4FRONT

Spring Edition

2010

Nantwich firm is on the ball for football safety Chamber-award winner enjoys more success overseas

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In this Issue New Members ......................page 4 Members News ....................page 5 Ingredients for Success

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Fast Pace Regional Recovery

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Patrons News ....................page 10 Business News....................page 13 Chamber News ..................page 22 Networking ........................page 26 Business News Extra ........page 29

Stars Set Tills Ringing

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Spring Networking Success

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Dates for your Diary ..........page 30

4Word Steven Williams

A message from the Chairman

Welcome

to the spring edition of 4Front the magazine for businesses in South Cheshire As someone who was born and raised in South Cheshire and who has spent all his working life here the prosperity of this area means a great deal to me. The success of local business is critical in achieving that prosperity and the quality of life that our local residents, our employees, deserve.

South Cheshire Chamber is a private sector, not for profit organisation that exists to serve the best interests of the local business community, by making sure the business voice is heard, keeping our members informed and helping to facilitate business activity.

The challenge for all Chambers is in creating the capacity to be able to make a significant difference and we are determined to meet this challenge head on.

The Chamber has already re-organised and re-structured itself and is developing a strategy through an MMU Knowledge Transfer Partnership project that will substantially increase the value of membership.

The re-organisation includes the integration of the Crewe Development Agency (CDA) into the Chamber which, amongst other things, will mean the Chamber will be able to offer more loans and financial support to businesses. The CDA, through the Chamber, has loaned over ÂŁ2.5million to the business community over the years, but now with a new strategic direction more local businesses should be able to obtain the finance they need.

These changes are being made from a position of strength, in the last year the Chamber has dealt with over 4000 business enquiries,

We are moving offices too and from June we will be located right at the heart of the business community on Crewe Business Park.

This relocation and re-organisation will give added impetus to the Chamber’s activities and enhance the Chamber’s ability to have impact and influence on the future economic growth and prosperity of South Cheshire.

That is why we have been actively involved the Councils Crewe Vision initiative and are determined to ensure that the private sector plays its full part in driving the vision forward.

We recognise of course that we are one of many players and that we must work in partnership with other key stakeholders and our focus will be on building on the good strategic working relationships that we already have with Cheshire East Council, MMU Cheshire, our Patrons and all employers in the area.

We will also continue to work with our newly re-elected MP Edward Timpson who is very supportive of the Chamber.

There are exciting and challenging times ahead and I would encourage all local businesses to get actively involved with the Chamber so that we can ensure that the business community of South Cheshire fully benefits from the economic opportunities that exist.

Our Chief Executive, John Dunning, and his team are here for you.

Like me they are passionate to see your business succeed. Let them help you and together we can all help each other.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

For many businesses these are uncertain times with a harsh economic environment, low levels of bank lending, a new government and the prospect of severe public spending cuts which means there is an even greater responsibility on Chambers of Commerce to help support and represent the interests of their local business communities.

hosted over 1000 delegates at its events, provided 34 International business reviews, given added business start up and mentoring advice to 170 local people. No wonder we have one of the highest membership penetration rates in the country.

Steven J Williams Chairman

For information on how to be included in 4Front, call Jan Roberts on 07709 977 629 Articles can be submitted to: South Cheshire Chamber, Enterprise House Wistaston Road Business Centre, Wistaston Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 7RP Telephone: 01270 504700 Fax: 01270 504701 Email: tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

For Advertising Sales contact: Rachel McMillan Johnsons Printers, Oat Market, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5AP Telephone: 01270 625207 Mobile: 07595 277 847 Email: rachel@jprint.co.uk

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in 4FRONT, we can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors.

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Members News

Meet our new members Joining the South Cheshire Chamber can help your business grow in many ways while giving you an opportunity to make vital contacts across South Cheshire and within neighbouring organisations.

Here is a brief summary of the benefits you would gain:-

Paul Colman

Make Your Voice Heard: Members can get involved in Strategy Groups and Panels that look to the future and seek to influence decision

Acorn Joinery & Building 2 Sundale Drive, CREWE CW2 8UB 01270 215115 Advanced Business Services (NW Ltd) 325 Hungerford Road, CREWE CW1 5EZ 01270 255823 AJC Hearing 105 Lowndes Lane, Mile End, STOCKPORT SK2 6DD 0808 1316767 info@ajc-hearing.co.uk www.ajc-hearing.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Align Business Network 28 Registry Close, NORTHWICH CW9 8UZ 01606 352192 rtaylor@alignbiz.co.uk www.savapak.co.uk

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All About W8 Room 13/14 Frederick House, Princes Court, Beam Heath Way, NANTWICH CW5 6PQ 0844 544 8194 creweandnantwich@allaboutw8.co.uk www.allaboutw8.co.uk Bartram Hollins Ltd Burland, NANTWICH CW5 8NY 07741 036339 mark@bartramhollins.co.uk Bazaar Newspaper 180a Edleston Road, CREWE CW2 7EP 01270 219173 info@bazaarnewspaper.co.uk www.bazaarnewspaper.co.uk Bespoke Lettings Suite 5, 136 Nantwich Road, CREWE CW2 6AX 01270 250200 info@bespokelettings.co.uk www.bespokelettings.co.uk Cams School of Motoring 8 Whitlow Avenue, NANTWICH CW5 7BN 01270 625460 Cartridge World 149 Nantwich Road, CREWE CW2 6DF 01270 255588 cwcrewe@cartridgeworld.co.uk www.cartridgeworld.co.uk

makers. You can help to create the right environment for a successful economy.

Find out what is happening on the Business Scene: Members will receive newsletters, magazines and accessing the website and attending events and seminars.

Create Sales Opportunities: Members can take advantage of networking opportunities to raise their profile and make new contacts. They can attend business meetings to generate business leads while also taking time out to enjoy themselves at informal social events.

Develop your staff: Members can take advantage of the skills and training opportunities available locally.

What does it all cost? From as little as £2 per week you can become a member of the South Cheshire Chamber and join the growing list of companies that are proud to be members of our business community.

Chamber manager, Paul Colman, says: " I would like to welcome our new members to the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working with them in the future."

For more information on joining the Chamber contact Paul on 01270 504700 or email info@sccci.co.uk Personal visits can also be arranged.

Cinderella’s Of Nantwich 2 Chapel Court, NANTWICH CW5 5RP 07979 155460 www.cinderellasnantwich.com

Jan Davies Health & Beauty Clinic 39 London Road, NANTWICH CW5 6LN 01270 623630

Tea Leaves & Coffee Beans 28 Hospital Street, NANTWICH CW5 5RP 07578 185299

County Milk Products Limited Oak House, 137 Gravel Lane, WILMSLOW SK9 6EG 01605 586177 info@countymilk.co.uk www.countymilk.co.uk

Jill Thorning - Jensen Photography 41 London Road, NANTWICH CW5 6LN 01270 629154 jill@jtjphoto.co.uk www.jtjphoto.co.uk

The Net Crewe and Nantwich 61 London Road, NANTWICH CW5 6LN 07801 843475 rachel@thenet.uk.net www.thenetcandn.co.uk

Crystal Legal Service Ltd Scope House, Weston Road, CREWE CW1 6DD 01270 617371 enquiry@crystallegal.com www.crystallegal.com

Kingsley Carpets Victoria Hall, Fluin Lane, FRODSHAM WA6 7QL 01928 788817 www.kingsleycarpets.com

Furniture Value Unit 2c Wrenbury Business Park Wrenbury, NANTWICH CW5 8EB 01270 780444 info@furniturevalue.co.uk www.furniturevalue.co.uk Gamesworld Direct Unit 616 Scope House, Weston Road CREWE CW1 6DD 01270 848554 www.gameworlddirect.co.uk Gavin Palin Funeral Services 47a Barony Road, NANTWICH CW5 5QL 07989 606396 Green Thumb Cheshire Unit 10B, Moston Road, SANDBACH CW11 3HL 01270 750857 cheshire@greenthumb.co.uk www.greenthumb.co.uk Hadlow Edwards Ltd 65 Regent Street, WREXHAM LL11 1PF 01978 311611 www.sjpp.co.uk/hadlowedwards/ contact.html Hedworth Moore Hollybank Cottage, Mill Lane, Audlem, NANTWICH CW3 0AY 01270 811653 enquiries@hedworthmoore.co.uk www.hedworthmoore.co.uk

Cherry Tree Property Consultants 10 A Welsh Row, NANTWICH CW5 5ED 01270 626970 rentals@cherrytreeproperties.co.uk www.cherrytreeproperties.co.uk

Imagination Games Estates House, Unit 13, Alvaston Business Park, NANTWICH CW5 6PF 01270 619100 anja.doman@imaginationgames.com www.imaginationgames.com

Cheshire Interiors Ltd 89 Hospital Street, NANTWICH CW5 5RU 01270 626693 www.cheshireinteriors.com

IN 2 IT Education The old Pump House, Wrenbury Road Wrenbury, NANTWICH CW5 8HA 01270 780119 cp@in2ed.co.uk www.in2iteducation.co.uk

Chips Away Clee House, 473 Crewe Road, Wistaston, CREWE CW2 6QP 01270 666245 nigelhuxley@chipsawaylocal.co.uk www.chipsaway.co.uk

Intelligence Direct Services Ltd Unit 9 Gateway, CREWE CW1 6YY 01270 215550 enquiries@intelligence-direct.com www.intelligence-direct.com

Last Stop Consultants Unit 3 George House, Barony Business Park, NANTWICH CW5 6GD 01270 621260 peter@laststopconsultants.co.uk www.laststopconsultants.co.uk Nantwich Log Burning Stove Centre Venetian Marina Village, Cholmondeston, NANTWICH CW5 6DD 01270 528538 sales@logburningstovesdirect.co.uk www.logburningstovesdirect.co.uk Payzone UK Ltd Davidson House, Gadbrook Park NORTHWICH CW9 7TW 01606 338368 linda.ross@payzone.co.uk www.payzone.co.uk Pivotal Events & Marketing Ltd The Laurels, 1 Shrigley Road, Bollington, MACCLESFIELD SK10 5QU 01625 572162 vicky.greenhalgh@pem-limited.co.uk www.pem-limited.co.uk Renew Clinic 12 The Cocoa Yards, NANTWICH CW5 5BL 01270 610834 enquiries@renewclinic.co.uk www.renewclinic.co.uk Rope Green Farm Day Nursery Rope Lane Shavington, CREWE CW2 5DB 01270 650074 info@ropegreenfarmdaynursery.com www.ropegreenfarmdaynursery.com Sotkon Waste Systems 8 George House, Princes Court, Beam Heath Way NANTWICH CW5 6GD 01270 624 001 nmottershead@sotkon.com www.sotkon.com Stanley Powell Media PO BOX 501, CREWE CW1 9EY 0845 2996700 info@stanleypowell.com www.stanleypowell.com Tara’s Couture 173/175 Nantwich Road, CREWE CW2 6DF 01270 250526 www.tarascouture.co.uk

