CONNECTED Magazine December 2014

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE

CAMBRIDGESHIRECHAMBER.CO.UK

N 26 DECEMBER 2014

PROMOTING AND REWARDING BUSINESS GROWTH IN THE UK Strong connections are key to generating success

THE OFFICIAL AWARD WINNING MONTHLY MAGAZINE

savills.co.uk

01223 347 000 01733 344 414

CONTENTS

Inside this issue

25

17

28

5

6-7

CONNECTIONS

8-9

INFLUENCE

10-11

KNOWLEDGE

12-13

GLOBAL REACH

14-15

NEW MEMBERS

STAMFORD Chamber News

17

18-19

cambridge & south cambs chamber news

ELY Chamber News

21

22-23

OUT & ABOUT

24-26

Peterborough chamber news

27

Chief Executive’s HIGHLIGHTS

27

FENLAND CHAMBER NEWS

28-29

HUNTINGDON CHAMBER NEWS

31

LEP FOCUS

33

Charity of the year

34-35

37

38-39

Sector FOCUS

40-41

events

42

Report from Ian Mackellar in the hotseat – NEIL DARWIN

ask the expert – COMMON TAX ISSUES

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WELCOME TO CONNECTED A warm welcome to the readers of CONNECTED

e m

o lc

e W

Graham Davis

www.dazzle.graphics

Peterborough B2B a great success.

In October we held the first Peterborough B2B exhibition at KingsGate Centre and it was very well attended with over 600 visitors on the day. A write-up and photographs from the event can be found on page 30.

We are fast approaching the festive season and we have a selection of events taking place to get you in the Christmas spirit including festive afternoon tea in Cambridge, a Business Women’s lunch in Peterborough and a Carol Service with our Charity of the Year, Peterborough Cathedral. All these events can be found on the event pages and we look forward to seeing you there.

There are also important dates relating to export documentation and our Christmas closure on page 12-13. If you are an exporter who uses our documentation service, please read the notice on the Global Reach pages and make a note of these important dates to avoid any delays with your export paperwork.

Do you follow us on Twitter?

Sadie Parr Editor, CONNECTED, s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

We regularly tweet Chamber news; follow us at @CambsChamber to be kept up to date with all the latest news.

DRIVING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE Chief Executive John Bridge OBE | Editor Sadie Parr | Creative Director Jillian Boys Publisher methodcreative.co.uk | Future Business Centre, King’s Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2HY | 01223 781220 | Print xlpress.co.uk Disclaimer Views expressed in CONNECTED are not necessarily those of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce.

Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions.

The editor reserves the right to make amendments without notification.

Membership Development Officer Peter Watts 07545 697799 or Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 Cambridge Enterprise House, The Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9ZR. Tel 01223 237414 Peterborough 6 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT. Tel 01733 370809 Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk | www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

@CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

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CONNECTED DECEMBER 2014

Contributing this month...

Owner of a design company for print, web and tablet.

Ian MacKellar

MacKellar Consulting A freelance journalist with a background as business editor for a local newspaper.

Oliver Hall

Method Creative Junior editor and copywriter working for a local creative agency.

Our editorial panel: We would also like to thank Chamber committee members responsible for shaping the key topics this month and researching these features to better serve the readers of CONNECTED in this edition.

Advertise in CONNECTED and reach more than 7000 potential customers every month!

Contact the Method team on 01223 781220 or email connected@methodcreative.co.uk

Prices start from as little as £190

Image credit: H unts Post

MEMBER SUCCESS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE!

FORWARD COMPOSITES RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS

This month it was my great pleasure to celebrate the success of two of our member companies in the regional finals of this year’s Chamber Awards.

Announcing the Regional Winners Forward Composites, a manufacturer of aerospace and automotive components based in Huntingdon, was named the East of England’s Manufacturer of the Year, while Managing Director Paul Jackson was recognised as the region’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Larkfleet Group, a sustainable property developer based in Bourne, also found success as winners of the Sustainability Award. We are delighted to say that both companies are now in the running for the national titles, with the winners due to be announced at an awards ceremony in London at the end of November.

Exceptional and Inspirational

Image credit: Martin Bird

The national Chamber Awards, co-ordinated by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), are designed to showcase the pivotal role local businesses play in the UK’s continuing growth story and few other companies reflect that locally as much as both Larkfleet Group and Forward Composites. Both companies have demonstrated exceptional aptitude for identifying new opportunities and promoting the use of new technologies within their business, and Paul Jackson is an inspirational businessman who secured the future of a company and many local jobs that would otherwise have been lost.

JOHN BRIDGE PRESENTS HELEN JONES, MARKETING MANAGER AT LARKFLEET, WITH THEIR AWARD AT THE PETERBOROUGH B2B

It was a great pleasure to speak personally to both companies to congratulate them on their ongoing success and the recognition the awards will generate and we are particularly delighted that both companies choose to continue to be active members of the Chamber network. n

John Bridge OBE DL Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

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Connections We provide Chamber members with constant opportunities to widen their network of business contacts – building connections, creating opportunities and maximising the benefits of being part of Cambridgeshire’s most vibrant business network.

GET CONNECTED There are lots of ways to connect with other Chamber members. At events, on social media... you could even pick up the phone after reading their interview right here in CONNECTED. This month we meet Sara Collins, business owner of Harnessing Creativity and Chair of the Chambers’ Business Women’s Sector

WHAT DO YOU DO IN BUSINESS?

WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS FOR RUNNING OR WORKING IN A BUSINESS?

I run my own Personal Development business called Harnessing Creativity, working creatively with individuals, businesses and the education sector to help develop and fulfil potential.

. Accept that you cannot be good at everything. Some 1 things are best left to those who have passion and skill in those areas. Leaving you time to get on with what you are good at.

2. Keep learning, remain open to new ideas and options.

Think outside of the box do not let it constrict you.

3. Do not under-estimate the power of connections and networks. Keeping building rapport with new connections and maintain the link with established contacts. People do business with people.

WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND?

I have horses and dogs that both require considerable physical input which keeps me fit and is beautifully relaxing. If I am not outdoors then you will find me writing poetry or creating pieces of art.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE BOOK AND WHY?

WHAT VALUE DO YOU GET FROM BEING A CHAMBER MEMBER? huge benefit in terms of support, networking A opportunities, thought provoking discussions and as Chair of the Women’s Sector, a real say and input into the events and opportunities for other women members.

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CONNECTED DECEMBER 2014

It has to be Lord of the Rings. It was the first really long book I read as a child and the thought of it whisks me back to reading under the covers by torchlight and being entranced by the sheer enormity of the magical adventure.

CONNECTIONS

HALF PRICE ADVERTISING FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS EACH month a copy of CONNECTED is posted to every Chamber member company, tweeted to all followers, sent electronically to thousands of individual contacts within those member companies, delivered to business hubs across the county and uploaded to the Chamber website where it can be downloaded free of charge.

By combining traditional print and online distribution, CONNECTED enjoys an unrivalled position as the voice of local business and is a platform for a diverse spectrum of businesses to generate new opportunities.

Advertising in the official Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce magazine CONNECTED is a great way to ensure exposure to your peers, your prospective clients and also your competitors. Rates are half price for Chamber members, which is another reason to utilise this respected and well-regarded publication as a key marketing tool. The Chamber connects with more than 7000 business people in the broader community each month, promoting CONNECTED and the benefits of being part of your network. To advertise in CONNECTED contact connected@methodcreative.co.uk or call 01223 781220. n

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN CONNECTED

CHAMBER PRIMARY HEALTH PLAN FROM WESTFIELD HEALTH ONE way to maximise the benefits of being part of the Chamber network is to link-up with national companies providing business services at exclusive rates to Chamber members.

One of these is the Chamber Primary Health Plan from Westfield Health which has been developed in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce.

With four levels of cover to choose from, the Chamber Primary Health Plan provides a valuable and affordable employee benefit, and can complement PMI cover. You can even add the ‘cherry on top’ by providing your employees with Westfield Health’s groundbreaking Surgery Choices and For Kids added value modules – whatever suits.

For more information on this plan please contact the membership team or refer to the benefits section on the Chamber website. n

Starting at just £1.10 per employee, per week, your employees will benefit from: ✓ 1 00% reimbursement, up to set limits, towards the cost of essential healthcare and preventative treatment ✓ 1 2 valuable healthcare benefits and services ✓ F ull EAP including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ✓S tand alone diagnosic scanning service ✓P ersonal Health Risk Assessments - based on a unique Q-ScoreTM ✓D octorLineTM - worldwide, 24 hour telephone access to a team of practising GPs ✓S pecial rates at health and fitness clubs around the UK ✓P ersonal Accident cover.

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Influence As a Chamber member you have the power to influence key decision makers and play a leading role in tackling the issues that are preventing your business from reaching its potential, while an experienced team of lobbyists represents your interests in Whitehall.

BUSINESSES ASKED TO HELP IDENTIFY GROWTH BARRIERS

DAVID BALL

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A GROUP of business leaders is asking the business community to identify and share the key issues that are impeding growth in the area and prioritise the schemes of work necessary to remedy them.

The Infrastructure and Transport Group, chaired by David Ball of the David Ball Group, comprises companies that recognise a need for enhanced infrastructure and transport provisions to realise future growth.

It’s the first major opportunity for the wider business community to contribute to the group, which is being co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. The group has made a commitment to support the work of the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership covering the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough local authority areas by establishing the key business priorities across the area and lobbying for real progress.

John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “This exceptional group of business people has

come together because they recognise that Cambridgeshire needs a plan going forward, and that plan needs to be both cohesive and deliverable. We are delighted to be in a position to facilitate this vital role as some of the county’s most influential businesses work hard to establish the individual schemes most crucial to economic growth and present their proposals to decisionmakers both locally and nationally.”

