CONNECTED magazine December 2012

DECEMBER 2012

Enabling Economic Success

EXPORT LOWDOWN SELL-OUT BRITISH CHAMBER EVENT GIVES ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE

WE U! O Y D NEE TERED IS OU REG G HAVE Y E CONNECTIN FOR TH RIDGESHIRE CAMB PAIGN? CAM

PLUS

20 PAGES OF YOUR NEWS AND STORIES meet this month’s new members NEW COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR LAUNCHES

THE OFFICIAL MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS NETWORK

CAMBRIDGESHIRECHAMBER.CO.UK

FAITH IN THE FUTURE ELY FOCUS: HOW ELY’S FAMED CATHEDRAL IS FAST BECOMING THE NEW HUB OF LOCAL BUSINESS ACTIVITY

Thank you for connecting with us in 2012!

Everyone at The Cambridge Building Society would like to thank you for your support during the year. We look forward to working with local businesses throughout 2013 and playing a role in helping your business story happen.

With best wishes for Christmas – and a happy and prosperous 2013.

www.cambridgebs.co.uk

THE CAMBRIDGE Building Society

The Cambridge Building Society, Head Office Administration Centre, PO Box 232, 51 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8FF Telephone 0845 601 3344 www.cambridgebs.co.uk Email enquiries@cambridgebs.co.uk All communications with us may be monitored/recorded to improve the quality of our service and for your protection and security.

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CONTENTS |

Contents

5

Chief Executive’s Comment

6

Ely Cathedral COVER STORY

6-7

Ely Chamber News

8-9 Peterborough Chamber News

6

10-13

Cambridge Chamber News

Charity of the Year

15

16-17 Out & About

9

10

19

Huntingdonshire Chamber News

21

Cambridgeshire Chamber News

21

Fenland Chamber News

22-23

New Members

24

Ask the Expert

25

Policy Update

26-27

16-17

30

28-30

Events Sector Updates

21

25

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 3

| EDITOR’S COMMENT

ENABLING ECONOMIC SUCCESS

Welcome

Chief Executive John Bridge OBE Editor Sadie Parr Creative Director Jillian Boys Publisher Method methodcreative.co.uk Ebenezer House, Rooks Street, Cottenham, Cambridge CB24 8QZ 01954 253060

Business Focus took place last month at Peterborough Arena and saw record numbers of exhibitors and visitors.

Print Cambridge Printers cambridgeprinters.co.uk

This was the first exhibition I had attended and, along with Kirsten Corrigan from Method, used the opportunity to get some feedback on our new look magazine which I am happy to say was positive. Photos of the exhibition can be found on our centre page spread.

During November we asked members to show their support for our Charity of the Year by taking part in Chamber Chops and growing a moustache.

Chamber Chops is in support of the Robot Appeal at Addenbrooke’s to safeguard the hospitals robotic surgery programme.

John Bridge set up a Just Giving page and there is still time to show your support for this very worthwhile cause www.justgiving.com/John-Bridge We would love to see photos from anyone that has taken part in Chamber Chops and there is a prize for the best moustache! Please email your photos direct to me at s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Cover Photo Ely Cathedral in winter (photo credit: Ely Cathedral) 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 For more details on the benefits and services available with Chamber membership, contact Peter Watts, Membership Development Officer, on 07545 697799 or Bren Coleman on 01223 209811.

Cambridge Office Enterprise House, The Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9ZR. Tel 01223 237414 Fax 01223 237405 Peterborough Office 6 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6FT. Tel 01733 370809 Fax 01733 237437

Sadie Parr Editor, CONNECTED

Advertise in CONNECTED and reach more than 3000 potential customers every month!

Contact Lorna Hopkins on 01954 253060 or email connected@methodcreative.co.uk

Do you follow us on Twitter?

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

Prices start from as little as £75

Christmas opening hours The Chamber will close at lunchtime on Monday 24 December and re-open at 9.00am on Wednesday 2 January.

4 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

Export Documentation Export documents will be processed at the Histon office until 12 noon on Monday 24 December. The last date for Arab documents, or documents needing to go to any other embassy, is 11.00am on Wednesday 19 December.

After this time they will not be processed until Wednesday 2 January.

A member of staff will be available to process any documents submitted online during our Christmas closure between 10.00am-12.00noon on Friday 28 December.

ENABLING ECONOMIC SUCCESS Email enquiries@cambscci.co.uk www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk @CambsChamber

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S COMMENT |

No stone unturned in pursuit of

Growth In Lord Heseltine’s recently released independent review of UK competitiveness as titled above, his analysis of the state of the UK economy is compelling. Businesses will welcome his call for steady, long-term thinking to improve the UK’s economic performance. Yet it could be argued that his prescription for action focuses too much on institutions, rather than on the fundamental barriers to business growth.

In my view it is imperative we focus first on the key constraints facing the real economy: the availability of growth finance, practical help for our exporters, our creaking physical infrastructure and an education and training system that responds to business needs.

Government can best support enterprise by collaborating with business to get the basics right.

Very welcome is the fact that Lord Heseltine has recognised that Chambers of Commerce are local, resilient, independent, internationally-focused and pro-active in their communities. We are pleased that he believes Chambers can continue to play a central part in making local growth happen.

Lord Heseltine makes a range of recommendations that, in his view, would help bolster Chambers’ ability to serve local business.

We will be studying these recommendations carefully and discussing their implications with our Chamber members in due course.

In his report Lord Heseltine argues that Britain’s competitors have a more systematic, joined-up approach to exporting and international trade, involving both government and business organisations. This is a critical issue for our global competitiveness

and nationally we are working actively with Lord Green, the Trade Minister, on ways to better use Chambers of Commerce at home and across the world to provide British exporters with the best possible support to break into new markets.

On skills and training Lord Heseltine is right to highlight the fact that the education and training system doesn’t currently deliver to employers’ needs. As an accredited local Chamber of Commerce we are ready to develop our involvement in linking employers to local schools and other training providers to ensure that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough businesses can compete globally.

In respect of decentralisation away from Westminster and Whitehall increasingly key local business executives tell me they would like more influence over local growth and economic development. I am sure many of our members in the real economy will agree with Lord Heseltine’s view that England is over-centralised and that power, money and real decision-making need to be rebalanced away from Westminster and Whitehall.

I am absolutely sure the politicians debate regarding this will rage on but we need to ensure the balanced business view is heard and the right decisions are taken and implemented.

John Bridge OBE Chief Executive, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Lord Heseltine has recognised that Chambers of Commerce are local, resilient, independent

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 5

| ELY CHAMBER NEWS

Ely Chamber FOCUS A round-up of news and events from Ely

A return to traditional community values for Ely Cathedral Business Group.

Feature by Kirsten Corrigan

EXHIBITION & RECEPTION Celebration of Business Friday 5 April to Thursday 11 April 2013 Businesses are invited to promote themselves, free of charge, at an exhibition in the awe inspiring environment of Ely Cathedral. Businesses of all sizes from sole trader through to multi-national will rub shoulders for a week and business people will have the opportunity to meet and to learn from each other. There is space for 150 stands and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Stand sizes are 1m deep and can be 1m, 2m or 3m wide.

There is no height restriction.