The Travel Visa Company Ltd The Quadrangle, Crewe Hall, CREWE CW1 6UY 01270 250590 karen@thetravelvisacompany.co.uk www.thetravelvisacompany.co.uk TNG Suite 3 - 3rd Floor, Wellington House, 38-44 Delamere Street, CREWE CW1 2LY 01270 254230 www.tng.uk.com TW Languages Ltd Caidan House, Canal Road, Timperley ALTRINCHAM WA14 1TD 0161 9754907 info@twlanguages.com www.twlanguages.com UK Turntables Ltd Delph House, Wrexham Road, Burland, NANTWICH CW5 8NA 01270 524930 info@ukturntables.com www.ukturntables.com Utility Warehouse 23 Jessop Way, Haslington CREWE CW1 5FU Vivid Business Solutions Ltd 1st Floor, Suite 3, 3a Ruskin Road, CREWE CW2 7JR 0844 5048092 sales@vividbusinesssolutions.co.uk www.vividbusinesssolutions.co.uk Weaver Business Machines Ltd Church House, Chester Road MIDDLEWICH CW10 9GA 08456 123858 info@weaverdigital.co.uk www.weaverdigital.co.uk Weaver Computer Services Ltd 15c Beam Street, NANTWICH CW5 5NA 01270 626767 info@weavercomputerservices.co.uk www.weavercomputerservices.co.uk William B. Rose & Associates LLP 54 Welsh Row, NANTWICH CW5 5EJ 0845 6004996 info@williambrose.com www.williambrose.com Window Transplants Middle Cottage, Wrenbury Road Aston, NANTWICH CW5 8DQ 01270 780787

A popular Nantwich restaurant is shortlisted for a major Cheshire tourism award after a 400 year-old Georgian mansion in the town centre was turned into a mecca for diners from across the county.

Residence Restaurant and Bar is the only South Cheshire venue to make it through to the finals of the Visit Chester and Cheshire tourism board contest for top performers in the Food and Drink industry.

Winners will be announced at Chester Racecourse on June 11 when Residence director, Ben Rafferty, is hoping to make it a hat-trick of awards for the business as it nears its third anniversary.

Now it is shortlisted for Food and Drink Venue of the Year, a new category introduced by Visit Chester and Cheshire as part of its Annual Awards. The category recognises venues that boost visitor numbers, especially those that bring business into towns at night.

Despite the difficult economic climate, staff numbers at the Residence have risen to more than 30. Each new member is trained both practically and theoretically which includes knowledge tests that require a 90% pass rate.

Members News

Chamber member shortlisted for prestigious tourism award

Mr Rafferty added: “Everything we do is geared towards excellence in the customer experience from the minute they set through the door. From the very first day we opened in September 2007, we have received incredible local support but nothing could top last Christmas when over 20,000 people visited the ice rink on our bowling green.”

being part of your team To say that Knights is a well established law firm would be an under-statement. Founded in 1759 in Staffordshire, it has been building and retaining relationships for over 250 years.

Whilst proud of its heritage, Knights is very much a forward looking firm. It boasts a staff of over 150 including 75 lawyers across three offices - Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cheltenham and Alderley Edge.

Knights offers a full commercial and private client service with recognised strength in employment law.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

He said: “When we took over the site, it SUCCESS ON A PLATE: Residence Director, broke every rule in the acquisition Ben Rafferty (centre) with General Manager, handbook. Derelict, Grade II listed and Joseph Edmunds and Sous Chef, Matthew Piggott in a conservation area it was always going to be a difficult conversion project but we loved the architecture and the way it stands out in its own right. “The The Winter Wonderland was created in conjunction with beauty of the building, and its great position right in the heart of Cheshire East Council and the Residence also joins in town events Nantwich, have proved a winning formula. Regulars have been such as the Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival each Easter and the with us since day one and in our last survey of customers, 100% Food and Drink Festival in September. Special events are now said they would recommend us for food and drink.” in the pipeline to run alongside the World Cup and Wimbledon this summer.

Top class cuisine and an outstanding commitment to staff training helped the Residence scoop the South Cheshire For more information on the Residence Restaurant and Chamber’s Best Start Up Business in 2009. The same year it was Bar call 01270 629100 or visit www.residence.uk.com Best Bar in the Northern Hospitality Awards.

The employment unit has depth and breath of expertise to guide clients through the myriad of ever increasing and complex legislation regulating the employment relationship. However we appreciate that employees are also the most valuable asset of any business and harnessing their potential is not always best suited to a lawyer’s skills. For this reason our employment unit includes senior HR professionals who are better placed to deal with many day to day aspects of the employment relationship and add real value to your business.

total hr solutions www.knightsllp.co.uk

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Members News

Crewe company scoops high-tech council contract Chamber member Complete Technology Solutions Ltd (CTS) is celebrating after being appointed preferred audio visual systems and equipment supplier to Bury Council.

Following a competitive tendering process, CTS – based on Macon Way in Crewe - was awarded the contract which includes the installation of a variety of audio visual solutions including reception digital signage displays in key council buildings, training and boardroom projection systems as well as reception visitor management and interactive whiteboard systems in training rooms.

CTS director Lee Wilson said: “The project has been extremely exciting for us. It’s enabled us to help Bury Council improve efficiency as well as install the kind of systems necessary to train and communicate with staff effectively. The relationship is set to continue with plans to expand the digital signage network in the near future.”

Michael Short of Bury Council said: "Working with CTS we have improved efficiency in the key areas of training and communication. We operate stringent quality systems which suppliers have to meet and CTS exceeded all of them.”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

CTS were also invited to sponsor Bury Council’s recent Adult Social Care Awards. The event saw council workers celebrated for their achievements in the field of adult and social care. As well as sponsoring the event, CTS were on hand to organise photography and videography.

Blue Bell MINI go back to school Blue Bell MINI in Crewe recently staged a ‘MINIversity’ weekend for customers to learn more about the range of Blue Bell MINI’s available.

Set as a university campus, the MINI dealership had themed sections for customers to experience including a history division – to discover about the background of the CLASSMATES: Staff in their 'uniforms' MINI, a science division hosting the MINIversity event – for drivers to find out about the CO2 emissions on their cars compared to a MINI and a biology section for information on the different ‘TLC’ care packages available for each vehicle.

As well as having the all important Student’s Union bar for customers to enjoy at their leisure, Blue Bell MINI Crewe offered lessons on car maintenance.

Paul Legerton, MINI Manager at Blue Bell Crewe, said: “We had an enjoyable and successful weekend here at Crewe MINI. With expert sales advisors on hand, customers were able to have their questions answered and it was a great opportunity for them to experience why a MINI should be their next new car.”

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For more information call Blue Bell MINI team at Gateway on 01270 214 800.

IN THE FRAME: Front row: Lee Wilson and Sarah Wilson, CTS Directors and Michael Hodgkinson, CTS Technical Manager. Backrow: Matthew Peluch, Bury Council Adult Care Department, Michael Short, Bury Council Workforce Development Manager and Alex Verling, CTS Sales Manager

Lee added: "Crewe and Nantwich has some very creative people which is why we offered to organise photos and video of the event. Working with Michael White at White Star Video and Greg Daly of Ashford Daly Photography, also a chamber member, the awards were captured beautifully, with the footage being used on PR and marketing material across Bury Council and other organisations.”

For further information on cts audio visual services, visit www.cts-networks.co.uk or call 0844 884 5231.

Blue Bell Crewe awarded ‘Premier Partnership Status’ Blue Bell BMW and Blue Bell MINI in Crewe have just been awarded the Premier Partnership status for the Motability scheme.

The Motability scheme is dedicated to helping disabled people, war pensioners and their carers obtain a new car.

ROAD AHEAD: Bernard Rooney, Business Development Manager at Blue Bell which is championing the Motability Scheme

Customers can choose a Hire Purchase scheme if they wish to buy a car or opt for the popular Contract Hire scheme which offers numerous benefits. Blue Bell has four trained specialists two sales representatives at BMW and two MINI. In addition, a further two after-sales representatives are on hand to answer any questions and to advise on choosing the right car.

Barry Holt, Dealer Principal at Blue Bell Crewe said: “We’re proud to be awarded with this leading Motability status. Our showroom has been specially adapted to meet the needs of the disabled, giving our customers the best possible environment in which to discuss their future purchase. Our showrooms are open seven days a week and we look forward to continuing to deliver excellent service in this area.”

For more information call Blue Bell BMW, Fourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe on 01270 212525 or Bell MINI Crewe, Gateway, Crewe on 01270 214800 For more information call Blue Bell MINI team at Gateway on 01270 214 800.

By Jan Roberts Chamber award-winners, the ESTC Group are celebrating after netting a 10-year contract to provide safety and security training at football stadiums in Greece and Cyprus.

The Nantwich-based company kicked the opposition into touch after director, Eileen Williams, and her business partner, Cliff Simpson, travelled to Athens to deliver a three-day seminar to stadium safety managers drawn from the 16 Greek Super League Clubs.

Already working with FIFA on the safety of football fans during the World Cup in South Africa, the Willaston mother-of-five had to overcome a number of obstacles to clinch the deal. She said: “Working in Greece has its own challenges including the language barrier and cultural differences. There are different attitudes to women in business and in the male-dominated world of football, I did wonder how well I would be received.

“But we know our industry well and things couldn’t have gone any better. Securing the FIFA deal last year, gave us the edge and we were delighted to win the contract to deliver safety and security training in the event industry.”

Key personnel from Greece’s top clubs including Panathanikos, Olympiakos and AEK Athens attended the seminar along with the country’s minister for sport and senior police officers.

Eileen added: “We are absolutely delighted to win this contract given the current economic climate in England and Greece. We are in a unique position to support the development of stewards and security officer skills and knowledge in the events industry.”

In June they will travel to Athens to present a three-week training programme to stewards and security officers who have been appointed to work for the new football season. After that they will travel to Greece and Cyprus on a quarterly basis to monitor the development of the project.

ESTC Group won the Cheshire Passport to Export Award 2009, organised by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) at the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards last year. It came after it won a contract with the local organising committee for two FIFA competitions - the 2009 Confederation Cup and the 2010 World Cup. The deal has involved ESTC training ground-staff and ensuring that stadium managers in South Africa have all the skills they need to ensure the safety of football fans when the international tournaments kicks off.

For further information call the ESTC group on 01270 626663.

total hr solutions Permanently at your disposal but without a permanent cost.

