4FRONT Magazine (Summer 2014 Edition)

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SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS MAGAZINE

Summer Edition 2014

Capital connection Page 3

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Dedicated Solely to Lettings No Sales No Compromise No Conflict of Interest

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FOREWORD

Welcome

to the Summer edition of 4Front, the magazine for businesses in South Cheshire

Welcome to the summer edition of our magazine and as I write this editorial it is the start of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a tournament that sees the very best footballing nations competing on the international stage. This tournament takes place every four years, yet there are local businesses in South Cheshire competing on the international stage every day and with great success.

We have companies in South Cheshire successfully producing and selling products from many different sectors to all over the globe, including Bentley’s luxury vehicles, Fayrefield’s dairy products, Mornflake’s oats and Busch GVT’s vacuum technology and there are many more. It is not only products that can be exported abroad, but as you will see in the magazine, CTC Healthcare (p.12) have taken their expertise to Shanghai, so congratulations on their success. If these companies have inspired you to think about trading globally, then contact the Chamber who can help you on your way to selling your products or service abroad.

There are questions being asked of the United Kingdom’s sole representative at the World Cup, England, who many believe will not make an impact at this year’s tournament, many suggest it is the lack of investment at the grass roots level. This is no different for businesses, and it is the Chamber’s responsibility to make sure we push the needs of the business community locally and nationally, to make sure the right environment is created to help businesses start, grow and prosper.

As you can see form the front cover, our Chairman John Dunning and I attended the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference in London, and took time out to visit our local MP Edward Timpson.

While we lobby locally, being an accredited Chamber in the British Chambers of Commerce network gives us strength in numbers and sends a strong message to local and national Government about the

needs of the business community. At the conference, there were debates,

presentations and keynote speakers from the private and public sector covering topics such as national infrastructure, skills, education, finance, export support and innovation. Like the team who lifts the FIFA World Cup trophy, a local company’s success will have been achieved through a combination of many factors and in South Cheshire we must make sure that the right conditions are created through collaboration and partnership with all stakeholders.

As you will see in the magazine there continues to be good news for South Cheshire, companies having local and international success plus announcements about significant investment in major infrastructural developments in the area (p.27). There are many events showcased throughout this edition and great examples of local companies working together and making a difference for South Cheshire.

We all wish the England team well in Brazil and we know that they must take their opportunities and enjoy an element of luck to achieve success. In South Cheshire, we have the right ingredients and we shouldn’t need luck to achieve great success, but we must do is work together to make the most of every opportunity.

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Chamber Team

Paul Colman Chief Executive http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/paul-colman/

Erika Floodgate Apprentice to Chief Executive http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/erika_floodgate/

Jon Barnes Chamber Executive International Trade Co-ordinator http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/jon-barnes/

Madeleine Abbey Chamber Executive - Events & Marketing http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/madeleine-abbey/

Tina Hankey Chamber Executive Membership Co-ordinator http://www.sccci.co.uk/portal/ tina-hankey/

Nadeem Ahmad Chamber Executive Business Community & ICT Development http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/nadeem-ahmad/

Anne Xiourouppa Accounts http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/Anne_M_Xiourouppa/

Richard Weilding Business Loans Executive http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/richard_weilding/

Paul Wilcox UKTI http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/paul-wilcox/

Clair Visco Business Travel Planning Officer http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/Clair/

I hope you enjoy this magazine and if your company has good news to share, please do not hesitate to contact the Chamber.

Chief Executive

Florian Gutbrod MMU Intern http://www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/Florian_Gutbrod/

For Articles and Advertising Sales please contact Tina Hankey: South Cheshire Chamber, Lyme Building, Westmere Drive, Crewe Business Park, Crewe CW1 6ZD Tel: 01270 504700 • Ext 16 Fax: 01270 504701 Email: tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk • www.sccci.co.uk/portal/tina-hankey The Chamber, or any of its agents/representatives/staff, cannot accept any legal liability for the accuracy of the news items and articles contained in the magazine, which have been obtained and are reproduced in good faith. The Chamber also reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication or exclude them completely.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS

Meet our new members . .