Full details can be found online: www.elycathedralbusinessgroup.org

6 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

This is not a religious initiative; it’s for people of all faiths and none The group was set up in February this year and to sit alongside the annual exhibition, it offers mentoring for small businesses, facilitates discussion groups within the community and is also developing links with local schools. Working together to foster a stronger community mindset, the group believes there is more to business than profit. The autumn discussion group attracted almost 200 people to the Cathedral and high profile speakers included Robert Hallam, MD of John Lewis Cambridge.

More information can be found at www.elycathedralbusinessgroup.org n

Photo credit: David Boughey

DIARY DATE

explore that relationship and to strengthen the correlation – we want to help businesses succeed and, thereby, make our communities stronger.”

Ely Cathedral is a new hub for business

Photo credit: David Boughey

‘celebration of Business’ certainly has an upbeat and inclusive ring to it; a warmth that you might not find at the garden variety business exhibition. The title of this curiously original event, held at Ely Cathedral earlier this year in May, alludes to the overall objective of the endeavour – to put all that is good about local business under one roof to be shared by all.

Hailed a great success by both organisers and exhibitors alike, the event has been a talking point ever since. Plans are already underway for the 2013 Celebration of Business and momentum of the Ely Cathedral Business Group, the team behind the initiative, has been notable.

“There is a strong correlation between the health of the business sector and the wellbeing of the communities in which those businesses operate,” says the group’s chairman Tom Green. “Our purpose is to

Speakers at the recent autumn discussion group on 1 November addressed almost 200 people

ELY 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

Lancaster Way Business Park is set for growth as new commercial tenants take up residence

Expansion granted for business park Grovemere Property Limited, owners of the Lancaster Way Business Park, has commented that business has been brisk on the park during 2012 with numerous existing occupiers on the estate expanding into larger premises including Chamber member companies First Light Lamps and Michell Instruments.

New faces at Emerald Frog

Occupancy levels on the estate are at a four year high which Grovemere believe indicates business confidence in the East Cambridgeshire District.

Harvey Bibby, Marketing and Development Director at Grovemere, said: “These are exciting times for business growth in our district and last year we

Frog Marketing’s customers, from the initial brief through to the finished design. Pete’s photography and music production skills will now also be offered as part of Emerald Frog Marketing’s Virtual Team package, helping customers to keep their own marketing materials up to date and fresh. n

Due to expansion and a number of recent clients wins, Emerald Frog Marketing has welcomed two new members to the team.

Chris Dyble joins as Internet Marketing and SEO Specialist, handling client email marketing campaigns, Search Engine Optimisation and Google Adword strategies. His role is to maximise the effectiveness of customer online campaigns and web projects.

Pete Wales has taken on the role of Creative Manager, handling The new team at Emerald Frog Marketing graphic design for Emerald

obtained outline planning consent for an additional 90 acre extension to the business park which will make Lancaster Way one of the largest business parks in the eastern region at 175 acres, with the potential to increase current employee numbers from approximately 1,200 to over 3,200 people.” n

We’ve got it covered Family owned and run Cambridge Style Canopies specialises in providing all your outdoor covered area needs. We all like to be outdoors at work and play, but the inclement weather we suffer in the UK so often makes this impossible. Our vastly experienced team have a vast wealth of knowledge to be able to work closely with our clients to provide the solution.

Brian Taylor runs the company from Ely, serving the education market sector Nationwide. He said: “I’m not sure what it is going to be like if recession ever ends.

We have been flat out all year and have received 65 new enquiries from schools and colleges for our services in the first four weeks since schools returned from summer holidays.” n CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 7

| PETERBOROUGH CHAMBER NEWS

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

GSL Dardan makes top 10%

Security firm GSL Dardan

GSL Dardan announced that a recent audit conducted by the National Security Inspectorate, confirmed it has retained its position in the top 10 per cent of companies who operate within the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) and increased their overall median score.

Mark Duffy, MD of GSL Dardan, said: “We are delighted to receive the recognition for being amongst the very best security providers in the UK. We have made tremendous strides within the industry and are pleased with the work that we have focused on to improve our processes and procedures to benefit both our staff and clients. This is yet another accolade that reflects upon our dedicated staff and evidences the high standards that we adhere to when serving our clients.” n

New face at Lindum Lindum is pleased to announce that Freddie Chambers has joined the company as Business Development Manager at the Peterborough office.

Talking about his new appointment, Freddie said: “I’m delighted to be working for Lindum, a family business very close to my heart as it was set up by my grandfather in 1956. I am looking forward to being able to contribute to its continuing success and expansion in the region.” n

8 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

Solar farm starts generating power The first major solar farm in the Peterborough area has started generating power, supplying enough energy for 900 local homes to the electricity grid.

The 3.4 MW (megawatt) farm at Reach Drove in Whittlesey comprises 14,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

Lark Energy led the project to design and build the farm. It used its extensive expertise in large scale solar projects to identify a suitable site, achieve planning permission and the approval to connect the solar farm to the local electricity network. The entire project was then acquired by Prosolia UK and Oakapple

Renewable Energy with Lark Energy retained to construct the farm, leading the project from start to finish.

Lark Energy Managing Director Jonathan Selwyn commented: “I am delighted that the solar farm is now generating clean, renewable, electricity.

“This solar farm provides a great example of how companies can work together to develop, finance and construct a major renewable energy project in a very short space of time.

We are convinced that the future for solar in the UK remains bright and we look forward to developing further projects of this type.” n

An aerial view of the Lark Energy solar farm at Whittlesey

Online retail channel commended A new online retail platform designed by Total Promotions Ltd has been shortlisted for the Peterborough Telegraph ‘Small Business of the Year’ award 2012.

Managing Director, Jan Richardson, identified a need for the service during her talks with schools. She sympathised with them having to stock and sell school uniforms over the summer holidays. In response, her company developed

a virtual shop allowing schools and other organisations to market their logoed clothing direct to customers online.

Jan says: “Our e-store means you no longer have to hold stock on site. We handle payment processing, order fulfilment, queries and returns to save you time and money. We also produce reports reviewing trends, online offers and best selling items.” n

PETERBOROUGH 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

The crowds turn out for Peterborough’s Autumn Show

IN BRIEF December 2012 Four ‘firsts’ for Hegarty Solicitors Hegarty Solicitors has achieved four first tier rankings in the latest edition of the Legal 500, the leading independent guide to the UK’s best lawyers and firms.

Hegarty Solicitors’ Corporate and Commercial, Criminal Defence, Commercial Litigation and Trust and Probate departments all achieved the top tier one ranking in the latest edition of the Legal 500 which was published recently.

All the fun of the Autumn Show in Peterborough

From sheep racing and award-winning livestock to giant vegetables and local food produce, visitors turned out in their thousands to support Peterborough’s Autumn Show.

Animal antics throughout the day included a range of equine events, canine attractions, birds of prey displays

New solicitor joins Greenwoods Solicitor Dean Chauhan has joined Greenwoods’ Corporate & Commercial team, which recently received strong reviews in the 2012 edition of ‘The Legal 500’.

David Woods, Head of Corporate & Commercial at Greenwoods, said: “We are very pleased that Dean has joined our team. His approach and style make him fit seamlessly into our team. Clients have already remarked that Dean is great to work with - he combines good technical knowledge with strong commercial insight.” n

and the crowd-pulling Lamb National!

Peterborough Arena Managing Director Keith Dalton said: “It was a fantastic day – and the feedback from the many people I have spoken to has been great.

