Member News

Is your workforce ‘working for you’?

As your businesses grows and you move away from the “one‑ man band” status to an employer, you will bring people into your business that you know, like and trust.

As your business grows, so does your workforce and as your time becomes more precious you may become removed from the recruitment decisions.

When was the last time you asked yourself: Is my workforce working for me and the business?

By this we mean, do you have the right people, in the right place, with the right skills, behaviours and attitudes to help your business accelerate into the future you have planned?

If you’re not sure and would value some time to work through this, get in touch with Shades of You and we can work with you and your business on Workforce Planning and Development.

Email Sarah – sarah@shadesofyoucoaching.com.

RHH Franks appoints new quality manager

RHH Franks, the precision engineering company who manufacture for the aerospace, marine and nuclear industries, are delighted to welcome Dalziel Blake as their new Quality Manager.

Dalziel has been in the engineering industry for over 20 years, most recently at Meggitt Engine Systems and joins RHH Franks as part of their growth strategy. Following the recent opening of their newly expanded factory which took their manufacturing site to over 30,000 sqft and increased their capacity by 25%, together with their investment in new machinery and project management tools, Dalziel’s appointment is a crucial addition to the team.

Elsa Hogan, MD of RHH Franks, says: “Dalziel’s experience and knowledge as well as his acute attention to detail will mean that our programme of continuous improvement is carried out and will serve our commitment for quality and excellence in everything we produce.”

Quadratek receives RoSPA Gold award

Quadratek, based in Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, has received the prestigious RoSPA Gold Health and Safety Award for working hard to ensure its staff, customers and contractors get home safely to their families at the end of every working day.

Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to achieve the highest possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running H&S industry awards.

Karla Page, Director, said: “We are delighted! It demonstrates that we have a high level of H&S performance, good safety management systems, culture, and proactive control of H&S risk”.

Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, said: “The RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, but it receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for health and safety worldwide.”

Could you trim, clip, and shave the costs of business energy bills with a smart meter?

Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close contact services have made a welcome return in recent months, bringing much‑needed services back to towns and cities across the UK.

While the impact of the pandemic is still being felt, business owners and managers have embraced the changes and adapted to new ways of working to protect their clients, their staff, their business and their bottom line.

Energy is a key expense for hairdressers, beauty salons and other close contact services which makes it a crucial area for these businesses to save money and take control of their finances.

Anyone who manages a business knows the importance of embracing changes, both big and small. A small change like switching to a smart meter could make a big difference to your business.

Now more than ever, it is important for business owners to know how much they are spending to keep track of unnecessary energy waste or additional costs.

A smart meter could give businesses additional visibility over energy use and costs to make it easier to identify where changes and savings can be made.

Mind the planet and your pocket

Sustainability is a key focus for many businesses across Great Britain and a smart meter is a step in the right direction, to help business owners and staff cut down on energy waste and make their business more sustainable.

A smart meter could help your business save energy, time and money

Working around clients’ schedules means that time is precious for business owners. Smart meters send your gas and electricity readings directly to your energy supplier saving you time too!

Firms with 10 employees or fewer could be eligible and installations can be arranged at a convenient time to ensure minimal interruption to your business and your clients.

To find out more please visit https://bit.ly/376kyjl.

Are you thinking about getting a smart meter installed in your business? Make an appointment with your energy supplier or broker today and see if you are eligible.

Hampshire Flag cheer on Team GB in the Tokyo Olympics!

Official suppliers of Team GB, The Hampshire Flag Company, are getting behind all of the athletes for the Summer Olympics, which is underway in Tokyo.

Hampshire Flag are the official flag suppliers to Team GB and have been supplying Team GB throughout the year by producing a range of official printed advertising products. From flags and bunting to roller banners and branded table cloths, companies across the UK have taken part and displayed the Team GB colours in their stores with pride. “It’s been an unpredictable year with everything that’s happened with regards to COVID, but it’ll be a year we’ll never forget. We’ve been given a fantastic opportunity to support and supply for one of the greatest sporting organisations in this country. We thank Team GB and wish all of the athletes the very best of luck in Tokyo!” – Rod Sessions, Sales Manager at The Hampshire Flag Company Ltd.

Following freedom

Age Concern Hampshire Helping Older People at Home

Following Freedom Day, many more businesses just like yours throughout the south have successfully returned or are planning to return to the office.

Several fellow Chamber members have contacted us to discover how we can help them provide a safe clean secure and compliant eco friendly environment to welcome back their staff and customers at a price they are happy to pay to help boost the feel good factor following the past 16 months.

There has never been a more critical time to make the right choice.

It’s reassuring to know you can rely and trust the perfect partner as a long time Chamber member to help and support you at this key moment of time on this, the next stage on the road to normality.

Why nor contact me today to learn how we can do exactly the same for you?

For more information email: nik@lionccl.co.uk.

Age Concern Hampshire (ACH) work to support older people aged 50+ live well independently in the best possible health and wellbeing for as long as possible.

errands we are here to make life easier for you. The beneficiaries choose the support needed and when they need it.

