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Winter Edition
2011
College event gets full marks See Chamber Networking
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29 In this Issue
New Members......................page 4 Members News ....................page 5 Barman makes a stir
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Garage retains its crown
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Patrons News ....................page 10 Business News....................page 14 Chamber News ..................page 22 Networking ........................page 28 Dates for your Diary ..........page 30
Staff are getting younger
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Bentley shatters ice record
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4Word
Welcome John Dunning
to the winter edition of 4Front the magazine for businesses in South Cheshire
We all know that 2011 is going to be tough with the economy facing increasing pr essures from t he potenti al impact of austerity measures, foreign sovereign debt, rising inflation and now the troubles in the middle east and its likely effect on fuel prices. Nevertheless there are still some encouraging signs that the economy is continuing to grow, albeit slowly, and it is essential that the Chancellor includes some measures in the forthcoming budget that will really help businesses to achieve the growth and job creation that the coalition government is hoping for from the private sector. Equally, now that the Board of the new Local Enterprise Partnership, for Cheshire and Warrington has been appointed it is important that it begins to act quickly and, in addition to the Leader of Cheshire East Council, it is good to see that there are other people on the Board such as Christine Gaskell of Bentley Motors and Pete Waterman who have an interest in the economic future of South Cheshire.
The Chamber is here to help too, so, as we race towards Easter, I would remind you to take advantage of our Business Start Up, Business Advice, Business Mentoring, Exporting, Networking and Financial support services which are featured elsewhere in the magazine. Finally, in the next edition of 4Front we will be publishing a member’s d irectory and membe rs are being contact ed to ensure that all aspects of membership are correct and up to date on the Chambers database. I hope that you will enjoy this edition of 4Front and that you will be encouraged to submit articles for future editions and also take advantage of the advertising and marketing opportunities that it offers. It is also pleasing to see that the number of new members continues to increase and I would like to welcome them all to the Chamber. I hope that they will make the most of their membership by getting actively involved in our activities and events. John Dunning - Chief Executive
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Although many parts of the country seem to have limped through the difficult weather conditions over the Christmas period, here in South Cheshire it appears that things have kept going reasonably well and once again it is encouraging to see so many success stories from our members who are really showing a great fighting spirit during what continues to be an extremely challenging time for business.
For information on how to be included in 4Front, call Jan Roberts on 07709 977 629 Articles can be submitted to: South Cheshire Chamber, Lyme Building, Westmere Drive, Crewe Business Park, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6ZD 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 responsi bility for the veracity of claims made by contributors.
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New Members
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Meet our new members Joining the South Ch eshire 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
Crown Pest Control & Environmental Services Ltd Crown House, Thomas Street Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2BD T: 01270 256 444 F: 01270 587 024 garycrownpc@aol.com www.crownpestcontrol.co.uk Pest Control
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Grenson Citroen Business Centre Marshfield Bank Employment Park, Middlewich Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 8UY T: 01270 251 212 F: 01270 251 616 markpoole@grensonmotor.co.uk www.grensonmotor.co.uk Motor Vehicle Retail Greensleeves Beech House, Waybutt Lane, Balterley Grove, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5QA T: 01270 252 588 www.greensleeves-uk.com Gardens Sue Landon Design 132 Endon Road, Norton Green, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST6 8NQ T: 01782 536 830 suelandondesign@btinternet.com Design & Print UR-AR Pepper House, Market Street, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5DQ T: 01270 613 860 info@ur-ar.com www.ur-ar.com New marketing & Advertising Technologies Jennings CVS Ltd Units 19 & 20 A-Tech Court Lancaster Fields, CREWE, Cheshire CW1 6FF T: 01270 257 417 F: 01270 253 927 sales@jennings-seats.co.uk www.jennings-seats.co.uk Commercial & Motorhome Seats, Belts & Swivels Pebbles Tile and Stone Ltd Unit 1 Huntsbank Business Park, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 6QT T:01270 665 158 F:01270 669 752 rich@pebblestile.co.uk Retail Perfection - The Final Touch 62 Horton Way, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7GD T: 01270 611 710 kj64392@hotmail.com Ultrasonic Liposuction
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to influence decision 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 ÂŁ2 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.
Pathways Community Interest Company 86-88 Timbrell Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 3LY T: 01270 617 685 lesley.thomas@pathwayscic.co.uk www.pathwayscic.co.uk Business Management Consultant
Talking Tots Stoke on Trent & Newcastle 1 Rileys Way, Bignall End, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST7 8QS T: 07876 506 557 roly@talkingtotys.info www.talkingtots.info Childrens Play Centre
The Oven Cleanser 32 Quarry Avenue, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST4 7EP T: 01782 850 310 oven-cleanse@ntlworld.com www.oven-cleanse@co.uk Cleaning Service
Haslington Hall Ltd Holmshaw Lane, Haslington, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 5TJ T: 01270 250 880 info@tailormadevenues.com www.tailormadevenues.com "Hotels, Con Events Centre & Wed & Leisure"
Audlem Tree Care 5 Windmill Drive, Crewe, Cheshire, CW3 0BE T: 01270 811 197 joel@audlemtreecare.com www.audlemtreecare.com Gardens Energy Hut Limited 1st Floor, Frederick House, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6PQ T: 01270 625 618 F: 01382 201 680 cholland@irtsurveys.co.uk www.irtsurveys.co.uk Thermal Imaging & Energy Efficiency Measures Oligra Town Planning 6 Crewe Road, Shavington, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5JB T: 01270 567 206 Property Development One to One Counselling 38 Chestnut Avenue, Shavington, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5BJ T: 07795 064 762 suedeaks@live.co.uk Counselling Services Let There Be Drums Apartment 4, Berkeley Towers, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 6PQ T: 07866 076 926 robbodrummer@hotmail.com www.lettherebedrums.net Training Standguide Ltd Units 7-10 2nd Floor, Breedon House, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 7EA T: 01270 254 222 F: 01270 254 458 crewe_pc@standguide.co.uk www.standguide.co.uk Training Lloyds TSB Banking Group 13 Victoria Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2JQ Finance & Legal
Williams Shutters and Blinds 301 High Street, Alsagers Bank, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire ST7 8BP T: 07974 796 845 grahamw8@aol.com www.williamshuttersandblinds.co.uk Home Improvements, Window, Door & Conservatory CSI Media (Manchester Ltd) 4 Mallard Way, Mallard Court, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6ZQ T: 0844 873 0073 F: 0844 873 0074 marketing@csimedia.net www.csimedia.net Website Design & Bespoke Software Packages Childminder 9 Holyrood Drive, Wistaston,Crewe, Cheshire CW2 8JG T: 01270 661 225 Child Care Cheshire School of Plastering Eaton Court, Eaton Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 7RE T: 07920 114 403 simon.townsend3@btinternet.com Training Fabulous Chairs & Interiors 25 Hospital Street, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5RL T: 01270 626 288 mariadolan1@btinternet.com www.fabulouschaircompany.co.uk Furnishing Lotties Florists 23 Attwood Close, Haslington, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 5PJ T: 07773 113 330 sharon.lotties@btinternet.com Florist Mark Beavan Associates Limited 137 Wistaston Road, Willaston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6QS T: 07793 972 644 mark@markbeavanassociates.co.uk Accountants & Tax Advisers
Matt Taylor Photography 32 Saltmeadows, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5HP T: 01270 620 950 mattphotography@btinternet.com www.mattphotography.co.uk Photographic
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De Vere Academy of Hospitality Wychwood Park, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5GP T: 01270 821 433 sarah.white@devereacademy.co.uk www.devereacademy.com Training & Conference Venue
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Ampersand Design & Marketing Unit 4G, Wistaston Road Business Centre, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 7RP T: 07773 609 467 samantha@ampersand-design.co.uk www.ampersand-design.co.uk Design Marketing
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Roome's Decor Ltd 207 Crewe Road, Haslington, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 5RU T: 07966 370 831 paulroome@hotmail.co.uk Painting & Decorating
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Shanti Beauty & Holistics 211 Nantwich Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 6DA T: 01270 211 165 shant-beauty@hotmail.co.uk www.shantibeautyandholistics.co.uk Health & Beauty
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Beautiful Nails Body and Soul 45a Earle Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2AS T: 01270 257 847 sharonwindsor@ymail.com www.beautifulnailsbodyandsoul.co.uk Beauty and Relaxation
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Swanley Mowers Ltd Swanley Lane, Burland, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8QB T: 01270 524 255 info@swanleymowers.co.uk Lawn Mower Sales & Servicing/ Horticultural Equipment Sales & Servicing
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Ethecol Merchant Services CIC Clarke Nicklin House, Brooks Drive Cheadle Royal Business Park Stockport, SKI8 3TD T 0800 899 111 info@ethecol.com Merchant Services
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Please note: Greensleeves is based on Waybutt Lane, Balterley Grove, Crewe and not Weybutt Lane as incorrectly stated in the la st edition.
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MP Edward Timpson performed the official opening of the new County Insurance base on Crewe Business Park.
A barman at Residence Restaurant and Bar in Nantwich has become a national barista champion after impressing judges with his special coffee cocktail with an unusual gin twist.
The company which offers both personal and business insurance has experienced rapid growth. When founded in 2003, the staff headcount was seven. It now employs more than 40 people in Crewe and is planning to expand this to over 100 in the next two years. This year, it is on track to provide £18 million in insurance premiums and has 10,000 customers nationally.
