chamberlink magazine 17 SPRING/2017 / NO.62
News and views from Chamber members
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Chamberlink Spring 2017
Contents SPRING/2017
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Chamber networking Upcoming Chamber events Welcome to new Chamber members Guarding against cyber crime Direct Food Ingredients expand US base Big Brand Ideas back Silkmen’s Wembley game Legal Eye: Employment law experts Connecting Cheshire’s broadband boost Research & Development - can you claim? Ready for Gender Pay Gap Reporting?
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Context recognised in Northern Tech 100 Don’t litigate - mediate Commercial property College students build skills with industry Mental Health first aider training Chamber members pick up awards Housemates go the extra mile Changes in response to fire alarms New management at Hollin Hall Hotel MP backs ’Daily Mile’ fitness for schools
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Items for the next issue of Chamberlink should be sent to sbowden@macclesfieldchamber.co.uk by Friday July 7, 2017 (please mark Chamberlink magazine) Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise, Churchill Chambers, Churchill Way, Macclesfield. SK11 6AS Tel 01625 665940 Fax 01625 665941 email info@macclesfieldchamber.co.uk Editorial and advertising have been received from a variety of organisations and individuals and their content does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Chamber. The contributions have been reproduced in good faith and the Chamber cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions in relation to them.
Chamber patrons Chamberlink Spring 2017
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ChamberNews
The science of what is possible The Chamber’s visit to Waters state-of-the-art headquarters in Wilmslow was an enlightening experience for all who attended – and everyone went away with a unique insight into mass spectrometry and how it affects the smallest part of our everyday lives, right up to innovative and ground breaking medical advances. We were welcomed by Brian Smith, Vice President of Mass Spectrometry Operations (pictured below), who gave us an update on events at Waters since our last visit, then we broke up into groups for a tour of the site, and rounded off the evening with refreshments and networking in the John Dalton suite.
And Live on Air we have... The Chamber’s Live on Air event with local radio station Cheshire Silk 106.9 proved a huge hit with everyone vying for the opportunity to be literally “Live on Air”! But there could only be four “60 second slots” and those very lucky voices were Andy Towle from Mellington Estates, Nick Thompson from Zurego, Claire Dalton from Live for Work and Jackie Hughes from Barclays Bank. We’re talking with the station about a re-run towards the end of the year, so another opportunity to have your voice heard!
Whistle-Stop Connections This format for networking is so popular that we run it on a regular basis to keep up with demand but always at a different venue. Numbers are limited because the aim is for everyone to talk to everyone else in the room for two minutes, so it’s quite hard work – and we do restrict it to one representative from each type of business, and only one person from each company – non members are welcome but priority is always given to our members of course! Our venue in March was The Merlin just outside Alderley Edge, with a date in the diary for April at Revolution Wilmslow – keep your eye on our website for more dates being added throughout the year. 4
Chamberlink Spring 2017
ChamberNews Welcome from the Chief Executive Welcome to the Spring edition of Chamberlink and my first issue since taking on the role of Chief Executive – after twenty five years, John Lamond has retired and our Board of Directors have asked me to take on the role with effect from 1 April. Like John, I too have been with the Chamber many years and have seen huge changes – from the demise of Business Link and the significant funding it contributed to the provision of business services, to the recession in 2008, and now the challenges of BREXIT and an upcoming Election! But with change comes opportunity and I look forward to taking the Chamber forward into a new era. I have a very supportive team working alongside me now with Becky Thompson handling membership and export documentation and Claire Dunlop working on business development – so if we can help you in anyway, please get in touch. As ever, this issue of Chamberlink is packed with members’ news and provides a great vehicle for companies to raise their profile – so keep sending me all your news, I’m still wearing my editor’s hat! Best wishes Sue Bowden
Upcoming Chamber events How big a threat is Cyber Crime? Thursday 11 May In collaboration with Cheshire Police and Barclays Bank, this breakfast briefing will alert you on how to keep yourself and your business safe from the growing threats of cyber crime. Join us at Radbroke Hall near Knutsford for a light breakfast, followed by enlightening insights into how criminals are targeting business, followed by a tour of the Radbroke site and hopefully access to the Global Command Centre!
Whistle-Stop Connections at Charlie’s on Chestergate Wednesday 17 May This fast and furious format for networking gives you two-minutes to introduce yourself to every other attendee on a one-to-one basis, and likewise hear introductions from your fellow attendees. The evening rounds off with networking at a more leisurely pace over drinks and canapes. Only one person from each business type so book soon to secure your place.
Summer Golf Day & BBQ Wednesday 14 June This team competition is being held on Wednesday 14 June at Mottram Hall’s par 72 Championship course.The day starts with tea or coffee and bacon rolls and ends with an informal BBQ and prize-giving. In between, 18 holes of great golf off a three quarter handicap, Stableford format. Teams of 4 will compete and there are prizes for 1st and 2nd team, longest drive and nearest the pin.
Clay Pigeon Shoot Thursday 28 September Undeniably the finest clay pigeon shooting ground around and overlooking the magnificent rolling countryside of Cheshire and the Peak District, this event will provide a unique experience for even the most novice shot. The day starts with breakfast baps and tea/coffee, followed by a safety talk and practice shoot. After a refreshment break for tea/coffee and cakes, there will be a team competition followed by prize giving and early informal dinner and drinks at 3.30pm.
ALL OUR EVENTS CAN BE BOOKED ONLINE AT www.macclesfieldchamber.co.uk
Chamber Patrons Specialist advice on trusts, inheritance tax, wills and estate planning
ANDREW WHITELEY ACCOUNTS & AUDIT MANAGER
Is Cloud based accounting software for you?
Are you considering computerising your book keeping? Or already use software but are considering a switch to a cloud based solution? If you answered Yes to either of these then we have a business surgery for you. Our audit and accounts manager Andrew Whiteley will talk you though some of the pro and cons of your book keeping options, from manual cashbooks to Sage and Quickbooks software, to the latest Cloud based solutions such as Xero and Quickbooks Online. Date: Wednesday 10 May 2017 Venue: Harts Limited, 10 Westminster Road, Macclesfield SK10 1BX Time: 8.00am – Registration 8.30am – Start 9.30am – End If you would like to attend this FREE event, please contact: NHarrison@harts-ltd or call Nina on 01625 669669
At Thorneycroft Solicitors, we provide a range of high quality legal services. This includes our Employment and HR retainer packages, which give many local employers peace of mind. Many local business people also take advantage of other services that we provide, not least those provided by our Wills, Probate and Trust Department. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Heather Gaunt to the position of Associate Director and head of this department, which forms part of the ongoing development of the firm’s private client services. Heather brings with her 21 years’ of experience in the private client sector, encompassing both large and national law firms and niche regional practices, Heather has worked with a range of businesses and clients, giving advice relating to probate services, Court of Protection applications and preparing powers of attorney. As a member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) she is able to give specialist advice on complex trusts, inheritance tax, wills and estate planning issues. Managing director Rachel Stow is delighted to have Heather as part of the firm’s management team. She commented: “This is an area of our business that has grown significantly during the past few years and Heather’s expertise, enthusiasm and team leadership skills will enable us to capitalise further on the opportunities that exist, whilst also enhancing the service that Thorneycroft Solicitors provides to both current and future clients.” If you, or a member of your family would like to speak to Heather, please call us on 01625 503444, or email heathergaunt@thorneycrofts.co.uk. We will arrange a FREE initial consultation, either at our offices or at your home, to discuss the options available to you.
Chamber patrons Chamberlink Spring 2017
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Chamber News
Welcome to new Chamber Ascot Lloyd
Considered IT Solutions
Imperial Court Exchange Quay MANCHESTER M5 3EB 0161 804 5384 Michael Meech BA (Hons) FPFS® Chartered & Fellow Independent Financial Adviser
MACCLESFIELD 07479 946 160 Tony Hine
Ascot Lloyd - Caring for your financial future We are one of the UK’s leading national firms of independent financial advisers, committed to providing a personal and professional service to both individual and corporate clients.
www.ascotlloyd.co.uk
Hi, I'm Tony and I run Considered IT Solutions. The most important question is what does your business do? Secondly can you use IT to help your business? As a business owner and parent myself, I understand priorities and IT should be a tool to make your life easier.
www.ConsideredIT.Solutions
Forest Gin MACCLESFIELD FOREST 07899 074 440 Karl Bond
Banner Associates PRESTBURY 07908 556 395 Duncan Watt
www.forestgin.com
Banner Associates are experts in helping businesses with their recruitment. We are not a Recruitment Agency. We help companies explore all avenues to find the right people for their business, whilst saving them time and effort.
www.thecvandinterviewexpert.co.uk
Britannia Car Finance Ltd
Hollin Hall Hotel Jackson Lane BOLLINGTON SK10 5BG 01625 573246 Carole Taylor Hollin Hall Hotel is a beautiful Tudor style house built in 1870 and located on the outskirts of Bollington village. With 59 bedrooms, a friendly restaurant, meeting and event space, we're the ideal place to explore Cheshire. Enjoy a great meal, an afternoon tea , Sunday lunch, or host your next meeting, event or wedding for up to 120 guests.