Whether your need arises from a short term staffing crisis or a longer term HR project, our team can become part of yours - but only for so long as you require.

pay as you grow

short term resource

long term resource

project management

total employment solutions

Gives you flexible HR support with a fixed price

Provides HR support to assist for a short period or on a regular basis for a few hours

Identifies the longer term level of support required to ensure smooth and effective management

Manages a specific project from concept to implementation

A complete package of solutions covering every aspect of employment law

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Eileen and Cliff, who each have experience of working at Crewe Alexandra, gave an insight into the complex health and safety legislation that protects large football crowds. Specialists in this field, they will work with in conjunction with Greek partners “Expertise Integrated Solutions” to develop a programme of training for stewards and safety managers while helping the clubs plan and evaluate their procedures.

TOP OF THE LEAGUE: Getting ready for the World Cup - the ESTC Group team, based at Frederick House, Beam Heath Way, Nantwich FRONT COVER: Eileen and her team with a football shirt presented in Greece

Members News

ESTC Group scores a hit in Greece securing long-term contract

total hr solutions www.knightsllp.co.uk

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Members News

Sky's the limit for salon fundraisers Three fearless friends from the hairdressing industry proved they had a head for heights when they performed a skydive to raise money for Hope House. Dan Rathbone 27, from Middlewich, along with Amanda Hendrie, 21, and Lacey Reade, 26, from Crewe together raised more than £1,500 for the children’s hospice after leaping 10,000ft from a plane at Whitchurch Airfield. The trio were sponsored by clients of Headquarters of Nantwich where the girls work as stylists and Dan is the Tigi hair products account holder.

Hope House is the salon’s chosen charity and its owner, Helen Douglas, and her staff are planning events throughout 2010 to support its work with terminally ill children from across Cheshire .

All three dare-devils admitted to being ‘scared stiff’ before making the dive and a four-hour delay due to technical difficulties with the plane didn’t help to ease their nerves.

Lacey said: “I was probably the most nervous and my legs were like jelly by the time it came to standing on the edge. I just thought ‘It’s now or never, I’m just going to go for it.” We all landed fine, no broken bones, not even a scratch or bruise.”

All 13 staff from the salon and many clients went to watch friends make their ascent strapped to an instructor. Helen said: “All we could see were three little dots in the sky. Thankfully they all landed safely and have been able to make a fabulous donation to the hospice.”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The Mill Street salon hopes to give Hope House a £10,000 boost by the end of the year with events such as the skydive, a summer ball and a gala presentation night at the Residence Restaurant and Bar

Children’s walk proves charity money-spinner More than 100 children took part in a sponsored walk in the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle to help raise cash for the Wrenbury-based Wingate Special Children’s Trust.

TODDLE-TASTIC EFFORT: Three year-old Zac Harris, who suffers from cerebral palsy and attends Wingate pre-school gym sessions, crosses the finish line with his mum and dad

It was the third annual event to be staged by the charity, a Chamber member, and with their families in tow, the event drew over 300 people.

Upon finishing the 4km trek, youngsters were presented with a medal, snack box and certificate signed by the Marquess of Cholmondeley.

Fundraising officer, Hannah Ward-Salt, said, “It is still early days but we hope to raise in excess of £3,000, a fantastic achievement for all involved. I would like to thank Sugro UK for providing the goodie bags and refreshment stations, and the Rotary Club of Nantwich for providing car park support, without them the day would not have been possible.”

The charity offers residential holiday accommodation to over 1000 disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the UK each year. It is also the base for recreational gymnastics sessions enjoyed by hundreds of able-bodied and disabled children.

To help Wingate, call Helen on 01270 780456.

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GROUNDED: Dan Rathbone, Amanda Hendrie and Lacey Reade with some of the cash raised for Hope House

in Nantwich on June 28 when it will crown the winner of its Street Style Search 2010 competition.

The gala night will see six finalists in the contest take to the catwalk in a fashion show highlighting the latest hair and make-up trends.

Tickets are now on sale - £10 seated and £7.50 standing.

Helen added: "We are really grateful to Ben Rafferty at the Residence. He's shown great generosity giving us the whole venue for the night as well as welcome refreshments. As well as being a fabulous night, we hope to raise around £2,000 for Hope House."

For more information on the night or services at Headquarters call 01270 618200.

Caring business creates 50 new jobs New jobs for carers are being created as Crewe-based, Home Instead Senior Care, works to meet the demand for its services.

Dawn and Russell Sime, (pictured) who own and manage the office, say that demand for their service, which provides care for adults in their own homes, is incredibly high and more caregivers are urgently required.

Opportunities are available to work in Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach, Alsager and surrounding areas.

Dawn said: “We have people requiring care right now and so we are very keen to encourage more local people to consider a career in caring. " As the UK ’s population ages, the need for care services will increase. Recent figures show that by 2025 there will be over 13 million people in the UK aged over 65, many of whom will require care.

Home Instead is rapidly building a reputation as one of the UK ’s leading care companies. Its unique service is tailored to the needs of individual clients and ranges from companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, medication reminders, shopping and errands. The service allows people to remain at home and lead a relatively independent life and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more information call Home Instead Senior Care on 01270 611555.

Knights’ employment team goes from strength to strength comprising 6 solicitors and 2 senior HR specialists providing a depth and breadth of service unrivalled locally. Whilst the employment unit provides the full range of employment services you would traditionally expect, such as drafting contracts, advising on business re-organisations, TUPE acquisitions, and Employment Tribunal claims we also provide specialist advice in niche areas, such as business immigration, when in addition to ensuring businesses are generally compliant our Vincent Fox, former immigration barrister and presenting officer for the Home Office, assists businesses who need to recruit employees with specialist skills from abroad ensuring that this can be achieved within a very complicated regulatory framework. We also conduct our own advocacy when representing clients in the Employment Tribunal and we often conduct litigation in the High Court in relation to post-termination covenants often involving injunctive relief.

We have also developed a range of products designed to provide standard employment services for a fixed monthly fee. Our total employment solutions package (TES) is extremely popular and provides a comprehensive package of services covering every aspect of employment law. Clients can access as many or as few of the services they need - the core product contains:• • • • • •

an audit the creation of bespoke contractual documents an HR manual bespoke training a telephone helpline insurance against claims covering both any award and solicitor’s fees for representation • director’s liability insurance • health and safety

to our product range. We have recruited senior HR consultants who are professionally qualified to the highest level and with experience across the whole business spectrum ranging from the public sector to new start ups. This enables us to provide HR support to our clients when they need it and without adding further employment costs to their balance sheet, whether that be for particular projects, such as incentivisation schemes or re-organisations or just short term grass root operational support. We recognise that whilst employment lawyers have an important role in advising and protecting clients against the ever expanding raft of employment legislation it is the HR specialist who can harness and develop the workforce, a key business asset, adding real value to the bottom line.

For more information or an informal chat please contact Christine Dyson or Isabel Hancock on 01782 619225 or email at mail@knightsllp.co.uk or why not come along to one of our regular free employment seminars and meet the team. Programme details are on our website.

let our team become part of yours Knights’ employment team goes from strength to strength comprising 6 solicitors and 2 senior HR specialists providing a depth and breath of service unrivalled locally.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

A relatively new initiative has been the addition of total hr solutions

The employment team at Knights: (back l to r): Lisa Harris, Judith Doran, Mark Whitehouse, Lynne Ingram, Jane Capewell (front l to r): Isabel Hancock, Gareth Durnall, Vincent Fox, Christine Dyson

Members News

Specialists in Employment

Our senior HR team have over 40 years’ experience between them. Professionally qualified to the highest level and with a wealth of practical experience behind them. They excel in working with businesses to explore the added value which the HR resource can bring to a business, whether in respect of staff development, incentivisation schemes, recruitment... or just performing the grass root HR role.

Flexible, adaptable and affordable - you can speak with one of our HR team at any time and without obligation.

total hr solutions Telephone: 01782 619225 www.knightsllp.co.uk

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Patrons News

BENTLEY New Business Secretary visits Bentley “The Government must encourage people into the industry through apprenticeships and other schemes as well as committing to increased training of those who already working in it. Above all it must promote it internationally if the UK is to have a strong manufacturing sector and thus a strong economy.”

New Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable MP visited Bentley Motors’ Pyms Lane headquarters in Crewe on May 20 as the company prepares to begin production of the new Bentley Mulsanne.

Dr Cable met directors and employees including some of the company’s apprentices and graduates - and toured Bentley’s new Body in White facility, a new multi-million pound production centre constructed exclusively for the new Bentley flagship.

Dr Cable said: “We need to develop a stronger, more balanced economy … by building on the strengths of our manufacturing and other knowledge industries. The UK is open for business and we welcome the investment that is being made here by manufacturing companies, like Bentley, creating highly skilled workforces that will ensure our future growth.”

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The £25m facility enables Bentley’s skilled craftsmen and women to work alongside state of the art robotic technology to produce the bodyshells for the new Mulsanne.

Doug Dickson, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said: “We are proud Dr Cable chose Bentley as one of the first companies to visit in his new role. We are greatly encouraged by his comments that the manufacturing sector and companies like Bentley have a key role to play in developing a stronger and more balanced economy.

Bentley has now established 150 dealers in over 50 countries and the Mulsanne will go on sale across the world shortly.

For more information on Bentley Motors call 01270 255155.

The Business Secretary with the new Mulsanne and being interviewed by local press.

WULVERN Wulvern's investment continues with new stores opening during this difficult economic period and is further evidence of Wulvern’s commitment to the communities that we serve”.

“Our partnership with Travis Perkins means that we will be able to use their waste management services significantly increasing the amount of waste that Wulvern recycle, reducing our costs. So this is great news for Wulvern and our customers."

Crewe-based provider of affordable housing Wulvern has opened a new state-of-the-art stores facility at Marshfield Bank Business Park in Crewe.

The three-quarters of a million pound ‘Wulvern stores’ will be delivered in partnership with Travis Perkins who were appointed as the preferred supplier following an extensive procurement exercise that included Wulvern Tenants.

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Rob Allen, Wulvern’s Director of Partnerships, said: “I am delighted that our tenants had a big say in the selection process. We will continue to invest in new and enterprising solutions to ensure that our existing and prospective customers get the best possible service. This investment is great news for our customers and the local economy

Damion Rothner, National Sales Manager, Travis Perkins Managed Services, commented: "Travis Perkins are extremely pleased to have been selected as the Preferred Partner by Wulvern. The dedicated stores solution that has been put in place represents the operational face of the partnership, but the partnership is about much more than simply the supply of building materials. We also have plans in place to deliver savings and efficiency gains that cover all aspects of the service from both sides, as well as working with Wulvern to invest in the local community as a whole."

Wulvern has earmarked £5.5m for improvements to its housing stock in 2010/11, including new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems as well as environmental improvements. A further £11m has been identified to build new homes and replace out of date bed-sit accommodation.

The £16.5m brings the companies total investment in Crewe and Nantwich to £93.5m since it was formed in 2003.