The group has already identified six key areas for investment including road connectivity, rail connectivity, international connectivity, digital connectivity, housing supply and energy and water supply. Now local businesses are being asked to put forward their suggestions of the individual schemes they believe would unlock future economic growth.

To have your say and identify the specific schemes you believe would bring out the potential in our local economy, please submit your contribution online at www.surveymonkey.com/s/8JGJDZB n

INFLUENCE

Bridging the Education/Business Divide BUSINESSES frequently tell us they have difficulty recruiting people with the skills, aptitudes and attitudes they need. They also tell us that too often young people lack world of work experience and a can-do attitude. A shift is required to make education as much about employability as about academic achievement.

One way to bridge the gap between what businesses require and what education supplies is for education and employers to engage with each other. Research demonstrates that the more employer engagement activities young people are exposed to the better their success in the workplace.

If education understands and listens to the needs of local business and actively promotes enterprise and entrepreneurship it will be better placed to impart the skills and qualities needed to grow the economy and to deliver local prosperity.

PRIMARY STEPS TO WORK TEAM IN HINCHINGBROOKE SCHOOL LIBRARY

Photo by the Hunts Post

Bridging the education/business divide will plug skills shortages and create sustainable economic growth. If the labour force possess the right skills and the confidence to embrace new technology and global competition the whole country will benefit.

Further Education colleges are ideally placed to take up the challenge as they are the traditional leaders in vocational education and training. Technological change and global markets have brought about rapid change in the work place and colleges need to be turning out people with the skills and adaptability businesses need now and in the future.

Further Education colleges are ideally placed to take up the challenge Schools can help by building relationships with local employers.

Projects like ‘Primary Steps to Work’ offer primary school children the opportunity to visit local businesses and to get to know enthusiastic and inspirational employees capable of motivating them to achieve in school and succeed in the workplace.

This pilot project sees Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce join forces with Hinchingbrooke School and three local primary schools to identify 20 business motivators who will go into the schools and talk to the children. They will tell the children about their jobs and demonstrate how they use skills they learned in school, in their work.

Experts believe that children who engage with businesses three or more times during their education are 85 per cent more likely to achieve success in the world of work. n

MEMBERS ARE URGED TO SPARE A FEW MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE LATEST QES YOU HAVE UNTIL MONDAY 1 DECEMBER TO COMPLETE THE LATEST QUARTERLY ECONOMIC SURVEY. CO-ORDINATED by the British Chambers of Commerce, the results of the survey are presented to politicians and policy-makers to reflect the expectations and concerns of businesses across the UK. It is one of the most highly-regarded barometers of business opinion, and thousands of companies contribute each quarter.

Please take a few moments to answer the 10 very simple multiple-choice questions. It’s a great opportunity to ensure your views are represented both locally and nationally. To complete the survey online please visit www.britishchambers.org.uk/qes and enter Chamber ID 72. n

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Knowledge Chamber membership provides access to key information, expert advice and legal protection, enabling you to stay informed, legally compliant and free to focus on what you do best - building your business.

Grow Your Business Through People

EFFECTIVE SALES CULTURE AND SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS HAVING an effective sales culture and how to successfully negotiate are two topics being delivered at this forthcoming Sales event organised by the Chambers’ Communications Sector on Tuesday 2 December.

GROW your Business through People is a brand which has been developed by the Chambers’ Learning and Skills Sector.

Taking place in Huntingdonshire, this interactive workshop will enable you to decide what you need to do to grow your business and to find out what help, advice and training is available to help you.

Further details will be announced in due course, but for the time being SAVE THE DATE! Tuesday 27 January 2015 8.15am-12.00pm West Anglia Training Association, Huntingdon. n

This workshop comes in two parts: 1. Supercharge your Sales will look at the vital importance of creating and maintaining an effective sales culture in order to take best advantage of every sales opportunity, customer retention and improve financial performance. Delivered by Simon Atack, Managing Director of Ace Tech Training and Business Development Ltd 2. Negotiating to Win will provide key information and techniques to enable you to become more successful with negotiating your sales. Delivered by Andy Collings, Managing Director of Improve Business Performance Ltd Further details and how to book can be found on the events pages 40-41 or check the details on the Chamber website. n

FREE ADVICE FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS AS a Chamber member you can receive free advice from our 24/7 legal helpline and HR advice line.

KEEP THESE USEFUL NUMBERS TO HAND: Chamber Legal Advice Line 0871 423 5239 for advice on Employment, Health & Safety, Tax and VAT, Data Protection, Property, Contractual, Debt Recovery and other related matters.

Chamber HR Advice Line 01455 852037 manned by specialist HR advisors offering advice and guidance, unlimited calls, available 24/7, 365 days a year.

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KNOWLEDGE

Grants4Growth – GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR SME’S DEYTON BELL is proud to have partnered with Grants4Growth and is acting as broker to help Cambridgeshire SME’s explore this important opportunity and make grant applications. We are helping businesses who are considering a project to enable them to grow, become more efficient or improve their processes or production methods.

The European Funded Grants4Growth programme is an £11m ERDF project delivered through Local Enterprise Partnerships and it provides capital and revenue grants to eligible SME’s. Typical project costs are £5,000-£25,000, but larger projects can be supported too, so if you are considering a purchase or project, please do make contact with us.

We hope that some of the grants still available can be awarded to fellow Chamber of Commerce members, but time is limited.

Please visit the Grants4Growth website for more details: www. grants4growth.org.uk or contact cambs@grants4growth.org.uk or 01362 656235, to find out if you are eligible. n

LEGAL EXPENSES INSURANCE PROTECTION AS A MEMBER you benefit from free legal expenses insurance to protect you from unexpected legal fees and financial penalties. The essential benefit is part of your membership and includes access to a 24/7 legal advice service.

Provided by Composite Legal Expenses, your business benefits from £670,000 worth of cover.

Any business fortunate enough not to have been embroiled in a legal dispute can count themselves lucky. No matter how well you plan and manage your business, you never know when you are going to face unexpected, expensive legal and professional fees.

In addition to the many employment related disputes, businesses can find themselves having to defend Inland Revenue investigations and HSE prosecutions. Your business could also find itself involved in legal disputes relating to its property or with a Landlord.

Your business has access to up to £65,000 worth of professional fees. For the full list of what this covers, please refer to the benefits section of the Chamber website. n

Free Chamber HR for every member

THIS invaluable member benefit ensures that all members of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce have access to compliant documentation, including contracts of employment, employee handbooks and health and safety policies.

With your Chamber membership you have access to a practical and easy to follow online reference manual in employment law and human resource. The website has a bank of hundreds of documents which can be downloaded, edited, saved in your ‘My Account’ or in your own filing system.

You can download the documents as many times as you need and this is all for FREE! For instance: • Do you need a Contract of Employment template?

• Do you need policies to add to your Employee Handbook?

• Do you need to know how to deal with a disciplinary?

To access the online document library simply login to the Chamber HR website using your Chamber HR username and password – http://chamber.cambs.qdosconsulting.com/qed/home If you can’t remember your unique login details, simply call the membership team on 01223 237414. n

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Global Reach

We’re your gateway to international trade, providing a unique combination of expert knowledge, essential documentation and the business connections needed to capitalise on new market opportunities overseas and succeed in a global marketplace.

IMPORTANT

DATES FOR THE CHRISTMAS BREAK THE CHAMBER will close for the Christmas break at lunchtime on Wednesday 24 December and re-open at 9.00am on Friday 2 January.

During the closure, documents submitted electronically will be processed on Tuesday 30 December from 10.00am-2.00pm and on Wednesday 31 December from 9.00am-12.00pm. Please ensure you upload all supporting paperwork to enable us to process these applications.

The last date for submitting consular documentation is 12.00 noon on Friday 19 December, documents submitted after this time will not be processed until Friday 2 January. n

INTERNATIONAL TRADE TRAINING COURSES FORTHCOMING COURSES: Processing Reliefs: Inward and Outward (IPR and OPR) Monday 1 December Agents and Distributors Monday 8 December TIME 9.15am-5.00pm LOCATION Future Business Centre, King’s Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2HY PRICE £250.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £300.00 (plus VAT) non-members

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CHAMBER training courses are designed to provide the knowledge to assist with your international trade activities and you will receive detailed notes to takeaway to build up a toolkit of reference information.

The rolling programme of courses culminate in the nationally-recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.

Full details of all our training courses can be found on the Chamber website but if you’d like any further information please contact Karen Dawson, Events & Training Co-ordinator, on 01223 209808. n

IRAQ UPDATE FEE CHANGE WE have been informed by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq that the legalisation fee for the Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice has increased to:

£105.00 per document.

GLOBAL REACH

CAMBRIDGESHIRE EXPORT CLUB THIS informal networking evening is ideal for exporters and those considering it.

A place to share best practice, learn about relevant international trade support activities and discuss your problems with a group who understand the environment you’re dealing with. Everyone involved in export, or considering it, will benefit from participation!

These events take place on the last Tuesday of each month excluding December. Look out for details in the next edition of CONNECTED. n

ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT PROCESSING EXPORTERS can save time and money when exporting goods outside the UK by using ExportCert, the Chambers’ online application process for completing European Certificates of Origin, Arab Certificates of Origin for both certification and legalisation, EUR1s and A.TRs. Many applications are currently approved within an hour of being submitted, and with simple screens and online applications that look just like the real thing, submission can be made in minutes. There is also the facility for users to attach additional documents in support of their application, while other documents can also have signatures attested.