Ground Floor 17 Stoney Lane WILMSLOW SK9 6LG 0161 440 7272 Ivan Whalen
www.hollinhallhotel.com
Tailored Service: Business or private individual, our experienced and knowledgeable team will work closely with you to tailor a vehicle and finance package to suit your exact requirements. Key Relationships: Our relationship with major lenders and vehicle manufacturers enables us to supply a constant flow of special offers that represent exceptional value for money
www.britanniacarfinance.co.uk
Cheshire Combat Supplies Fence House Fence Avenue MACCLESFIELD SK10 1LT 01625 474 029 Donna Clark
We’re a husband and wife team, distilling high quality spirits from our microdistillery near to Macclesfield. Established in 2015, Forest Gin has won numerous global awards and is ranked amongst the world’s finest spirits.
Cheshire Combat Supplies
Cheshire Combat Supplies provides military surplus clothing, ready to go Business start up packs, childrens outdoor adventure packs, Ammunition boxes and cammo nets. It also donates profit to Best Dressed Vets, a charity being set up by Donna Clark for BritishTri service veterans to support them with new clothing.
combatcheshire@outlook.com
HouseMates 26A Jordangate MACCLESFIELD SK10 1EW 01625 511533 Alice James Having been established for 25 years, HouseMates attracts busy young professionals who are looking for an attractive place to live, with excellent levels of service and a ready-made social life with regular socials. We offer a hassle-free way of living with bills included, weekly cleaners and fully furnished private rooms.
www.housematesrooms.co.uk
Identity Incentives Deanway Technology Centre Wilmslow Road HANDFORTH SK9 3HW 0161 300 1557 Matt Jameson Identity Incentives: your end to end solution. We consult, design, print, store and deliver branded merchandise. We will help you to be unique and stand out from your competition, creating a lasting impression, enhancing your brand exposure, generating new customer relationships and reaching a wider audience cost effectively.
www.id-i.co.uk 6
Chamberlink Spring 2017
Chamber News
members Immense Digital Ltd Adelphi Mill Grimshaw Lane BOLLINGTON SK10 5J 01625 347 040 John Butcher At Immense Digital, we pride ourselves on delivering bespoke campaigns that focus on your target personas. By identifying these, their wants and needs, it ensures we deliver what matters most – a great ROI on your spend. Our services range from web development and SEO to PPC and social advertising.
www.immensedigital.co.uk
Leek United Building Society 36 Chestergate MACCLESFIELD SK11 6BA 01625 423 659 Veronica McNeil Mutual Building Society – services we offer Savings, Mortgages, Home Insurance and also Independent financial adviser who is employed by Wren Sterling.
www.leekunited.co.uk
Paul Lloyd Design MACCLESFIELD 07974 412159 Paul Lloyd I am a freelance graphic/web designer based in Macclesfield with over 15 years experience. As a freelancer I have lower overheads which means I can save you money. I have a great promotion running until June. So if you have a new project coming up then please get in touch.
www.paulloyddesign.com
Pinches Medical Charles Roe House Chestergate MACCLESFIELD SK10 2LP 03333 031 041 Debbie Lomas Pinches Medical is a private GP Practice launching its first site in Summer 2017. We will be offering a 5* tailored service to all of our patients, whether you’re booking as a Pinches Member or Non-Member. Our Doctors will see just two or three patients per hour, so the experience will be unhurried, comfortable and relaxed. Patients will also have the option to enjoy refreshments in on-site, Charles’ Art Café, which will be providing fine food and beverages whilst showcasing local artists.
www.pinchesmedical.co.uk
Process Components Ltd Graphic House Bank Street MACCLESFIELD SK11 7AR 01625 412 000 Rocco Mastrolonardo We design and manufacture a full range of powder handling and processing equipment. We predominantly service the food, chemical and pharmaceutical markets but have delivered solutions for thousands of diverse applications. Our extensive range includes sifters, milling machines, classifiers, mixers and blenders, de-lumpers, valves, flow promotion products, level probes and much more.
www.pro-components.com
The Skills & Growth Company Westfields SANDBACH CW11 1DG 01270 685873 Carol Young The Skills & Growth Company will be a national exemplar of best practice, aligning all activities to a common goal: To get people into work, increase their skills and ensure businesses thrive, creating jobs, innovation and growth opportunities.
www.skillsandgrowth.co.uk
Did you know the Chamber offers an Export Documentation Service ? We can certify EU and Arab Certificates of Origin, EUR-1 and A.TR Movement Certificates. We can also authenticate signatures on invoices and other legal documents. For more information, please contact Becky Thompson on 01625 665940.
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Members News
CyberCrime
Axon warns local businesses of the dangers of cybercrime IT company sees 30% increase in incidents reported
EMMA FAY-TOUHEY FROM THE HR DEPT WILMSLOW
How Cheshire businesses can handle the rise in National Minimum and Living Wages It has been well reported that on April 1, the National Minimum and Living Wages rose, affecting the whole workforce. The headline National Living Wage rate has risen to £7.50 per hour. These wage rates are important for protecting society’s lowest paid. And paying staff well is an obvious tactic for recruiting and retaining good employees. But even so, local employers are facing many pressures on staffing costs, so Emma Fay-Touhey from The HR Dept Wilmslow explains some do’s and don’ts of dealing with the rise. “Let’s start with what you cannot do. Dismissing staff purely because they qualify for the National Living Wage is not an option! Do this and your employees will be able to claim automatic unfair dismissal, as employment law protects against this,” says Emma. “Using gig workers should be treated with caution too. Businesses take on these ‘pretend self-employed workers’ and avoid paying NI contributions, wage obligations, employment rights, and auto enrolment. But this approach could still land them in court. Uber drivers took Uber to a tribunal and won, and there have been other high profile cases too.”
Fines plus naming and shaming Ignoring the minimum wage obligations is certainly not an option. Business owners could be fined up to £20,000 per worker plus wages due, as well as face a public naming and shaming. Emma continues: “There are strategies businesses can employ legitimately though. The most positive way forward is to embrace the rises as part of a drive to increase productivity. Better paid workers tend to be happier and more inclined to go the extra mile for their organisation. Make sure wage rises are well communicated along with any other benefits you offer. “And if that won’t work, then you can consider redundancies. Tread carefully though. It must be the role that is made redundant, not the person. Get this wrong, and that is another sure fire route back to the courts.” 8
Chamberlink Spring 2017
IT solutions firm Axon is urging local businesses to look at their cybercrime prevention strategies following a 30% increase in the number of companies falling victim to new viruses and online scams in the past three months. Reports from the annual Crime Survey of England and Wales reveal that online fraud is now the most common crime in the country due to a 39 percent increase on the year before, meaning you’re now 20 times more likely to fall victim to an online crime. Statistics mirrored by the firm experienced across its customer base. Reported virus attacks include new strains of the notorious Cryptolocker and Cerber ransomware attacks. These viruses are designed to infiltrate and lock down systems to hold businesses at ransom. The fees being demanded to release systems have been known to be thousands of pounds, with money usually commanded to be paid directly into the dark web making the source untraceable and no guarantee of systems being released. Axon is urging anyone who has been affected, or suspects they have been a victim of the virus, to contact their IT support immediately for assistance and has provided the following tips to help businesses improve their IT security and decrease the likelihood of a cyber-attack: • Do not open any email attachments that you are not expecting. Keep all operating systems up-to-date and regularly back up your data. The Cryptolocker virus disguises itself as an email attachment and is designed to infect a machine as soon as it is installed. • If your employees are using mobile devices, make sure they’re protected with a Mobile Device Management application. This helps businesses control the use of their business data outside of the office. • Watch what you’re clicking on. Be wary
of unknown attachments, links or downloads. Make sure they are from a reputable source. Always read the reviews when downloading apps, and be mindful of clicking on adverts from obscure non-branded “businesses”. • Be aware of USB drives – if they’re from an unknown source don’t use them. A USB drive containing a virus or malware will infect your systems and could have a devastating effect. Always remember to use encryption if you’re using drives for sensitive data management. • Social media is one of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to make their scams believable. It’s important for the public to ensure their privacy settings are correct. By changing the visibility of your timeline so only trusted people can interact and see your messages, and being more conscious of the information that you’re putting on the sites, you can help prevent a cybercriminal infiltrating your business systems. Graham Fern, Technical Director for Axon commented: “One million people are victims of cybercrime every day, equating to 12 people per second. Cybercriminals work 24/7 to try and get one step ahead of security companies and unfortunately, sometimes they do succeed. Companies are being put out of business with no possibilities of returning, which is why we want to raise as much awareness as possible and help prevent cybercrime.” He added: “Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing crimes of our time. Viruses are designed to infect, threaten, cause havoc and ultimately to make money. Cybercriminals can lurk on a system for up to two weeks before making their move and often, users won’t even know they’re under attack, which is why we’re urging businesses to log onto www.cyberaware.gov.uk and follow the government guidelines.”
