ISSN 2396-8907
SPRING 2017
The Big Interview Richard Thomas, Chief Executive, Chester Racecourse
West Cheshire & North Wales
Chamber of Commerce
Chamber News
Chief Executive Officer’s Message A very warm 2017 welcome to you all. It really is hard to believe that we are into a New Year as the dust is still settling from the activity of 2016. WEST Cheshire & North Wales Chamber spent the majority of 2016 investing in and establishing a robust and sustainable operational model to ensure we can be here to provide you the service you need and demand for many years to come and so all of the Team at the Chamber are looking forward to supporting our membership through the months ahead. This year is significant for West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce in many ways. Not only do we now have a strong and firmly embedded operational team, here to provide you the maximum support over the year ahead but also a much clearer idea as to the strategic vision for our Chamber for the next 5 years, leading us to our much-anticipated centenary year in 2021. Every one of our members will be able to access the content of our Strategic Vision either via our website http://wcnwchamber.org.uk/voiceof-business/vision-2021/ or through the hard copies that we will be posting to each and every one of you in the coming weeks. Focussing on four key themes • Skills and Young People – bridging the gap between business and education • International Trade – growing the global ambitions of our regions businesses • Voice – providing a platform to have your voice heard through our representational work • Infrastructure – shaping our region’s connectivity Our vision sets out those key matters that we believe have an effect on local business and its ability to grow and thrive. Through our newly established working groups which have input from
members, Chamber directors and the wider stakeholder community in West Cheshire and North Wales, through continued lobbying of local, regional and central government in Wales and England and through engagement with our membership we are confident that over the next 5 years our Chamber can make significant in-roads into addressing the barriers to growth under each of these four themes. Whether it’s better transport services, access to young people with the right level of skills, obtaining support which can help your business flourish in an ever-global market place or whether you simply want to raise concerns at any aspect of our economy which stifles the growth of your business then we WANT and NEED to hear from you. Our vision is flexible in its nature and requires the on-going input and feedback of our members to ensure it succeeds and so I would encourage you to engage with us on any matters that you feel we can help you on in line with the themes which are the building blocks of our vision. I have no doubt that, like the Chamber, your business has a lot to do in 2017. I would impress upon you our desire, as a Chamber, to provide you a valued service in the year ahead. We are very aware that every member has a slightly different requirement from their membership and so please allow us to help you identify how you can gain maximum value from your 2017 subscription. The Team at the Chamber are primed and ready to help in whatever way they can so please don’t hesitate to get in touch and better understand how we can help you. May I wish you every success for the year – Together we really are better connected!
Colin Brew Chief Executive Officer, West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
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ISSN 2396-8 907
CONTENT
SPRING 20 17
24 The Big Int
erview
Richard Tho mas, Chief Executive, Chester Rac ecourse
cover story The Big Interview Richard Thomas, Chief Executive, Chester Racecourse
West Chesh ire & North Wales
Chamber
of Commer ce
Chamber focus group donate 2 defibrillators to local schools
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Riverside Innovation Centre 1 Castle Drive Chester CH1 1SL T: +44 (0) 1244 669988 w: www.wcnwchamber.org.uk e: info@wcnwchamber.org.uk WCNW Enquiries: Beth Gittins e: b.gittins@wcnwchamber.org.uk The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Chamber. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format (including, but not limited to, any online service, any database or any part of the internet), or in any other format in any media whatsoever, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
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Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the magazine, neither the Chamber nor the publisher can accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies it contains.
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/wcnwchamber West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
10 BCC News: It’s time to celebrate the UK’s civic businesses
20
Member News
22
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BCC NEWS The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey
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GETTING STARTED
With Jane Hawkes, Director at Seashore No4 Ltd
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE
22 EVENTS ROUNDUP
Catch up on all the Chamber Events
38 24 HOURS WITH...
Charlotte Harris at Chief Executive, Cheshire Wildlife Trust
39 TOP TIPS...
from Tracey Carter Business Safety Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue
40 NEW MEMBERS
A list of our new members
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Chamber News
Chamber focus group donate 2 defibrillators to local schools OVER the past months, the Chamber focus group have gathered at local schools around the community to donate defibrillators that were bought with the money raised through the Chamber of Commerce Annual Ball. The money to fund the defibrillators and training was raised at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Annual Ball, held at the Chester Grosvenor Hotel in October 2016. 200 guests attended the fantastic night and a grand total of ÂŁ5,300 was raised for Hand on Heart. All money raised went directly to provide 5 defibrillators and training into schools around the West Cheshire & North Wales region- a fantastic result for all! The chosen charity was chosen by the Chamber focus group who felt that Hand on Heart were an extremely deserving Charity and would benefit greatly from the money that would be raised at the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce Annual Ball. Hand on Heart is a Charity that holds the aim of placing a number of defibrillators in schools around the country, to attempt to minimise the deaths caused by cardiac arrest in young people. Since January 2011, Hand on Heart has placed over 900 defibrillator packages within schools and communities across the UK, as well as training over 6,000 staff to use
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Rhosnesni High School
a defibrillator. Hand on Heart want to continue to educate schools on the importance of having a defibrillator on their premises and will continue to do so through the awareness and support from local businesses. The defibrillators have now been donated to all designated schools across West Cheshire and North Wales, including: Upton Heath C of E Primary School and Rhosnesni High School, where students and teachers will be trained in how to use the defibrillators if ever needed. This training is extremely beneficial for the schools as both
West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
teachers and students will be equipped with the necessary training and skills to help a fellow member of the school or community if they were to fall into a cardiac arrest. Debbie Stokes- Membership Director, said: ‘This is a great cause that we are able to give to, all thanks to the kind donations from our Annual Ball. Hand on Heart is much a deserving charity and their work will make such a difference across the country. Thank you to all who attended our Annual Ball and made this possible, it is extremely appreciated by all.’
Strategic Members News Can Jake help to Boost your Business? AT NatWest we’ve just launched a UK network of ‘Business Growth Enablers’. These are banking specialists working across all sectors to provide businesses at the smaller end of the scale with the necessary support to take them to the next level. Jake Brown is the new Business Growth Enabler in Cheshire. In his role Jake will work with the local business community, connecting new and existing customers with relevant internal and external services to help them meet their business growth needs. He will also be supporting entrepreneurial activity by building strong internal
and external networks to maximise the opportunities for businesses within the local market. Jake said, “At the end of August I joined NatWest’s Cheshire team as a Business Growth Enabler. It’s an unusual name for a role, but I love explaining to people what it’s all about. I provide completely free of charge support to local businesses regardless of whom they bank with, and this support comes in the form of my network, local events that I organise, and also mentoring sessions. “It can be challenging building a profile in a new area, but I have thoroughly enjoyed doing
so in Cheshire. Networking is now the norm and coffee and pastries have a significant role in my diet. One particular highlight was the Cyber Crime event I held in October; it was extremely rewarding seeing how engaged the attendees were and I’m glad to have made a difference in the local area. “Looking forward to 2017, I am excited to continue building my network and relationships in Cheshire, but more importantly I want to increasingly support local businesses. I already have five events in the pipeline for Q1, a series of Marketing events, Making Tax Digital, and Property.”
Jake Brown, jake.brown@ natwest.com - Business Growth Enabler at NatWest.
You are cordially invited to our Chamber Summer Cocktail Party 2017!
THE countdown is on to the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Cocktail Party at Eaton Estate, Chester on Thursday July 6th 2017. The West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of
Commerce would like to formally invite you to join us for our Annual Summer Cocktail Party. This year’s annual celebration takes place in the spectacular surrounds of the home of His Grace, the Duke of Westminster.
This event promises to be one of great company, giving you the chance to network and socialise with Chamber Members from across the region. Canapes and Prosecco will be available on arrival at the venue.
This year the Chamber is delighted to announce that the entertainment will be a selection of singers from Chester’s very own Cathedral Choir. The group will include, Christopher Collins of Select Mortgages North West Ltd, a Chamber member, who will play an array of classical favourites. As always, this event guarantees to be one to remember. We would like to extend our invitation to all Chamber Members and look forward to welcoming you to this prestigious event. Places are limited and we highly recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. To find out more or to book your place, please contact Jenny on 01244 669988, or alternatively email j.davidson@ wcnwchamber.org.uk.
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BCC News
BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey. Based on 7,250 responses from companies in Q4 2016, the results show the uptick in Q3 in the manufacturing sector has been sustained in the final quarter, and more service sector firms were expecting growth than they were just after the EU referendum. “As we start 2017, businesses are continuing to trade through the uncertainty, and are looking to seize opportunities as they arise. Our findings suggest that business communities across the UK remain resilient, and many firms are expecting continued growth in the months ahead. Inflation has emerged
in our survey as a rising concern for many businesses. Both manufacturing and services firms say they are under pressure, particularly from the rising cost of inputs, which is squeezing margins and may weaken future investment. Overall, our findings suggest growth will continue in 2017, albeit at a more modest pace.
16%
‘Our workforce has increased’
The government must act strongly this year to support investment and improve the business environment – both of which are crucial to boosting business confidence, and therefore further growth” Dr Adam Marshall Director General, British Chambers of Commerce
23%
‘Our workforce has increased’
15%
15%
‘Domestic sales have increased’
‘Domestic sales have increased’
Manufacturing Industry
16%
8%
‘Export sales have increased’
‘Export sales have increased’
Service Industry
43%
35%
‘Turnover will increase over the next 12 months’
‘Turnover will increase over the next 12 months’
30%
‘We expect our prices to increase’
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West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
52%
‘We expect our prices to increase’
Member News
Multi-million-pound contract to be manufactured in the heart of Anglesey. FAUN Trackway Limited are delighted to have secured a multi-million-pound contract with the Swiss Armed Forces. All contract requirements will be manufactured in the heart of Anglesey at our Head Office in Llangefni with delivery to begin in April 2017, resulting in potential opportunities for expansion and jobs growth throughout the company. Having successfully operated a fleet of our Heavy Ground Mobility Systems (HGMS) since 2008 a repeat order has been requested by the Swiss Armed Forces. This additional contract has come to fruition as a result of the Swiss Armed Forces demand for fleet expansion fulfilling wider requirements and offering further capabilities. Christian Gnaegi, Project Manager Engineer Equipment from Armasuisse the Competence Center for Procurement within the Federal Department of Defence commented on the newly awarded contract;
”We would like to praise the high level of professionalism of the employees at FAUN Trackway. We can confirm that FAUN Trackway has fulfilled the technical requirements and all stipulations. We are looking forward to the future cooperation”. FAUN Trackway’s Heavy Ground Mobility System (HGMS) is a temporary modular roadway which deploys, recovers, transports and stores up to 100m of MLC 70 (Military Load Classification) Trackway improving mobility for heavy and wheeled vehicles in all types of operations. 50 metres of Trackway is laid by two men in less than six minutes on the toughest terrain. The aluminium Trackway will withstand repeated loads of up to 150 tonnes dependent on the ground conditions. The original requirement in 2008 was a portable roadway system which deploys up to 100m of MLC 70 roadway. FAUN Trackway delivered units which consisted of;
100 metres of Trackway, the aluminium panels that make the roadway, a trackrack system for the launch and recovery of the roadway and a spoolrack to carry additional road lengths to replenish the launch system. FAUN Trackway are the world’s leading provider of temporary aluminium roadways and runways. Our products are unsurpassed in functionality, quality and durability. Having delivered contracts to a number of NATO nations including; Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Greece, Netherlands, Norway and
Turkey, this contract builds upon our already strong working partnership with Armasuisse. FAUN Trackway are thrilled to be delivering additional equipment requirements to the Swiss Armed Forces and look forward to a continuous relationship. Our CEO Chris Kendall commented; “This is an exciting time for FAUN Trackway and securing this contact exemplifies how the pride we take in designing and manufacturing unbeatable products and maintaining exceptional service results in repeat business”.