We introduced some exciting new elements to the show which certainly captured our visitors’ imaginations.” n

Bridging the gap

Kamarin Computers become Centre of Excellence Local accounting software providers Kamarin Computers Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Centre of Excellence status from leading software developers Pegasus as recognition of the company’s high levels of product knowledge.

The new status has been awarded to just a handful of Pegasus Partners across the country so far and required a number of exams to be completed in order to display the level of expertise required.

University secures £105,000 for students

Joss Anderson, Alison Jones & Belinda Coaten, co-founders of Bridge2Learning

The Pentire Partnership has joined forces with two local companies to launch Bridge2Learning, a networking group to develop expertise for learning and development professionals throughout the East of England.

Alison Jones said: “We identified a gap in the market and have been delighted with the response and positive feedback from attendees.” n

Allan Arnott presenting the cheque to Liz Knight

University Centre Peterborough (UCP) and some of its students celebrated when the University Centre was presented with funds that will benefit a number of its local students.

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 9

| CAMBRIDGE CHAMBER NEWS

Cambridge Chamber NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge

Audi AG selects TETRA for on-site communications

3T Communications AG (3T), in partnership with its parent company Sepura, has been awarded a prestigious contract to provide a TETRA mobile communications network to AUDI AG’s headquarters and largest production plant in Ingolstadt, Germany. The superior technical solution combines 3T’s reliable TETRA infrastructure with Sepura’s market-leading terminals to ensure highquality, consistent communications coverage over the 2.6 million m2 site.

This will fulfil both immediate and ongoing demands

Audi HG headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany

Klaus Goettl, Head of Automation at AUDI AG, said: “After evaluating the options, we awarded the contract based on the system that would deliver the best in terms of functionality and reliability, to fulfil both our immediate and ongoing demands.” n

Over £2500 for charity The Cake Club, held at Begbies Traynor Cambridge, is celebrating having raised a further £200 for Macmillian Cancer Support bringing the total raised to over £2500.

On Wednesday 17 October an event was held with demonstrations from Natalie Hanlon of The Pampered Chef.

Natalie gave an extensive demonstration of the cookware and attendees were invited to participate in the making of fruit tartlets and chocolate molten lava cake. Everyone was then able to sample the delicious tarts and cake.

The Begbies Traynor Cake Club is a women-only networking club for professional service providers. n

Some examples of the fruit tartlets that were made by Natalie on the day

10 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

Lorna Hopkins, Laura Wing and Lucy Debenham at Method’s new offices

Method multiplies CAMBRIDGE integrated brand and design agency Method is growing at a pace with the addition of three new team members in as many months as significant client wins continue.

Lorna Hopkins has already made an impact with local clients through her Social Media tutorial sessions while experienced copywriter Lucy Debenham supports the team on the agency’s Red Bull account. Laura Wing, who earned her stripes with global PR agency Iris, will work on the recently secured PR contract win with leading commercial property firm Januarys. n

CAMBRIDGE 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

Charity open day raises over £300 Premier Travel in Newmarket has raised over £300 in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice Charirty by holding a ‘Charity open day’ on Saturday 29 September.

The event included street collections, a charity holiday raffle, a children’s colouring competition and for every booking made on the day Premier Travel donated a percentage to the charity.

Pictured from left to right: Justina Molloy, Mark Copley, Ruth Booy

Full-time personal injury team in Cambridge Ashton KCJ’s acclaimed personal injury team now has a permanent fulltime presence in the firm’s Cambridge office. Ruth Booy, Head of Injury Services, Justina Molloy (Associate), Mark Copley (Solicitor) and Mandy Alderman (administration support), have moved from the firm’s Thetford office to Cambridge.

Ruth specialises in catastrophic injury work, in particular child brain injury, spinal injury and amputation; Justina focuses on brain injury, complex orthopaedic injury and injuries arising from cycle accidents.

They are assisted by Mark Copley who also deals with a broad range of injury work. n

The support from around the town was fantastic Rachel Brinkley, Marketing Manager, said: “The support we had from around the town was fantastic and we are delighted to have been able to add funds to the totals we have previously raised for the charity. The money we have raised so far will help the Arthur Rank Hospice fund invaluable care and support to patients and their family, and it’s great to be able to offer our support to a local charity.” n

Adept ready for 2013 Cambourne software consultancy Adept is urging clients to embrace the updated Microsoft Dynamics NAV platform. The latest version of the business process improvement software oversees business activities in one manageable system.

David Smith and his team have spent the past month talking to customers about the main developments of the software at exhibitions.

The new release delivers higher levels of customer and partner value; software is also now available on iPads and via internet search engines, resulting in real time information available at home or between meetings.

The flexibility of the software also allows for customisation to suit individual business needs and is scalable to align with business growth. To learn more about the 2013 Microsoft system please contact info@adeptsoftware.co.uk n

Sue, David and Michael of Adept Software Consultancy ready for 2013

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 11

| CAMBRIDGE CHAMBER NEWS

Cambridge Chamber NEWS A round-up of news and events from across Cambridge

Stirling success for Januarys

Former 45,000 sq ft MOD building in Waterbeach is now available for commercial tenants

12 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

Januarys Consultant Surveyors has acquired Stirling House in Waterbeach on behalf of Littleport-based Paragon Holdings for an undisclosed sum. The 45,000 sq ft building takes its name from the Stirling Bomber which operated from the former airfield during the Second World War. It was formerly occupied by the MOD until November 2011 when they relocated to RAF Brampton.

William Rooke, Commercial Development and Investment Director at Januarys, said: “Stirling House provides an excellent opportunity for our client to add value to the property through clever asset management of existing office space and the development potential of the surrounding land.”

Rick Parisi, co-owner of Paragon, said: “The site has fantastic potential and we are keen to explore all the possibilities.” n

CAMBRIDGE 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

Your area needs

YOU!

Strategic talent acquisition to ensure ongoing success We understand what makes a strong team and can help you build for the future.

Founded more than 30 years ago, we understand the needs of both growing and established companies. Our attentive and personal approach gives us a distinct advantage as an independent agency. Trust us to be your recruitment partner.

Call us today on: 01223 350234 Or email: jobs@annpettengell.co.uk

annpettengell.co.uk

The superfast campaign for better broadband across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is calling for a surge of support to show record levels of demand in the closing stages of registrations. Connecting Cambridgeshire is one of the fastest growing broadband campaigns in the country and is expected to reach a milestone of 20,000 registrations in the next few weeks.

Households and businesses are being urged to demonstrate there is countywide demand for better broadband by registering online before the end of December, when a supplier will be selected. More than 80 Broadband Champions are helping villages and parishes with the final push for local support, as well as gathering examples of how communities and homebased businesses will benefit from access to better broadband.

The complex bidding process is on track to select the supplier able to make the maximum investment in rolling out superfast broadband to at least 90 per cent of homes and businesses with better broadband for all other premises in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by 2015. Planning for the roll-out will begin in January 2013 and up to £30 million has been earmarked for the Connecting Cambridgeshire project.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates, Cabinet member for Growth and Planning, said: “Reliable internet access is becoming part of everyday life in our homes and public services, and is vital for our businesses and economy to thrive. We are determined to get the best investment we can to improve connectivity for all.”n

Register online at www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk or pick up a Freepost reply form widely available in libraries and council offices. Interested in helping the campaign? Email the team at contact@connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk n

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 13

| COMMERCIAL FEATURE

‘Tis the season to make money...

Online!

