Business Matters #02

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issue

02 MAY 2010

businessmatters Quarterly Magazine of West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

A Global Network...

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The Big Interview...

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taking British business beyond our borders

meeting the challenges of a changing world

Conference and Exhibitions...

Providing the personal touch

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Let’s start at the beginning Insuring effective employee benefits is a balancing act – it works best when insurers properly understand your situation; trust the track record of your adviser and are encouraged to be creative .

That’s the Fulcrum effect.

For further discussion contact Malcolm Brebner on: 07500 10 50 55, or email: malcolm.brebner@fulcrumieb.co.uk website: www.fulcrumieb.co.uk

Fulcrum helps employers to design, buy and communicate better benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision Care Group Life, Critical Illness & Income Protection Protection for Business Travellers & Expatriates Multi-National Pooling Fulcrum Insured Employee Benefits Ltd is authorised & regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA number 479266).

Fulcrum

insured employee benefits

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businessmatters Chester Office Willow House, Park West, Sealand Road, Chester CH1 4RW Telephone 01244 669988 Fax 01244 669989

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info@cepnwchamber.org.uk www.cepnwchamber.org.uk Registered Company No. 173634

Contributing Editor John Dean & Francis Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

Production & Design Distinctive Publishing 8th Floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU Telephone 0191 4788346 production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk www.distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Advertising Telephone 0191 4788300 alison.seymour@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Disclaimer Distinctive Publishing or West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

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CONTENTS 004 005 010 013 014 015 016 018 020 022

INTRODUCTION NEWS CHAMBER EVENTS | NETWORKING 20 QUESTIONS AIM ACCOUNTANTS INTERNATIONAL TRADE BUSINESS NEWS WREXHAM COUNTY COUNCIL DOUBLE TREE HILTON THE BIG INTERVIEW

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CHAMBER TRAINING CONFERENCE FEATURE WREXHAM COUNCIL BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS PATRONS PAGE CHAMBER APPOINTMENTS NEW MEMBERS MOVERS AND SHAKERS RUSSELL IPM MWL SOLUTIONS

Enabling more efficient and effective business

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Need help improving your business processes? greenBeam Consulting specialises in • Selecting & implementing software • Improving project management processes & skills

e: enquiries@greenbeamconsulting.co.uk t: 07799 075906 www.greenbeamconsulting.co.uk

n INTRODUCTION

Working together The result of the General Election will have a profound effect on all our business planning for the remainder of the year.

Business reacted to the desperate situation two years ago by trimming back costs, increasing efficiencies, and battening down the hatches. With the public sector yet to do this, and at a time when the national debt is out of control, we know we will see a vast amount of money taken out of our economy.

Companies have clearly risen to this challenge, and we have seen much innovation. We are hearing less about employment tribunals and disputes, and more about a united effort between employers and employees to make things happen.

Structured networking may never have been so important as it will be over the coming year. The ability to reflect on trading and economic conditions, and market and customer behaviour, with one’s peers in business – will probably be the key to immensely lightening the load of managing change.

The Chamber will continue to provide base services to members, such as a legal and HR helpline, short and meaningful training days and the unique credit card product that will help fund the Chamber – but the key to the Chamber is being a voice and an advocate for business.

That is the challenge that we will continue to take on.

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The secret of implementing change The recent recession or banking crisis, whichever definition is the preferred description of the current economic climate, has thrown up a plethora of restructuring and downsizing exercises.

A somewhat surprising example of the extent to which the impact is being felt across all types of employment has emerged within Whitehall itself.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Britain’s security service is launching an unprecedented round of redundancies to improve the overall level of computer skills amongst its staff.

A policy has been implemented for MI5 to hire new intelligence officers and support staff with a better working knowledge of Information Technology as it would appear that there is a generation of elderly agents who struggle to effectively utilise the internet and social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook.

The Director General of MI5 has told a parliamentary committee of his concern about the overall level of IT skills amongst all levels of the organisation.

As part of an overall review in this area, a programme of voluntary and compulsory redundancies is being implemented with the aim of modifying the skills profile of the organisation and increasing the number of staff who can be deployed on active operations. MI5 currently has about 3,500 officers and plans to

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

have about 4,100 by next year. It would appear from this that the legendary “James Bond” generation of agents is to be consigned to the history books, The fact that the secret service has released this information clearly means that it is far from being classified as top secret.

However, aside from the rather curious concept that a review of this type is being undertaken by a Government Department at the present time with all the threats to national security that exist, the issue does revisit the question of how to deal with employees’ status when the introduction of new technology leads to practical difficulties for some long-standing employees.

The changes that become necessary will vary from employer to employer but all will have to comply with a minimum legal standard in order to achieve the desired results for their organisation.

If any clients have any questions relating to implementation of change caused by new technology, Qdos is always willing to help (and there is definitely no secret about that!)

Please contact 01455 852028 or email qed@qdosconsulting.com

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NEWS n

Down to Zero Zero hours contracts are often viewed as a possible solution for employers who want to guard against a reduction in business activity which they could not have foreseen.

Workplace problems raised

by Volcanic Ash

This type of contract has the same general format s a standard Contract of Employment but is one where the hours worked within the contract are often zero in any given week.

The essence of the hours of work in a ”zero hours” contract is that the employer may require the employee to work an unspecified number of hours each week and importantly, may expect the employee to be available when asked to complete any work. This distinguishes employees on “zero hours” contracts from the more commonly labelled casual employees who can contractually refuse to work when contacted by their employer.

From the employee’s point of view, the main consideration in agreeing to a zero hours contract is the uncertainty of earnings that it presents.

Many potential employees are likely to be reluctant to accept a position where, from week to week, there is no guarantee of any work but ultimately the recent prevalence of this type of contract speaks for itself.

In practice, it is usual for employers to offer some regular level of work to employees or sometimes to even offer an amount of guaranteed minimum hours each week. This situation provides some sort of incentive and security to the employee whilst at the same time giving the employers the flexibility of the working hours that they seek.

Whatever the detail in relation to the hours of work within the “zero hours” contract, the remainder of the contractual terms should comply with the statutory obligations upon employers in relation to the content of their written statement of main terms and conditions of employment.

For further advice on these and other types of contracts, please contact Qdos Consulting on 01455 852028 or email qed@qdosconsulting.com

Any employees who were stranded overseas due to the current volcanic ash crisis would not be entitled to be paid for the time off from the workplace.

However, I would advise that employers are flexible in this situation and e contemplate the various options available. An employer could offer the employee the opportunity to take additional annual leave.

An employer could als offer to pay an employee for a limited period of time as a goodwill gesture, but there is no legal obligation to do this.

Additionally, an employer could offer to pay an employee, and ask them to make the time up as overtime having returned to the UK to work if this easy to administer.

This situation can be considered to be an act of nature. Therefore it would be unlikely that an employer would have a relevant clause within their contract of employment or policy within any associated terms & conditions with regard to such an unusual occurrence.

Ivan Spibey Advice Line Manager

An independent lettings agency offering a fully comprehensive range of property management services to landlords.

70 Witton Street, Northwich, CW9 5AE 01606 43123

Call Gerard or Janet now for details of our competitive fees – and details of the extra-special rates available to Chamber members!

572 Liverpool Road, Irlam, M44 6ZA 0161 775 5111

n NEWS

What can QES results do for you?

With over 5000 businesses across the country participating in Britain’s largest, most representative survey, the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey is quick to fill in, and provides invaluable information for you and your business.

It is the first economic indicator of the quarter and covers topics on employment, investment and economic climate; consequently it is closely monitored by policymakers such as the Treasury, Bank of England and the Media; who can all have an affect on your sector.

QES can help you see where your business stands in the economy, and whether your sector is recovering from the economic crisis.

Be part of the most accurate data of the economy as it stands, and take part. It’s free and easy to use, as well as helping give the best possible overview of the economy we are slowly, but surely, exiting.

An email link will be sent out between 24th May and 16th June 2010 to take part in the survey. Click on the link to connect to the QES website or contact the Chamber directly on; 01244 669 988

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Payment in Lieu?

Recently, there have been a number of reported examples of attempts by employers to control the amount of time off that employees take from the workplace.

Firstly, there have been reports that, as part of the cost cutting measures introduced at Government office in the West Midlands, a hidden sensor has been installed to switch off the toilet light after ten minutes of use.