Cyber Crime
Cyber of the times: Do you have a Cyber Liability Plan in place? From your 6.15am alarm call to lights out and head on the pillow, you’re giving out data throughout your day. Just think about a day in the life of your data journey:
ask for your to subscribe to read more. Tracking back through your day indicates a large amount of data leaked into the world. Not only personal information but some accessed through company equipment and systems.
Do you have a cyber liability plan and insurance in place? • Speak today with Jon Davies at Riskworks Business Services 01625 547754 or email jonathand@riskworksbusiness.com
7.30am – Catching up on Facebook Along with authentication information, Facebook will track how long you dwell on posts and of course log which posts you ‘like’ and comment on in order to optimise your experience. When you upload an image you can also tag the location
Business Seminars
9.13am – Sending an email The email header will track the IP address of the sender, as well as all the computers the email has been sent through 10.43am – Check your bank balance Banking apps / websites are usually fairly secure. If using an App some authentication maybe stored on your device of access. 1.14pm – Doing some online shopping A large number of sites use tags or cookies to track searches and then display adverts from other sites. 6.04pm – Using a health recording App Types of data that may be collected and transmitted include heart rate, steps and location 8.43pm – Reading an online article Some sites use adverts to help support them. Adverts showing your previous browsing history and behaviour may appear. Others may track how many articles you read and
Cheshire Seminar Thursday, 11th May 2017 08:00am until 09:30am Barclays Technology Centre, Radbroke, Knutsford WA16 9EX (visitors car park) With cyber²crime in the news on an almost daily basis it is important to understand how you can take steps to protect both yourself and your business from these threats. In collaboration with The Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce, Barclays Business Digital Eagles and Cheshire Police will help you to understand what threats exist and some steps you can take to help protect yourself. Event Timings
08:00 08:20
Arrival and networking with breakfast and cofffee/tea available Welcome by Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce and Barclays Hosts
08:25
Brian Faint, Cheshire Police : Local landscape
08:40
Graeme Brand : Top Cyber Threats to UK Businesses
09:05
Site Tour
09:30
Event closes
Register now for free at www.macclesfield chamber.co.uk/events Alternatively RSVP to reception@macclesfieldchamber.co.uk
JON DAVIES OF RISKWORKS BUSINESS SERVICES
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Members News
Local Council engage with students on Youth Summit
DIRECT FOOD INGREDIENTS’ US EXPANSION: FROM LEFT, STEVE LOAKE (MD), TAYLOR PRESGROVE, ABE CORTEZ (US OFFICE VICE PRESIDENT), MICHELLE CROSTHWAIT AND BRIGG SIMPSON (DIRECTOR)
Direct Food Ingredients expands its US facility Direct Food Ingredients has expanded its US office with the appointment of two new full-time employees. In 2015 the ingredients business opened a Los Angeles office and a 75,000 square feet warehousing and distribution facility, with just one employee, and since then has gone from strength to strength. Michelle Crosthwait and Taylor Presgrove have now joined Abe Cortez, US office Vice President at Direct Food Ingredients first international office. Together they formed a dedicated stateside team of three supporting the firm’s ambitious international expansion plans. Customer service manager Michelle has over 20 years’ experience and has worked across a wealth of industries, taking on similar vital roles. Sales account manager Taylor graduated from The University of Oklahoma in 2014 and completed a management training program at Enterprise. Both are looking forward to using their expertise to help develop and grow Direct Food Ingredients in the US. Since opening two years ago, the US office has turned over $1.1m in sales which has contributed to Direct Food Ingredients’ continuing success and saw the business announce an overall record turnover of £17.6m for 2016. Steve Loake, founder and MD of Direct Food Ingredients commented: “We have had an overwhelming response from US manufacturers to our expansion into the American market. We have focussed our US offering on our two core areas of sports nutrition and nutraceuticals, and our stringent quality assured product range has fulfilled a gap in the market for comprehensively audited, premium products from trusted sources. “Our future plans are now to build upon our strong presence in the States, and research and develop further opportunities for overseas expansion in other international territories.”
Macclesfield Town Council is reaching out to the town's youngest generation to promote Macclesfield's first Youth Summit. Conservative Councillor Adam Schofield, who represents Macclesfield West, visited The King’s School and talked to Politics and History students as part of a tour of secondary schools in the town. He said: “We engage very well with the majority of members in our community but so far we, and me personally, have had very little contact with younger people in Macclesfield, who seem to leave it to the older members of the community to flag up and pursue issues; so we are going out to them to tell them what we do and how we can serve.” He added: “We want six or seven young people from each school to register for the Summit and then be part of a team that contributes to a policy for young people we can take before the Council.” During his visit Councillor Schofield explained the different responsibilities of the MP, Cheshire East Council and Macclesfield Town Council, setting out that the Town Council responsibilities such as: civic pride, community engagement, the town's CCTV and security systems and grant aid to charities and community support organisations. He said: “From my visit to King’s and other schools I have found huge interest in our work and it seems clear you just have to let young people know that we are here, what we do and that we are very approachable.” Giles Barker, The King's School's Head of History, said: “There is a resurgence in political interest among young people not just in Macclesfield and Britain but globally, and I was not surprised to hear that the Councillor has found an articulate younger generation where ever he has gone. We applaud this initiative which proves the ancient adage: if the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain.”
COUNCILLOR ADAM SCHOFIELD, THIRD LEFT, VISITS KING’S SCHOOL
Free benchmarking offer to increase profitability Quick-thinking quiz Ready for a bit of quick thinking on Sunday afternoon? Then head on down to The Alchemist in the heart of Alderley Edge for their “quick shoot pub quiz”. Played on ipads, this game is literally fastest touch wins – so get your fingers and heads at the ready! It’s held every other Sunday between 4pm and 7pm, and you can book your place with Victoria at alderleyedgebdm@thealchemist.uk.com. 10
Chamberlink Spring 2017
An exclusive offer to all Chamber members to take part in Prospero Accounting Ltd benchmarking project which is designed to help your business become more profitable….let us explain. The aim of the benchmarking survey is to research exactly what makes some of the UK’s businesses in your industry more profitable and successful than others. We’ll look at what those businesses do and how they do it. We’ll look at what works and what doesn’t. And we’ll look at their results compared to yours. It will enable you to tap into the success secrets of some of the country’s most successful and profitable businesses in your industry. At the end of this of course we’ll share all of our cost-cutting, efficiency improving and profit-boosting discoveries with all those that take part in the study – including we hope you and your business. There is no cost to be involved, it is an initiative delivered to you by one of the areas’ leading Chartered Accountancy practices – Prospero Accounting Ltd. All you have to do to benefit from it is to give me Rennie Evans a call on 0161 242 7189, or request a ‘Tell me more’ slip from rennie.evans@prosperoaccounting.com
RENNIE EVANS OF PROSPERO ACCOUNTING
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Members News
Big Brand Ideas drum up support for Silkmen's trip to Wembley Macclesfield Town have won their way to Wembley for the Buildbase FA Trophy Final against York City on Sunday May 21, kick-off 4.15pm. The challenge now is to maximise support and get every possible person joining the “Macc Exodus” to Wembley for one of the biggest days in Silkmen history. As an Official Club Partner, full service marketing agency, Big Brand Ideas has got fully involved by doing what it does best: creating a compelling integrated campaign to drive ticket sales and get the whole town buzzing. The theme of the campaign is “We're Going”. It’s a relentlessly positive approach with messages such as "We're going to Wembley with the Silkmen." The campaign will also be promoting the many ticket offers that make the Wembley trip amazingly affordable. Under 16s can buy a match ticket for just £1. Tickets for students and over 60s are only £10 and group bookings of 9 or more adults can get half price tickets. The club has also made sure that the cost of an adult ticket plus a return coach trip comes in at under £50. Big Brand Ideas MD Jon Butler says: “As a proud Macclesfield company we're delighted to support our local team. We believe that a great showing on the day at Wembley will be a positive boost for the whole town and surrounding areas.” You’ll see the “We're going” campaign wherever you go around town, in the local media and online over the next few weeks. And the campaign provides lots of opportunities for local businesses and organisations to get involved, from displaying leaflets and posters to offering discounts to fans.
MP DAVID RUTLEY HELPS LAUNCH THE DISABILITY CONFIDENT INITIATIVE IN MACCLESFIELD
• If you'd like to help please contact the main reception at the Football Club on 01625 264686.
MP backs Macclesfield Disability Confident scheme Following a meeting with representatives from the Macclesfield Jobcentre Plus, local MP, David Rutley, gave his active support to holding a Disability Confident event in Macclesfield in September. This important event will encourage local businesses to find out more about the Disability Confident employer scheme. The scheme supports employers to attract, recruit and retain disabled workers by providing them with practical advice, tools and ongoing support. Nearly 4,000 organisations have already signed up to the scheme nationally, but with only 48 per cent of disabled people currently employed, the Government recognises that more needs to be done to help them get into the workforce. Macclesfield’s Jobcentre Plus believes that there is clear potential for more local employers to provide more employment opportunities in and around the town. Local businesses can find more information and guidance about becoming Disability Confident by visiting www.gov.uk/DisabilityConfident, and further details about the forthcoming event in Macclesfield will be communicated directly to local employers in the months ahead. Any local employers who would like to take part in Macclesfield’s Disability Confident event should get in touch with David at david.rutley.mp@parliament.uk.
