement for the seventh year. This year we have invested in qualifications for our growing team and have set up a committee of non-management staff to help the firm go from good to great, using team suggestions on what we can improve on next. Our clients are important to us and the heart of what we do, we will never stop improving ourselves as clients deserve the best and more.”

Get Connected!

Wi-Fi for Chorus Homes Sheltered Accommodation Chorus Homes is installing Wi-Fi in its accommodation for older people, enabling residents to interact with friends and family. The project is funded

by Places for People.

Chorus Homes’ accommodation is being futureproofed to provide the facilities that the next generation will require when they are looking to move into alternative accommodation. Digital mentoring sessions will be offered to residents who would like to develop their skills.

Digital technology continues to transform our lives, particularly with regards to how we communicate, work, access services and spend our time. It's increasingly important for older people to have the digital access, skills and confidence they need to live an independent life.

Sonya Fitt, Chorus Homes Head of Customer and Support Services, said: “Digital literacy can help grow people’s confidence, independence and wellbeing, giving them greater choice and control over their lives.

At Chorus Homes we recognise that a digitally inclusive community is important to economic and workforce development, education, and healthcare.”

WEBTEC SEES RISE IN NUMBER OF PROJECTS FOR CUSTOM PRODUCTS Webtec reports that a growing number of design engineers are taking advantage of its custom products service. Over the past 12 months, the company has assisted dozens of customers in manufacturing a better hydraulic measurement or control solution by improving product fit, form or function to suit specific needs.

When it comes to hydraulic measurement and control products, there is often no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution available off-the-shelf.

In situations where a ‘special’ is required, the hydraulic system designer has little choice but to seek out expert manufacturers able to provide custom solutions.

However, as many subsequently discover, there are few companies able to deliver the required levels of expertise, quality and speed of turnaround to meet the demands of important hydraulic projects.

Furthermore, many assume the process will be arduous, with high levels of complexity and long lead times.

Webtec takes a different approach, making the route to product customisation straightforward. In many instances, the company is able to take the best-fit standard product and customise it to provide optimum performance. As a result, hydraulic

system designers no longer have to compromise on machine functionality.

Some of the bespoke products developed recently by Webtec have remained ‘specials’ for one customer, while others have been added to the company’s range as standard items. A good example of the latter is the CV120 combined flow, pressure and directional control valve for motors on mobile machines. The CV120 is very compact, where a variable priority flow divider is combined with a directional control valve in one body. This innovative design concept reduces both cost and size by reducing the required number of hoses and fittings, in turn allowing for a more compact installation.

connected 29

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

Get in touch. Tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Charity’s Warm Homes initiative receives Green Apple award Charity PECT has received an international Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice. The award was given for the charity’s Warm Homes initiative, which aims to improve the lives of vulnerable households that are suffering from or are at risk of fuel poverty.

The Warm Homes campaign supports residents in the eastern region of the UK who are struggling to pay their energy bills or cannot keep their home heated at a sufficient temperature. PECT aims to reduce the number of people living with preventable ill health, and to help cut carbon for the benefit of the planet.

With overwhelming evidence that inadequately heated homes can have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of residents, PECT offers help through home visits, providing energy advice and information packs, as well as signposting to other available resources and support.

Over the last few years, PECT has carried out thousands of free household visits.

To ensure the longevity of the project the charity also trains frontline practitioners, who are able to refer people onto the service and help identify people in need.

The Green Apple Awards are presented annually to help recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.

Warm Homes Project Officer, Nikki Dekker, said: “We are delighted to have received recognition for our work in this field – it really demonstrates the impact our work is having. The project is innovative because we focus on the personal contact, using our experience and expertise, to help encourage long-term behaviour change.

“It is essential to address the fuel poverty crisis. Huge numbers of homeowners are unable to adequately

heat their homes, and this has significant health implications and places enormous pressure on the NHS. Our project seeks to tackle this growing issue by providing householders with a free helping hand to make their homes more energy efficient and to help save money on their energy bills.”

New President announced for Peterborough Young Lawyers Group Nick McCarthy, from local law firm Hegarty Solicitors has been announced as the new President of the Peterborough Young Lawyers Group (PYLG) and is diving into his new role by asking for more volunteers from Peterborough and the surrounding areas to become involved with the PYLG. Nick said: “I am very excited to begin my two-year tenure as President of the Peterborough Young Lawyers Group. It is a deep honour and a privilege to be elected to this position and I look forward to working together with all the other young lawyers in the Peterborough and district region over the next two years to provide a strong social and career-networking environment for all young lawyers in the area.