Most have an image of Black Friday with crowds of people camping outside of shopping establishments just so that they can grab a Christmas bargain. Recently it has meant that more and more shoppers are looking for bargains online. In fact they have been since October. It’s not just Christmas either, the seasonal trends and changes in retail are endless throughout the year. In 2011 overall sales were up by 6% on the previous year and online sales increased by a massive 24%. This is predicted to grow year on year. So how can your business take advantage of seasonal and year round online revenue?

You have a product that people want to buy and an infrastructure to get that product to the customer but, if the customer doesn’t know you exist then alas no orders will ever come. What are the options? 1. Media publications – Expensive with specific readership.

2. Pay Per Click web advertising – hugely expensive and difficult to control the quality of leads. 3. Organic web site optimisation (SEO) - Cost effective, long term with lasting results. However, such results take time to flow through and even the most successful SEO campaigns can take three months or more to begin to work. So put simply, the sooner you start the sooner the orders will roll in.

A story about a Penguin and a Panda

I imagine that some of you are thinking you’ve missed the boat for this year. Now whilst that maybe so in terms of adding to this years profits, it ought not to deter you from some forward planning and a probable substantial increase in the following year’s income. Consider working with an SEO specialist to put together a campaign for the next season. If you have no idea where to begin there are many resources online to get you started. You should also take advantage of free initial website reports from companies like WiSEOtter. Look for an SEO partner who is willing to help and advise rather than trying to baffle you with science.

For a free no obligation consultation please call 0845 226 8091 or email info@wiseotter.com

www.wiseotter.com 14 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

Has your website suddenly and dramatically dropped down the Google listings over the last few months? If the answer is yes it will probably be down to a Pesky Penguin or a Pedantic Panda (did you see what I did there?!). No, not online cartoon characters but the names of the new Google Algorithms.

Algorithms are the coded instructions which search engine robots use to determine site relevance and therefore position.

Penguin & Panda are designed to hunt out and remove irrelevant websites from listings for specific search terms. This can be due to a number of reasons but the single most common factor is unfriendly inbound (those to your site) and outbound links (those from your site).

Rumour has it that there is little you can do to combat Penguin & Panda, signalling the end of Search Engine Optimisation however, this simply isn’t true. One of the most important things is to check on your website links (free tools available online), removing those which are harmful or irrelevant.

If you think your website may have been ushered down the ranks by the Penguin or Panda and are unsure how to rectify this yourself then drop us an email: info@wiseotter.com Our team will review your website and discuss the available solutions in order to gain (regain) a page one google position but, more importantly get those potential customers visiting your site again.

CHAMBER CHARITY OF THE YEAR |

Meet the first

robot patient!

Thanks to funding from generous supporters, state-of-the-art robotic surgery for prostate cancer has been available at Addenbrooke’s since 2006. This summer the robot surgeon was nearing the end of its useful life having helped to treat over 1,000 patients. Today, thanks to Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT) and its supporters, even more patients have the benefit of being treated by robotic surgery with the purchase of a brand new, £1.4 million advanced model of the robot.

Pete Beaman was the first patient to be treated with the new robot in July.

Pete, 55, is not one to baulk at bad news. A long term advocate and sponsor for cancer support charities; Pete has a history of cancer in his family and most recently in 2005 his elder brother was successfully treated for prostate cancer.

With his history, Pete’s GP ensured he had regular three to six month PSA tests (a test for levels of a protein produced by the prostate in the blood). A borderline PSA result in January this year led to Pete undergoing a special

Consultant Urologist, Mr Vincent Gnanapragasam, with Mr Beaman

prostate biopsy in late April, which takes 30 samples from the prostate rather than the normal 12. Three weeks later the results showed the presence of some abnormal tissue.

Pete said he had been expecting the diagnosis: “My PSA levels had shot up a lot and with my history I knew a lot about my cancer risk. My urology consultant at my local hospital deemed me to be low-risk and wanted to put me under active surveillance, but I had done my research and I insisted on having the operation to remove my prostate.

I thought it was better to do it now rather than later.”

I had done my research and I insisted on having the operation Pete chose to have state-of-the-art robotic surgery in Cambridge over standard keyhole surgery at his local hospital because of the expertise at Addenbrooke’s. Pete had also seen the robotic technique on a BBC Horizon programme in mid-April and said: “That’s the one for me if ever I run into trouble.”

Once referred to Addenbrooke’s for a preassessment on 9 July, Pete was immediately offered the treatment and booked in for surgery two weeks later. Pete said: “From the beginning my consultant inspired confidence.

The operation took just two hours 45 minutes after which I was a bit sore but otherwise very well. I stayed overnight on the ward and left the following afternoon. I started driving again after four weeks. My recovery has been so fast with minimal side effects.”

1st choice for robotic surgery The benefits of robotic surgery have been seen by over 1000 patients at Addenbrooke’s. Robotic surgery is less painful than conventional open surgery and there is 80 per cent less blood loss; recovery time is much faster – treatment is a day or overnight – and there are fewer side effects such as incontinence.

The new robot bought by ACT in July 2012 provides all the patient benefits of its predecessor plus many extra hi-tech features. It has four rather than three surgical arms for greater flexibility and extra surgical precision. There is more magnification and better imagery; improved sampling of tissues to support essential prostate cancer research; capacity to treat heavier patients and the potential to treat other conditions.

Professor David Neal said: “It is fantastic news that, thanks to ACT, we can continue to offer the very best treatment for prostate cancer for patients. It also increases Addenbrooke’s reputation as a world-class, comprehensive cancer centre.” n

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

For more information about supporting the robotic surgery programme, please go to www.actcharity.org.uk/robot

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 15

| OUT & ABOUT

Out&About Enjoy our monthly montage of events and happenings across the local area with this colourful round-up of Chamber gatherings.

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

Business Focus 2012 Were you there? With 98 exhibitors and over 800 visitors attending, Business Focus 2012 was the best year yet!

Photo credits: Peterborough Telegraph

Exporting is Good for Business Exporters met top business leaders at the BCC International Trade Conference. Speakers included Richard Reed, co-founder of Innocent Drinks as well as Chris Taylor from Eve Taylor (London) Ltd.

Photo credits: British Chambers of Commerce

16

New member on board!

St Ives photo walk

Peter Watts signs up new member Steven Foster from Foster Property Maintenance.

Alan Bennett of Media Imaging Solutions (far right) organised a photo walk in St Ives. This walk was one of 1338 walks across the globe.

| CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

OUT & ABOUT |

Think pink!

Cambridge Building Society supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month by going all girly for a day!

Breakfast with the life savers at Magpas

Heathland guided walk The team at Method, as well as other corporate members, spent a morning with the Wildlife Trust around Cooper’s Hill, Ampthill as part of its Centenary celebrations.

Barr Ellison got to go behind-the-scenes with Magpas Helimedix at their RAF Wyton base while hearing all about the inspiring and vital work they do.

Speed networking Chamber members network against the clock at KingsGate Conference Centre, Peterborough.

New member referral Helen Bosset, right, presenting a bottle of wine to Hilary Gallup from AA Accountants for referring a new member.

Celebrating 30 Years!

Alliance Française celebrates 30 years in Cambridge with an event sponsored by Marshall Aerospace, attended by the French Ambassador and the Mayor of Cambridge.