Powerful signal to disabled candidates Speaking about the Disability Confident Employer Scheme, Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work, Penny Mordaunt MP, said: “I want to congratulate David for taking steps to create more Disability Confident employers, and helping close the disability employment gap. The scheme not only supports employers who want to know how they can make their organisation more inclusive, it sends a powerful signal to disabled candidates that if they apply to that firm they can have confidence their needs will be understood and supported.” David said: “Disabled people make up a fifth of the working age population and there are employers in Macclesfield who may not be benefiting from the talents they have to offer. The event I am helping to organise will enable more employers to become Disability Confident and will help lead to increased opportunities for local disabled people to realise their potential in the workplace.”
Flagship store to open in Macclesfield Following the recent successful opening of their latest Cheese & Wine Emporium in the centre of York, Cheshire Cheese Company are to open a ‘flagship’ store in Macclesfield. The new store is set to open this Summer and will offer not only their range of award winning cheeses and chutneys, but a large selection of local beers and some of the best artisan products from in and around Cheshire. The store will have a cafe offering a range of home cooked dishes made from locally sourced produce that will also be available in the shop, which will be licensed as well. There will also be a great selection of boutique wines and spirits on offer. Richard Buxton, the co-founder of the Cheshire Cheese Company said: “This is a very exciting and ambitious project, my 12
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aim is to provide a store that will sell the very best of what the North West has to offer. We attend 14 Artisan Farmers Markets a month and there is some fantastic local produce out there and I want to be able to offer as much of this wonderful food as possible and make it available to everyone, every day in our shop. “We now have over 27,000 Cheshire Cheese Club Members who have been asking for a long time where can they buy our award winning cheeses locally, besides the markets, and finally I've found a great location to make this happen.” To follow the progress of the new store as it takes shape follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter under the Cheshire Cheese Company page.
Legal Eye
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Members News Learn the secrets of “Good Foundations” …charity Ladies Lunch! This Spring there is a unique opportunity to spend an afternoon in elegant surroundings whilst raising money for the Rossendale Trust. The Trust is holding a Ladies Lunch on May 18 at Mottram Hall Hotel in the elegant St. Andrews Suite. There will be a presentation by lingerie experts from Marks & Spencer, who will reveal the secrets of choosing the best figure flattering foundations. Ladies will learn how a “Good Foundation” can make all the difference and ensure you look your best in all your outfits. Whatever your shape, the right choice of underwear can really help to streamline your figure and create the perfect silhouette. Janet Street-Porter once said, always remember that “what you wear should not be a source of pain, vast expense or misery!”. Guests will enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival, followed by a delicious two-course lunch with tea/coffee, during which the models will show the latest affordable clothes available from SOS Boutique. There will be an opportunity to browse the exclusive range of fashions as well as jewellery, handbags and accessories, PLUS the latest Clarins range of beauty products. Book your ticket online for this exclusive Annual Ladies Lunch and support the Rossendale Trust: www.rossendaletrust.org/events or call Sue Heaven on 01260 252216 to reserve your seats now.
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Chamberlink Spring 2017
Connecting Cheshire’s Broadband boost Many more communities in Cheshire are set to benefit from the roll-out of superfast broadband – thanks to strong demand for the high-speed fibre technology by local households and businesses. More than 40 per cent of customers in the Connecting Cheshire area have already chosen to take-up the service, triggering a ‘Gainshare’ award under the terms of the contract with BT to be used to further extend the fibre roll-out. More than 6,000 premises have just been added to the Connecting Cheshire phase three roll-out plans for 2017 and 2018. As a result of the high take up there is a Gainshare contribution of £3.34m, making a total of £4.3m including a further BT investment. It is expected that around 5,400 of the 6,000 premises will receive superfast speeds of more than 24Mbps and the work is projected to be completed by summer 2018. The project has delivered fibre broadband to more than 92,000 homes and businesses in Cheshire over the past three years, installing 600 green fibre cabinets and 1,000 miles of fibre cable in the ground – enough cable to stretch from Crewe to Rome! Councillor David Brown, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Under its initial contract with BT, the Connecting Cheshire programme receives a dividend if take-up reaches a certain point. As this has been achieved, the money will be used to extend the network to areas previously outside the planned coverage area – which is great news. “Investing public money in fibre broadband helps sustain our rural communities and maintains Cheshire’s competitive edge as a business destination. It also allows homeowners to do things that need a faster internet connection, like accessing skills and learning, entertainment and other social connections.” Tony Morgan, BT’s programme director, said: “The Connecting Cheshire programme is going from strength to strength. We are seeing strong take-up of fibre broadband across the county and this is helping us reach even more communities. “BT is committed to rolling out this transformational technology as far as possible. Together with our commercial rollout, more than 96 per cent of homes and businesses across the county are now able to access fibre broadband.” To check availability in your area visit www.connectingcheshire.org.uk All of the engineering work as part of Connecting Cheshire is being carried out by Openreach, BT’s local network business. This means residents and businesses with access to fibre broadband can choose from a wide range of internet service providers and benefit from competitive pricing and products. To find out if residents or businesses can upgrade to fibre broadband they need to speak to their internet service provider to order an upgrade as they will not automatically be upgraded. Connecting Cheshire is managed by Cheshire East Council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company.
Financial Services
Research & Development – Can you claim? Chris Bentley Tax & Forensic Manager
Enhanced tax relief for research and development expenditure (“R&D”) has been around for a number of years. However, it is surprising how many businesses are unaware either that the relief exists, or that their business might benefit from claiming it. This is a shame because a claim for R&D tax relief can be worth as much as £260 for each £1,000 spent on qualifying activities. In addition, where a company undertakes R&D but does not have any corporation tax liability, it can receive payment of a tax credit from HMRC. The relief though does have to be claimed; it is not automatic. We find that businesses want to save on their tax bills, but are increasingly concerned that doing so will leave them in ‘hot water’ with HMRC. R&D provides an ideal solution where it is available; not only does it reduce the tax bills, it is also a relief which the government, and by extension HMRC actively wants taxpayers to claim. This is unlikely to change with Brexit. The range of businesses which can qualify for this relief is much broader than is commonly acknowledged – research and development is not just carried on by people working in white coats in laboratories, though these people probably are doing R&D. By way of example of the range of businesses which can benefit, we have recently assisted with claims in the fields of bespoke manufacturing, process automation, environmental control systems and software development. That is not to say though that every business can benefit. In particular this relief is only available to companies (ie sole traders, partnerships and LLPs are excluded). For the relief to be available, the company needs to have incurred expenditure on a project or projects which give rise to: • • •
An advance in overall science or technology Which has involved the resolution of technical uncertainties, and Where the advance could not have been readily ascertained by competent professionals.
In essence then, if a company has technologies, processes or manufacturing techniques which its competitors do not, or has developed software, it is worth exploring whether an R&D claim might be possible. For small and medium sized companies (which in practice are the vast majority), relief is targeted at R&D which a company has undertaken in its own right. Typically this means that the company needs to have borne the risks associated with the project. In limited circumstances a company may also be able to claim for R&D subcontracted to it, but where such a claim is possible, the relief is much less generous at around £90 per £1,000 of spend. Where a company makes a claim for R&D expenditure, HMRC will normally expect a report in support of the claim to accompany the company’s tax return. It is this report which explains what has been done and supports the assertion that the activities are R&D and so qualify for relief. It is therefore important that the report is carefully considered and written by someone who has experience of the subtleties of what does and what doesn’t constitute R&D from a tax perspective. Once it has been established that there is a claim for R&D, tax relief is available for the majority of costs associated with the qualifying projects or activities. This includes wages and salaries, materials consumed in undertaking R&D and an apportionment of some overheads. The claim can also include some of the costs of subcontractors. Although the calculation of the value of a claim is on one level mathematical, there are a number of nuances to be aware of and it is often necessary to make appropriate estimates and approximations. This means an element of judgement is also required in completing this part of the claim. In conclusion, R&D has much broader application than is often realised, but as it is a complex area, it should always be considered carefully.
Please feel free to contact Chris Bentley at Harts if you think you may have a potential R&D claim and would like to explore the possibility of claiming relief further. Chris can be contacted on 01625 669669 or CBentley@harts-ltd.com. Chamberlink Spring 2017
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SAS Daniels LLP
Are you ready for Gender Pay Gap Reporting? The Gender Pay Gap is a current ‘hot topic’ and following recent changes to the Equality Act 2010, new regulations are now in force which all businesses should be aware of. James Heath, Associate at SAS Daniels, explains what you need to know to ensure you’re ahead of the game.
What is the Gender Pay Gap? The Gender Pay Gap is the average difference in hourly pay between men and women. Typically, firms with a high number of men in senior roles, with more women occupying junior roles, will have a larger Gender Pay Gap. You often hear people referring to equal pay, however, this is different as it concerns the differences in average pay between men and women, regardless of their role. Equal pay relates to the difference in pay between men and women who carry out the same or similar roles.