SUCCESS STORY: Edward Timpson opens the new County Insurance base
Mr Timpson said: “County Insurance’s success story is great news for Crewe. It shows that by using the local talent pool and providing great customer service that companies can prosper, even when up against the national insurers with huge advertising budgets. "Its training and staff development is particularly pleasing also. This gives local people a great career path and ensures the needs of the customer are best served too." The company can be contacted through www.insurance4your.co.uk, or for online business insurance through www.countyins.com. Call 01270 506 990
Martin Ball, 26, beat off stiff competition from coffeeCOFFEE MATE: Martin Ball has won a national coffee-making championship making experts from all over the country to win the UK finals of the ‘Coffee in Good Spirits’ contest and now goes through to the international final to be staged in Holland in June. The competition called on entrants to make a wonderful-tasting coffee with an alcoholic kick - and Martin won using his own supply of freshly roasted Has Bean expresso coffee to which he added gin and Dubonnet. The coffee is delivered to the Mill Street restaurant from an importer based near Stone. Residence owner Ben Rafferty said: “We recently introduced Has Bean to the restaurant and regulars love it for its freshness and ‘proper’ coffee taste. “The founder of the company flies all over the world collecting coffee beans from places like Brazil, Kenya and Peru before returning them direct to Staffordshire for roasting. When the coffee arrives in Nantwich, it couldn’t be any fresher. The taste and aroma is amazing." For more information call Residence Restaurant and Bar on 01270 629100 or visit www.residence.uk.com
Pop maestro opens Belong Crewe
Blue Bell BMW celebrates 20 years
Record producer Pete Waterman celebrated another hit when he officially opened Belong Crewe - the town’s new £7.9million community village.
Staff at Blue Bell BMW Crewe have toasted the 20th anniversary of the dealership.
The railway enthusiast who owns LNWR Heritage - a steam locomotive and restoration company based in Crewe - was delighted to discover that the beautifully-appointed family-sized living areas were all named after classes of locomotives that have passed through the town. To mark the opening, he unveiled an artistically-enhanced original photograph by the renowned rail photographer E.R. Morten from 1937 of LMS (London Midland & Scottish Railways) Stanier. “Pete was very knowledgeable about the care of elderly people and loved the fact that residents here have so much independence,” said Melanie Saywell, general manager. For more information on Belong Crewe call 0800 032 2266 or visit www.belong.org.uk
The celebration was also a time for reflection on its massive growth to date including sales of £40m in the last full financial year. Staff numbers have also risen from 11 back in 1991 to an impressive 90 today.
BIRTHDAY TOAST: Sales director Phil Brown, dealer principal Barry Holt, regional manager BMW Finance Ltd, Alison Needham and master technician, Neil Edge raise a glass to Blue Bell BMW
Dealer principal Barry Holt said: “We opened for business at the end of 1990 with the official launch in March 1991 to celebrate the new BMW E36 3 Series. In our first year we sold 195 new and used BMW models.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Members News
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“If you compare this with our last annual total of 1,592 cars, you can see the extent to which we have come over the past 20 years. During this period we have sold over 16,000 cars.”
FULL STEAM AHEAD: Pete Waterman joins general manager Melanie Saywell and chief executive Nick Dykes at the official opening of Belong Crewe
The dealership has sponsorship arrangements with Crewe Alexandra Football Club, DeVere Wychwood Park and Simon Wakefield the European Tour Golfer, who successfully regained his tour card by winning the 2010 Tour School Final in Spain. Blue Bell can be contacted on 01270 212525
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Members News
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Training Academy set Law firm expands to open its doors
Chamber members Grindeys Solicitors have expanded their employment law department following the success of a new fixed fee package. The package, Forte, allows clients to select from a menu of employment law and HR services ranging from a telephone helpline to in-house training. Sharon Auld, Head of Employment at Grindeys, said: “Whereas other providers offer a fixed package, Forte clients choose from a menu of employment support ser vices. The end result is an employment law package that is not only bespoke but cost effective which is crucial in the current economic climate.”
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
The package was developed by researching the current market and listening to client feedback. The response has been excellent. Sharon added: “To keep up with demand and to ensure we can effectively service our clients, we recruited two new lawyers who joined us in January and they will be joined in March by another new recruit. “With the ever changing face of employment law it is clear that companies need support and protection as there has been a steady increase in tribunal claims. This protection also needs to be affordable and meet the specific needs of the company which is exactly what Forte does.” For more information on the employment law service visit www.grindeys.co.uk or call 01782 840573
A hairdresser is celebrating the 5th birthday of her business by launching a new venture – a Training Academy where budding stylists can gain vital experience in the workplace. Chamber member Helen Douglas throws open the doors of Headquarters Hairdressing Training Academy in July when NVQ Level 2 and 3 graduates will begin a year-long programme that will build on their college training and give them the edge in a competitive jobs market. The Academy, based within the Nantwich salon, will offer youngsters fresh from college practical, hands-on experience of working in a busy environment. Geordie-born Helen was inspired by Pete Waterman's presentation to the Chamber’s business luncheon and AGM at Rookery Hall where he spoke about his work with engineering apprentices. She said: “Many young people dream of a career in hairdressing. Sadly, like most industries, the jobs are hard to come by and youngsters need more than a college qualification to turn an employer’s head. “Practical experience is all important but how do they get it? That’s where the Academy will help. It will act as a finishing school, bridging the gap between training and employment." “It will be a place where they can hone, not only their hairdressing skills, but people skills which are so important in the real business world.” Headquarters of Nantwich was established in 2006. Shedding the ‘one look suits all’ mentality found in many local salons, Helen has built up a client base from across Cheshire. The salon can be contacted 01270 618200
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ABP retains its 'Garage of the Year' crown Staff at ABP Motorsport in Shavington are celebrating after scooping the CAT magazine’s Garage of the Year award for the second year running. The national magazine which serves the Car and Accessory Trade (CAT) asked garage customers to vote for industry champions and ABP raced to the finish line.
TRIUMPHANT: Chris Meredith (centre) Garage of the Year was the and staff celebrate winning top award to be presented at CAT magazine’s Garage of the Year 2011 an Oscars-style presentation ceremony held at Twickenham Stadium.
Thanking everyone who took the time to vote, ABP managing director, Chris Meredith, said: “To win this prestigious national award once is a real achievement, but twice is pretty unheard of. I couldn’t believe my ears when ABP’s name was called out." It’s the latest in a string of accolades for the garage. In 2010 it was regional winner and national runner-up in the Motorcode’s Golden Garage award scheme. The same year it carried off 100% in a Trading Standards mystery shop. Although CAT voting figures are not revealed, organisers indicated it ran into thousands. For more information contact ABP Motorsport on 01270 567177
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Mike said: “I am proud to work for such a professional company that provides an outstanding level of service to its landlords and tenants. I am really looking forward to the year ahead, as interest rates remain low and tenant demand is rising, we see this as a great time for our landlords to increase their portfolios. This is also a great opportunity for those homeowners who would like to move but can not sell, making lettings a profitable solution.” Fiona Edis-Bates has also joined the team as marketing manager. Mike added: “Due to recent changes in the property market Northwood believe it is important to remain in focus with both tenant and landlord requirements. Fiona will be developing our relationships with clients, making sure we are working closely to meet requirements and keeping in touch with the coming market conditions. We are delighted to have Fiona in the team, who has a strong history of working with blue chip enterprises.”
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Lettings agents Northwood are celebrating their 5th year anniversary at the Crewe and Sandbach branch with new additions and personal growth within the team. Director Paula Jones believes in offering the best career path for each member of staff. This year they are proud to announce the appointment of Mike Johnson as branch manager to both locations. Mike initially started as senior negotiator in 2007, progressing to lettings manager within a year and responsible for both branches within three and a half years.
With over 70 offices nationwide, Northwood offers a unique service to its landlords. The Platinum Scheme guarantees regular income and peace of mind by offering a set amount of rent agreed each month regardless of whether the property is vacant or if the tenant in the property fails to pay the rent.
For more information about Northwood or the Platinum scheme call the Crewe office on 01270 530920 or Sandbach on 01270 768917
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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GROWING: The team at Northwood
Members News
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Members News
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New owners transform landmark filling station A petrol filling station, believed to be one of the oldest in Cheshire, has been transformed into a mini-supermarket selling local produce after being rescued by new owners. Motorists can now fill up their tanks and their shopping baskets at the HJLea Country Store, formally Wardle Service Station. It is the first major revamp at the A51 filling station since it opened in 1939 offering on-the-spot fuel for drivers on what was then the main route from North to South.
“Although the new signs aren’t up yet, the Country Store has been busy. “Customers tell us it has been a real God send during all the bad weather, saving them not just the expense but risk of driving into Nantwich and Tarporley on icy roads.” The store is stocking a range of locally-produced items including Helers Cheese from Nantwich, Alison’s Homemade Cakes from Church Minshull, Eaton Lane frozen meals from Davenham, Peckforton Water and HJ Lea Oakes pet food and Animal Feed from Aston. Newspapers and magazines are also being sold along with greeting cards.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Edward Lea of new owners, HJLea Oakes, said: “The area once had two local stores and another petrol station just up the road. “Sadly they closed down and when Wardle Service Station looked set to face the same fate, we felt compelled to step in. “We decided to expand the store and create a food outlet, handy for villagers and passers-by. At the same time we have introduced our extensive range of pet foods and farm feeds.
WELL STOCKED: Edward Lea in the Country Store with shop staff Riana Machado and Maureen Hampson
Edward added: “As a local supplier ourselves our aim is to source as many products as we can from the surrounding area which supports the local economy and ensures the freshest of items on shelves.” The garage, which is open everyday except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, has changed hands only four times in its long history. From the 1960s to late 90s, it was owned by Geoffrey Condliffe, a wrestler from Crewe famously known as Count Bartelli.
For more information visit www.hjlea.com
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Sophie is the face of family firm Staff at Temples letting agency are getting a little younger - just 18 months old to be precise! The newest member of the family firm is making a big splash as the star of a new ‘Sink or Swim’ advertising campaign (see inside cover) showing her swimming underwater. Little Sophie May Williams, aged 18 months, is the granddaughter of Temples managing director, Roy Kitchen, who heads up the team at the Nantwich branch with his son, Steve. Her mum and dad, Natalie and Gary Williams, run the Northwich branch. At just 12 months she featured in a series of advertisements running through trade journal and business publications. With the strap-line, ‘Worried about letting your property,’ the adverts showed her wearing a frown. Roy said: “Sophie has the most beautiful, big blue eyes which leap from the page and when the adverts first appeared, we took no end of enquiries from both landlords and people looking to let properties. “She’s such a little character and poses for the camera at the drop of a hat. When it came to planning our latest campaign, we had no end of pictures to choose from.” ‘Sink or Swim’ focuses on the importance of choosing the right agent to let your property. Sophie was captured during one of her water-baby swimming classes. Roy added: “For 10 years, Temples has been offering landlords hassle-free letting and management services. We are very much a family firm with old-fashioned values when it comes to service and many of them have been on our books since day one.”