Whilst the sole intention of this employer was probably to save money by minimising unnecessary lighting bills, the fact that some employees appear to have suffered the indignity of being in the toilet area when the lights have suddenly gone out has led to a conspiracy theory i.e. that this is more likely to be an attempt to limit the amount of time that civil servants use the toilet facilities.

Secondly, the CIPD reports that employers are increasingly discouraging their staff from visiting the dentist during working hours. The number of companies taking this approach has doubled from 5% in 2009 to 10% this year according to a recent survey. The researchers behind the dental appointments survey suggest that it is a sign that more and more companies have been under pressure to keep people at work during the recession.

The results showed that HR managers in the North East were the most likely to discourage their employees and surprisingly the Health Care sector itself is one of the most restrictive towards its own employees with 30% taking such an attitude. However many more take a more generous approach where 71% of HR managers say that they were concerned that employers cannot afford to maintain their oral health. A majority of 74% believed it is the responsibility of the employer to look after the oral health of their work force. Both of these examples indicate the need for a clear and reasonable policy on matters that have suddenly become more important to employers generally than has historically been the case.

However, if any employers are contemplating clamping down on practices that have or being perceived to have generated an excessive amount of working time out of the business, then the desired result can often be achieved better through proper consultation and discussion rather than a silent introduction of a new regime.

As a cautionary tale, all employers should take note of the recent decision in Italy where a jailed mafia boss has won the right to visit the lavatory without being filmed. The constant video surveillance of Salvatore Lo Piccolo apparently caused him to become “extremely uncomfortable”. Unsurprisingly perhaps, a judge in Italy agreed with his arguments on this issue and ordered that the TV cameras be switched off. UK employers and employees can at least take consolation in the fact that things can always be worse.

For all questions relating to time off during the working day, please call Qdos on 01455 850000

NEWS n

Are you taking the r sk?

Over the past 12 months fleet managers have been turning their attention to reducing costs and facing the continuing debate of driver safety vs cost control.

After the recent changes in Health & Safety legislation and the update to the Corporate Manslaughter Act business owners are having to look closely at their responsibilities under the new legislation.

Did you know?

If your business has more than 5 staff you have a duty of care (under current Health & Safety legislation) to assess the risk of your employees who drive for work and keep a record of the assessment

Vehicle maintenance and fuel costs are reduced due to ‘Eco Driving’ training modules Accidents are reduced when adopting a ‘driving awareness’ programme, thus reducing the cost of repair and downtime

Employees who drive to meetings, pop to the bank or drive to the post office for work are classed as driving on company business

Insurance premiums can be fixed or even come down with an improved claims history

The new Corporate Manslaughter Act came into effect as of April last year, outlining business owners responsibilities

The company covers its duty of care obligations under the Health & Safety guidelines

Failure to manage work related road safety could cost small businesses upwards of £500,000 in fines and possible prison sentences for company directors DrivingMonitor, an online risk management business lists out some of the typical advantages of adopting a risk strategy and the impact this has on fleet costs:

To combat this risk, DrivingMonitor is being rolled out to Chamber of Commerce members with practical advice and guidance, ensuring employees are safe whilst driving for work.

To find out more visit www.driving-monitor.com

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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n NEWS

Walker Smith Way continues expansion Chester, Wrexham and London-based practice Walker Smith Way has acquired Thornleys Solicitors’ Ashton-under-Lyne and Birmingham team, giving the firm a presence in Greater Manchester and in the Midlands.

The move combines the two specialist practices and adds 22 members of Thornleys staff to Walker Smith Way’s 130, strengthening the firm’s position as a key regional player in the North West.

This latest development reflects Walker Smith Way’s wider strategy for growth. The firm opened an office in London only just 12 months ago and this latest move is a great opportunity for the firm and an important expansion step.

Walker Smith Way’s Senior Partner, Brian Dawson, said: “These are exciting times for Walker Smith Way. There is a strong affinity between the two firms, both culturally and strategically. We are delighted that we have found an ideal match in the Greater Manchester and Midlands area with Thornleys and we are looking forward to working with the team from Thornleys and building on our joint success.”

Thornleys’ Senior Partner, John Dunn, said: “Our key practice areas and specialist skills complement each other well. We are delighted to be joining forces with a firm that has such a great reputation in the North West and also a firm that is committed to the Trade Union movement. With the added expertise of Walker Smith Way’s team, we will now be able to provide a broader base of services.”

John Dunn, who has been with Thornleys for 25 years and is currently President of the Manchester Law Society, will continue his involvement with the firm as part of Walker Smith Way, ensuring a smooth transition.

Pictured (L to R) are: John Dunn, Thorleys’ Senior Partner and, from Walker Smith Way: Neil Turnbull, Head of Union department, Gareth Humphreys, Managing Partner and Brian Dawson, Senior Partner.

Chwarae Teg Solutions offering expert training support Chwarae Teg Solutions provides workplace training courses, seminars and workshops and consultancy to provide businesses with cost-effective solutions for your people and workplace.

The company offers a range of solutions, including pre-arranged courses that include Management Skills, Coaching and Mentoring, Equality and Diversity, Flexible & Remote Working and Work-life Balance.

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

The company also delivers bespoke training and consultancy solutions to meet the exact requirements of clients.

Importantly, as it is a not-for-profit organisation, clients benefit by having their workplace solutions delivered by an impartial provider with more than 17 years of experience.

To find out more about how Chwarae Teg Solutions can help your business visit www.chwaraeteg.com or call 029 2047 8916 for a free informal discussion about your workplace requirements.

NEWS n

Doing more for less Ronnie Cherian, Operations Director for Aristel Hotels of which Ramada Crewe is a part, pictured with Sean Clarke, Clarke Design.

Stylish website boosts online bookings at the Ramada Hotel, Crewe The Ramada Hotel Crewe has been boosted by an upturn in online bookings through its stylish new website which was designed by Clarke Design, local Sandbach-based web designers.

West Cheshire Chamber member Clarke Design has produced a clean, fresh website which links through to online bookings and reservations. Galleries of images highlight the excellent facilities of this modern, purpose built 4 star hotel. The Ramada Crewe has 64 well-appointed and stylish rooms, an upmarket restaurant, a comfortable lounge bar and excellent meeting and event facilities.

Ronnie Cherian, Operations Director for Aristel Hotels of which Ramada Crewe is a part of, commented: “We needed design expertise to guide us with the look and feel of our website as I had to adhere to a lot of brand led directives but Clarke Design managed to transform our web presence and make it a friendly and lingering experience for any visitors.

Companies and organisations wanting to do ‘more for less’ can now get help from greenBeam Consulting when looking to improve their business processes or the way they manage projects.

“Nowadays, improving business processes often involves the introduction of new computer systems, but it is vital to make sure that the chosen system will give the required savings and improvements, and that everyday business won’t be disrupted while it’s being introduced,” said greenBeam’s owner, Alison Barnes.

“Improving the way projects are managed involves making sure people have the relevant skills and that there are appropriate project management processes in place.” “ greenBeam Consulting helps companies and organisations select the right system for their needs, and then ensures it is set up and integrated successfully,” said Alison. “greenBeam also provides project management training and can develop and implement project management processes.”

“Those visitors to our new website have led to a surge in online bookings. Since the new design went live, booking volumes have far exceeded our expectation and the return on our website investment is four fold.”

For further information, please contact Sean Clarke, Clarke Design, tel: 0845 0094 933 www.clarkedesign.co.uk

For more information e: enquiries@greenbeamconsulting.co.uk or t: 07799 075906

Ramada Crewe - www.ramadacrewe.co.uk

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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n CHAMBER EVENTS | NETWORKING

Chamber Go Kart Racing.

Chamber Go Kart Racing

The Chamber has organised a Go Kart Racing event at The Circuit Sandycroft: put the pedal to the metal and make useful business contacts, enjoy delicious food and the thrill of racing two inches off the floor. For those of you who are not petrol heads come along and network anyway, the exciting atmosphere helps the networking step up a gear and is also a great ice breaker!

Places are limited and it always proves to be a popular event, to book your place now, book online or call 01244 669988

Price £42

Date:

Chamber of Commerce Golf Day.

Your day will start at 11.30am with a cup of tea or coffee and a bacon roll as you register, with the real fun starting at 12.30pm as you move on to tee off.

After an afternoon of superb golf, you will move on to enjoy a three course meal in the club house, this is a perfect way to network, entertain clients or for you and your staff to start the weekend. Additional guests can join you for the evening meal for just £25.