Gender Pay Gap Reporting – key points to be aware of Following recent changes to the Equality Act 2010, the government has released some draft regulations which came into force on 6 April 2017. The regulations make it mandatory for private and voluntary sector firms, with 250 or more employees, to disclose the details of their Gender Pay Gap publicly to their website. Firms will also have to submit evidence of compliance to the government. The details submitted should be based on a snapshot of data which was taken on 5 April 2017. Following the snapshot date, organisations will have 12 months to release the data based on the deadline of 4 April 2018. It must be displayed for three years to show whether progress has been made.
What should be included in the Gender Pay Gap information? Under the regulations, employers will be required to publish: •
The difference in mean pay between male and female employees during the pay period falling on 5 April 2017;
•
The difference in median (i.e. mid-point) pay between male and female employees during the pay period falling on 5 April 2017;
The term ‘pay’ does not include: • • • • • • • •
Pay for a different period; Expenses; Benefits in kind; Arrears of pay; Overtime pay; The value of salary sacrifice schemes; Redundancy pay; Tax credits.
What does this mean for companies in a group structure? The Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 define a ‘relevant employer’ as ‘an employer who has 250 or more employees.’ For group companies, the employee headcount relates only to the legal entity that is an individual’s employer, rather than a collective headcount of all employees from different companies within a group.
What can employers do to prepare for the Gender Pay Gap Reporting requirements? Employers can take preparatory steps to ensure that they have the appropriate systems in place to collect Gender Pay Gap information. Additionally, employers could also consider methods to put themselves in a favourable position and minimise any risks associated with their information being published. Employers could: •
Determine whether the regulations are likely to apply to the employer;
•
Decide who will be responsible for collating, analysing and producing the Gender Pay Gap data;
•
The difference in mean (i.e. average) bonus pay between male and female employees during the 12 months preceding 5 April 2017;
•
•
The proportion of male and female employees who received bonus pay during the period of 12 months preceding 5 April 2017;
Assess the payroll systems and work out what gender pay information can be produced;
•
•
The number of male and female employees employed on 5 April 2017 in quartile pay bands A, B, C and D (workforce divided equally into quarters – this can be helpful where there is no pay grade or scales).
Review how pay and rewards are determined to ensure decisions are transparent;
•
Make reasonable adjustments to your current systems (if necessary) to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The pay information above must be based on data from a snapshot date of 5 April every year, from 2017 onwards. The bonus information must be based on the preceding 12 month period, beginning with the 12 months leading up to 5 April 2017.
The term ‘pay’ includes: • • • • • • • •
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Basic pay; Paid leave; Maternity pay; Sick pay; Area allowances; Shift premium pay; Bonus pay; Other pay e.g. car allowances paid through payroll, on call and standby allowances, clothing, first aid or fire warden allowances, etc. Chamberlink Spring 2017
We understand that Gender Pay Gap reporting can be challenging, so our straight talking team of Employment Law & HR specialists are here to help and guide you through the process to save you time. If you require further advice for your business, please contact James Heath on telephone 01625 442110 or email james.heath@sasdaniels.co.uk
Members News
PR agency Context recognised in Northern Tech 100
JOURNALIST STEVE KELLY HAS JOINED THE CONTEXT TEAM
Macclesfield technology PR specialist Context has been recognised in the first Northern Tech 100 league table, produced in association with GP Bullhound and government-backed tech sector initiative Tech North. The leader board celebrates the top 100 fastest growing tech companies in the North. It is the first list to be compiled based on growth over the last twelve months. Context specialises in providing integrated PR and marketing services to the technology sector with clients in IT security, healthcare technology, telecoms and consumer technology. This achievement comes on the back of three new account wins in the first quarter of 2017, and an expansion of the team with the hiring of former national press journalist Steve Kelly. Steve has 16 years’ experience across all levels of media and public relations, covering sectors including: technology, finance, health, publishing and education. He will be working across a range of clients in retail technology, IT security and telecoms. Context managing director Frank Smith said: “Steve’s experience in national press journalism will be a great help in securing tier-one coverage for our clients, and we welcome him to the team.” Context has signed on a number of new clients in recent months including government software provider PretaGov and Manchesterbased Drupal specialist Ixis IT.
Incubation Arts … The Aftermath Project Incubation Arts are currently working on a series of events and exhibitions for 2018, to help Macclesfield commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of The Armistice and to celebrate the end of The Great War. Trevor Druce said: “We have a framework of ideas in place, which will incorporate a wide range of activities and exhibitions including sport and drama, music and education, all of which are connected in some way to war. Mental and physical disability, for example; just two of the recurring issues facing today’s society, and as relevant now, as they were 100 years ago. There are many social issues which affected the town and its people, some with a devastating and far reaching impact. “With your help, our aim is to highlight as many of these as possible in a variety of ways. And whilst it is important that we must never forget the sacrifice of the fallen, we should also take this opportunity to celebrate the end of the fighting. “If you would like to become involved as a MACCLESFIELD WAR MEMORIAL volunteer for this exciting and innovative new project, here’s your chance. IT and general admin skills would be really useful, but help is required in many ways, so no experience is necessary, but enthusiasm is. “This project is open to all, and all are welcome. It is NOT restricted to those whose sole interest is war.” If you would like to help turn our planned events into reality, please register your interest by phoning Julie Hamer (0778 231 2264), or Trevor Druce (07900 968 744).
Could you be a trustee? The Rossendale Trust is seeking to appoint up to three volunteer trustees to join a professional and supportive Board. We welcome applications from individuals with a range of skills in HR, IT, legal, finance and marketing, or with a business background. Established over 40 years ago by local families in Sutton, the Trust exists to provide care and support services to people with learning and some physical disabilities. All of the people we care for live in supported living, in shared accommodation as tenants of their own homes. Our vision: “To create an environment in which people can develop and grow, enabling them to have ownership of their own lives and futures.” Please contact the Trust if you feel that you can contribute to the charity's success and to the lives of the people we support. Prospective trustees will share our passion for the services that we provide to some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Our Trustees meet six times per year, for two hours. For more information about this challenging role, please contact the Trust Secretary: sue.heaven@rossendaletrust.org Closing date: May 12 2017. 18
Chamberlink Spring 2017
Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Don’t Litigate - Mediate: save time, money and stress Ed Johnson is an accredited civil and commercial mediator and accredited specialist family mediator and trades as Northwest Mediation helping companies and families resolve their differences. Mediation, also known as alternative dispute resolution, isn’t just for warring couples. Mediation is an effective, affordable, confidential method of resolving disputes in the work place (whether you’re the employer or employee) as well as between businesses, neighbours and families. Northwest Mediation has helped large and SME businesses with contractual disputes, families going through divorce or arguing over inheritance and neighbours who have found they just don’t get along anymore. And because mediation doesn’t involve the adversarial court process and mediated agreements aren’t limited to the solutions a court can order companies have been able to reach agreements including receiving apologies, correcting errors in orders and importantly maintaining
relationships with suppliers and employees. All mediation agreements and discussions are confidential, we’ll even destroy our notes at the end of the process. Northwest Mediation charges a fixed one or half day fee to help you resolve your issues without running up unknown open ended costs which add to your financial pain. Northwest Mediation doesn’t judge you or impose a decision, we work with you to reach an acceptable position for both parties. As an involved party you keep control of the solution, you’re not gambling on the outcome being in your favour. • For an affordable accessible professional mediated resolution to your business or individual dispute contact Ed Johnson via email ed.johnson@northwestmediation.co.uk or direct on 07931318347
NW WM Northwest Mediation Commercial Mediation
COMMERCIAL MEDIATION AND INDIVIDUAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION A solution to your dispute without the time and expense of litigation and ensuring compliance with ADR legislation.* Mediation can assist in any dispute you or your business may have, internally or with suppliers of goods services. A one-day (6-7 hour) mediation/alternative dispute resotluion costs about £600 per party. By comparison, court proceedings will easily cost that within 3 hours of solicitors’ fees and court costs just to get off the ground. Your mediator will assist you in reaching an agreement, no judgment is made, no advice offered, the control remains with you. *The EU’s ADR Directive made it obligatory from 2015 for businesses to provide customers and consumers with access to an alternative dispute resolution service. NWM can offer that service to you and your customers.
Individual Dispute Resolution Suite 1.1(F) Adelphi Mill Bollington SK10 5JB northwestmediation.co.uk
Interested in discussing how Northwest Mediation can assist in your dispute or your business? Call Ed Johnson on 01931 318347 Or email ed.johnson@ northwestmediation.co.uk Chamberlink Spring 2017
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TRELAWNEY HOUSE CHESTERGATE, MACCLESFIELD
TO LET /MAY SELL. Open plan modern offices premises with extensive parking. From 300 sq ft. Incentives available.
107 MILL STREET MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Modern first and second floor offices in Macclesfield centre. 833 sq ft. Rental £10,000 p.a.
WATERSIDE MILL MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Spacious ground and first floor office premises within a characterful former mill. 4,894 sq ft. Rental £30,000 p.a.x
WESTON SQUARE MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Excellent ground floor retail premises. 463 sq ft.