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The firm, which has branches in Nantwich, Crewe, Chester and Northwich, is investing heavily in branding. A fleet of new Ford Fiesta cars, specially branded with the business logo, took to the road in December.
GOOD READ: Sophie posing for a family shot!
Now a new website www.templeslettings.co.uk has been launched and a new accounts and administration base is due to open on Welsh Row, Nantwich. Temples has also shown its support to one of the town’s major crowdpullers by becoming a sponsor of the Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival. For more information call Temples on 01270 627272.
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A D V E R T O R I A L
Springboard to financial success It’s been said that the last two years hasn’t felt like a recession, and the next two years won’t feel like much of a recovery. But there’s no doubt that there will be opportunities for businesses in the next two years to thrive and expand, although trading conditions – especially for businesses reliant on consumer spending – will be tough.
number of years, but prior to the credit crunch took on additional leased premises at relatively high rents; with the credit crunch, both footfall and spend at the new shops began to fall. Profits slipped, and in a business dependant on a fast turnaround of fresh produce, cash flow problems began to affect stock in the shops.
But if it’s been a hard two years, where is the springboard for growth to come from? Many good businesses have been starved of cash and helped along by HMRC ‘time to pay’ schemes, but are burdened with a millstone of debt and are in desperate need of a fresh start.
We met the director in the summer of 2010 to explain the key issues and risks of the deteriorating position; the director contacted us on New Years’ Eve and explained that the business could no longer pay its debts. We planned and executed an administration order; by the end of January the business had been reviewed, valued, restructured and sold for more money than would have been raised in a liquidation and a ‘fire sale’. The director is now trading successfully with a smaller number of shops.
So what options do business managers and directors have when struggling in a sea of debt? If there’s a solid and successful business to save, one lifeline can be via a ‘pre-pack’ administration order, an insolvency process where the business is sold back to its management, leaving the debt behind. There’s nothing wrong with directors or shareholders buying back their own business and making a fresh start – the key is the transaction has to be carried out with transparency and probity, with full value being paid for the business to ensure that all creditors get a fair deal. Case Study 1
We acted for a portacabin business in Yorkshire. The business had been very succes sful and secured large, profitable contracts in the public sector. Sales slowed down in 2010 before the general election, and with cancellations in the schools building programme, sales plunged. We met the director and his funder at the end of January. Again, we planned and executed an administration order; within two weeks the business had been reviewed, valued, restructured and sold. The manufacturing operation was closed; the hire business sold back to the directors.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
We acted for a chain of sandwich shops in Cumbria. The business was long established and had traded successfully for a
Case Study 2
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Patrons News
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AIR PRODUCTS
And now for some light refreshment Staying cool in the hot summer months is made easier by the availability of lots of our favourite chilled, fizzy drinks. But do you know what gives them their fizz? Carbon dioxide and a mix of carbon dioxide and nitrogen are commonly used by the drinks dispensing industry to keep products fresh and to give them just the right amount of fizz. No matter whether your preference is for a soft drink or a refreshing glass of lager or beer, the product has probably been enhanced by high-purity gases or a specially-designed gas mix.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Venues serving large volumes of drinks, such as pubs and clubs, fast food restaurants, cinemas, sports stadi a and music venues, often choose to store their drinks gases in microbulk tanks, as part of a bespoke CryoEase® gas supply system.
“Pipework from the tank delivers the gas directly to the keg or drinks container, where it helps to displace oxygen and keep the drink fresh and gently fizzing. From here, the drinks product is piped straight to the dispensing tap, to be enjoyed.” For more information about CryoEase® microbulk gas supply systems visit www.airproducts.com/cryoease Air Products can be contacted on 01270 614000
SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGE College is geared up to boost business skills Apprenticeships are at the heart of the strategy and the College initiative is in line with the Government’s aim to raise the numbers of Adult Apprenticeships to 75,000 by 2014-15. The team will be working closely with businesses across the region to make sure they are well equipped to tackle the current economic situation and is responsible for ensuring that apprenticeships are delivered in areas such as Business Administration, Customer Service, IT, Sport, Motor Vehicle and Railway Engineering. Alongside Apprenticeships, there will also be a wider and more flexible system of vocational qualifications that meet the needs of the economy. Over 1,300 businesses in the UK rely on apprenticeships to provide them with skilled workers for the future. The college team can also offer businesses other training support by encouraging employers and employees to sign up and other professional qualifications which can be beneficial in the workplace. TEAM SPIRIT: Laura Parsons, Louise Jennings, John Warham, Neil Smith and Jackie Funge of the Work Related Training Team
South Cheshire College is gearing up for developing a range of skills which are designed to benefit businesses across the area. The College has responded to the Government’s recently published Skills for Sustainable Growth Strategy, which aims to improve skills and create new jobs in workforces across the country, by setting up a dedicated Work Related Training Team. The Work Related Training Team is led by John Warham, a former student of the college who has joined as Team Manager from the National Apprenticeship Service.
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Terry O’Reilly, business manager, CryoEase, at Air Products, said: “Generally, if sites are using more than 10 cylinders of high-purity CO2 per month, they should consider switching to microbulk supplies and the CryoEase® system is compact and easy to install.
John said: “At South Cheshire College we are committed to improving skills which will benefit employers and employees in the workplace in line with the Government’s Growth Strategy.”
John added: “We want to raise awareness of the increasing range of apprenticeships that we offer here and the other programmes that businesses can take advantage of. “We are developing a responsive model and can tailor training programmes to fit in with individual and business needs. “It is a very difficult economic climate at the moment but businesses can rest assured that the courses and programmes offered at South Cheshire College can help to point businesses and employees in the right direction.” For more information about courses at South Cheshire College call 01270 654654 or visit www.s-cheshire.ac.uk
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Bentley shatters world speed record on ice
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Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports convertible on the hazardous frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, at a breathtaking 205.48 mph to set a new world speed record on ice.
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Kankkunen was in irresistible form with his allwheel drive, 6-litre, 12-cylinder Continental Supersports convertible which, in line with the Company’s CO2 strategy, ran on biofuel. The world’s fastest soft top enabled Juha to shatter his own 2007 world ice speed record of 199.83 mph set in the Continental GT at the same location.
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With the help of his own experienced team and Bentley engineers, Kankkunen overcame the challenges of temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees, sudden snow blizzards and potentially dangerous crosswinds on the 16.5km track on a 70cm-thick layer of sea ice. The record attempt was driven on a 1000m long measured distance with the speed certified by officials from the Finland Traffic Police. His new world record was based on the avera ge of two ru ns in opposite directions with measured speeds ratified by a representative of The Guinness Book of Records.
Wolfgang Dürheimer (pi ctured), Ben tley’s new chairman and chief executive, said: “The ice speed record is an amazing feat by Juha Kankkunen, whose skill and courage in extreme conditions truly make him one of the modern-day Bentley Boys. We will be celebrating this achievement with a very special ‘extreme’ Bentley, which will be the most powerful model ever to bear the famed Winged B emblem.”
“The last time, I narrowly missed the magical 200 mph mark in a Continental GT. When I heard about the Supersports I was determined to go record breaking again with the Bentley Boys. This time, with over 600bhp under the bonnet, a Quickshift transmission and the
A limited edition of just 100 examples of this most extreme Bentley are being made. For more information on Bentley Motors call 01270 255155
WULVERN
Wulvern recognised at Excellence Awards Wulvern was celebrating recently after being recognised as one of the region’s top performers at the prestigious Midlands Excellence Awards. In front of more than 1,150 business leaders, the Crewebased local affordable housing provider was highly commended in the Lean Efficiency category of the Midlands Excellence Specialist Category awards. Now in their third successful year, these awards recognise outstanding performance in the areas of Innovation, Sustainability, Lean Efficiency, Customer Service Excellence and Learning & Development. Speaking after t he gala ceremony, Midlands Excellence chief executive Ian Nield said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Wulvern and I congratulate them wholeheartedly. We received our highest number of entries this year in the Specialist Category Awards and the standard has been nothing short of exceptional.”
Mr Nield concluded: “Every organisation we’ve recognised has undergone rigorous independent assessment and consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for excellence and performance improvement. An example to all of us, Wulvern has earned its place in the Midlands Excellence hall of fame.” For more information on Wulvern call 01270 506200 or visit www.wulvern.org.uk
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Bentley Continental Supersports setting a new speed record
security of the all-wheel drive system, the Supersports convertible was the perfect car to go for the record,” Kankkunen said.
Patrons News
BENTLEY
The Specialist Category Awards are open to any Midlands-based organisation which has a good story to tell in one of the categories mentioned. Although the application is short, the assessment process is thorough and following a desktop assessment, shortlisted organisations present to an independent panel of experts, who are looking for a sound approach, effective deployment and positive results.
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NATWEST Stay ‘cool’ with RBS mentor however are far more significant than a bemused look for an employer should he/she not be operating within the law and it is essential that directors/owners are fully up to speed with their obligations both in the workplace and to their staff.
I am one of those people of a certain age that likes to think that he is reasonably in touch with the Modern World, at least to a certain degree, where for example I can cross the road unaided and find my way around a Sky Plus Box. However, certain events come up now and again that bring you down to Earth and it is at these times that you feel that maybe you are not so in touch as you might think.