For more information on Wulvern call 01270 506200 or visit www.wulvern.org.uk

Arts centre in action at the MMU Crewe campus There are a range of opportunities which local businesses may be interested in. These include: Host a business event: Why not do something a bit different for your corporate hospitality? We can organise pre-show / interval drinks and food in our theatre bar, and organise post-show talks with the artists.

Patrons News

MMU

Sponsor a children’s show: Through sponsorship of a children’s show for a week you can enable up to 800 local primary schoolchildren to access professional, quality, challenging theatre work that includes in-school workshops and on-line resources.

A bespoke Corporate Social Responsibility project: We can tailor make a creative project specific to your target group, budget and corporate social responsibility remit. You provide the parameters we provide the creativity.

After 20 years based in Alsager, the art centre has successfully relocated to Crewe and is operating as the Axis Arts Centre. Housed on MMU’s Crewe campus and just a stone’s throw from Crewe’s business park, Axis offers a range of engagement opportunities for the public and businesses alike. The centre promotes the best emergent, national and international small-scale touring contemporary theatre, live art, contemporary dance, performance writing, new music and installation art. Alongside the professional work, Axis also runs a number of off-site community engagement projects around the contemporary arts, including work with local schools and colleges, lunchtime concerts in various settings, a contemporary film season and workbased learning placements.

Series of lunchtime performances - Free: Why not programme MMU music, theatre or creative writing students to perform at your place of work over lunchtime, to entertain your team and lift the soul? Available from autumn 2010.

Additionally you can support Axis Arts Centre by displaying our publicity material in your work place or receive our e-newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on all of our activity.

For more information call Jodie Gibson, Community Outreach & Development Director on 0161 247 5618 or e-mail j.gibson@mmu.ac.uk

AIR PRODUCTS Fishing for compliments We all know what makes a fish look healthy. It’s usually the brightness of its eyes and the shine of its scales.

fish, such as salmon, using pure oxygen in this way can also improve its colour by adding to the natural pink shade of its flesh.

This is one of the reasons why modern fish farmers in Europe and around the world go to great lengths to keep their fish stocks as healthy and appealing as possible. But how exactly do they do this?

Tom O’Hare, Air Products’ central account manager, said: “Fish need oxygen to stay healthy and using pure oxygen to supplement the oxygen in the tank water is vital in most closed farming situations. Fish farmers often find that increasing the oxygen level of the water can help fish to grow faster and feed better and this can have a significant effect on fish yields.

They do this by making sure that their fish stocks always have enough oxygen. Fish breathe in oxygen from the water in their tank and therefore, oxygen levels need to be replenished to keep the fish healthy.

Even the remotest fish farm can achieve this by installing an onsite tank of liquid oxygen, fitted with a vaporiser and an underwater piping system which releases the gas directly into the closed tank, ensuring that oxygen levels are maintained constantly. For some

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

A woman who thinks she is a horse, a trio of jazz musicians, a renowned performance poet and an international artist journeying from New York to Australia via Crewe are just some of the highlights from Axis Arts Centre’s spring 2010 season.

“Access is rarely a problem, even in the most remote locations. Our strategic network of air separation plants in Europe and around the world means we can provide bulk deliveries of oxygen, wherever and whenever they are needed.”

For more information on Air Products call 01270 614000.

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Patrons News

NAT WEST Cheshire’s economy remains resilient according to leading economist Turning to the North West as a whole, Mr Boyle said rate of recovery in the region is outpacing the rest of the UK. The most recent Purchasing Manager Index figures from Markit Economics (PMI), which measure the combined output the region’s manufacturing and service sectors, continued to increase.

Cheshire’s economy is proving to be more resilient than the rest of the North West and UK as a whole, according to a leading economist from The Royal Bank of Scotland.

Stephen Boyle, Head of Group Economics at RBS, presented his thoughts to an audience of over 150 business leaders and professionals from across Cheshire at an economic seminar hosted by the bank at Crewe Hall hotel on May 4.

He said: “At the end of Q1 the North West economy has been one of the strongest performers in the UK, with only London performing better than the region in terms of business activity.

Improved operating conditions and growing consumer confidence continue to stimulate the region’s economic recovery.”

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He said: “Traditionally both the Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester local authority areas have benefited from a stable local economy and indicators suggest this has been more resilient during the downturn than other parts of the region.

“The most recent unemployment figure for Cheshire East is 3.1% and 3.5% for Cheshire West and Chester, both of which are considerably lower than rate for the North West as a whole, which stood at 8.2% during March. As Cheshire has a varied economic base and does not depend heavily on any one particular sector, the area has fared better than many other parts of the North West.”

Mr Boyle believes it will take at least two and a half years for the UK’s economy to return to its pre recession level of output and around 70% of businesses are working below full capacity.

Exports offer businesses the best chance of growth, particularly to emerging markets.

Stephen Boyle with Paul Telfer, Nigel Needham and Gault Picken at the Economic Seminar

Gault Picken, Director of Business & Commercial Banking for RBSG in South Cheshire, added: “It was great to have someone of Stephen’s calibre to explain the current economic issues facing local businesses.”

For more information on services, call the NatWest commercial banking team on 01270 629980.

SG WORLD SG World proves it again This provoked a lot of discussion amongst visitors as to how much they really know about the management of their health & Safety.

Jamie Norman, Marketing Manager for SG World, said: “We wanted to make quite a bold statement as we’ve had so much positive feedback from customers using our solutions that we wanted to inspire other organisations to follow.

“Our particular solutions help companies manage the health and safety of both people and things. This means everything from badging visitors to ensuring that work equipment such as fork–lift trucks are regularly inspected.

“We spoke to a number of very high profile organisations and it’s fair to say the show was a great success for SG World.”

SG World’s solutions include, visitor and contractor management software, asset management and PAT testing services and a range of equipment inspections to name just a few all of which provide an audit trail of proof to give customers peace of mind.

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SG World challenged companies to prove how well they managed their health & safety information recently. Appearing at the National Safety and Health Expo at the NEC, the theme of SG World’s stand was ‘can you prove it?’

To find out more about SG World’s proven solutions visit www.sgworld.com

A range of high-quality British-built turntables capable of turning vehicles, plant and equipment, showroom/exhibition displays and other items through 360 degrees has been launched by local firm, UK Turntables Ltd.

Cash-saving coupons land on local doorsteps Residents in the Nantwich area are among the first households in the UK to receive a bright red envelope full of money-off coupons called SavaPak, which can be redeemed at local retailers and businesses.

In addition, all businesses in the Nantwich region will be offered a free online advertising coupon to help attract customers to their business.

SavaPak is the UK version of the hugely successful model that millions of USA households have been enjoying for decades.

Known as UTURN, the robust turntables are offered in five sizes suitable for vehicles and other loads of varying lengths and widths.

Three single-vehicle models can be had in diameters of 3.6m, 3.8m and 4.1m, all with the option of manual or motorised rotation.

Available in motorised form only, the two biggest UTURN turntables have diameters of 5m and 6m, able to accommodate simultaneously two large family 4 x 4 vehicles or an equivalent sized load.

New Chamber member Nigel Spratt, Director of UK Turntables Ltd, is continuing to grow the business in a niche marketplace. He said: “A key environmental feature of the UTURN range is the ability to specify for all models a composite timber-effect platform manufactured from recycled plastics.

“In addition to being low maintenance and virtually indestructible, using a platform made from recycled materials reduces pressure on landfill and other waste disposal channels.”

UK Turntables offers the entire UTURN range as either supply-only or inclusive of a full installation service.

SavaPak, which handles the printing and distribution of the coupons is headed up by new Chamber member, Arthur Porter, who said: “I spent 15 years in the USA and during that time saw the success of coupon distribution companies over there. The current economic climate has forced consumers to look for discounts and now we are able to offer the opportunity for local businesses to be able to afford to offer them.”

To encourage recipients to open the envelope, one lucky person will find a Golden Ticket with a £100 cash value prize inside.

For more information contact Arthur Porter on 07515 026892.

Specialists to Small & Medium Size Businesses...

• Business Start Up Advice

• Cash Flow & Business Plans

• Personal & Corporate Tax Advice

• Financial Accounts Preparation

• Management Accounts & Business Support

• Payroll Services

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

For more information and contact details visit www.neverreverseagain.com

The envelopes will be delivered to households every month – initially to 10,000 homes in the Nantwich area with a household income of over £20,000 – then rolling out across the North West.

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Recycling goes full circle bringing success to Nantwich firm

Contact us for further information on:

01270 623821 Fax: 01270 626686 Email: office@coopertaylor.co.uk The Dowery Barker Street Nantwich Cheshire CW5 5TE 13

Business News

Mobile phone specialist talks its way to success The company was set up by Steve Dale, who previously held the sales director position at a competitor, and Peter Bettaney, who helped to fund the start up of the project 18 months ago due to a background in investments.

Now with 10 sales staff, a business development manager and operations manager, Last Stop is hoping to develop new links with local companies after joining the South Cheshire Chamber earlier in the year.

Business development manager, Sam Clark, said: “Dealing with all of the mobile networks and landline providers we offer a one stop shop (or Last Stop) depending on what you are looking for, with impartial advice and a friendly no- pressure service to match.

“Having built up a number of key relationships not only in the local area, but throughout the whole of the UK, we have been able to weather the recession by reviewing the current arrangements that companies have in place and by offering a more cost effective solution.”

GOOD CALL: Steve Dale, Sam Clark and Peter Bettaney are delighted with the success of Last Stop

A communications company dealing with all the top mobile phone networks has created a dozen new jobs in just one year of being founded in Nantwich.

Last Stop has built its portfolio to include everyone from one-man bands to multi national corporate clients.

Sam added: “We have grown rapidly which we believe is down to the service we offer. We go the extra mile and clients appreciate having a dedicated account manager on hand.”

For more information call Last Stop on 01270 621260.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

And now Last Stop Consultants Ltd, based on Beam Heath Way, is looking to expand further and take on several new members of staff in the coming months.

Look out – there’s a Mulsanne about!

Bentley has taken to local roads with its Mulsanne, putting the ultra-luxurious new flagship model through its paces before going on sale in the autumn.

Each car, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground up, is undergoing a series of exhaustive real world tests and checks before final sign-off.

Every Mulsanne must pass through 503 individual checks conducted by inspectors from the Quality team before being handed to drivers who are testing its performance on a 21-mile route surrounding the Pym’s Lane factory.

heads the very final sign-off stage – ‘Checkpoint 8’. Here, the car progresses through a long line of ultra-bright overhead and side lights (nicknamed the ‘shipping lane’) which enables the Quality team to inspect every surface in the most minute detail.

Donna added: “The way all the teams come together to view the pre-production models demonstrates just how much genuine pride goes into the building of these very first cars.”

There has been global interest in the Mulsanne since its launch at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year and the luxury car maker, which employs 3,500 workers at its Pym’s Lane, has confirmed order books for the new model are looking healthy.

