CONNECTED Magazine September 2013

SEPTEMBER 2013

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE

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CONTENTS |

Inside this issue

5

6-9

13

Chief Executive’s Comment Peterborough Chamber News In the Hotseat: Jo Lancaster from HDC

14-16 Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber News

6

14-16

19

20

21 22-23

18

Huntingdonshire Chamber News

19

Fenland Chamber News

20

Ely Chamber News

21

Cambridgeshire Chamber News

22-23

Out & About

Ask the Expert: Protecting your Business

25

26-27

Events

28

Policy Update

29

Chamber Updates

30

Update from the LEP

32

Charity of the year

34

Responsive web design

36-37

38

Aviation policy

39-41

Sector Updates

Late payment of invoices

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 3

| EDITOR’S COMMENT

Contributing this month...

Welcome The Cambridge B2B is a sell-out and takes place in less than a month.

Debbie Harvey Ferrier Pearce Creative Group

CONNECTED will be celebrating its first birthday at the B2B Exhibition on Wednesday 18 September. Come along to the Chamber stand and pick up the October edition hot off the press!

Seminar details for the day are being announced as they are confirmed; keep an eye on our website for details.

In this edition Cambridge City Hotel is running a competition for all CONNECTED readers to win an overnight stay and tea for two. Please see page 29 for details on how to enter.

Strategic marketing director of a creative design agency specialising in the development of sustainable initiatives.

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

Oliver Halls Method Creative Recent English graduate and journalist working for a local creative agency.

Do you follow us on Twitter?

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

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

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Chief Executive John Bridge OBE | Editor Sadie Parr | Creative Director Jillian Boys Publisher methodcreative.co.uk | Ebenezer House, Rooks Street, Cottenham, Cambridge CB24 8QZ | 01954 253060 | Print cambridgeprinters.co.uk Disclaimer Views expressed in CONNECTED are not necessarily those of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce.

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

Membership Development Officer Peter Watts 07545 697799 or Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 Cambridge Enterprise House, The Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9ZR. Tel 01223 237414 Peterborough 6 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT. Tel 01733 370809 Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk | www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

@CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

4 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

Our editorial panel: We would also like to thank the other members of the Chamber Communications Sector group who will be responsible for shaping the key topics every month and researching these features to better serve the Chamber members in the pages of CONNECTED.

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

Contact Lorna Hopkins on 01954 253060 or email lorna@methodcreative.co.uk

Prices start from as little as ÂŁ75

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COMMENT |

Think

Global

BREAKING new ground and exploring new territories, both literally and metaphorically, is something that challenges every business owner seeking to expand or adapt. Sometimes the difficulties can be quickly brushed aside, but for others it can mean falling at the very first hurdle and an opportunity missed.

A major international trade survey, conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has found that the number of firms that are exporting goods and services overseas is on the up. It’s what we, along with other accredited Chambers across the UK, have been saying for some time will be key to driving forward the economy. Indeed it’s a trend that we’re seeing replicated here in Cambridgeshire, and July 2013 saw the second-largest volume of export documentation ever processed by our export department.

It’s great news for some, especially those members that have attended the Chambers’ International Sector seminars to hear about the buoyant markets and meet the specialists who can help them make their plans a reality. But what about the companies that have considered exporting, but immediately dismissed it because they fear a lack of understanding of the foreign marketplace will prevent their venture from being successful?

Perhaps unsurprisingly the same survey found that those who ‘think global’, either because they have previously worked abroad or they already collaborate with international partners in business, are far more likely to export than those with little international experience. Living abroad, family ties and links between local communities and overseas communities have all been shown to be influential in decisions to trade abroad.

So what should this mean for policy-makers? The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for more efforts from the government to place students and graduates in international business placement schemes, to encourage the employers of tomorrow to build their companies with a global perspective in mind.

As the world becomes an increasingly open and interconnected market place, it is vital that companies ‘think global’ and develop a mindset that is naturally geared towards exporting and entering new markets. Greater emphasis on international placement opportunities would provide global connections to the exporters of tomorrow, while the familiarity and confidence generated by the placements would open up a world of opportunities.

We offer a full range of services to assist anyone thinking of tackling a new marketplace, so please do not hesitate to contact us for the right support and advice. In addition, details of our next International Sector event where the focus is Australia can be found on the Chamber website.

John Bridge OBE Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

exporting will be key for driving forward the economy

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 5

| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

Peterborough Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

Larkfleet will showcase expertise at Business Focus LARKFLEET Group will be the major sponsor – and largest exhibitor – at the Business Focus exhibition on Wednesday 16 October. The group will use the event to demonstrate its wide-ranging environmental expertise, particularly in the linked fields of renewable energy generation and energy conservation. Several group companies will be sharing the Larkfleet stand: LARK ENERGY is a market leader in financing, developing and installing large scale, commercial solar electricity projects. It has installed over 60 MWp of photovoltaics (PV) across the UK since June 2011, including the country’s largest solar park, and has planning permission for a further 100 MWp. As well as developing field-based systems Lark Energy offers a complete service for rooftop PV installations on large industrial and commercial buildings.

DEEPINGS BUILDING & PLUMBING SUPPLIES and ECO-BUILDING PRODUCTS supply a range of renewable and energy-saving products including heat pumps, solar panels, underfloor heating, thermal insulation and watersaving plumbing and drainage.

LARKFLEET RENEWABLES is Green Deal and ECO approved to complete and fund energy

efficiency measures. It is currently replacing old inefficient heating systems and improving the insulation of homes in both social and private housing sectors. The company has secured funding to complete this work at no cost to the householder or landlord.

It has also secured finance to retrofit LED lighting in commercial premises and PV for commercial rooftops at no upfront cost to clients. Clients can use the savings made from the new technology to pay for the new systems.

All these Larkfleet Group companies source materials and components only from companies who are able to offer meaningful long-term warranties that Larkfleet can pass on to customers.

A similar commitment to quality is adopted

by Larkfleet Homes, the group’s awardwinning house-building company, and

Ian Greenfield, Larkfleet Group, and VIPs on the Larkfleet stand at Business Focus

6 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

Larkfleet Exclusives which designs and builds individually-tailored homes for discerning buyers. Larkfleet homes are built to high levels of energy efficiency and many of them incorporate features such as PV panels.

The frames used in Larkfleet properties are designed and manufactured in wood sourced from sustainable forests by Larkfleet Group company, Kestrel Timber Frame.

All these companies contribute to meeting the Larkfleet Group’s ‘corporate mission’ - ‘to produce high quality sustainable developments using innovative technology and construction methods, delivered to exceed our customers’ expectations’.

Larkfleet Group Chief Executive Karl Hick said: “Business Focus will allow us to show how Larkfleet Group companies are leading the way in sustainability, energy conservation and renewable technologies.” n

Peterborough Greyhound Stadium with solar panels fitted by Larkfleet Group

PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS |

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

New regional headquarters THE acquisition of two businesses by a leading Regional Insurance Brokers and Financial Planners has benefitted from a merger of the teams into a newly purchased office.

Alan Boswell Group acquired the Peterborough branch of Sutcliffe Insurance Brokers and Bentley Charles Insurance Services at the end of 2012. The two businesses have now brought their teams together and rebranded as Alan Boswell Insurance Advisors.

This has seen the purchase of new offices on Accent Park, Orton Southgate. The staff from

both brokers have all been retained.

Regional manager, Andrew Kirton said: “This move has enabled us to combine our expertise, double our workforce and business and completely streamline our processes. We’re able to provide a better service to our existing clients whilst attracting new ones.

“Clients will benefit from our new additional services. The Group has a large in-house claims team, and we now have access to independent risk management specialists that we were previously unable to offer clients.” n

The Peterborough Team outside the new office

Business is booming

Andrew Heeler

BUSINESS in Peterborough appears to be well on the way to economic recovery, with a marked increase in mergers and acquisitions activity amongst local firms in the first half of 2013.

Law firm Hegarty Solicitors completed an unprecedented 27 business transactions in its corporate law department in the first six months of the year alone.

Partner and department head Andrew Heeler, said: “Over the past few years, as the economy has struggled, we’ve seen businesses adopt a cautious approach to growth. This year however, there has been a noticeable increase in M&A and investment activity, suggesting that businesses locally are starting to feel more optimistic about the future.” n

IN BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2013 Next generation CHP System Volter UK, trading as Arbor Heat and Power, is about to launch the next generation of combined heat and power (CHP) systems, branded as ArborElectroGen. Richard Griffin, CEO, explains how the new CHP gasification system incorporates the latest technology to deliver unrivalled heat and power solutions that are not only environmentally friendly, but also offer revenue opportunities for companies: “Using biomass for heating and power results in very low net ‘lifecycle’ carbon emissions in relation to conventional sources of heating such as gas, oil and even plant oil.

“Currently, the generation of heat alone accounts for nearly half of the UK’s carbon emissions and there is a legal requirement to reduce carbon emissions by at least 26 per cent by 2020 under the Climate Change Act. Meeting the target will require a major shift away from fossil fuel heating systems to lower carbon forms of heating, which our systems are built to deliver.

“Biomass CHP offers significant benefits for users, including operational fuel cost savings, reduced fuel price volatility and a solid return on their investment. The system can make use of resources that may otherwise be treated as waste wood to further improve the economics.”