The RBS Group offers specific support for businesses via ‘Mentor’and we can provide a comprehensive range of support services for Employment Law, HR issues, Health & Safety, Environmental and Tax. Mentor acts as a business Having just seen the Brit Awards for this year is partner offering specific support, advice and one such occasion. I thought that I was being protection. RBS Mentor can also help with pretty cool last year when I bought the latest litigation and offers practical solutions in training, Killers CD but now find myself completely out of Richard Weilding occupational health and additional consultancy my depth as the list of winners of such major support. If you run your own business you need to music awards is announced. I have never heard of be aware of the issues that affect both you and your staff and Justin Bieber, thought that Tinie Tempah was a breaktime anagram from Countdown; Plan B was what Dario offered to the Mentor can help. There are a range of services that can be made available from a full support service to Twitter updates. Alex players when they were 4 – 0 down to Stockport at half time and that Mumford and Sons were a local firm of As for myself I am off to put on my sandals and kaftan and listen undertakers. to my vinyl copy of Woodstock. Groovy !! On a more serious level, keeping yourself up to date with For more information call the matters is key for anyone running their own company, where Nat West Commercial Office on 01270 629980 there are similar issues with legislation covering matters such Employment Law and Health & Safety. The repercussions
MMU More stars from MMU Academy A trio of MMU Cheshire students have been selected to play football for England. Cliff Mayo, Jack Sherratt and Josh Glover were called up to the U18s squad ahead of the Centenary Shield Home Nations tournament. The three, all Staffordshire Youth players, star in the University's Football Academy Squad who are current Football Conference Youth Alliance Cup holders. The 17-year-olds are studying on the BTEC National Diploma in Sports Performance and Excellence, run in conjunction between MMU Cheshire and Newcastle College. Academy boys divide their week between studying and training at the Alsager campus and at college. Many go on to enrol on MMU degree programmes. "We're delighted for them. They're top young players and deserve their chance with England, said joint-coach Melvyn Wilkes, of the University's Department of Exercise and Sport Science. "It's a testament to their discipline and dedication to football and their studies.
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three picked for England is unheard of. Dates for the games against Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are still being confirmed and one match may take place close to home in Telford. For more information about the MMU/NULC football academy and the Open Day please contact Melvyn Wilkes on 0161 247 5298 or m.wilkes@mmu.ac.uk or Nigel Deeley on 0161 247 5295 or n.j.deeley@mmu.ac.uk
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"At youth level to get one player going all the way to International level is rare indeed. To get three picked for England is unheard of, so we are naturally very excited."
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Cliff, a centre back is from Stoke, Jack, the team's left midfielder is an Alsager lad and Joshua, an accomplished left-back is also from the area.
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New look for products
Long-serving Roy retires Mornflake is saying a fond farewell to one of its longest-serving employees - Roy McLeod. Roy has been selling the Mornflake brand to the grocery trade throughout the North West, Midlands and Wales for 50 years.
Breakfast cereal products produced by Crewe-based Mornflake are to undergo a mini make-over just in time for a busy summer of shows. New pack designs are to be launched across the product range including Porridge Oats, Oatbran, Granola, Muesli and Chocolate Squares. The design will take on a yet-more fashionable twist but will still be recognisable to the millions of shoppers who reach for Mornflake products in major supermarkets up and down the country. Healthconscious consumers will find more images to show the wholesome ingredients that go into making the products – all purely-natural and carefully selected.
Roy will be retiring on the anniversary of the day he joined the company with a memorable send-off during a lunch with colleagues and customers at The Crown Hotel in Nantwich followed by a dinner a few days later at Crewe Hall. Managing director, John Lea, commented: “In an era when we are constantly being told that it will not be possible to spend a lifetime working for the same company, both Roy and I have proved to be the exception to the rule. To have been with us for 50 years and seen so many changes across the face of the industry is a fantastic achievement. We all wish him a very long and happy retirement after such a distinguished career.”
The products will hit the shops in time for the county shows. Mornflake will once again be a major sponsor of the Nantwich Show, where for a number of years it has hosted the Mornflake Food Pavilion. It will also be supporting the Nantwich Food and Drink Festival and exhibiting at the Cheshire Show, Bolesworth Horse Trials and Reaseheath College Open Day.
Over the years, Roy has developed close relationships with many of the region’s retailers and has been the face of the company in the North. As well as daily calls to local stores, he has manned the show stands and met the general public at events such as the Nantwich Show.
For more information on Mornflake visit www.mornflake.com
He said: “It’s been a great family company to work for. Never once in 50 years have I felt like not coming into work.”
Edward Lea of Mornflake said: “The current packs are nearly two years old so we decided it was time to refresh them even though the brand is still growing at 12% year-on-year. “Our new premium Mornflake Gold Scottish Oat pack will also be launched in a 100% recyclable paper bag format to make it easier for customers to recycle.”
Roy pictured with the new regional accounts manager, David Owens, outside A T Welch in Nantwich
SG WORLD SG World makes European signing Coinciding with football transfer deadline day SG World announced a European signing of its own with the acquisition of SBSI as part of its continuing expansion plans. SBSI was part of the SBS Group and adds a presence in Ireland, Germany and Spain to SG World. The announcement was made amid a period of success where they have bucked the economic trend. SG World has been flying the flag for Cheshire with its recent sales growth and investment from its Crewe headquarters. Speaking about the acquisition Mark Haase, Director, commented. “This move underlines our commitment to growth and builds on our recent success. “Having had previous associations with SG World makes SBSI a perfect fit for our growth plans. In the last 12 months we have launched 5 new products, made the acquisition of the PIXL products and grown our sales team significantly. “Expanding this way is a natural progression for us as many of our UK customers have sites throughout Europe
“This comes during an already exciting period for the business where we are going from strength to strength and investing in our future. “ SG World provides solutions for managing people process and property including the market leading Vis-IT range of visitor management software as well as a range of health of safety and security systems.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Mark Haase added. “This news sends a strong message to our customers and competitors alike that we are investing in ourselves to ensure we are in the strongest position not just now but in the years to come.” To find out more about SG World visit www.sgworld.com
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Siemens engineering visit drives students on
Chamber member St John Ambulance is the nation’s leading first aid charity – training o ver half a million people from over 200,000 organisations around the country in vital first aid skills. And those skills, so critical in the workplace, can also be put into action elsewhere as engineering manager Mark Coombe discovered. Mark, of Daresbury, had just completed his second day of training when he called in at the hairdressers for a trim on the way home. Another customer came in, nursing a wound to his hand after falling onto a rusty concrete reinforcement bar which had penetrated half an inch. VISTING: Students pictured at the main entrance to the Siemens factory in Congleton
Engineering students at South Cheshire College gained a valuable insight into what makes a leading global engineering company tick. Students spent a morning at the Siemens Congleton manufacturing unit which is part of the global Siemens Industry sector Drive Technologies Division. Nine students received a presentation about the company before they were taken on a guided tour of the impressive manufacturing site. Engineering lecturer Darren Blinkhorn said: “The visit was extremely informative and gave students the opportunity to see how a high-tech global engineering company operates.”
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
South Cheshire College is a patron for the South Cheshire Chamber and many college curriculum areas have established strong links with local employers and businesses. See Chamber Patrons page 10. For more information about Engineering courses at South Cheshire College call 01270 654654 or visit www.s-cheshire.ac.uk
Long arm of the law digs deep
He said: "I first got him to hold his hand under running water and gently cleaned the area. The hairdresser gave me some plastic gloves and I took a sterile dressing and a sterile cotton pad from the first aid box. I placed the pad across the wound and asked the casualty to place pressure on it with the other hand but to try and keep it elevated too. I then applied the dressing, leaving the thumb exposed to check his circulation. I was amazed that the skills I had learned only that day really came into play.” For details of SJA first aid and health and safety courses visit www.sja.org.uk or call 0844 770 4800. Chamber of Commerce members are entitled to a 10% discount
Caring organisation scoops award
Chamber members The Wingate Centre were delighted to receive a £5,000 cheque following the Cheshire Police Federation annual charity ball. The night, staged at Carden Park, also raised money for a Northwich Multi Sports Club and was a big success. Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Mark Faint, visited the HAND-OVER: Chris Bridgman Wrenbury centre to present a receiving the cheque cheque to manager, Chris Bridgman. In the current economic climate the Wrenbury-based charity is having to look at new ways to raise funds. One of these is recycling products such as ink and toner cartridges. CDs, DVDs and mobile phones can also be handed in at reception. In addition to supporting the charity, the effort prevents items going to landfill. It can accept any ink cartridges (apart from Brother and Epson) and recycles them into cash for the centre which supports people with disabilities, providing educational and holiday facilities. It also provides gymnastic training for both mainstream and disabled people, with a policy of integration whenever possible. Fundraisers in the pipeline include a quiz night at Nantwich Cricket Club on March 11, Mad March Hare and White Rabbit Dance at Nantwich Town FC on April 1 and open garden event at Dorfold Park on May 22.
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First aid skills can be used anywhere
For more information on the Wingate Centre call 01270 780456 or visit www.wingate-sga.org.uk
ACCOLADE: Richmond Village advisor Nicola Tooke and manager Lynne Griffin with the Care Employer of the Year award
Richmond Village Nantwich is through to the grand finals of The Great British Care Awards after winning the "Care Employer of theYear" title at the North West regional awards. The Chamber member fended off stiff competition to win this coveted title and received the accolade at a gala award ceremony held at Manchester United Football Club. Judges commented “Richmond Village is clearly a very person centred organisation. The importance of staff development is recognised and sourced out through a well established care and management team." Richmond Village will represent the North West at the national finals taking place in the Royal Courts of Justice in London on June 11. For more information on Richmond Village call 01270 629080.
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Businesses are being invited to register their interest in attending a glittering charity ball billed as Cheshire’s social event of the year. The night, to be staged at Dorfold Park in Nantwich, is being hosted by Chamber member John Lea, managing director of Mornflake in Crewe who becomes High Sheriff of Cheshire in April. It takes place on Friday, July 29 and tables are available for businesses and organisations looking to reward themselves or clients with a night of superb food and entertainment. The evening will raise cash for charitable causes in Cheshire and will include a ‘money-can't-buy’ auction conducted by BBC Television's antiques expert Tim Wonnacott. A range of lots will go under the hammer including luxury holidays and tickets to the Ryder Cup and Masters Golf in Augusta. The ball takes place a couple of days after the Nantwich Show and organisers will work through the night to transform the International Cheese Show marquee into a stunning venue where guests will be greeted with a champagne reception. Roger Mills, a director of the Nantwich Show, who is on the organising committee said: “This will be ‘the’ social occasion of the year – a night where any business leader hoping to raise their company profile will want to be seen.” More than 700 people are expected to enjoy the night. Guests will enjoy a delicious Cheshire-sourced menu, music, dancing and entertainment. Tickets are £95 each and corporate tables of 10 (at £900) are now on sale. Proceeds will go to Crimebeat, St.Luke’s Cheshire Hospice and DebtCred - a charity helping young people understand financial issues and remain free of debt. For more information on attending the ball or taking advertising space in the Souvenir Programme call 0770 9977629. Sponsorship opportunities are also available
Picture courtesy of BBC Images
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www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Barringtons shows its support to Nantwich Barringtons has embraced its new presence in Nantwic h bringing additional services to its base on Barker Street while giving a boost to the town’s flower-power.