Quality team spokeswoman Donna Morrey said: “New colleagues are sometimes surprised by the lengths we go to. The inspection lasts a full two hours and features all of the functional measures you’d expect of a modern automotive plant but with key two critical differences; Bentley reviews every single Mulsanne, without exception, and the inspection team sets the most exacting standards of quality which are commensurate with a flagship model at the pinnacle of the ultra-luxury segment.

“After testing on the shake rig and rolling road, every Mulsanne completes a rigorous on-road evaluation.

Jason Davies and his team have one of the most enviable jobs at the factory but their work involves something far more important than completing some basic checks and enjoying a drive. Each Mulsanne is driven on a wide range of carefully selected roads offering variations in camber and surface quality.”

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After being battered in a test facility that simulates monsoon-like weather conditions to ensure it remains water-tight, the Mulsanne

DREAM MACHINE: The Mulsanne takes to local roads

Birthday celebrations for Crewe design studio They've not only been fortunate enough to work with TV celebrities such as Clare Balding, they've also been privileged to work on projects for Marks & Spencer and Pets at Home to name but a few. trCreative is based in the Quadrangle at Crewe Hall, which is where the team will be holding their birthday bash later this month.

New Media Director, Mike Lawson, said; "It's been very encouraging for us to work with some prestigious names but to also set up, business start ups, as it's always exciting and satisfying to watch their new brands blossom through our help. “We have a varied client base, which means we are always working on different and exciting projects. Our flexibility and creative dexterity flourish in designing sophisticated, corporate identities and branding, to printed literature and fun direct mail ideas, through to high calibre website development, that makes use of the latest functionality, SEO and advanced effects.�

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A D V E R T O R I A L

Creative Director, Lynsey Edwards added: "We are very proud of what we produce. We dedicate a lot of time, research, effort and skill into each project, which gives us the ability to position our clients at the top end of their target market. Our commitment to strive for the best, means that we constantly push ourselves and each other. The testimonials from our clients reflect this ethos, which we deeply appreciate and find immensely rewarding.

CREATIVE SOULS: Creative Director Lynsey Edwards with Managing Director, Richard Rankin and New Media Director, Mike Lawson

For more information on trCreative and to see some of the team’s work, visit www.trcreative.co.uk or call 01270 504131

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www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

New kids on the block in the graphic design and web development world, trCreative, are celebrating their birthday this month after an exciting and successful first year as a limited company.

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Business News

New 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, Sandbach-based web designers.

Both Clarke Design and Ramada Crewe are members of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the businesses met as a result of one of the Chamber’s popular networking events.

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 4star hotel.

The Ramada Crewe has 64 well-appointed and stylish rooms, an upmarket restaurant, a comfortable lounge bar and excellent meeting and event facilities.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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.

“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.”

Growing agency takes on new staff Leading Cheshire based advertising agency Stephen Talbot Advertising has announced the appointment of two new members of staff, increasing the current total of employees to 11.

Created in 1979, the agency has recorded continuous growth since Managing Director Chris Furness took over in 2007.

Chris said: “We are delighted to welcome Adam Yendole and Sarah Mason to the team. Adam has many years experience in marketing and print management at the highest level working for BMW and Rolls Royce, and has worked in the UK and Canada. Sarah joins us from the marketing department of Focus DIY. Both will bring a strong new impetus and clear direction to our Account Management team.”

Originally from Stafford, Adam is a keen golfer and fisherman and enjoys getting curry creative in the kitchen. He has a wealth of marketing experience in the automotive industry.

Fluent in Welsh, Sarah was brought up in North Wales before moving to South Cheshire at the age of 12. She is a keen traveller and charity fundraiser.

It’s understood that Sarah will be involved with a number of Garden Centre and retail accounts while Adam will be responsible for spearheading the Clare James Automotive account, allowing Chris to concentrate on the acquisition of new business.

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For more information on Stephen Talbot Advertising call 01270 252888.

APPRECIATED: Ronnie Cherian, Operations Director for Aristel Hotels of which Ramada Crewe is a part, congratulates Sean Clarke on the website design

For further information on Clarke Design services call 0845 0094 933.

Recruitment firm sees significant rise in vacancies Nantwich-based employment agency Barony Recruitment Services have been celebrating the success of the recent Career and Jobs Fair at MMU. After meeting candidate Craig Gosnay at the event, Barony were quick to find him in a temporary assignment within the accounts department at accident management specialists, Kindertons in Crewe.

Barony office manager, Emma Crowe, said ‘We had a good response from high quality candidates, and being able to place Craig within 24 hours of meeting him at the jobs fair was highly rewarding. This shows just how beneficial an event such as this is to the local community in terms of job seekers and businesses alike. It also throws a positive light on what over recent months has been deemed a more difficult market in terms of employment’.

Charlotte Elkes and Beth Chippendale from Kindertons, Craig Gosnay temporary candidate, Emma Crowe and Rachel Beach from Barony Recruitment

The agency has noted a significant rise in vacancies over the past few months, up by some 25%.

Kindertons spokeswoman, Maxine Jefferies, said: “We have used Barony Recruitment several times over the last three years. We return to them as they have always provided us with suitable candidates for both temporary and permanent positions. At the moment four of our five permanent Accounts Assistants have originated from Barony.”

Barony Recruitment can be contacted on 01270 611337 Kindertons on 0845 230 4900.

David and Lynne were inspired to set up the Wellness Centre, which is located on the Alvaston Business Park in Nantwich, when David lost over three stone and noticed significant benefits to his health and well-being.

He said: “I was shocked to discover that my excess weight was putting me at an increased risk of developing diabetes and heart disease and when I saw the photos of my 40th birthday celebration, I knew it was time to do something about it - not just for me but also for my wife and son.”

Their vision is to encourage local residents to take more of an interest in their health, their nutrition and general well-being.

Edward Timpson said: "I was delighted to be asked to open David and Lynne's new wellness centre on World Health Day. Anything that's going to help improve the health of people in Crewe and Nantwich is welcome."

OFFICIAL OPENING: David and Lynne Rowley look on as Edward Timpson officially opens the Arriba Wellness Centre

For more information call 01270 620693.

Event proved Just the Job Hundreds gathered at the Manchester Metropolitan University in Crewe for this year’s Just the Job fair.

The free event, held on April 28, aimed to attract employers looking for fresh new talent, prospective employees and those looking for a change of career. It was organised, in partnership, by Cheshire East Council, Connexions, Jobcentre Plus, South Cheshire Chamber and the hosts, Manchester Metropolitan University.

For information on Cheshire East Council visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk City slickers on business Business and Economics students at South Cheshire College found out what makes businesses tick during a trip to New York.

The group checked out a number of high-profile businesses ranging from the world famous department store Macy’s to the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

They also took in the sights including the Empire State building, Ground Zero and Times Square before returning to college to complete assignments on the back of their self-funded trip.

For information on the college’s business courses call 01270 654654.

Chamber joins recruitment firm in flagging up tax clawback risk In the wake of the HM Revenue & Customs announcement of planned tax changes, the Chamber is urging members to take advice in order to minimise the impact of any tax hikes. The call comes after Crewe-based Absolute Recruitment met with chief executive John Dunning to raise awareness of a directive which could have a knock-on effect on the region’s recruitment sector and those companies that use temporary workers.

“I’m also keen that our members work together to share knowledge and best practice, particularly in respect of the looming issue with HMRC, so that the impact is kept to an absolute minimum."

The High Street-based company has also discussed the matter with MP Edward Timpson. MD Jessica Marshall said: “Our industry plays a pivotal role in supporting the growth of the region’s business community by providing a temporary labour force. Any disruption to that could have a knock-on effect to the supply of temporary labour and we simply can’t let that happen.”

HMRC says it intends to change the way it collects taxes in relation to Umbrella Payroll schemes – which could see some recruitment firms facing larger tax bills as a result.

Mr Dunning said: “HMRC has already put a marker down that it intends to make changes in respect of Umbrella Payroll schemes so it is important that recruitments firms in our region be ready and prepared when those changes come into force. As you would expect the Chamber is the first port of call for advice and support to the region’s businesses and we are already looking at the matter and seeing how best we can help our members.

BRIEFING: Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson with Jessic Marshall and Dan Marshall

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

It was a proud day for local couple, David and Lynne Rowley, when Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson officially opened the first Arriba Wellness Centre in the North West.

The centre is the new venue for the Community Weight Loss Challenge which is a 12-week course packed with talks on key nutrition and weight-related health topics.

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MP opens the region’s first new Wellness Centre

Fellow director Dan Marshall added: ”We do not use an Umbrella Payroll Scheme so the proposed changes do not affect us but we were keen to raise the matter with the chamber in order to put the spotlight on the issue. The more help and information that’s available to our region’s recruitment industry the better for them and for the companies who use them, and it’s great that our local MP and business leaders are supportive of our efforts.”

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Business News

Free marketing event to help businesses A Chamber networking event led to Azzure Marketing and Koogar, a Liverpool web design company, staging a free seminar for businesses in the city.

Julie Webb, of Azzure Marketing said: “I found the company had a similar ethos and passion for marketing and so after an initial meeting we agreed to co-host a marketing seminar.

“The theme was: ‘The need to position your business and the importance of online presence and branding’ and it went really well, so much so, we are looking to repeat its success in Nantwich.

“Once again the aim will be to assist, in particular small businesses, with some of the principles and benefits of marketing and hopefully help breakdown the negative perception of marketing to take their business forward.”

“In order for decisions to be taken on all business elements, including price, products, target market, promotional campaigns, business investments, marketing is essential in building a sustainable and profitable business.”

The location for the Nantwich event has not yet been finalised but Julie would like to hear from businesses interested in attending.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Two stylists from Chamber members TPL Hairdressing have made it through to the regional heats of the hairdressing industry’s most prestigious competition, the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award 2010 in the Young Talent Category.

Now the pair are teaming up again, but this time to stage a free marketing workshop in Nantwich at the end of the summer.

Julie, who founded Azzure in 2006, remains passionate about marketing but she believes it is often misunderstood. She added: “Sometimes it can be viewed a waste of money, just creating a glossy brochure and website, but it is so much more.

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Stylists snip their way through to regional contest

TPL creations will go on show at the Wella contest

Trudy Dentith and Stephanie Prophett, based at the Crewe salon, fended off competition from more than 800 rivals to the regional leg of the contest where they will compete for place in the UK finals.

Created to acknowledge the industry’s most skilled hair stylists and colourists, the competition focuses on all aspects of hair styling and colouring, and the regional heats are judged by world leading hairstylists and magazine editors.

The overall winner of the contest will represent their country at Wella Professionals International Final to be held later this year in Paris.

Working with a business directly as either their main marketing resource or alongside an in-house marketing team, Azzure Marketing provides marketing support services to suit the needs of various businesses, particularly in B2B environments.