CVS Cheshire East 11 Hope Street, SANDBACH Cheshire CW11 1BA Mobile: 07792 754904/07794 723 637 Charity

Training Byte Size Ltd Nantwich Court Hospital Street, NANTWICH Cheshire CW5 5RH Telephone: 01270 626 330 victoria@trainingbytesize.com www.trainingbytesize.com Training

Melody Corporation 15 Coldmoss Drive SANDBACH Cheshire CW11 4HW Telephone: 01270 251 317 ago@melodycorporation.co.uk www.melodycorporation.co.uk Leisure

JG Creative Communications Ltd 67 North Crofts NANTWICH Cheshire CW5 5SQ Mobile: 07899 020 450 jo@jg-creative.co.uk www.jg-creative.co.uk Design Marketing

Malkins Bank Golf Course Betchton Rd, Malkins Bank SANDBACH Cheshire CW114XN Telephone: 01270 765 931 proshop@malkinsbankgolfclub.co.uk www.malkinsbankgolfclub.co.uk Golf Club

Cartridge Cosmos Ltd 199 Nantwich Road CREWE Cheshire CWQ2 6DD Telephone: 01270 255 588 karl.cartridge_cosmos@yahoo.com www.cartridgecosmos.com Retail

Baywater Healthcare 2 Millennium Gate Westmere Drive CREWE Cheshire CW1 6XB Telephone: 01270 614 235 jay.bretherton@baywater.co.uk www.baywater.co.uk Healthcare

Dream Weddings 419 Newcastle Road Shavington CREWE Cheshire CW2 5EB Telephone: 01270 747 757 dreamweddingsuk@aol.com www.dreamweddingsuk.com Wedding Packages

Acorn Occupational Health Ltd Dane Mill Broadhurst Lane CONGLETON Cheshire CW12 1LA Telephone: 01260 288 381 Fax: 01260 280 503 aburrows@acornoh.co.uk www.acornoh.co.uk Occupational Health

Pass The Parcel (Cheshire) Ltd 147 Field Lane Wistaston CREWE Cheshire CW2 8UU Mobile: 07805 129 380 passtheparcelcheshire@gmail.com www.passthearcelcheshire.co.uk Delivery Service

Sarah Faulkner Lettings and Management Limited 10 Tunbridge Close Wistaston CREWE Cheshire CW2 6SH Telephone: 01270 661 395 sarah@sarahfaulkner.co.uk www.sarahfaulkner.co.uk Lettings

Crewe Clean Team 61 Franklyn Avenue CREWE Cheshire CW2 7NE Telephone: 01270 669 268 enquiries@crewecleanteam.co.uk www.crewecleanteam.co.uk Environment

Apologies to Cheshire Dental Centre whose logo appeared incorrectly in our last edition. This is the correct version

Nantwich Refrigeration Services Llp Unit 17 Third Avenue CREWE Cheshire CW1 6XU Telephone: 01270 589 807 Fax: 01270 589 872 tim@nantwich-refrigeration.co.uk www.nantwich-refrigeration.co.uk Refrigeration

The Team Chongi Academy Eaton Street (off Edleston Road) CREWE Cheshire CW2 7EG Mobile: 07702 056 399 mark@mark-russell.com www.teamchongi.com Martial Arts

Brook Farm Interiors Alcumlow Hall Farm Chance Hall Lane Astbury CONGLETON Cheshire CW12 4TL Telephone: 01260 227 340 enquiries@brookfarmfabrics.co.uk www.brookfarmfabrics.co.uk Interior Design

For more information on joining the Chamber contact Tina on 01270 504700 Ext 16 or email tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk If you would like a meeting with a member of the Chamber Team, please contact the Chamber on 01270 504700 www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS 5

Pleased to meet you!