Richard Griffin

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 7

| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

Peterborough Chamber NEWS

A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

It’s official – Peterborough is a UK centre for accounting excellence!

PETERBOROUGH, renowned for its history and heritage, is now confirmed as a UK centre for excellent accountancy practice.

Two Peterborough accountancy firms, AA Accountancts and GreenStones, are the first to achieve the coveted five-star status in the new AVNExcellence accreditation system, which means that they rank amongst the best in the UK. Simon Chaplin, owner of GreenStones, explains: “The AVNExcellence standards have great credibility. This isn’t about getting an easy ride and a congratulatory slap on the back. It’s about a skilled third party looking

at us and examining the relevant issues in detail. I now know for sure that if a firm gets a top rating, they’ve really earned it!”

Shahzad Nawaz, Managing Director of AA Accountants, reflected on the firm’s accreditation success: “There’s nothing else quite like AVNExcellence in the UK and it’s been a very good experience. When you’re working hard you don’t always know how well you’re doing. Our team really appreciated the external insight on how much we’d done and what adjustments will keep us moving forward and consistently delivering the best possible service to our clients.” n

Shahzad Nawaz and Simon Chaplin

Anti-social behaviour accreditation CROSS Keys Homes received a prestigious accolade for their exceptional level of performance to address anti-social behaviour.

They received the national HouseMark accreditation following a rigorous assessment. HouseMark are a membership-based organisation whose role is to help the housing sector as a whole to improve performance and share best practice.

Cross Keys Homes’ is one of a handful of housing associations in the country to have received the accreditation, which followed an external audit against seven key commitments that form the ‘Respect – Anti-Social Behaviour Charter for Housing’.

Anti-social behaviour manager, Gemma Wood, said: “Achieving this accreditation means a great deal to the team and shows the exceptional level of service we provide daily to our tenants.” n

The team with their Anti-social behaviour certificate

8 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

An iiE Consultancy meeting

Businesses helped to become leaner and greener BUSINESSES are signing up to a new consultancy scheme which can help their company save thousands of pounds in energy and waste bills.

Investors in the Environment (iiE) launched iiE Consultancy to provide expert advice to companies who want to trim their monthly outgoings. Since launching iiE Consultancy has helped businesses to cut costs and improve their reputation.

Services offered include resource efficiency audits; feasibility studies to ascertain where new technology is needed, support with Environmental Management System such as ISO14001 and support on evaluating the organisation’s carbon footprint. n

PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS |

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk 18-24 November 2013

ACR unveils new offices ANNE Corder Recruitment unveiled its new offices with an evening reception for clients and guests on Tuesday 16 July.

About 50 guests, including Lord Brian Mawhinney, were given a guided tour of the new offices.

The first candidate to be greeted to the new offices received the VIP treatment – including a bottle of champagne and some flowers. Sophie Baker, who recently graduated from the University of Lincoln, said: “The new offices are really nice, with a really modern feel, everyone was very warm and friendly – I felt immediately at ease.” n

PETERBOROUGH Regional College, University Centre Peterborough and Anglia Ruskin University will be providing a range of activities to promote entrepreneurial learning and business acumen to their students.

We are keen to engage with companies, advisory bodies and business start-up initiatives who want to mentor and support the talent of the future. The College’s Peter Jones Academy students are actively looking for challenges which allow them to develop their entrepreneurial flair. The flourishing Enterprise Society matches the talents

and skills of FE and HE students and supports the development of both commercial and social enterprise initiatives. Guest lectures, workshops and 1-21 guidance will be available throughout the week. In addition to this students will be contributing to a comprehensive supplement on enterprise that will be available in Connected ‘s October edition. n

FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT: Sophie Baker with Anne Corder

Scheme to drive down energy prices launched READY to Switch for Businesses will target small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs) in the Peterborough area to help them access cheaper gas and electricity prices, as well as free advice on how to avoid energy contract pitfalls.

Peterborough City Council will lead the initiative alongside six other councils. The combined effort across several councils will help to increase the number of businesses signing up and will allow the scheme to negotiate better rates to help save more.

It’s thought that four out of five businesses are not doing anything about their energy bills and are paying up to 35 per cent

more than they need to for their energy.

Councillor Marco Cereste, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “We’ve been working hard to bring about a scheme for businesses helping to save money for hundreds of domestic customers. I understand how hard our business leaders work in the city and realise they never have enough time to do everything - this scheme is easy and straight forward and could save SMEs money that they don’t need to spend.”

Businesses can call 0800 038 0548 and request a call back to speak to an energy expert or visit www.readytoswitch.co.uk n

UCP on 0845 196 5750 or visit www.peterborough.ac.uk/ucp

PRC on 0845 8728722 or visit www.peterborough.ac.uk

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 9

| COMMERCIAL FEATURE

More than just a new logo It’s all change this month at Peterborough’s leading business supplies & services group.

We find out how and why from the man who made it happen.

Walters’ fully-equipped showrooms and office headquarters on Royce Road, Peterborough

THE Walters stationery business that started back in 1959 has changed beyond recognition.

Gone is the small tobacconist and office shop in Peterborough city centre - replaced by fullyequipped showrooms, offices and warehousing on an expanding business park.

No more sales of carbon paper and snuff today’s business supplies cover over 20,000 different product lines.

This month sees the next chapter of the Walters amazing history when a brand new corporate identity is rolled out across the Group.

We caught up with Managing Director Mike Walters to get the story behind his bold decision to change the face of the company.

Walters has become a very diverse business, expanding its core stationery supplies operation to become an award-winning, document solutions provider as well as a well-respected office interiors design and installation company.

Like many multifaceted businesses it’s important that every part of the operation is promoted in its own market and this led the thinking behind the new image of Walters. Mike explains...

“There are still many of our customers who see us only as a stationery supplies company, and although this is still a major part of our business, we can offer complete solutions for every business, from fully-networked copier and printer systems to total office furniture planning and refits. Our new corporate identity allows us to show our diversity in a very bold way.”

Segmenting the Group into three distinct sectors, each with their own logo and signature colour has enabled every part of the

Walters’ original city-centre shop dating back to 1959

business to be fully identified in the new range of multi-channel marketing material.

Everything from external signage on the head office to delivery vans, customer documentation and staff uniforms have been rebranded.

“You can’t shout softly and so we are intending to make a real impact with the launch this month of our new corporate identity” continues Mike Walters... “We’ve looked at everything, in particular our customer-facing communications and at the forefront of this is the new website. We’re delighted with the bright, clean and easy-to-use approach to the website and you can see straight away how diverse we are. Take a look at walters.co.uk.”

Launched on 2nd September, the new identity for the Walters Group is now proudly displayed across every aspect of the business clearly identifying it as a national provider of business services and supplies.

01733 707000 10 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

walters.co.uk

What is your

BUSINESS SUPPLIES

OFFICE INTERIORS

For more than 50 years, our aim has been simple… to offer the widest choice of quality products at outstanding value for money. That objective, together with our passion for providing first-class customer service, support and practical consultancy haven’t changed. And they never will.

But we are introducing a smart new face for the Walters Group. With signature colours for each of our divisions, it highlights the breadth of products and services we offer, clearly identifying our specialist knowledge across a vast range of business services.

?

office

DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS

From planning, design and installation of office interiors; to innovative consultancy, cost reduction programming and environmental planning.

We’d welcome a call from you or why not visit our showrooms at any time. Simply click to find out more at www.walters.co.uk. Our new logo says it all…

From over 20,000 lines of business supplies delivered daily (same-day locally); to the most cost-effective managed print solutions encompassing copiers, printers, faxes, scanners and digital transmission.

Walters Limited . 19 Royce Road . Eastern Industry . Peterborough . PE1 5YB Telephone 01733 707000 . Fax 01733 708000 . Email sales@walters.co.uk . www.walters.co.uk

Business impact through work-based higher education learning around their other commitments.

At the core of the assessment of this course is a work-based project which enables a degree of customisation to be built into the course. Students choose a work-based issue/area they wish to focus on for which they plan, implement and evaluate a work-based Increasingly more employers are engaging with Higher Education as universities are broadening their offer.

Work-based learning differs from traditional higher level education in that it involves actively using the workplace as a learning environment.

Work-based programmes focus on developing skills, knowledge and understanding and the application of this learning to achieve specific individual, team and organisational objectives.

One example of a work-based Higher Education course is Anglia Ruskin University’s Foundation Degree (FdA) Management (work-based) which is offered through the University Centre Peterborough (UCP) on a blended learning basis where some of the modules are taught at UCP and some online. This flexible management degree, which has been developed with input from employers, is both practical and work-based and the blended delivery helps people fit

The chance to participate has been life changing

employees who are more confident, learning to think through solutions to workplace problems and challenge assumptions.

Employees gain a better understanding of issues from a wider perspective, changing their way of thinking and develop new knowledge and skills which can be applied to real time business issues and problems, this impacting on quality and performance.

project. The project can relate to any of the major business disciplines – marketing, HR, finance, IT or business strategy and as part of the evaluation of the project, students will assess the impact that this has had on the organisation demonstrating real business impact.

Symon, from Landis+Gyr in Peterborough, comments “The chance to participate in the Foundation Degree in Management has been life changing. The training and support given by the company has been outstanding and shows the level of commitment given to all staff.”