Salon owner, Tim Lawton, said: “This is a brilliant success for the company, getting not just one but two stylists through to the regional heat for the second year running. Both made it to the national final last year and had a great experience competing in London against the country's best hairdressers under age 30.”

For further information visit www.azzuremktg.co.uk or call Julie Webb on 07985 131418

To book an appointment with Trudy or Steph at TPL in Crewe, call 01270 211446.

By Jan Roberts Nantwich is looking forward to a massive weekend of entertainment, which should prove music to the ears of local traders still clawing their way out of the recession.

The weekend event, following hot on the heels of the Nantwich Show, will feature all the best-loved stars of Britain ’s Got Talent and X Faxtor.

Nantwich Live, a TV talent extravaganza pulled together by one of the country’s top concert management companies, will bring a stunning line-up of acts and more than 14,000 fans to Dorfold Park , over July 31 and August 1.

And the South Cheshire business community is being invited to get in on the act through a range of sponsorship and marketing opportunities.

Packages include front row tickets for business customers, clients and staff as well as roadside banners and marketing material bearing your company logo, for example, on 50,000 leaflets to be distributed across a wide area.

“The country took these performers to their hearts and voted for them in their millions. They may not have carried off the winner’s prize, but all can provide incredible performances in their own right and have thousands of adoring fans.

“Bringing stars from the two shows together has never been done before. It’s going to be a fabulous weekend of music, dance and comedy right on the doorstep of local people in Nantwich.”

Front of House is linked with some of the biggest crowd-pulling events in the UK , including the 80s Rewind Festival in which draws more than 30,000 people to Henley-on-Thames each August Bank Holiday.

Mr Wilson, based in Altrincham, said: “Nantwich is getting quite a name for itself as a event centre. The Jazz and Blues Festival proves people will travel from across the country to this great little town and I am delighted to offer local businesses an opportunity a chance to be part of an event which has got everyone talking.”

Concert promoters, the Front of House Organisation, are working in close association with South Cheshire Chamber member Pure PR to publicise the event through print and broadcast media.

The famous 7,000-capacity Cheese Show marquee, still in place after the Nantwich Show, will be the venue for the performances allowing Nantwich Live to go ahead whatever the weather.

The weekend features everything from the incredible singing talents of Stacey Solomon, Danyl Johnson and Ruth Lorenzo to the big-bellied fun of Stavros Flatley and blond quiffs of Jedward.

Tickets for Nantwich Live are now on sale, starting at £25 (standing) £35 (seated). VIP tickets at £95 include hospitality, dedicated area parking and meet and greets with the stars.

Outlets include the Tourist Information Centres in Nantwich, Chester , Stoke and Wrexham.

Jamie ‘Afro’ Archer and teen heart-throbs Lloyd Daniels and Shaun Smith will wow audiences alongside the amazing street dance talents of Aidan Davis and clever comedy-dance duo, Faces of Disco.

For more information on the full line-up and how to obtain tickets visit www.nantwichlive.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The sponsorship packages offer businesses the opportunity to raise their profile at an event which will not only draw thousands of people, but will be widely-publicised in the regional media.

night for months and now Nantwich is to become ‘home’ to an entertainment festival featuring the best known acts.

Business News

Reality TV stars head to Nantwich for an entertainment extravaganza giving the local economy a major boost

A total of 17 acts, all catapulted to fame through reality TV, will tread the boards in what is billed as a ‘unique merger’ of amazing popular telly talent shows. Lemar, who made his name on Fame Academy, has also been included the line-up.

Brian Wilson, of the Front of House Organisation, said: “The TV shows have the nation gripped throughout every Saturday

To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities available call Pure PR on 0770 9977629.

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Business News

Dress down days raise bumper sum for charity A Crewe company showed support for a The Wingate Centre in Wrenbury by staging a year-long series of dress down days.

A Crewe-based printing company is doing business all over the UK because of advances in website technology.

Staff at PA4You Ltd, an inbound/outbound communications service operating, each paid £1 to take part every Friday throughout 2009.

Company owner, Helen Gould, was pleased to hand over a cheque to the charity which provides residential holiday accommodation to disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the UK.

The Printing House is based on the Marshfield Bank industrial estate off Middlewich Road – but is getting up to 10,000 hits every week on its new website at www.printbuyingdirect.co.uk from businesses as far apart as Aberdeen and Southampton.

The company has provided professional communications services for over five years and has built a reputation for quality, service and meeting customer needs.

PA4You staff member, Joanne Bennett nominated The Wingate Centre, following a Chamber Networking Event at Rookery Hall Hotel where the Wingate Centre gave a short presentation.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Web revolution allows Crewe to ‘print the world’

Kendlebell/PA4You has enjoyed a successful launch of its new venture highstreetmarketing which designs colourful, brochurelike ads to promote local businesses and any special offers.

These are then transmitted to mobile phones via Bluetooth in a digital HAND OVER: Wingate General Manager, Christopher hot spot area.

Bridgman, receives a cheque from Helen Gould watched by Sarah Tomkinson, Aimee Pendlebury and Joanne Bennett

Thanks to a partnership with web-to-print specialist company RedTie, customers can specify print jobs, get instant quotes and even select designs online.

Joint Managing Directors Paul Springthorpe and Peter Harrison say that the re-launched website is opening up whole new areas of business for them and orders are growing at 5% per month.

Peter Harrison said: "The system is very easy to use and that is the key. It allows people to order leaflets, posters – including very large posters – banners, business cards and more online.

“There are lots of templates for businesses such as hairdressers, dentists, plumbers and so on who want to design their own print, or they can upload artwork and we can design it for them.”

The next venture for the company will be to develop the service for franchised businesses, offering own-branded versions of the site for their internal customers.

Customers can access the new service through the main website at www.theprintinghouseltd.co.uk

The active4age alarm service provides a 24 hour personal alarm link and support package.

In an emergency such as a trip or fall, help is on hand at the touch of a button, giving you peace of mind. Our team also create a personal support plan tailored to your individual needs, which will help you to remain independent in your home.

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01270 506200 and find out how you could benefit 20

www.wulvern.org.uk

Watts Commercial Finance Ltd Finance markets let alone the world in general have suffered through a tumultuous few years and many could be forgiven for thinking that commercial funding had completely dried up. For some this may be inevitable but the market is alive and thriving.

However, gone are the days of filing accounts late, abusing bank accounts, collecting a poor credit history and expecting a potential lender to ignore these transgressions. These will return to haunt you and your business should you apply to borrow funds.

That aside, commercial funding is very much available for all facets of your business needs but where the key to accessing it requires good preparation and housekeeping.

What does that mean exactly?

Question: Can you at the press of a button inform yourself, let alone a potential lender of your last month’s turnover, or your gross and net profit?

Your accounting and management information must be up to date to demonstrate you have your finger on the pulse. Lenders want to see you adopt good business practices and with these in place, applying becomes a much easier exercise.

Work with your accountant and ensure your accounts are filed on time. Make sure you have a management accounting system to assist in the day to day running of your company.

House keeping is vital but so is preparation. Lenders are scrutinising applications much more carefully through their underwriting procedures and it is important you apply in plenty of time and exercise a level of patience. Make sure information required is provided up front and accurately. It saves time, evidences organisational skills and a willingness to cooperate with the lender.

Typically a lender will want to see the last 3 years business accounts, up to date management accounts, an asset and liability statement together with 6 months business and personal bank statements provided by the directors, partners or owners of the business.

The list is not exhaustive and will vary from application to application but having the above ready and in good order will stand you in very good stead, helping to smooth the process and ultimately achieving the funding needs for your business and by definition, yourself.

Watts Commercial Finance Ltd can apply its vast experience with the commercial market in all its facets to assist you in any area of commercial funding no matter how small or large. We will assist whether the initiative is to buy a vehicle for your business or funding a multi-million pound project.

For further information please call 01270 611000 and speak to Phil Gray, Commercial Director or visit www.watts-commercial.co.uk

Turned down by your bank?

Call Watts Commercial Finance for an alternative answer . . .

Watts have a proven track record of arranging financial packages for a large variety of businesses, from small sole traders to multi-million pound turnover companies.

We provide funding for all your needs from acquisitions to re financing your property or assets to unlock their value. <UZLJ\YLK JHZO MSV^ SLUKPUN *VTWHU` HJX\PZP[PVU M\UKPUN *VTTLYJPHS TVY[NHNLZ 0U]VPJL KPZJV\U[PUN

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www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Look after your bank accounts properly, managing them responsibly and ensuring cheques are not issued or direct debits presented which cannot be met because of insufficient funds. A good clean bank account provides the backbone for any funding application and if that cannot be achieved now, ensure the next 6 months and beyond are used to fix the problem: no unpaid items or other problems.

A clean and tidy credit file is paramount today to give confidence to a lender that your past and current borrowings have been and are conducted well. If problems have occurred, try to attend to or satisfy them. Prepare a detailed explanation as to why the situation happened to enable you to answer questions before they are asked.

Business Comments

A D V E R T O R I A L

9 George House, Princes Court, Beam Heath Way, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6GD

Telephone 0844 848 2993 Email: advice@watts-commercial.co.uk www.watts-commercial.co.uk

21

Chamber News

Awards shine the spotlight on business stars Give your business a chance to shine at our annual awards ceremony by simply nominating yourself or a client in the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2010.

The winners of our nine categories will be announced at a fabulous gala dinner and presentation evening being held at Crewe Hall on November 19.

The evening will be a celebration of all that is great about business across the South Cheshire area - especially in this challenging economic climate. And the fact that so many firms put their names forward every year shows that there really is a lot to celebrate.

The quantity and quality of the entries always present our panel of judges with a real challenge. With free entry and a chance to see your name up there in lights, there is every reason to be part of this prestigious showcase for entrepreneural talent.

Chamber chief executive, John Dunning, said: “South Cheshire Chamber is proud to announce that it is now accepting nominations for this year’s awards.

“It is a great opportunity for Chamber members and companies trading on the local area to celebrate their success by entering the awards or give recognition to a client or supplier through nomination. Now is the time to enjoy the prestige and publicity involved in winning the only Business Awards in South Cheshire.”

The event also provides the opportunity to network with companies from right across the county, from the biggest employers to the newest start-ups.

As well as the awards, there will be a three-course meal and disco to enjoy. Everything takes place in the beautifully-dressed Events Centre at Crewe Hall and is an evening to enjoy whether you are an entrant or simply involved in the local business community and looking for a night to let your hair down while making new contacts.

For ticket information call Madeleine at the Chamber on 01270 504700.

SPONSORSHIP opportunities for the showpiece South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2010 are available The awards, which are a highlight of the local business calendar, will be staged at plush Crewe Hall after the success of the event when it was held at the hotel last year.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The chamber has announced that the glittering presentation night for the popular awards, which are held in association with the Chronicle, will take place on Friday, November 19.