Maria Dolan Luxury Interiors Prospect House Main Road Betley CREWE Cheshire CW3 9BH Telephone: 01270 626 288 studio@mariadolan.co.uk www.mariadolan.co.uk Interior Design

Wild Boar Hotel Whitchurch Road Beeston TARPORLEY Cheshire CW6 9NW Telephone: 01829 260 309 suzanne@wildboarhotel.com www.wildboarhotel.com Hotel Various members were represented at the latest Welcome Morning including attendees from Business Doctors, MC Accountants, County Insurance and Training Bytesize

Sweeting Ltd T/As Cex 10 Queensway CREWE Cheshire CW1 2HQ Mobile: 07795 824 856 bsweeting@webuy.com www.webuy.com Retail

Heamar Company Limited Unit 3A First Avenue CREWE Cheshire CW1 6BG Telephone: 01270 501 060 sales@heamar.co.uk www.heamar.co.uk Manufacturing Crystal Care Solutions Ltd Nelson House Boathorse Road KIDSGROVE STOKE-ON-TRENT Staffordshire ST7 4JA Telephone: 01782 777 511 info@crystalcaresolutions.co.uk Care Services

Newchurch Associates Ltd Unit 2-3 136 Nantwich Road CREWE, Cheshire CW2 6AX Telephone: 01270 361 556 Fax: 01270 820 075 craig.brereton@newchurchassociates.co.uk Accountants

DNP Building & Plastic 4 Crotia Avenue Weston CREWE, Cheshire CW2 5LP Telephone: 01270 251 767 dnp.buildingplastics@yahoo.co.uk www.dnpbuildingsandplastics.co.uk Double Glazing & Home Improvements

A warm welcome was given to new, established and prospective members looking to join the Chamber at the latest open morning staged at our Crewe Business Park offices.

Welcome Mornings are staged on the first Friday of every month to inform the business community and highlight the benefits of being part of the Chamber.

Attendees met the Chamber team and heard about the various networking and promotional opportunities for members including the Chamber Portal, E-newsletter and 4Front magazine. They had an insight into how the Chamber supports exporters and lobbies on a local, regional and national issues in the interests of the South Cheshire business community.

Events and Marketing Executive Madeleine Abbey said: “The Chamber membership is drawn from small, medium and large businesses across South Cheshire and beyond.

“Everyone from the start up business to the established multi national has an opportunity to meet, make new contacts and share ideas through Chamber events and meetings.

Nantwich Agricultural Society Ltd The Woodlands Aston, NANTWICH Cheshire CW5 8DB Telephone: 01270 780 306 nantwichshow@btinternet.com www.nantwichshow.co.uk & www.internationalcheeseawards.co.uk Charity

“Our Welcome Mornings provide an informal setting to start this process.”

The next Welcome Morning will be staged on Friday July 4 at 9.30am For more information call Madeleine Abbey at the Chamber on 01270 504700 ext 20

Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair 2014 Following the success of last year’s Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair, another fair will take place at Crewe Alexandra FCs stadium, Gresty Road, on Thursday September 25, 10-6pm, hosted by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend once again. The jobs expo, which attracted over 40 employers and support organisations last year is backed by South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, the Chronicle and Crewe Alexandra FC. South Cheshire Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said, “The Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair has not only become an important event for anyone looking for a job it allows prospective employers an opportunity to tap into the talent in the area.”

If you are a local business with vacancies and wish to advertise these at the Jobs Fair please contact Edward Timpson's office on 01270 501725 or email mark.holland@parliament.uk

Autumn Issue due out 19th September 2014 Editorial Deadline 23rd May 2014 • Contact tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk Advertisement Deadline 3rd September 2014 • Contact tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS

Get that Friday feeling with the Chamber

Pedal power push The Chamber is throwing its weight behind a scheme urging local companies to get on their bike.

Our Chief Executive Paul Colman is the latest recruit to the Government-backed Bike to Work Scheme, cycling into Crewe Business Park from his home in Sandbach.

He said: “Latest figures show that 65% of people in Britain are not doing the basic minimum recommended level of physical activity.

The level of cycling is lagging well behind other European countries.

“Crewe once had more cyclists than any where else in the country for a town of its size. Rail workers made up a large proportion of the local people cycling to work. We fully support the scheme which makes cycling possible whilst saving money as well.”

Members enjoy Final Friday networking at Rookery Hall

Pictures coutesy of Cloverleaf Images

Breakfast networking on the final Friday of the month is going down well with members.

Final Fridays were launched earlier this year and take place at member venues.