“I joined the PYLG as a fresh out

of the GDL paralegal back in 2014 and I have seen the society go from strength to strength. It is my goal to continue this growth both in terms of membership and also in relation to our output of hosting events and producing written and social media material.”

The Peterborough Young Lawyers Group is a subsidiary group of the Peterborough and District Law Society (PADLS). It is run by young lawyers, for young lawyers. The aim of the PYLG is to create a social environment for likeminded young lawyers, and provide a support network for those in the early stages of their career.

Membership of the PYLG is open to anyone above 18 years of age who is a law student, paralegal, legal executive, barrister or solicitor of up to five years’ experience.

ABAX SEEKS PARTNERS FOR ITS RE-SELLER PROGRAM Leading telematics supplier ABAX has implemented a scheme to allow selected Partners to offer the ABAX solutions to their customers, either as a standalone offering or bundled as part of another service or solution.

Businesses working within the ABAX 30 connected

Partnership scheme receive the full support of the Global ABAX network, including a close working relationship with the UK based Partnership team. This team works with the Partners to devise and implement a business plan, support marketing activities and ensure that the ABAX service levels are maintained throughout the Partnership Network.

Craig Allan, Strategic Partnership Manager at ABAX, commented: “Having Partnerships is key to the growth and expansion of ABAX. We are looking for selected Partners in many verticals and industries as we believe that this is a scalable way of increasing the amount of users on the ABAX network, which in turn benefits all users.”

news from

Savills signs Race at Work Charter to show their commitment to racial equality Savills, the international real estate advisor, has announced its commitment to racial equality by signing the Race at Work Charter, a government initiative in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), designed to improve outcomes for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) employees in the UK. The charter builds on the work of the 2017 McGregor-Smith Review, ‘Race in the workplace’, a wake-up call for UK employers, which found that people from BAME backgrounds were still under-employed, underpromoted and under-represented at senior levels.

The Race at Work Charter is designed to foster a public commitment to improving outcomes of BAME employees in the workplace.

It consists of five principles to ensure organisations address the barriers to BAME recruitment and progression: • Appointing an Executive Sponsor for race • Capturing data and publicising progress • Ensuring zero tolerance of harassment and bullying • Making equality in the workplace the responsibility of all leaders and managers • Taking action that supports ethnic minority career progression.

Richard Rees, Managing Director at Savills, said: “Increasing the awareness around the issues faced

by BAME employees is crucial to creating a workspace that is inclusive, diverse and fair. The Race at Work Charter is an excellent initiative and I’m delighted that Savills has added its name to the signatories list.”

PETERBOROUGH AREA

NEW PRINT ON DEMAND WEBSITE FOR OLIVE PRINT & GRAPHICS Olive Print & Graphics are delighted to announce the launch of their new web-site incorporating an E-Shop ‘Print on Demand’ feature which allows clients to upload artwork, order and pay online for their business cards, brochures, leaflets, pull-up posters etc.

Olive Managing Director, Ian Wicks, says: “We have invested heavily in this new site which has been produced

by UK Web Solutions, with the aim of making print ordering easier and more accessible for new and existing customers.

“Increasingly, customers are looking for 24 hour ordering facilities and our fast, free delivery across our e-shop products will provide them with

the instant print solutions they are searching for.”

For a limited period, Chambers members can get 10 per cent discount on online orders with Olive by inputting code “Chambers” at the checkout.

You can visit the Olive Print & Graphics site at www.olivepg.co.uk.

STRAIGHTAHEAD UK CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY Straightahead UK founder, Vicki Culverhouse, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her business which specialises in helping other businesses to grow and build strong relationships.

In November 2009, Vicki took the plunge to launch the company that sought to offer UK businesses a respectful alternative to traditional telemarketing. All of her previous roles had been related to helping businesses to generate sales, either as a rep, business manager or director. She saw a gap in the market for a B2B cold calling service that was considerate, friendly and built upon a compassionate ethos.

Vicki explains: “Having worked in numerous sales environments, I worked out quite early on that it’s really important

to have the right sort of fun atmosphere for people to work in. It is very professional, we do make sure we make the calls in the right way, but what we also do is make sure everyone in the team enjoys being at work.