NATIONAL HOUSE WELLINGTON ROAD STOCKPORT
TO LET / FOR SALE. Modern, prominent office / retail premises in Stockport Centre. 6,140 – 18,500 sq ft.
UNIT 3 MELVILLE ROAD MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Modern industrial unit with on-site parking. 2,429 sq ft. Rental £17,000 p.a.x
THE PILLARS, PARK GREEN MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Refurbished former bank. Ideal for retail, restaurant / bar premises. 1,631 sq ft. Rental £35,000 p.a.x
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CONGLETON ROAD NETHER ALDERELY
TO LET/MAY SELL.Office development. Hi Spec offices 1,2006,200 sq ft to build with good on site parking near AstraZeneca.
Chamberlink Spring 2017
WEAVERS HOUSE, NEW ROAD PRESTBURY
NAB QUARRY MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Ground floor office / clinic / retail. 860 sq ft. Rental £24,000 pax
TO LET. Industrial unit with on-site parking. 2,378 sq ft. £12,000 p.a.
U4 SECOND AVENUE POYNTON INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
TO LET. 7,377 sq ft with parking. Rental £4.50 p sq ft.
15-17 MILL LANE MACCLESFIELD
TO LET/MAY SELL. Triple fronted retail showroom in prominent roadside position. 5,973 sq ft (may split). Price on application.
104 PALMERSTON STREET BOLLINGTON
Modern ground and second floor office. 1,559 sq ft.
CHURCHILL CHAMBERS MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Ground floor office/retail with parking. 1,506 sq ft. Rental £12 p sq ft.
UNIT 7 THORNTON SQUARE MACCLESFIELD
TO LET. Ground floor retail unit on popular parade with ample parking. 832 sq ft. Rental £14,000 p.a.x
THE OLD LIBRARY MOODY STREET, CONGLETON
FOR SALE. Ground floor retail unit. 2,287 sq ft.
SOUTH MANCHESTER’S LEADING MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM
• Agency - Office, Industrial and Retail • Investment Consultancy • Valuation • Management • Lease Consultancy • Machinery and Business Assets
Manchester Office 0161 833 4944
Macclesfield Office 01625 262222
Stockport Office 0161 477 7722
HONEST PRACTICAL CONSISTENT ADVICE @hallamsproperty
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Members News
College students build skills with industry placements Zurego’s latest distributor deal has celebrity following Poynton-based Zurego Ltd. have been appointed UK distributor for leading Korean beauty brand When® Masks and have a celebrity following already with fans including Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber and our very own Michelle Keegan! Zurego director Cathryn Thompson said, “When Masks use advanced bio-cellulose technology to create innovative face masks for today’s busy professional. Lightweight and ultra-soft, the all-natural biocellulose masks are made from coconut and are so gentle that they are even used to treat burn patients. Superfine fibres provide exceptional dermal contact enabling perfect fit, locking in moisture and delivering the serum’s nutrients to skin effectively. “When comes in a choice of five unique serums, each one tailored to a specific skincare need: Travelmate – refreshes and revitalises stressed-out skin; 10:00pm – beauty sleep for your skin; Glamour Base – firms and tightens skin for the ultimate make-up base; Snow Magic – brightens and evens skin tone; The Last Choice – our Ultimate moisture hit. “When Masks provide amazing hydration as the sheet can hold 100 times its weight in fluid, that’s 10 times more than fabric or paper mask sheets, and each mask is infused with a full 23ml of intensely hydrating, gentle, lightweight serum formulated with top quality ingredients and plant extracts. The effect is similar to an intense facial, we call it a ‘Mini-Spa’ because it only takes 30 minutes!” Following a successful test market in Selfridges London, When Masks are now seeking enquiries from local skincare stockists who can contribute to the brand’s premium appeal. Please email Cathryn or Nick Thompson at info@zurego.com for more information.
Full-time students from Macclesfield College recently swapped the classroom for real work experience. As part of the College’s annual Industry Week in March, over 1,000 students aged 16-18 completed a wide range of work related activities, many taking up work placements with some of the regions most recognised organisations. Through the College’s exceptional links with employers students were guided in sourcing their own work placements, giving them a real sense of what it is like as a job seeker. The placements were based on the students current study programme helping them to prepare for a career within their chosen industry. Chantelle Dewberry, Assistant Principal for Vocational Curriculum at Macclesfield College, commented: “It is our priority as a College to ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain as much real experience as possible. As well as improving students’ employability skills and making industry contacts, practical experience helps learners to narrow down their interests and focus their minds on what they really enjoy. We truly support our learners to build a purposeful future career.” Other activities that took place during the Industry Week included expert enterprise and entrepreneurial sessions and visits from alumni students. Manchester Metropolitan University held innovation sessions and there were also notable guest speakers, including Nick Wester from Mercedes Benz to Motor Vehicle students, and
Trust Director goes the extra mile for charity …an extra 26, to be exact!
MARATHON MAN STUART BRADLEY
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Chamberlink Spring 2017
Radiographer Chris Walsh visited Science students. The week also saw the College celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with an entire event dedicated to the opportunities available to young people through Apprenticeships. The College offers a wide range of apprenticeships through its dedicated employer responsive unit Maxim Business Training, whose apprenticeship experts were on hand to answer any questions. The event also saw a variety of employers in attendance who could advise visitors about working in their industry. Tracy Cosgrave, Director of Employer and Commercial Services at the College commented, “It was great to see so many people excited about the opportunities apprenticeships can offer, not just for young people, but also for the employers who can meet their work force of tomorrow. “If you would like more information about providing work placement opportunities, or you would like to know more about Apprenticeships contact Macclesfield College on 01625 410 000 or email info@macclesfield.ac.uk.”
Stuart Bradley, Managing Director of Stockport branding agency Trust, has committed to running the London Marathon in aid of Cheadle-based charity the Together Trust. Stuart, who connected with the Together Trust through the Stockport networking scene, commented, “Training for the marathon has been a huge challenge, but the work the Together Trust do to support the people and families living with autism is such a worthy cause, it really puts my training aches and pains into perspective. “Running the London Marathon has been a lifelong ambition for me, and I am thrilled that I can do it for such a fantastic charity.” Julie Williams, Community and Event Fundraiser at the Together Trust said, “Our fundraising team and supporters work together tirelessly to help vulnerable people with huge challenges in their daily lives. We provide the means to give them exciting new experiences, opportunities and provide specialist equipment to help them achieve their full potential. “We couldn’t do this without the generous support of our fundraisers. We are so grateful to Stuart for all the hard work he is doing in training for the London Marathon. Such support makes a real difference to the work the Together Trust can do.” This is Stuart’s first full marathon, and he is ambitiously aiming to run the marathon in under 3 hours and 30 minutes, with many generous donors pledging to double their donation if he beats this target. To give this some context, elite runners finish in under 3 hours. So it’s quite the challenge. His current weekly training diary consists of: Running 55k, swimming 1000m, cycling 30k ...and ‘trying’ to eat well This gruelling training routine has taken its toll on his knees (which apparently ache a bit) but also posed many challenges like balancing the demands of running a busy, growing agency.
First AidTraining
Wilmslow-based Talent HR & Recruitment to offer MHFA England Mental Health First Aider training In 2016 Business in the Community undertook a national survey to understand the reality of how mental health is experienced at work. It was found that 77% of employees have experienced symptoms of poor mental health at some point in their lives, while 29% of employees have been diagnosed with a mental health condition. Just 22% of line managers have received mental health training to help them in their roles, however 49% said that they would benefit from basic mental health training and 38% would like to learn how to discuss issues with employees. Overall, 76% believe that employee wellbeing is their responsibility. It’s clear that employers still have some way to go in addressing mental health in the workplace. It’s also clear that line managers are ready and willing to learn more about this important subject so that they can properly support their teams. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an educational course which teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way as we learn physical first aid, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill health. Talent HR & Recruitment’s MD Katie Bancroft is an instructor approved by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England to deliver Adult MHFA courses. MHFA England is the national licensed organisation for MHFA training.