Visit the website to find out more today https://www.

ageconcernhampshire.org.uk/our-services-hampshire/ help-at-home/

Marine students benefit from high-performance engine donations

Digital focus for Eastleigh College’s new deputy principal

Marine engineering students at City College Southampton are set to benefit from working on three new boat engines kindly donated by local marine distributer Proteum.

The V8 diesel common rail engines are high-performance engines, so are smaller and lighter but pack a lot of power and use more technology. One engine arrived complete and the other two were in pieces to enable students to work together to completely rebuild them. Hands-on projects like this will enable them to further enhance their technical knowledge and skills which are transferable to other engines.

Ben Allan, Service Manager at Proteum, said “I’ve always been keen to partner with City College. I did my apprenticeship there several years ago and I really wanted to be able to give something back. I am now in a position to do this and it’s very rewarding to be actively supporting the future of the industry.”

City College’s Marine Skills Manager, Matt Yarwood, added “We’re extremely grateful for this generous donation. Our students and apprentices are very excited to get started on piecing them back together and working with some different types of engines. It’s great to see local marine businesses investing in the next generation of engineers.”

Eastleigh College has appointed a new deputy principal who will be responsible for the delivery of a growing curriculum as well as spearheading the college’s digital development with learners and staff alike.

Thirty-nine year old Pete Joddrell has 15 years’ experience in the education sector including teaching and management roles, gaining digital expertise and dedication to teaching excellence.

Pete first discovered his passion for teaching while providing PT and fitness training during his time at university, and has never looked back. He has always combined his interest in technology with improving the learning experience for students and strongly believes that if college courses equip learners with workplace digital skills they will gain an advantage and greater confidence in the work environment.

Pete continued: “It’s an exciting time to join such an established FE college. While COVID has brought many challenges, I feel it has also highlighted how essential FE is to teaching not only the next generation, but also retraining and upskilling adults who may be seeking jobs in new sectors or returning to jobs that now need new skills.

“Eastleigh is ambitious and has massive potential and I look forward to playing my part in delivering on the college’s vision and strategy with a focus on digital aspects of both teaching and learning.”

Eastleigh College’s Chief Executive and Principal, Paul Cox, added: “Peter’s arrival comes at a perfect time. The recent Skills for Jobs white paper and impact the pandemic has had on jobs means the spotlight is on FE colleges as businesses continue to pick up the pieces and rebuild our COVID-hit economy.”

A company with a ‘B’right future

The Recycled Assets Company Ltd, also known as TRACOuk, is on its way to becoming one of a handful of Hampshire’s B Corp.

There are over 3,500 B Corps worldwide, 416 in the UK, 190 in London and six in Hampshire (one in Fareham and two in Winchester). Currently TRACOuk is under evaluation with accreditation pending later in the year.

What do you need to know about B Corps?

Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

What does it mean?

It means if you’re a certified B Corp you are a business that can prove you care about your staff, the environment, your customers, your community and that you have robust governance.

TRACOuk, 2b Limberline Rd, Portsmouth, Hants, PO3 5JS

W: TRACOUK.com T: 02392 960640 E: info@tracouk.com

About TRACOuk: A UK registered Social Enterprise company focusing on providing sustainable commercial clearance, relocation, storage, construction material recycling and quality used furniture and equipment.

Test Valley Business Awards 2021 – back, bigger and better than ever!

Following a “physical” launch in May at Kimbridge Barn near Romsey, Test Valley Business Awards 2021 opened for entries.

There are seven award categories – more than ever – all sponsored by Test Valley’s most accomplished businesses.

The 2021 awards and their Gold Sponsors are:

¾ Small Business of the Year Award – Parker Bullen LLP ¾ Businesswoman of the Year Award – Aster Group ¾ Employer of the Year Award – Simplyhealth ¾ Business in the Community – Barratt Homes ¾ New Business of the Year Award – Localiq ¾ Innovation & Technology Award – The University of

Southampton Science Park ¾ Cutting your Carbon Footprint – Test Valley Borough Council Enter for free at www.tvbawards.org.uk/enter – complete the simple online form with 200 – 250 words about your business and referring to the judging criteria. Success could bring 12 months’ worth of fantastic promotion. Enter as many categories as possible before Friday 3rd September 2021.

How to create more engagement in virtual meetings

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of body language in virtual communication.

If we were in a room with people, we would build rapport and engagement by making eye contact and using gestures. However, when on camera, people are often looking at another screen or perhaps don’t even have their camera on at all!

In contrast, if you watch the news, you’ll see the head, shoulders and hands of the presenter – which is how we usually have a meeting.

So, when you’re on a video call, make sure your camera is at eye level so you can have eye-to-eye communication and move the camera further away so that your arms and gestures can be seen.

You can only have that non-verbal rapport with others if you set up the framing of your shot and use body language the same way you would if you were in the room.

By Alina Jenkins – Head of Communications at Body Talk

https://ukbodytalk.com/