This is always a very popular event and to avoid disappointment you should book early. So book on online or call 01244 669988.

Price £70 Members Price £50

Date:

10/09/2010

Event: Chamber of Commerce Golf Day Venue: Time:

10

Mollington Grange Golf Club 11.30am

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

29/06/2010

Event:

Chamber Go Kart Racing

Venue:

The Circuit, Sandycroft

Time:

This years annual golf day is to be held on the 10th of September in 176 acres of beautiful Wirral/Cheshire country side at the Mollington Grange Golf Club.

Members Price £35

Chamber Golf Day

18.30pm

WATT WORKS n

Why “Now” Might Be the Best Time to Review Your Business At the time of going to print - and after what is officially the longest recession on record - the Office for National Statistics (ONS) had just announced the strongest growth in industrial production for almost a decade.

Many businesses are emerging battered and bruised from the adverse conditions of the past couple of years, eager to make the best of the better times that lie ahead. With the economic recovery now beginning to gain real momentum, there has never been a more opportune time to take a good look at your business. Taking action now to find out what’s working well - as well what isn’t - could be the best thing you do to ensure your long-term viability.

Survival has, for many, meant that difficult decisions have had to be taken. Reductions in staffing, halts in training and development activities, and delays to strategic initiatives are just some of the measures that firms have had to put in place.

and organisations achieve sustainable improvements in performance. He suggests that there has never been a better time to undertake a proper review of your organisation.

Watt Works provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of their rapidly expanding client-base including strategy definition, change management, executive and team coaching, facilitation, leadership development, management training, innovation, branding and project management. However, one of the services they are expecting to gain significant attention across the region over the coming months is their “Organisational Health Check” service.

However, these actions may have also significantly diminished firms’ ability to respond adequately to the upturn in the economy.

Not only do they not have the same capacity as they did pre-recession, but many of the processes, structures, policies and systems currently in place are in desperate need of review and overhaul. After an extensive period of cost reduction, a variety of activities such as leadership and talent development, change management, development and strategic reviews are now long overdue for most companies.

“This service brings together many of our offerings together in a unique package that sees us undertaking a thorough review of where our clients are. We explore areas such as organisational structure and processes, information flows, how they make sense of their environments, and assess their ability to create coherent and effective strategies moving forward. Then, we help them put together a plan of activities so they can really make the most of the opportunities ahead,” said Kerr, “We’re also providing this free of charge to Chamber Members, in the event the healthcheck leads to further consultancy, training or coaching with us.”

Failure to properly prepare for recovery now could mean that you are unable to deliver at the required level of quality, damage your reputation and seriously undermine your future growth prospects. So, what can you do to ensure you emerge primed and ready to reap the rewards of the forthcoming recovery?

In the same way that you’d want to get a clean bill of health before running a marathon, the Health Check service offered by Watt Works could allow you step back and get a fresh view on your organisation. Getting a handle on what’s working and what isn’t could be critical to success.

David Kerr is Managing Director of Watt Works Consulting Ltd - a consulting, coaching and training company based in Booths Hall, Knutsford that helps individuals

Kerr continued, “Performance improvement isn’t just about ensuring that there are measurement and reward systems in place to ensure you get the best of out people - it’s

about ensuring your organisation is working effectively, efficiently and coherently to achieve it’s long term aims.”

“Ultimately, you need to create a culture as well as a set of capabilities and competencies that allow you to continuously improve, learn and grow - whilst being able to consistently meet and exceed your customers’ expectations,” Kerr said, “We’re here to help you do that.”

This could be the perfect time to check that you’re adequately prepared for the next stage of your development.

What are you waiting for?

Watt Works Consulting Ltd is a consulting, coaching and training company that helps individuals and organisations achieve sustainable improvements in performance, based at Booths Hall in Knutsford.

For more details on the Watt Works’ “Organisational Health Check” service (that may be provided free of charge to Chamber Members) see www.watt-works.com, email enquiries@watt-works.com or call 01565 759893 for a no-obligation discussion.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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A FRESH SOLUTION TO BIG BIN HYGIENE Unclean bins are a serious health hazard and can be a major problem for businesses of all sizes. They are breeding grounds for germs and bacteria, cause offensive odours, attract rats and can become infested with flies, maggots and other pests.

So, if you already have big bin problems, or simply want to maintain a hygienic, safe and odour free environment for your business, customers and staff, Big Fresh Bins Ltd is the perfect solution.

We provide a professional, fully licensed and eco-friendly on-site bin cleaning, disinfecting and deodorising service that combines quality, reliability and value for money.

To discuss your organisations individual needs and receive a tailored quotation, call 0800 612 4884 or email: info@bigfreshbins.co.uk

Bolesworth Classic Business Lunch

Friday 16th July 2010

Set in the grounds of Bolesworth Castle, the show jumping event is a unique opportunity for corporate and private entertainment.

Be in the middle of the exciting action in our beautifully decorated marquee and sun-terrace overlooking the Castle Arena.

Your package includes: M Champagne reception M 3 course summer luncheon M Guest Speaker M VIP admission ticket & badge M Show Programme M Afternoon tea M VIP car parking

www.bigfreshbins.co.uk

Sponsorship & advertising opportunities are available.

For tickets reservations and more details call Alison Sharp on 01829 782210

BOOK ONLINE NOW: www.bolesworthclassic.com

Delivering bespoke HR solutions

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Seguro Management Ltd Innovation House Power Road Bromborough CH62 3QT Tel: 0151 343 4830 e-mail: info@segurohealthandsafety.co.uk www.segurohealthandsafety.co.uk

T: 01244 537304 E: Info@hrangelsconsultancy.co.uk W: hrangelsconsultancy.co.uk

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

20 QUESTIONS n

20 Questions Interview Name: Simon Edwards Job Title: Senior Partner Company: Aaron & Partners LLP, Solicitors Lives: Chester Q1.) What brings you to the legal profession?

It seemed like a good idea when I didn’t know any better, and turned out to be one when I did.

Q2.) What advice would you give to anybody wanting to get in to this profession?

Be prepared to work hard at it as a business.

Q3.) What is the most important thing you look for in a new recruit?

Reliability.

Q4.) If you could employ anybody from the world of Business who would it be and why?

Digby Jones, because he seems to know everybody.

Q5.) As a business person, describe your three main qualities?

Focus on key issues, imagination and persuasiveness.

Q6.) And your worst quality?

Impatience.

Q7.) What has been your most satisfying moment in business?

Persuading my client’s obstructive insurers to buy themselves out of their contract of insurance, and then settling with the opponents for a

fraction of what the insurers paid - a nice profit for the client.

Q8.) What do you always carry with you to work?

The paddle for my canoe - well, sometimes.

Q9.) Would you say you live for work or work to live?

Work to live.

Q10.) Who is the most famous person you have ever met – what were they like?

Gyles Brandreth - very pleasant, and was a surprisingly hard-working MP. Q11.) Who in your view is the media industry role model and why?

Evan Davies because he is intelligent, well informed, probing but polite.

Q12.) What is your biggest achievement?

Building up our law firm - our turnover is 40 times what it was when I joined and has all come from organic growth.

Q13.) What was your first job and the amount in your first pay packet?

Working in a bar when nobody asked me about my (under) age - I was paid a pittance.

Q14.) If you could chose to work for any company in the world, which would it be and why?

Triumph Motorcycles - because they are a company with a vision.

Q15.) If you won the lottery would you retire?

Probably not.

Q16.) Do you make time for lunch every day?

Mostly.

Q17.) What is a normal day for you?

I spend it in the office dealing with phone calls and e-mails, the odd meeting, dispensing wisdom and solutions!

Q18.) If you could work in a completely different field, what would it be?

Teaching history in a University sounds interesting.

Q19.) If you could turn the clock back, what would you have changed about your business career?

Not much - I have never been bored since the day I started as a lawyer.

Q20.) What hobbies do you have?

Hill walking, cars and motorcycles, history, reading and friends.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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n AIMS ACCOUNTANTS

Your Business Matters to us - we deliver solutions that work for you.

AIMS Accountants for Business is the largest national association of qualified accountants in the UK, specialising in providing a great value service to small and independent businesses.