Chamber members also receive discounts on documentation processing costs. To find out more please contact the Export Team on 01223 237414 or visit ExportCert.co.uk n

Strong growth in export markets DOMINO’S new 4050 sq. ft facility is located at Manesar, a leading business hub in the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.

Built to green building design specifications, it will house manufacturing for printers and fluids, as well as an integrated warehouse and billing centre. It replaces Domino’s existing facility in India which is currently located in two separate units 25km apart.

The factory, which has taken three years to construct, was officially opened by Nigel Bond, Domino Group Managing Director at the end of October. In addition to cutting a ribbon at the opening ceremony, a coconut was also cracked which is an Indian custom to bring health and success.

This development builds on Domino’s success in India to date, where it has been market leader since its entry in 1996. It will also bring operational efficiency and simplification of business processes which will benefit Domino customers, as well as providing capacity for the growing business.

The new facility will have a team of 35 Domino employees comprising Fluids Plant Manager, Printer Plant Manager, Logistics Manager and their teams. Three new roles will also be created.

Nigel Bond said: “I am delighted to officially open our new factory in India which underlines our commitment to maintaining our market-leading position here and growing the business.

“The decision to build an environmentally-sustainable factory is in line with our commitment to continually improve our environmental performance. One of the biggest single benefits of the green building design is the significant efficiency improvement in energy consumption. It has been specifically designed so that the building will have ample natural light in all work areas and won’t need lights on during the daytime.” n

NIGEL BOND WITH THE TEAM AT DOMINO INDIA

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NEW MEMBERS Would you like to become a Chamber member?

Get in touch today and find out the many benefits. tel: 01223 237414 email: enquiries@cambscci.co.uk

A round-up of the new members that have joined the Chamber in the past month

VAL-TECH SOLUTIONS LIMITED NEW MEMBERS THIS MONTH

www.val-techsolutions.co.uk Val-Tech Solutions are a mobile valeting company, whatever your requirements are whether just a wash or a full valet. They have over 40 years experience and are a member of the (IMI) Motor Industry, accredited trainer/valeter and our fully insured with own water and electric.

CORKERS CRISPS LTD EVANS HR CONSULTANCY LTD FIRST AID CONFIDENCE HELENA G ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHER INDEPENDENT ARCHAEOLOGY CONSULTANTS

MINIMISE ENERGY www.minimiseenergy.com Minimise Energy offer a range of innovative, energy saving technologies, products and services to reduce your energy consumption and improve your profitability. From the very latest in LED lighting to revolutionary power and control and real-time energy monitoring systems, our bespoke solutions deliver substantial savings and speedy ROI.

LEAD FORENSICS MINIMISE ENERGY LTD RED DOT EVENTS LTD UNIGLOBE PRESTIGE TRAVEL VAL-TECH SOLUTIONS LTD WORKING WITH WORDS LTD

INDEPENDENT ARCHAEOLOGY CONSULTANTS www.independentarchaeology.co.uk Independent Archaeology Consultants was founded in Peterborough in 2014. They are a team of experienced archaeologists with more than 20 years of experience from commercial archaeology linked to the construction industry.

WWW.DAZZLE.GRAPHICS www.dazzle.graphics Effective graphic design is essential for any business to communicate with its customers whether by web, print or mobile device. Creativity and practicality blended with more than 20 years experience is what we offer. Twitter @Design4Cambs. Check out our latest project; branding and website for Cambridge Paralympian Georgie Bullen’s new business venture www.team-insight.co.uk.

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HELENA G ANDERSON MA(RCA) – PHOTOGRAPHER www.helena-g-anderson.com ‘...professional, friendly, approachable.’ Tony Wheeler – R Costings.

Helena covers various areas of professional photography – both personal and commercial – ranging from portraits and ‘day in the life of..’ to products and interiors. Good profile images and photographs of offices and products are an investment for any business.

NEW MEMBERS

BUILDING BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN YOUR AREA

5% STAMFORD

Fenland 4%

✓ Promote Your Business Ely 4%

30% peterborough

✓ Protect Your Company ✓ Get Involved ✓ Succeed Internationally ✓ Reduce Business Costs

15% Huntingdonshire Cambridge & South Cambs 35%

7% Other 01223 237414

www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

FIRST AID CONFIDENCE www.firstaidconfidence.co.uk

RACHAEL WARD LTD www.rachaelward.com Rachael Ward Ltd help companies protect their business names, product names, logos and packaging through trade mark registration. This essential brand protection also adds value to your business. Rachael Ward is a small but highly experienced firm working to exacting standards and they pride themselves on providing exceptional client care.

Carla Sowinski is a qualified first aid instructor and also an Emergency Medical Technician, which is a qualification that she obtained whilst working within the ambulance service. Carla can provide many first aid courses including emergency first aid at work, first aid at work, paediatric first aid and defibrillation courses in addition to many other bespoke first aid courses. Carla can also deliver health and safety, fire safety, food hygiene and safer moving and positioning of people courses and offers many other work based online courses.

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ces n ie r e p x e r o outdo e k o p s e b g Offerin eam t r e g n o r t s ild a u b lp e h t a h t iness. s u b r u o y hin dynamic wit

day! o t e r u t n e v d your a t r ta s d n a 80466 7 4 5 9 1 0 n o ll Give us a ca enture Stepout4adv

@StepOut4A

STAMFORD CHAMBER NEWS

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

A round-up of news and events from across Stamford

Ely Chamber of Commerce

IN BRIEF DECEMBER 2014 FLOWER COMPOSITIONS EXHIBITION Nisha Keshav Photography exhibited at the Stamford Arts Centre from 20 October – 30 November.

The exhibition was photography of flower compositions inspired by stained glass windows for their vibrancy, intensity and fluidity of colours.

NEW COLLEGE VISIT: NICK BOLES AND PRINCIPAL APRIL CARROL ON NICK’S VISIT TO NEW COLLEGE STAMFORD

MINISTER OF STATE FOR SKILLS AND EQUALITIES VISITS NEW COLLEGE STAMFORD NICK BOLES MP, Minister of State for Skills and Equalities and Conservative MP for Grantham and Stamford, visited New College Stamford and met with staff and students to find out more about the College and its exciting plans for the future.

The MP visited the College with his Senior Case Worker Mrs Andrea Webster, and was welcomed by Principal April Carrol, Chair of Corporation Pat Terrey, and Public Services student Jem Ahmet, whom had recently completed work experience alongside Mr Boles at the Houses of Common this summer.

Mr Boles was guided to the College’s extensive Catering and Hospitality facilities before taking a seat in the College’s newly refurbished Gallery Restaurant where he enjoyed a delectable fine dining meal, expertly prepared and presented by the College’s Professional Cookery students.

Mr Boles said: “My visit gave me the chance to see the brilliant opportunities provided by our local high achieving College. It was great to see New College

Stamford is committed to developing the skills and knowledge required for economic stability, both locally and regionally. I was impressed by, and fully support New College Stamford’s strategic plans to engage with employers to develop apprenticeships and employability skills for its students. It’s a fantastic asset to the area.”

As the minister responsible for further education governance, skills, vocational qualifications and apprenticeships, his visit was an important opportunity to showcase how New College Stamford is raising standards and improving outcomes for the community, our business and of course individuals hoping to build a better future.

Principal April Carrol said: “We are delighted our commitment in providing high quality vocational education has been recognised with this visit from one of the most senior national figures in education and skills policy, and are thrilled to have his support in our plans to develop opportunities for growth in our region.” n

NISHA’S FLOWER COMPOSITION

PEDAL POWER BRINGS IN CASH FOR RYAN’S FOUNDATION Two keen Duncan & Toplis cyclists have totted up the takings from their marathon cycle ride and almost doubled their initial fund-raising target.

Oli Phillips and Sam Mosedale cycled over 200 miles in two days visiting all 10 Duncan & Toplis offices, and have now presented £3,752 to the Ryan Smith Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of cycle safety and the importance of wearing a helmet.

Oli Phillips said: “It’s been a great experience and very rewarding. The Riding for Ryan Challenge was hard work but well worth it and we’re already looking forward to the next one!”

In total they have raised £5,252 for the Ryan Smith Foundation this year after their annual golf day raised £1,500.

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CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge & South Cambs

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Cambridge & South Cambs Chamber of Commerce

HEWITSONS APPOINT COLIN JONES AS NEW MANAGING PARTNER

IN BRIEF DECEMBER 2014 SILVER AWARD FOR MADINGLEY HALL Madingley Hall won a Silver Award at the University of Cambridge Catering Managers Committee (CMC) Environmental Awards held in October.

The Awards help to promote environmental and ethical awareness across Cambridge College catering departments, encouraging more sustainable activities and improving the environmental impact of catering provisions.

Madinlgey Hall won a Bronze Award in 2013 so this improvement shows a real commitment to environmental and ethical issues from the Catering Team and across the whole Operation.

JOHN DIX, COLIN JONES AND CHARLES HEWITSON

LEADING law firm Hewitsons LLP has announced the appointment of Colin Jones as its new Managing Partner following the decision of John Dix to step down after 10 years.

Colin Jones’ new position as Managing Partner has been established as part of a Management Board to enable him to continue his work as a construction law specialist. As a long term partner at Hewitsons, Colin Jones has been instrumental in contributing to the growth of the firm’s client base and specialisms, including real estate, education, renewable energy and procurement.

Speaking of the new appointment, the departing Managing Partner John Dix said: “Colin is an exceptional member of

the Hewitsons team and has contributed comprehensively to many aspects of the firm’s growth. His drive for developing the business, along with his experience on the board, means he’s perfectly placed to take the firm forward.”