There are many benefits associated with offering Higher Education development to the workforce. Some of the benefits to employers include

To find out more about the Foundation Degree (FdA) Management (work-based) and other work-based courses contact Think Peterborough on 0845 196 6709 or visit www.thinkpeterborough. anglia.ac.uk.

Education for your Business With Think Peterborough you can gain: • Accredited qualifications for your workforce • Accelerated staff development • A flexible, earn-while-you-learn approach • A freshly motivated team • Access to academic expertise From NVQ through to Masters courses, we can help equip your workforce and your business - with the skills to prosper.

www.thinkpeterborough.anglia.ac.uk

Call: 0845 966709

Email: thinkpeterborough@anglia.ac.uk

SPECIAL REPORT |

In the HOTSEAT

Jo Lancaster Managing Director, Huntingdonshire District Council

Following a recent overhaul of management structures at Huntingdonshire District Council, Jo Lancaster joins the team to help develop an open yet challenging business culture.

IN the last few years, Huntingdonshire District Council has undergone a vigorous review of its senior management structures, and the appointment of Jo Lancaster as Managing Director brings to an end that process.

Turning Over a New Leaf “Although we have reduced our service management resource, we now have more stability with which to move forward,” says Jo. “My role, which is in fact a new post at the Council, is to provide clear leadership and direction to the Council and to develop an open yet challenging culture where we understand our collective responsibilities to the communities we serve. Most importantly, we need to be open to new ideas, fresh ways of doing things, and be accountable for all that we do.”

On a day-to-day basis, Jo is responsible for delivering the Council’s business plan, whilst ensuring sound financial performance and budgetary control. “As an advocate

for the area, I also determine and promote the district’s current and future interests through the timely and appropriate use of its resources.” Overall, Jo works to establish and communicate a vision for the future whilst driving service improvements and a clear sense of ambition, direction and purpose.

Potential for Greatness Having spent her entire career in local government, Jo can see great potential for advancement in the region. “Huntingdonshire has an huge agenda for growth and part of my role will be to work with communities, other organisations, local businesses and the voluntary sector to manage the impact of the huge amount of investment that will be delivered. As a result of this I am keen to bring fresh energy to partnerships, and will work to ensure that we get the maximum benefit for our community.”

However, in addition to the region, Jo also believes there is room for improvement within

the Council. “It’s also about unleashing the potential within the organisation, and creating an environment within which people can innovate and imagine new futures,” continues Jo. “Every year the elected councillors set a budget for the forthcoming year and we will be tying this to a business plan, which will focus on our priorities; it is my job to ensure that we deliver against these priorities.”

The Road Ahead Jo arrives at the Council just as preparations to shape the budget for 2014/15 begin. “Some of my immediate challenges are going to be communicating the choices open to the Council. For me the main challenge is the one faced by most business leaders – ‘how can I ensure that my outgoings don’t exceed my income?’ In these times of change, I believe Councils need to be more entrepreneurial. I want to encourage and facilitate the cultural development of the organisation, modelling an innovative and commercial business culture.” n

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CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 13

| CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber NEWS IN BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2013 BlinkPipe appoints Michael Francis BlinkPipe has appointed Michael Francis as Marketing Communications Manager who has over 11 years business-to-business technology marketing experience.

Michael commented: “This is an exciting time to join BlinkPipe. HD video conferencing for businesses has traditionally been both a user experience nightmare and expensive, until now.”

£1.7m to restore sight!

CBM, the overseas disability charity’s match funding appeal through Standard Chartered Bank’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ programme, has raised £1,700,000 – more than double its target!

Seeing is Believing has supported CBM UK for many years. £4 of Seeing is Believing funds are unlocked for every £1 donated to help prevent child blindness in Nigeria and other affected Africa areas.

A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge & South Cambs

Bidwells launches Property TV Channel BIDWELLS TV - the City’s first and only dedicated television property channel.

The new channel will feature every residential property marketed by Bidwells in their offices in Cambridge and Saffron Walden.

Each featured property, whether for sale or to let, will be promoted via a tailored, high quality animated walk-through video.

Chris Carey, Head of Residential Bidwells, said: “This innovative way of marketing is particularly popular because it enables the seller or landlord to display particular features of the property, which may not be easy with more traditional methods of marketing.” n

New Arrival at Adept

Ashton KCJ appoints new Associates Ashton KCJ Solicitors is delighted to announce four new Associate appointments from within the firm having successfully completed Ashton KCJs Development Programme.

Congratulations go to Gillian Brasher, Jennie Kingham and Teresa Callender, from our Lifetime Planning team and Mark Watson from the Corporate & Commercial team.

Ashton KCJs CEO, Edward ORourke says: “I would like to congratulate Gillian, Jennie, Teresa and Mark on this achievement, which is richly deserved.

These appointments demonstrate Ashton KCJs commitment to investing in the professional development of our staff. It is always rewarding to promote talented team members from within the firm.”

Cambridge Van Man down under!

Cambridge Van Man in Australia

ADEPT is excited to announce that Godfrey Wasswa has joined the growing team to bolster the sales arm of the business. Godfrey will support Adept’s directors in driving awareness and growth of Microsoft Dynamic NAV software solutions in the local market.

With a number of years’ experience in sales and marketing, covering industries including media and IT, Godfrey’s combined experience and enthusiasm makes him a perfect fit for Adept. Godfrey’s specialisms include document management, development of new business and managing installations and support improvements projects - a core service offering at Adept. n

Cambridge Van Man was recently asked to work in Australia to move the contents of an eight bedroom house, an office and engineering workshop.

Two men were flown out to complete the job and dispose of almost three tonnes of unwanted items.

Even after flights and accommodation costs the total move still came in over £600 cheaper than the lowest quote from an Australian removal company. n Godfrey Wasswa

14 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce

CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER |

A brief note on

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 209805 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Team Domino takes to the road STAFF at Domino Printing Sciences put their fitness to the test when they participated in the recent London to Cambridge Cycle event in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The team of 34 participated

in the 60-mile ride, with the fastest finishing in three hours and 33 minutes. Some team members took it at a more leisurely pace but everyone completed the race.

In total the team raised over £2,000 for the charity. n

Team Domino – ready for the London to Cambridge Cycle ride challenge

Summer Garden Parties

Flight Centre Business Travel celebrated the launch of their second business travel team since opening in Cambridge in December 2011.

A garden party was held at Emmanuel College with a delicious flow of drinks, canapés and summer inspired chocolates, courtesy of Chocolat Chocolat. Singer/songwriter Matt Harvey and award winning magician Edward Crawford also performed bringing groups of people together to make for a fantastic evening. Congratulations to the lucky winner on a pair of Eurostar tickets and £200 hotel voucher!

Local suppliers and clients were invited to a Secret Garden Party at Cambridge City Hotel.

VIPs were treated to drinks served in the new Chinese-inspired tea cups, while surrounded by a forest of flowers and trees which transformed the hotel.

A variety of activities were organised for invitees to enjoy, including croquet, arts and crafts, a magician, caricaturist and photo booth.

commitment

By Nick Milne, Catering & Conference Manager, Robinson College Cambridge

FOR many of us, the mere mention of ‘a contract’ sets the hackles off; hours of reading and the potentially hefty costs of using a lawyer to cut through the terminology. Whatever our role and whichever service we are looking to engage, there will inevitably be a contract of some sort.

For venues such as the Robinson College, a signed Nick Milne contract is the bedrock of our business and is the assurance that our perishable product has been sold. Conversely, for the conference organiser, it is the bête noir! How can an organiser possibly know how many teas and coffees are required for an event months away? Couple this with the on-going stormy economic climate, and penning the contractual obligation can be a fairly daunting step to take.

The reality of the contract not been signed means that your chosen venue has no obligation to hold any space and can often lead to red faces if you are inviting speakers, guests and exhibitors to attend a space that you’ve not formally confirmed.

So how can an organiser best work with a venue to accomplish a mutually beneficial win-win situation? The simple answer is to be honest, open and communicate with the venue. There will inevitably be a contract to sign; there is no way of getting away from it. However, if you work closely with your venue, you will find that your contractual obligations are true reflection of your event and that there are no nasty monetary shocks.

It is a misguided venue that preys on organisers overcommitting to attendees. Venues rely on repeat business, and in a sector where people buy from people, relationships and integrity are king.

Take heed on these points and you will soon see that the contract becomes far less of a scary ream of legalese and much more of a commitment to each other.

@RobCollConf robinson.cam.ac.uk/conferences 01223 332859

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 15

| CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber NEWS

Want to join the Committee?

We are currently looking to recruit more members onto our Cambridge & South Cambs committee.

To find out more please email Freda at f.kirchen@cambscci.co.uk

Launch of electric car charging station

IN BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2013 Dining Hall refurbishment Trinity Hall has started to refurbish its Dining Hall. The project will include restoring roof beams to their natural oak finish and the replacing the wood block floor with new oak strip flooring.

A lighting system will be installed together with a PA system and acoustic lining to reduce ambient sounds.

Traditional benches will be replaced with chairs to increase capacity of the Dining Hall to 130 offering a more formal dining experience.

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce

Julian Huppert MP with Christoper Ogston

THE Gonville Hotel is the first hotel in the city to install an electric charging station, which is part of its commitment to sustainability, which has seen it being awarded a Silver Award for Green Tourism and has included everything from recycling and creating more energy efficient bedrooms to using local produce in the restaurant.