Recently new to AIMS, Chris Bird, based in Anglesey, is a chartered accountant, with over 20 years experience in finance and management within commerce and industry.

performance. In such economic times, being able to provide the bank with up to date accurate accounts is a necessity to guarantee their continued support. AIMS can save you those long hours of headache when you could be doing business or relaxing at home.

Whether you want an accountant to look after your bookkeeping, year end accounts and tax returns, or if you want to expand and require funds for the business, AIMS can help you. We offer a bespoke service to meet your requirements and all fees are agreed in advance.

Legislation is always changing and having a knowledgeable professional to keep you on the right track with VAT Returns and on-line submission is a must in today’s world.

If you need a business plan and financial forecasts to support your new business venture, Chris Bird is ideally suited to help you.

All businesses need regular bookkeeping and accounts preparation to help monitor their

However good you are with numbers, an expert is a great help in preparing personal and corporate tax returns as they will ensure you take advantage of all the allowances available to reduce your tax bill.

Most business people would like to be able to

Chris Bird ACA share their problems and ideas with someone, Chris can provide quality professional business advice on a wide range of topics.

We enjoy talking to you because we value our clients and recognise the importance of getting to know you better. We are only a phone call away, so whenever you need information we are available to help and we won’t charge you for the call.

Time to change your Accountant?

Invest a moment and find out what we offer •

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Free, no obligation consultation CHRIS BIRD ACA T: 01407 880275 E: chris.bird@aims.co.uk W: www.aims.co.uk

Why would you want to work with anyone else?

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

INTERNATIONAL TRADE n

A Global Network taking British Business beyond our borders British Business has always looked overseas for opportunity, and foreign trade is vital to the UK economy. The UK is the sixth largest exporter of goods and services, usiness which is worth around £200 billion every year equating to 17% of the country’s total GDP. In terms of investment, the UK is second only to the USA as the world’s largest investor in overseas markets.

The enlargement of the European Union provides marketing and sales opportunities too good to be missed – including unrestricted access to more than 450 million consumers – and rapidly growing and emerging markets such as India and China and Brazil and the Middle East, representing astounding global prospects.

The voice of export business in the UK is a vital one, and the British Chamber of Commerce ensures it is heard clearly by all relevant government departments and private bodies to ensure that exporter’s needs are met – today and tomorrow The BCC supports and advises businesses in all areas of International Trade Development and intelligent exporting and with a network of Bilateral and International Chambers of Commerce the BCC can provide UK exporters with a unique added dimension far beyond the existing role of Embassy post. The BCC’s Accredited Network provides numerous international trade services including;

• Training in all aspects of World Trade • Export Documentation Services

On behalf of the UK Trade and Investment, the BCC manages and delivers two of their key services; the Export Marketing Research Scheme, which encourages UK businesses to conduct research before entering a new overseas market and Export Communications Review, which aims to reduce the instances in which cultural and language barriers come between UK businesses and success overseas.

• Market Research and Online Intelligence • Credit Checks and Letters • Export Planning • Translation Services and Multilingual Marketing Material • Inward / Outward Trade Missions and Fairs • Export Clubs and International Networking

The BCC holds mandates from the DTI and HM Revenue and Customs for the issue of all EU Certificates of Origin as well as EURI and ATR certificates, these movement certificates are readily available from issuing body chambers across the UK.

• Consultancy Projects • Tender Advice and Opportunities • Specialist Advisory Services • Letters of Credit • Market Focussed Programmes • Events and Seminars • Introduction and Contacts

The BCC enjoys a close and productive relationship with UK Trade and Investment, the government organisation which supports UK companies trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to locate in the UK.

The BCC has recently launched e-Cert eXpress which enables any exporter to apply online for their certificates, have them fully approved and stamped by the Chamber and then allow them to print out on previously purchased certificates at their own office. This enables the exporter to have completed certificates stamped, authorised and signed by the Chamber within a couple of hours. The savings in courier fees or staff time out of the office is considerable and this service has been widely appreciated by all exporters.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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n BUSINESS NEWS

Responsible for running a small construction site?

About 2.2 million people work in Britain’s construction industry, making it the country’s biggest industry. It is also one of the most dangerous. In the past 25 years, more than 2,800 people have died from injuries they received as a result of construction work. Many more have been injured or made ill. A disproportionate number of these injuries occur on small sites.

These are the essential health and safety top tips you should follow if you are to run a construction site, even if you don’t directly employ the people working there.

General points

Work at Height Almost all domestic roof work needs scaffolding – fit edge protection to stop people and materials from falling from eaves and gable ends.

On terraced properties make sure you provide scaffolding at the front and back of the property.

• Keep your site clean and tidy, with clear space for people to work in.

• Use scaffolding around chimneys and roof windows.

• Keep people, including the public, away from danger – fence the site off and use signs to warn people.

• Do not throw materials from the roof or the scaffold (‘bombing’) – use a chute or similar.

• Provide welfare facilities on site or close by

• Stop materials falling onto the street, and people – for example, use debris netting sheeting and/or close fitting scaffold boards.

• Make sure structures, such as walls, are kept safe, and any demolition work is properly planned and workers know what to do.

• Keep people away from the area below the roof work.

• Make sure the people on your site are trained instructed and supervised to do the work safely.

• Do not go onto fragile roof surfaces such as cement sheets or those with skylight.

• Use only 110 volt or battery-operated portable tools and safe electrical supplies.

• Work from underneath, reach from an access platform or cover fragile areas on the roof.

• Make sure trenches and excavations don’t collapse and ensure people cannot fall into them.

• Ladders can be used to access the workplace but working from ladders is allowed only as a last resort.

• Make sure workers cannot fall from height,

• Make sure your roof workers are properly trained and competent to do the work safely.

• Working from ladders is allowed only as a last resort.

Carrying out the work • Prevent unnecessary lifting and carrying.

• Position loads by machine and plan where they need to be put.

• Avoid heavy materials that could cause problems if they need to be moved by hand. Choose lighter materials, order smaller bags of cement and aggregates.

• Keep materials such as concrete blocks dry.

• Use simple mechanical aids and make sure they are kept well maintained.

• Make sure workers are trained to use lifting equipment and other aids safely.

• Think about workers’ size and strength.

On all sites you should provide: • Clean and working toilets; • Washbasins with hot and cold running water; • Soap and towels; • Sinks large enough to wash face, hand and forearms; • Somewhere to change, dry and store clothing; • Drinking water, and cups if needed; and • A rest area to sit, make hot drinks and eat food.

You must also keep your welfare facilities warm and well ventilated, with lighting if necessary.

• Have they been trained to lift safely?

• Consider hiring lifting equipment at a daily rate to lighten the load.

• Avoid repetitive lifting, handling heavy building blocks or other masonry units and installing heavy lintels by hand.

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

For further information please telephone 01455 850000 or email qed@qdosconsulting.com

BUSINESS NEWS n

St John Ambulance appeal for first aid stories

NHS Plus occupational health adviceline for small businesses in Merseyside goes national The free NHS Plus ‘Health for Work’ Adviceline for small businesses delivered by NHS Plus that has operated in the Merseyside region since the end of 2009 has been extended nationally.

Small business employers can now directly access free and professional occupational health advice to help with individual employee health problems by calling 0800 0 77 88 44.

Intervening early can help an employee with a health condition stay at work, or return to work more quickly, so minimising the impact on the business. The effect that employee absenteeism and ill health has on profitability can often be overlooked in a small business due to the daily demands of establishing and growing the business.

The cost of unexpected absences among employees should not be underestimated. Working-age ill health and sickness absence cost the UK economy more than £100 billion each year, with the worst performing businesses losing an average of 12 days per annum for every employee.

The most common recorded causes of absence are physical problems such as back pain, and mental health issues such as stress and depression. Mental ill health alone is estimated to cost the equivalent of £1,035 per year for every employee in the UK work force.

St John Ambulance believes that no one should suffer from the lack of a trained first aider.

To help promote this message the charity is appealing for all those Chamber members with real-life stories of how they’ve used their first aid skills to come forward.

St John Ambulance is particularly interested in hearing from people who have helped save lives and responded to medical emergencies after taking part in a St John Ambulance first aid course.

There will be a reward for each first aid story, one free place on a St John Ambulance Emergency life support (all ages) course, which the individual can attend to refresh his/her first aid skills or give as a gift to a friend or family member.

Visit www.sja.org.uk/training for more details about the course.

Contact Stephanie Littler from St John Ambulance on 01244 383407 option 4 or email: stephanie.littler@cheshire.sja.org.uk with your first aid stories.