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 |

17

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HUNTINGDONSHIRE CHAMBER NEWS |

Huntingdonshire Chamber NEWS A round-up of news and events from Huntingdonshire

National contract win for BrightVisions

BrightVisions has been employed to execute complete IT infrastructure for Harris+Hoole

BrightVisions has won another national contract, providing IT infrastructure and support services to an exciting new artisan coffee venture, Harris+Hoole.

BrightVisions has been employed to execute complete IT infrastructure installation in each location, ensuring full connectivity with head office and Wi-Fi for customers.

The innovative and cost effective solution which has enhanced Harris+Hoole’s customer and team member experience is the brainchild of BrightVisions Technical Director, Alex Foster.

Alex has been with BrightVisions for six years, during this time he has built up a reputation in the market place for providing state of the art IT solutions at affordable prices. This, coupled with the unique culture of BrightVisions, helped

secure this win despite competition from larger competitors.

We are delighted to have been chosen over bigger companies Alex said: “We are delighted to have been chosen over the other large, multi-national companies who were bidding for this contract.

Harris+Hoole felt our solution was one of the best, both in terms of our offering and value for money, as well as favouring our approach.” n

Anglia Ruskin honour received Chan Abraham, Group Chief Executive of Luminus, was awarded the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration

by Anglia Ruskin University – its highest honour.

Chan, who is an Anglia Ruskin alumnus, received his Doctorate from Anglia Ruskin’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Thorne and then gave an inspirational talk on ‘Three Ways to Live Well and Finish Strong’ to the 1500 students and guests attending the prestigious ceremony at the Cambridge Corn Exchange.

Professor Thorne said: “Chan Abraham is an inspirational leader; one who has achieved that rare feat of creating a successful business that is truly socially responsible. Since graduating from Anglia Ruskin University in 2001 with an MSc in Leadership and Management, Chan has maintained strong links with the University, sponsoring our Alumni Success in Business Award.” n

Chan Abraham (right) with Professor Thorne

Borney UK sponsors local athlete

Pictured left to right Wayne Debose Hunts Athletics club, Ryan Palmer, Carli Beary Borney UK and Ryan’s mascot and biggest fan Hayden Beary

Borney UK responded to a newspaper article about a young athlete looking for sponsorship.

Ryan Palmer, 18, is a former Hinchingbrooke pupil living in St Ives. Until two years ago he had never set foot in an athletics club and is now the twelfth fastest under 20 year old in the country running

100m in 10.7 seconds!

Carli Beary, New Business Development Manager at Borney UK, said: “We are proud to be Ryan’s new sponsor which will ultimately help him with his career and pursuit to run for England.”

Next year Borney will be celebrating 20 years of business. n

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 19

Here at Borney, Christmas is all about giving.

We will be celebrating our 20th year in February, so to show our appreciation to all our current and future customers, we’d like to offer a 10% discount on any orders placed before 31 January 2013!

Simply quote ‘CM-DEC’ when placing your order to receive this festive gift from us*.

Increase your company profile and improve brand awareness with Borney UK Ltd Bespoke signage, flags, banners, vehicle and exhibition graphics

www.borneyuk.co.uk

Borney UK Ltd. 11 Windover Court, Windover Road Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 7EA T: 01480 456689 E: carli.beary@borneyuk.co.uk *Terms and conditions apply. Contact us for more details.

CHAMBER UPDATES |

Chamber Updates An overview of news from your Chamber

Freelance journalism course available The NCTJ is to offer a new one-day training course in Freelancing for Journalists as part of its short course professional training programme.

The course is aimed at writers who are looking to move into freelance journalism.

It is designed to refresh skills in news writing, grammar and editing and also covers key areas such as how to pitch ideas and build relationships with editors, finding a market and useful information about becoming self-employed.

The first course will run early next year. n

Chef cooks up ‘Culinary Olympics’ medal Only 15 months after coming to Wyboston Lakes, chef Claire Willett has achieved international recognition by winning a bronze medal in the chefs’ version of the Olympic Games.

The ‘Culinary Olympics’ event is the most significant in the culinary world, taking place every four years. This year it was held in the German city of Erfurt from 5-8 October and involved teams from 45 countries.

Claire, 22, is a demi chef at Wyboston Lakes, having joined in July of last year. She and the 10 other members of the team were entered by the Craft Guild of Chefs Academy. The Guild is the leading chefs’ association in the UK, and its Culinary Academy is a structure through which chefs can build and develop their competitive CVs, with a system of awards recognising levels of skill and competitive excellence.

Her competition was in the A Class, and involved the preparation of a feature platter for eight people, together with a selection of six appetisers. She was awarded a bronze medal. n

Bronze medal winner Claire Willett

Fenland Chamber NEWS A round-up of news and events from Fenland

Member win at Business Awards

A2G Assessments with their Customer Service award

The fourth year of the Fenland Enterprise Business Awards saw Chamber member A2G Assessments win the award for Customer Service sponsored by Larkfleet Homes.

There were a total of 12 categories up for grabs and judges included Gill Prangnell and Peter Watts from Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce.

The awards were presented at a celebratory dinner dance on Friday 5 October in March.

A2G Assessments Ltd is a family run business dedicated to delivering quality assured Domestic and Commercial Energy Performance Certificates. n CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 21

| NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

NEW Members

A warm welcome to our new Chamber members

Adult Learning and Skills Team www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk The Adult Learning and Skills team at the County Council supports a range of developments in the skills arena for adults.

A new strategy has been launched and its focus is how they ensure the residents of Cambridgeshire are able to develop the skills that employers need.

At a local level they have been working with the Community Learning and Skills

NEW MEMBERS THIS MONTH

Partnerships to look at how local planning of the curriculum can take place-with input from the community and local employers.

At a strategic level they have employer representation on our Adult Learning and Skills board to ensure an employer perspective is always present in our decision making. A team of district managers are keen to know what learning you would like

to see locally. Sometimes their role for adults is just to make connections and we can do this through our National Careers Service. Our Adult Careers team can support employers by helping employees make the most of workplace development opportunities and by encouraging individuals to invest time in career planning to reach their potential and life goals.

Cambridge & Counties Bank www.ccbank.co.uk

Agile Office Systems Ltd Audud IT Solutions Ltd Centre 33 Codename Media Ltd Downing College Conference Services Haris Properties HMP Whitemoor Homerton Conference Centre Kicksport Ltd LDA Design NDM Systems Ltd Potter & Moore Innovations Ltd Red Ruby Copywriting Ridgeons Ltd SRL Technical Services Ltd The Alternative Board (Cambridge) The Fenland Roaster The River Bar Steakhouse & Grill Yellow Wire Media & Marketing Ltd

Cambridge & Counties Bank was launched in early June 2012 at a time when many robust SMEs were, and still are, finding it difficult to secure finance. Only five months on, it has already approved loans to a variety of businesses, including a general store, a commercial landlord developing student flats and a restaurant.

Recent research carried out by the bank revealed that, despite Cambridgeshire being a hotbed for successful businesses, those businesses could have been turned down for as much as £34 million in loan and overdraft applications during the second half of 2011.

Cambridge & Counties Bank has a unique structure. It is jointly owned by Cambridgeshire Local Government Pension Fund and Trinity Hall, a College of the

Centre 33 www.centre33.org.uk Centre 33 is a well established registered charity and private limited company operating from Cambridge, working with young people aged eight to 25. Centre 33 is here so that all young people have easy access to a confidential, safe place where they can get the support they need to fulfil their

22 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

potential. We work alongside young people to overcome the effects of poor health, isolation, disadvantage and inequality. Our services are open access, so young people can just walk in and get help. For thousands of young people every year, we are ‘someone to talk to’ when they need it most.