MP Julian Huppert launched the station with the help of a Toyota Prius Plug-in from Lancaster Toyota. “It’s really good to see the hotel setting an excellent example by taking these environmental measures seriously which is good for the environment. I hope more places will follow suit,” he said. n

An opportunity to

grow...

Januarys is proud to be the chosen property partner of the Future Business Centre, one of the most exciting projects in Cambridge.

The centre offers a range of workspace, available on flexible terms, to businesses of all sizes.

Call us to find out more

16 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

where home comforts are included as standard

Superb meeting and event facilities are housed within the smart Cambridge City Hotel. A choice of corporate suites means that we can cater for any function with ease – be it a meeting for two or 250 delegates. With a range of professional audio visual equipment, high speed internet access and dedicated event planners, your corporate function will not only run smoothly, but leave a favourable impression on every attendee.

Day Delegate Rates from £40 1 in 10 go free Book from just £40 per person, and receive every 10th day delegate free!

*Rate valid from September 1st 2013 to January 31st 2014, on non-commissionable bookings only and subject to availability. Minimum number of 10 delegates booked required for all DDR bookings.

Every 10th delegate will be free. Offer subject to a maximum of 10 free for any booking. All meeting rooms have set minimum capacity requirements. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotions.

20 Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DT t: 01223 464491 | f: 01223 556519 e: meetings@cambridgecityhotel.co.uk

www.cambridgecityhotel.co.uk

| HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS

Huntingdonshire Chamber NEWS

IN BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2013 Business Showcase success St Neots Town Centre was a brim with the hustle and bustle of 45 local businesses promoting their products and services on the Market Square on Friday 12 July.

The public came out in their droves to visit the exhibitor stands and pick up information about local services available as well as special offers, promotions and competitions.

St Neots Town Council and Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce collaborated to put on this special event which was free to attend for the public and exhibiting businesses.

Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce

A round-up of news and events from Huntingdonshire

Triumph in Young Leaders Competition CHERYL Dyet (26), HR Business Manager and Luke Venni (23) Administration Team Leader have been recognised as being among the top young leaders in the country in a national competition.

The annual awards organised by 24 Housing Magazine are voted for by a panel of experts, in a bid to find the brightest young talent who will be the leaders of the future.

Two Luminus employees in the top 30, in a field of nearly 100 entrants, demonstrates the success of the Luminus Leadership Academy.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham said: “Our young leaders have won an outstanding achievement for the whole Luminus team. They have shown how inspired people can accomplish powerful results for the benefit of others.” n

(From Left) Lorraine Wallis, David Crookes, Luke Venni, Cheryl Dyet, Steve Woodford, Claudette De Jongh

HRC hold charity event

St Neots Business Showcase

WATA go from strength to strength WATA has expanded into brand new premises in St Margaret’s Way, Hartford.

The state of the art engineering centre offers young people the opportunity to look at different ways of getting into the engineering industry, by allowing them to experience a wide range of skills including welding and manufacturing.

Chief Executive Office Nigel Donohue joined WATA at the start of the year and is pushing ahead with the development and growth of the organisation, which includes plans for a brand new construction Centre of Excellence.

18 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

A Charity dinner, organised by Fiona McGonigle of Huntingdonshire Regional College, raised over £600.00 to help Tom Smith (12) compete in the World Dwarf Games 2013 in Michigan, USA. Russian Artist Alina Stepura donated one of her paintings for auction which was won by John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. n

Auction Winners John and Jenny Bridge (right)

Largest PASFF contract win FIRE & Safety Solutions Ltd are delighted that, working with Jactone Ltd (manufacturers), they have won the largest PAFSS contract issued to date in the UK, to fit out 378 fume cupboards in Cambridge University with the new PAFSS system.

Fire & Safety Solutions Ltd feel a large part of the success is that the product was designed and manufactured in the UK. n

Paul Wilkinson and Craig Halford

FENLAND CHAMBER NEWS |

Fenland Chamber NEWS

Fenland Chamber of Commerce

A round-up of news and events from Fenland

Giving businesses a sporting chance CUB (UK) Ltd wanted to help local businesses feeling the strain of the high energy bills, by advising what they need to look out for to ensure they get the best out of their suppliers. They took to the road on 12 August to promote being active with energy bills and to talk with businesses about their energy needs.

Louis Fairfax, Managing Director at CUB (UK) Ltd, said: “One of the easiest things companies can do is to move over to another company.

“The best time to shop around is this time of year when prices are lower compared to the winter price.” n

IN BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2013 Manufacturer recruits apprentices Qualitetch Components Ltd, based in March, has recently recruited two young apprentices to support the ongoing growth seen through 2013.

Ryan Rawlins has taken the position of maintenance technician and Richard Stone has joined as an apprentice tool-maker.

Ashley Drew, Commercial Manager, commented: “Ryan and Richard have recently joined the team and are looking forward to adding value to the business in the coming years.”

CUB (UK) offer companies a sporting chance

Slice of history A team of archaeologists have discovered major relics of the past on a site that Foster Property Maintenance (FPM) is developing for homes of the future.

An archaeological evaluation identified an undated ringshaped feature about 10m in diameter, thought to be a Roman round house where a family would have lived. The team also discovered medieval ditches and pits, as well as post-medieval and modern disturbance. Small amounts of Roman pottery and some medieval pottery were found.

These findings led Daniel McConnell, Senior Archaeologist at Cambridgeshire County Council, to stipulate the excavation of more than half the development area. n

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The uncovered ring-shaped feature

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 19

| ELY CHAMBER NEWS

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

IN BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2013 Support for small businesses David Bryan and Val Lloyd, the partners at TaxAssist Accountants, are delighted with business growth in 2013.

Val Lloyd commented: “The business has been successful in attracting new clients from the area and we remain optimistic for the future. We offer a professional service with an approachable and friendly emphasis.

Small businesses and individuals need help, support and time to discuss their requirements, so that’s what we do.

“We have a blend of experience which enables us to provide a technical service, but also practical business advice based on many years of senior management experience outside of accountancy”

Val Lloyd and David Bryan

Keeping the Green Light On Greenlight FM introduced a 24 hour Facilities Management Help Desk to provide one point of contact for reporting faults and repairs, allowing you a productive environment to do business in.

As experienced Facilities Managers they can assist with office management, H&S, procurement and project management, steering you away from the red lights and keeping your office open for business.

20 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

Ely Chamber of Commerce

Emerald Frog win national award EMERALD Frog Marketing have won the Highly Commended Best PR and Marketing Company award at the inaugural national Sports Trade Awards 2013 held in July.

Launched by one of the largest independently owned publishers in the UK, the Sports Trade Awards are held in association with leading industry bodies and publications and over 170 people attended the event to celebrate award-winning products, people, retailers and services.

“We were delighted to receive such a national accolade” says Jo Evans, Director at Emerald Frog Marketing. “Health and fitness is just one of the many industries we work with locally and nationally. Fellow award winners of this year’s Sports Trade Awards included Adidas, Hi-Tec, Speedo, Zoggs, Nike,

Slazenger and Asics, so it was indeed a privilege to rank among such top brands and we thank everyone who voted for us”.

Emerald Frog Marketing also announced and presented the awards for Best Swimwear Brand to Speedo and Zoggs at the glittering ceremony. n

Stirling House an amazing success!

New contract awarded

IT has been 10 months since Stirling House Business Centre accepted its first tenant and 85 per cent of the lettable area has already been taken up!

Rick Parisi, Managing Partner of owners, Paragon Holdings, commented: “We had every confidence that this stunning building would do well as a business centre, as it is in a fantastic location close to the A10 and Cambridge Science Park. The fact that we have been able to offer rents considerably lower than those in surrounding areas has also helped. The take-up has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations.” n

Stirling House

Comedian Ian Moore, James Hawkins, Zoggs, and Jo Evans

CAMBRIDGE Style Canopies were recently contracted to design and install new bus shelters for Addenbrookes Hospital. They were delighted with the quality and standard of both product and service and will certainly be engaging Cambridge Style again as required on campus.

Cambridge Style continue to enjoy structured growth designing, supplying and installing both aluminium and steel covered walkways, canopies, cycle shelters and compounds across the country. n

Bus shelter at Addenbrookes

CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHAMBER NEWS |

Cambridgeshire Chamber NEWS

IN BRIEF

A round-up of news and events from Cambridgeshire

Stansted Airport celebrates 70th anniversary

SEPTEMBER 2013 Superfast Broadband Connecting Cambridgeshire is on track to deliver a new fibre-based broadband infrastructure across the county. 90 per cent of homes and businesses will have access to broadband of at least 24Mbps, with better broadband of between 2-24Mbps for almost 100 per cent of premises by the end of 2015.

The first phase of the roll-out is to deliver connectivity from December 2013 - June 2014 with the first cabinets due to go ‘live with fibre’ by the end of 2013.

Major Edward Horn and Stansted MD, Andrew Harrison, cut a Birthday cake to celebrate the 70th anniversary

RETIRED 344th Bomb Group flying ace, 88 year old Major Edward W. Horn, was special guest of honour in July as Stansted Airport celebrated the 70th anniversary of its runway and historic roots as a wartime airfield with a spectacular flypast and memorial ceremony.