For free, immediate and confidential advice, small business employers and managers can call the adviceline on 0800 0 77 88 44.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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n WREXHAM COUNCIL

Wrexham – Working together LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION Wrexham, which occupies a central position in relation to all manufacturing regions in the UK, in situated in the north-eastern corner of Wales, immediately adjacent to the border with England. Its position in terms of road and rail links within the UK, is superb and it is just 45 minutes’ drive time away from Manchester International Airport.

The major road serving Wrexham, and just minutes from the town centre and all major industrial estates, is the A483. This road connects Wrexham to the national motorway network, via the M53/M56, at a point just twelve miles away from the town. From here there is easy access to all routes, north, south, east and west.

A dedicated team of business support officers are proud to announce that they have moved into the heart of the business community on Wrexham Industrial Estate. The move is to help new and existing businesses on the ground, whether they are looking to re-locate, expand or could benefit from support to develop for a successful future.

WREXHAM: The economy has been transformed in the past twenty years from one dominated by heavy and traditional industry to a major high tech manufacturing technology and services hub.

The business community consists of everything from small indigenous operations to major multi-nationals and world class companies, which have chosen to locate here. A great many organisations have made substantial investments in the area and the fact that they continue to thrive and maintain their commitment to Wrexham demonstrates that, as a location, it provides a business environment in which they can prosper, flourish and feel confident enough to expand and re-invest.

n A comprehensive one-stop source of free information on all matters relating to starting a new operation in the area

Particularly to Manchester Airport and the west coast ports of Mostyn, Liverpool, Holyhead and Garston, but also to the east coast ports, via the M62trans-pennine motorway.

n A named contact who will deal with all your queries, organise site tours and meetings when you visit and ensure that you receive practical help, tailored to your specific needs

Wrexham has two railway stations and connections to the mainline passenger routes and two major rail freight terminals are located a short journey away by road.

n Access to a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals, who will offer you a confidential advisory service, without cost or obligation n Site and building searches and liaison with local property agents and developers n Access to local and regional contacts and agencies n Research and information gathering service n Liaison with Local Government Departments; such as planning, environmental health, funding and support for new businesses and much more n Advice and assistance in identifying and applying for possible sources of funding n Liaison with utility companies involving; water, gas, electricity & telecoms n Help with recruitment

BUSINESS SUPPORT Wrexham has a reputation for being ‘Business Friendly’ and has much to recommend it as a business location. Wrexham has a good mix of commercial units and a diverse labour force. Any company, large or small, contemplating a move to Wrexham will find, in the Council’s Economic Development Department, a group of dedicated professionals supporting inward investment into Wrexham, as well as supporting existing business. They will do their very best to offer a full package of support and assistance including:

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n Help relocating key workers.

Location: Economic Development Department Wrexham County Borough Council 3A Redwither Tower Redwither Business Park Wrexham Industrial Estate Wrexham LL13 9XT Tel: no 01978 667300 Email: business @wrexham.gov.uk

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

ACCESS TO MARKETS One of Wrexham’s greatest strengths is undoubtedly its location, which gives it easy access to markets throughout the UK and worldwide. Situated close to the huge conurbations of the north-west of England and with easy road access to Birmingham and the Midlands, Wrexham is within a two hour drive of one third of the UK’s population and half of its manufacturing industry. Wrexham’s location outside these massive centres of population and industry gives it a distinct advantage, in that it does not suffer from the excess of congestion on the roads that they tend to experience.

Cheshire’s Luxury Retreat That’s Perfect for Business and Leisure ...

There aren’t many places where you can experience a luxury hotel, world-class spa and celebrity restaurant under one roof but that is exactly what you can expect from a visit to Doubletree by Hilton Chester.

The Doubletree by Hilton Chester hotel launched in May 2009 following a massive redevelopment and rebrand to the Doubletree by Hilton group.

Costing a total of £29 million now completed; the former Hoole Hall Hotel has been transformed into a leading luxury retreat in the North West.

A team of expert interior designers and interior architects worked on the project to ensure that the magnificent 18th Century manor house achieved a contemporary feel whilst maintaining many original features. The end result is an expertly balanced combination of old and new that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Comfort has been high on the list of priorities at the Doubletree by Hilton Chester and the rooms are a testament to this. High thread count bedding, beautiful decoration, luxurious mattresses and the latest technology provide the perfect setting for business and leisure.

Corporate guests can benefit from an extensive range of meeting and conference facilities. There are seven air conditioned meeting/conference rooms all with natural daylight in a range of sizes to comfortably seat up to

300 delegate’s theatre style. There is also impressive conference and exhibition space in the stunning ballroom with adjoining conservatory or in the Abbey Suite converted stable barn. Complimentary Wi Fi access is provided in all public areas and complimentary hard wired access in the bedrooms. Parking is free and guests can also enjoy use of the club and spa facilities during their stay with the added option of treatments and classes arranged for the group for team building or a reward incentive.

Most recently, this February, the restaurant at Doubletree by Hilton Chester was transformed into the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill in. A great space to entertain staff, clients or friends for a business lunch or dinner; the key concept of the restaurant is Marco’s humble restaurant philosophy of affordable glamour. The 90 cover dining room can comfortably seat large groups of people, or two for an intimate diner in a secluded booth and there is also an exclusive private dining room that can seat 18 people. For weddings the hotels ballroom and 17th century conservatory provide the

Warrington Road, Hoole, Chester CH2 3PD telephone: 01244 408800

Doubletree by Hilton Chester

ultimate ceremony and reception location. Expert staff are on hand to make sure that the day exceeds all expectations and guests are sure to be impressed by the truly unique character of Doubletree by Hilton Chester.

Tony Wright general manager says: “The hotel has undergone a huge transformation and the difference between before and after the work is staggering. We are all thrilled with the launch of The Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Grill – it’s the final piece of the jigsaw for Doubletree by Hilton Chester.”

Tucked within the Victorian walled garden of Doubletree Chester, facilities provided by The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall are second to none with 12 treatment rooms offering an unrivalled spa experience. Treatments in the luxurious spa include products from two of the most exclusive and respected beauty brands within the industry. Haute Couture niche spa and beauty brand, Anne Semonin Paris, and revolutionary natural source ingredient brand Pevonia.

Paul Kelsall club and spa manager says: “Under the current

climate it’s unlikely that you’ll see the opening of another luxury spa and state-of-the-art gym of this calibre in the UK for sometime. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the excellent facilities including the high spec, extra spacious gym that boasts the next generation of Technogym equipment including Visio, considered to be the most innovative digital platform for a workout. Rarely found, sought-after features of the club and spa include an open air Watsu pool, hydrotherapy pool and the only Dreamwave meditation room in the UK! Located on the outskirts of the historic Roman city of Chester, The Doubletree by Hilton hotel and The Club and Spa at Hoole Hall is the perfect base for a luxury getaway.

Famed for it’s high-end shopping, boutique culture and wealth of bars and restaurants, there’s plenty to see and do in the picturesque city of Chester.

The hotel and club and spa is located on Warrington Road, Hoole, Chester CH2 3PD. For further information, telephone Doubletree by Hilton, Chester on 01244 408 800 or visit www.doubletree.hilton.co.uk/chester

email: enquiries@doubletreechester.com web: www.doubletree.hilton.co.uk/chester

n THE BIG INTERVIEW

BIG THE

INTERVIEW

Greg Reed, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of America Europe Card Services, and Chamber board member

Meeting the challenges of a changing world In times such as these, the biggest challenge for financial institutions has been retaining the trust of investors - it is a challenge Greg Reed is taking on with confidence.

Greg, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of America Europe Card Services (ECS), who is based in Chester, believes that the key to recovery for the sector is to listen to what customers want.

A key part of his job is customer retention and he acknowledges that is a challenge after what happened to the banking sector and the subsequent knock-on on the world’s economies.

He said: “The recession has been a tough one and I have been very impressed with the resilience of the UK consumer in general. You are getting people who for years had a job and were happy about their finances and who suddenly found themselves with a dent in their plans and having to go back to the drawing board.”

The journey to helping those people - his current role means he is responsible for all Bank of America ECS marketing activity in the UK and Europe, including its MBNA brand - has taken him across the world and given him experience of many aspects of the banking industry.

