11 minute read
Chambers news
The Forest Bathing Institute (TFBI) were delighted to host members of the team from The Fountain Centre in Guildford to a Forest Bathing+ nature therapy session in the beautiful ancient forest at Newlands Corner.
Founded in 1998, the Fountain Centre is a local independent charity based in St Luke’s Cancer Centre, in the Royal Surrey County Hospital. The centre provides holistic and emotional support services to cancer patients and their loved ones who are receiving treatment at St Luke’s. Forest Bathing, also known as ‘Shinrin-yoku’, is a mindful walk-in woodland under the tree canopy, inhaling the fresh forest air. In Japan and South Korea, it is a well-known public health intervention and is used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, and stress.
Forest Bathing+ is underpinned by a mindfulness practice incorporating structured sensory exercises to assist in bringing about a mindful state, to help the body switch to the parasympathetic nervous system, which is more restorative, healing, and therapeutic.
Gary Evans said; ‘We are in discussion with The Fountain Centre to devise tailored Forest Bathing+ sessions for their NHS patients so they can benefi t from spending mindful time in nature, especially, if possible, in a woodland setting.’
Gary Evans, TFBI Co-Founder Director and the team from The Fountain Centre, Newlands Corner
MANAGED IT SERVICE PROVIDER, RAMSAC, ANNOUNCES NEW VISION
Following the digital transformation surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, ramsac’s services have been in increasingly high demand, with a record year for the business resulting in an 18% uplift in turnover. Numerous new clients have joined ramsac’s list of managed service customers, joining leading UK organisations including The Old Vic, The Royal College of Midwives, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Charity, and most excitingly, they are forecasting a further 20% growth this year.
Its team of expert IT technical and support consultants has also expanded by 15% since May 2020, meeting customer needs across a range of roles and departments. The Surrey IT management and cybersecurity company will continue to expand its team in 2021, with plans to recruit a further 20 new positions by the end of the year including a new position on the Leadership Team as Head of IT Operations, who will further drive the cybersecurity strategy for the business and its clients. The company will also be growing their cloud services with a new SharePoint Transformation consultancy team, to assist organisations to get more out of their Offi ce365 and cloud storage environments. They are also launching a meeting room technology team, to help organisations adapt to the new world of hybrid working, where meetings are increasingly going to see a mix of remote and in person participants, which will have an impact on the way people need the tech to work.
To fi nd out more about ramsac and its managed IT support services call 01483 412 040 or visit www.ramsac.com/services/totalit-managed-services
SURREY CHOICES OPENS NEW COMMUNITY HUB
The new Longmead Hub is located within easy walking distance from local amenities in Redhill town centre and has excellent transport links. This location offers the people who are supported by Surrey Choices greater opportunities to become connected within their local community and more options to volunteer, work and socialise close to where they live. The Longmead Hub also has specialist facilities which means it will be able to accommodate those who need extra special support.
This is particularly important as research indicates that people with a learning disability have fewer chances to take part in leisure activities or socialise with their peers, and therefore have fewer friends and are at risk of social isolation. Surrey Choices’ vision is one of inclusion for people with disabilities.
“We believe that people with disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else and in the same places as everyone else” says Jerry Ratcliff, Chief Operating Offi cer, responsible for the property portfolio within Surrey Choices.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Jill Bray commented, “It is wonderful to hear how Surrey Choices and the people it supports are already connecting with local residents via the Cromwell community Group and working together to improve the local area. I’m confi dent that this initiative will benefi t everyone involved.”
HARTSFIELD MANOR A FINALIST FOR SURREY WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR AWARD
After 18 months of uncertainty and frustration, Hartsfi eld Manor has been nominated as a fi nalist for Muddy Stilettos’ Surrey Wedding Venue of the Year award. The nomination comes as a win in itself with so many other amazing venues to compete with, and to be considered within the top fi ve over the past year is a clear sign of Hartsfi eld Manor’s accomplishments.
Whilst Hartsfi eld Manor is no stranger to award nominations from a variety of categories, this award rides above them all. The winners are not chosen based on the thoughts of a panel of judges, but rather the thoughts of past brides and grooms who spent one of the most memorable days of their lives at the venue. Giles Thomas, Operations Director, commented “There is no better reward for the hard work each member of our team puts into every single day than to have it come from our incredible couples.” have been the refurbishment of its honeymoon suite and the introduction of the all-new garden terrace, a plan that was fi nally able to be put in motion after decades of fi nding the right time. This new garden terrace will be open to all, members of the public included, as a place to dine and drink throughout the day. In line with the refurbishment to its honeymoon suite, Reigate Manor has also made sure to make the terrace available to weddings as an area for their post-ceremony arrival drinks.
Though weddings don’t get all the attention, with its dedicated private party venue, The Cellar Rooms, also receiving an overhaul of its digital presence, including brand new party packages and a much-improved website.
REFURBISHMENT
Being nominated for awards isn’t all that’s been achieved over the past months. Reigate Manor has put the turbulent times to good use, improving and developing its facilities throughout lockdown. The largest two improvements
2021/2022 Start-Up Academy
Following the Graduation of last year’s Start-Up Academy cohort, Surrey Chambers, in partnership with Login Business Lounge and Surrey Heath Borough Council, are delighted to announce the details for 2021/2022. This last year has been an up-hill battle for many businesses, and we understand the importance of having support as a business owner, especially at this current time. By becoming a member of the Academy, you can work alongside your peer group and grow your business. By utilising the expertise of our members, we can ensure that you will get the best advice and resources needed to develop your business and increase your network.