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BCC News Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce
It’s time to celebrate the UK’s civic businesses FOR years, I’ve been put off about the way ‘business’ is discussed in the singular in many Westminster and City circles. The amazing diversity of the business communities that can be found in every region and nation of the United Kingdom sometimes doesn’t register. Whether this is because of distance, or the simple fact that many of the firms in question aren’t household names traded on equity markets, our political and media discourse is all the poorer for it. What’s missing is wider recognition of Britain’s enormous array of civicminded businesses. The companies whose presence in their local communities goes back generations, and that have doubled down on their investments even as footloose global corporates have moved employees or production elsewhere. The firms where owners or managing directors cut their own salaries during tough periods to give more security to their employees. The companies whose people give up thousands of hours of their free
time for community activities, and raise millions each year for local charities. The business leaders who demonstrate their commitment to young people by giving their time to partner with local schools, serve on governing bodies, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. In every corner of the UK, I see firms like these: civic-minded, committed businesses who don’t just talk the talk - but really walk the walk. They make a real difference to the communities they are based in, because they are passionate not just about the bottom line, but also about being great corporate citizens. Some in Westminster say that the golden age of civic business has past; they hearken back to the great Victorian businessmen and philanthropists to make their point. Yet if they only looked hard enough, and away from the incessant stories of a tiny number of national and global firms whose practices leave much to be desired, they’d realise we have all the makings of another golden era of civic business in our towns and cities today. My wish for 2017 is for a year where
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we celebrate the dedication and achievements of the UK’s many civic businesses. A year when the commitment of these businesses to the success and prosperity of the places they call home is recognised. A year when we recognise that deeply-embedded, civic-minded firms will be a mainstay of the post-Brexit economy in our towns, cities and counties. My hope for this New Year is that we become far better as a country in talking about what we get right in business - rather than what we get wrong. There are great stories waiting to be told, good practices to share, and incentives for ministers to consider for our locally committed and embedded firms. Good news may not sell newspapers, but it does stoke the animal spirits and investment intentions of many firms. Let’s celebrate the best in our business communities in 2017 - and make a new golden age of civic business part of our economic strategy for the future. Adam Marshall is Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Yn cefnogi busnesau Cymru Supporting businesses in Wales
“Mae Busnes Cymru wedi llwyddo i gyflawni mewn sawl ffordd. Mae gan ein cynghorydd wybodaeth sylweddol iawn gydag amryw o gysylltiadau gwerthfawr a allai helpu eich busnes i dyfu ymhellach.” Paul Brook, AK Developments
“Business Wales has delivered on all fronts. Our adviser has great in-depth knowledge with some very valuable contacts who could help our business grow further.” Paul Brook, AK Developments
03000 6 03000 busnescymru.llyw.cymru businesswales.gov.wales
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Getting started Take advantage of networking and tell your story whenever you can, people will hear your passion and naturally be interested without having to give the hard sell Name: Jane Hawkes Job title: Director From: Seashore No4 Ltd To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background. I studied a BA (Hons) degree in Home Economics at Liverpool Polytechnic and I began my career in the food industry. I started out working in product development with Boots and then Golden Wonder. From there I went to work as a Senior Development Technologist for a Herbs and Spice company where I worked on the development of seasoning for supply to the fast food industry. This was exciting work which also gave me the opportunity to travel the world. After that I worked for a flavourings company taking on the role of Development Manager. It was during this time that I had my two children who are now teenagers. What made you set up your business? The motivation for me to start a business was to offer our youngest child, William (now 15) a job or business opportunity when he leaves school, as he has Autism.
How and when did the idea come about? It was important to have a business that played to William’s strengths and decided to launch an e-commerce business. Research was telling us we needed a theme, so we selected a nautical theme as we like the concept of coastal living. Seashore No4 was born and the initial development started in July 2015. The name comes from the inspiration for our products; from the Sea and the Shore, and the No4 adds a uniqueness - giving the idea of a beach hut address! Who are you target audience and what is the main aim of the organisation? Lovers of the sea and those that love the coastal living lifestyle are our target audience. The main aim is to give William a business opportunity and allow him to live an independent and fulfilling life. I would like to extend this aim to offer other young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) work experience. This is a goal for the coming year and I will be looking to set
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up a Community Interest Company (CIC) alongside the Ltd company. What have been your main achievements and difficulties? There was a very steep learning curve to begin with, setting up a website and I found this quite difficult. The lack of broadband speed at our rural office meant that uploading high res photos would take hours. Once launched, getting customers to visit the site was a major challenge. I had some SEO training and have now increased the visitors to the site and the conversion rate to sales has significantly improved. We now have a beautiful website and engagement with customers which is a huge achievement! What attracted you to entrepreneurship? Why was this? The flexibility to work around your family and their needs is a huge bonus. Having had a solid business background with the food industry, I found I could apply those same principles, procedures and customer focused work ethic to my new venture.
What are your career aspirations? To grow our business to offer a profitable business for our son. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey of developing a business and learning new skills, but ultimately this is William’s business. To set up a CIC and extend the offer of work experience to other young people with ASC. What message would you give to fellow entrepreneurs or people looking to get involved in setting up their own business or organisations? Follow your passion and always be true to your beliefs. Be customer focused, and learn to outsource parts of your business that you can’t do yourself or that takes you too much time away from your core business. Take advantage of networking and tell your story whenever you can, people will hear your passion and naturally be interested without having to give the hard sell.
ADVERTORIAL
A solid future for CCP Building Products CCP BUILDING PRODUCTS have manufacturing facilities in both the North West of England and North Wales providing a portfolio of product that includes precast aggregate blocks, foundation blocks, concrete engineering bricks and paving flags through a network of many wellknown and reputable builder’s merchants. HAVING built the business on a reputation for supplying high quality, competitively priced product the company boast a 60-year history in the industry having been first formed in the small Cheshire village of Wheelock in the mid 1950’s before it expanded across the region. In 2016 CCP celebrated its 10th anniversary as a company and its 5th here in North Wales in Llay. Proud to employ what is a predominately local workforce, CCP recognises the part business can play in its local community and looks to take an active part whenever the opportunity arises. Should there be in any doubt regarding the importance of the block industry in Wales, a 2015 report by The Welsh Economy Research Unit of Cardiff Business School revealed that the Welsh mineral products industry which directly feeds Welsh aggregate block manufactures and their associated industries indirectly, and directly, provide employment for some 5800 people across the principality generating sales of some £650 million pounds; All of which go to resource the Welsh construction industry which provides 88,000 jobs and a contribution of £3 billion pounds, or 5% of the Welsh GDP. CCP Building Products came to the North Wales area, and Llay in particular, in 2011 and have reorganised the facility into a modern state of the art production facility which has become the administrative centre for their UK operations. With the site currently producing more than 10 million concrete aggregate blocks, CCP Building Products joined the Chamber in recognition of the work they do in keeping the business community informed with just what is going on around them, helping them to
connect, belong, and succeed. CCP Building Products have supplied products to a myriad of projects across England and Wales. materials for Manchester City’s expansion of the Etihad’s south stand and their prestigious £200 million City Football Academy, St Helen Rugby League Football Club’s Langtree Park Rugby League Stadium and Fylde Borough Council’s Mill Farm Community Project, which created a home for AFC Fylde and a Sports Village for its residents. CCP have also contributed to their local community being proud to supply major civil building projects such as the Nuclear Services Facility at Capenhurst. HMP Berwyn, the new super prison just outside Wrexham. In Wrexham itself the new Aldi and Morrison super markets on Ruthin Road, and more recently, the Pennaf Housing Association / Wrexham Council partnership project which will create 60 self-contained apartments for our older residents in Grosvenor Road and new apartments and student accommodation for our younger ones, a project that will transform the town for this and their future generations. Traditionally the concrete block industry manufactured blocks using cement mixed with locally available aggregates and the waste products of industrial processes. Nowadays new, more environmentally friendly materials have replaced those traditional ones as end users require specific products to meet the varying demands of specifiers, and as such CCP continue to develop their products to meet those challenges. Their dense ‘Consolite’ range come in varying strengths up to 22 n/mm2. These are used above and below ground for load bearing walls, inner leaves and party walls and below ground as foundations.
Paul Blanchard Production Director
Jim Woodyer Commercial Sales Director
Their ‘Modulite’ range are also produced in varying strengths, lower in weight than the Consolite range some are specifically designed to take paint without the need to seal the surface first. Their ‘Lay-Lite’ range has superb thermal properties combined with an impressive load bearing strength when compared to other blocks in its class. Other products include a range of foundation blocks, concrete bricks, a complete range of flagging product, that in some cases are both coloured or textured and designed for use around our properties depending on preference. Without doubt it is an impressive product line up which continues to expand in every area. A sign in the new Manchester City training complex placed there by the club’s owner proclaims, ‘We are building a structure for the future, not just a team of all-stars’. In like manner CCP are providing products that will help to ‘build for all our futures’. Products that are strong, versatile and durable, environmental friendly, recyclable and inert. Products that are extremely fire resistant, acoustically and thermally efficient; products that a home can be built from - Products to build a future with. CCP are extremely proud to be able to offer all of this and extremely pleased to be able to be achieving it in the Chester and North Wales area and long may it continue. www.cheshireconcrete.co.uk
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Protect your business from cyber threats with MWL Systems Britain’s businesses are being urged to better protect themselves from cyber criminals as a result of high profile government research into cyber security revealed that two thirds of large UK businesses had been hit by a cyber breach or attack in the past year. The cost to businesses amounts to billions of pounds – as an example, the ‘Bogus boss’ scam alone has cost companies over £1.6billion worldwide. Significantly, nearly seven out of ten attacks on all firms involve viruses, spyware or malware, which can be prevented using the correct technology. Both the internal and external threats facing any organisation’s IT environment are greater than ever, and companies are rapidly recognising that with the constant challenge of maintaining network security, adapting to new and ever more sophisticated threats and managing often unpredictable costs, they need a reputable partner to guide them along the way. Striving to protect its customers from the myriad of threats and guide them through the maze of protective options available today, MWL Systems has come up with a list of key action areas which the company has specially summarised for Business Matters readers. Some of the terminology mentioned may be new, however it is important that businesses become familiar with the technology available to protect them from today’s ever increasing threats. Cyber Security Key Action Areas • Network design • Internal separation of servers, PCs, nondomain PCs, guest Wi-Fi, BYOD, etc. • The use of VLANs and various Wi-Fi authentication methods to improve security.
• Perimeter security • Both inbound and outbound perimeter security • Next generation Firewall implementation and best practices including web filtering, antivirus, application filtering, intrusion protection etc. • Email Security • Virus/malware/spam/phishing • Hosted filtering of email versus on premise scanning • Attachment policy • Endpoint anti-virus • Monitoring and updating endpoint antivirus • Operating system and application updates • Monitoring, managing and enforcing operating system and application updates • User access rights • Restricting local admin and domain admin rights to restrict the spread of viruses and limit the damage users can cause • Remote working • Security implications around the use of dial-in VPNs, RDS/Citrix, SSL VPN portals etc. • Controlling the use of corporate devices which are used to connect to both corporate and non-corporate networks i.e. laptops and tablets • MFA (Multi Factor Authentication) • Ensuring the use of modern SSL protocols and DPI-SSL filtering/scanning
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Restricting the use of outdated SSL protocols such as SSLv3 and enforcing the use of modern protocols such as TLS. Both from a client and server perspective. • The use of modern SSL security certificates using SHA-256 • Scanning encrypted traffic and implementing DPI-SSL • Data protection • Backup selections, backup methods and the use of the 3-2-1 rule Matt Kingsley-Williams, Commercial Director at MWL Systems, said: “Our technical consultants really enjoy working with customers, gaining an understanding of their businesses and how their IT is set up, then putting together a report and roadmap containing recommendations of how they can best protect their business going forward. “Every business is different and therefore has different protection and security requirements - there is so no such thing as ‘one solution fits all’. Also, there is so much out there to be aware of, it’s no surprise that people need help and guidance to get themselves and their businesses properly protected.” Over the last 33 years, MWL Systems has worked with a wide range of businesses in the region, ranging from small businesses to large corporate entities. If you’d like to talk to the team at MWL about your company’s IT security, or if you need any other help and support with your IT, please call 01978 858300.
Any Questions? An important survey about the needs of local businesses is being undertaken across Cheshire over the next few months THE Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council have teamedup to commission BMG research to undertake a phone survey with businesses across the area. The aim is to help assess current business health, identify opportunities for growth and investment and to better understand any barriers companies might be facing. The results will help the LEP and local Councils support businesses to
develop, grow and prosper, supporting the development of key skills and assist in attracting further investment to the region. BMG will be calling a random selection of local businesses in January and February.
If you’re contacted, please do take the time to give your views, they will be much appreciated.. If you have any questions or would like more information email: business@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Scale up your business with the Growth Hub THE Cheshire & Warrington Growth Hub Scale Up Programme is coming soon and will predominantly support medium sized SMEs (up to 250 employees) which have reached a stage where they can significantly scale up their business. Providing
grants of up to 40% (max £15,000) towards the cost of projects to improve their processes & systems, implement standardised processes (e.g. ISO) or develop new management structures. The Scale Up Programme aims to help business
leaders build capacity, enter new markets & supply chains and improve efficiency to achieve significant growth within their business. For more information or to register your interest please contact us on 03300 245007 or email support@candwgrowthhub.co.uk
‘Support and Workspace available for Businesses in Key Growth Sectors’ – CHESHIRE West & Chester Council has secured a European Regional Development Fund grant to assist growth businesses within the borough. The funding, in combination with the Council’s own resources will be used to build new workspace units in Chester, Northwich, and Winsford; these will range in size from 1200 up to 10000 sq ft, and will be made available to growth businesses with plans for employment expansion, particularly in the advanced manufacturing, technology and energy sectors. In addition, a
Business Development Officer will be offering support services – one-toone and group - to both the tenants and businesses in the target sectors. If you have any questions or would like more information email: business@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Are you looking to start a business or become self-employed in 2017? START-UP Cheshire West & Chester provides a flexible programme of free, subject to eligibility business advice, support and training across Cheshire West and Chester to individuals who are looking to start a new business. We can help you with: Exploring your business, idea one to one business advice, business planning preparation, referral to support organisations, support once you start training..