Having graduated from The Pennsylvania State University where he majored in Finance, he joined Bank of America through MBNA America in 1995 and went on to hold positions in Customer Assistance, Credit Acquisition, Finance, and the Corporate Revenue Group.

Greg joined Bank of America Europe Card Services in July 2000, as a founding member of the European Revenue Group and moved on to serve as Senior Finance Manager for UK Credit Card.

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THE BIG INTERVIEW n

In 2005, Greg left Finance for Business Development to form and manage the Retention function then went on to manage most of the key functions in Business Development for two years before being named ECS Business Development Executive in April 2007.

our customers expect us to interact with them.

“We have been developing our brand and a lot of our work has been around choice and added value.

“We are shaping our brand and coming forward with products that work for our customers,. We are looking at products that offer them greater choice, that are simple and easy to understand, and give them added value.

In that role his responsibilities include Customer Retention, Telemarketing, Partnerships, New Product Development, Marketing Development and Customer Loyalty.

“We are continuing to innovate and make bold decisions to make us a more agile and efficient business – one that has a competitive advantage and one that is able to adapt to the changing needs of our customers.

He said: “I think having international experience helps you understand how they do things elsewhere. For instance, the business culture in the UK and US is different but there is still a common language - everyone has customers.

“We are a diverse international business so there are many people bringing ideas and innovation from all corners of the world. To innovate you must bring those experiences to the table – it’s what sets us apart.

“MBNA is a Bank of America company – that has bought with it people with a vast range of new experiences, know-how, understanding and ideas – which is opening up even more to us as a business.

“I am cautiously optimistic about the future.

I think people can now see that things have stabilised.

“I think consumers are more cautious than they were and we as an industry are more conservative.

“Trust has to be earned – we are doing that by continuing to put our customers at the centre of everything we do.

“We are talking to our customers, listening to them and responding to them. But we are also putting them at the heart of our decision making.

“Our customers have stayed with us and we are continuing to work hard to ensure that doesn’t change and that more see the benefits of doing so.

“I think consumers are still nervous about the economy and the difficult decisions that the Government has to take but from our point of view, we remained open for business and served our consumers during the downturn and we are going to carry on down that path.”

Greg thinks one of the big lessons that came out of the sector was that the industry has to think more about what customers want and one of the thing which represents great potential for him is online banking.

He said: “I use a US quote from ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky who said: ‘I do not go where the puck is but where it is going to be’ and I think it is the same for us - we have to figure out where our customers want to be and service them there.

Greg Reed

“Online is exciting and it does not just mean computers. People have smartphones and other handheld devices which is like carrying computers around with them.

Enhanced technology, including mobile phone functionality, SMS, the Internet and voice recognition systems are transforming the way

The company is the biggest employer, with 4,000 Associates, based in Chester.

Greg said: “The city, and most importantly the people, have been instrumental in our success story.”

In recognition of that, the company supports a number of local activities and events (under the MBNA Knowledge Bank programme) DebtCred, a programme of financial literacy education for 14-17 year olds in Cheshire and North Wales. In the past five years, 5,000 young people have received education and Bank staff have donated 2,000 hours as volunteer teachers. · Manchester Camerata partnership on a project engaging children and families in music-themed activities · Waterways Action Squad (with Waterways Trust) which involves hundreds of young people in the care of canals and waterways in the North West · Climate Squad, encouraging young people to learn new skills and make a genuine difference to their environment. · Thrive, a social enterprise programme in the Blacon area of the city.

“We must keep pushing the boundaries of the possible and stay relevant for our customers, to follow through on our continued commitment to placing our customers at our core.

“These are not just hollow words. We want to be recognised for the way we go about our business – we want our customers, shareholders and partners to be happy. We want our staff to be happy – and others to want to come and work for us.”

Another key role in his business life is a board member for the Chamber of Commerce.

He said: “It was an honour and privilege to come onto the board. As an American I was brought up on the idea of chambers as a very strong voice as they represented business.

“It made sense to join because of the type of business we are, having come to Chester and with our footprint in the community. When our communities succeed, we succeed.

“The Chamber is able to be the voice for millions of pounds of investment and tens of thousands of jobs. We work with other organisations of which we are a part but we are also able to put forward our view as well.”

He recognised that there needed to be changes, saying: “Last year, along with the other Directors, we recognised that our regional Chamber was in need of reenergising.

“So, as a business and supported by our President Ian O’Doherty, we made a business decision to support the Chamber by offering to second one of my team, Mike Jones, into a position as Interim Chief Executive.

“Mike’s secondment has proved to be a tremendous success story locally. He has invested large amounts of time to try and retain members, re-engage with key local partnerships, engage with key influencers in region and establish new foundations for the Chamber.

“He is now back with us and I have no doubt, the skills he has brought back with him and the relationships he has made will prove invaluable to us – it’s a two way street.”

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        

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        



     

 

             



                     

   

  

CHAMBER TRAINING n

Hello Again, I trust you have all been keeping well and busy.

What a few months it’s been. We have been striving to get the processes in place to ensure we have a selection of courses that meet the broad needs of Chamber members.

This task has not been an easy one. The primary reason it has taken so long is related to my passion for QUALITY. I am sure you relate to this, as we all wish to provide the best quality service for our clients. Therefore I am sure you will be pleased to know, we are setting high standards in the training provision you can expect from the Chamber.

In the current climate where we are all measured to seek the best value for our investment; quality standards need to be maintained. The quality of the training provision delivered by the Chamber of Commerce is critical to the values we stand for.

The team of trainers span many areas of expertise. Over the coming month I hope you will get to know us all better through these pages.

We believe that learning should be fun, exciting and productive. Our strength lies in our ability to design outcome focussed courses, tailored to match your needs. Our multidisciplinary working has enabled groups to create a positive learning experience, and a firm platform from which to transfer new skills to the workplace.

We endeavour to ensure: • Learning is the key to personal, team and organisational fulfilment, • A positive impact on the bottom line, customer relations and cultural values of your organisation, • Meaningful learning to enable individuals and organisations to face the challenges of modern society, with confidence and skill, • A ‘can do’ attitude by empowering your staff to move forward purposely, • You benefit from the experience of world class training at local rates, • You receive highly professional administrative support from your first contact, through to successful completion Chamber training is part of The Association of Learning Providers, which works closely with employers to provide quality workforce development.

One of the provisions within our portfolio is that of an ILM (Institute of Leadership and Management) Degree, which can be tailored to your industry, and unique leadership and management needs.

I will share more on this with you in the next bulletin.

For those members who import or export goods or services, we have an internationally recognised expert to assist and support you. Two courses are scheduled; May 27th relating to ‘Import & Export Documentation’, and June 30th ‘Letters of Credit’.

Our aim is to progress Training at the Chamber, by defining your needs and working closely to develop high QUALITY training. Only by working in partnership can we succeed.

Please refer to our web site for further course details. Hopefully, this bulletin has updated you on training. In the meantime, I would be delighted to hear from you to arrange a personal visit.

Best wishes Helen

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

25

n CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION FEATURE

PROVIDING THE

PERSONAL TOUCH Anyone in business will tell you that, despite the rapid advances in communications technology, face-to-face contact remains the best way of bringing in new contracts and retaining existing ones.

For many business people, the place to do that is at conferences, exhibitions and trade shows: humans still have a fundamental need to look each other in the eye when communicating despite the rapid growth of the Internet.

That need for the personal touch is why such events are so important and the key to making them a success is spending a little time choosing the right venue and making sure that you get the right support from its staff.

Even if that may mean paying a little extra, it is money well spent because it does not make sense to cut corners when such an approach could make your event less than effective.

There are few things more embarrassing for an event organiser than to see it unravel in front of them because they skimped on the planning and a cheap venue will inevitably look cheap, presenting a poor image of the organiser’s organisation.

So what are you looking for if you are trying to organise an event? Well, one of the key factors is a good location, somewhere that is easy to

26

reach and that looks attractive for delegates, especially if they will be staying overnight.

That means not just having good conference facilities but the scope to provide quality food and relaxing areas where delegates can gather informally. Somewhere in its own grounds is also a bonus.

When assessing the venue you are looking for a number of other important factors. Can the venue cope with the numbers expected to attend, has it got a good meeting room, will it provide equipment like projectors and Internet access, are the staff friendly and flexible in helping you meet your needs? If the answers to those questions are yes then the event is likely to be a success.