University of Cambridge. They each own half of the bank, which has a strong management team led by Chief Executive Gary Wilkinson who has held a number of senior roles in the banking and building society sectors.

The bank aims to lend to businesses that bigger banks have turned their backs on and is happy to look at all sectors while maintaining its pledge to turn around loan decisions within 48 hours. Cambridge & Counties Bank also offer a very competitive deposit account for businesses.

NEW CHAMBER 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

Chef de la Maison

Red Ruby Copywriting

www.chefdelamaison.co.uk

www.redrubycopywriting.com

Chef de la Maison are local outside caterers, established in 1998, specialising in corporate business lunches and events as well as private catering for parties, weddings, christenings, funerals, charity fundraisers, VIP events and new product launches.

We cater for anything from canapés to finger buffets, fork buffets, hot buffets, wedding breakfasts, BBQs and hog roasts.

We are ‘the catering company that cares’ and we aim to deliver great results with fantastic customer service at superb value!

We use as much local produce as possible and all our buffets are freshly prepared. We also pride ourselves in making our own homemade cakes for our buffets. MD Charis Wedgwood says, “I look forward to meeting you all on the networking circuit.”

Set up by Elma Glasgow, trained copywriter and qualified journalist, Red Ruby Copywriting provides a truly useful range of writing services for business and charities.

Whether you need effective, eye-catching website copy, newsworthy press releases or engaging case studies, Red Ruby can help you get your message across.

Elma says: “Copywriting for the web or print continues to be a worthwhile investment – even in these tough times. In fact, your copy needs to work harder than before to convince customers to take action.

A professional copywriting service like Red

Ruby can add value to your marketing strategy, as well as lighten your workload. By outsourcing, you can get on with business and the Christmas festivities!”

If you want quality, persuasive, sharp copy, written with your business objectives in mind, why not get in touch for a no obligation consultation and quote?

Simply Careers www.simply-careers.co.uk We work in partnership with our clients to help them grow successfully.

So, you have analysed your external markets, completed your SWOT, PEST and competitor analysis and have spent dedicated time with your leadership team in defining a robust strategy going forwards. Whilst defining your strategy, did you also spend time considering if you have the right internal structure, processes and people capability to deliver it? Many businesses focused on growth tend to only look at their internal capability when

something starts to go wrong or growth doesn’t happen as expected.

When defining your strategy, it is important to invest time in looking realistically at how you are going to deliver it and whether your internal organisation will help or hinder you in achieving success.

Together we’ll solve IT.

We help growing companies to streamline essential business functions with tailored software solutions.

Call us today and we’ll put our heads together.

t: 01223 597919 adeptsoftware.co.uk

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 23

| ASK THE EXPERT

Ask the expert: Logistic and Supply Chain Management Richard Marriott from Gofers Logistics advises exporters on managing the export of goods.

Q A

What is logistics management?

Logistics include the overall management of the way resources are obtained, stored and moved to the locations where they are required. Logistics management entails the identification of potential suppliers and distributors; evaluating how accessible and effective they are, and establishing relationships and signing contracts with the companies who offer the best combination of price and service. A company might also choose to handle its own logistics if it is cost-effective to do so.

Q A

I s there a qualification you can achieve?

There is an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This is ideal if you want to work on logistics and supply chain problems to support decision

making in an organisation. Practical analytical aspects of logistics problems as well as the fundamentals of management science and supply chain management are covered.

Q A

here did the term W logistics come from?

Q A

hat are the benefits W of a logistical procedure?

This term originated in a military context, referring to how personnel acquire, transport and store supplies and equipment. In the business community, the term refers to how resources are acquired, transported and stored along the supply chain.

By having an efficient supply chain and proper logistical procedures, a company can cut costs and increase efficiency. On the other hand, a company

with poor logistics will fail to meet customers’ expectations and see its business suffer.

Q A

Supply chain management allows the streamlining of business supplyside activities to maximise customer value and to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Supply chain management (SCM) represents an effort by suppliers to develop and implement supply chains that are as efficient and economical as possible.

Supply chains cover everything from production, to product development, to the information systems needed to direct these undertakings. n Do you have expert, informative business advice to share? To be featured as the monthly expert in CONNECTED, contact Sadie Parr by email: s.parr@cambscci.co.uk

Your chance to show businesses want better broadband Support our campaign to bring better broadband to Cambridgeshire Register at www.connectingcambridgeshire.co.uk by December Contact your local Economic Development office to find out more

24 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

What is supply chain management?

POLICY UPDATE |

Policy UPDATE Keeping you informed, representing local business

Exporting is good for

Britain!

The first British Chambers of Commerce International Trade Conference ‘Exporting is Good for Business’ was a sell out.

The conference certainly provided would-be exporters with loads of inspirational stories. In my view they kept the best till last; Richard Reed the co-founder of Innocent Drinks, who told us about creating a global brand.

Shortly after leaving university Richard and a couple of his housemates started making smoothies and having perfected the product they thought they would try it out on an unsuspecting public. If the pilot proved successful they would start manufacturing smoothies.

Consumers were asked to vote by placing their empty bottles in either a YES bin or a NO bin. A majority of yes responses would result in the boys setting up Innocent Drinks and, as they say, the rest is history.

So from this inauspicious pilot in 1999, when they produced 24 bottles, they now produce an incredible two million bottles a day and export to 16 countries across Europe. Their ambitions don’t end here, they have targets for establishing the brand worldwide by 2030. Along the way they have learned some lessons which Richard shared with us.

The first lesson is to be clear about the aim of the business, which in the case of Innocent, is to make it easy for people to be healthy. They also learned that it is essential to get the culture right, which means only employing people who share their business values. Maintaining quality throughout the product range is also vital as is keeping the tone, look and style of the products. We were told that, small details count, like changing the compulsory ‘use by’ date to a friendlier ‘enjoy by’ date. Richard’s final tip was to use customers as a sounding board and to be sure to listen to what they say.

It was great to see a Cambridgeshire Chamber business showcased. Chris Taylor from Eve Taylor (London) Ltd, the Peterborough business featured in last month’s magazine, told us how exporting has expanded their business and now accounts for around 50 per cent of turnover. Chris told us that their expansion would not have been possible without access to finance and the support of their bankers, Barclays, was invaluable.

The opportunities the digital world presents, particularly to smaller businesses, when conducting business on an international scale, were highlighted. In fact we were told that, ‘small is not small any more’ and where once Britain was described as a ‘nation of shop keepers’ the digital age has resulted in Britain becoming a nation of ‘cottage industries’.

The digital universe is expected to double in size every 18 months and getting the technology right makes international trade easier.

Using social media effectively can help to facilitate international trade, which brings me nicely to reminding you to engage with our Speak Digital project @SpeakDigitalNow but if, like me, you are finding ‘tag-talk’ tricky and want to find out more please email: g.prangnell@cambscci.co.uk n

It was great to see a Cambridgeshire Chamber business showcased

Chris Taylor of Eve Taylor (London) Ltd gave some wise words at the event

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 25

| CHAMBER EVENTS

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

Your essential business calendar for the next month and a recent round-up Chamber Christmas Lunch DATE Friday 14 December TIME 12.00-3.00pm LOCATION St John’s College, St John’s Street, Cambridge, CB2 1TP MEMBER PRICE £40.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £50.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT Karen Dawson on 01223 209808 or email k.dawson@cambscci.co.uk Members can also book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

Our popular Christmas lunch returns to St John’s College, Cambridge. The event includes a three-course Christmas lunch and a charity raffle in aid of the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust Robot Appeal, the Chamber’s nominated charity of the year.