“We encourage our staff to feel relaxed and able to have a chat between calls, because the happier they are, the better they will work, the better conversations they will have and the better outcomes they will get for our clients.”

Straightahead now employs nine full-time staff members at its office in the Eventus Business Centre in Market Deeping.

Kaitlyn Joyce, Straightahead’s Business Manager, who has worked with the company since November 2015, adds: “I am the biggest chatterbox going so to find a job that means I get to communicate with a variety of prospects as well as my team on a daily basis is a dream come true for me.

“I never feel like I’m selling anything, or that I’m being forceful, I generally just feel like I’m helping them and this shows when we listen to the call recordings which is why we think it’s so important to enable our clients to listen to any leads we generate to get a feel for themselves. It’s extremely exciting that I get to celebrate the 10-year anniversary with the business and can’t wait to continue my journey with Straightahead.” connected 31

HEWITSONS YOU Whether you are an individual, a business, or an organisation such as a charity, our approach to understanding the issues you face ensures we deliver the specialist legal guidance to get you where you want to be. You and Hewitsons: it’s a partnership that works.

Cambridge London Milton Keynes Northampton

hewitsons.com

Absolute Client Focus

news from

STAMFORD AREA

40 YEARS IN STAMFORD FOR LOCAL LAW FIRM HEGARTY SOLICITORS A lot has changed since 1979 when Hegarty Solicitors first set up office in Stamford, but the firm continues to go from strength to strength. We take a walk down memory lane to celebrate this milestone.

The firm, which was established in two rooms and a makeshift reception in Peterborough in 1974 now has three offices in Peterborough, Stamford and Oakham and over 100 staff.

Hegarty Solicitors opened an office in Stamford in December 1979 in Maiden Lane, following the success of the first office in Peterborough, and since that time has helped thousands of clients in the local area as well as further afield.

The premises at Maiden Lane in Stamford quickly proved to be too small for the volume of work that came into the office and in 1984 the firm moved to premises at 10 Ironmonger Street and redeveloped them into offices. The Stamford office continues to practise from these premises today.

Tim Thompson, Senior Partner at Hegarty Solicitors, commented: “The

central location of our office in Stamford means we are at the heart of the local community. We offer a full range of legal services to clients in and around Stamford and clients are always welcome to drop in.

“Many of our staff members are from the Stamford area and we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment we work in. We support and sponsor a number of local sports clubs and events including the Stamford & District Indoor Bowls Association, Stamford Festival Charity Golf Tournament, and Blackstones Under 9’s, a local football team based in Stamford, as well as supporting local events such as the Stamford Mercury Business Awards and a number of local charities and fund-raising initiatives.”

Since 1979 the firm has seen many changes, from the use of technology, to the way in which services are delivered.

Hegarty Solicitors was one of the very first solicitors in the area to offer a specialised service. In 1979 when the practice was established in Stamford, each solicitor

covered a variety of different areas of law, however in the mid-1980s the firm decided that there would be separate departments for each area of law to ensure that clients are represented by solicitors who are experts in their field. This has evolved over time and the partnership now consists of 10 partners and more than 100 staff members across three offices delivering services across multiple areas of law, covering family law, residential and commercial conveyancing, wills, trusts and probate, employment and corporate law, litigation and criminal law.

Andrea Beesley-Hewitt, partner at Hegarty Solicitors’ Stamford office, commented: “Although Hegarty Solicitors has grown considerably since 1979, which has allowed us to provide the local area with a full range of legal services, we still pride ourselves on being a local firm with staff who build strong relationships with our clients. Our solicitors are empathetic and friendly and will take the time to really listen to you and understand your needs.”

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

Tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk connected 33

Tackling Youth Unemployment The Skills Service, part of Opportunity Peterborough, is working with Youth Employment UK to make Peterborough the country’s first youth friendly employer city.

Feature by Sarah Anstiss, Skills Lead, The Skills Service

T

he UK has a serious future workforce challenge on its hands.

Recent surveys have shown that the career aspirations of young people in the UK are at odds with the jobs market, and that career ambitions can be limited by the age of just seven through stereotyping about social background and race.

The Skills Service has been working for a number of years to break down these stereotypes and to bridge industry skills gaps by bringing employers into schools

34 connected

to talk about real career opportunities.

In the last 10 months alone, the team has worked across Peterborough, Fenland, East Cambridgeshire, South Holland and Huntingdonshire to deliver 165 events in over 30 schools, in partnership with 860 businesses and reaching a total of 26,545 students.