Experienced venue managers and their staff already know what is important to their users and will do everything in their power to make sure that the delegates’ needs are met.

Their staff have been trained in conference management and know that the human touch is just as important as the right equipment.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

The good venues are the ones that can tailor themselves to providing the exact needs of the event organisers. It is always worth getting to know one particular individual who can deal with any issues that arise.

Another approach is to dispense with all the worry and anxiety involved in organising an event yourself and bringing in a specialist company to do it.

The staff at these companies live and breathe event organisation and will have encountered just about every problem presented by the process. Yes, it may add a little to the cost of organising a conference but specialists make sure that they run smoothly - and will sort any problems on the day.

Another advantage is that because they are so experienced, they will know all the key venue staff in an area and will already have a good working relationship - and may even be able to negotiate good deals.

CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION FEATURE n

Holiday Inn Chester South

The Conference & Event specialists......

HOLIDAY INN

• New Conference Packages from £9.95 per delegate* • Civil Ceremonies & £1000 Weddings • 2010 Banqueting Offer – ‘Celebrate for Free’* • £2.99 Carvery every Sunday • Terrace Bar Open All Day with Daily specials

Don’t just take our word for it come and see for yourself or Call 0871 9429019 for more details.

Holiday Inn Chester South, Wrexham Road, Chester, CH4 9DL * Terms & Conditions Apply

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

27

n DENBIGHSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

SEA CHANGE

By Mark Dixon,

Principal Regeneration Manager, Denbighshire County Council Like most British seaside resorts, those on the North Wales coast have faced major changes in demand from their traditional customers who have been tempted by the guaranteed sunshine in the Mediterranean and the cheap flights to take them there.

store arrives together with the adjacent 18,000 sq m A1 development by Stadium.

Resorts like Rhyl and Prestatyn have experienced a further challenge as the holiday parks which provide most of the bed-spaces offer more and more facilities on site giving staying visitors fewer reasons to use the shops and attractions elsewhere in the towns. Both the private and public sectors are planning major investments to rise to these challenges and secure a sustainable future for the two towns as attractive destinations.

Next door in Rhyl, fears about the future of the mixed retail, leisure and residential Ocean Plaza development on the site of the town’s former funfair following the demise of Modus have been allayed following the acquisition of their portfolio by Scarborough. In the town centre Killultagh has secured permission for 3,000 sq m of additional retail and food court floor space for its White Rose Shopping centre and a new 54 bed hotel. Apollo Cinemas have also been consulting on a proposal which would involve a major upgrade of the company’s five screen facility on the town’s promenade.

In Prestatyn, the largest operator, Pontins, is planning a major upgrade to its Prestatyn Sands site as part of a £50m investment across its UK estate. Meanwhile, in the town centre the retail offer will receive a welcome boost when the long awaited 4,000 sq m TESCO

Complementing this investment in the two towns by the private sector is their designation together with Colwyn Bay as a “Strategic Regeneration Area” by the Welsh Assembly Government. This provides a major opportunity for the public sector to upgrade

the visitor facilities and infrastructure and in Rhyl in particular to secure new futures for the prominent buildings and former holiday accommodation for which sustainable uses had not been found following the changes in the town’s tourist economy.

UNEDAU I’W GOSOD, SIR DDINBYCH UNITS TO LET, DENBIGHSHIRE UNEDAU / UNITS A8, A9 & A11 – TREM Y DYFFRYN Adeilad swyddfeydd newydd sbon wedi ei adeiladu’n arbennig ac a gwblhawyd yn 2008. Mae pob swyddfa â chegin fach a thoiledau hygyrch.

Rhwng 1350 - 1400 tr sg / 125 - 130 mtr sg

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SWYDDFA 1 – CROWN HOUSE Adeilad fframwaith coed o’r 16eg Ganrif wedi ei ailwampio yn 2005. Mae’r swyddfa â chegin fach a thoiled hygyrch.

Maint: 788 tr sg / 73 mtr sg

Brand new purpose built office accommodation completed in 2008. Each office with kitchenette and accessible WCs. Between 1350 - 1400 sq ft / 125 - 130 sq m

OFFICE 1 – CROWN HOUSE 16th Century timber frame building refurbished in 2005.

Office has kitchenette and accessible WC. Size: 788 sq ft / 73 sq m

Am fanylion pellach cysylltwch â: Carolyn Evans Ffôn: 01824 708094 Ebost: carolyn.evans@sirddinbych.gov.uk

For further details please contact: Carolyn Evans Tel: 01824 708094 Email: carolyn.evans@denbighshire.gov.uk

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS n

Moneypenny is offering a two weeks feel trial to all Chamber members – providing secretarial services.

Businesses have many different reasons for using Moneypenny, but the outcome is always the same: they support the way you like to work, improve your service levels and reduce your costs.

They handle telephone calls. That’s all they do and they do it superbly. And they win awards for doing it.

Moneypenny provides companies with a dedicated assistant, someone they know and trust, to handle calls exactly as if based in their own office.

Call 08000 199 944 for more details or visit www.moneypenny.co.uk

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

29

n PATRONS PAGE

Todd Lowndes

Young Apprentice makes regional finals Teenage hospitality and catering apprentice Todd Lowndes earned a place in North West Regional finals of the Apprenticeship Awards 2010.

Todd, 15, a student at West Cheshire College, who lives in Great Sutton, was one of just a handful of apprentices selected from throughout the North West to go through to the judging panel in Manchester.

Specialist teacher Phil Grey said: “This is fantastic news for both Todd and the College. It clearly demonstrates his commitment to his own personal development plus the hard work he’s put in to acquire new levels of skills.

“We all very excited about the regional finals and hope he does well – he deserves to.”

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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

“This is fantastic news for both Todd and the College. It clearly demonstrates his commitment to his own personal development plus the hard work he’s put in to acquire new levels of skills”.

CHAMBER APPOINTMENTS n

Would you like to promote your organisation?

New staff look forward to the challenges ahead The Chamber has two new staff members in key roles as it seeks to grow and strengthen its role.

Colin Brew becomes Membership Manager after spending the previous six years working with Lloyds Banking Group in Chester, as part of the Black Horse Finance Section.

He said: “I see my priorities with the Chamber as being to strengthen the brand and follow through the organisation’s vision.”

Colin sees one of his major priorities as continuing the work already done to develop the relationship between the Chamber and its members so that they feel supported by the organisation.

He said: “The key to what we are doing is stability and sustainability.”

“I see my priorities with the Chamber as being to strengthen the brand and follow through the organisation’s vision.”

Colin Brew Joining the Chamber to co-ordinate events is Becky Fletcher, who was previously working as a call centre manager in Hull.

She said: “My job will be to ensure that events are well attended. The events are very important because they give members the chance to network with each other.

“One of the themes we are developing is networking with local businesses. In times like this, it makes sense to have good connections with potential clients working in your own area.”

We have a mag for that...

If you would like to promote your organisation in the Business Matters magazine please contact Distinctive Publishing on 0191 4788300 or email john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

“My job will be to ensure that events are well attended. The events are very important because they give members the chance to network with each other.”

Becky Fletcher

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

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n NEW MEMBERS

New Members Alan Roberts & Co Chester Enterprise Centre Hoole Bridge CHESTER Cheshire CH2 3HE 01244 548816

David Ormerod Hearing Centres 21 Trinity Square Llandudno Gwynedd LL30 2RH 01492 863066

Alen Products and Design Unit 3 Park Garage Vittoria Street BIRKENHEAD Merseyside CH41 4EZ 0151 6501020

Dilaps UK Regus House Herons Way Chester Business Park CHESTER Cheshire CH4 9QR 07818558040

Alzach & Sons Ltd 72B Delamere Street WINSFORD Cheshire CW7 2LU 01606 558857 Aptuit (Deeside) Ltd Unit 103 Tenth Avenue Deeside Industrial Park Deeside Flintshire CH5 2UA 01244 845700 B2B Sales Solutions The Graig Graig Lane WREXHAM Wrexham County Borough LL13 0AD 0844 669 6856 Brandall Northwest Ltd Meridian House Road One WINSFORD Cheshire CW7 3QG 01606 556810 Dailycer Ltd Fourth Avenue Deeside Ind Park Deeside Flintshire CH5 2NR 01244 286500