Colin Jones said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to take on the mantle from John who leaves us with a firm foundation for taking Hewitsons forward. We are in a position to work with clients from bases across the central region of the UK and in London too and via our international network of law firms which now covers 27 countries in Europe, the Americas, Australia and the Far East. My partners and I are looking forward to continuing John’s excellent work in driving the firm’s development and growth.” n

INTRODUCING A 100% TONER RECYCLING SCHEME WITH almost half a billion empty toner cartridges going to landfill each year, Cambridge-based reprographics and print solutions company, Automated Systems Ltd (ASL) are helping customers reduce their carbon footprint by introducing a toner recycling scheme.

ASL has recently been awarded with ISO 14001, the Environmental Management International Standard for their strategy for reducing environmental waste and their carbon footprint. This includes replacing its entire engineer fleet with low CO2 vehicles, recycling all its cardboard and only dealing

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with ISO 14001 accredited manufacturers.

The toner recycling programme, called the ‘ASL Green Cartridge Scheme’ helps customers also play their part in protecting the environment.

According to ASL’s Managing Director, Mark Garius: “We were looking to avoid the ‘six different bins’ syndrome that causes friction in the treatment of waste recycling.

Each manufacturer had different or sometimes non-existent recycling schemes.

Our goal was to have one simple solution that deals with all cartridges, regardless of the machine they come from and, most

importantly, costs the customer nothing to implement. We have that solution – the ‘ASL Green Cartridge Scheme’.” n

ASL RECYCLING BIN

CAMBRIDGE & SOUTH CAMBS CHAMBER NEWS

VEHICLE REPAIR BUSINESS APPOINTS APPRENTICE ROBERT J BARNES Vehicle Repairer of Great Wilbraham appoints its first ever apprentice and joins a growing team of repair professionals.

Sixteen year old Scarlett Petty has become the first ever apprentice to be employed by this growing vehicle repair business.

Scarlett, who’s family is in the automotive business, said: “Cars have been a part of my life and this is something I have always wanted to do, my ultimate aim is to focus on body repair but at the moment I am enjoying being involved in all of the vehicle repair process so that I gain knowledge of every aspect.”

Scarlett who attends Bedford College one day per week studying for her NVQ level 2 Panel qualifications, also enjoys playing hockey and football but has given up racing stock cars and now prefers just to watch.

Her supervisor Senior Technician Chris Thexton, himself a former apprentice, added: “Scarlett is enthusiastic and very willing to learn.” He looks forward to seeing her complete the three year course.

Operations Director Matthew Cooper said that helping people fulfil their ambitions is part of their responsibility as an employer and Scarlett will be a growing asset and complements the experienced team of 11 staff. n

SCARLETT ENJOYING HER JOB UNDER THE WATCHFUL EYE OF SENIOR TECHNICIAN CHRIS THEXTON

HELPING TO SOLVE HOUSING SHORTAGE A SEMINAR to explore how we can tackle the UK’s housing shortage was recently held at Botanic House, organised by Bidwells, in association with Mills & Reeve and Landmark Chambers.

Attendees heard presentations by Mike Derbyshire, Head of Planning at Bidwells, Sasha White, QC from Landmark Chambers and Beverley Firth, Planning Partner at Mils & Reeve.

The event marked the launch of Bidwells’ latest Perspectives on Planning research which focuses on the acute need for housing and identifies the barriers that may be preventing its delivery.

Mike Derbyshire emphasised to the audience that the UK needs a combination of strategies to tackle the problem, including implementing the ‘locally-led Garden Cities Initiative’, maximising the potential of the rapidly growing Private Rented Sector (PRS) and looking at the release of publicly owned brownfield land for development.

A detailed update on the latest legal planning decisions of 2014 and how they can impact on planners was given by Sasha White. Beverley Firth looked at the traditional approach to Section 106 agreements and showed how a more enlightened view can facilitate development.

Mike Derbyshire said: “Now six months on from the introduction of the National Planning Practice Guidance, this seminar focused on setting out the strategy to meet the housing shortfall. Over the last 12 months there were only 112,000 housing completions in England, versus a requirement of 250,000 homes and no single strategy will solve this.

With a growing percentage of households in Private Rented Accommodation, there is a clear need to recognise the role that this can play in overall housing provision. However with a General Election only months away, any radical developments are unlikely to be implemented if they put votes at risk.” n

HOW BUSINESSES CAN STEAL A MARCH ON COMPETITORS CAMBRIDGE property experts Januarys are urging budget conscious companies struggling to pay steep city rents to consider a move to The Fens.

Januarys’ latest research figures indicate that rental prices per square foot are up to half the price in March, when compared to Cambridge. DIrector Will Rooke said: “The commercial market in our region as a whole is short of new Grade A space, but affordable and high quality space is available in towns like March. There’s also the opportunity to buy your own property and be your own landlord, which isn’t an option for many businesses in Cambridge.”

March has its own business district which contains warehouses, industrial units and offices. Januarys is currently marketing a prelet and spec build development scheme in Arthur Park, on behalf of expanding design and construction company FPP Facades. n

TACKLING THE HOUSING CRISIS, SPEAKERS LEFT TO RIGHT: SASHA WHITE, QC, LANDMARK CHAMBERS; MIKE DERBYSHIRE, HEAD OF PLANNING, BIDWELLS AND BEVERLEY FIRTH, PLANNING PARTNER, MILLS & REEVE.

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We know what works well together Connecting businesses and commercial property

ELY CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Ely

IN BRIEF DECEMBER 2014 JDR WINS HYBRID POWER STEEL UMBILICAL FOR NORTH SEA JDR has won a contract for the design and manufacture of a hybrid power steel umbilical from Wintershall Noordzee B.V. This umbilical will be deployed to the Ravn field development in the North Sea. JDR’s scope of work includes delivery of an 18.2km umbilical which will provide power and control; connecting a new platform to an existing platform for longterm well testing off the Danish coast.

Aditionally, JDR will provide the subsea hardware as well as life-cycle support through their Global Service division.

The umbilical will be manufactured and loaded out at JDR’s deep-water, quayside Hartlepool facility and will be delivered to the Ravn field in the North Sea. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2015. n

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Ely Chamber of Commerce

EAST CAMBS CAREERS AND SKILLS EVENT LABOUR-TECH Recruitment Ltd were delighted to be invited to the careers and skills event which was organised

by Nikki Pritchett, the Work Related Learning and Enterprise Co-ordinator for Ely College.

The event was attended by Ely College plus sixth form students, Witchford Village College, Soham Village College and Bottisham Village College. In total over 200 year 11 students attended the event.

The school visits were staggered between 9.00am-2.00pm and the purpose of the day was to allow year 11 students to engage with a range of local businesses with a view to discussing potential career opportunities at a later date.

Steve Copeland commented: “The event was a great success and Labour-tech will certainly be involved again next year.” n

MAYOR OF ELY, LIS EVERY (CENTRE), WITH STEVE COPELAND AND ERIKA KUZMAUSKAITE OF LABOUR-TECH

MILLROSE TELECOM AND 360COMS HEAD FOR THE HORIZON MILLROSE Telecom has formed a strategic partnership with business communication providers, 360Coms, to install their Horizon telephone system and provide structured cabling solutions to customers across the UK. St Ives based 360Coms specialise in telecommunication packages to businesses including mobiles, cloud technology, broadband and office landlines.

Horizon is a cloud based business telephone system accessed via an easyto-use web portal providing a reliable service with remote access support suitable for any sized business, from single to multiple sites.

Millrose Telecom, based in Ely, will be working with 360Coms to programme and install Horizon systems at customer premises across the country.

Keith Evans, Owner of Millrose Telecom, said: “We are very pleased to be working alongside leading UK business telecommunication providers, 360Coms, on the delivery and installation of the Horizon product. 360Coms has a fantastic reputation for quality service and customer experience and we are delighted to join as an extension of their in-house team.”

Clive Ansell, Managing Director of 360Coms, said: “Horizon can help maximise the productivity of a business by enabling its employees, whilst providing significant cost savings. Horizon puts you in complete control of your phone system and is provided with an extensive range of call handling and management features.

“Working together with Millrose Telecom we can provide a complete communications service to our customers.” n

MARK CUNNINGHAM, FINANCIAL DIRECTOR AT 360COMS AND KEITH EVANS, OWNER OF MILLROSE TELECOM

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OUT&ABOUT Enjoy our monthly montage of events and happenings across the local area with this colourful round-up of events

Make sure you send us your photos each month and we’ll include the best of the bunch! Email images straight to the creative team: connected@methodcreative.co.uk

DIGGING FOR THE FUTURE! Method spent a gorgeous sunny day planting 250 trees, as part of The Wildlife Trusts corporate involvement programme, to regenerate Waresley and Gransden Woods.

BEACON HEROES 50 MILE BIKE RIDE St Neots Mayor sets off Beacon cyclists on a mammoth 50 mile challenge in aid of Children in Need. They cycled from St Neots to Cambridge and back and were interviewed by Nick Carter on the BCC Radio Cambridge Saturday Show.

LIFE BEGINS AT 40 CAMPAIGN Ashley Kidd and Ali Ayling along with Danny Ayling and Wayne Collins from Hegarty ran the Great Eastern Run as part of Hegarty’s Life Begins at 40 campaign. This was their personal challenge and between them they have raised almost £1,400 for Thorpe Hall.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT BARRY JEFFERD TURNS MEDIEVAL Four CTAs took part in the quadrennial York Mystery Plays in July.

Twelve medieval sacred plays, on wagons, are ‘brought forth’ by the York Guilds and other community organisations. Each play is performed four times at different locations in the city on two consecutive Sundays.