To date the Chamber has teamed up with Stapeley House, Residence in Nantwich and Crewe Lyceum Theatre to welcome guests on the final Friday of the month.

May saw an event at Rookery Hall which was well attended.

The scheme gives employers an opportunity to offer bicycles to their employees at a greatly reduced price - usually about 30 to 40% off the full retail price.

Rookery Hall general manager Stephen Fearnley welcomes Chamber chief executive Paul Colman to Rookery Hall

Chamber Events and Marketing Executive Madeleine Abbey said: “Jamie Stewart of the Momentum Factor worked with the Chamber on the concept of this new-style event which offers informal networking at member venues across South Cheshire. They show great hospitality offering teas, coffees and a light breakfast which has included bacon sandwiches and pastries.”

The next event will be 27th June at the Cheshire Dental Centre, Bedford Street, Crewe.

For more information call Madeleine on 01270 504700 ext 20

The employee does not have to use the bike to go to work every day but if they do get into the habit it has been proven countrywide that this frees up the need to provide bigger car parking spaces and is also better for the environment.

Chamber member J.E.Williams & Son of Edleston Road in Crewe operates the scheme in South Cheshire.

They can also arrange to come along to your workplace, give a demonstration of the products and tell you more about the scheme.

If any employer wants to know more details about the scheme please ring Dave or Andy Williams on 01270 255672

Your invitation to a show-stopping evening The date is set for one of the most popular events on the Chamber’s social calendar.

Tuesday, July 29 will see another large gathering at Dorfold Park for the pre-Nantwich Show Business Reception.

Last year more than 200 Chamber members and civic dignitaries enjoyed a sun-drenched evening hosted by the Chamber and Cheshire East Council in association with Nantwich Agricultural Society.

Cheese and wine was on the menu as well as informal networking on the eve of the crowd-pulling show.

This year there will be more savoury delights to enjoy with an invitation to catch a glimpse of the International Cheese Show entries in their massive marquee on the showground.

Chamber Events and Marketing Executive Madeleine Abbey said: “The weather was on our side last year but the giant cheese marquee offers plenty of cover should we not be so lucky this year.

This is always a very popular event, open to members and their guests, free of charge so we expect another large crowd.”

The Business Reception will be open from 5.30pm. Parking is again opposite the Showground.

Guests gather at the Cheshire East stand in the garden area of the Cheese Pavilion on the eve of 2013’s Nantwich Show

For more information on Chamber events call Madeleine Abbey on 01270 504700 ext 20

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS 7

Introducing the Chamber Board . . .

Elected by Chamber members, The Board’s 14 Members are responsible for the strategic planning of our not-for-profit organisation.

Drawn from all sectors of the community, Board members are volunteers and work together to promote South Cheshire and grow its economy.

Further members will feature in our autumn edition.

A word from John Dunning, Chairman of the Board John is a Director of Nantwich Town Football Club and one of his most important responsibilities as Chairman of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce is to ensure there are sound governance arrangements and structures in place so that the Chamber not only meets its responsibilities as a business in its own right, but operates as efficiently as possible for the benefit of its members and meets the standards required to be an Accredited Chamber as part of the British Chambers of Commerce network.

In these fast moving and dynamic economic times there are many demands on the Chamber and, to this end, the Board is supported by a number of Panels and Committees which leave it to concentrate on matters of policy and strategic direction.

As a key stakeholder, the Chamber works in partnership with many organisations and John is therefore often involved in discussions with other key stakeholders such as Bentley Motors, MMU, Cheshire East Council, The LEP, Crewe and Nantwich Town Councils and of course other Chambers as well as maintaining regular contact with our Patrons and MP Edward Timpson.

Together we are committed to helping this area achieve its maximum potential while ensuring our members benefit from the resulting economic growth.

Dr Diane Wright Diane is Head of Department of Management and Associate Dean at Manchester Metropolitan University Previously in marketing, Diane sits on the Cheshire and Warrington LEP Skills and Employment Board and is a member of the Corporation of South Cheshire College.

Diane also chairs the Board’s Policy and PR committee and is a member of the Property Board and the Loan Committee. She says the relationship between the MMU and Chamber is crucial to economic development as they work together to match skills and expertise.