Register your business on Find it in Cheshire and Warrington www.finditincheshireandwarrington.co.uk Register for free – a great opportunity to promote your business, post opportunities and have easy access to the support, advice and events covering the area. For more information please contact us on 03300 245007 or email support@candwgrowthhub.co.uk
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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William Hogg (Chair of Avenue Services Board) with Paul Knight (Head of Avenue Services) at the Blacon Adventure Playground
Transfer of assets to Avenue Services EFFORTS to further involve residents in improving facilities in Blacon will continue throughout 2017 now that a number of community assets have been transferred to Avenue Services. In November 2016, 11 Cheshire West and Chester Council sites were handed to Avenue Services, a joint venture between the council and Sanctuary Group, on a long-term lease. The council has made £340,000 available from past Section 106 agreements, of which £240,000 will be spent upgrading equipment at a number of the sites. The remaining £100,000 will create local training and employment opportunities at Avenue Services over the next four years. Local residents will have a say in future ideas for the sites so they are used for the benefit of the community. Paul Knight, Head of Avenue Services, said: “We always aim to do the best for local people and by listening to their views we can deliver the services and facilities that meet their needs.” Councillor David Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Legal and Finance, said: “The asset transfer will put local people at the heart of discussions about how Blacon will look in the future, giving
residents greater influence over issues that matter to them. “The future for Blacon is looking very bright indeed.” The 11 assets are: land at Shelley Road; the former Blacon Library site; Blacon Adventure Playground; Cairns Crescent Playing Fields; Playground at Wemyss Road; land at Western Avenue; Linear Park; land at Willow Drive; land at Saughall Road; Hatton Road Offices; land adjacent to Adventure Playground. Supporting residents to maximise online services During 2017, Sanctuary Housing is aiming to train and support around 700 residents across the country with using online services. As part of this, residents in Lache and Blacon have been taking part in a series of free digital inclusion courses to help them make the most of the online world. Topics have included internet basics, CV writing, searching for jobs and training opportunities, sending and receiving emails, online shopping and staying safe when using the internet. Known as Sanctuary Online, the initiative is being delivered in
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partnership with We Are Digital, a major provider of digital and financial inclusion training with the largest network of centrally-controlled tutors in the UK. The programme also includes a City and Guilds qualification for residents who want to use the training to improve their employability skills. Statistics show that 12.6 million people in Britain had either limited basic digital skills or were not online in 2016, compared to 40 million people being online and seeing the benefits of digital services. Sanctuary Group – developing much needed new homes As part of its commitment to helping solve the housing crisis, Sanctuary Group is planning to build 30,000 new homes across England and Scotland by 2026. The Group had previously committed to build 24,000 new homes during the same period but has re-cast its plans to increase housing supply across the country. Of the 30,000 new homes, significant investment will be made in Cheshire West with 600 properties currently planned for the area.
Logistics: Apprentice gains full-time role with Great Bear Distribution A former student from West Cheshire College has been offered a full-time position with Chester-based, leading UK logistics business, Great Bear Distribution, part of the Culina Group, after completing a sought-after Apprenticeship with the Company. Callum Haddock, 20, from Ellesmere Port, who was studying an EDEXCEL Certificate in Traffic Office at West Cheshire College said: “I have always known that I wanted to do an Apprenticeship as I was attracted to the flexibility it offered. I started on a week-long work-placement scheme with Great Bear, which the College helped to set up. This then developed into a year-long Apprenticeship and now I’m pleased to say that I have been successful in gaining the position of Transport Planner.
Karen Rossington, HR Advisor and Project Lead at Culina Group adds: “Our aim is to invest in the next generation workforce from a grassroots level and are keen to work with people who have enthusiasm and drive. We’ve been working with West Cheshire College across our work-placement and Apprenticeship programmes for some time now and are delighted that this relationship is successfully resulting in job creation for those students who demonstrate a passion for the industry and are keen to develop further within Great Bear and Culina.” The College offers a range of courses for the logistics industry including Apprenticeships and industry-recognised training in logistics operations, traffic office, warehousing and storage, supply chain management, logistics and transport and
Former Apprentice, Callum Haddock, pictured with a truck from the Great Beat fleet
fork lift truck. For more information, visit the employer section of our website or call the employer hotline on 01244 656499.
College Students recognised at the Freemen and Guilds Awards
Advanced Apprentice, Nathan Roberts, receiving the Saddlers and Curriers Award
THE College’s Freemen and Guilds Awards evening took place at its Chester Campus on 9 November 2016 and saw 15 top students from the region receive prizes that recognise the achievements they have made within industry in the region. The Awards are a tradition dating back to 1968 and represent the historic bond between education and the companies of the Freemen and Guilds. The Freemen and Guilds is made up of 23 companies including the Joiners and Carvers Company, Saddlers and Curriers, Cappers, Pinners, Wierdrawers and Linen Drapers and Barber Surgeons, Wax and Tallow Chandlers Company. Former Apprenticeship and Advanced Apprenticeship in Vehicle Maintenance and Repair student Nathan Roberts, 24, from the Wirral, won the Saddlers and Curriers Award. He said: “I’ve always been interested in vehicle maintenance and engineering and knew that it was something that I wanted to do after school. I completed my Advanced Apprenticeship last year, whilst working for Lookers Vauxhall in Birkenhead.
The College and the tutors were great, as they understood that I was also working full-time and needed to come to College after hours so that I could fit the training in around my job. I had no idea I was being given an award, it came as a big surprise.” Alex Noyes, 19 from Chester, who has recently completed a Level 3 Hospitality Supervision & Leadership HAB NVQ Level 3 Apprenticeship was awarded the Butchers Award for his excellent vocational standards. Accepting the award Alex said: “I finished the course last month and have since been promoted. I now work as a Chef de Partie, overseeing a section of the kitchen with greater leadership responsibilities, which is what I want to be doing. I was shocked when I found out I had won the award, but also very pleased.” If you are an employer and wish to find out more about the government’s changes to Apprenticeships, come along to one of our Apprenticeship Funding Seminar updates. Visit west-cheshire. ac.uk or call the employer hotline on 01244 656499 to find out more.
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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Member News
Parry & Evans have invested half a million pounds on a new baler! PARRY & Evans are pleased to share the news that we’ve reinvested back into our business by upgrading our Deeside onsite baler to the latest stateof-the-art machinery. The new Konti 600 Baler was
The New Konti 600 Baler
installed in September 2016 and will replace the existing machinery. We selected it for its speed and efficiency; with higher throughput rates and improved green credentials – reducing energy consumption and enabling easier maintenance and operation. The investment into the business will significantly improve the service we offer our customers across Wales and the border counties. The new baler runs at a faster speed and is able to take a higher load volume of waste which in turn benefits our customers and improves our operational efficiency. “We can help businesses who are looking to recycle large volumes of paper, cardboard or plastic waste and can offer collection of the waste materials using our fleet of specialist vehicles” said Managing Director Steve Evans.
ARK Comes to Chester Cathedral THE cathedral began discussions to host an extraordinary art exhibition back in 2014 with the understanding it would take three years to plan and stage. Curators Gallery Pangolin specialise in modern and contemporary sculpture and we approached them with an idea. And so, after many months ARK was conceived, an exhibition with ambitions to be the largest free to enter, contemporary sculpture show to take place in the NW of England. Comprising 90 works of art by 50 internationally renowned artists, ARK will run from 7 July – 15 October 2017. The pieces, made from a variety of mediums, will be dotted throughout the cathedral interior but will also be placed in key positions in the ancient spaces outside. Artists involved include the cream of British and international talent such as Damien Hirst, Sir Antony Gormley, Lynn Chadwick, Barbara Hepworth, Sarah Lucas, Kenneth Armitage and the charismatic David Mach, amongst
others. Opening just after Storyhouse, and supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, ARK will be one of the UK’s major cultural attractions of 2017 and it is expected that up to 200,000 visitors will travel to view the mix of new commissions and important pieces on loan from private collections. What is sure is that ARK will place Chester Cathedral firmly on the international arts calendar and will provide a world class cultural experience to all visitors whether seasoned art followers or the uninitiated in sculpture. The exhibition team is busy seeking partners for the event and sourcing all important funding from Arts Council England, local organisations and major local employers. If you would like to sponsor one of the 90 exhibits or get involved in any other way, please contact Emma Roberts on 01244 500963 or email emma.roberts@chestercathedral. com to request a sponsors pack.
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Featured in the Exhibition, Noah and the Raven, by J Buck
Member News
Sentencing Guidelines one year on What Directors and Senior Manager should know
Jim Smith of ACJ Risk Solutions
ON 01 FEBRUARY 2016, the Sentencing Council’s Definitive Guideline for Health and Safety Offences, Corporate Manslaughter and Food Safety and Hygiene Offences (more commonly referred to as the ‘Sentencing Guidelines’) came into force in England and Wales. One year on, we look at what lessons can be drawn from these new guidelines and reflect on the impact they have already started to have on companies and individuals prosecuted under the Health and Safety at Work Act etc. 1974 and associated regulations. The introduction of these guidelines and the increasing fine sizes that has come with them, appear finally to recognise through the UK courts that health and safety breaches should be treated as seriously as data breaches or financial irregularity issues. The judgements demonstrate that the UK wants to show
its disapproval of serious corporate failures which lead to injury, illness and death, and a desire to deter such failures by other businesses. The new guidelines have resulted in an escalation in the level of fines being handed down by the courts. With some of the largest and most wellknown UK and global businesses receiving the largest fines last year, there has been increased public interest and media attention on health and safety cases. Steered by the new sentencing guidelines to determine the size of a fine based on company turnover (as well as factors around culpability and harm risks), the courts have sent a clear message to the boardrooms and CEOs of all businesses about the importance and value of protecting human lives, and the cost of failing to do so. Here are some of the impacts of the use of the Sentencing Guidelines over the last 12 months: Significant increases in fines, Large fines are no longer limited to cases involving a fatality, Individuals are coming under even greater scrutiny and higher sentences are being imposed What should Directors and Senior Managers do? Companies who focus on putting in place good health and safety policies and preventing accidents can avoid these huge fines, and can reap the rewards of having a safer and more secure working environment for their employees, as
well as enjoy greater productivity and a stronger reputation. There is a huge range of information and advice available to organisations on the health and safety measures they could put in place. These include: Lead health and safety from the top and ensure a suitable health and safety governance structure is in place within your business, Check whether your ‘competent person’ in the business has health and
safety competencies that are fit for purpose for your organisation, Ensure all health and safety risks are properly identified and assessed in written risk assessments. Consider using a risk register to manage timely reviews, Review how health and safety risks and safe working procedures are managed operationally, Check that procedures are being followed and risks managed, and act to make changes as needed.
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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From left to right TNS Centre back Connell Rawlinson, Goalkeeper Paul Harrison and TNS left back Chris Marriott
RUK Group celebrates success with record breaking Welsh team A RECORD-BREAKING run of 27 consecutive victories for the Welsh Premier League football champions The New Saints FC has earned global attention for recycling firm Recycling UK Ltd– the club’s main sponsor, using its group brand RUKGROUP.COM. The New Saints also known as TNS FC – the Oswestry-based football club – are celebrating a landmark season, currently sitting 19 points clear at the top of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League and having been crowned Welsh League Cup winners with a 4-0 win over Barry Town at the Cyncoed Stadium in Cardiff on 21 January. Recycling UK Ltd, which has its head office in Tarporley, Cheshire, has strong ties to the Oswestry area, through its Oswestry Waste Paper Ltd business. Other business in the group include Materials Recycling & Consultancy Ltd, Shredding
UK Ltd and a joint venture with India-based Paper Works Trading LLC in Mumbai and the UAE. The club has also had its name etched into the football history books after beating a 44-year old record held by Johan Cruyff’s Dutch giants Ajax since 1972, for the most number of consecutive victories in top-flight football. TNS recorded victory number 27, overtaking Ajax’s 26, on 30 December, beating Cefn Druids 2-0. Recycling UK Recycling UK has been the main sponsor for TNS since the start of the 2016/17 season when it signed up for a minimum of two years – which includes having the company name across the front of the team’s shirts and on perimeter advertising. The club’s recordbreaking success, as well as its participation in the early stages of the UEFA Champions League has
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seen its name – and that of RUKGROUP.COM – feature in news stories across the globe. Commenting on the surge in interest in both The New Saints and RUK, the company’s Managing Director Neil Clarke, said: “We did not realise back then what a fantastic marketing opportunity we had signed up for. We thought that we would get some advertising and marketing coverage in the area around Oswestry and Shropshire and throughout Wales where we operate but we had two rounds of Champions League Qualifying with widespread coverage on live TV and Sky Sports News when we played Apoel Nicosia and through S4C televising the odd TNS league game live in Wales. Mr Clarke added: “It really hit home though when a friend of mine who lives in Houston, Texas contacted me to say CNN News were
doing a news feed on TNS and their world record, showing video footage of TNS matches and also our name on the shirts.” “What we didn’t expect was the UK and worldwide coverage that was going to erupt when TNS FC beat the Ajax Amsterdam record of 26 straight wins which had stood since 1972. We knew that the team owned by Mike Harris and built up over the years by him and his family had done something really special.” Congratulating TNS & RUK on their combined success, letsrecycle.com editor Steve Eminton said: “As a Southampton FC supporter myself I am always delighted to see the Saints doing well, whether they are new or old – and perhaps we could be celebrating a League Cup double for Saints, when Southampton play at Wembley next month! It is also great to see a UK recycling business getting global recognition.”