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OUT & ABOUT

STORM IN A TEACUP Ladies sharing advice and brainstorming business issues at Peterborough’s Storm in a Teacup, organised by the Chamber’s Business Women’s Sector.

CHARITY GOLF DAY Romar Investments win Living Sport’s inaugural Charity Golf Day, sponsored by Vindis!

TRINITY HALL HOST 2014 ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS Steeped in history and tradition, catering for the High Table and beyond at the University of Cambridge Colleges has embraced the 21st century by adopting a range of eco-friendly practices which are being celebrated in this year’s Environmental Awards.

COFFEE MORNING A ROARING SUCCESS A steady stream of Francophiles, Francophones and croissant lovers poured through Alliance’s door in September where a grand total of £140 was raised for MacMillan Cancer Research.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE AND EAST ANGLIA’S OVERALL ‘BEST EMPLOYERS’ 2014 REVEALED The Best Employers Eastern Region campaign winners, alongside Lynn Walters, Director at Pure Resourcing Solutions and George Silk from eras ltd.

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PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Peterborough

IN BRIEF DECEMBER 2014 NATIONAL MARKETING AWARD FOR SOLICITORS Roythornes solicitors has received a Highly Commended award in the Law Society’s national Excellence Awards for their work in developing legal services for the region’s large food and drink sector.

Marketing Manager Mark Dodds said: “We’re delighted to have the recognition for the work we have put in to our food project. The food sector is a massive player in the regional economy and as a result of our activities companies now know who to come to for specialist legal advice.”

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce

CITY ACCOUNTANT HONOURED FOR NSPCC CHARITY WORK THE SENIOR partner of accountancy firm Rawlinsons has received national recognition for his commitment to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Chris Collier, who has chaired the Peterborough Business Support Group of the charity for 18 years, was made an honorary member of the national council of the NSPCC. This is to recognise his chairmanship of a fundraising group that has delivered in excess of

£600,000 to support the NSPCC Peterborough service centre which supports vulnerable youngsters and their families in the city. So far in 2014 the group has raised about £60,000.

Chris commented: “I am obviously very honoured but this recognition also reflects the incredible hard work and support of committee members and supporters who have ensured that fund-raising events have been well supported over the years.” n

CHRIS (CENTRE) IS PRESENTED WITH A CERTIFICATE TO MARK HIS HONOURARY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT BY NSPCC CHIEF EXECUTIVE PETER WANLESS AND MARK WOOD, CHAIRMAN OF THE NSPCC

ROYTHORNES MARK DODDS

CROSS KEYS HOMES APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE Claire Higgins, who is currently Deputy Chief Executive, will take over the position when Mick Leggett retires.

The decision was made following an externally led recruitment process.

Chair of Cross Keys Homes, Angus Kennedy, said: “I am delighted to make this announcement. After a rigorous recruitment process it was unanimously agreed Claire would be the best person to lead Cross Keys Homes in the future.

She has shown great commitment to Cross Keys Homes over the past 10 years and I know she will lead the organisation with that same passion and dedication.”

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NEW NAME AND NEW HOME FOR TOTAL PROMOTIONS LTD AFTER 20 years, Total Promotions has changed its name to Total Clothing to more accurately reflect its business activities.

The new image and branding has coincided with a move to Botolph Trading Estate on Oundle Road.

There is a great new showroom to allow the company to more effectively service the 25 locally supplied schools and a brand new area selling scouts, guides, beavers, rainbows, cubs and brownie uniforms. A large corporate area showcases brand new corporate products and ideas for customers looking to update their corporate image.

From the smartest of business suits through to casual polo shirts, Total Clothing has the solution.

Jan Richardson, MD, says: “The move and

our offering to clients resulted in a 40 per cent increase in business over the summer months. We are more than happy to meet with customers at their own premises or Chamber members are welcome to call in, look round and have a cup of coffee.” n

NEW SHOWROOM FOR TOTAL CLOTHING

PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

TECHNICAL SCHOOL APPOINTS ESTEEMED PRINCIPAL

THE WINNING TEAM CONSISTED OF ALAN CONNOLLY FROM LARKFLEET GROUP COMPANY LARK ENERGY (THIRD FROM LEFT) AND GUESTS

LARKFLEET RAISES FUNDS FOR NSPCC WITH GOLF DAY HOUSEBUILDER and development company Larkfleet Group raised over £1,000 for charity when it mixed business with pleasure at its annual golf day at Greetham Valley Golf Club.

The event raised £1,070 for the NSPCC Peterborough Business Support Group.

As well as raising funds for charity, the Larkfleet golf day provided a sporting day for hard-working employees and offered great opportunities to network with clients.

Some impressive scores were recorded

throughout the day.

An evening meal - when prizes were presented to the winning team - completed the event.

Larkfleet Group Managing Director Karl Hick commented: “I am delighted that we raised such an impressive sum of money which will go to a worthy cause.

“What’s more, the golf day was a great way to build on client and customer relations as well as thanking employees for their hard work over the past year.” n

GOING FOR GOLD – LEGAL FIRM ACHIEVES HIGHEST ACCOLADE IN PEOPLE POWER

COLLEEN GOSTICK OF BUCKLES SOLICITORS

BUCKLES Solicitors have been awarded the Investor in People Gold accreditation – the first law firm in Peterborough to attain the honour.

Having held the IIP accreditation for more than 15 years, the Buckles team has been working towards the top ranking, which rewards excellence at the highest level and is awarded to companies that perform significantly beyond the core IIP standard.

Managing partner Colleen Gostick said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and for us as a business.

We’ve always been people focused but we wanted to make Buckles a great place to work and the Gold accreditation recognises this investment.” n

THE GREATER Peterborough University Technical College Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Alan McMurdo to the position of UTC Principal. Following a rigorous recruitment process, Dr McMurdo will take up the post in January 2015, six months before the UTC opens its doors in autumn 2015.

The new technical school will take students in years 10 and 12 (14-18 year olds) from September 2015 and will specialise in Sustainable Engineering and Sustainable Construction. The UTC is an independent college that provides state of the art, technical facilities to equip students with the skills and experience to improve their employability or access to higher education.

Dr McMurdo said: “It is a privilege to be returning to Peterborough to help set up this fantastic educational facility. Over £10m is being invested into the region’s education system with a state of the art building and specialist equipment. We aim to provide world class technical education for any youngster with the aptitude for practical and applied learning. This has been missing from our educational landscape for some time but I am delighted to say that we are now putting that right. Everyone stands to benefit from this exciting initiative”. n

DR ALAN MCMURDO

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PETERBOROUGH B2B RECAP

PETERBOROUGH B2B BRINGING BUSINESSES TOGETHER TO DISCOVER, CONNECT AND INSPIRE ORGANISERS of the Peterborough B2B Exhibition 2014 have hailed the event a huge success after over 600 business people made their way to KingsGate Centre to create new connections and business opportunities.

The exhibition was organised by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in partnership with Opportunity Peterborough, who kick-started the event with a Bondholder Breakfast that brought over 150 local business people to the exhibition’s official opening alone.

Gillian Beasley, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council and Councillor Marco Cereste, leader of Peterborough City Council, both praised the determination of local businesses in their opening speeches and paid tribute to the city’s vibrant and innovative business community.

The broad range of exhibitors made for a diverse and engaging event A series of free seminars and interactive workshops were held throughout the day to inspire both visiting and exhibiting companies to extend their knowledge and develop new skills.

John Bridge OBE DL, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We are delighted with the positive feedback received from the businesses that engaged with this special B2B event. The broad range of exhibitors made for a diverse and engaging exhibition and the quality of presentations delivered by our guest speakers in the seminar room was excellent. The event showed once again that Peterborough’s wider business community is switched-on and focussed on generating new opportunities for success and growth.”

Peterborough B2B Exhibition was sponsored

by Peterborough City Council, Lucent Group, Peterborough Regional College, Peterborough Telegraph, KingsGate Centre, Something Beckons, Olsen Partnership, The Larkfleet Group and CityFibre. n

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Peterborough B2B Exhibition 2014

FENLAND CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Fenland

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

INTRODUCING ROSEMARY GREEN

CHAIR OF THE FENLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ROSEMARY GREEN, CHAIR OF FENLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ROSEMARY became Chair of the Fenland Chamber of Commerce in September 2014.

She is a human resources specialist , Director of her own HR consultancy which she established in 2006, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and a committee member of the Chamber’s HR & Recruitment Sector.

On accepting the role of Chair, Rosemary commented: “When establishing my business I was always grateful for the warm welcome I received from Chamber members and enjoyed attending some of the wide range of Chamber events. I was particularly impressed by the efforts the Chamber goes to, to reach out into every corner of our region and look forward to learning more about businesses in the area to identify events and other types business support for the Fenland region.” n

COOKERY SCHOOL SHORTLISTED FOR TOP INDUSTRY AWARD THE COLLEGE of West Anglia Hospitality department has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Higher & Further Education Cookery Class category of the 2014 British Cookery School Awards, which is headline sponsored by Kenwood.

The awards honour excellent cookery schools that go above and beyond to deliver a top notch cookery school experience.

The College of West Anglia is up against stiff competition from other schools across the country. n

Fenland Chamber of Commerce

IN BRIEF DECEMBER 2014 20 YEARS OLD AND STILL GROWING! November was a big milestone for CUB (UK) Ltd as it marked the start of their 20th anniversary year. The company, which was formed back in 1994 by Royden Fairfax, has evolved from a home based sole trader to the thriving award winning company that it is today.

Royden set up CUB (UK) Ltd to help businesses get the best deal from the newly privatised energy market based on a commission basis rather than share of savings which, at the time, was the only option being offered by all the other brokers. A few years later Mike and Jaqui joined their father in the family business.