We’re big advocates of early intervention - as few as four interactions with employers in school can reduce a young person’s chances of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) by 25 per cent.

With the new university coming to Peterborough and a very young demography, retaining young talent is more important than ever for Peterborough and The Skills Service is keen to emulate any successful strategies across our operational area.

Peterborough itself faces a challenge of higher than average NEET levels, currently at 8.3 per cent for those aged 16-17. When coupled with unemployment at 5.9 per cent for 16-24 year olds, it’s clear that we need a coordinated approach.

At the recent Youth Friendly workshop

we had the opportunity to discuss the different aspects of local youth employment pathways and shared some of the great employer practices. Some of the key concerns being addressed by

report from

employers related to building resilience in the workplace, bite sized training opportunities, and start up loans for aspiring young entrepreneurs. A number of key themes were identified as areas for further discussion and action. These included identifying practices to ensure inclusivity and to support young people with special needs, enabling employers and students to meet and identify expectations through focus group discussion. CPD links for teachers was another area it was agreed would be developed.

The aim of the group is to break down barriers and enable more local young people to have the confidence and understanding to benefit from the local jobs market.

One of the biggest challenges we can easily make a dent in is centralising knowledge across sectors, especially between teachers and employers. We can help employers create optimal environments for young employees whilst helping students get an even better understanding of the jobs market and the world of work before they leave education.

We’ll also be talking directly to young people to discuss their ambitions,

THE SKILLS SERVICE

understand what types of support and delivery models would work best, and come up with new ways to get young people excited about local career opportunities.

Keep an eye out on our social media and website for more information about our progress: www.theskillsservice.co.uk and @UK_Skills on Twitter.

If you’d like to get involved, email info@theskillsservice.co.uk or call 01733 317441.

LAURA GIBBON Laura Gibbon, Partnerships Director at Youth Employment UK, commented: “We’re very excited to have Peterborough signed up to become the first Youth Employer Friendly city.

“Our annual Youth Voice census has over 3,000 responses from across the UK and in 2019 found that some of the biggest barriers to employment were mental health, location and travel, experience and skills.

“Working across different stakeholder groups is definitely putting Peterborough on the right footing and we’re really proud to be working with The Skills Service.

There’s been some really lively discussion at the workshops so far with everyone clearly demonstrating a big passion for helping local young people not just find work, but embark on a career they find rewarding.”

The Skills Service has been working for a number of years to break down these stereotypes and to bridge industry skills gaps connected 35

connect with

SIGNPOST 2 GROW

Preparing your business for Brexit Brexit. Now a term so engrained in today’s culture it seems like the topic that’s been on everybody’s lips for years, but how does it affect business?

Every business is unique and with the flurry of advice that’s available it makes it hard to know what advice is best to follow: What is the right way to prepare?

How does Brexit impact by exports to and imports from non-EU countries?

What steps need to be taken to ensure that my business is Brexitready?

How do I break through all of the Brexit jargon to get to the heart of the information?

How do I help my employees with EU settlement scheme?

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Growth Hub is working with Brexit4Business to demystify the jargon and provide the insight needed to get your business ready for Brexit.

WHAT IS BREXIT4BUSINESS? Brexit4Business is an advisory service dedicated to providing guidance to local companies, they offer bespoke advice to companies regarding their specific needs, as well as holding free workshops for businesses to find out more on the topics of EU settlement for workers and import and export documentation

after Brexit.

The advice is free of charge and takes into account your specific requirements to give accurate guidance of how Brexit may impact you and your business.

THE TOPICS BREXIT4BUSINESS ADVISE ON INCLUDE: • Import and export implications of Brexit – both within the EU and globally • Documentation required ahead of and after Brexit • Impact on finance and funding • The impact of a no-deal Brexit • Preparing your employees • EU Settlement for your workers • Right to work checks • Legislation and process changes

• Penalties for non-compliance • Impact of Brexit on productivity.

Brexit4Business also offer regular workshops, focusing on settlement schemes for your staff from the EU and importing/exporting after Brexit.

These workshops are currently taking place across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region.

Led by one of their expert advisors, these workshops are open to representatives from any business.

Please see www.brexit4business. co.uk/events/ for further information regarding our workshops or email advice@brexit4business.co.uk with your enquiry.

connected 39

insight from

What is Account Based Marketing and Can it Boost Your Business?