International Trade Will your company become an exporting champion? THE coming months could be challenging for exporters, in her first speech on the Government’s plans for leaving the EU, Prime Minister Theresa May has set out a vision of a nation that plans to become a global champion for free trade. What it will not be, however, is a member of the EU’s single market or the Customs Union. If we do leave both the single market and the Customs Union, the Road Haulage Association has argued that HMRC will not be able to cope with the pressure on the UK’s borders unless additional resources are found for the service. The reaction of business groups has focused on what she has in mind to replace these two components of the UK’s trading economy and whether she will be able to deliver on her vision. Commenting on the judgment of the Supreme Court on the triggering of Article 50, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The practical impact of this ruling, not the political intricacies, is what interests’ business communities across the UK. What businesses will
want to know is whether this ruling will affect either the terms of the government’s approach, or the timeline that firms across the UK have been told to expect. Businesses will also want to see action to ensure that this further political wrinkle does not add further to the volatility of exchange rates.” The BCC’s latest podcast, discussing the Prime Minister’s speech last week on Brexit, and the reaction it generated at home and in Brussels, is now live please enter https://audioboom.com/ posts/5524710-bcc-talkspm-s-plan-for-brexit to view online. Now is the time to be fully compliant and export ready for any changes that may come our way. The WCNW Chamber has developed a comprehensive suite of courses to help your staff during these uncertain times. Our BCC accredited courses are delivered by two very experienced trainers at Llyndir Hall in Rossett. The first course started on 27th January 2017 and they will
Mark Rowbotham and Becky Stark presenting Helen Taylor of Coveris Ltd with her B.C.C Foundation Award Certificate
run until 28th June 2017 offering two of each course topic, with a further suite of courses being planned for September 2017. Our courses are gaining a reputation for being well delivered and good value for money compared to similar offerings in the marketplace. Our trainers tailor the courses around the trainee’s needs by finding out about their roles and what the company does so that they deliver an enhanced learning
experience for those who attend. For companies who find it difficult to allocate several staff to attend external training courses, we can also provide bespoke inhouse training to enable you to maximize your training benefit to a timescale that suits your requirements, on your company premises. Please call Debbie Hancox on 01244 669984 for further details or email d.hancox@wcnwchamber. org.uk for a quotation.
About the Trainers
Mark Rowbotham is an Independent Consultant, Trainer and writer in Customs and Marine issues, and has spent a considerable length of time working in both the Government, Commercial and Academic sectors. He deals primarily with Compliance, Control and Procedural issues in Customs, Excise, VAT and Marine Logistics matters, and is a trainer in International Trade, Customs, and Risk Management courses.
Becky Stark is an accredited member of the Institute of Export with a background in both manufacturing and service industries. She has been offering export support and advice to SME’s from a wide range of industry sectors for over 15 years, having worked as Head of International Trade for the DIT (formerly UKTI) in Shropshire before setting up her own business, Stark Export Focus Limited, in 2005. She has been actively involved in the delivery of mentoring and training for hundreds of SMEs over the years.
All our training dates and course overviews can be found on the Chamber website at http://wcnwchamber.org.uk/exporting/international-trade-training
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
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Events Roundup
Networking Lunch at The Hollows - a success! 40 guests attended the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce lunch event held at The Hollows, Chester, on 22nd November. The afternoon started with a relaxed and friendly networking session within The Suburbs bar area. Many new Chamber members came to the event; this networking gave them time to meet old and new members, a great opportunity to make new connections within the Chamber. After general networking had finished and guests had caught up on each others business news, it was time for food. The Hollows served an option of Roasted Rib of Dry Aged Welsh Beef served with all the trimmings or their vegetarian option to all
in attendance, which seemed to go down a treat! Chamber Networking is a great opportunity for members to socialise and create new business connections in a unique and friendly environment. Many swap business cards and new members are given the chance to meet existing members and find out more about their Chamber Membership from others. We had the pleasure to have Chloe Randall from Art in Chester join us for the event, Chloe offered guests to have the chance to have her draw them after the food had been served. Chloe showcased her talents to many and all were very impressed with the great work that she produced.
Speaking to Jake Brown, Business Growth Enabler at NatWest, he said ‘I like the open networking before the event; sitting down and
having lunch with other members builds different and more in-depth relationships with those around you, in an informal and friendly setting.
Networking fun at The Hollows
Festive cheer at Chamber’s Christmas Lunch! CHAMBER members and non-members alike joined together to celebrate the holiday period in the renowned Convivio, Chester. Guests were welcomed warmly with a festive glass of wine and delicious canapes on arrival. Attending the event, David Wall of Mercer & Associates Wealth Management was presented his plaque and certificate by Debbie Stokes, Membership Director, for their recent decision to join the Chamber as the latest strategic partner. In true Christmas spirit, guests eagerly took part in a Chamber Christmas quiz, testing everyone’s Chamber knowledge with the promise of Champagne, fine wine and shortbread for the winners! Sharon Shelbourne was the worthy winner of first place taking home of a bottle of champagne. Coming second was Josh Brown
Guests enjoying Christmas Lunch at Convivio
of Technospark winning a bottle of white wine and then third, David Roberts of The Alternative Board securing the prize of a luxury tin of shortbread. Attending the event, Jayne
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Robb of Shredding UK Limited said “Today’s event was a great opportunity to see people I haven’t met before. Everyone was so friendly and it was so easy to be able to talk to people”
Convivio wowed guests with their fabulous two course meal of a traditional Turkey dinner and all the trimmings, followed by a classic Italian favourite, tiramisu. Delegates were also treated to a luxury box of chocolates, given as a Christmas gesture by the Chamber. Speaking after the event Debbie Stokes spoke out “What a brilliant way to round off a fantastic year for the Chamber of Commerce. We’d like to thank the team at Convivio for hosting the event with us, they were wonderfully accommodating and the venue is amazing. The events continue to go from strength to strength and our membership base continues to grow. We already have all the events for 2017 scheduled, so save the dates in your diary and we look forward to seeing you there!’’
Events Roundup Another networking lunch proved to be a great success at Llanrhaeadr springs and spa a beautiful venue in North Wales THE afternoon started with relaxed and friendly networking within ‘The Stables’ a dining room within the springs, delegates had the chance to network with one another and meet some of the new members that were in attendance, as well as have the opportunity to catch up with old connections. After delegates had finished networking and caught up on all things business, it was then time to introduce our speaker- Frankie Hobro from Anglesey Sea Zoo. Frankie produced an extremely interesting presentation, focusing on the great work that the Sea Zoo do, as well as informing all of our of our delegates about the famous ‘Menai’ the turtle that
Anglsey Sea Zoo rescued in November. Frankie said: ‘This event was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the Anglesey Sea Zoo and really put across the message about why we are a completely unique business, housing only native marine species. We focus on not only being a tourist attraction, but have
an underlying theme of sustainability, environmental education and conservation, with captive breeding programmes for endangered British species such as seahorses, enabling us to educate all our visitors in the wonders of British marine life and the importance of protecting it.’ After Frankie had spoken
to our guests, everybody was then served a delicious 2 course meal of Chicken in a bacon, mushroom & red wine sauce, served with fondant potato, all followed by Chocolate panna cotta, with the option of tea or coffee to follow. Harry Barker, owner of Llanrhaeadr springs and spa said: ‘It was great to host our first Chamber event and showcase our venue. As new members ourselves, it was great to have a feel for the way that the Chamber’s networking events run and meet some of the members personally. We look forward to hopefully seeing some of the delegates return to our venue in the future!’
Chamber hosts memorable lunch event at Liverpool Football Club THURSDAY the 26th January played host to not the only the first event West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce has held at Liverpool Football Club, but its most popular one to date! With a staggering 90 people attending. With conversation filling the air and spirits high, guests made their way to the ‘Executive Lounge’ where the generous venue seated and waited on all in attendance, serving them a delicious two course meal of a seared breast of chicken, chargrilled vegetables, sun blushed tomato and crushed potato layered with a rich sauce of melting swiss
cheese. Following swiftly after the dessert of sticky toffee pudding, topped with a luxurious sauce and honeycomb pieces, was served. Following guests settled down to listen to Graham Dobbin of Perception Insights give an engaging talk about “How to Get Rid of Your Best Talent”, treating guests to his alternative look on how not looking after your employees / team /suppliers / customers may impact your business, and how not to go around damaging these vital connections. Guests were offered a fantastic opportunity to explore the new
20,500-capacity ‘Main Stand’, which cost a staggering 100 million to construct. Delegates were shown around various boxes and suites available for season hire, and it was very clear to see that no expense had been spared in the development. Talking about the event,
Dan White of Liverpool Football Club said “Cohosting an event with the Chamber today was great. It was fantastic to be able to showcase our new stadium and all the hard work that has gone into constructing it. I hope we can work closely together in the future to repeat the success of today”.
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The Big Interview Name: Richard Thomas Job title: Chief Executive From: Chester Racecourse
WCNW: To begin, tell us a little about yourself and your background. Growing up / school /hobbies I joined the Royal Marines straight from school and after five years as a military man, began my career in the racing industry. After short stints at Aintree and Huntingdon Racecourses, I became Managing Director of Haydock Park Racecourse where we focused on profitability & cash generation. I joined Chester Racecourse as Chief Executive in 2000 and since then, the company portfolio has expanded, with the acquisition of Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse, the creation of Chester Polo Club, three restaurants, a hotel, in house betting system and a catering division; Horseradish, which has since expanded significantly and we now have a successful and independent catering business. WCNW: What were the motivations behind expanding the Company portfolio? Is there a good example of how you have done this? Although I have a long standing connection and interest in horses and
racing, my passion lies in business, which is why Chester Race Company has transformed into a dynamic, diverse and privately owned leisure company and hospitality business, now turning over just under £30m a year. A lot of the decisions we have made have been as a result of racing, however the main driver and my motivation behind growing the business was to create a 365 day leisure experience. An excellent example of the Race Company’s ability to diversify is our on-site hotel; the Holiday Inn Express. Racecourses have to provide accommodation for stable staff and rather than source this elsewhere, we took the decision to build our own on site and service not only industry racing professionals, but racegoers and wider public looking to visit the City of Chester, encouraging them to stay overnight and inject additional revenue into the local economy. My ideas are always born from Racing but having in mind the bigger picture of utilising our facilities on 365 days of the year.
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WCNW: What are your main responsibilities and what does a typical day involve? I oversee all operations within the business, driven by my dedicated, dynamic team. It is my role to regularly liaise with our Board Members and ensure the strategic objectives behind the Company’s commercial vision are being driven forward. The diversity of the company means that no two days are ever the same. Racing is our focus 12 months of the year, with 15 fixtures during the summer season at Chester and 15 spread across the year at our sister jumps course; Bangor-on-Dee. Our catering division Horseradish has experienced rapid growth over the past few years, meaning we coordinate and deliver events nearly 365 days of the year across the portfolio. WCNW: Who are your target audience? The diverse offering of products and services across the Company portfolio means we appeal to a broad demographic of both consumer and
The Big Interview
WCNW: Looking ahead, what are your main aims for the organisation and how would you like it to develop? Feed into the wider area strategy of attracting visitors and revenue to Chester and the surrounding areas, cement the Race Company in a global setting and continue to drive new initiatives and lucrative partnerships through innovative work across all brands underneath the Race Company umbrella. Richard Thomas with Champion Jockey Frankie Dettori in the Paddock Club at Chester Racecourse
businesses from within the local Chester area and across the North West. WCNW: What new projects are you currently working on? The Company prides itself on its innovative nature and we have a number of new initiatives and ventures in the pipeline for 2017 and beyond. Two projects of note; our in house betting solution chester-Bet, will this season, launch a first of its kind online betting solution, enabling racegoers to bet from their own mobile on a raceday, promoting speed, ease and an enhanced experience. Secondly, Horseradish have just secured a number of contract agreements with The Royal Horticultural Society, meaning we will deliver all on site catering at a number of large horticultural events around the country. This is an exciting time for this fast growing division.