An emotional but very proud Major Horn helped plant a commemorative tree and unveiled a memorial to the airmen stationed at Stansted.

Andrew Harrison, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director, said: “Not only is this a tribute to the airport’s illustrious past, but it just shows what an integral role Stansted continues to play in our community and the wider region.” n

Wyboston Lakes achieve national gold standard WYBOSTON Lakes Executive Centre is one of 33 conference and meetings venues nationwide to achieve the highly prized ‘VenueVerdict Gold Standard’ accreditation in results published by BDRC Continental, the UK’s largest independent market research agency.

The accreditation measures how many customers of a particular venue are likely to recommend it to other potential users, and accreditation is only given to those properties recording a 12-month Net Promoter Score of +70 or higher.

The measure underlines the power of excellent service in achieving positive perception for a venue. n

Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 21

| OUT & ABOUT

Out&About Enjoy our monthly montage of events and happenings across the local area with this colourful round-up of gatherings. Make sure you send us your photos each month and we’ll include the best of the bunch! Email images straight to the creative team: connected@methodcreative.co.uk

A14 upgrade discussions

‘Shades for Shine’

John Bridge met with Shadow Transport Minister Jim Fitzpatrick MP and Cambridge Labour Parliamentary Candidate Daniel Zeichner. Photographs courtesy of Gerald P Connolly gpcphotography@btinternet.com

Guests donned shades to support ‘Shades for Shine’ on the Chambers’ annual Riverboat Georgina Networking Lunch.

Over £130 was raised through a ‘Wine for Shine’ tombola.

St Neots Showcase Day John Bridge with Cllr Andrew Hansard and Cllr David Harty.

London to Cambridge David White, Managing Sirector of Building Services Design (left) and Mark Holme, Managing Director of Safebox Data Centre (right) both took part in the annual London to Cambridge bike ride. Mark is pictured with Philip Gilbey of Logan Homes.

All three accomplished the 60mile course to raise money for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity.

Well done to you all!

22 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

OUT & ABOUT |

Bidwells on Bikes

Start-Up Tour Bus

18 brave Bidwellians gave up their time to undertake a 100 mile cycle ride from the Trimley Estate Office near Felixstowe back to Bidwell House in Cambridge. The event was to raise money for the Bidwells Community Fund.

Start-up Britain tour bus visited Cambridge on 6 August to inspire and encourage anyone interested in starting up their own business.

Champagne Presentation John Bridge presented a bottle of champagne to Sara Blair-Manning, CEO at The John Clare Trust Ltd. John visited Clare Cottage, the birthplace of poet John Clare who was born in 1793 and lived in the cottage until 1832.

Duck Racing for Charity Thousands of people flocked to St Neots town centre to enjoy the town’s debut Food and Drink Festival on Saturday 3 August. The highlight was the charity duck race where over 1700 yellow plastic ducks were launched into the river.

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 23

ASK THE EXPERT |

Ask the expert: How well protected is your business?

Andrew Jennings, Practice Financial Advisor at Ewing Associates looks at the different ways you should protect your business.

To safeguard your business you have probably secured buildings insurance, machinery or equipment insurance, plus indemnity or public liability insurance. You may have covered the tangible assets of your business, but have you protected the most important assets: the people that directly contribute to your profits? Are your profits protected should you lose employees unexpectedly? How will your business profits be protected if you or your business partner are taken ill and can’t work?

If you run your own business, you probably have one or more key employees that are integral to its success. These are the people who possess the skills, knowledge, experience or leadership that make a vital difference to your bottom line.

Does your business have a Sales Manager with an established network of contacts perhaps? Do you have highly skilled or technical staff? What about you, the director or business owner?

Have you considered what would happen if they suddenly died, or suffered a critical illness that forced them to be absent from work for a long period of time? Have you considered the costs and time implications associated with recruiting a locum or temporary contractor to fill the gap? What effect will their absence have on your business’s profits?

If the unexpected happened before you’ve had a chance to protect against such loss, your business would be at risk of collapse.

Q A

What is Key Person Insurance?

Q

y business is very small with M fewer than 10 staff. Do I need to be concerned with Key Person Insurance?

Key Person Insurance is a simple way for businesses making a profit to insure their business against the losses they might suffer as a result of the death, disability or critical illness of a key individual.

A

Absolutely. With a small business key people are more likely to be responsible for a larger proportion of the company’s profits. If the unexpected were to happen, then the impact for a small business would be dramatic and could have huge consequences financially.

Q A

My business is larger with more Key People. What should I do?

Large businesses should also consider Key Person Insurance. FTSE100 companies all insure their key people as part of their business continuity plan. Even though the impact of one person no longer coming to work wouldn’t be as financially disastrous for a very large firm, they still consider it vital to protect their profits.

Q A

How would the cover be arranged for companies?

Q A

Is there any other cover I should be aware of to protect my business?

Key Person Insurance is used to ensure that funds are made available to the business if the key person dies or is seriously ill. For limited companies an authorised person in the company, such as managing director or company secretary, would make the application on behalf of the company, taking out the insurance on the life of the key employee or director. The company would own the Key Person Insurance policy and pay all the premiums. If certain criteria were met, a business may be eligible to receive tax relief on those premiums by allocating them as an allowable business expense. This can then be offset against corporation tax.

Yes. As part of your business continuity planning, you should consider shareholder protection and loan protection.

These provide the business with cash to buy the shares of a deceased or seriously ill director or repay a loan should the bank, for example, recall this on the death of a director.

Whether you are a sole trader, partnership or a Limited Company, you must ensure that your business has the correct financial safeguards in place. n

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 25

| CHAMBER EVENTS

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

Your essential business calendar for the next month

Women in Management CONFLICT AND CONFRONTATION DATE Wednesday 25 September TIME 9.00-11.30am VENUE Great Northern Hotel, Peterborough, PE1 1QL MEMBER PRICE £35.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £60.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT Helen Bosett on 01733 370809 or email h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk As a leader conflict is inevitable. What can you do to minimise/manage confrontation? Further details can be found on the Chamber website. Attendees will receive CPD accreditation provided by Chartered Management Institute. n

Social Media Workshop DATES Thursday 5 September, Friday 13 September TIME 9.00-11.30am VENUE University Centre Peterborough, Park Crescent, Peterborough, PE1 4DZ MEMBER PRICE £25.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £35.00 (plus VAT) Workshop 2 As a Business Tool This session will educate you as to how to get the best use of LinkedIn and Twitter tools and intergrate social media into your marketing.

Workshop 3 Data Privacy and Protection Ensure your data is kept safe and things don’t go wrong. The what and why of developing a social media policy and how to protect your data.

Places can be booked online via the Communications Sector page of the Chamber website or contact Helen Bosett, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk n

Cambridge B2B DATE Wednesday 18 September TIME 10.00am-4.00pm

Cambridgeshire Export Club DATE Monday 30 September TIME 5.00-7.00pm LOCATION Park Inn Hotel, Wentworth Street, Peterborough, PE1 1DH PRICE Free to attend CONTACT h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01733 370809 Informal networking evening for anyone participating in, or considering, exporting. An invaluable forum to exchange views with other exporters and keep up-to-date with developments in a rapidly changing global business environment. n 26 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

LOCATION Cambridge Airport, Newmarket Road, Cambridge, CB5 8RX PRICE All stands are sold, free to attend as a visitor CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or telephone 01223 209808 Visitors will have the chance to visit over 100 companies, reduce business costs by sourcing new suppliers, check out what the competition’s up to, network with other businesses and pick up lots of new ideas to help your business to become more successful. Free seminars will be on offer throughout the day Visit the Chamber website for more details. n

CHAMBER EVENTS |

Demystifying Procurement and Bid Writing

businessfocus

DATE Thursday 19 September TIME 3.00-5.00pm LOCATION West Anglia Training Association, Old Houghton Road, Hartford, Huntingdon, PE29 1YB PRICE £20.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £30.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber members.

CONTACT h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www. cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk This workshop will advise you how to procure public sector contracts and write successful funding bids.

Part one will help demystify procurement from a bidders point of view by explaining why and how local Councils do the things they do when they want to do business with others.

Part two will demystify bidding for public sector funding by considering whether bid writing is a science or game of chance. n

Networking Breakfast Events

Stand out from the crowd

at Business Focus 2013 Wednesday 16 October / 9.00am - 5.00pm Peterborough Arena

SAFARI NETWORKING BREAKFAST DATE Friday 6 September TIME 7.45-10.00am LOCATION Cambridge City Hotel, 20 Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DT

SPEED NETWORKING BREAKFAST DATE Friday 27 September TIME 7.45-10.00am LOCATION The Quality Hotel, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough, PE3 6GA MEMBER PRICE £15.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £22.50 (plus VAT) CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

Informal Networking Evenings September 2013

Secure your stand today!