Katie says: “I’m delighted to have achieved my MHFA accreditation and to be able to offer training in this vital subject. The course trains line managers how to recognise the symptoms of mental health issues, provide initial help and guide a person towards appropriate professional help. Group or individual training sessions are available. This really is something that businesses LEFT, MD KATIE BANCROFT need to become more aware ABOVE, FROM LEFT, of and make sure they are CHARLOTTE GOODWIN, supporting their line managers NATASHA CLAYTON AND to in turn support their teams.” NEW HIRE JULIE STOTT, WHO HAS RECENTLY JOINED Open courses are running TALENT HR & RECRUITMENT monthly from May 2017 across ALONG WITH GEMMA the North West, onsite courses POWELL. are also available in line with business requirements. For anyone interested in MHFA training courses for individuals or businesses, contact Talent HR on 01625 402 118, hello@talenthr.co.uk, or visit www.talenthr.co.uk.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID We deliver Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training across Cheshire and Manchester. Our MHFA instructor is approved by MHFA England to deliver Adult MHFA courses. Attendees will learn how to support and understand the following; • Mental Health First Aid, mental health, and depression • Depression and suicidal crisis • Anxiety, personality disorders, eating disorders and self harm • Psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder If you are an organisation keen to have a number of Mental Health First Aiders trained, please contact katie@talenthr.co.uk for details of in-house courses. Discounts are available for multiple bookings. We have availability on the following courses: 25th – 26th May, WIlmslow 5th – 6th June, Central Manchester 22nd – 23rd June, Wilmslow 6th – 7th July, Central Manchester 20th – 21st July, Wilmslow
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Award Winners
KAT’s aluminium range is top dog with Professional Builder KAT, Macclesfield-based aluminium and uPVC doors and windows manufacturer, has received a coveted Professional Builder award for Top Aluminium Product 2016, as chosen by the trade magazine’s readers and KAT’s loyal customers. Having recently announced its commitment to stock seven colour options across its whole aluminium collection, KAT offers the most comprehensive range in the UK. Its products include bifold, patio, French, entrance doors and a wide range of window options. On receiving the award, Chris Powell, managing director, KAT, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised by our trade partners for our top aluminium product range. With our recent acquisition of Ayrshire Shopfronts, now Ayrshire Aluminium, we look forward to adding further domestic and commercial product developments to our offering.” KAT’s aluminium range is complete with designer door handles, exclusive to the manufacturer with a ten-year guarantee and 3 star diamond security cylinders with Kitemark on all door products.
KAT’S CHRIS POWELL (LEFT) RECEIVES THE PROFESSIONAL BUILDER AWARD FOR TOP ALUMINIUM PRODUCT 2016
For more information on KAT’s aluminium or uPVC products, please visit www.katuk.co. or call 01625 439666.
Fryer’s Garden Centre wins “Best Garden Centre of the Year” award
The Mere wins awards for Best Luxury Hotel and Best Wedding Venue The Mere Golf Resort & Spa scooped two awards at this year’s Manchester EatDrinkSleep Awards – Best Luxury Hotel and Best Wedding Venue. The awards ceremony, also known as ‘The Drinkies’ took place at Manchester’s Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in March, to celebrate the very best in hospitality – including hotels, bars and restaurants – from in and around the Greater Manchester region. Following a public nomination, The Mere Golf Resort & Spa received more votes for the Best Luxury Hotel within the region, leading to us winning the award. Our second win of the night was for Best Wedding Venue which was the Chairman’s Choice Award which recognises the best achievements from each of the categories. General Manager Gary Johnson commented: “We are extremely delighted to have been given two prestigious awards at this year’s EatDrinkSleep Awards that recognise our commitments to guest experience at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa, and also our Wedding team who constantly strive to bring their brides dream wedding to life.”
FRYERS GARDEN CENTRE STORE MANAGER BIJAL MISTRY AND HIS TEAM CELEBRATE THEIR NATIONAL AWARD
Hot on the heels of Knutsford having been voted the best place to live, according to a survey by The Sunday Times, Fryer’s Garden Centre in Knutsford has just been awarded “Best Garden Centre of the Year 2016”. Fryer’s Garden Centre, which is part of the Blue Diamond group of garden centres, was awarded this accolade beating 19 other garden centres in the group, including local centres Grosvenor and Trentham. Store Manager Bijal Mistry said: “I am delighted with this award. I have a tight knit team of loyal and hardworking staff, many of whom have worked at Fryer’s for a number of years. We also have a loyal customer base who visit Fryer’s not only for the roses, for which we are renowned, but also because they know they can buy high quality plants and products and receive excellent customer service. This is a fantastic achievement for all concerned.”
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Chamberlink Spring 2017
THE MERE - DOUBLE AWARD WINNERS
housemates go the extra mile to make people feel at home Established in 1987, housemates have over 30 years’ experience in the shared accommodation market. With a portfolio of 19 properties and counting, housemates have a lot to offer for both individuals and businesses with a variety of services and packages available to all. The services provided by housemates are guaranteed in the monthly rental figure and are of great benefit towards an easy way of living. These include; • All bills (Council Tax and TV/Broadband Package too!) • Weekly cleaning team • Gardener • Maintenance Team • Bespoke property management system for reporting issues • A friendly and familiar member of staff on emergency call 24 hours, 7 days a week. Being a small local business based in Macclesfield, Cheshire housemates care for individuals and will go the extra mile to help people feel at home. With a strong network between the tenants and staff they understand the importance of making sure they're happy and welcome! The team will always aim to offer individuals or couples a room in a house in which they feel you would fit the most and have common interests with other tenants. Socials are held weekly, with a larger event monthly, giving people the opportunity to get involved and meet new people. So whether it’s a movie and pizza night or Go Ape! housemates has it covered! Housemates understand the difficulty individuals could face moving to a new and unfamiliar place. Accommodating working professionals from all nationalities housemates can provide excellent information/knowledge of the area and are happy to help in the setting up of bank accounts, phone contracts and other necessities if requested. So, whether you, your company or someone you know is seeking a hassle-free way of living in a contemporary house share - housemates is the one for you!
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Members News Record numbers at Clonter
Clonter has got off to a very good start in 2017, with record numbers for all events so far. Sales for the main summer opera production - Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro – are going exceptionally well – probably due to some good planning and avoiding a clash with Buxton, so theatre-goers don’t have to choose between the two this time around. Over the last 10 years Clonter (formerly Clonter Opera) has more than doubled the number of events it puts on, and is keen to continue to broaden its range of musical genres. Clonter’s loyal opera fan base, along with new comers who are not necessarily into opera, can now enjoy jazz, folk, gospel and much more besides. In 2014 Clonter hosted its first panto, presented by William Whelton Productions (now Hope Mill Theatre), and now Clonter is eagerly seeking sponsorship to bring back panto for a third time. For any company interested in a sponsorship package for this event or any other Clonter event, please contact isabella.lockett@clonter.org or telephone 01260 224 661/514. Alternatively just come and enjoy an evening out either on a personal level or for corporate entertainment. Clonter offers all Macclesfield Chamber of Commerce Members a 10% ‘club’ discount. Hope to see some of you soon.
Be aware of changes to Automatic Fire Alarm response From April 1 2017 Cheshire firefighters have changed the way they respond to Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) and the changes will be explained at two free fire safety seminars on Monday May 8. These seminars are specifically aimed at businesses and responsible persons – this could include business owners, business managers, or any nominated person responsible for fire safety. From April 1 firefighters are no longer responding to any AFAs at the majority of business premises unless a caller at the building reasonably believes that there is a fire, so it’s imperative that everyone is aware of this. To learn about the changes to AFAs and the way firefighters respond to them, we have arranged free seminars for people who are responsible for fire safety in the workplace. They will find out what they will need to do if a fire was to break out at their workplace. Also covered in the free event will be: • Completing a fire risk assessment and capturing the correct data • Your responsibilities as a business under the (Regulatory Reform) Fire Safety Order 2005 • Sprinklers There are two sessions being held on
Monday May 8 at Cheshire Fire & Rescue HQ in Winsford. The first session starts at 9.30am and runs until 12 noon, and the second starts at 1.30pm until 4pm. To book one of the sessions please visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/business-safety • Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service’s Business Safety Team is an advisory and educational team assisting businesses to understand their responsibilities to meet the Fire Safety Order 2005. During 2017 the team will be visiting towns throughout Cheshire making the business community aware of a range of initiatives including fire safety, arson reduction and business continuity. They will also be delivering free informative seminars on a variety of subjects that could assist business owners and managers. For more information about the work of the Business Safety Team please contact tracey.carter@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors sponsors ladies lunch in aid of Marie Curie
Storyteller headed Stateside
A charity lunch held in aid of Marie Curie Care and Support through Terminal Illness, raised over £2,949. Cheshire based law firm Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors sponsored the Marie Curie Ladies Daffodil Lunch at Deanwater Hotel in Woodford. This was a milestone year as it was the 10th year
Chamber member Andrew Thorp has bagged his first piece of work in the USA, and is headed for New York this Spring. Andrew is a professional speaker and consultant in the field of business storytelling, helping a wide range of companies, large and small, to promote themselves more effectively. He recently published what he describes as a ‘Manifesto’, advocating the use of storytelling as a way for leaders and marketers to differentiate their product and sell their ideas. “My client is a Swiss company but they have offices worldwide,” explained Andrew. “I did some work for them in Europe last year and they said they wanted to take the same ideas ‘into the Regions’ – for me that normally means Birmingham, but they meant North America!” Andrew travels to New York in May and will run workshops there and in Chicago and Missouri. Follow this link to his Storytelling Manifesto: http://mojoyourbusiness.com/wpcontent/uploads/2017/03/School-of-Mojo-Manifesto21.03.17.pdf
CAROLINE CALVERLEY FROM CHAFES (LEFT) CONGRATULATES PAT TAYLOR. CAROLINE WORE HER GUIDING UNIFORM AS SHE GAVE A TALK ABOUT HER TRIP TO RUSSIA WITH HER GUIDES.