When Royden retired Jaqui took over as Managing Director. The business began to expand rapidly and they started their award winning training scheme.

CUB have always been actively involved in the local community and supported many organisations including Young People March, March Street Pride and Wisbech and District Kart Racing.

In 2012 they launched their ‘Five Point Customer Promise’, the first of its kind in the utility consultancy industry. It reinforces their commitment to excellent customer service by providing a service level guarantee to their clients.

Today the business is headed up by Jaqui’s son, Louis Fairfax; they have 24 members of staff, a large office in March and a reputation in the industry for being competitive, approachable, reliable, innovative and totally honest with their clients.

So whilst many of their competitors have fallen by the wayside or been swallowed up by larger organisations, CUB (UK) Ltd remains true to its values and commitment to its clients and staff.

Jaqui Fairfax commented: “We look forward to the next 20 years as the third generation of Fairfax leads CUB® further into the future.”

CWA COOKERY SCHOOL

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HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Huntingdonshire

Do you have some exciting news to shout about that you would like featured in these pages? Get in touch. tel: 01223 237414 email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Huntingdonshire Chamber of Commerce

SIMON LEHER AND JULIAN PRENTIS SHOW OFF THEIR PINK SOCKS AS LUMINUS EMPLOYEES DRESSED IN PINK FOR THE BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN’S ‘WEAR IT PINK’ DAY

STAFF ‘WEAR IT PINK’ FOR BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN DAY LUMINUS employees ‘looked good while doing good’ by wearing at least one item of pink – notwithstanding the men who sported pink shirts, pink ties, and even pink socks!

As well as raising awareness through the visible pink presence in the office, staff also donated towards the work of The Breast Cancer

Campaign, which supports people affected by breast cancer and funds world-class research projects throughout the UK and Ireland.

Luminus Group Chief Executive, Dr Chan Abraham, said: “At Luminus we eagerly welcome opportunities to support charities and good causes and this event was a great chance for us to

HOTEL JOINS THE MARRIOTT CYCLE TOUR OF BRITAIN

HUNTINGDON MARRIOTT CYCLISTS

IN SEPTEMBER a team of keen amateur cyclists working for the Huntingdon Marriott Hotel took part in an extraordinary challenge, in aid of youth charity The Prince’s Trust; cycling from The Peterborough Marriott Hotel to Huntingdon Marriott Hotel.

They were participating in a leg of a nationwide cycle tour travelling from the Aberdeen Marriott to the Renaissance St Pancras Hotel in London, in just seven days covering a total 1,641 miles. Along the way the tour visited all 63 Marriott International hotels in the UK and 16 Prince’s Trust Centres.

In the same week the hotel held a cycle challenge with members of the hotel team joining together to cycle for a total of 24 hours. n 28 2

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join with others across the country to raise money in aid of breast cancer research. I am so proud of our staff for rallying behind this fundraising event and donating so generously, and I wish The Breast Cancer Campaign every success as they strive to beat this disease through the fantastic work of lifesaving research they do. n

GEORGE HAY’S FANTASTIC YEAR OF FUNDRAISING! GEORGE Hay Chartered Accountants have been raising funds and undertaking volunteering work for Home-Start, a charity dedicated to supporting local families and children.

They have taken part in a swimathon and a cake sale, dress down days and a raffle, as well as volunteering at Home-Start’s family fun days and teddy bears picnics throughout the summer.

Managing Partner Barry Jefferd, of the Huntingdon Office, said: “2014 is the 75th anniversary of George Hay and it’s been a very special year for all of us. Reaching 75 years is a huge milestone for the staff and we really wanted to celebrate this year by putting even more effort into our fund-raising. The George Hay team chose Home-Start as our charity of the year because of all the good work they do in helping local families and children in our area. We have been encouraging staff to take time off work to volunteer at the Home-Start events this summer as we strongly believe in supporting the local community and in giving something back.”

The George Hay team are finishing off their fantastic year of fund-raising by taking part in the London Santa Run on 7 December and by the time they have completed that they will have raised around £3,000 for Home-Start. n

HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS

MEMBER SUCCESS AT

HUNTS POST BUSINESS AWARDS THE HUNTS Post Business Awards took place on 31 October and celebrated Huntingdonshire’s thriving businesses and inspirational leaders.

Over 350 guests attended Burgess Hall, St Ives for the awards evening which was hosted by BBC Look East presenter Stewart White.

ENCOCAM EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AND BUSINESS OF THE YEAR For Employer of the Year the judges were looking for an outstanding contribution not only to the organisation and its success, but also to colleagues’ welfare and enhancing the working environment and customer experience.

HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIONAL COLLEGE BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD Huntingdonshire Regional College were thrilled to announce that they won the ‘Business in the Community’ Award for the second year running

HUNTINGDONSHIRE REGIONAL COLLEGE

WEST ANGLIA TRAINING ASSOCIATION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AWARD This particular accolade is rewarded to businesses that can demonstrate a proven ability to improve performance or prospects through making the most of opportunities available, which WATA has continually aspired to achieve.

APPROVED MARKETING NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR £500 start-up company, trading as KomPear, were delighted to win this award.

STEPHEN CASEY, RIGHT, OF ACCIO GROUP

STEPHEN CASEY – ACCIO GROUP BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR The judges were looking for a business owner/manager who has made an outstanding contribution to the success or survival of the company.n

WEST ANGLIA TRAINING ASSOCIATION

CONGRATULATIONS to all our members who took part and were runners up at the awards in the following categories: EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR • George Hay Accountants • Maxine Lester Residential Lettings SMALL BUSINESS • Keeping HR Simple THE INNOVATION AWARD • Quest Cloud Solutions

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • Forward Composites EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR • Maxine Lester Residential Lettings • Encocam BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR • Paul Jackson, Forward Composites • Philip Mashinchi, BrightVisions • Sam Reid, XL Press

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT • Maxine Lester Residential Lettings • Encocam BUSINESS IN THE COMMUNITY • Beacon Wealth Management • Keeping HR Simple BUSINESS WEBSITE • Flexable Group

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

INAUGURAL CLIC+ EVENT BRANDED A SUCCESS ORGANISERS of the first ever Clic+ have confirmed the interactive conference, aimed at event industry professionals, will be back in 2015 due to its high attendance and positive feedback.

Social media, networking and technology were covered in a series of workshops, talks and networking sessions at Robinson College on 7 November.

Event sponsor Method Creative covered storytelling via social media in two lively workshops, while Cambridge Cookery School highlighted the importance of providing food that will get delegates’ creative juices flowing.

Kirsten Corrigan, brand and strategy director at Method said: “We were proud to sponsor Clic+ and help reinforce the message that creative communication is fundamental to improvement and development in ensuring maximum ROI for events.”

Nick Milne, conference and catering manager at Robinson College, added: “Delegates were constantly being offered new and thought provoking content and we can confirm 2015’s event will take place on 1 October.” n

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Creative communication is fundamental to maximsing ROI for events

LEP FOCUS Keeping you informed and up to date with the LEP

£72M EU FUNDING ON ITS WAY LAST YEAR, the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP) was asked by Government to develop a Strategy to outline and prioritise the use of European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) between 2014 and 2020. Since then Government has been working to translate local area priorities from strategies submitted by each of the 39 LEPs across the country into a national EU Growth Programme for England.

The EU Growth Programme 2014-20 combines the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) covering innovation, support for SMEs, low carbon economy and ICT;

the European Social Fund (ESF) focusing on skills, employability and social inclusion; and part of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The total allocation for the GCGP area is £72 million.

The programme is not set to go live until 2015 as negotiations between the Government and the European Commission to sign off the Operational Programmes have yet to be concluded. In the meantime, the LEP is keen to help partners develop their ideas and create a strong pipeline of projects in readiness for when the first calls are made.

As well as generating ideas for new projects, the LEP plans to build on projects that have been successful in the East of England under the 2007-13 programmes.

In addition, the LEP has recruited three Facilitators to help partners develop ERDF projects and is in the process of setting up a local ESIF Committee, which will be a sub-committee of the national Programme Monitoring Committee. This group of local stakeholders will have a key role in working with the LEP and the Managing Authorities for the programmes to develop calls for projects, making decisions about projects to be funded and monitoring programme delivery at local level.

For more information about EU funding and the LEP’s ESIF strategy, visit: gcgp.co.uk/howcan-we-help/funding/esif n

ERDF FACILITATORS Steven Wilson, Alan Todd and Paul Bourgeois have joined the LEP as Facilitators to help review the best ERDF projects from the last programme and support the development of new projects with business, universities, local authorities and other potential partners across the GCGP area.

If you would like to know more you can contact Steven, Alan and Paul by calling 01480 277180 or emailing info@gcgp.co.uk

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CONNECTED MAGAZINE

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CONNECTED DECEMBER 2014

successful years!

CHAMBER CHARITY OF THE YEAR

PETERBOROUGH 900

This years charity of the year is Peterborough Cathedral

SPOTLIGHT ON HISTORY

ON THE LEVEL AT LAST THE new gentle slope up to the main entrance of the Cathedral was used for the first time on Remembrance Sunday, avoiding the awkward combination of steps and a metal ramp that previously faced those in the procession. These landscaping works form

the first phase of the Heritage Lottery Funded project to increase intellectual and physical access to the Cathedral. Further work on the tarmac and landscaping will be completed in the New Year. n

COME AND SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS! Thursday 18 December, at 1.00pm

THE CATHEDRAL’S four-manual Hill organ is arguably one of the finest instruments of its kind in the country. It was built in 1894.