Cllr Peter Groves Soon after his election to the Borough Council, Peter took on the role of Cabinet Support Member for the Resources Portfolio and more recently for Regeneration and Development. He now Chairs the Council’s Scrutiny Committee that looks at Jobs and Economic Development.

He is the council’s representative on a wide range of outside organisations, and sits on the Board of the three Local Chambers of Commerce, East Cheshire, Macclesfield and South Cheshire. He is also a Board Member of Marketing Cheshire and Wulvern Housing.

Patrick Grange Patrick has a wide range of business experience and interests including work for DEFRA, Staffordshire County Council, the Co-operative Group, plus serving on Audit and Remuneration Committees. He is also Chair of South Cheshire Chamber Properties, proprietor of an Energy Auditing company as well as serving on a Bank of England Business Advisory Panel and is a Governor of South Cheshire College.

Right now Patrick is looking to establish a Rural Network section of the Chamber based on his farming experience.

Forthcoming Chamber Events JULY Welcome Meeting - 4th July at the Chamber, Crewe Texas Golf Scramble & Open - 17th July at Wychwood Park Golf Club Chamber Portal User Workshop - 24th July at Pitman Training Centre, Nantwich Final Friday - 25th July at Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull Pre Show Business Reception - 29th July at Dorfold Park, Nantwich AUGUST Welcome Meeting - 1st August at the Chamber, Crewe Business Briefings Auto Enrolment Seminar - 4th August at the Chamber, Crewe Meet with members - Venue & date tbc Chamber Portal User Workshop - 14th August at Pitman Training Centre, Nantwich Final Friday - 29th August at The White Lion, Weston SEPTEMBER Welcome Meeting - 5th September at the Chamber, Crewe Business Luncheon - 18th September at Wychwood Park Golf Club Chamber Portal User Workshop - 24th September at Pitman Training Centre, Nantwich Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair - 25th September at Crewe Alex FC Final Friday - 26th September networking venue tbc Look out for more Chamber events coming soon!

For more information and event listings or if you wish to promote your own event visit the Chamber Member Portal: www.sccci.co.uk

Sue Lock Sue is CEO of Wulvern. “Wulvern is proud to be a member of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and I am delighted to sit on its Board. We see the Chamber as an invaluable strategic partner for Wulvern locally as we continue to grow our business.

Over the next four year we are investing over £100 million pounds across Cheshire providing much needed affordable housing. We are proud to be contributing to Cheshire East’s growing economy and thriving business community and see the Chamber as a key enabler in this.”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

John

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CHAMBER NEWS

From Westminster with Edward Timpson MP Getting your foot inside the door of the world of work is a vital first step to a life of earning and learning, and increasingly many people both here in Crewe & Nantwich and elsewhere are turning to high-quality, employer-led apprenticeships to help them on their way.

That's why, in light of the 51 new apprenticeships announced by Bentley in Crewe, I wanted to update you on important, further progress with apprenticeships reform.

Since 2010 the number of apprentices has doubled, and apprenticeships are becoming a new norm for many more school leavers who see the value that many local businesses do in a solid vocational training background.

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There has been an increase of 103,300 in the number of employers taking on apprentices since 2009/10 (representing an increase of 45.2%).

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And, the number of high quality, full apprenticeships has doubled among young people aged between 16 and 18, from 53,600 in 2009/10 to 110,900 in 2012/13.

The next step in this process is reforming the way apprenticeships are paid for, so that employers can take the lead on both standards and training.

This will mean that colleges, training providers and universities will need to provide the training employers need to fulfil the standards they have set. It will also dramatically simplify the funding rules and processes.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here is what thirtyfive leading trade organisations and businesses – large and small – wrote in a letter to the a leading national newspaper:

However, I know that locally when I talk to small businesses who haven’t yet taken the plunge and hired an apprentice, their main worry is whether they’ll be buried in paperwork.

“Apprenticeships build the country’s skills base, support industries and create opportunities for young people leading to well-paid jobs.”

The good news is that under this Government employing an apprentice is now simpler than ever. Not only that but we have also put employers in the driving seat; designing new apprenticeships so that in future they will work even better for both employers and apprentices.