We would be grateful for any raffle prizes you are able to donate, please get in touch with Karen on 01223 209808.

MENU up French Onion So ese ped with Gruyere che top ad bre nch Fre with toasted ~ ire Turkey Roast Leicestersh turkey es, Cranberry sauce, sag Sau et ark wm with Ne g ffin stu n cor sweet jus and chorizo and or shroom Parcels Hazelnut and Mu a golden crust d erries an nuts under Mushrooms, cranb ce sau d with a Cumberlan ~ as Pudding St John’s Christm pudding, ditional Christmas tra old ed am ste h Ric ce sau rum a h wit flamed and served ~ a with Mince Pies state Handpicked Te Fair Trade Coffee/E

Delegates at the Autumn Collection event

Update on HR issues The Autumn Collection, organised by the Chamber’s HR and Recruitment Sector, brought members up to date with employment law, legislation and HR issues.

A panel of experts presented on topics which included pensions, national minimum wage, eye test regulations and the difference between sickness and holiday entitlements. After a short presentation on each topic delegates were able to learn more from the topics and have their own questions answered in round table, safari style discussions.

Feedback from delegates was 100% top marks for format, information and value for money.

Comments included: “A good overall Sponsored by: understanding, especially on pensions.”

“Really excellent topics and explained each area with simplified examples.”

“Ability to cover four topics with discussion time in two hours!”

Look out for details of our Spring Collection to be held in March 2013.

Comedy Night raises over £1,000 for charity

Enjoying the laughs at the comedy night Sponsored by:

26 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

Laughter was certainly on the menu at the annual Comedy Night and Black Tie Dinner organised by the Chamber’s Construction Sector.

Held at the Great Northern Hotel, over 120 construction professionals and guests attended.

Before introducing guest comedian Lea Roberts, Phil Elmer, vice-chair of the Sector addressed guests with an overview of the Sector’s work over the last 17 years, as well as encouraging the use of local construction businesses saying “There is enough talent in this room to undertake most projects in the

Peterborough area if only we were given the opportunity.”

Lea’s entertainment, brought to us from the Edge Entertainment Agency, ensured the night ended on high spirits.

Thank you to all who donated raffle prizes which raised over £1,100 for the Chamber’s nominated charity of the year. Event sponsors for the third consecutive year was Applied Energy Group, manufacturers of showering, ventilation and water heating solutions suitable for residential and commercial applications.

CHAMBER EVENTS |

Record Year for Business Focus Business Focus 2012 was once again a real success. With 98 exhibitors and over 800 visitors this was much better than anticipated and numbers were considerably higher than last year making this a record year.

A wide selection of seminars took place during the day in the Cambridge and Peterborough Suites with the opportunity to test drive some energy efficient electric vehicles and sample some ‘fun’ activities in the food hall including a giant scalectrix.

John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The event was a real illustration of the vibrancy of the business community in Peterborough.

“The event sends a very strong message to show that the economy we are working in is definitely not in negative territory, it is growing and developing, thanks to the vision, commitment and dedication of our businesses.”

Exhibitor Steve Bentley, Executive Director at First Ascent Group, said: “It was a very productive day, lots of conversations, lots of leads, nice atmosphere. We would certainly exhibit again.”

Charlie Lewis, Sales Manager at Peterborough Arena, commented: “This was a great day for us. It was good to see the Arena buzzing and being used by a key business event. It has been a chance to showcase the flexibility of our venue and catering services, but also positive to see people talking to each other face to face about how they can do business and creating bespoke solutions to business needs.”

Business Women’s Christmas Lunch DATE Friday 7 December TIME 11.45am-2.00pm LOCATION Orton Hall Hotel, Peterborough PE2 7DN MEMBER PRICE £30.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £37.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT Kelly Hewitt on 01733 370809 or email k.hewitt@cambscci.co.uk Members can also book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

An annual event in the ladies calendar is the Business Women’s Sector Christmas Networking Lunch. This lunch brings together business women professionals from across all sectors with the promise of a glass of wine, excellent company and a captivating guest speaker.

The guest speaker for this event will be announced shortly on the Chamber website.

Export Training Course Import: Compliance and Savings DATE Tuesday 4 December TIME 9.00am-5.00pm LOCATION Chamber Offices, Enterprise House, The Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZR MEMBER PRICE £225.00 (plus VAT) NON-MEMBER PRICE £275.00 (plus VAT) CONTACT f.tester@cambscci.co.uk or book online at www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk

One of the many stands at Business Focus

Chamber Member Induction Mornings

2013 Exhibition

Peterborough DATE Wednesday 28 November TIME 9.30-11.00am LOCATION Chamber Offices, 6 The Forum, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT

dates for your diary!

Tuesday 12 March 2 Counties Exhibition at Newmarket Racecourse

Friday 5 April – Thursday 11 April Ely Cathedral Business Group Celebration of Business Exhibition, Ely Cathedral

Thursday 18 April Huntingdonshire Business Exhibition, Wood Green Animal Shelter

Wednesday 16 October Business Focus, Peterborough Arena

Cambridge DATE Thursday 29 November TIME 9.30-11.00am LOCATION Chamber Offices, Enterprise House, The Vision Park, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9ZR PRICE Free to attend CONTACT Bren Coleman on 01223 209811 or email b.coleman@cambscci.co.uk

Informal Networking Evenings December 2012 Wed 5

Ramada Hotel, Peterborough

6.00-8.00pm

Thurs 6

Holiday Inn, Impington, Cambridge

5.00-7.00pm

Mon 10

The Lamb Hotel, Ely

5.00-7.00pm CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 27

| SECTOR FOCUS

Sector Focus Updates and useful information from Chamber Sectors BUSINESS WOMEN

9 Years & still going strong!

The Business Women’s Sector was initially set up to inspire and encourage new and established business women to maximise their business success by providing networking and support opportunities.

The Sector was the first to operate a speed networking event and ‘Play Your Cards Right’, both of which are now included in the Chamber’s main events diary. The latter is now recognised as our Networking Masterclass.

Other events have been organised over the years from informative and supportive seminars and workshops to more social events such as Swishing, fashion shows and the annual Christmas Networking Lunch – which for your diaries this year is on Friday 7 December at Orton Hall Hotel.

The events don’t happen on their own; it is with the support of a committee that brings the ideas to the table of what

women want. Chaired by Tina Clayton of Regency Chambers the committee meets regularly to discuss their ideas and put the wheels in motion!

The committee would welcome new members. Come along to a committee meeting to find out more and meet the other members.

Contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk Or if you cannot commit the time to the meetings but have ideas of what the Sector could do for you then again do get in touch. n

Tina Clayton, Chair of Business Women’s Sector

INTERNATIONAL

Export Club to be launched in 2013

Export is big business in our area, the club aims to assist current, as well as future exporters

28 | CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012

The British Chambers of Commerce is encouraging its Chambers to support more international trade activity.

The establishment of Export Clubs within the Chambers is recommended and is already happening at a number of UK locations.