Raise your profile and generate new sales at Peterborough’s premier business exhibition

Mon 9

The Lamb Hotel, Ely

5.00-7.00pm

Wed 11

Waterfront Bar, Wyboston Lakes

5.00-7.00pm

Tues 17

The Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon

5.00-7.00pm

Call us on 01733 513003 or visit www.businessfocus.uk.net Follow us: facebook.com/bizfocus2013 #BizFocus2013 Peterborough Arena, East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE

Wed 18

The Quality Hotel Peterborough

5.00-7.00pm

Sponsored by

Thurs 19

Holiday Inn, Impington, Cambridge

5.00-7.00pm

Wed 25

Elgood & Sons, Wisbech

5.00-7.00pm

Organised by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 27

| POLICY UPDATE

Policy UPDATE Keeping you informed, representing local business

House building is an economic driver IT’S a fact: house building makes a significant contribution to the local economy and housing associations own, manage, maintain and build significant numbers of affordable homes across the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough LEP area, supporting local economic growth.

Housing associations have access to significant private finance and they hold substantial loan facilities which enable them to build new affordable homes – 3,238 are planned for Cambridgeshire and Suffolk alone. House building supports local business through the supply chain and housing associations work extensively in the green economy and around the digital inclusion agenda.

A shortage of new homes is a significant barrier to achieving sustainable economic growth. The average home in the East of England costs around £232,000 – almost 11 times the average local wage – making the standard 25 per cent deposit a massive £58,000.

Housing associations support business growth by providing a range of housing options. This includes low cost home ownership, market rented housing and homes for outright sale, as well as social and affordable rental housing.

Every affordable new home built creates 2.4 jobs in total for the UK economy. Between 2011 and 2015, developing 3,238 new affordable homes will add £316.8m to the local economy and support around 6,882 jobs.

28 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

In Peterborough for example, Cross Keys Homes manage 10,000 homes and 70 shop units and between 2011 and 2015 they will build 850 new homes, providing direct employment for 249 employees and creating 12 apprenticeships.

house building supports local economic growth Businesses can only grow if their employees can find affordable homes in the right places. The National Housing Federation is the umbrella body representing independent non-profit housing associations in the UK. They regularly campaign on a range of housing and related social policy issues such as sustainability, care and support.

If you agree that house building is a key driver for economic growth you can support the National Housing Federation’s campaign by saying ‘Yes’ to new homes in your community: www.yestohomes.co.uk If you want to find out more about working with housing associations to grow the local economy, please contact the Federation’s local lead manager for the East of England, Claire Astbury: claire.astbury@housing.org.uk n

CHAMBER UPDATES |

Chamber Updates An overview of news from your Chamber

International Trade Conference CAMBRIDGESHIRE exporters can hear from high growth exporters, business leaders and policy makers at this year’s International Trade Conference which takes place on Thursday 17 October at Central Hall, Westminster.

The Conference will provide an insight on the challenges and opportunities of trading internationally.

Confirmed speakers so far include: • Business Secretary Vince Cable • Lord Bilimoria, Founder of Cobra Beer • easyJet Chief Executive Carolyn McCall.

Chamber members can attend the conference for £75.00 (plus VAT) or you can join the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce group and attend for £50.00 (plus VAT). To book your place please contact Gill Prangnell on 01223 237414 or email g.prangnell@cambscci.co.uk For more information, please visit www.bccexport.co.uk n

Margaret Chadwick

Have you got a query about export? Margaret Chadwick answers your questions.

Q

A bank recently objected to a digital signature one of our documents, are they allowed to object?

A

UCP600 Article 3 states that ‘A document may be signed by handwriting, facsimile signature, perforated signature, stamp, symbol or any other mechanical or electronic method of authentication’. However, this applies unless the Letter of Credit (L/c) states otherwise. If your L/c stated a clause such as ‘manually signed’ then the bank are correct to reject a digital signature. n

WIN overnight stay for two at Cambridge City Hotel CAMBRIDGE City Hotel are offering CONNECTED readers the chance to win a one night weekend stay and afternoon tea for two.

Offering 198 fully air-conditioned en suite bedrooms, its own Bar and Restaurant, as well as an exclusive gymnasium, the hotel is ideally located for all that the City has to offer.

The hotel’s self-contained conference and event facilities, coupled with its convenient parking, make it an ideal venue choice for corporate events and meetings.

Visit www.cambridgecityhotel.co.uk/connectedcompetition to enter our prize draw. Visit the Hotel website for full terms and conditions. n

Cambridge City Hotel

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 29

| CONNECTED MAGAZINE

LEP FOCUS

Keeping you informed and up to date

Putting our economy first The Government has issued its guidance on preparing a European Funding Strategy for 2014-2020 and how Local Enteprise Partnerships (LEPs) should create their Local Growth Strategies.

Over the coming months the LEP, working with a range of partners including the Chamber, will be running a series of consultation events to speak to a wide variety of businesses located within the LEP area to help develop these strategies further.

Grahame Nix explains: “The Local Growth Strategy is the basis by which we can bid into the £2bn per year Single Growth Pot – funding vital to help us to further develop our local economy. By working with local businesses and other organisations we can gather their thoughts and feedback on where any funding would be best spent to have maximum impact.”

“The Government has called these Growth Deals a something-for-something approach that gives LEPs greater decision making powers over key central government funding including transport and skills, as well as allocating funding based on our strategic

30 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

plans for economic development.”

To mark the publication of Government guidance for Local Enterprise Partnerships on how to access £2 billion funding per year through Growth Deal negotiations, an event was held at Number 10 Downing Street.

Grahame Nix, alongside the 35 Local Enterprise Partnerships, attended the reception where they were received by the Prime Minister and Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles.

The Prime Minister, David Cameron, praised the work that local leaders were doing to transform local economies and encouraged them to go further to deliver long lasting growth.

For the latest news visit yourlocalenterprisepartnership.co.uk or follow @YourLEP on Twitter. n

Welcome to the team…

Adrian Cannard has joined the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership team as their new Strategy and Planning Director. Adrian brings with him a deep understanding of the economic and spatial growth issues facing our area, and a desire to help support the further growth of our local economy.

Former Chair, Grahame Nix, has been appointed as the LEP’s new Chief Executive following a competitive open recruitment process. Mark Reeve now steps up to become Chairman.

CONNECTED MAGAZINE |

Invest in Future Business Centre CAMBRIDGESHIRE Chambers of Commerce has pledged its support to an initiative to fund the Future Business Centre, a new enterprise incubator in Cambridge for businesses aiming to create a positive social or environmental impact.

The centre is currently in the final stages of completion and will be opening its doors to start-up and early stage businesses in the autumn. Allia Ltd, the charitable organisation behind the Future Business Centre, is seeking to raise up to £3 million in transferable bonds invested in the centre.

John Bridge OBE, Chief

Future Business Centre seeks to raise £3m Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Chamber is committed to driving business confidence and we hope that, by investing in the Future Business Centre

ourselves, we will encourage other organisations to come forward and demonstrate their own support. This unique facility will provide the right environment for start-up businesses to develop and succeed, and the bond offers a very competitive opportunity to support the centre and the future of the businesses that reside within it.”

Pledges for the bond can be from as little as £10,000 to as much as £3 million. The bond will pay three per cent interest per annum over a three-five year term.

To find out more contact martin@futurebusiness.co.uk or visit: futurebusinesscentre.co.uk n

Future Business Centre the new home for social and environmental businesses in Cambridge OP AUTU ENING on Ki MN 201

ngs H 3 e Road dges

The Future Business Centre will be an enterprise hub that combines good business practice with the business of doing good. It will support start-up and early stage social and commercial businesses that deliver social or environmental benefits.

• A different kind of incubation hub • Specialist business advice • Flexible and affordable workspace • Cambridge Cleantech on site to assist start-ups • The place to grow ideas and make a difference – locally and worldwide

LP US E H U O Y N CA R G OA L? get U O H C A E R to are needed

hip nd sponsors r logo or Donations a art! Add you st t a re g a ff to nd get the centre o art project a y it n u m m ur co picture to o port. for your sup n o iti n recog

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futurebusiness.co.uk

Martin Clark

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 31

| CHAMBER CHARITY OF THE YEAR

Run for Shine Time 10.30am

Great Eastern Run Sunday 13th October 2013

Half Marathon Fun Run l Wheelchair Race

For more information please contact Clara Gill on T: 01733 421307 or E: clara.gill@shinecharity.org.uk

shinecharity.org.uk/running Registered Charity No. 249338

32 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

CONNECTED MAGAZINE |

back to school

Lemontree Properties

LemontreeLet

we’re sharpening our pencils for another A-grade year

a fresh approach to letting 01638 661375 lemontreeproperties.co.uk

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 33

| SPECIAL REPORT

Website Marketing

2013: time to think Responsive Web Design If you’re going to be assigning any of your budget to developing your website, it’s time to take stock and think Responsive!.

RESPONSIVE Web Design is not a new concept; it’s been around a little while now. But, with so much information being shared about the era of the Smartphone, rocketing sales stats on Tablets and the decline of desktop usage, it’s time to get to grips with what it really means for your business. Before embarking on any form of website development you need to make sure that you can harness your full potential in the digital sphere, to maximise your return on investment.

WHY RESPONSIVE? As the number of devices, platforms and browsers that need to work with your website grow, a fundamental shift in the way in which websites are built is required.

Responsive websites ‘respond’ to their environment, by using ‘media queries’ to figure out what resolution of device the

34 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

information is being served on. The benefit is that you build a website once and it translates seamlessly across thousands of screens.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR CUSTOMER? Research undertaken by Neilson sees Tablet sales alone expected to exceed 100 million this year, while a recent comScore mobiLens report shows that Smartphones are now used by 63.3 per cent (31.3 million) of all mobile phone owners – an increase of 24.3 million on last year. One half of all local information searches are performed on mobile devices and top actions, after looking up local information, include calling a business or making a purchase.