With our strong local economy able to offer a diverse range of apprenticeship opportunities, backed up by a growing mix of training routes to choose from, let’s get behind apprenticeships and the employers who offer them, make the process simpler, and get our young people into the skilled jobs we need and they deserve.

As a result we've seen real progress in boosting apprenticeships, both in terms of quality and quantity: ·

1.7 million apprenticeships have been delivered, and we are on track for 2 million over the course of this Parliament.

Edward Timpson can be contacted at 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE, on 01270 501725, and through edwardtimpson.com

Employers - be ready for the pension shake-up The Chamber is hosting a series of Business Briefings to inform members on various issues that will affect their businesses.

Employers will have to enrol 11 million eligible workers across the UK to comply with this new government legislation. All will have to contribute in one way or another and the total and complete responsibility lies entirely with employers.

The first takes place at the Chamber offices on Monday, August 4 when Gary Greer (pictured) senior partner at Afford Bond Chartered Accountants in Nantwich, will shed light on auto enrolment.

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: “This new legislation makes it compulsory for employers to enrol their workers into a pension scheme. It has been phased in to include companies of all sizes and has prompted many enquiries to the Chamber.

Auto Enrolment will be monitored and regulated by The Pensions Regulator. They have already drafted 14 manuals relating to Pensions, Payroll matters, Compliance, Administration and Employee safeguarding procedures.

“This event will tell members what their responsibilities are, the time-scales involved and how to lessen the impact on their businesses.”

The landmark scheme represents a massive shake-up to the way British workers save for their retirement.

The state pension was first introduced in 1909 when the maximum payment was five shillings – 25p – a week. Thanks to healthier lifestyles and medical advances, today’s 65-year-olds are expected to live to 86.

The Government says AE will help tackle concerns about an old age poverty crisis, with people living longer but failing to put away enough for their later years.

Employers must diligently follow the requirements to avoid the hefty penalties the government will impose on those not meeting their duties. Currently those penalties stand at £2,500 per day For more information on this free Business Briefing which will take place on 4th August at the Chamber offices on Crewe Business Park email madeleine.abbey@sccci.co.uk or book online www.sccci.co.uk

Afford Bond presents the following facts to consider before the Business Seminar. www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS

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‘The only way is up’ - economic chief Business leaders flocked to hear an uplifting message from one of the country’s leading voices on global economic forces.

in construction and household balance sheets, and the UK could be facing a housing boom.

He said: “The UK is doing what it always does best – generating recovery through the housing market. It has also shown how good it is at creating jobs. However it has not been so good at generating wage growth. While employment is booming, the quality of jobs is less positive.”

South Cheshire Chamber chairman John Dunning welcomes acclaimed economics expert Keith Wade to Crewe Hall with Chamber chief executive Paul Colman and David Williams, managing director of Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting

Keith Wade, chief economist at asset management company Schroders in London, was guest speaker at an Economic Breakfast staged by the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce at Crewe Hall.

The event, sponsored by Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting in Crewe, delivered positive news to a gathering of more than 50 members.

Mr Wade, a spokesman in national press, predicted interest rates would remain low to 2016. After that, a modest rise of up to 3%, could be expected. In the US rising house prices were driving forward recovery

The soaring number of people turning to self-employment had been a surprise and highlighted enterprising British spirit at its best.

Manufacturing, he said, was at its strongest since the 1970s. While the sector was too small to engineer a complete economic recovery, its performance was “extremely encouraging.”

He touched on issues with Scotland’s bid for independence as it heads towards a September 2014 vote. Preferring the market to remain integrated, he was firmly in the ‘no’ camp.

He welcomed plans for HS2 which would broaden the market and take the “heat” off the South.

His presentation coincided with the latest quarterly economic survey from the Chambers of Commerce in the North West which also points to the housing market

leading the recovery process, with property prices up by around 6% in the region.

The service sector, retail and manufacturing were top performers in the first quarter of 2014. Tourism and leisure were also on the up.

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: “South Cheshire is making a strong recovery.

Exporting has increased and unemployment is down. Despite difficult economic circumstances, our local companies have bucked the national trend and performed well against the odds.