FIRM SUPPORT: Barringtons managing director, Phil Wood, presents a cheque to Nantwich in Bloom chairman Doug Butterill as the firm gets behind the town's effort to win Britain in Bloom
The Newcastle firm, which merged with Cooper Taylor Chartered Accountants last November, is now fully settled in The Dowery where new signage has been unveiled.
Clients are now offered help with VAT and customs duties, tax investigations and litigation on top of traditional services such as preparing accounts, developing business plans and offering startup business advice. Through its associated company BCR, the firm offers a helping hand to businesses and individuals with insolvency problems while its 55-strong team also advises on business growth and HR issues.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Managing director, Phil Wood, said: “We are now starting to see the expected benefits of the merger flowing through to clients of the Nantwich office - one of the largest clients having already benefited significantly from specialist VAT advice from Colin Woodward, our VAT and Customs Duties director. Internally we are in the process
NEW LOOK: Phil Wood and Philip Taylor
try the new signage for size at The Dowery. Meanwhile Barringtons, which also has offices in Newport and Market Drayton, is showing its commitment to Nantwich by getting behind the town’s effort in the Britain in Bloom contest, sponsoring the watering and maintenance of the large cast-iron planters down Churchyardside.
As Nantwich bids to win a major prize this year, local coordinators of the contest have appealed to other businesses to follow suit. Mr Wood added: “I was brought up in the Potteries and whilst I have lived in North Shropshire for many years, I recall with very fond memories visiting Nantwich as a child with my parents for a lovely day out so, as a firm that has recently moved into the area, we are more than happy to support the committee which does such sterling work to maintain the town’s appeal.” The Dowery was a previous winner of the commercial category scooping a gold award for a dazzling display of flowers. For more information on its services call 01270 623821.
Law firm becomes a fundraising hero Together with the auction night, the firm hopes to donate around £2,000 to the charity before Michael returns to Afghanistan. Susie said: “Having heard about the hardships the soldiers suffer out there, as a firm we had no hesitation in making Help for Heroes our chosen charity in 2010 and that will continue this year. I was only too glad to have Michael home safe and sound but instead of putting his feet up while on leave, he has thrown himself into our fundraising drive. The response from businesses locally has been excellent, and there will be a really varied range of lots on the night.”
ON THE BALL: Susie Wheeler of William B Rose with partner, Michael Collins, their son Michael, and Railway Hotel barmaid Natalie Stevenson.
Local businesses are getting right behind a Help for Heroes fundraising drive being led by employment law specialists William B Rose of Nantwich. The firm, based on Welsh Row, is organising a charity auction to take place at the Railway Hotel in Nantwich on March 31 and many businesses have shown their support by offering prizes to go under the hammer on the night. Help for Heroes is a cause especially close to the heart of William B Rose managing partner, Susie Wheeler. Michael Collins, her partner and father to their baby son, Michael, is a corporal with the Royal Welsh, and recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
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of integrating the IT and communications infrastructure and have already started a process of significant investment in new hardware which will ensure that the service we provide to businesses throughout South Cheshire is of the highest quality."
Fundraising got off to a good start when Michael undertook a sponsored trek of the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke, linking the North Sea at Prestatyn with the Sev ern estuary at C hepstow in the South.
For sporting enthusiasts lots include a signed picture of football star, Steven Gerrard and of boxing hero, Ricky Hatton, as well as family tickets to a Saracens rugby match at their home ground in St Albans, signed shirt and ball from the London Irish rugby team and programme from the winning Ashes test signed by England batsman Ian Bell. General lots include a wash, cut and blow dry at Headquarters of Nantwich, vouchers from Steve Burgin hairdressing, dinner for four at Alvaston Hall, a family portrait sitting with Cavendish Studios, signed picture of film star Ewan McGregor and lots of gorgeous items from Mia Stanza in Nantwich. The event is being staged at the couple’s local – the Railway Hotel on Wellington Road from 7.30pm. Susie added: “Everyone is really welcome to come along and enjoy the night. Jane at Railway is being really helpful and I would particularly like to thank Headquarters of Nantwich, Steven Burgin Hairdressing and Mia Stanza in Nantwich for their support - their generosity has really overwhelmed us. ” William B Rose specialises in helping companies of all sizes stay on the right side of employment law. For more information on its services, or for a free consultation on 0845 600 4996.
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Manufacturing continues to lead the North West’s recovery In the latest Chambers of Commerce North West’s Quarterly Economic Survey the North West’s manufacturing sector continues to lead the region’s recovery with another quarter of strong positive growth.
South Cheshire Chamber chief executive, John Dunning, said “Our region is continuing to see growth and job creation despite recent uncertainty over the cuts and the New Year’s tax rises. “The region’s economy is showing signs that it may slow in the New Year, but we must focus on maintaining business and consumer confidence.
A total 1,415 businesses responded to this quarter’s survey, reinforcing businesses’ view of the importance of the survey and their desire to support the decision making process of Government and the Bank of England. Such is the demand for this survey the national results were presented to the Monetary Policy Committee on 20th December. The report’s headline numbers disguise the fact that the region’s construction sector continues to struggle, and therefore the broad based manufacturing results understate the actual strength of manufacturers’ performance. Again exports dominate the manufacturing performance and the continued growth in demand has resulted in positive job creation in line with last quarter’s expectations. Confidence remains positive, though there is a tough year ahead with the Government’s cuts and tax rises and this is expected to impact on profitability, along with raw material price pressures due to the exchange rate; the downside of a weak pound that has favoured exports. The region’s service sector continues to see positive growth in domestic and export markets. Domestic sales weakened slightly, but there was a strengthening of export demand and as a result confidence has held up this quarter. Job creation continues to grow across the sector, though it is not yet meeting expectations. Although there are positive expectations to recruit in the coming quarter, the North West is likely to see a jump in the claimant count in the New Year, resulting from public sector losses and released seasonal workers, before falling again.
Our region is continuing to see growth and job creation despite recent uncertainty over the cuts and the New Year’s tax rises - John Dunning, chief executive South Cheshire Chamber
The North West has a particularly strong manufacturing sector and is well placed to overcome the challenges ahead as the economy rebalances towards the private sector. The service sector will also contribute to this recovery, these results showing that export market demand is increasing.
The report does include some disappointing results. Investment intentions remain weak, indicating that there is some capacity to absorb any increase in demand at this time and reflecting businesses’ concerns that demand will fall further in the New Year. South Cheshire Chamber also makes an important contribution to the Monetary Policy Committees decisions on interest rates through its Small Business Panel which meets on a quarterly basis with the Bank of England North West Agent.
Internet Radio Station goes FM After only five months of broadcasting online, RedShift Radio, the award-winning online community radio station, has received a 28-day test licence by OFCOM. Since its launch back in September 2010, RedShift has gone from strength to strength. With more than 45 presenters, the programme schedule has grown to fill 14 hours a day of live output. Shows are designed to include all areas of the community from seniors and young families with Grey Natter and Toddler Talk to new businesses and travel enthusiasts with Flying Start and the European Lunch. The founders of RedShift Radio, Gavin Hammond and Liz Southall, are thrilled with the response. Dr Gavin Hammond, winner of the Chamber's Young Business Person of the Year Award, said “We never expected to be ready to apply for a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) so soon but the enthusiastic response and unprecedented support we have had from the education, business and residential communities has propelled us on to take the next exciting step towards bringing Crewe and surrounding towns it's very own radio station.”
appeal and a national following through our content rich business shows and will continue developing both in order to enhance the reputation of Crewe in a positive manner.” Over Christmas RedShift found time to raise £547 for The Children's Adventure Farm in Altrincham by hosting a children’s Christmas film party in association with sponsors Hullabaloo Kids and Malbank School. The theme for April is “Regeneration & Celebration” and all shows and guests throughout the 28-day broadcast on 87.7FM (from April 4 until May 1) will reflect this. HANDSFUL: Helen Crowther from Children's Adventure Farm receiving the £547 and the toys collected by Redshift
“We have blended a community radio with local
Businesses are invited to show their support by investing in sponsorship or advertising. Rates are as low as £10 an hour for show sponsorship and £1 per play for adverts. The first of two RedShift LaunchPad events took place at the Virgin Trains Training Academy in Crewe on February 17. Over 30 local businesses came along to hear about the plans for the future of RedShift Radio. Speakers included Paul Colman from the Chamber of Commerce, Shawn Gallimore from Banks Sheridan Accountants and Holly Arterton and Callum Wilkinson from Malbank School, Nantwich who present the Senior School Run Show.
Gavin's partner and co-founder, Liz Southall said “We have built up a loyal following of listeners through careful programming and effective use of social media. It has become apparent that already RedShift Radio is bringing new business to Crewe and we are seen as a hub for referral networking.
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ON AIR: Gavin Hammond and Liz Southall
To find out how to be a guest, a sponsor, or just come and have a look around the studios in the Brierley Business Centre, call Liz or Gav on 01270 214 868
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Big Dot Media is set to turnover approximately 300k this year. They are looking to recruit up to eight new people in 2011, and are presently recruiting for two new web developers to add to their current team of six.
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Steve McGrath, Big Dot Media MD explains: “As a relatively young business which launched in not the best economic climate, we are delighted with the extent to which the agency has taken off.