Magnificent though it is, it is tuned to ‘Old Philharmonic’ pitch rather than the ‘standard pitch’ that has been used universally by musicians since 1939. This means that it cannot be played with orchestras or brass bands because they all play slightly lower—the combination of the two pitches is excruciating to listen to!

Part of the Peterborough 900 Development Campaign has been to raise funds to re-pitch all 5,286 pipes of the organ, opening the way for some exciting collaborations with professional and amateur musicians in the city, region and beyond, and introducing audiences to musical works that were hitherto denied them.

DOUBLE YOUR MONEY We are now in the final furlong of raising the £410,000 needed for this work.

A third party charitable trust has generously offered to help us reach our target by matching, £ for £, any donation received by the end of 2014.

Could you or your company help us with a donation before the end of December 2014? If so, please contact us. n

BUSINESS workers and shoppers are invited to enjoy a lunchtime of traditional Christmas carols and readings at Peterborough Cathedral. Mulled wine and mince pies will follow for those who have time to stay. Chamber members will be particularly welcome. n

CONTACT US James Dyer: Peterborough 900 Campaign Manager Rachael Clarke: Senior Development Manager Contact us: 01733 355301 campaign@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk Visit: www.peterborough900.org.uk n

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REPORT FROM IAN MACKELLAR Steps to avoid cyber crime

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REPORT FROM IAN MACKELLAR

Watch out –

there’s a thief about!

Is your company adequately protected with cyber-security to combat online fraud?

SOME READERS may be old enough to remember the Home Office anti-theft campaign launched more than 45 years ago in February 1968. Then, of course, the miscreant sported a black face-mask and a hooped sweater and carried a bag marked ‘swag’. And he – for it was always he in those pre-feminist days – probably lived in south London or Moss Side or the Gorbals.

Nowadays, our assailant sports designer stubble, wears jeans and a baseball cap, carries a sophisticated laptop, and he or she may live in Nairobi, Nizhny Novgorod, Kowloon, East London or, of course, south London.

Forget the Great Train Robbery. Why go out on a wet night when you can steal far more from the comfort of your own armchair?

Ironically, we are probably better protected with our personal computers at home than we are with the ageing kit we use in our works and offices, according to security expert Jay Abbott, Managing Director of Chamber member Advanced Security Consulting Limited, of Peterborough.

“The problem of cybercrime is quite significant,and the bad guys are getting more advanced in the ways they are doing it – though, ironically, they are still getting away with a lot of the old techniques from 10 years ago, which is quite frustrating,” he says.

At the heart of protecting yourself is basic computer ‘hygiene’, such as firewalls and antivirus software – though the latter can seldom predict what the next hack will look like, so it is usually catching up.

“If businesses are not sure what they should be doing, they should ask someone who knows something about computers. It doesn’t have to be [experts like] us, just someone who knows about a few basic things such as firewalls, anti-virus programs and knowing how to spot malicious activity on the internet: that should keep you 80 per cent safe.”

So concerned is he about SMEs’ vulnerability that his company will often not charge for an initial cyber-security consultation.

The Government recently mandated a ‘Cyber Essentials’ baseline security standard for suppliers to central government departments and agencies – a standard to which the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills believes every business in the land should aspire.

BIS says: “Cyber Essentials defines a set of controls which, when properly implemented, will provide organisations with basic protection from the most prevalent forms of threats coming from the internet. In particular, it [sic] focuses on threats that require low levels of attacker skill, and which are widely available online.”

HMG adds: “Risk management is the fundamental starting point for organisations to take action to protect their information.”

security practices for people, processes and IT systems. These security practices are as important as locking your doors or putting your cash in a safe. You can manage your online security in the same way you would protect any other aspect of your business.

With more customers demanding that their suppliers are secure, this is becoming a business necessity.

“You can save money through adopting an efficient risk-management approach – plan, implement and review. You can gain a competitive advantage by being seen to take security seriously. Good security can be an enabler for a thriving business: you will be protecting your assets, your reputation, your customers and your peace of mind.”

That certainly rings true with one Chamber member who did not wish to be identified.

“Fraudsters are trying all sorts of things – online banking, cheques, direct debits, standing orders,” he said from his own experience.

“They will do things such as intercept a bona fide business’s post. If in that post one business is paying another by cheque or invoicing another, that’s the starting point. In extreme circumstances, they will even go through people’s rubbish.

“One step on is, if they can get a virus into a computer, they can get into online banking to erase the record of their activity.

Another scam is a fraudulent alert of bank website maintenance. If a company doesn’t check its bank account, it could find it has a new payee who has cleared the account out over the weekend.”

Spot on, says Jay Abbott. And malicious software can be embedded in the most innocent-seeming of files, even Word documents and pdfs.

In the words of another [fictitious] government slogan: ‘Keep Calm and don’t click on the link.’ n

The bad guys are getting more advanced, but are still getting away with old techniques Quite so. Cambridgeshire police has recently issued a booklet of advice for businesses to help them protect themselves against cyber-crime. It says even those that do not have high-level intellectual property to protect may be at risk from careless current or disgruntled former employees, or people they do business with, compromising their information by accident, through negligence or with malicious intent. They are also exposed to competitors, as well as criminals out to steal from them, compromise their valuable information or disrupt their business because they don’t approve of it.

A police spokesman said: “You can never be totally safe, but most online attacks can be prevented or detected with basic

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SMART MONEY FOR BRIGHT BUSINESSES Our ÂŁ5.24 million scheme is now open to SMEs and start-ups within or serving the medical technology, assisted living and telehealth sectors.

See if you qualify for a package of free support and even a cash grant to take your business idea further, faster.

Just call us on: 0845 196 4205 Find out more at: medtechcampus.com Delivered across the East of England by:

IN THE HOTSEAT

NEIL DARWIN

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LEP

Despite the diversity of the local economies across the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough region, Neil Darwin is working towards creating a joined up approach, finding a common ground where we can all work together.

NOW IN its fourth year, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is beginning to see strong links appear between local business, education providers, the third sector and the public sector, all in the name of promoting sustainable economic growth in the region.

But it hasn’t all been plain sailing, as acting Chief Executive Neil Darwin explains...

A STAGGERED START “The LEP’s role is to support business growth and work with Government on economic priorities in the region,” explains Neil.

“However, the issue is that we’ve had to spend so much time working with Government that we haven’t had time to develop the relationship with the business community, or indeed a number of our stakeholders.

Innovation drives business; it’s as simple as that “Government asks so much of a limited resource that unfortunately all they can spend time looking at are Government issues, rather than actually developing the wider conversation in the local area, which is of course what we want to be doing!

“It’s been an interesting challenge, but where we’re taking the LEP moving forward is making it a more visible organisation that not only works with its stakeholder community and adds value, but equally works with the private sector to understand what the drivers are to secure future growth.”

Neil understands that that of course takes time and resource. He stresses that they need to work far smarter with organisations like the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the linkages are made with other groups around the area – such as Opportunity Peterborough, where Neil was previously, and Cambridge Ahead – to help influence Government decisions.

A PROMISING FUTURE “What’s really interesting is that there’s a really big difference between working with one city, such as Peterborough, and then picking up basically 12 other areas – they’re all completely different! But that’s part of the fun of working in economic development in Britain; you’ve got so many different groups operating that all touch business.”

Cambridge is a prime example; it plays on a global market on a daily basis whereas most other areas only touch global markets occasionally. The needs are different and the skill levels are different, so as a result the local economies are different.

We’ll only do this if we work together “Establishing that common ground is the piece of work we’re doing at the moment,” says Neil, who believes the answer lies in the region’s unified efforts towards innovation. “Cambridge is renowned for its technology, Peterborough is an evermore-visible smart city, and the business communities in the other parts of the region all have a hand in innovation. Innovation drives business; it’s as simple as that. This area is known for some really cutting-edge stuff, and that’s what gives us our advantage over other parts of the country. We just need to ensure we’re doing our best to harness that.”

For the future, Neil will continue to work to ensure the LEP is touching all corners of the region. “I want to add value to all the different projects going on across the county area based on the knowledge and experience I’ve had working in Peterborough. After all, everywhere is important to us, and we’ll only do this if we work together.” n

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SECTOR FOCUS Updates from the Chambers Sectors Groups BUSINESS WOMEN’S SECTOR

DIGITAL BOOST FOR WOMEN A NEW scheme has been launched to help Cambridgeshire women start or grow their own businesses, or return to work.

Destination Digital Opportunities for Women, part of Connecting Cambridgeshire, will provide practical support for women to improve their digital skills or set up businesses and gain support from existing women’s business networks.

Connecting Cambridgeshire is already helping hundreds of small and medium sized businesses get grants and advice to improve their broadband connections and use digital technology through its popular Destination Digital business support project.

Destination Digital Opportunities for Women will complement this by providing free funding, help and training for women-led businesses delivered by Enterprising Women.

Cambridgeshire businesswomen can get free support through workshops, an online toolkit, bursaries towards local networking events and a challenge fund to help increase broadband take-up and digital skills of women (delivered by local networks).

To find out more visit http:// destinationdigital.info/opportunitieswomen/ or follow on Twitter @ ConnectingCambs #WAB n

EQUALITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS... OR IS IT? JOIN the Business Women’s Sector for a lively debate over afternoon tea on Tuesday 3 February 2015. Wendy Bowers from the British Chambers of Commerce will introduce the theme and then invite you

to have your say. More details will be announced shortly but for now save the date! However, if you would like to register you interest please contact d.rivetti@cambscci.co.uk n

HR & RECRUITMENT SECTOR

FLEXIBLE WORKING – WE CAN ALL ASK FOR IT NOW AFTER only 26 weeks’ employment any employee can now request their employer to consider flexible working. Although this was introduced originally for the care of young children and extended for carers of adult dependents, many of us can ask now. This affects the hours, locations and times in which the work is carried out.