Account Based Marketing (ABM) is set to become one of the watch-words for business-to-business (B2B) marketing in 2020. Sarah West of Full Mix Marketing explains what it means and how to benefit.

WHAT IS ACCOUNT BASED MARKETING? ABM is about directing marketing efforts towards engaging a specific set of existing or potential clients. It requires close alignment between sales and marketing teams to ensure every marketing communication or touch-point is highly personalised with specific messaging.

WHY USE IT? The desired outcome is higher sales and client value in a shorter timeframe. ABM

focuses activities on those relationships with the greatest opportunity and potential value. Instead of casting a wide net, it helps break through competitor’s marketing by putting something highly specific and personal in front of valuable clients.

HOW DO YOU APPLY IT? ABM helps marketing and sales collaborate around a common goal. The first step is to co-develop a strategy. While the top objective is to win business, it’s best to target smaller goals that lead to success.

Analyse your existing customer base and identify your ideal customer (typically the most profitable, long-term and happy).

For new clients, identify those most likely to have an urgent need you can address.

Business decisions are typically made by multiple people, so identifying all those who wield influence.

Develop a personalised marketing campaign, designed to resonate with each individual by providing valuable information mapped to where they are in the buying cycle. Align your messages

SARAH WEST

to their interests, needs and challenges.

Ideally develop a unique message and value proposition for each individual and instil confidence as a trusted advisor who’s done their homework.

Marketing methods can include email, direct mail, social media, digital advertising, printed materials, special events and more. Figure out which channels each target uses to discover and research solutions. This may vary so don’t assume one-size-fits-all.

WHAT MAKES IT SO EFFECTIVE FOR B2B? Many businesses already utilise elements of ABM such as personalised emails, invites to events and account management. Most businesses can also identify those to whom they could sell more or specific companies they’d like to attract. ABM focuses efforts and ensures both marketing and sales are jointly accountable for success and progressing accounts along the buying process.

If you’d like help implementing and benefiting from ABM, visit https:// fullmixmarketing.co.uk.

connected 41

A depraved stalker. An unsolved murder.

A cop who will stop at nothing. ««««« “A first-rate Scandi thriller” ««««« “Dark and gritty”

SAVE

£5

««««« “A compulsive page-turner” ««««« “Absolutely brilliant” REAL READER REVIEWS

Order Die For Me in hardback for only £13.99* (RRP £18.99).

Call 01256 302 699** or order online at mirrorbooks.co.uk Offer code RA9 * Plus P&P ** Lines open 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday-Friday

Huntingdonshire

BUSINESS FAIR

Huntingdonshire DATE Wednesday 29 April 2020 TIME 10.00am-4.00pm LOCATION Burgess Hall, St Ives Huntingdonshire’s Business Fair is returning in 2020 on Wednesday 29 April. This free B2B event is the biggest in Huntingdonshire and brings businesses together from across the county for a day

of networking and business promotion.

Last year there was over 55 exhibitors, with visitors travelling from within and beyond Huntingdonshire.

For exhibitors, it’s a great, costeffective opportunity to promote their business and increase potential customer base. There are also fantastic networking opportunities for visitors, with 92 per cent of our 2019 visitors saying they would attend this event again in 2020.

VISITOR PRICE Free to attend EXHIBITOR PRICE 2x2m stand Member rate: £130.00 (plus VAT) Non-Member rate: £185.00 (plus VAT) 4x2m stand Member rate*: £260.00 (plus VAT) Non-Member rate:

£365.00 (plus VAT) *members of Cambridgeshire Chamber and FSB

CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01223 237414 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk www.huntbizfair.co.uk Huntingdonshire Business Fair is organised by

connected 43

chamber

EVENTS

AMAZING BENEFITS OF INFORMAL NETWORKING EVENINGS Widen your connections with business people across Cambridgeshire for free.

Our popular informal networking evenings continue to attract businesses of all sizes from a wide range of industry sectors and, most importantly, they’re free to attend.

February 2020

19 20 26

NatWest Cathedral Square, Peterborough 5.30-7.30pm

Ashtons Legal, Cambridge 5.00-7.00pm

Mapus-Smith & Lemmon LLP, Wisbech 5.00-7.00pm

March 2020

2

Regus, Huntingdon 5.00-7.00pm

18

Metro Bank, Peterborough 5.00-7.00pm

4

Paten & Co, Stamford 5.00-7.00pm

9

Poets House, Ely 5.00-7.00pm

CHAMBER

MEMBERSHIP DATE Tuesday 25 February TIME 9.30-11.30am LOCATION Chamber office, Oakington, Cambridge DATE Wednesday 25 March TIME 9.30-11.30am LOCATION Edmundson Electrical, Fengate, Peterborough PRICE Free to attend CONTACT Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 or email b.coleman@cambscci.co.uk Do you want to make financial savings?