With stats like these, the degree of responsiveness of your website is highly likely to already be affecting your customers’ online experience. If you’re not providing a user journey optimised for mobile, your conversion rates could already be impacted. Customers are looking for a great experience on every screen.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO? Google analytics provide an overview report of breakdown of visitors by whether or not they visit using mobile devices. You can also determine metrics such as bounce rate and duration. Use those metrics to determine if the mobile experience you are providing meets your customers’ expectations.

Put yourself in the shoes of your customer.

While you may not own a Smartphone or Tablet, don’t be guided by your own actions when considering your audience. It’s time to think Responsive! n

CONNECTED MAGAZINE |

BUILDING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN YOUR AREA Fenland

Peterborough

Ely

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

Huntingdonshire Cambridge & South Cambs

01223 237414

www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

WHATEVER THE PROBLEM I FIND A SOLUTION. AS A CHAMBER MEMBER I’M WELL CONNECTED. INVESTMENTS

NEW BUSINESS

RECRUITMENT

IMPORTS FUNDING EXPORTS

LEGAL ADVICE

EXIT PLANNING

HR

FINANCIAL ADVICE

IF IT’S NEW CUSTOMERS YOU’RE AFTER OR THE RIGHT ADVICE TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS GROWING, BELONGING TO YOUR LOCAL ACCREDITED CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEANS YOU ARE ALWAYS WELL CONNECTED. VISIT WWW.CAMBRIDGESHIRECHAMBER.CO.UK TO SEE HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS.

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 35

| NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

NEW Members

A warm welcome to our new Chamber members

NEW MEMBERS

The Management Hub

Wysing Arts Centre

THIS MONTH

www.themanagementhub.co.uk

www.wysingartscentre.org

The Management Hub has a wealth of experience in companies of all sizes from start-up to large organisations.

Whether arranging office moves, helping with HR, reducing overheads or updating branding, they can manage all of the time consuming but essential things for you at a fraction of the cost of a full time employee.

Wysing Arts Centre looks for ways for artists to play an active and useful role outside the confines of the traditional ‘art world’. They have developed an inspiring new programme of business workshops that enable companies to unlock creativity to find practical ways of solving business issues.

360Coms Ltd Abcam Plc Active Food Systems Ltd Adrenaline Creative (Cambridge) Alan Boswell Insurance Advisors Appletime Armadillo Automated Systems Group Ltd Big Issue BlinkPipe Ltd British Polish Chamber of Commerce Burgess Hall C4B Media Cambridge Software Ltd Carat Computer Systems Ltd Instant Homes Ltd JCI Cambridge JS Holmes Ltd K8 Data Protection Consultancy Kuda Nightclub Newmarket Town Council Quentin Pain The Management Hub Ltd The Still Image Company The Voyager Academy UK Trade & Investment East

Tracy Newman Chartered Accountants www.tracynewman.co.uk Founded in 2001, Tracy Newman is an established chartered accountant practice. They offer accountancy and taxation services to small and medium businesses throughout Cambridgeshire and pride themselves in supporting the small business community.

Clients use their services and recommend them because of their constant proactive support and timely management of accounts and tax affairs. Their online accountancy service enables them to provide real-time support when clients need it.

Appletime www.appletime.co.uk Appletime uses a combination of branding, marketing and PR to make your business more successful. They look at what you do and how you do it. They work out what makes you different and special so you get noticed and talked about, that way customers come to you first and your competitors get left behind.

K8 Data Protection Consultancy

Charity Lifeline

www.k8dpconsultancy.com

www.charitylifeline.org.uk

Organisations are acutely aware of the power of personal data and their obligations to it. Data privacy refers to the responsible handling of that data.

Mishandled data can lead to limitless financial penalties, bad press, damaged reputation and loss of business!

K8 can assist to ensure your organisation can steer through the regulatory landscape, minimise risk and benefit from compliance.

Charity Lifeline is a Community Interest Company who trade goods online in order to raise funds for small voluntary groups. Their stock consists mostly of donations. If you have any surplus furniture, upgrading your IT or are looking to dispose of any items you don’t need, contact Charity Lifeline before throwing them away. They can take them off your hands and use them to raise funds for local groups.

36 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS |

Would you like to become a Chamber member?

Get in touch today and find out the many benefits. tel: 01223 209805 email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

Milton Hall Estates Limited

Kuda Cambridge

www.miltonhallcambridge.com

www.kudaclub.com

Milton Hall Cambridge is an iconic Grade II listed manor house. Their newly refurbished offices, with highend specifications, promise to be a big draw for small to medium sized businesses looking for something completely different.

Steeped in history, Milton Hall boasts many original features, high ceilings and sweeping lawns and will offer an exceptional working environment to impress both clients and staff.

The Place in Cambridge is being transformed into a stylish boutique nightclub called Kuda. The Luminar Group have spent £75,000 on the revamp and is promising ‘a luxury feel’ with fabulous interiors and more private booths. Kuda is based on Sidney Street, Cambridge.

Quentin Pain www.quentinpain.com

UK Trade & Investment

Wickes Huntingdon

International support

Building supplies

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) staff are experts in helping your business grow internationally. They provide expert trade advice and support to UK-based companies wishing to grow their business overseas. With 2,400 staff in over 100 countries, UKTI can assist you on your export journey.

Through a range of unique services, including participation at selected trade fairs and outward trade missions, they can help you crack foreign markets and get to grips with overseas regulations.

Wickes is a retailer of timber, building supplies and associated products, offering customers a focused range of stock in depth, fast, simple and safe ways to shop, value for money and project ideas. Wickes prides itself on being a great place to work and shop.

Although part of a national company, Simon Gooderson is Manager of his own business in the local community and is pleased to be bringing new jobs to Huntingdon and working closely with the community and local business for mutual benefit.

Quentin Pain helps business owners make their businesses legendary. He started his first business in Cambridge in 1979, sold it, then started a series of software companies. He says ‘Every business can become legendary. My job is bringing that out and broadcasting it loud and clear so profits can be substantially increased.’

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t: 01223 597919 adeptsoftware.co.uk

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 37

| SPECIAL REPORT

Transport Update

Aviation Policy Ian Mackellar looks at what the aviation policy means for Cambridgeshire ‘CONNECTIVITY’, a word invented in the 1990s to mean something completely different, seems to be a key component of the aviation policy on which the Government is now consulting – another volte face for a Government that ruled out a third runway at Heathrow, but that’s another matter. What Her Majesty’s Government presumably means is that people should be able to get from one place to another as easily as possible. (So why the vacillation on improving the A14?)

Given that the international dimension inevitably means new or bigger airports sooner or later, each of London’s airport operators has put forward plans for one or more additional runways – Gatwick suggests a ‘constellation’ of three two-airport runways around the capital – while London Mayor Boris Johnson says what the capital needs is a brand new hub facility in the Thames estuary at a cost of squillions not just to build the airport, but for road and high-speed rail links for people to get there.

What does this mean for us in Cambridgeshire? ‘Boris Island’ currently looks unaffordable and inaccessible. Noise is a huge

38 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

issue at Heathrow, which is surrounded by people’s homes and is not easy to reach other than from the west and Gatwick is in the wrong place, south of London.

Cambridge airport has one of the best provincial runways in the country New rail links will help – Thameslink from 2018 will have direct services from Cambridge, Peterborough and Huntingdonshire to Gatwick (nearly two decades late) and Crossrail (similarly tardy and even more costly) will improve public transport access to Heathrow in due course – but the real opportunities lie on our own doorstep with expansion at Stansted.

The airport already serves more European

destinations than any other UK airport and could double the number of flights without significant expansion – and its new owners, Manchester Airports Group (MAG), have already embarked on a £230m five-year investment programme. Noise is much less of an issue than at Heathrow and MAG is suggesting that the Airports Commission look seriously at a £10bn four-runway hub, that could handle up to 160m passengers a year – on Cambridge’s back doorstep – and take advantage of established road and rail links - not just to London but East Anglia, the country’s fastest-growing and technically savviest region, and further north.

On its front doorstep, Cambridge’s own airport has one of the best provincial runways in the country. Now that the threat of its being sequestered for housing has been lifted its owner, Marshall Aerospace, is looking to expand its use as a commercial passenger facility for scheduled flights as well as executive aircraft. That has huge advantages for Cambridgeshire’s business passengers – whose propensity to travel is second only in the UK to residents of Mayfair - according to Marshalls’ Terry Holloway – with the prospect of 30-minute check-ins for international flights through hub airports at Amsterdam’s Schipol, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Geneva – while the Government vacillates about Britain’s new electorally-unpopular hub. n

SECTOR FOCUS |

Sector Focus

Updates from Chambers Sector Groups

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

CONSTRUCTION

An evening of comedy is coming your way!

EAT, drink and be merry is the order of the night as plans take shape for an evening of fun and entertainment at this forthcoming annual prestigious Comedy Night, organised by the Chambers’ Construction Sector.

Guests will indulge in a three course dinner and be entertained by after dinner comedian Adger Brown.