WCNW: Was it hard getting others to see your vision? Or invest? There are always challenges when you want to go in a new direction. Our hotel concerned some of the board at the time. However, you persevere and communicate your vision – as a result we now have a very successful hotel. WCNW: Did you ever think ‘I’ve taken on too big a risk’? If so, how did you overcome it? In business it is important not to be afraid to try new things, making mistakes along the way is how the best way to learn. One of my philosophies is ‘if you never try you’ll never know’. It is also important to ensure each risk is an acceptable one. Through good planning and analysis we are able to ensure this.
WCNW: How have businesses and individuals responded to what you’re offering? The Racing industry often look at what we do as and as industry leaders in the field and we aim to raise the bar by regularly introducing new and improved services for visiting professionals and racegoers alike. Our provision for Owners and Trainers at Chester is continually recognised as the best in the Country and we’ve recently been awarded the Owners Award at the RCA Showcase Awards as well as the fantastic accolade of Large Racecourse of the Year. WCNW: What message would you give to fellow entrepreneurs or people looking to get involved in setting up their own business or organisation? At Chester we maintain an entrepreneurial spirit and you should never let that go. We never think ‘we don’t know how to do that’ or ‘that’s not what we do’.
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Legal & Finance
“The business of copyright” COPYRIGHT exists in your website, your marketing materials, point of sale documents, software, databases and designs, written business plans and training programmes to name but a few. Why is copyright important for businesses? Copyright is important because if you are reproducing material and don’t own the copyright in the material or have the permission of the author, then you may be infringing that copyright. You could potentially find yourself on the end of an expensive legal claim. On the flip side, if you don’t own the copyright of something, you can’t stop someone else from using it (or at least your options will be limited).
The value of many businesses is found in its intellectual property rights, including copyright. If you’re ever thinking about selling your business, the buyer is likely to want to see evidence of what intellectual property you own. Lack of evidence of ownership can put off potential buyers. It is therefore important to know what you own and what you don’t, and what you can use and what you can’t.
Do you own what you think you own? There is no requirement to register copyright in the UK. It just exists. You might think that copyright in your materials automatically belongs to you. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. Copyright belongs to the author (with a few exceptions, including copyright created by an employee in the course of their employment). This means that copyright in documents produced for you by an outside third party will be owned by that third party, not you. The only way you can own the copyright of something produced by a third party, is if you have a written assignment of the copyright from the author to you. The law allows you to do this before or after the document is produced. So, for example, if you ask a marketing company to produce marketing materials for your business or a website developer to redesign your website, unless there is a written assignment of the copyright to your business, the marketing company or website developer will own the copyright continued on page 28
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26 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Legal & Finance
Expert legal advice for business LINENHALL Chambers is the only barristers chambers operating from a single base in Chester, providing a legal service to the business community in Cheshire and North Wales. Now with over 60 barristers and a team of 12 specialist support staff, the Chambers was formed in 2011 by the merger of the two largest sets in Chester, each of which traced a history going back over 60 years. For many people, their knowledge of barristers is largely confined to television dramas and news reports of murder trials and celebrity divorce cases - however regional chambers are an important part of the local business community and provide a vital and accessible legal service to most business sectors. With its location and its focus on the Cheshire and North Wales market Linenhall provides a local alternative to chambers in big city centres such as Manchester, Liverpool or Birmingham. The clients of Linenhall Chambers include many SMEs from sole traders, partnerships of all sizes to private and public limited companies as well as the locally based operations and needs of national and international companies. The barristers at Linenhall Chambers offer a diverse range of expertise and experience. The most common problems experienced by businesses tend to revolve around contract disputes of one sort or another, fraud, employment issues including professional disciplinary matters, and director and shareholder disputes.
The assumption might be that a barrister will only be needed when these disputes cannot be resolved and end up in court, but taking advice at an early stage as to the strengths and weakness of a case and seeking assistance in negotiating an early resolution can reduce the risk to the business and subsequently save costs. As well as litigation the chambers also undertakes mediations and arbitrations. Other areas of work covered are commercial and agricultural property
disputes such as disputes over the ownership of land, boundary disputes, dilapidations, rent reviews or building disputes as well as planning and environmental law matters, Public Law dealing with the decisions and actions of government and public sector bodies and procurement matters
Businesses are also affected by criminal law where they can run into difficulties over such matters as trading standards, health & safety and a wide range of other regulatory issues all of which are handled by the Criminal Team at Linenhall. Linenhall barristers mainly appear in courts in North and Mid Wales, Cheshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands as well as the North West but where appropriate will appear in any court in the country. Contact Us Linenhall Chambers 1 Stanley Place, Chester, CH1 2LU clerks@lhchambers.co.uk T: 01244 348282 www.linenhallchambers.co.uk
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Legal & Finance
in those materials. Similarly, if your business relies on software or designs produced by a third party, that third party will usually own the copyright of the materials. You can still use the marketing materials as you commissioned them (the law implies a licence), but the terms on which you can use those materials are limited and arguably the
owner can use them for the benefit of others. So, without a written assignment of the copyright, your business (and its value) may be weaker than it could be. Steps you can take There are a number of practical steps you can take to help ensure you own the copyright you want
to own. Review the documents, software and other written materials your business uses and consider who owns the copyright in them. Where they are valuable to the business, ensure you have evidence of your ownership (or the basis on which you can use them) or can prove that you created them. When commissioning new materials (i.e. asking a third party to create something for you) ensure that you enter into a written contract with the third party, where possible, assigning the copyright in the materials to you. Place a copyright notice at the end of documents you create in the form “Copyright © [name of copyright owner] [year of publication]”. Whilst this is not necessary to gain protection as a matter of law, it does put third parties on notice that copyright in the document exists and that legal action may be taken if they copy it. Further wording can also be placed on documents you are particularly concerned about. If in doubt, seek specialist advice!
Cyflymu Cymru i Fusnesau Cyngor a chanllawiau TGCh RHAD AC AM DDIM ar gael i helpu tyfu’ch busnes
Helpu i ddeall, mabwysiadu ac ymelwa ar gyfleoedd sy’n gysylltiedig â’r technolegau diweddaraf a band eang cyflymach*
BETH SYDD AR GAEL?
BETH YW’R MANTEISION I CHI?
• Trafodaeth gydag Ymgynghorydd Busnes Ar-lein dros y ffôn • Dosbarth meistr ymarferol rhad ac am ddim ar gael yn lleol • Cymorth un-wrth-un gan Ymgynghorydd Busnes Digidol • Cyfeirlyfr meddalwedd, offer ar-lein, canllawiau ac awgrymiadau i’w lawrlwytho’n rhad ac am ddim
• Gwella’ch cysylltiadau cwsmeriaid • Hyrwyddo’ch busnes yn effeithiol ar-lein • Arbed amser ac arian gwerthfawr gyda chyfrifiadura cwmwl • Gweithio hyblyg i chi a’ch staff • Dwyn mantais ar eich cystadleuwyr • A llawer mwy!
Am ragor o wybodaeth, chwiliwch ar-lein am: Cyflymu Cymru i Fusnesau neu cysylltwch â ni ar superfast@businesswales.org.uk *Mae meini prawf cymhwyso’n berthnasol. Ewch i: businesswales.gov.wales/superfastbusinesswales/cy/amdanom-ni
03000 6 03000 busnescymru.llyw.cymru businesswales.gov.wales
28 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
we could be in a 5-star venue and then move onto a festival in a field, carrying on then to an office or work place or then be in somebodies lovely home- it’s always a new challenge. I also have the pleasure of working with my partner Lisa and fabulous team of dedicated individuals. Our team seem to have limitless enthusiasm, a crucial trait when event days can be in excess of 15 hours! Any special memories to share? Moving into our current building, a purpose-built kitchen in the Cheshire countryside was certainly a huge turning point! We have been lucky to cater for some really prestigious events. The first major corporate event for Timpsons was a milestone for us, I won’t mention the 74hour shift, as we are still trying to blank it out!!
The Person Behind the Business Rupert Frazer Worden, Director of The Fine Dining Company An overview of yourself and your current role. I currently oversee the day to day running of the company and attend creative meetings with clients- one of the best parts of my day! As well as this, I will plan the perfect menu for their event or wedding day. I am also still working on events to ensure everything runs smoothly, spending time with the chefs to ensure everything is perfect. What are your aims? To build a ‘’perfect’’ catering business. Our specialist area is within weddings but we also love and cater for corporate and private events. The corporate market is one we wish to expand in; the events tend to be quite diverse and often drive out new ideas
for us to elaborate upon. Our biggest aim within business is to be the best that we can be- delivering brilliant service and food to our clients is so important to us. Describe your role. My role is split between sales and developing the more creative side to our business, as well a planning our strategy for this year ahead. It’s sometimes difficult to juggle sales and events and still leave some room for creative thinking, this is possibly the biggest challenge for me. What’s the best bit of having a job like yours? Every event that we cater for is different in its own way. One day
Tell us a bit about what you do outside of work to relax. I’m not sure there is an “outside of work” when running your own company, so it needs to be a big contrast to get me to switch off. Getting into the mountains is my number one chill out place, whether it be walking, climbing, or snowboarding. Walks with the dog and meals out with my partner Lisa are always a favourite for research and development! In an ideal world, what else would you like to be? I love what I do now, but would love to teach and maybe even team building through food and cooking. Food is the fuel we all need to live, but it is so much more, we absorb the energy within it, as well as the passion that has gone into creating it. Food without passion will always be just food, rather than an experience. I would like to share my passion with others. What advice would you give to anyone starting out? You need to have a really clear plan and keep updating if needed. Keep the end in mind, have a clear vision of where you want to end up- this will help drive the direction of your business and help you through the highs and lows. Make sure you have a simple and easy way of tracking your progress, financial information is key to make decisions. Keep it simple, I wish I had!
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Member News Richard Williamson of Magellan Wrexham
Businesses Benefit from SEE Project THE SEE (Skills for Employers & Employees) project of £10.4M is part funded by the European Social Fund providing businesses across North Wales with financial support to raise employee skills and knowledge. It aims to support employers to build a skilled and adaptable workforce through subsidised training and development. Coleg Cambria is the lead provider of a partnership developed with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai & WEA YMCA to provide training programmes for the SEE project across the six counties of North Wales. A Further and Higher Education college based in North East Wales, Coleg Cambria is one of the largest colleges in the UK and the highest performing college in Wales. The Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister, recently visited Magellan Aerospace in Wrexham to launch the £16.2M to the SEE project for North Wales. First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “This scheme will create an even stronger skills base in the region, better equipped businesses and stronger business investment potential. “It will have a key role to play in supporting major economic
developments in North Wales, such as Wylfa Newydd, Menai Science Park, and helping to grow the businesses that have set up in North Wales’ enterprise zones. “Businesses know that the skills base here is strong and this programme will further strengthen this making it an even more attractive place to invest.” Businesses of all sizes are already benefiting from the project, from a small business with less than 50 employees such as ACE Lifts Ltd, to larger businesses such as Magellan Aerospace LTD. As a large business, Magellan can claim 50% of the course cost to be funded by the SEE project meaning they can put twice as many employees on staff training with their budget. Magellan Wrexham have a number of employees who are now benefitting from the SEE project including Richard Williamson. Richard, 30 from Wrexham started at the company in November 2014 and is training in Mechanical Engineering (Plant & Equipment Maintenance) with Coleg Cambria which will qualify him to technician level. When finished, Richard would then like to go on to train in Electrical engineering enabling him to become a multi skilled technician. Dave Evans, Training & Development
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Officer at Magellan said: “The funding from the SEE project has enabled us to support more staff to develop their skills further. We work closely with the team at Coleg Cambria to establish business training needs and the individual employees’ development areas. “By doing this we have developed a highly skilled and motivated workforce with continual development plans in place. We are always striving to be the best and provide the best so ensuring our staff receive the best training at affordable prices is hugely important to us.” Business across North Wales have been able to take advantage of courses in Business Improvement, Customer Service, IT, Team Leading, Management, Mentoring, Food Industry & Hospitality, Engineering & Construction and Health & Social Care which are all included in the project. If you want to find out how your business can benefit from this project or would like some advice on what funding you will be eligible to receive please contact the Employer Engagement Team on 0300 30 30 006 or email employers@cambria.ac.uk
ADVERTORIAL
Emergency Rescue and Recovery Team Outreach Rescue provide highly experienced, professional and well equipped Emergency Rescue and Recovery Teams (ERRT), holding all relevant qualifications to work in industrial environments. The availability of an experienced rescue team ensures everyone working in a hazardous environment remains safe throughout the duration of the task, whether the task involves Confined Spaces or Working at Height. Confined Space Rescue Team: Fully equipped team, at whatever level required, ensuring complete safety and evacuation cover for your workers. The team will have all rescue systems set up, installed and tested, prior to any tasks being initiated.