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“There are many digital agencies which undertake projects as a ‘third party vendor’, however we are one of the only digital media agencies in the UK to insist on working silently and confidentially with all our agency partners, ensuring strict non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are in place before the first project commences. “The business model with our strict NDA policy has gone down very well, and has proved a major hit with creative agencies which have been burnt in the past with confidentiality issues.” SETTLING IN: The Big Dot Media team
ion ates erly
It was the second expansion move for the firm after only two years of trading – reflecting a series of major account wins from leading Manchester, Birmingham and London creative agencies who have bought into Big Dot Media’s ‘silent media partner business model’, outsourcing their projects to the Cheshirebased agency on a strictly confidential basis.
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For more information on Big Dot Media, and their range of services go to www.bigdotmedia.co.uk
Steve McGrath, MD of Big Dot Media
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Big Dot Media, a digital production house set up exclusively for advertising and marketing agencies, started the New Year with a move to 2000 sq ft contemporary premises at Lindum House, Wellington Road in Nantwich.
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Crewe company launches state-of-the-art quote and buy website
ON THE BALL: Tim Crighton and County Insurance commercial director, David Herd, with Nantwich Town chairman Jon Gold and players Kevin Street, Darren Tinson and Michael Lennon
Insurance4your, the private car and home insurance brand of County Insurance Consultants based on Crewe Business Park - has launched a new quote and buy insurance website. Customers are offered insurance prices to match any of the well known brands seen on TV adverts as well as a first class customer service to support them throughout the life of their policy.
Marketing director Tim Crighton said: “We believe - not just for insurance but many other service related industries - that there is a customer shift from simply finding the cheapest price on the internet but with poor customer service afterwards. We want to be different and our customer feedback 100% supports this. We’re really pleased with the new website - it’s easy to use, gives competitive prices and allows customers to change the voluntary excess after the initial quote to see if there is any difference to the price.”
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Brand awareness has also been heightened through a shirt sponsorship deal with Nantwich Town FC. Tim added: “It’s good to see the logo on supporters’ shirts in the local community. The results are getting better this season, and with the appointment of the experienced new Director of Football Jimmy Quinn to assist the existing management team, we expect the club to go from strength to strength.” For more information visit www.Insurance4your.co.uk or call 0800 630 0466 / 01270 506980.
New era for family firm One of the UK ’s largest importers and wholesalers of screws and fixings for the building and construction industries has come a long way since its small beginnings in Chester. February 4 saw the grand opening of T I Midwood & Co’s new 2000m2 logistics facility and offices at Wardle with over 100 guests joining the celebrations. Founded by the late Tim Midwood in 1972, the company moved to its existing site in Wardle in 1989, occupying part of an aircraft hanger on an old World War II training aerodrome. The site is now expanded to provide 7500m2 of warehouse space and a large three-storey office facility to cater for recent increases in business volumes, and additional staff. The new OFFICIAL OPENING: T.I Midwood owner facility includes a large fully and sales director Simon Midwood equipped showroom to enable with his mother Mrs Anne Hall, who unveiled the plaque, and MD Peter Gill distributor customers to view product ranges and potential merchandising solutions for their own trade counters. A large quality control and testing department provides space for training in product applications and three meeting rooms with WiFi connection and projectors, which could also be used by local companies if required as an ideal central meeting point. MD Peter Gill said: “Tim, who died suddenly in 1996, would be proud that his still independent family business has thrived and continues to expand, even in difficult economic times.” For more information on T.I. Midwood call 01829 261111 or visit www.timcouk.com
World of the Bentley Designer uncovered at new exhibition The exhibition also highlights the lighter side of factory life with some design folklore. The slightly strange world of ‘Teddy Bear Ears,’ the ‘Bentley Bat Cave’ and ‘Dame Ednas’ are explained. Right at the heart of the exhibition are some of the finest examples of the cars that have made Bentley famous for over 90 years. The new Continental GT and Mulsanne line-up alongside some classic and rare Bentley’s including Woolf Barnato’s exquisite 1930 ‘Blue Train’ Speed Six Coupe which has been especially shipped in from America by a friend of the company. The car is famous for winning one of the most intriguing wagers in motoring history when Barnato, a Le Manswinning driver, drove all the way back to London from the south of France before his friend reached Calais on ‘Le Train Bleu.’
Dirk van Braeckel, Bentley’s Director of Design and Styling, Robin Page and Raul Pires with the famous Blue Train car
Bentley’s Design team are offering a rare opportunity to take a glimpse inside the usually secret and closed world of their studios. The ‘An Unbroken Line’ exhibition – just unveiled at Bentley’s Crewe headquarters – follows the compelling story of creativity and exacting technical precision behind the creation of the latest Bentleys including the Continental GT and Mulsanne.
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Dirk van Braeckel, Bentley’s Director of Design and Styling, said: “It is fascinating to see just how talented the early Bentley designers really were - the beauty of their concept sketches and sheer precision of their technical drawings still inspires my own team to this day.”
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Precision draughtsmanship from the Bentley archives
‘An Unbroken Line’ will be based at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe throughout 2011. Although it is not open to the general public, there are opportunities for groups of motoring enthusiasts to view on several Fridays throughout the year. All visits must be requested in advance by emailing Public.Tours@Bentley.co.uk.
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KEEN cooks had a taste of life behind the scenes of a busy restaurant when they took part in a hotly-contested ‘Come Dine With Me’ competition. The culinary skills of Residence Restaurant and Bar customers in Nantwich were put to the test when they were asked to submit recipes that would go down well with diners. After being inundated RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Ben Rafferty with with more than 70 recipes, Come Dine With Me winner Julie-Ann Residence owner Ben Taylor and runner up Bill Swindley. Rafferty and head chef Paul Mercandelli whittled them down to eight and invited the cooks to join them in the kitchen. Mr Rafferty said: “The popularity of programmes like Come Dine With Me and Masterchef has really encouraged people to take up cooking so we thought we would give customers a chance to show their flair in a commercial environment." A grand final saw the three best dishes prepared and served up to diners who presented their scores. Overall winner was Julie-Ann Taylor of Nantwich with a starter of goat’s cheese and onion marmalade. Julie-Ann, an event management specialist, said: “It was pretty daunting having to get over 40 starters out. But I’m passionate about cooking and love a challenge.” In second place was Bill Swindley, manager at Wright Manley in Crewe, with his noisette of lamb with herb crust, fondant potatoes and redcurrant and port jus. They were presented with champagne and Gino D’acampo kitchen knives. Call Residence Restaurant and Bar on 01270 629100
Showcase your product or service at adult services exhibitions Local businesses and organisations which are involved in public sector adult services are being encouraged to participate in a series of exhibitions. Cheshire East Council’s Unlocking the Future 2011 road shows are being held to provide a one-stop-shop for adults with disabilities, and carers and families of adults with disabilities, who want to discover ways of improving their lives through innovative solutions and services. The road shows, which consist of a series of exhibitions, will tour Cheshi re East throughout March. Business es and organisations that are involved in adult services - which can range from mobility and care services to leisure, health and wellbeing opportunities - are being invited to exhibit at the shows. The dates of the Unlocking the Future 2011 road shows are as follows:
Thursday, March 17 at Victoria Community Centre, in Crewe • 10am - 7pm Tuesday, March 22 at Wilmslow Leisure Centre, in Wilmslow • 10am - 7pm Thursday, March 24 at Macclesfield Leisure Centre, in Macclesfield • 10am - 5pm Prices for exhibitors start at £50, with discounts available for multiple event bookings. There is no charge for registered charities to exhibit. For more information, contact unlockingthefuture@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 0300 123 5500.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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Society puts its skills in the frame
Join us for speed networking!
Nantwich Photographic Society offered a helping hand when the Chamber needed an old photograph put into modern-day format.
Busy business people are being offered a whistle-stop opportunity to make new contacts at a special event being staged by the South Cheshire Chamber.
The large aerial picture showing the Chamber’s old base on Wistaston Road Business Centre in the late 80s was rephotographed and down-sized to allow it to be printed at Kall Kwik in Crewe, against an up to date picture The photograph, now framed, is hanging in our new offices on Crewe Business Park. Many thanks to the Nantwich Photographic Society and Kall Kwik for helping out.
April 6 sees the Chamber’s first speed networking event take place. It's being hosted by Richmond Village in Nantwich and will run from 8-9.30am.
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Tickets, at £15, include a morning brew and breakfast and the opportunity to network in an informal, but structured environment.
Wistaston Business Park
Chamber spokeswoman Madeleine Abbey said: “We appreciate many of our members may not wish to take the time out of their day to attend a networking lunch so this is a great opportunity for them to experience networking at the start of the day and in a timed setting, making every moment worthwhile.” Places are limited to 40 – and two delegates per company and two companies per sector.
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The event is to be staged in the pleasant surroundings of the Garden Restaurant at Richmond Village – North West Employer of the Year 2010 and a Great British Care Awards finalist 2011. See Dates for your Diary page 30
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Chamber of Commerce builds links between local businesses and hospitals In a bid to bring local businesses and healthcare organisations closer together, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) has facilitated a number o f links between Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) and the local business community, and particularly with SG World in Crewe. Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation T rust, the organisation which manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford is expanding its membership base. Members are key to the structure of the Trust, with its existing 8,000 Me mbers providing an important balance to developm ent of its services. Mike Chandler, Non Executive Director explains: “Membership is a fundamental requirement of our governance structure. Members elect the Council of Governors, who oversee the work of the Bo ard of Direct ors and appoi nt the Chairman , the NonExecutive directors and the auditors. “In this way, the local commu nity i s able to exercise ultimate control over the affair s for our hospitals, by holding the Board of Directors to account to en sure our hospitals’ performance meets their expectations in terms of, for example, patient safety or quality of patient care.” Staff from Leighton H ospital recently visited the Crewe offic es of SG World, to raise awareness of membership and recruit new Members. HR Manager at SG World, Alison Taylor , arranged for Mrs Melissa Steele, Acting Trust Secretary and Membership Lead for MCHFT, to deliver two half-hour talks with staff. Approximately 100 SG World staff attended and feedback was very positive.