Last year’s dinner was a huge success and was enjoyed by over 110 guests, raising just over £1,000 for Charity.

If you are looking for a good night out, to entertain clients or as a reward for colleagues, this is an evening not to be missed! So make

a note of the date - Friday 4 October, Orton Hall Hotel, Peterborough.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Please contact Helen Bosett, Sector Coordinator for further information, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk Further details will be announced in future issues of CONNECTED and on the Chamber website. n

Last years Comedy Night

INTERNATIONAL

International Expansion GUIDE2GROWTH is a complete solution for Global Expansion – providing growth strategy, market development, in-country sales support, and funding.

Guide2Growth is now launching and is open for companies with ambitions for international expansion.

Guide2Growth is a joint commercial-academic venture between Anglia Ruskin University and a range of commercial experts within international market expansion and business development.

Guide2Growth offer a single point of contact for your business, a Senior Partner who will work with you in your business, contributing practical hands-on support every step of the way.

Guide2Growth will deliver: • A strategy for international growth • Access to up to 50 markets across the globe • Local sales support in new markets • Funding for international expansion • On-going management support.

Guide2Growth offer funding based on a profit sharing arrangement.

Further details can be found on the Chamber website.

For more information or to apply contact Taus Nohrlind on 07795 412370 or taus.nohrlind@guide2growth.com n

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 39

| SECTOR FOCUS BUSINESS WOMEN

Meet Victoria!

This month we hear from Victoria Wright, Insurance Consultant at Anglia Healthcare.

If you would like to feature here, contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk

Q A

What do you do?

I’m an Insurance Consultant specialising in private medical insurance for clients who are mainly based in East Anglia. We help businesses ensure they get the most out of their employee benefits, making sure they have a cost effective scheme which does the right job, especially when it comes to claiming.

Q A

What are your top three tips for running or working in a business?

1. Providing excellent customer service.

It’s imperative in my industry to understand every client’s needs.

Keep clients at the top of everything you do. Without them, there is no business.

2. Ensure all colleagues follow our business’ goals and values.

3. Know your competition. It’s extremely important to understand what your main competitors do. Are they offering something different perhaps? We make it one of our missions to make sure that we give suitable advice, to be the best we can in our profession and proud of our 98 per cent client retention rate.

Q A

What do you do to unwind?

Q

I f you could pick anyone to sit next to at a dinner party, who would it be and why?

I’ve just bought my first house, so DIY is my new hobby, I’m also to trying to get to grips with gardening, any tips welcome!

Victoria Wright

A

My Great Aunt who is 100 years old next month, she was Miss Cambridgeshire 1937, listening to her life stories with the ups and downs are fascinating.

Q A

What value do you get from being a Chamber member?

Meeting fellow members and great networking opportunities. n

Brainstorming over lunch

Ladies discuss business at the Cambridgeshire FA Centre

40 | CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013

A new style of dynamic and creative networking was introduced by the Business Women`s Sector – Business Brainstorming.

After an introduction by Sara Collins from Buckles Solicitors LLP, ladies were invited to bounce new business ideas and discuss business issues to others around the table.

The event was well received and will be repeated in the autumn.

Linda Hayman, Blue River Coaching, said: “This was a creative and supportive way to approach issues and I look forward to the next one!”

Carla Brown, LivingSport, commented: “Great format! It was really refreshing to discuss ideas and for them to be received in a non-judgemental way.”n

SECTOR FOCUS | LEARNING & SKILLS

HR & RECRUITMENT

Grow Your Business Through People

Employment Law: The Autumn Collection 2013

BUSINESS success is largely dependent on employing the right people to help achieve it. With this in mind the Chambers’ Learning and Skills Sector is planning its next event.

‘Grow your Business through People’ will give inspiration to businesses to grow and develop their employees and realise that it is worth the investment, time and effort.

Further details will be announced as the programme develops but note the date – the morning of Friday 22 November at the SmartLife Centre, Cambridge. n

WHETHER you are solely or partly responsible for HR in your business, you will not want to miss this lunchtime event to keep you up to date with forthcoming employment law and legislation. It’s informative, interactive and you will leave with better knowledge.

Organised by the Chambers’ HR and Recruitment Sector, a panel of experts will each introduce their specialist subject after which there is the opportunity to discuss in

depth three of your five chosen topics at this ‘safari style’ lunch.

The feedback from delegates attending these sessions previously has been overwhelming and they find the format style really beneficial.

Save the date – Wednesday 2 October, 11.45am-2.00pm, Cambridge location.

There is opportunity to sponsor the event and you could have your company logo displayed in future event promotion. n

COMMUNICATIONS

ICT

Ask the Expert THE ICT Sector committee aims to provide impartial IT advice and guidance to Chamber members. This was demonstrated recently when committee representatives joined our regular informal networking evenings at Cambridge and Peterborough.

They are committed to be in regular attendance to the informal networking evenings in the autumn to answer your questions.

However if you cannot wait until then, why not join the dedicated LinkedIn Group: Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce ICT Sector. n

Data Cabling GARY Taylor, MD of ISSI Ltd and ICT committee member, offers advice when should you be faced with the data cabling dilemma of using Cat5e (Class D) or Cat6 (ClassE).

Installing Cat6 in place of Cat5e can seriously damage your bank balance, though the payment transaction can use your old Cat5e cables.

The most common/costly error is a company that has or is ‘Upgrading to Cat6’. If nothing in the 5-10 year business model changes and the Cat5e solution they owned worked, then why change it?

Cat5e and Cat6 cable both support data rates up to Gigabit Ethernet Protocol when installed correctly. Ethernet is used in 99.9 per cent of businesses in its wired or wireless format.

Unless you are always shifting serious volumes of large files on your network then Cat5e will suit most environments. For harsher industrial and electrically noisy environments use a shielded Cat5e cable and metal containment.

Need to know more? Visit www.issidatacabling.co.uk n

Taking the fear out of social media THE first of a series of social media workshops took the fear factor away from those who attended.

Social Media – Terrified towards Terrific workshops have been organised by the Chambers’ Communications Sector with the end goal to be comfortable using social media in a positive way.

Social Media trainer Ian Gibbins, with support from Sara Drawwater of Something Beckons, took delegates through the process to create their profiles on Twitter and LinkedIn. The workshop, hosted at University Centre Peterborough, was well received by all who took part.

Two following sessions during September will be suitable for anyone already on Twitter and LinkedIn and will demonstrate best use and safeguarding data and your company.

Presentation slides and supporting information can be downloaded from the Communications Sector page of the Chamber website. n

CONNECTED SEPTEMBER 2013 | 41

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LOW CARBON KEEP PROGRAMME

What is the Low Carbon KEEP programme?

This European and UK Government funded scheme is designed to enable small to medium size businesses to work in partnership with UK universities and colleges.

What can it do for my company?

This programme offers both capital and revenue funding towards the eligible costs of collaborative projects between universities and companies.

How does it work?

The company and university recruit an experienced graduate to work full-time at the company on a specific project with agreed timescales. The graduate is supported by a specialist academic from the university who dedicates at least half a day a week.

What could a typical project look like?

A Low Carbon KEEP project could address resource efficiency within a business, development of new products or services, innovation... the scope is huge!

What is the Low Carbon KEEP Innovation Voucher?

A The Low Carbon KEEP Innovation Voucher scheme allows SMEs to purchase standalone academic expertise from the region’s Universities to support innovation and business improvement. The Innovation Vouchers cover 40% of the costs of purchasing specialist support for a value from £1,000 up to £5,000, which will provide up to 12 days of bespoke assistance.

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bmw Economics

Elms Corporate

The Ultimate Driving machine

THE mEssAGE YOU’VE bEEn wAiTinG FOR. THE bmw 5 sERiEs, nOw FROm £332 PER mOnTH PLUs DEPOsiT*.

The price of the BMW 5 Series M Sport is just one of its features worth writing home about. The dynamic styling of its M Sport trim, including 18” alloy wheels and chrome tailpipes come as standard. The sumptuous Dakota leather interior and four zone climate control furthers its elegance and refinement. Include competitive monthly payments and in short you’ll find everything you’d expect from a BMW at a price you might not.

To find out more or to arrange a test drive†, call Elms Corporate on 0845 1295020 or visit www.elmscorporate.co.uk

bmw ECOnOmiCs. Elms Corporate

Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6EF 0845 1295020 www.elmscorporate.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 5 Series Saloon range: Urban 18.2-52.3mpg (15.5-5.4l/100km).

Extra Urban 37.7-72.4mpg (7.5-3.9l/100km). Combined 27.2-62.8mpg (10.4-4.5l/100km). CO2 emissions 243-119g/km. *Offer available to business users only. Figures exclude VAT at 20%. Based on a 36 month Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 520d M Sport Saloon 01 April 2013 and 30 June 2013 and registered by 30 September 2013, subject to availability with £1,989.48 deposit plus VAT, a contract mileage of 30,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 13.06p per mile plus VAT. At the end of the agreement you must return the vehicle. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to status and in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man). Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Rentals may change if VAT rate changes during agreement. Prices are correct at time of publication (June 2013) and are subject to change without notice. Hire provided by BMW Financial Services, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. We commonly, but not exclusively, introduce customers to BMW Financial Services. This introduction does not amount to independent financial advice. †Test drive subject to status and availability.