EACH Rescue team would usually consist of three personnel (more if required after Risk Assessment of Task), made up of rescue specialists with both technical and casualty care expertise gained through years of operational experience. The minimum standard of Casualty Care knowledge is FPOS Intermediate, with the added advantage of a HCPC Paramedic as part of the team. We are totally self-sufficient, providing all technical, medical and communication equipment. For rescue cover in a Confined Space environment, all monitoring and Breathing Apparatus (EES and SCBA) is also provided. SERVICES INCLUDE: Site Risk Assessment: A visit prior to the date of task to gain experience of the planned work and to produce a Risk Assessment and Method Statements (RAMS) to comply with on-site Health and Safety policy. Confined Space Attendant: To ensure each worker is properly equipped, with their location known in order to comply with regulations. Standby Person: The person in charge of the confined space, with all responsibilities including Permit to Work and Control of Access.
Casualty Care: To manage any incident and to provide appropriate treatment and evacuation in an efficient and clinical way at Paramedic level, prior to handing over to definitive medical care. Our rescue team members have extensive experience of operating in problematic environments. Dealing with casualties suffering from injuries or illness in such environments often requires treatment and evacuation to be simultaneous which is why the Outreach Rescue ERRT have rescue systems in place, prior to any chance of an incident occurring, as time is often at a premium. Onsite Assistance: The ability to interact with other site personnel to assist with safe systems whilst constructing our own Rescue plans, minimising personnel in risk areas for prolonged periods of time. Health and Safety Monitoring: Safety Advisors – we can provide independent site advice to help ensure safety procedures are in place and being followed and will liaise with all interested parties to help ensure compliance. Liaising with the onsite Contracts Manager or Health & Safety Officer the ERRT Team Leader/ Supervisor would not just provide a Risk Assessment for the rescue team but also provide continuous monitoring of the environment to ensure access is safe for team members and employees.
Team Qualifications and Experience: City & Guilds Medium Risk Confined Space 6105-52 • City & Guilds High Risk Confined Space 6105-53 • City & Guilds Emergency Rescue & Recovery of Casualties from Confined Space 6150-55 • City & Guilds Top Man in High Risk Confined Space 6150-54 • City & Guilds Level 3 Understanding planning, supervising and managing working at height. • IRATA level 1, 2 & 3 • Rope Rescue Supervisor • First Person on Scene Intermediate/ Advanced • Hazardous Area Paramedics (HCPC registered) are available as team members if required • Swiftwater Rescue Technicians (Advanced) • Water Safety and Rescue Email: enquiries@outreachrescue.com Website: www.outreachrescue.com Tel: +44(0) 1248 601546
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ADVERTORIAL
Award-winning Surf Snowdonia launches ‘inspiring’ corporate offer SURF Snowdonia says its brandnew board room space will complete an inspiring corporate offer at its award-winning adventure park in North Wales. The full-AV board room is the latest addition to a suite of business facilities which include a large lagoon-side TiPi event space, a high-quality hospitality and accommodation offer as well as flexible team building activity packages. The new facilities are being launched after increased investment by owners Conwy Adventure Leisure Limited, part of the Ainscough Group of companies. CAL says it intends to position Surf Snowdonia as a premium but affordable corporate venue for businesses across the region and beyond. Managing director at Surf Snowdonia, Andy Ainscough, said: “Our new board room completes a unique and compelling offer that will benefit businesses across the region. “As well as our great meeting and event facilities, our surf taster lessons and Wipeout-style Crash & Splash obstacle course have proved a great fit for our corporate clients because we can tailor them for any group size or ability. “Our team building activities give colleagues an opportunity to re-
connect with the outdoors – and their co-workers - in a fun, safe environment. We firmly believe that an energising team away day can add significant long-term value to any business.” Surf Snowdonia has already played host to some of the UK’s best-known corporate brands including Sky TV, S4C, Coca-Cola, Red Bull and Rip Curl, as well as to national charities like Help for Heroes and The Wave Project. Dylan Jones, an account manager with Sky Media, visited the water park for a team building day last November. He said: “We had a hugely fun day out at Surf Snowdonia but the real benefits are reaped in the long term. The feel-good factor you take back to the office has a positive trickle-down effect on team work, motivation, creativity, job satisfaction and company loyalty.” THE FULL CORPORATE FACILITIES AT SURF SNOWDONIA INCLUDE: The Surf Snowdonia boardroom for team meetings, training sessions, presentations and screenings. It is a flexible space with multiple configurations and full AV. The boardroom table seats 20 and has views over the waterpark. You can hire it by the hour (£30), half day (£80) or day (£130) with refreshments and catering packages to suit your needs. The Surf Snowdonia TiPi is a showstopper corporate space which sits right on the shores of the world-first surf lagoon. It’s a great space for all sorts of events and launches, and fully equipped with lighting and AV. Multiple configurations mean it can accommodate small or large groups up to 130 people. There are formal and informal catering options, and a fully stocked licensed bar. There’s also a large outdoor area if you’d like your event to spread outside.
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Team building packages The Surf Snowdonia Adventure Parc offers a variety of fun and exciting team building activities including surf lessons, freesurf, the Crash & Splash over-water obstacle course as well as the infamous catapult blob. ‘Pick & Mix’ corporate packages are available, tailored to suit group size and ability. Off peak prices apply to corporate bookings made Monday – Friday outside of school holidays. Surf Snowdonia welcomed 150,000 visitors in 2016 – more than double its forecast – and won multiple awards including accolades from the British Guild of Travel Writers, Go North Wales Tourism and the Daily Post Business Awards. It was also named-checked by Lonely Planet on their global ‘Best in Travel List’ for 2017. Surf Snowdonia offers a 10% reduction to West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber members on all activities, including corporate days out. Call to book your activity and quote reference ‘Chamber10’. WC&NW Chamber Members will have the opportunity to try a free taster session at Surf Snowdonia on Wednesday 14 June 2017. Email J.Davidson@wcnwchamber.org.uk to book your place. For general booking enquiries please contact info@surfsnowdonia. com or call +44 1492 353 123. More information at www.surfsnowdonia. co.uk/corporate
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Conference & Events
How to organise the perfect conference ORGANISING a perfect conference is a huge challenge. Depending on the type of event you are organising, the time necessary for the preparations might range from 1 Plan Consider your audience when scheduling your event. To maximise attendance ensure that your event is held on a day and time that is suitable for everyone. Perhaps that’s a slow time in your industry for example teachers during the summer holidays, or a midweek event when people are likely to be working. For every event, you should set two goals: what you hope to accomplish, and what you hope your attendees will accomplish. These planning tips will help to focus your efforts and provide a meaningful experience for all involved. At this stage also consider budgets. Set out a budget for each aspect of your planning, for example; developing the project, printing of invitations, venue booking, catering etc.”
2 Invitations First impressions count, so ensure your invite represents your organisation as professional as possible, ensuring the invite is engaging. Your invitation should communicate the basic information about your event and be branded clearly. Draw up a contact list with names and contact details for each person you are inviting and keep a record of when the invitations are sent and a record of all responses received.” 3 Choose an appropriate location The success of the event depends on the venue and where it will be held. The location is important both for you as an organiser and your guests. The look and the standard of your chosen venue are of huge importance since it shows your taste and the prestige of your event. It is worth paying attention to convenient access to the venue for your guests and ensure you have all equipment you need is at hand.
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4 Promote Proactively To ensure a successful event, invitations may not be enough to ensure optimal attendance. Raising awareness of the event through social media, advertising, and marketing helps to ensure the message about your conference and will help build momentum to the big day. If you have a guest speaker, you could also consider using a Twitter #Hashtag to encourage questions in advance. Build a database of people who enquire about the event and keep them informed of other events you hold in the future.” 5 Feedback There is always opportunity to improve on your event. Post-event activities can reveal useful information about what worked and how you can improve your next event. Track those who attended vs. those who did not. Send a timely follow-up communication to include highlights of the event, pictures and overall summary and perhaps conduct a postevent survey of attendees to capture their experience at the event.”
ADVERTORIAL
Wales’ Flagship 20Twenty Business Growth Programme now available to businesses in North East Wales. Bangor University in collaboration with Cardiff Metropolitan University have now expanded the 20Twenty Business Growth Programme to North East Wales businesses with the aim of developing the next generation of leaders, aspiring managers and entrepreneurs.
T
he aim of 20Twenty is to help ambitious organisations in Flintshire, Wrexham and North Powys deliver impressive and sustainable growth. This is done by equipping managers, leaders and owners with the skills required to deliver improved efficiencies, plan growth strategies and implement expansion goals. 20Twenty has proved to be remarkably successful in nurturing business expansion in even the toughest and most competitive sectors. Up to 70% funded, the programme is subsidised by the European Social Fund through Welsh Government and is equally suitable for both large organisations and small enterprises. In fact, companies that
have participated in the programme in South Wales to date have achieved growth of approximately 30% on average. Perhaps even more impressive is in fact that 50 of those companies reported increased sales turnover of over 100%. Of the ‘Top 300’ businesses in Wales, over 10% have already attended the programme. 20Twenty offers a range of recognised leadership qualifications from Level 3 through to Level 7, all of which are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). It is the only programme in Wales that offers a progression route from CMI Level 3 to Level 7, leading towards a Postgraduate Certificate, Executive MBA and Chartered Manager. This is a quality programme run by experts who appreciate the time pressures and budget burdens that every business - large and small - has to deal with. Rest assured, the programme provides workshop experts with invaluable support, experience and advice
to help leaders identify their goals and attain their qualifications. The delegates commitment for 20Twenty is to attend a series of workshops in North East Wales (a set timetable of up to 15 days) over a period of 10 months. During that time, delegates study a variety of techniques and processes to help them develop their business in several key areas, including leadership skills, coaching, sales, marketing, finance, operational efficiency and business innovation. All sizes of businesses, including large organisations
are eligible for the 20Twenty programme. Any employee up to director level who has responsibility for managing staff or any business owner who wants to grow his or her company can apply. The business must operate in North East Wales, or the employee must reside in the area. For further information please call: Jackie Whittaker, 20Twenty Business Development Manager on: 01248 382569 or email: j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk for further information.
ADVERTORIAL
Denbigh based Artisan Windows appointed exclusive distributor for industry leading bifold doors and glazing Artisan Windows, one of North Wales’ leading glazing companies, has completed the exclusive installation of SUNFLEX UK products in its Denbigh showroom as part of its continued business growth. ESTABLISHED in 1992, Artisan has grown from a family run business supplying and installing glazing across North Wales, to a regional leader that now covers much of the North West including the Wirral, Chester and Cheshire. The business has a proud reputation for its customer focused approach, outstanding service and expert product knowledge, and has expanded their extensive product range to include a range of SUNFLEX products in their showroom. Founded in Germany in 1986, SUNFLEX is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialist door systems, and its products are renowned for their quality and performance. The systems, installed around the world, are expertly crafted to order to each customer’s exact requirements. The extensive range of systems has been designed to meet any type and style of project, from renovation or extension to extensive new builds. Each product is manufactured to combine superior thermal efficiency and weather tightness with stunning modern appearance, and incorporates a range of unique features that enhance the usability and longevity of the system. From award-winning bifold doors, to innovative sliding door systems and
glazing options that include aluminium windows and glass roof products, SUNFLEX UK works with a small, hand selected number of glazing companies across the country to ensure customers receive the best possible service and advanced technical knowledge. The partnership between Artisan and SUNFLEX UK has seen Artisan’s sales and installation staff receive intensive training and support. On display at Artisan’s showroom are the following systems: • SUNFLEX SF55 aluminium bifold doors - 3 panel set with large 1100mm wide panels in DB703 textured finish. • SUNFLEX SF55c timber clad aluminium bifold doors - 2 panel set in oiled Oak inside, stainless steel effect outside • SUNFLEX UK SVG Plus Slim aluminium sliding doors - 2100mm wide, 2 panel set in RAL9011 matt • SUNFLEX SF35 slide and turn doors - 4 panel set in RAL9011 matt • SUNFLEX UK SEF side hung aluminium window in 7016 semi-gloss Speaking of the completed installation, SUNFLEX UK Trade Account Manager Will Mitchell was delighted with the outcome, saying “The doors look
fantastic and provide a fantastic example of what can be achieved with SUNFLEX products. We have worked hard to identify a new trade partner in North Wales that had the expertise and reputation to represent SUNFLEX, and by exclusively stocking our products in their showroom they will receive our complete support to continue to grow and build their sales.” On completion of the showroom works, Artisan Director Ian Gibson was thrilled, adding “It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage and the products look absolutely fantastic in the showroom. After extensive research into the quality of the products we firmly believe that the SUNFLEX doors are the most advanced in the industry - and we are sure visitors to our showroom will agree. We have worked hard to build the reputation we have as a business and we are committed to ensuring we supply and install only the best products available for our customers. The Artisan Showroom is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and on Saturday 10am to 4pm at Vale Road in Denbigh, alternatively you can speak to their expert project advisors on 01745 812323 or email enquiries@ artisanwindows.co.uk.