Chamber chief executive John Dunning explained: “Sponsorship of the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards is an excellent opportunity for companies to be associated with this prestigious event and for them to demonstrate their commitment to the local business community.

“The awards are a highlight of the business year and always attract strong interest for what is a great occasion.”

To find out more about the benefits of sponsorship please contact the Chamber on 01270 504700.

A night of high drama made the 13th Annual Awards a night to remember!

Stars of the night included a 25 year-old Crewe entrepreneur, Tom Barnes, who was crowned a double winner after making a big success of his company, Asphalt Re-lay.

Tom, who studied at South Cheshire College, carried off the Young Business Person of the Year title as well as Best Start Up Business of the Year. Based at Marshfield Bank, Crewe, Asphalt Re-lay uses state-of-the-art infrared heating equipment to repair potholes with recycled materials.

South Cheshire Business Awards 2010 categories: Young Business Person of the Year (30 years and under, owners/managers) Last year’s winner: Tom Barnes, of Asphalt Re-lay Ltd, Crewe Best Start Up Business (under 2 years of trading) Last year’s winner: Asphalt Re-lay Ltd, Crewe

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Best Small Business of the Year (over 2 years of trading and under 60 employees - full-time equivalents) Last Year’s winner: Amita (UK) Ltd, Middlewich Employee of the Year. Last year’s winner: Michael Clowes, Headquarters of Nantwich Employer of the Year Last year’s winner: St John Ambulance, Commercial Training Division North West International Trade Award Last year’s winner: Event Stewarding & Training Consultancy Ltd (ESTC), Nantwich Visitors’ Choice Award (Public vote) Last year’s winner: Nantwich Players Theatre Green Business Award Last year’s winner: 20:20 Mobile Group Ltd, Crewe Best Large Business of The Year (over 2 years of trading, with 60 and over employees - full-time equivalents) Last year’s winner: Kindertons Limited, Crewe

An innovative Rural Planning Facilitation Service is in operation in Cheshire and Warrington which, with funding from the North West Development Agency, promotes and assists farm diversification and rural business development.

The service, which is available to farmers looking to diversify and small rural enterprises, is run by the South Cheshire Chamber. It complements the business advice which is already available through the Chamber.

There is no charge for the service to clients.

The Rural Planning Advisers are all qualified planners with local knowledge and experience of rural planning in the region.

They work alongside Farm Advisers who work for the Farm Business Advice Service and with Business Advisers, to enhance the current client-oriented and integrated approach to advice and business support.

Your Planning Adviser will: •

Contact you and arrange a meeting on site to discuss your proposal.

•

Liaise with your Farm/Business Adviser where appropriate.

•

Consult with the Local Planning Authority and other Agencies.

•

Prepare a full Planning Assessment Report with recommendations about how to take your ideas and development proposals forward.

The report will be sent to you in confidence.

Every day, millions of people use Twitter to create, discover and share ideas with others. Now, people are turning to Twitter as an effective way to reach out to businesses.

The South Cheshire Chamber has been actively using Twitter since January 2010 and currently has nearly 200 followers.

Twitter allows us to update Chamber members and local businesses as to exactly what is going on in the business community.

Our tweets allow us to notify you of local issues, network with members, share useful information and also allows you to learn a little bit more about your Chamber.

Not already apart of Twitter? Take a look at our page to find out more, twitter.com/SCheshChamber.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Madeleine on 01270 504700

“An independent membership organisation supporting, informing, & representing the interests of businesses in South Cheshire”

It aims to work with farmers looking to diversify and small rural enterprises to generate ideas which are financially viable, environmentally sound and acceptable in planning terms.

Benefits of Membership include:

Chamber AGM and Business Luncheon This years Chamber AGM is to be followed by a Business Luncheon which will feature a high profile guest speaker who will talk about the Crewe Vision project and encourage the support and involvement of the wider business community in the initiative.

The event is planned for Wednesday 22nd September 2010, venue to be confirmed. Further details about the speaker, sponsorship opportunities and ticket cost will be announced shortly.

In the meantime, businesses are encouraged to make a note in their diary as places will be limited for this special event.

Business Advice & Support Access to a Business Adviser Business Mentoring Legal Advice Line Export Documentation Services & International Trade Advice Information & Promotion Providing Business Information Free Quarterly 4Front Magazine Free Articles in 4Front Magazine Chamber Networking Events Free Promotion of Members Events Free Interactive Website Business Directory Membership Logo & Membership Certificate Representation & Lobbying Representation and Lobbying on issues affecting the local business community

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The Rural Planning Facilitation Service is innovative and builds on the experience and expertise of successful rural business advisory services and initiatives in Cheshire.

For more information, contact the Chamber on 01270 504700.

Chamber News

Taking ideas forward: South Cheshire The Rural planning Chamber of facilitation service Commerce & Industry is now on Twitter

If you would like further information about joining the Chamber please

Call: 01270 504700 or Email: info@sccci.co.uk South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd Enterprise House, Wistaston Road Business Centre, Wistaston Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 7RP

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Business Comments

A D V E R T O R I A L

What can we expect post election?

Andrew Hague, Howard Worth Chartered Accountants At the time writing (12th May 2010) we finally have a coalition government in place. But how this will actually function in practice has yet to be announced. However, it is clear the time ahead will be a crucial time for UK businesses. All parties seem to agree that the new Parliament will need to deal with the reduction in our national debt. Accordingly any tax concessions are likely to be eclipsed by increased taxation in other areas.

Michael Portillo recently said this: "I suspect at the end of the day there will be a lot less cutting than politicians are saying right now and a lot more tax increasing that politicians are also saying right now. And that’s simply because cutting is very, very hard. It’s only been done twice, after the first and second world wars, and unless the state of sterling requires it I can’t see it happening again now".

I have therefore listed below some of the taxes that might change in the future:

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

1. VAT – this has not been confirmed but there is speculation from a number of tax commentators that the standard rate will be increased from its current 17.5% to possibly 20%.

2. Corporation Tax - the Conservative Party suggested a 1% reduction before the election.

3. National Insurance - the Conservatives have pledged to cancel the 1% increase due from 6 April 2011.

4. New higher rate taxes? In addition to the changes already in place for high income earners, including the 50% higher rate, loss of personal allowances and restrictions on pension payment tax relief, we may see further changes perhaps an increase in the basic rate of tax.

5. Increases in annual tax-free personal allowance for income tax.

The Liberal Democrats have promised a tax-free £10,000 allowance for all. It is likely that this will be key to the coalition discussions.

6. Capital Gains Tax - again there is speculation that the current 18% CGT rate will be increased to discourage schemes that seek to have income reclassified as capital gains avoiding the higher rates of income tax. The difference between the highest rate of income tax at 50% and the current 18% CGT rate was highlighted as a prime candidate for change before the election by many tax commentators.

We shall have to wait and see.

If you want further advice on any of these issues, or to find out how Howard Worth can help your business, please contact Andrew Hague on 01270 626162. If you require any more information or assistance with any accountancy or taxation matter also see our website www.howardworth.co.uk Please note that this article is not intended to give specific technical advice and it should not be construed as doing so. It is designed to alert the reader to some of the issues. It is not intended to give exhaustive coverage of the topic.

Professional advice should always be sought before action is either taken or refrained from as a result of information contained herein.

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The Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament will be held on September 28th at Crewe Golf Club.

In addition to the team competition to win the prestigious Bentley Trophy, the day will include individual competitions for best score, nearest the pin and hole in one.

Team prices are to be announced shortly.

Always a popular day, early booking is advised.

Proceeds will go to charity Please contact Chamber manager Paul Colman for more information on 01270 504700.

New mentoring programme seeks recruits

The development of leadership and management skills are vital to the continued success of any organisation and research has identified that there are significant gaps in these skills within SMEs in the North WestJoin us for the Annual Golf Tournament .

Mentoring allows an SME to optimise business growth and enables a business to be more innovative, entrepreneurial and to realise the potential of its workforce. It also enables SME leaders and senior managers to have access to an experienced business mentor to discuss and share challenges and help to support business success, productivity and improved performance.

The NWDA mentoring programme is the largest of its kind dedicated specifically to meeting the needs of SMEs in the North West – it is the most comprehensive set of mentoring interventions in the region and encompasses all the latest thinking in mentoring development.

The mentoring programme is being delivered across the region by a network of experienced providers and is available FREE OF CHARGE. The scheme aims to match a client with a mentor who has experience and knowledge in the client industry sector.

For more information please contact Vete Jacey at South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce on 01270 504700.

Cheshire and Warrington’s inaugural 2012 Legacy Conference was held recently at Chester Racecourse.

The conference highlighted the sub-region’s progress on the road to 2012 and saw LOCOG’s Chief Executive Paul Deighton bring the Games to life through identifying what people are doing to get involved and how the nation and regions are benefiting.

It showcased some of the sub-region’s exciting projects and developments across the four themes: sport and physical activity, cultural olympiad, visitor economy and Chief executive John Dunning business.

It also offered addresses the conference stakeholders the chance to discuss how they can use the opportunity the London 2012 Games presents locally, as well as further raising the awareness of Embrace the Games - the Cheshire and Warrington legacy framework.

The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce is working together with the Cheshire & Warrington Enterprise Commission (formerly the Cheshire & Warrington Economic Alliance) to ensure that businesses are kept fully informed and have maximum opportunity to benefit from the 2012 Games. By promoting contract opportunities and the process for bidding on CompeteFor, more than 1200 companies across Cheshire and Warrington have now registered on the site winning 30 contracts.

Other activities include briefing businesses on what’s happening in Cheshire and Warrington and making them aware of the networking opportunities available through the Northwest Business Network and the London 2012 Business Network.

For further information on what’s happening around London 2012 in Cheshire and Warrington and to download presentations from the conference visit: www.2012cw.org.

For further information on opportunities for businesses visit: www.cwea.org.uk/london-2012-business-opportunities.

Tap into the Weekly Newsletter . . .

The Chamber's new Weekly Newsletter is proving a big hit with members who want want to keep up-to-date with business news and local events.

Sent by email to hundreds of members weekly, it provides an opportunity for members to promote their events free of charge.

Chamber events and marketing manager, Madeleine Abbey, said: "The newsletter was launched earlier this year and the response from members has been excellent.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Chambers of Commerce in Cheshire and Warrington are seeking to recruit Mentees for a new mentoring programme which has been launched by the North West Development Agency to develop management and leadership skills in Small and Medium Enterprises.

Embrace the Games conference 2010

Chamber News

Join us for the Annual Golf Tournament

"Instead of a traditional hard-copy newsletter, the electronic version gives us the opportunity to present topical and fresh Chamber news on a weekly basis and for members to have a mass audience for their news and events."

Recent newsletters have included information on Chamber networking events, important economic surveys and a variety of new groups and organisations aimed at the business community.