An Export Club from the Chamber’s International Sector is being launched in 2013. They will run as an informal networking evening in Peterborough and Cambridge venues and will be for the benefit of new and existing exporters as well as for those

considering exporting. Others that provide export will also be welcome.

This Club will provide mutual support, complimented by visiting international trade experts recruited to introduce and share best practice.

Dates and locations will be announced in the next issue of Connected, keep an eye on the International Sector page on the Chamber’s website, or get in touch to be added to the International Sector email distribution list. n

This Club is designed to provide mutual support, complimented by visiting international trade experts

SECTOR FOCUS |

HR and Recruitment

Get involved and benefit your business Many employers, large and small, are daunted by the amount of pressure and responsibility involved in employing staff.

The Chamber’s HR and Recruitment Sector is there to provide support and information to our members.

Social Enterprise and Charity

Trusteeships in the Spotlight

How can you or your company become involved?

1

Simply becoming a ‘member’ of the sector, the company is flagged up as having an interest in HR and Recruitment issues and individuals within that company receive details of forthcoming events and seminars which may be of interest to them.

2

Be more actively involved and join the Sector’s steering committee which meets approximately every two months. The objective of these meetings is to deliver a programme of HR-related activities and events that will inform businesses of all sizes about current and new employment legislation which affects them, enable members to share individual experiences, to share current thinking and best practice, develop a network of support, and to meet with those who influence these issues across the region.

3

Raise your profile to HR professionals and sponsor and present at one of the events. Sponsorship is from £50.00 (plus VAT).

Where the committee raises issues affecting local businesses, the Chamber will also support and lobby on behalf of sector members whenever necessary.

Interested? Contact Helen Bosett, Sector Co-ordinator, h.bosett@cambscci.co.uk n

The Chamber’s HR & Recruitment Sector is there to help members with any issues or concerns they may have in this area

Arthur Rank Hospice is an example of one of many charities that rely on the skills and experience of voluntary board members from around the local area

The Social Enterprise and Charity Sector has recognised that the business community across Cambridgeshire could help to fill vacancies on their boards. There are huge opportunities for Chamber members to develop board-level volunteering experience at the same time as running their own business. Often the two career experiences are mutually beneficial and increasingly, charities need people with commercial experience.

Social enterprises and charities meet all kinds of needs that would otherwise go unmet Social enterprises and charities exist to create a better society. The range and scope of their work and the variety of people they help is amazing and have a remarkable history of driving social change.

Charities meet all kinds of needs that would otherwise go unmet.

One thing they have in common is that they all depend on their trustees.

Charity trustees are the people who form the governing body or ‘board’ of a charity. They may be called trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members, but they are the people with ultimate responsibility for directing the business of the charity. Most trustees are volunteers, and receive no payment (except out-of-pocket expenses).

If anyone seeks more information please contact the Social Enterprise and Charity Sector via Kirsten Bennett, Vice-Chair, on 01353 865041 or Kirsten.bennett@cambsacre.org.uk n

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 29

| SECTOR FOCUS

| MEMBER COMPETITION

WIN! 2 tickets to a Winter Wonderland

Sector Focus

Updates and useful information from Chamber Sectors

COMMUNICATION

Ready to put words into action PR or marketing capacity from different member organisations.

The inaugural meeting allowed the group to share ideas about best practice as well as highlighting key communication issues that may be an obstacle to business growth in our local area. Social media was earmarked as a priority topic, which falls in line with the Chambers’ current plans to attract funding from the Growth and Innovation Fund (GIF) for an employer-led scheme to encourage members to ‘Speak Digital’ on platforms such as Twitter. n

The first meeting of the recentlylaunched Communications Sector took place at the start of November and in just one session, an agenda for change was agreed. Chaired by Method brand & strategy director Kirsten Corrigan, the new group is made up of a range of industry professionals from the area as well those employed in a

Fur coats at the ready – Christmas is coming to Peterborough Arena, and you have chance to join the party for free!

The East of England Showground venue is staging The Chronicles of Narena (based on the classic CS Lewis tale of Narnia) complete with fur coats, wardrobe doors, enchanted trees and winter wonderland.

The themed-party night takes place on Saturday 15 December where guests can indulge themselves in the magical world beyond the wardrobe and take a turn skating on the venue’s synthetic ice rink.

One party night has already sold out, but we are giving away TWO tickets plus a bottle of wine to join in the fun.

To enter, simply answer this question: Who wrote the classic fairytale The Chronicles of Narnia?

Email your answer to Sadie Parr s.parr@cambscci.co.uk by Friday 30 November for a chance of winning.

For more information or to book tickets, please contact Katie on katie@peterborougharena.com or visit www.peterborougharena.com n

B2B PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Strength Through Partnership Pinnacle Chauffeur Transport Serious about UK Business Travel

• Bespoke Partnership • Strategic Project Management

Cambridgeshire | Norfolk | Suffolk | Essex Contact Mark on 07854 491 219 or markpaflin@wedriveyou.co.uk

• Planning for Community Benefit

Central Booking

0800 783 4107 www.wedriveyou.co.uk

www.cearnsandco.com

OCTOBER 2012

ADVERTISE IN

Build your business network and enhance your profile in the official monthly membership magazine of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. With advertising rates starting from just £75+VAT you can reach more than 3,000 business owners and decision makers on your doorstep.

MBER.CO.UK

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OCTOBER 2012

|1

Email: connected@methodcreative.co.uk

CONNECTED MAGAZINE |

Wishing all of our clients and fellow local businesses in and around Cambridge a wonderful Christmas

Wishing all of our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2013

Empowering

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Offering technology solutions from bespoke websites to training and IT support.

01284 700015 sales@greenduck.co.uk www.greenduck.co.uk

@Method_Creative /methodcreative t 01954 253060 e thinkbig@methodcreative.co.uk

methodcreative.co.uk

CONNECTED DECEMBER 2012 | 31

A LEAN 62.8 MILES PER GALLON FROM A MEAN £219 PER MONTH.

The BMW 116d Sport 5-door is available for a can-do price of just £219 per month* until the end of December. You’ll enjoy further savings thanks to fuel consumption of 62.8mpg (combined) and CO₂ emissions of 117g/km for BIK of only 17%. Add a high level of standard specification that includes 17” alloy wheels, Sport seats, Sport leather steering wheel and 6.5” Control Display with iDrive controller and the only thing you’ll be running out of is superlatives.

To find out more or to arrange a test drive, please visit www.elmsbmw.co.uk/corporate

116d Sport

62.8mpg 116hp

Elms Corporate

Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne, Cambridge CB23 6EF 0845 1295020 www.elmsbmw.co.uk/corporate

BMW | MINI Business Partnership YOUR COMPANY BENEFITS.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW 116d Sport 5-door: Urban 52.3mpg (5.4l/100km). Extra Urban 72.4mpg (3.9l/100km).

Combined 62.8mpg (4.5l/100km). CO2 emissions 117g/km.

*Plus deposit. Offer available to business users only. Figures exclude VAT. Based on a 36 month Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 116d Sport 5-door with a deposit of £1,314.00 plus VAT, a contract mileage of 30,000 miles and an excess mileage charge of 7.25 pence per mile plus VAT. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to status and in the UK only (excl. the Channel Islands). Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required.

The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Rentals may change if VAT rate changes during agreement. Hire provided by BMW Group Corporate Finance. BMW Group Corporate Finance is a trading style of Alphabet (GB) Limited, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9UF. Offer expires 31 December 2012.