36 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Award-winning bifold doors, sliding doors and glazing solutions
For more than 30 years SUNFLEX has designed, engineered and manufactured exclusive glazing products.
VISIT OUR EXCLUSIVE NEW DISTRIBUTOR IN NORTH WALES AND CHESHIRE
From the very beginning our doors have had the quality, performance and attention to detail that sets them apart from all others. SUNFLEX UK offer a unique combination of outstanding British design and advanced German engineering to create the most advanced bifold doors, sliding doors and glass solutions available. Each product supplied by SUNFLEX embraces the most advanced materials and the latest, cutting edge, manufacturing techniques to create award-winning products.
Artisan Windows, Vale Road, Denbigh Denbighshire, North Wales LL16 3DF Tel 01745 812323 Email enquiries@artisanwindows.co.uk
artisanwindows.co.uk
HOURS WITH...
Name: Charlotte Harris Job Title: Chief Executive Company: Cheshire Wildlife Trust Give a brief overview of your company Cheshire Wildlife Trust is a local wildlife conservation charity. We create and conserve spaces for nature for all to enjoy and encourage more people to value nature through the economic, social and environmental decisions they make. We manage 45 nature reserves, engage 4,000 children per year, advise landowners and influence environmental policy. We are supported by over 1,000 volunteers and 13,000 members. How long have you been in this role? I have been Chief Executive of Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Managing Director of the charities subsidiary company Cheshire Ecological Services since April 2013. A little about your background I have worked in the environment sector for 20 years since graduating from University of Manchester with a degree in Biology. During that time I have worked for local government and a statutory agency before joining Cheshire Wildlife Trust as Biodiversity Officer in 2005. I have since completed a Masters in Countryside Management and spent five years in the senior management team as Director of Conservation before becoming Chief Executive, nearly four years ago.
What does your typical day usually involve? There is no such thing as a typical day when working in a small charity. I often have planned internal or external meetings but can find I’m dealing with a more immediate issue or an opportunity that needs my attention. This can range from meeting a short deadline to bid for funds for a project or helping a colleague think through the next steps for their work. The charity and associated company employs around 40 staff and my role requires me to work across a wide range of disciplines from strategic management, financial planning and HR to wildlife conservation, community engagement and partnership negotiations. Do you make time for lunch? At lunch I take the opportunity to walk around the beautiful and wildlife rich, 200 acre farm which surrounds our offices. The heart of our office is a large farm house kitchen which is a great place to catch up with colleagues and hear about work on the ground. What are the best parts of work and why? The best part of the job is knowing that you’ve made a difference. Working for a charity is all about change for the better and getting great feedback from a
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volunteer or school that has taken part in one of our activities is a real buzz. However, the best part has to be going out and seeing our work on the ground. Last year we created new habitat for the very rare Natterjack Toad and just weeks later they were breeding in the new pools- build it and they will come! Any particular challenges? The main challenge is the constant need to secure funding. Funding our work is becoming increasingly difficult in times of austerity so we have to work hard to raise enough to keep going. What plans for the future? We want to increase our membership to enable us to do more for wildlife and people. Increasingly the health and wellbeing
benefits of nature are being recognised so our community engagement activities are expanding. We are working towards there being bigger, better and joined-up spaces for nature too by working at a landscape scale. Any special anecdotes? As I write this article, I can see dozens of birds visiting our wildlife garden and beyond that two foxes playing in the field beyond reminding me why I work in wildlife conservation. What is a typical evening? I own a smallholding so the first job when I get home is feeding livestock and then walking my dog. Sometimes I will take my laptop home to finish urgent work but generally I try to take a break in the evenings.
Top Tips
10
top tips for Fire and Safety Tracey Carter Business Safety Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue
Where does the Fire Safety Order apply? The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space, For example: • offices and shops • premises that provide care • community halls • common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) • pubs, clubs and restaurants • schools • tents and marquees • hotels and hostels • Factories and warehouses.
Do you run training courses on fire safety - for example use of extinguishers or how to complete a fire risk assessment? As a regulatory authority, we are not allowed to provide training or conduct risk assessments, as this could lead to a conflict of interest, we do however run seminars every year, please contact www.cheshirefire.gov.uk
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What exactly are my duties under the Fire Safety Order? You must: • plan, organise, control, monitor and review fire safety measures • eliminate or reduce risks • ensure premises are equipped with fire fighting equipment • ensure premises have fire detectors and alarms • ensure premises have safe emergency routes and exits • maintain fire safety equipment and devices • provide fire safety information to employees • provide fire safety training
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www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/businesssafety/your-responsibilities/ information-for-employers What are the main requirements of the Fire Safety Order? The Responsible Person is required to: • carry out or nominate someone to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards • consider who may be at risk • eliminate or reduce the risk from fire as far is it is reasonably practical and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk
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L to R Sandra Buckle, Sarah Marshall and Tracey Carter from Cheshire Fire and Rescue
• take additional measures where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored • create a plan to deal with any emergency and in most cases document your findings, and • Review the findings. Do I need a fire risk assessment? Yes. You must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire. To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions. You can download a risk assessment template from out website
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I have a shop/office/business. Can someone from the fire service come and check for fire safety? We can give advice on how to comply with your duties under the Fire Safety Order, however we cannot fulfil these duties on your behalf. It may be worth employing a Competent Person to conduct the risk assessment for you.
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Can you advise on the best place to purchase fire doors, extinguishers or other fire safety equipment? No. As a regulatory authority, we are not allowed to recommend or endorse any particular business or provider, but there are many companies who can supply this kind of equipment.
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I have a concern about a fire
http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/ business-safety/your-responsibilities/ fire-risk-assessment Do I need to test my fire alarm? You should test your alarm once per week, testing a different call point each time. The result of this test should be recorded. We have a free downloadable log book to record these findings see www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.
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Do I need Fire Extinguishers? You should look at the appropriate guide for your type of business premises and judge the appropriate type of extinguisher based upon the risks. In general though you should provide one fire extinguisher for every 200m2 with at least 2 per floor.
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risk in a business or flats 10 who do I tell?
Please contact Cheshire fire and rescue with as much information as you can, www.cheshirefire.gov.uk Tracey Carter Business Safety Manager for Cheshire Fire and Rescue said: the Business Safety Team are an advisory and educational team assisting businesses to understand their responsibilities to meet the fire safety order 2005. During 2017 the team will be visiting towns targeting the community with a range of initiatives including fire safety, arson reduction and business continuity etc. We will also be delivering seminars on a variety of subjects that could assist you, please check the website for details and to book a place, www.cheshirefire.gov.uk
For more information contact tracey.carter@cheshirefire.gov.uk
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
39
New Members 20Twenty, Bangor University
Jackie Whittaker Bangor Business School College Road, Bangor, Gwynedd LL55 2DG 01248 382569 j.whittaker@bangor.ac.uk 20twentybusinessgrowth.com
Antony Stagg Ltd
Antony Stagg Business Centre, Price Street, Birkenhead, Merseyside CH41 4JQ 07968 171081 antony@antonystagg.com www.antonystagg.com
Astbury Business Consulting Ian Meadows Chester, Cheshire 07787 404890 ian@astburybc.co.uk
Baileys and Partners Agency
Edmund Bailey Tyddyn Du, Llanbedr, Gwynedd LL45 2LR 01341 241700 enquiries@ baileysandpartners.co.uk www.baileysandpartners.co.uk
Bangor on Dee Racecourse
Jeannie Chantler Bangor-Is-Y-Coed, Bangor-on-Dee, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL13 0DA 01978 780323 mail@bangorondeeraces.co.uk www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk
Bella the Prosecco Van
Caroline Roberts Old Colwyn 01492 338545 info@eventsbycarolinelouise.com www.bellatheproseccovan.com
Blain Boland and Thomas Limited
Carl Marston 102 Whitby Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 0AB 0151 3552645 carl.marston@blainboland.co.uk www.blainboland.co.uk
Book at Bedtime
Peta Pendlebury Flintshire 01978 760867 books@bookatbedtime.org www.bookatbedtime.org
Broughton Shopping
Alan Barker Broughton, Chester Road, Broughton, Flintshire, Chester, Cheshire CH4 0DP 01244 534354 alan.barker@ broadgateestates.co.uk www.broughtonshopping.co.uk
By George Marketing
Chester Wood Flooring
Jo Banister Unit 29, Evans Business Centre, Minerva Avenue, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4QL 01244 389329 sales@chesterwoodflooring.co.uk www.chesterwoodflooring.co.uk
Clicky Media
Laura Hothersall Unit 3 and 4, St Johns Court, Vicars Lane, Chester Cheshire CH1 1QE 0800 2229300 laura.hothersall@clicky.co.uk www.clicky.co.uk
Ceri George Chester, Cheshire 07342 697677 cerigeorge@ bygeorgemarketing.co.uk www.bygeorgemarketing.co.uk
Cloud Markiting
Cheshire FA
Anna Openshaw 9 Wynnstay Road, Colwyn Bay, Gwynedd LL29 8NB 01492 588374 anna@colwynbid.co.uk www.colwynbid.co.uk
Stuart Manifould Hartford House, Moss Farm, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4BG 01606 871166 stuart.manifould@cheshirefa.com www.cheshirefa.com
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service Tracey Carter Sadler Road, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 2FQ 01606 868761 tracey.carter@ cheshirefire.gov.uk www.cheshirefire.gov.uk
Chester Arts Fair
Laura O’Hare 9 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2HU 01244 952020 laura@blackmango.co.uk www.cheshireartsfair.co.uk
Chester Cathedral
Anthony Willder 12 Abbey Square, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2HU 01244 324756 anthony.willder@ chestercathedral.com www.chestercathedral.com
Chester Racecourse
Stephanie Beedles The Racecourse, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2LY 01244 304600 enquiries@chester-races.com www.chester-races.co.uk
40 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Nicole Burrell Chester, Cheshire 07867 425402 nicole@cloudmarketing.co.uk
ColwynBID Ltd
Compare That Quote Ltd
Simon Hyde 29 Henblas Street, Wrexham, Wrexham, County Borough LL13 8AD 03332 412242 hello@comparethatquote.co.uk www.comparethatquote.co.uk
Crowne Plaza Chester
Donn Timmons Trinity Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2BD 0871 9429162 revenue@cpchester. valoreurope.com www.crowneplaza.com/chester
EPOS4U Cymru
Anna Openshaw Old Colwyn 07557 118154 anna@epos4u.cymru www.epos4u.cymru
Freedom ICT
Nick Smith Royal Standard House, 330 - 334 New, Chester Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside CH42 1LE 0845 6436323 nick.smith@freedom-ict.co.uk www.freedom-ict.co.uk
Hall Green Software Training Ltd
Ethna Norris The Old Stables, Hall Green, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 3AS 07946 096453 e.norris@hallgreensoftware training.co.uk www.hallgreensoftwaretraining. co.uk
Harland Consultancy Pat Harland Prenton 07984 177527 pat@pbconsult.co.uk www.thrivewithpat.com
Haywoods Property Management Ltd
Simon Hyde Hunters Walk, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4EB 01244 566433 hello@haywoods.co.uk www.haywoods.co.uk
Helping Reach Potential Ltd
Hector Riva-Palacio Conwy Business Centre, Junction Way, Llandudno Junction, Conwy LL31 9XX 01492 574524 hrp@helpingreachpotential.co.uk www.helpingreachpotential.co.uk
Heyland Recruitment Ltd
Dan Jones Holly House, Village Road, Christleton, Chester, Cheshire CH3 7AS 01244 335115 dan@heylandrecruitment.co.uk www.heylandrecruitment.co.uk
Hope House Childrens Hospice
Beverley Bradley, Nant Lane, Morda, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 9BX 01492 596581 beverley.bradley@tygobaith.org.uk www.hopehouse.org.uk