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Chafes Hague Lambert have sponsored this event and the money raised from the lunch will help support local Marie Curie nurses who provide nursing care to terminally ill patients in their own homes 24 hours a day. Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors also sponsor the Marie Curie Volunteer of the Year award and this year it was presented to Pat Taylor for her admirable fundraising efforts over the past twelve months. Caroline Calverley, practice manager at Chafes Hague Lambert Solicitors, said: “The lunch was a huge success in raising money and awareness for the important work Marie Curie supports. Chafes Hague Lambert is proud to sponsor an event which helps such an essential cause. Being guest speaker was an honour and it was also brilliant to present Volunteer of the Year to Pat Taylor, who was more than deserving of the award.” See www.chafes.co.uk
Hollin Hall Hotel
New management team brings a wealth of experience to Hollin Hall Hollin Hall Hotel has new owners and is now run by a team of seasoned and experienced hoteliers. The new management team has worked with some of the UK’s largest hotel brands, so bring with them a wealth of big experience to a local hotel – meaning you can be assured of professional and efficient service with a huge smile, small touches, and a cosy atmosphere in a hotel with bags of character. Overlooking pretty gardens and fields, the historic Hollin Hall Hotel sits on the outskirts of Bollington village, but is within a five minute drive of Macclesfield town centre. We offer the tranquillity of the countryside … from the delightful plains of Cheshire to the bordering Peak District and Chatsworth House … combined with the convenience of a bustling market town all on our doorstep. A Tudor Gothic style building built in 1870, this wonderful hotel is cosy, luxurious, dignified and unassuming – all at the same time. And our friendly staff will go that extra mile to make your stay a truly memorable and relaxing experience. With 59 bedrooms, an elegant relaxed restaurant, a well-stocked bar and three function rooms to suit whatever
the occasion, we are the perfect choice for an overnight stay – and we welcome local and leisure guests to come and enjoy a great meal, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch or as a venue to host your next meeting, event or wedding for up to 120 guests. The hotel is only minutes from the A34 to Congleton leading to the M6 – we are just 11 miles from Manchester Airport, Manchester is 35 minutes away and Liverpool just 50 minutes away. Trains from Macclesfield Station (only 3.2 miles away) link to London – Manchester Piccadilly – Manchester Airport – Liverpool. We offer free parking, free high-speed WiFi in all areas, and 59 well appointed bedrooms offering family, suite and standard rooms. We have recently launched our amazing revamped Sunday lunch and afternoon tea which is a proving to be a huge success in this hidden gem of Cheshire, so why not come and witness for yourself the great changes and meet the new team – hope to see you soon!
Cosy, luxurious and dignified it’s a hidden gem of Cheshire
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Members News
David Rutley MP urges primary schools to join the MOVEment David Rutley, MP for Macclesfield has urged primary schools across Cheshire to join the Daily Mile initiative, which encourages children from nursery to Year Six, and their teachers, to run or walk a mile each day. A recent launch event for the initiative, championed by David, took place at Upton Priory School in Macclesfield. Four other local schools attended the launch, and will take inspiration from the event back to their own schools. The aim of the Daily Mile is to improve the physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing of our children – regardless of age, ability or personal circumstances. Active Cheshire are delighted that David is championing this initiative in Macclesfield and in Parliament. This kind of support shows just how important it is to encourage and enable everybody – particularly our young people – to lead more active lives. The support of our MPs and local partners – including Macclesfield School Sport Partnership – is absolutely crucial. Steve Kendrick, Headteacher at Upton Priory School, added: “The Daily Mile is a whole school approach which means that every pupil will get an extra 15 minutes of physical activity per day - in addition to existing PE lessons and school
sport programmes. This is a great way to help achieve the target of providing 30 minutes of physical activity to every pupil, every day, which will be implemented from September 2017 as part of the Childhood Obesity Strategy. Furthermore, it can be easily implemented. Chidren do not need to change and it is inclusive of all children and staff.” Anne Boyd, Active Cheshire’s CEO, said: “It is critical that we introduce and embed 'active habits' amongst children in their formative years. We are delighted to see the commitment of David and local schools to get children active in a fun and engaging manner.” David Rutley said: “The Daily Mile is a simple but effective concept, which any primary school can implement. Its impact can be transformational improving not only the children’s fitness, but their concentration levels, mood, behaviour and general wellbeing. I am a great advocate of the initiative and would like to see every primary school in the Macclesfield constituency take part. That’s why I fully support Active Cheshire’s aim to get all primary schools in Cheshire to take part.”
Private GP practice Pinches Medical set to open in Macclesfield
CHARLES ROE HOUSE HAS BEEN REFURBISHED TO BECOME THE PINCHES MEDICAL PRACTICE
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Pinches Medical is a private GP practice launching its first site in May 2017 in Charles Roe House, the former residence of Macclesfield Mayor and Silk and Copper Entrepreneur, Charles Roe. This Georgian property on Chestergate has been tastefully refurbished to the highest standards in liaison with the Cheshire East Council Conservation Office, so patients will enjoy the heritage of Macclesfield whilst accessing the latest in tailored Primary healthcare to Get Well, and then to remain well using the Stay Well programme. Pinches Medical aims to provide a refined Primary Care option through a 5* tailored service to all its patients, whether you are booking as a Non-Member or as a Copper or Silk Member of Pinches Medical. Doctors will see just two or three patients per hour, so the experience will be unhurried, comfortable and relaxed. Patients will also have the option to enjoy refreshments in the onsite, Charles’ Art Café, which will be providing fine food and beverages whilst showcasing local artists. The 5* service won’t end there: a live online booking system, valet parking, a porter service and onsite dispensary will relieve patients of difficulties sometimes associated with visiting a GP. Pinches Medical is offering 300 households the opportunity to sign up and receive 3 months complimentary Copper or Silk Membership (25% reduction) in return for becoming ‘Feedback Champions’. This involves providing honest written and verbal feedback on your experiences. All Pinches Medical members will be enrolled in the Stay Well programme which starts with a detailed health consultation including reviewing medical history, present health and future health plans so that they can partner with each individual patient according to both their current needs and to optimize their lifestyle and longevity. During May, Pinches Medical will be holding a number of bookable small-group tours on open days to showcase its spectacular building, where they will set out in detail their vision, plans, membership options and the full range of services on offer. Visit www.pinchesmedical.co.uk to register interest today and receive our first newsletter and instructions on booking a tour.
VehicleRentals
Spring at Cheshire Vehicle Rental With improving Spring weather and Easter upon us, it’s the time to put the dark Winter months behind us and start thinking about that much needed Spring break. Here at Cheshire Vehicle Rental we are preparing for a big demand in Spring rentals, so we are expanding our fleet to guarantee a wide choice of vehicle availability from a large range of cars and vans for domestic, business and pleasure use – all from our local family-run business where customer service and quality are paramount. The van sector of our business has grown rapidly over recent years and we are proud to offer the latest models of small, medium and large vans for a multitude of uses, complimented by our larger Luton tail-lift vans for heavy loads. The small car derived vans are available for a multitude of small loads and are very much like a car to drive. For a heavier load the short wheelbase vans are the perfect choice and are ideal for both domestic and business use. The next step up is our very popular long wheelbase, high roof van for the larger load and an ideal choice for business use. And for the ultimate load, our larger Luton tail-lift vans are perfect for either industrial use or domestic house removals, with their cavernous interiors that swallow up large loads of furniture or business goods, they prove a very low-cost transport alternative. These are ideal for
house moves because the tail-lift takes the strain out of loading and unloading, significantly easing what can be a back-breaking task! Cheshire Vehicle Rentals car range is constantly expanding and starts with a small 5-door vehicle, complimented by a mid-range of cars, and for anyone requiring a larger vehicle we have business and family hatchbacks and estates to cover most requirements. All our vehicles are late models and are fully pre-rental checked and valeted between each hire period, ensuring the very best of quality for our clientele.
Flexibility is paramount Vehicles are available for all industry and domestic needs, from a one-day hire upwards to suit customer’s individual timescales and requirements – ensuring great flexibility is paramount enabling clients to have an accurate cost for their rental periods from the outset. In addition to daily rental, we also have a “FlexiRent” option which enables customers to hire vehicles on an ongoing basis with the flexibility for change as required – for example, a business may require van
hire for an ongoing period, but may need a car from time to time. Our “Flexi-Rent” option enables a change of vehicle at a fixed cost, with no long-term contract hire commitment and the flexibility of termination of rental if required at short notice, and with no penalties, thereby offering businesses full, low-cost hire periods. Here at Cheshire Vehicle Rental we are proud members of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and follow a strict code of conduct to ensure all our customers receive the highest quality of service from this family-owned business. We supply the very best in vehicle rental enabling us to ensure our strapline “Your local No 1 Vehicle Rental Centre where People Come First” means what it says – we ensure our clientele the very best of personal service delivered by our longstanding rental team who are always pleased to assist with all enquiries and accommodate customer requirements with maximum efficiency.
If you require a Rental Vehicle for Business, domestic or pleasure purposes ring your local Cheshire Branch in our ad to enjoy the very best of motoring and customer service,
Spring Special
20% Discount Discount OFF CARS THROUGHOUT MAY 2017 ON PRODUCTION OF THIS ADVERT
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