The Academy will take place once a month from September when a graduation ceremony will take place. Key areas of business will be covered in depth, with an informative talk for the first half of the day, followed by an interactive session in the afternoon. Running from 10am - 1.30pm, you will be offered the chance to work remotely in Login Business Lounge office space – a great opportunity to continue getting to know your fellow cohort members and expand your network.
REQUIREMENTS
Less than 3 years in business Commitment to attend all sessions £40 plus VAT commitment fee
VENUE
Login Business Lounge, 34 Park Street, Camberley, GU15 3PL
AGENDA AGENDA
06/09/2021:06/09/2021: Session 1: Business Planning and StrategySession 1: Business Planning and Strategy 04/10/2021:04/10/2021: Session 2: Marketing Strategy and social mediaSession 2: Marketing Strategy and social media 01/10/2021:01/10/2021: Session 3: Budgeting and Sourcing FundsSession 3: Budgeting and Sourcing Funds 16/12/2021:16/12/2021: Session 4: Building Your BrandSession 4: Building Your Brand 10/01/2022:10/01/2022: Session 5: IT and Cyber SecuritySession 5: IT and Cyber Security 07/02/2022:07/02/2022: Session 6: Sales Communication and NegotiationSession 6: Sales Communication and Negotiation 07/03/2022:07/03/2022: Session 7: HR and ComplianceSession 7: HR and Compliance 04/04/2022:04/04/2022: Session 8: Business LeadershipSession 8: Business Leadership 09/05/2022:09/05/2022: Session 9: How tSession 9: How o Make Your Business Greenerto Make Your Business Greener 06/06/2022:06/06/2022: Session 10: GraduationSession 10: Graduation
TESTIMONIALS TESTIMONIALS
“The Start-Up Academy has given me time out of the day-to-day running of the business to focus on“The Start-Up Academy has given me time out of the day-to-day running of the business to focus on learning new skills across all departments of the business – learning from a range of both talented andlearning new skills across all departments of the business – learning from a range of both talented and really friendly experts. It has been great to network with other start-ups going through the same thing.really friendly experts. It has been great to network with other start-ups going through the same thing. Spending time working on the business and collecting a diverse range of expert knowledge is essentialSpending time working on the business and collecting a diverse range of expert knowledge is essential preparation for the next step in my business success.” Sebastian Elwell FPFS TEP – Founderpreparation for the next step in my business success.” Sebastian Elwell FPFS TEP – Founder
Switchfoot Wealth Limited Switchfoot Wealth Limited
"The Surrey Chambers Start-up Academy has been tremendously helpful in my journey to launch my"The Surrey Chambers Start-up Academy has been tremendously helpful in my journey to launch my first start-up business. It has really provided exactly what I needed – an injection of knowledge andfirst start-up business. It has really provided exactly what I needed – an injection of knowledge and inspiration to get me planning out my business and (fingers crossed!) ready to launch before the end ofinspiration to get me planning out my business and (fingers crossed!) ready to launch before the end of 2021. All the sessions have been useful, and a lot of work has clearly gone into planning out the2021. All the sessions have been useful, and a lot of work has clearly gone into planning out the sequence of themes/topics to try and cover all the key elements of the business process. Alongside thesequence of themes/topics to try and cover all the key elements of the business process. Alongside the practical sessions, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet other budding entrepreneurs in the Surreypractical sessions, I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet other budding entrepreneurs in the Surrey region, expanding my support network. It has been a highlight of my 2020 year, and I’m looking forwardregion, expanding my support network. It has been a highlight of my 2020 year, and I’m looking forward to getting my first business launched!" Benjamin Hook – Founder of Rebellion Chocolateto getting my first business launched!" Benjamin Hook – Founder of Rebellion Chocolate
If I you would lf you would ike tlike o lto earn more aboutlearn more abou tt he Start-Up Academy or would lthe Start-Up Academy or would ike tlike o sign up,to sign up, please contactplease contac hannah.joslyn@surrey-chambers.co.ukt hannah.joslyn@surrey-chambers.co.uk
NEW MEMBERS
Surrey Chambers of Commerce welcomes its latest member companies
When you join Surrey Chambers of Commerce, your company details automatically get listed on this page alongside fellow new members.
What a fantastic way to let the Surrey Business community know you are out there and ready to get those all-important connections.
AZETS (GODALMING)
01483 416232 www.azets.co.uk/ fi nd-an-offi ce/godalming Contact: Sharon Hammond
BEANSTALK SOCIAL
07803 473025 www.beanstalksocial.co.uk Contact: Matt MorrisonE9
TVISION TECHNOLOGY
01483 751888 www.tvisiontech.co.uk Contact: Danusia Jolliffe
SURREY COVID SCREENING
01932 558441 surreycovidscreening.co.uk Contact: Chris Brown
OATLANDS PARK HOTEL
01932 847242 oatlandsparkhotel.com Contact: Ross Lomanto
MINDSET
01428 746699 mindsetmentalhealthmatters.co.uk Contact: Matthew Mason-Hames
THE COUNTY CLUB
01483 575370 www.thecountyclub.co.uk Contact: Kevin Lorimer
HILTON WOKING
01483 319000 hiltonwoking.hilton.com Contact: Nicolaas Houwert
All new Chamber members are entitled to a one-off 50% discount for a company profi le within this magazine. Contact lesley@platinummediagroup.co.uk for more details
If you are looking to join Surrey Chambers, then please do get in touch with either: sarah.butcher@surrey-chambers.co.uk or tom.woods@surrey-chambers.co.uk or call 01483 735540. We look forward to hearing from you!