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DTM Legal Archway House Station Road CHESTER Cheshire CH1 3DR 01244 354800 Efixer Limited Meridian House Road One WINSFORD Cheshire CW7 3QG 01606597177 F.S.N Training 23 Westway Lower Heswall WIRRAL Merseyside CH60 8PJ 0151 342 3965 GHP Legal 26-30 Grosvenor Road WREXHAM Clwyd LL11 1BU 01978 291456 HR Angels (Consultancy) Ltd St John’s Chamber Love Street CHESTER Cheshire CH1 1QN 01244 537304

West Chester & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

IEC Connect Ltd Regus House Herons Way Chester Business Park CHESTER Cheshire CH4 9QR 07534661609 Mandore 6 Erw’r Llan Treuddyn MOLD Flintshire CH7 4PE 02030914453 Mold Golf Club Cilcain Road Pantymwyn MOLD Flintshire CH7 5EH 01352 741513 Mr B T Davies 50 Derby Road High Town WREXHAM Clwyd LL13 8EA 01978 366150

For more information on chamber membership contact 01244669988 or visit www.cepnwchamber.org.uk Premier Care Plus LTD St Andrews Park Queens Lane MOLD Clwyd CH7 1XB 01352706246 Property Inventory 70 Wilton Street NORTHWICH Cheshire CW9 5AE 01606 43123

Rob Williams Disability Consultancy Ltd 23 Pipers Ash Winsford WINSFORD Cheshire CW7 2TN 01606 862073 Susan Howarth & Co Solicitors 41 Chester Way NORTHWICH Cheshire

Pursglove & Brown Military House 24 Castle Street Chester Cheshire CH1 2DF 01244 400315

CW9 5JE

Q Marketing & PR Ltd 7 Hill Street MENAI BRIDGE Gwynedd LL59 5AG 01248 715611

WREXHAM

Office Supplies Gateway Ltd Bretton House Bell Meadow Business Park Park Lane CHESTER Cheshire CH4 9EP 01244 573157

Quality Hydraulic Power Limited Taylor House Minerva Avenue CHESTER Cheshire CH1 4QL 01244 393500

Pheonix Energy Assesment Eddisbury Road Whitby ELLESMERE PORT Merseyside CH66 2JT 0151 3244050

Rectory Foods Ltd The Old School House Knutsford Road Holmes Chapel Cheshire CW4 7DE 01477 544550

Plasma Media Ltd Suite 37 Westminster Chambers 7 Hunters Street CHESTER Cheshire CH1 2HR 0151 324 3226 07775332729

Rise & Shine Training & Coaching 14 Dryersfield Boughton CHESTER Cheshire CH3 5RQ 07884 431 988

0160648777 Transform Window Films 1 Hugmore Lane Llan-Y-Pwll Wrexham Wrexham County Borough LL13 9YE 01978 664049 Txtlocal Ltd Regus House Herons Way Chester Business Park CHESTER Cheshire CH4 9QR 08450093188 VH & S Ltd 1 Viaduct Terrace Trefdraeth BODORGAN Gwynedd LL62 5HG 01407 729225 Watt Works Consulting Ltd Booths Hall Chelford Road Knutsford KNUTSFORD Cheshire WA16 8GS 01565 759 893

MOVERS AND SHAKERS n

Food for thought as Gail starts business

New Chamber Patron

It was her own experience of the challenges facing businesses that gave Gail Doran the idea for her new enterprise.

A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD with considerable experience in the recruitment, selection and development and training of staff, she has started a business focusing on food safety.

Gail has been self-employed since 2003 and works with a broad range of businesses in both the public and private sector across Chester and North Wales.

The event that brought about her new business happened in 2007 when Gail and two brothers bought Mortehoe Village Stores, a village stores with holiday accommodation, in North Devon.

Whilst one brother manages the store, Gail turns shopkeeper during busy periods to help out.

As a direct result of having the shop and the legal requirement to have a food safety management system in place, Gail decided to go one step further and set up a new business dedicated to food safety training.

F S N Training was established in 2009 and is an accredited training provider registered with the CIEH (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health).

F S N Training can provide a range of food safety courses although the focus is mainly Food Safety Awards Level 2. Gail is registered personally as an accredited trainer with the CIEH.

Kevin Curtis, Managing Director of DrivingMonitor is proud to become a Patron of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

She can be contacted on email: gail.doran@btopenworld.com Tel/fax: 0151 342 3965 and mobile: 07811 316639

Kevin has spent the last 20 years working in the creative and marketing industry, with the last 10 years focusing on internet solutions.

DrivingMonitor is a new service being launched to Chamber members helping business owners manage the safety of employees who drive on company business – and comply with the new Health and Safety legislation.

DrivingMonitor will be supporting the Chamber in up and coming events and looking forward to sponsoring the Go Karting event in June!

Kevin will also be holding a series of seminars educating businesses on how to manage the risk of employees who drive on company business.

Find more on www.driving-monitor.com

Do you have a new job that you want people to know about?

If so, contact John Dean on deangriss@btinternet.com and we can get you on this page.

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

33

n MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Encouraging learning

Dilaps uk opens Chester regional office

Further growth at de Winter

Dilaps UK has announced the opening of its Chester Regional Office. The company is a nationwide business manned by highly experienced and qualified, localised Dilapidations Surveyors.

Jenna Vernon is the latest addition to the fast-growing team at de Winter PR & Marketing in Chester.

Matthew Dickenson, Accounts Manager at Dillamore & Co Ltd

Chartered Accountants, Dillamore & Co Ltd, are encouraging staff to improve their work-based skills and gain qualifications.

When Matthew Dickenson joined in September 2006, he began studying to become a qualified Accounting Technician (AAT). He was successful in passing his final AAT exams in June 2009.

Matt has now commenced a three-year distance learning programme with a view to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2012.

Robin Dillamore, Director of the company said, “We are fortunate to have high calibre staff like Matt. He showed great potential from day one and I am delighted with his commitment and success so far.

He studies in his own time and has proved a great asset to the company.”

Do you have a new job that you want people to know about? If so, contact John Dean on deangriss@btinternet.com and we can get you on this page.

34

West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Magazine

Paul Sheen, Chester Managing Partner, said: “The Dilaps UK approach ensures that each individual claim will undergo a thorough investigation, analysis and execution to determine the optimum result. Most commercial leases obligate corporate occupiers to return premises to a defined condition on expiry of the lease. Even a deferred liability for dilapidations should be assessed and stated as a potential liability within financial accounts.

“For Tenants, Dilaps UK will minimise claims either through negotiation, the carrying out of works, or argument that the claim is restricted in view of the minimal damage to the landlord’s reversion. For landlords. Dilaps UK will prepare the required schedules and either gain a monetary settlement or supervise appropriate works.”

Paul can be contacted at the Chester Office, Herons Way, Chester Business Park, Chester, CH4 9QR. Tel: 0845 604 6233. Email: paul.sheen@dilapsuk.com

Jenna, from Cumbria, is the company’s second appointment since January.

As Junior Account Executive, she’ll help the team in meeting the PR and communications needs of a range of new clients.

She joined in May on completion of her Communication Studies degree at University of Chester. de Winter PR and Marketing, which this year celebrates its 21st birthday, was the only Chester and North Wales PR agency to feature in this year’s FRESH PR awards when it was Highly Commended in the Community Relations category.

Do you have a new job that you want people to know about? If so, contact John Dean on deangriss@btinternet.com and we can get you on this page.

A local company providing a responsible and innovative approach to pest control worldwide Russell IPM is celebrating its 15th year in North Wales manufacturing bio rational crop protection and public health products. A local company with international reach, exporting goods and services to 37 countries worldwide. A company which is a research and development focused, market driven with customer support as a key element to success.

If you would like to find out more about Russell IPM please visit our website

Let’s talk about IT MWL Systems is a strategic member of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce and is able to offer other members world class IT support at realistic prices.

Our systems engineers are fully qualified and experienced in all Microsoft products, VMware and Sage 200 and our development team can create bespoke software applications if required.

If you have an IT project coming up, or are unsure whether you are getting the best service from your existing provider, please contact us for a free consultation and quotation without any obligation.

See our website www.mwlsystems.co.uk or ring us on 01244 645901 for prompt attention.

Our clients in the Chamber work with us because we help increase their productivity and reduce costs.

Why don’t you challenge us to do the same for you?

Email challenge@mwlsystems.co.uk

W: www.mwlsystems.co.uk E: sales@mwlsystems.co.uk T: 01244 645901

thecompleteITsolution.com