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Mrs Steele explains: “We were keen to promote membership at
SG World, as, apart from the obvious business opportunities, we feel it is our responsibilit y to ensure local employees have an opportunity to learn more about their hospital services. There will be family links between the hospital and SG World workforce and, even where this isn’t the c ase, SG World employees may well require NHS treatment or care in some form or another now or in the future. We want to ensure they have the oppo rtunity t o influence that care and help deve lop our services.”
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SG World is a successful local employer, established over 40 years ago. The company, which provides innovative s olutions for a range of business needs, has a strong culture of sup porting its local community. SG World recently presented a cheque fo r £2,000 to the charity ‘Whizz Kidz’. Also in November, staff raised money for Children in Need by means of a ‘dress down’ day. It also supports a local children’s home and other good causes.
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Mr Chandler added: “We are grateful to be working with such a proactive Chamber of Commerce. Its independence means we can be assured that any recommendations from the South Cheshire Chamber will be in the interests of the local business commu nity and ensure the growth and development of members.
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“The Chamber brought the Hospital a nd SG World t ogether, through its Business Focus Group, of which both are members. “We feel very positive about the links we are bu ilding with SG World and other local employers and hope that, by doing so, we will be providing a more responsive hospital service bas ed on the real-life experiences and opinions of our local community.”
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Profit Extraction Strategies In these times of increasing costs, decreasing benefits and increasing taxes, we must all plan for the extraction of business profits in the most effective way. Because of the way that personal and corporate taxes interact and also because of the effective national insurance contributions liability there is no substitute to doing the sums. Work out, using projections and estimates if necessary, the tax implications of your proposed profit extraction strategy for both the company and yourself. If you need help ask your accountant. The desirability of maintaining a robust contributory record is well illustrated by frequent and painful examples of company directors, often relatively new to operating via a limited company and extracting profits via d
ividend alone, thus jeopardising
entitlement to benefits. Given the relatively modest incomes of individuals operating through smaller limited companies, the increased vulne rability and potential loss
of, say incapacity
benefit, it is simply not worth the risk. We would always recommend paying a salary at a level to ensure your entitlement to state benefits. Also, review all opportunities for drawing income from the company in forms which will not attract a national insurance contribution liability, e.g. mobile phones and employer contacted childcare and childcare vouchers. Pension contributions can be incorporated into the profit extraction strategy to save both corporate and personal tax. Contributions by the company into either a company scheme or the director’s own personal pension scheme will not attract any liability to national insurance. Another strategy on retirement of a family member from the business is to review the possibilities of using a company
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If you want further advice on any of these issues, or to
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tax effective rate. The above are only a few ideas of profit extraction strategies to help improve or maintain more tax effectively the level of income for business owners.
find out how Howard Worth can
help your business,
please contact Andrew Hague on 01270 626162. If you
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
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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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Chamber pays tribute to 'Mr Stoke' Sam Plank
Funding available for local businesses South Cheshire Chamber is seeking to increase the amount of lending available to local businesses through the South Cheshire Chamber Business Fund. The South Cheshire Chamber Business Fund comprises two separate funding strands, designed to assist with both long and short-term business finance. The following loans are currently available through this scheme:
· Working Capital Loan
SAD LOSS: Sam and Verity enjoying a drink at the South Cheshire Business Awards
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
South Cheshire Chamber chief executive, John Dunning, has paid tribute to radio presenter and business awards host, Sam Plank, who sadly lost his battle against cancer in February. Sam, known affectionately across Staffordshire as ‘Mr Stoke’ died at home on February 10 in the loving care of his wife and family. John Dunning said: “We were deeply saddened to hear of Sam’s death. Together with his wife Verity, Sam presented the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards for the last three years where his wit and warm personality shone through." “Sam was well-known to Chamber members who, I am sure, will want to express their own deep regret and sorrow.” The former BBC Radio Stoke presenter was a radio legend across north Staffordshire and South Cheshire for more than three decades. A Potteries-man through and through, Sam started at his local BBC station, before moving to Signal 2, then Focal Radio and finally, Moorlands Radio. Sam, whose real name was Terry Hilton, joined his wife, Verity, in presenting the Chamber Business awards at Crewe Hall. During the evening he commented on it being one of his favourite events and praised the ‘fighting spirit’ of the South Cheshire business community.
The Working Capital Loan provides short-term support up to a maximum of £10,000 to companies with temporary working capital problems. These loans are normally unsecured and repayable over a maximum of two years, at a fixed rate of 12% interest. Interest on the loan is accrued and paid at the end of the period.
· Capital Loan This provides for longer-term projects. These loans are repayable over a maximum of five years at a fixed rate of interest of 12%. Security may be required. Loans of varying amounts are provided, however, the maximum loan is £25,000. The exact amount payable will be determined according to demonstrated needs, as deemed eligible by SCCCI in the initial stages.
· Administration Fees A fee of 1% (plus VAT) is payable together with a 1% monitoring fee (plus VAT). SCCCI cannot be the main funder of a business project and for both of the funds described above, only 50% of the eligible expenditure can be provided. The loans are designed to aid business projects which are likely to create jobs and assist with the regeneration of the local economy in the former Crewe and Nantwich Borough, now part of Cheshire East Council. All types and sizes of organisations are eligible to apply, ranging from business start-ups to large company expansion and relocation projects.
John added: "Despite his own problems, and obvious difficulties, Sam was keen to praise winners and make their night a memorable one. He will be sadly missed."
For further information contact Les Briers on 01270 504 700 Extn. 22
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Combined Therapy Centres CTC help local businesses feel a whole lot better CTC corporate health care team have continued to enhance their work force development model helping to improve both business profitability and staff health and wellbeing. Working closely with local occupational health providers, Bentley Motors Ltd., stress management professionals, Charlotte Walton and Parveen Smith, HR and Nutrition professionals, Emyr and Tracy Jones from 360 Health, CTC offer bespoke injury management solutions to businesses. Richard Carter, CTC Managing Director commented “in the course of our association with both multinational organisations such as Air Products PLC and progressive local businesses such as Custom Powders Ltd., we have gained an awareness of which solutions fit the different types and sizes of organisations, for example, in many instances, certain production processes can be enhanced to both reduce the risk of injury and save vital costs. Whether for musculoskeletal disorders such as lower back pain or for stress management issues, immediate access to health care professionals i.e. within 24 hours is at the core of our service.
In simple terms, we offer a rapid, cost effective, cost saving alternative to the NHS with a successful outcome for both employee and employer alike.� To contact Rick, or Nicola, or Mike to discuss how your business can benefit from the CTC workforce development model, call 01270 588244 or ring Rick on 07813 607055, Nicola 07791 665057, Mike 07729 414286.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
A member of staff referred by a local business will be assessed and set realistic rehabilitation goals and with their consent, their prognosis is communicated to their employers to allow them to plan for either cover or return to work.
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Taking ideas forward:
The Rural planning facilitation service 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 Chamb er. 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.
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The Rural Planning Facilitation Service is innovative and builds on the experience and expertise of successful rural business advisory services and initiatives in 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.
2.
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
For more information contact the Chamber on 01270 504700
FREE OF CHARGE
Mentoring prog ramme seeks recruits! Are you running your business or is it running you? Can you work at your best as a business leader? Can you develop your leadership and management potential fur ther in order to grow your business? Now there is an exciting Mentoring Pr ogramme that gives you the chance to do exactly that at no cost to y ou. Please call Vete Jacey at South Cheshire Chamber on 01270 504700 for more information
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Clive Drinkwater, International Trade Director, UK Trade & Investment It’s that time of year again when we consider what we have been doing and plan how we can do things differently in the coming year. We have some uncertain economic times ahead but we are constantly being told that we should export our way out of the difficulties.
Clive Drinkwater
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Think about the European market on your doorstep. The last year has seen good growth in Germany, Sweden and Poland as well as some others. You will get the benefit of strengthening economies as well as the competitive pound.
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You must look at the emerging markets of the world. Of course, you should look at Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC markets) but consider others such as Mexico, South Africa, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia. Did you know that Qatar, Turkmenistan, Ethiopia and Mozambique featured in the top 10 fastest growing economies of 2010? There is real growth in these economies and you need to have a strategy to capitalise upon the many opportunities there.
5.
Sharpen your focus. Go back and revisit your strategy and value propositions. Identify opportunities for your business and hunt them down ruthlessly. If you don’t your competitors will.
It is something that I would of course advocate myself, but is it a realistic aim?
Here is a five-point plan that businesses should follow to get on the road to international success: 1.
3.
Take advantage of the competitive pound. We have benefited from this for a couple of years now. There is evidence that it is beginning to work its way through into increased exports and you should look to take advantage of it yourself. Not that long ago the Dollar was at nearly 2 to the pound, now it’s at 1.55. The Euro was around 1.40, now it’s 1.18. This puts you in a much better competitive position against your European and American counterparts.
Contact the UKTI North West International Trade Team on 0845 603 7053 Follow Clive Drinkwater, International Trade Director for UKTI in the North West, online: http://blog.ukti.gov.uk/author/cdrinkwater/ http://twitter.com/CliveUKTINW
“An independent membership organisation supporting, informing, & representing the interests of businesses in South Cheshire” Benefits of Membership include: 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 Certificate
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Seek out the sectors of growth. There are some industries which have hardly noticed a downturn and the year ahead promises real growth in: Medical/Bio/Pharma, Energy, Environmental technologies, ICT and Digital/Creative.
International Trade
Thoughts for 2011
Representation & Lobbying Representation and Lobbying on issues affecting the local business community If you would like further information about joining the Chamber please
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An event with all the trimmings
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Businesses from across South Cheshire enjoyed a traditional Christmas get-together at Crewe Hall. The networking event, hosted by the South Cheshire Chamber and sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Stoke, drew a crowd of more than 80 to the venue. Guests mingled and made new business contacts in the Jacobean side of the hall before enjoying a buffet lunch in the historic Hall of Pillars. A wide variety of businesses were represented from bankers, solicitors and accountants to hairdressers, builders, recruitment specialists
and marketing professionals. It was last in a busy series of networking opportunities offered by the Chamber in 2010. Chamber chief executive, John Dunning, said: “The Christmas networking lunch is always a popular and successful event and this year was no exception with a full house enjoying the festive surroundings of Crewe Hall.