Members wishing to have their events listed, should email the information to madeleine.abbey@sccci.co.uk

25

Networking

New joint networking event proves a crowd-puller

By Jan Roberts Business leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds enjoyed spring sunshine and friendly banter at the first joint networking event to be staged between the South Cheshire Chamber and the Shropshire Chamber.

The newly-opened Walled Garden Pavilion at Combermere Abbey provided a picturesque backdrop for the event, kindly sponsored by Prontaprint Crewe and well-supported by members from both Chambers.

Wines, canapés and non-alcoholic cocktails made with fruit from the abbey’s own kitchen gardens went down well on a warm night as guests mingled and made new business contacts.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The South Cheshire contingent included a variety of members, everyone from

solicitors, estate agents and banking professionals to hotel staff, health care providers and holistic therapists.

Members from the field of design and print, marketing, computer services, travel and training were also well represented. Even a magical act put in an appearance!

South Cheshire Chamber chief executive, John Dunning, joined Shropshire Chamber, managing director, Richard Sheehan in giving the welcoming addresses. Both expressed their delight at seeing such a large crowd gather for the first networking event between the two chambers and confirmed plans to make it a regular event.

Combermere’s Sarah Callander Beckett was delighted to show off the potential of the Walled Garden Pavilion, an elegant

marquee-style structure, which can be hired out for functions, accommodating up to 150 guests.

John Dunning said: “We regularly hold joint networking events with the Chester Chamber and the North Staffs Chamber, giving members an opportunity to make contacts outside the local business community. This new link with the Shropshire Chamber furthers that aim and will provide many networking events to look forward to in the future.”

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: South Cheshire members will be meeting up with their friends from the North Staffs Chamber for a Joint Networking Lunch at Crewe Hall on June 11. See page 30 for details.

Members leave the pavilion for a tour of the abbey grounds

Judith Bridgman of Burland Coaches and Robert Vaughan of Robert Vaughan Motors Repairs

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John Dunning, South Cheshire Chamber Chief Executive with Richard Sheehan, Shropshire Chamber Managing Director

Mark Sugden of sponsors, Prontaprint Crewe chats to Sarah Callander-Beckett of Combermere Abbey

networking Mairi Tutt and Kaylie Malley of Rookery Hall with Philippa Brown, Visitor Economy Development Manager

Magical entertainers David Siljan and Daphne Mamattah of the South Cheshire Chamber

The team from Prontaprint â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sponsors of the joint networking event

The Walled Garden Pavilion made a delightful venue for a spring networking event

Shropshire Chamber members Vicki Spibey and Karyl Iles of Arbonne with Ann Page of Page Communications

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

John Dunning, South Cheshire Chamber chief executive, Richard Sheehan, Shropshire Chamber MD, Sarah Callander Beckett, owner Combermere Abbey, Anthony Randall, Shropshire Chamber president, Serena Cowell Combermere event sales manager, Phillippa Brown, Cheshire East's Visitor Economy development manager and Mark Sugden, director at Prontaprint

27

Business Comments

A D V E R T O R I A L

Good News for South Cheshire Landlords!

South Cheshire lettings specialist, Martin & Co, is reporting an increase in demand for rented accommodation within the local area.

In some parts of the area demand is outstripping supply, especially on modern 2 and 3 bedroom houses.

“We do a lot of our work in the professional sector, and we are seeing many more well-qualified working couples coming to us to rent, when a few years ago they would have been classic first-time buyers” added Shaun.

Director Shaun Cafferty says: “We have started to see a clear reverse of 2009 conditions when there was an over supply of rental property, especially in apartments and larger family homes. Rents on some property types are nudging upwards, if not too dramatically as yet the market has not quite turned full circle and better quality tenants are still able to choose well-maintained, sensibly-priced properties over those that are not.”

“Typically, tenants will be looking for well-presented 2 or 3 bedroom houses in residential areas, such as Nantwich, the Crewe suburbs and surrounding villages. It’s also around this time of year that we see higher demand from our relocating single professionals, who tend to be looking for something smaller and more economical, such as an apartment. Either way, it’s good news for many South Cheshire landlords!”

In addition, Shaun reports that landlords often fail to review their rent levels regularly, particularly when the same tenant stays in the property. “Allowing rent to fall behind the market rate can significantly impact investors’ yield. At Martin & Co, we assess property rent levels regularly and ensure landlords’ properties are achieving the most they can. In these turbulent economic times, choosing a safe and capable specialist letting agent makes a significant difference for landlords who desire a good return in their investment.”

As the local market leading letting specialists, Martin & Co have an unrivalled knowledge about the rental sector and are able to provide a wide variety of services and up-to-date information to landlords and tenants alike. Their Spring Client Update is now available free of charge from their offices in Nantwich and Crewe, or can be emailed on request.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

No letting agent has let more properties in Crewe & Nantwich this year than Martin & Co, which means that they can draw upon a huge amount of up to the minute data and market knowledge when advising landlords and investors.

To receive more information about this article please contact either the Crewe Office on 01270 500905, e-mail crewe@martinco.com or the Nantwich Office on 01270 611333, e-mail nantwich@martinco.com.

Work with the UK’s largest letting specialist & let us help you over the hurdles. Martin & Co agents are: Dedicated to lettings – this is their core business Local owners and managers Part of a national network of over 120 offices Trained in best practice and receive regular legal updates Don’t let legislation be a barrier to renting your property!

Let your property with Martin & Co Let your property with Martin & Co

Crewe 01270 500905

crewe@martinco.com nantwich@martinco.comwww.crewe-martinco.co.uk

Nantwich 01270 611333

nantwich@martinco.com www.nantwich-martinco.co.uk

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Chamber member Gerry Lynch of Gem Associates is looking to stage a seminar on the topic of marketing on the internet to give businesses an insight into this relatively new way of reaching a mass audience.

He said: “Things are changing very fast in the world of advertising and marketing. It is estimated that over the next five years the Yellow Pages industry will lose 39% of its annual revenue as more and more people look to the internet instead of the phone book.

“While many businesses we have spoken are pleased with the professional image of their website, they have not seen a significant increase in new business generated by it and are wondering why this is.”

The seminar will offer information on how to maximise your presence on the worldwide web and attract new business.

Gerry added: “This does not mean that you need to re-build your website every six months but you do need to have fresh and informative material about your products/services being released constantly. In effect you need a regular supply of articles relevant to your line of business, which will attract potential customers to your blog and your website.

“But can you find the time to write articles, research markets, keep blogs up-dated etc? Our organisation has the expertise to take any of this work off your shoulders so that you can concentrate on what you are good at - running your business.”

‘Business Hub’ workshops will be held across the council area to March 2011 and will offer businesses the CENTRED: Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald opportunity to and Chief Executive, Erika Wenzel, with learn more about Andrew Ashton of Wardell Armstrong and the range of publicly Andrew Keay of i2i Photography at the Business Hub launch event. funded business support available and hear about services and solutions on offer to meet real business needs.

The first was held in Congleton in May when topics covered included how to tender for public service contracts, what you need to know to employ people and an update on the web revolution.

The free drop-in event saw Cheshire East Council join forces with organisations including Business Link, Blue Orchid, HM Revenue & Customs, Jobcentre Plus, ACAS, Reaseheath Enterprise Delivery Hub. Future events include Scope House, Crewe, June 23, Macclesfield Town Hall, July 14, Scope House, August 11 and Riverside, Congleton, September 15.

For more information or to book a place at one or more of the workshops email jaqueline.wilson@cheshireeast.gov.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

For more information on the seminar and services offered by Gem Associates call 01270 666541.

Cheshire East Council is staging a series of events which aim to help small to medium enterprises make the most of their business.

Business News Extra

Help on hand at Marketing on the the Business Hub Internet – fad or business opportunity?

29

Dates for your Diary

Chamber Events July 27: Pre Nantwich Show Networking Event.

A fabulous opportunity to enjoy free networking at Dorfold Park on the eve of the show. See article below.

Autumn Networking Lunch: Keeping an eye out for further details on this event.

See the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weekly newsletter.

September 22nd: Chamber AGM & Business Luncheon Venue to be confirmed. For further details about the speaker, sponsorship opportunities and ticket costs please contact Madelaine on 01270 504700.

November 19: Business Awards Ceremony.

Crewe Hall Events Centre. Book now for this exciting evening including a three course meal and disco.

For ticket information call Madeleine on 01270 504700.

December 3: Christmas Networking Lunch.

Early notice of a very popular event once again taking place at Rookery Hall. Sponsored by Mercedes Benz.

Tickets ÂŁ20 inc VAT. Call Madeleine on 01270 504700.

Chamber Member Events 4Networking Business Breakfast.

Fortnightly on Thursdays, 8am, Ramada Encore Crewe.

Call Sean Clarke on 0845 00 94 933.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

South Cheshire BNI Breakfast Networking Meeting.

Every Friday 6.45am at Crewe Golf Club.

Call Martin Bale on 07932 154489 Business 4 Breakfast. New Venue: Ramada Encore Crewe. New Group: The Cheshire Cat, Nantwich.

Call Richard Staniszewski on 07836 260550 South Cheshire Business Club Breakfast Networking Event. Every Tuesday at 7am at Ramada Encore Crewe.

Call 0845 123 1269

Make a Date for the Pre Show Business Reception Tuesday 27th July at 5.30pm Cheshire East Pavilion Dorfold Park, Nantwich Showground Last year's wash-out summer failed to dampen the spirits of visitors to the Nantwich Show - Pre Show Business Reception at Dorfold Park.

July 27 is the date for this year's event which will once again be hosted by Cheshire East Council and the South Cheshire Chamber in association with the Nantwich Show organising committee.

The get-together is free, includes drinks and canapes, and is staged in the light and airy surroundings of the Cheshire East Pavilion.

30

To book your free place call Madeleine at the Chamber on 01270 504700

Heath and Wellbeing Seminar Combined Therapy Centres have brought together a number of leading local healthcare and business support providers for a unique Health and Wellbeing Seminar to be held at Crewe Hall on June 25. Experts from the fields of law, HR and health will gather to offer guidance on reducing the cost of sickness in the workplace with a particular focus on how to minimise the impact on small to medium sized businesses.

The seminar includes lunch and time for networking.

For more information call CTC on 01270 588244.

NOTE: Chamber members organising a business event can list them on the Chamber website.

For information call the Chamber on 01270 504700.

Venues: Visit the Chamber Venues webpage listing Chamber member venues with offers for members.

See http://www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk/events/venues/

Also look out for: Fresh Networking Events Some of these networking events are held locally at the Bears Paw, Warmingham.

Email kath@freshnetworking.co.uk Cheshire Women with Vision: Quarterly lunches with speaker at the Residence in Nantwich.

Email info@cheshirewomenwithvision.co.uk

Next issue due out 28th August 2010 For advertising enquiries contact Rachel McMillan on 07595 277847 or email rachel@jprint.co.uk

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