Horseradish
Marietta Reynolds The Racecourse, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2LY 01244 304660 enquiries@horseradishhospitality.com www.horseradish-hospitality.com
New Members iData Com Limited
James Wilson Vision House, Denbigh Road, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1FT 0844 8476766 info@idata.uk.com www.idata.uk.com
Inglewood Manor Hotel
Aled Humphreys Badgers Rake, Lane, Ledsham, Cheshire, CH66 8PF 0151 3395105 enquiries@ inglewoodmanor.co.uk www.inglewoodmanor.co.uk
Jackson Fire & Security Limited
Rachel Evans St Davids House, 6 Queens Lane, Bromfield Industrial Estate, Mold, Flintshire CH7 1JR 01352 755866 rachel.evans@jacksonfire.co.uk www.jacksonfire.co.uk
Kenneymoore
Marco Cable Management
Stephen Bradley Unit 8, Bryn Cefni Industrial Estate, Llangefni, Anglesey LL77 7XA 07867 339769 stephen.bradley@marcocm.com www.marcocm.com
Maths Of The Day
Jon Smedley Riverside Innovation centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1SL 01244 515556 jon@motd.org.uk www.mathsoftheday.org.uk
MCPC Systems (UK) Ltd
Charlotte Girow Ground Floor, Unit 1, Evans Way, Rowleys Park, Deeside, Flintshire CH5 1QJ 01244 846450 charlotte.girow@ mcpcsystems.co.uk www.mcpcsystems.co.uk
Natwest Business Banking North Wales
Tim Kenney 5 York Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 3LR 01244 345600 tim@kenneymoore.co.uk www.kenneymoore.co.uk
Andrea Brown 2nd Floor, Bryn Eirias, Colwyn Bay, Conwy County Borough LL29 8BY 07500 983621 andrea.brown@rbs.co.uk www.natwest.com
KSD Coach
NTG Training Ltd
Karen Diffey Llangollen 07957 164628 karen@ksdcoach.com www.ksdcoach.com
Llandudno Jazz Festival LLP Geoff Burke 10 Penrhyn Court, Abbey Road, Rhos on Sea, Conwy LL28 4NY 01492 547098 calonpr@gmail.com www.llandudnojazzfestival.com
Llanrhaeadr Springs Ltd
Harry Barker Stable Yard, Llanrhaeadr LL16 4NL 01745 775751 hello@springs-spa.co.uk www.springs-spa.co.uk
Lucid Capability Ltd
Margaret Murphy Chester, Cheshire 07446 179069 margaret@lucidcapability.com www.lucidcapability.com
Kellie Williams Mallard House, The Sidings, Boundary Lane, Saltney, Chester, Cheshire CH4 8RD 01244 678100 info@ntgtraining.co.uk www.ntgtraining.co.uk
Optimise OH Ltd Amanda Thomas Chester, Cheshire 07896 095004
Platts Animal Bedding
Caroline Thedens Parkleigh Offices, Miners Road, Llay Industrial Estate North, Llay, Wrexham, Wrexham County Borough LL12 0PJ 01978 854666 sales@plattsanimalbedding.co.uk www.plattsanimalbedding.co.uk
Purple Elephant Cleaning Service
Supertemps Ltd
Robert Rawlinson Ellesmere Port 0800 0445002 purpleelephantcleaning@ gmail.com Purpleelephant.com
Steve Griffiths Carlton House, 68 Conway Road, Colwyn Bay, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL29 7LD 01492 517602 stevegriffiths@supertemps.co.uk www.supertemps.co.uk
Ramboll
That Freelance Barista
Chris Rhodes 2nd Floor, The Exchange, Saint John Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1DA 01244 311855 chris.rhodes@ramboll.co.uk www.ramboll.co.uk
Harry Mercer Flintshire 07866 658622 harry@thatfreelancebarista.co.uk www.thatfreelancebarista.co.uk
The Language Guys Ltd
Alan Stones Chester, Cheshire 0845 4671909 sales@re-cheshire.co.uk www.re-cheshire.co.uk
Emma Woollard Riverside Innovation Centre, 1 Castle Drive, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1SL 01244 515527 ask@thelanguageguys.com www.thelanguageguys.com
Red Line Credit Control
Top Mark Uniforms
Recognition Express
David Harrington-Wright Red Line Credit Control Ltd, Unit 1, Old Port Square, Chester, Cheshire CH1 4JP 03330 118 394 info@redlinecreditcontrol.com www.redlinecreditcontrol.com
SAS Daniels LLP
Jeremy Orrell 35 White Friars, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1NZ 0161 475 7642 jeremy.orrell@sasdaniels.co.uk www.sasdaniels.co.uk
Seren
Julie Gagen Wrexham 07957 836059 juliecgagen@gmail.com
Ubuntu Wealth Management
Chauntelle Hope 25a High Street, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 5BY 01606 828650 chauntelle.hope@sjpp.co.uk www.ubuntuwealthmanagement .co.uk
Veeno Chester Ltd
Sian Williams
Sian Williams Wrexham 07716 223232 1sian.williams@gmail.com
Smiffys Chester
Neville Boyars 29-31 Bridge St, Chester, Cheshire CH1 1NW 01244 346251 sales@smiffysfancydressshop.co.uk www.smiffysfancydressshop.co.uk
Squeni Copywriting
Andrew McHugh The Link Block, Bryn Business Centre, Bryn Lane, Wrexham, Cheshire LL13 9UT 07976 055744 andrew@topmarkuniforms.co.uk www.topmarkuniforms.co.uk
Sara Arkle Wrexham 07843 348905 hello@squenicopywriting.com www.squenicopywriting.com
Ricky Heath 52 Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire CH1 2HA 01619 321413 Info@theveenocompany.com www.theveenocompany.com
VFDNET
David Griffiths Northwich 07342 699479 david.griffiths@vdfnet.com www.vfdnet.com
Vivid Virtual Reality
Toby Neisser Flintshire 07828 587914 info@spaceapevisuals.co.uk www.vividVR.co.uk
TOGETHER WE’RE WELL CONNECTED
41
What Feature I’m passionate about Your opportunity to get to know Chamber Board Director: Clare Schofield is Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management at the University of Chester. She has worked in higher education for more than sixteen years and is Professor of Enterprise. She joined the University of Chester in February 2015. I AM passionate about learning and the opportunity that learning creates in people and organisations to innovate, change and grow. My role at the University of Chester enables me to create an environment that enables students, staff and stakeholders to access the wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge that universities produce and curate.
I am passionate about making knowledge work and enabling students to gain real life experience whilst they study with us. We have several routes in our programmes, especially at undergraduate level, that allow students to undertake short and even year-long projects in businesses, gaining vital practical experience and enabling them to apply their theoretical knowledge into a practical environment.
I am passionate about the opportunity that learning creates in young people to view the world in a new light, to learn from the experiences of others and to challenge existing ways of thinking to generate new ideas. The University of Chester actively encourage their staff to learn and develop because their passion for learning is contagious. Many staff are involved in cutting edge research and challenging current thinking. They build and test theory and generate new knowledge and that process is very exciting for the students. We have a large community of learners that are studying part time whilst they work and we are experts in combining work and study. This is a community of learners that are keen to develop both personally and professionally and they are able to apply their learning into their work as they develop and progress.
42 West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce
Learning is not a straightforward process and is very challenging. We seek to create resilient, curious and lifelong learners that can grow and adapt throughout their lives to the changing economic, social and political climate and we encourage them to join our alumni community to develop the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
ONE OF THE REGION’S LEADING RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS... NOW MEETING YOUR HR RECRUITMENT NEEDS
Hi I’m Katie Fox, I am the newest member of the Heyland team and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am Divisional Manager for the newest arm of Heyland Recruitment, which will solely focus on the Recruitment of HR Professionals across Cheshire, North Wales, Lancashire and Merseyside. I have been recruiting for the last 11 years across the North West, Midlands and the East of England. This has positioned me well to ensure I have a good understanding of both the HR Function within large blue-chip organisations, SMEs and the public sector. My background includes working in partnership with organisations across Education, NHS, MOD, Local Authority, Manufacturing & Engineering, Retail and Logistics & Distribution. These are exciting times for both Heyland and myself and the development of Heyland HR will continue to build on the already excellent reputation and success of the Heyland teams both in Chester and Warrington. I am more than happy to discuss Heyland HR in further detail with you as well as any HR Recruitment requirements your organisation may have.
WHY HEYLAND HUMAN RESOURCES IS THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR YOU Heyland HR Specialise in recruiting for temporary and permanent positions across Cheshire, North Wales and Merseyside: • HR Administrator • HR Officer • HR Manager
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US The last 12 months have seen our Business grow significantly and in the process we have relocated to new purpose-built offices. During this time, we have worked closely with Heyland Recruitment in sourcing a number of new employees who have been a welcome addition to our team. I have always found Heyland Recruitment to be very efficient & professional, they have a very strong local presence and a good team of consultants. Lorraine Astbury – Head of HR & Performance Lime World
• HR Business Partner • HR Director • Internal Recruiter Heyland HR are focussed on supporting organisations with the ever-changing face of HR and as such are able to support your need for specialist HR Staff who have niche skill sets including
I have been dealing with Jo, Flora and Andy from Heyland Recruitment for some time. I have found them to be extremely professional and reactive to our recruitment needs and am happy to say that we have built a good working relationship. The team at Heyland has a good understanding of what we as a business need and how they can provide a quality service to us. I have no hesitation in recommending Heyland Recruitment to any candidate or client. Karen Warwick – HR Manager TI Automotive - Deeside
Diversity, Talent Acquisition, Social Media and Talent Analytics.
Chester Office
Warrington Office
Holly House, Christleton, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 7AS | 01244 335115
Dallam Court, Dallam Lane, Warrington, Cheshire, WA2 7LT | 01925 425952
katie@heylandrecruitment.co.uk www.heylandrecruitment.co.uk
Why take years to get those important qualifications?… Who are we? Neil Fuller Associates Ltd is a CIPS Centre of Excellence and has been delivering courses for 15 years. Our tutors are all fully qualified professionals with many years experience in procurement and course delivery. We pride ourselves on the quality of our courses and the service we provide to our students and for CIPS.
We can help!
Your success is our success September 2016 – July 2017 Weekend & weekday programme of study
Module Title
CODE
Modules for examination in November 2016 Negotiating & Contracting in P & S Managing Contracts & Relationships Category Management in P&S Improving Competitiveness of Supply Chains Corporate & Business Strategy Leadership in Procurement & Supply Strategic Supply Chain Management
D4 D5 AD4 AD3 PD2 PD1 PD3
Modules for examination in January 2017 Business Needs in Procurement Managing Risk in Supply Chains Supply Chain Diligence
D2 AD2 PD4
Modules for examination in March 2017 Sourcing In Procurement & Supply Operations Management in Supply Chains Legal Aspects in Procurement & Supply
D3 AD6 PD6
Modules for examination in May 2017 Contexts of Procurement & Supply Sustainability in Supply Chains Leadership in Procurement & Supply Strategic Supply Chain Management
D1 AD5 PD1 PD3
Modules for examination in July 2017 Negotiating and Contracting in P&S Management in Procurement & Supply Programme & Project Management
Training & Consultancy -
D4 AD1 PD5
Our success is your success
Where are we? Wirral Centre - Burleydam, Childer Thornton, South Wirral CH66 IQW
Our established training venue on the Wirral is based in Childer Thornton. This has easy access from all areas in the North West, Cheshire and North Wales by car and rail. There is a Premiere Inn and free parking on site. Liverpool Centre - 100 Old Hall Street, Liverpool L3 9QJ
We are delighted to announce the opening of our new city centre training venue in the heart of the business community in Liverpool. Leave the car at home. Travel by train and the venue is in the Plaza Building in St Peters Square opposite the Passport Office approximately 3/5 minute walk from the Old Hall Street exit of Moorfields underground station. Please contact us if you need more precise directions.
September 2016 – July 2017 Our timetable is structured to allow students to complete a level and move up to the next level within the same academic year. This considerably reduces the time it takes to complete all the elements and graduate MCIPS. Please apply to the address below to receive a copy of our 2016/2017 brochure and enrolment form.
We offer a wide range of training and consultancy opportunities tailored to your company’s requirements • One and two day training courses are offered at our Wirral venue throughout the year. Our most popular courses are: • Improving Negotiation Skills • Improving Buyer Performance • Developing Contracts • Contract and Commercial Law • An Introduction to Purchasing • Managing Contracts • We will come to you to deliver In-house training courses in all aspects of procurement specifically designed to meet your needs • Consultancy and Train the Trainer • We work in conjunction with you to implement the smooth running of procurement in the workplace including best practice and sustainability • Our vast client base is from both the Public and Private Sector and includes prestigious car manufacturers, NHS, The Fire Service and Utility Companies Woodslee Cottages, Cottages, Spital Wirral CH62 2BJ 55Woodslee SpitalRoad, Road,Bromborough, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 2BJ Tel:0151 0151334 3341366 1366 | Fax 0870 052 7721 | Email: neil@nfassociates.demon.co.uk || www.neilfuller.com Tel: | Fax 0870 052 7721 | Email: neil@nfassociates.demon.co.uk www.neilfuller.com