Networking events are staged regularly by the Chamber. See Dates for Your Diary on page 30. For further information on these events or becoming a South Cheshire Chamber member call 01270 504700.
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“It was great to see so many of our members taking advantage of the opportunity to meet and exchange business contacts in a relaxed atmosphere."
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Jim and Ailis Hadfield of AJ Field Developments near Nantwich enjoying the event
Dr Gavin Hammond of RedShift Media Services was the winner of a draw, giving guests an opportunity to talk about their business. Gavin was honoured at the Chamber's Business Awards where he carried off the Young Business Person of the Year award
Guests enjoy a buffet lunch and make new contacts in the Hall of Pillars
David and Lorraine Beardmore of Dean Statham Chartered Accountants meet Katie Vost, store manager at Storage Boost Crewe
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South Cheshire Chamber chief executive John Dunning with Rob Dawson and Cathy Tinsley of Mercedes-Benz of Stoke, sponsors of the networking event
A delicious buffet was served
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College hosts Chamber networking lunch Pictures by i2i Photography Representatives from the business world flocked to South Cheshire College for a South Cheshire Chamber networkin g lunch. The high-flying col lege, a Chamber patron, hosted the event for the first time at its impressive new campus on Febru ary 25. Chamber members were invited to the lunch in the college’s Restaurant on t he C rescent and also received a tour of the new environmentally sustainable building. John Dunning, chief executive of the SCCCI, introduced the event befor e South Cheshire College principal, Peter S wift, s poke about the college and the import ance of links with local businesses. Several delegates were then invited to give a brief overview of their company before lunch was served.
Suzanne Wainwright, the college's Vice Principal fo r Skills, Higher Ed ucation and Business Development said: "We have always had an e xcellent relationship with the Chamber of Commerce and were very pleased that they chose our fan tastic new campus as the venue for their latest networking lunch. “We want to help and support local businesses in whatever way we can and help employers and emplo yees in the workplace who want to boost their quali fications.” South Cheshire College has fo rged strong links wit h the Chamber afte r joining as a member 15 years ago and recently became a Chamber patron in autumn 2010. The Chamber is the local voice of business and provides business support for its members and other chamber patrons include Bentley
Motors, Natwest, Air Products and Manchester Metropolitan University, Mornflake, SG World and Wulvern Housing. A number of work-related training programmes are available at South Cheshire College which help people who have recently been made redundant to get back on track or progress in their current job. Suzanne Wainwright added: “The event also gave members of the Chamber and the business community an opportunity to take a closer look at our wonderful facilities which may benefit them in the future.” For more information about courses at South Cheshire College, please call 01270 654654 or visit www.s-cheshire.ac.uk
College principal Peter Swift greets Chamber chief executive John Dunning
Chris White and Sharon Jones, of HSBC Bank, met a number of new contacts at the event
David Rowley, Arriba Wellness Centre and Jennifer Proctor, De Vere Academy of Hospitality make acquaintances
www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
and Holly Knibbs, Kevin Gallimore, MMU Cheshire exchange business cards ing Train Aid First and y Safet HK
ity Interest Company meets Julie Allen of Pathways Commun Barony Recruitment from h Beac el Rach Sian Kinder and
Networking
the age
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Dates for your Diary
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Chamber Events April 6: The South Cheshire Chamber presents a Speed Networking Breakfast Event Richmond Village, from 8-9.30am. Places limited to 40, only 2 delegates per company and 2 companies per sector. Tickets, £15, include VAT, tea, coffee and breakfast. April 6: ‘Just the Job’ Skills, careers and jobs fair at MMU Cheshire. May: Date TBC Texas Scramble Golf Tournament. For more information contact Chamber manager Paul Colman on 01270 504700. May 12: BAZAAR Newspaper 1st Year of Trading anniversary event. The Fox, Haslington noon. Chamber members, current and future clients welcome. Contact Krisztina 01270 219173.
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June 23: Joint Networking with North Staffs at Keele University.
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July 26: Pre-Nantwich Show Business Reception.
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www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk
Chamber Member Events 4Networking Business Breakfast: Fortnightly on Thursdays, 8am, Ramada Encore Crewe. Call Sean Clarke on 0845 00 94 933.
The
Get included in our 2011 Business Directory
South Cheshire BNI Breakfast Networking Meeting: Every Friday 6.45am at Crewe Golf Club. Call Martin Bale on 07932 154489. Business 4 Breakfast: Meetings at Ramada Encore Crewe and Cheshire Cat, Nantwich. Call Richard Staniszewski 07836 260550.
Membership of the South Cheshire Chamber is growing – so it’s time to let everyone know who is who by publishing a directory of members.
Cheshire Women With Vision: Quarterly lunches at the Residence in Nantwich. Email info@cheshirewomenwithvision.co.uk
The next issue of 4Front will include a full Business Directory giving members the opportunity to circulate their business contact details to each other and the wider community.
NOTE: Chamber members organising a business event can list them on the Chamber website. For information call 01270 504700. Venues: Visit the Chamber Venues webpage listing Chamber member venues with offers for members. Go to http//www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk/events/venues/
Chamber manager Paul Colman said: “Our last Business Directory was published quite sometime ago and with many new members on board, this new directory will be a chance for them to raise their profile.” Inclusion in the directory is free of charge but members need to ensure the information they provide is clear and accurate at the time of submission. Information on how to be included will be sent soon.
Tap into the Weekly Newsletter The Chamber’s Weekly Newsletter is sent by email to hundreds of members fortnightly and is a great way to keep up-to-date with business news and local events. It also provides a platform for members to promote their events free of charge. Members wishing to have their events listed should email the information to madeleine.abbey@sccci.co.uk
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PLEASE NOTE: Members wishing to receive the South Cheshire Chamber e-newsletter must add info@sccci.co.uk to their contacts list to avoid it being treated as spam.
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First Power Plate Studio opens in Nantwich, Cheshire through Andrew’s cousin who runs a studio in Brighton. As there was a lack of such facilities in their own region, they visited several London studios to research the business model further and loved what they saw. “This concept answers all the challenges peop le face to get in shape – you can do a workout in just 25 minutes and you have a personal trainer on hand, to motivate you,” says Jennie. The studio
Two fitness loving entrepreneurs saw a gap in their local market for a time-s aving, results-oriented workout option, and have invested £50,000 to open Nantwich’s first dedicated Power Plate® Studio. Cheshire personal trainer Jennie Johns on and her busine ss partner Andrew Watts run JJ Studio, w hich is equipped with four Power Plate® pro6™ machines, and located in a Nantwich business park.
They were introduced to the Power Plate Studio c
oncept
“We want to offer a f itness s tudio that is different from other gyms on the high street. Our aim is to creat e a fri endly and relaxed environment, with cl ients who want results and staff equipped with the skills to help them achieve that,” says Jennie. “People are looking for a more personalised, tailored approach to their training now. We believe that Nantwich residents will respond well to the studio concept and will feel comfortable training with us. Our ultimate goal is to open a further five studios within the next two years.” The studio has been kitted out to the highest specification, with four new pro6 machines, the latest release from Power Plate. This model has a n integrated proMOTION™ cable res istance system, with Vectran® cables which tr ansfer the vibrations directly to the muscles, whilst also offering resistance training benefits for the ultimate full body workout.
DO YOU WANT TO TO LOSE SE WEIGHT W GET FIT, IT T,TONE TONE UP? VEN’T T THE TIME, HAVEN’T T GO GOT DON’T LIKE THE N’T L TRADITIONAL ITION GYM? You need eed the P Powerplate® A Revolutionary volutionar Workout
Just 25 minutes 2-3 times a week and you will see the difference within a month*
Train like the stars!
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01270 440088 Email: info@jj-studios.co.uk +ISVKI ,SYWI 4VMRGIW 'SYVX &IEQ ,IEXL ;E] 2 ERX[MGL 'LIWLMVI '; +( 'LIWLMVI '; +( 2ERX[MGL
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Andrew, who runs a financ ial services compa ny, is passion ate about keeping fit. Both he and Jennie realised that in tod ay’s society it is becoming increas ingly hard for people to find the time or motivation to go to the gym.
Jennie Johnson
Business Comments
A D V E R T O R I A L
* Subject to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
FREE TRIAL WORTH £20 TO ALL NEW CLIENTS 20% DISCOUNT PLUS 2 FREE SESSIONS WHEN YOU PURCHASE A COURSE OF 10 CLASSES
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THE BMW 7 SERIES
IT’LL BE TOUGH TO TOP. The BMW 730d SE with BMW contract hire for £569.00 per month* plus deposit. For more information or to arrange a test drive†, please contact us on 01270 212525 or visit www.thebluebellgroup.co.uk.
Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 7 Series range: Extra Urban 29.4-51.4mpg (9.6-5.5l/100km). Urban 14.9-31.4mpg (18.9-9.0l/100km). Combined 21.7-41.5mpg (13.0-6.8l/100km). CO2 emissions 303-178g/km. The BMW 7 Series range is from £57,405 on the road. Model featured is the BMW 750Li Saloon at £73,660.00. On the road price is based on manufacturer’s recommended retail prices and include 3 year BMW Dealer Warranty, BMW Emergency Service, 12 months road fund licence, vehicle first registration fee, delivery, number plates and VAT. *Offer available to business users only, figures exclude VAT. Hiring example is based on a 36 month BMW Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 730d SE Saloon with a deposit of £3587.99 followed by 35 monthly rentals of £569.00 and a contract mileage of 30,000 miles. Mileage charge in excess of contract mileage 12.75 pence per mile. Vehicle condition charges may apply. Model shown is a 750Li with optional extras and is for illustration purposes only. All cars must be registered by 31st March 2011. Figures are correct at time of going to print and are subject to change without notice. All hiring is subject to status and available to over 18s in the UK only (excluding the Channel Islands). Guarantees and indemnities may be required. We can arrange finance and hiring facilities for you. **The BMW 7 Series comes with Service Inclusive as standard. Customers can opt-out and in this event there will be a deduction of £300 off the retail price of a 6 cylinder model and £350 off the retail price of an 8 cylinder model. †Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.