Are you looking to increase revenue?

Do you want to improve profitability?

Come and learn the real, tangible benefits of membership in terms of financial savings and increasing revenue and profitability.

Whether you’re looking to generate interest in your services and increase sales, develop your professional skillset, explore new opportunities to do business overseas, or take advantage of the cost-savings and protection available, our extensive membership package offers it all.

You will also discover our latest promotional opportunities and get connected with our benefit service providers. We will also explain how we can help you engage with others in the Chamber network and across the wider business community.

This two-hour session is free to attend, and open members and non-members of the Chamber, but please book in advance as places are limited to ensure everyone gains maximum benefit from the session.

19 25

TBC, Cambridge 5.00-7.00pm

Coach House Hub, Chatteris 5.00-7.00pm

Chamber members can book events online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk connected 45

SAFARI NETWORKING EVENTS

What is Safari Networking?

You’ll have two minutes at three different tables to make those initial introductions and explain what sets your business apart from its competitors. The relaxed but structured format offers guests the opportunity to move

around the room and form connections with new business contacts from a wide range of industry sectors. There will also be additional opportunity for networking over breakfast and hear from a fantastic speaker.

SAFARI NETWORKING BREAKFASTS

DATE Thursday 5 March TIME 7.45-10.00am LOCATION Huntingdon Racecourse SPEAKER Danielle Bridges, Chief Executive Officer at ABC Life Support, will talk about Mental Health in the workplace, examining why we need a positive culture around Mental Health in the workplace and how to plan for Mental Health provision.

DATE Wednesday 11 March TIME 7.45-10.00am LOCATION The Pitt Building, Cambridge DATE Friday 27 March TIME 7.45-10.00am LOCATION The Bull Hotel, Peterborough PRICE £20.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £27.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members

CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01223 237414 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk 46 connected

Develop a winning team DATE Tuesday 17 March TIME 9.30am for a 10.00am start til 12.00pm LOCATION Regus, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon PRICE £20.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £30.00 (plus VAT) nonmembers CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01223 237414 or email h.bosett@cambscci. co.uk Organised by the HR & Recruitment Sector Following on from the success of our ‘War for Talent’ series, our 2020 series will focus on how the growth and success of a business stems from its ability to invest and support the growth and success of its people.

This taster session will explore themes including skills transition, flexible career routes and working practices, succession planning and how to create a team for the future.

chamber

EVENTS

EXPORT CLUB DATE Tuesday 31 March TIME 4.00-6.00pm LOCATION Chamber office, Oakington PRICE Free to attend CONTACT Karen Cash on 01223 237414 or email k.cash@cambscci.co.uk An informal networking event for exporters, international service providers and those interested in accessing new markets overseas.

Whether you are already involved in international trade or considering expanding into new markets, Export Club offers a unique informal environment to share experience and expertise.

Everyone is invited to attend...

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY #EachforEqual

We are really excited to announce our keynote speaker – Claire Lomas MBE. DATE Friday 6 March Claire was left paralysed from a freak TIME 9.30am-1.00pm accident but has not let this stop LOCATION Peterborough Cathedral her then active life. She completed the London Marathon in 2012 in a PRICE £25.00 (plus VAT) Chamber pioneering robotic suit which took 17 members, £35.00 (plus VAT) nondays to complete and since then has Chamber members competed in other marathons smashing CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01223 her PB in 2018. She has become the 237414 or email h.bosett@cambscci. first paralysed female in the UK to co.uk receive her motorbike race licence and Organised by the Business Women’s continues to fundraise for helping to Sector find a cure to paralysis.

This popular event returns to the Claire will speak of her life changing Cathedral and again promises to bring journey, the highs and lows, you a morning of inspirational speakers achievements and challenges, leaving and workshop activities. Welcoming the audience totally inspired and everybody from business plus our young believing in themselves! people from schools/colleges. There’ll also be time for some great networking, We look forward to welcoming her to this special event. concluding with a buffet lunch!

Claire will also be available for her book signing ‘Finding my Feet’.

connected 47