The process still requires the employee considering the impact the variation would have on the employer’s business. The employer needs to consider the request both ‘reasonably and within a reasonable period of time’.

The right is to ‘request’ not the right to be granted the concession sought. The employer can refuse the request on any of eight business reasons in the legislation.

Disappointment may follow a rejection but a wise employer can come up with a counter-proposal which may be acceptable to the employee. The employer needs to consider all the implications to the business, if he grants the request, and doesn’t need to approve

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the application simply because he has approved it for other employees in the past, as each case needs to be considered on its own merits. n

SECTOR FOCUS For any feedback, general information regarding the Sector Groups, or to contribute, please get in touch with Helen Bosett. tel: 01223 209815 email: h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk

ICT SECTOR

SIX THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE

1

ASK FOR YOUR WEBSITE DOMAIN AND HOSTING LOGIN AND PASSWORD DETAILS Many smaller businesses and start-ups entrust domain registration and web hosting to a web design company and then find it impossible to wrest control back if you want to change supplier. You will be unable to renew your domain name or access email without the correct credentials so make sure you have them.

2

MAKE USE OF YOUR WEBSITE ANALYTICS Search engine optimisation (SEO) is important for any website but how many business owners actually look at their own company Google Analytics and WebMaster Tools accounts? If you are paying an expert to handle this you might say ‘why should I bother with this?’ Well they offer you a fantastic amount of data on which to make future business decisions and they are not that difficult to understand. They can tell you where your visitors have come from, are they new or returning, along with a breakdown of their age and gender and which search phrases they used to reach your site. Again you will need the login and password details so make sure that you know and retain them.

3

GET THE MOST FROM GOOGLE ADWORDS AdWords operate like this: you select a series of search words or phrases (keywords) that will generate an ad that links to your website.

As most of these keywords will be used by many other advertisers you have to bid for them every time they are used in a search but don’t worry this is done automatically. You set an amount that you are prepared to bid for each click through to your site. This is the maximum that you are prepared to pay and often the actual cost will be far less. To maintain control of the costs you set the duration of the campaign and a maximum daily spend.

So just like SEO the AdWords Dashboard offers very useful data on which keywords are performing best, and which days of the week and geographical locations are most effective and much more besides so make sure that you can access it.

an existing website; it has to be built in at the outset. So if you have a traditional website check how it displays on a tablet or phone and then decide if it is worth the expense of an overhaul.

5

PANICKING ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA? If your audience is engaged in social media then having Twitter and Facebook accounts will be necessary. But that is only the beginning; you must keep them supplied with interesting and relevant posts and don’t be led to the conclusion that this can be left to the office junior just because they are ‘digitally savvy’. It is all about engagement with your customers and encouraging feedback from them including, we hope, the inevitable Likes. To be effective social media must be part of a wider marketing strategy.

6

WHY DO COLOURS ON MY WEBSITE LOOK DIFFERENT TO THOSE ON MY PRINTED LITERATURE? A much wider range of colours (gamut) is available on screen (RGB) compared with those of print (CMYK). One of the worst culprits is the exceedingly bright green often seen on screen that changes to a very drab variant when converted to (CMYK) that is required for printed documents. There is no solution to this other than ensuring that critical colours like those in branding are always created in CMYK first as they will always render accurately in RGB. n

4

IS YOUR WEBSITE RESPONSIVE? With the advent of smart phones and tablets your customers may be viewing your website on one of these as well as on a laptop, desktop or even TV. Responsive design means your website will reconfigure depending on the size of the screen. Screen dimensions are measured in pixels so there are trigger points built in at various pixel widths that determine when it reconfigures.

Unfortunately responsiveness cannot be retro fitted to

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CHAMBER EVENTS Your essential business calendar for the next month

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA AND SAFARI NETWORKING DATE Wednesday 10 December TIME 2.00-4.00pm LOCATION City Hotel, Cambridge MEMBER PRICE £15.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £22.50 (plus VAT) CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk GET into the festive spirit with Afternoon Tea and Safari Networking.

You will take part in our popular safari networking before enjoying a festive afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones and cakes. n

CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND LUNCH WITH PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL

SECTOR EVENTS BUSINESS WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS LUNCH organised by the Business Women’s Sector

DATE Thursday 18 December TIME 11.30am–2.00pm LOCATION Peterborough Cathedral MEMBER PRICE £12.00 (plus VAT) NON MEMBER PRICE £18.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk IMMERSE yourself in the Christmas spirit and join the Chamber for a special lunchtime Carol concert, led by the Peterborough Cathedral Choir. Meet with other likeminded business people over a Christmas buffet lunch, before taking in a traditional Christmas carol concert in the Cathedral. Following the concert you are invited to stay for mulled wine and mince pies, hosted by Peterborough Cathedral. Now in its fourth year, Peterborough Cathedral’s annual Business and Shoppers Carols is a popular event for many local business people.

Could you donate a prize to our special Festive Tombola? During the lunch we’ll be inviting guests to take part in a very special Festive Tombola, raising vital funds for our charity of the year, Peterborough 900. n 40 2

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DATE Thursday 4 December TIME 11.45am-2.30pm LOCATION Marriott Hotel, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6GB MEMBER PRICE £25.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £32.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT Daisy Rivetti on 01733 370809 or email d.rivetti@cambscci.co.uk INSPIRATION and overcoming challenges will be the flavour of the speeches delivered by our guest speakers at this year’s Business Women’s Christmas Lunch.

April Carrol, new Principal and Chief Executive at New College Stamford, and Caroline Lewis, Logistics Co-ordinator from the British Antarctic Survey, will share some of their own experiences and challenges which we can learn from.

This annual, popular lunch time event will include a two-course Christmas lunch, glass of wine and excellent company. n

EVENTS Please visit the Chamber website for full details of all future Chamber events www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

EFFECTIVE SALES CULTURE AND SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS DATE Tuesday 2 December TIME 9.00-11.30am LOCATION Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, PE28 4NL MEMBER PRICE £20.00 (plus VAT) NON MEMBER PRICE £27.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT Daisy Rivetti on 01733 370809, or email d.rivetti@cambscci.co.uk HAVING an effective sales culture and how to successfully negotiate are two topics being delivered at this forthcoming Sales event. See the Knowledge pages for further details. n

INFORMAL NETWORKING INFORMAL NETWORKING EVENINGS DECEMBER 2014

WED 3

CROWN HOTEL, STAMFORD

5.30-7.30pm

THURS 4

HOLIDAY INN, CAMBRIDGE

5.00-7.00pm

MON 8

THE LAMB HOTEL, ELY

5.00-7.00pm

WED 10

WYBOSTON LAKES, ST NEOTS

5.00-7.00pm

BUSINESS WOMEN AT LAST YEARS EVENT

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ASK THE EXPERT This months Ask the Expert focuses on Common tax issues

ASK THE EXPERT: FROM THE IMPLICATIONS OF BUYING EMPLOYEE GIFTS, TO CLAIMING TRAVEL EXPENSES...

Val Lloyd at TaxAssist Accountants of Ely answers some common questions on tax.

O STAFF HAVE TO PAY D TAX OR NATIONAL INSURANCE ON CHRISTMAS GIFTS FROM THEIR EMPLOYER? If you buy your employees a seasonal gift such as a joint of meat or a box of chocolates, then this would be deemed ‘trivial’ and therefore, there are no reporting requirements and nor would any tax or National Insurance be triggered.

If your gifts are more lavish than the examples above - say a hamper, case of wine or vouchers - then the cash equivalent must be taxed via the payroll, form P11D or a Pay As You Earn Settlement Agreement (PSA). With the first two options, tax and National Insurance will be triggered and will be deducted from the employee. However, with a PSA the employer agrees to settle their liability.

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I DIDN’T FILE MY TAX RETURN BY 31 OCTOBER; WILL I NOW GET FINED £100?

Not necessarily. If you have yet to file your return, you still have the option to file your return online with HMRC and as an incentive to go paperless HMRC, allow until 31 January 2015 for submission. Provided you successfully file your return online with HMRC by this date, you will not be charged the £100 penalty.

However, if HMRC receive a paper 2013/14 tax return from you now the 31 October deadline has elapsed, you will be charged the £100 penalty automatically. A late return will cost you a £100 penalty; even if there is no tax to pay or you pay the tax due on time.

Furthermore, the penalties will increase the longer the delay in filing.

I NORMALLY WORK FROM HOME BUT HAVE RECENTLY WON A CONTRACT THROUGH MY LIMITED COMPANY TO WORK AT MY CLIENT’S OFFICE. WILL I BE ABLE TO CLAIM THE COST OF MY TRAVEL EXPENSES TO AND FROM THE OFFICE? HMRC will allow a claim for travel costs to any place where the employee or director’s attendance is necessary in the performance of their duties.

There are however two situations where such a claim will be denied: 1) Any claims that include private journeys 2) Any journey which is ‘ordinary commuting’ or substantially ordinary commuting.

Ordinary commuting is defined as the journey between the employee’s home and a ‘permanent place of work’. A ‘permanent place of work’ is a place where an employee is expected to work for more than 40 per cent of his/her time over a period of 24 months or the duration of their employment if shorter.

If the contract is for more than 24 months (or likely to last for more than 24 months) and 40 per cent or more of the working week is spent at the work place then travel expense claims will be denied. n

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We'd like to celebrate a great 2014 and thank everyone who has made this another special year... thanks for being part of our story, from all of us at Method!

@method_creative • 01223 781220 • methodcreative.co.uk