“Bentley has declared its confidence in the area by announcing an £800m investment into the world’s most luxurious SUV. The A500 from Junction 16 is to be dualled and Crewe is in a prime location to take advantage of geothermal energy. On top of that there is a strong indication it will become a fully integrated high-speed rail hub revitalising the area to a whole new level.

“Local businesses should be positive about the area’s future.”

To read the North West Quarterly Economic Survey in full visit www.sccci.co.uk For more information on the next Economic Breakfast or joining the South Cheshire Chamber call 01270 504700

South Cheshire Chamber and UKTI help new and inexperienced exporters If you are a new or inexperienced exporter looking to take your products to foreign markets Passport to Export offers you a helping hand over a 12 month structured programme of support.

If you are based in the South Cheshire area, employ fewer than 250 staff and have a serious commitment to trading internationally, for just £250 + VAT you will receive: • An expert assessment of your company’s capacity for export.

• A year-long package of training, planning and financial support.

strategic

• Up to six days of one-to-one mentoring from an International Trade Advisor.

• A market selection service the potential of your products.

to

assess

• Adviser support and planning workshops to help shape your export strategy and a selection of master classes on key topics.

• Matched funding of up to £1000 (VAT not reclaimable) for export related costs, such as marketing literature and translations, market research including supporting overseas visits and development.

If you think this service is something that would benefit your business, please contact Jon Barnes on 01270 504700 ex 21 or jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk to book an appointment

For the whole spectrum of exporters the Chamber also offers a Bi-Monthly Export Club which, through a mixture of presentations and networking, delegates can discuss best practice and gather advice on all aspects of exporting in a relaxed atmosphere.

The next Export Club event is to take place on Tuesday 24th June at 8:30am at the Hunters Lodge Hotel in Crewe The topics covered will involve ‘Selecting and Profiling a Partner’, for more information or to book a place please contact Jon Barnes on 01270 504700 ex 21 or jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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10 PORTAL NEWS

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Nadeem Ahmad Chamber Executive: Executive: Business Community Communit munitttyy ICT Development Development and ICT

rreating eating e onversations onv versations

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Information and Recognition Potential P otential pr prospects ospects and a clients check a business pr profile ofile tto o find information infformation o about abo a company and tto o see if and ho w how the they ey are are engaging engaaging g on the network. nettw work. Profile Profile pages pagges that haven’t haaven’t been updated, updated, d, ffew ew connections, and empty empttyy activity activitttyy timeline shows shows a clear lack o off int interest erest in engaging engagging with the th local business community. communit mmunittyy. If a business profiles profiles stays staayys current with its activity, activit ivittyy, potential potential pr ospects will no tice. current prospects notice.

Demonstrate Demonstr strra ate Authorit Authority ty y ther service-based businesses, For For consultants, coaches and o other the online net network twork can be a very verry powerful powerfu ul platform platfform o to to showcase showcase and establish sh authority authorittyy in their field, making them the the gogo-to to rresource esource for fo or their tar target rget g audience. Sharing great great cont content, ent, answ answering ering questions estions and enga engaging engagging regularly regularly serv serve e the audience who can ine inevitably vitably be turned int into o cust customers. omers.

Repeated Repeat ed Exposur Exposure re through the Chamber A clear benefit of of online ne networking nettworking through Por o tal is the rrepeat epeat e xposure o Portal exposure off a business within the network. nettwork. Regular updates updates have haave the opportunity opportunittyy to to remind remind the community communittyy over over and over over again aggain about what a business has tto oo offer, fffe err, how how good d they the ey are are at offering offfe ering them and how how others others will benefit from from those offerings. offfe erings erings.

Brand Reputation The repeat exposure provided through regular engagement engag g ggement serves serves as a po powerful werful u brand-building brand-building ttool. ool.

Ne News ws updat updates, es, blogs and comments positions and informs inffo orms o others thers about the or organisation. ganisation. With consist consistent ent eat cont ent, a br effort efffor o t and gr great content, brand and can build its reputation reputation ar ound its vvalues, alues, benefits, and adv around advantages. antagges.

Email: nadeem.ahmad@sccci.co.uk | T Telephone: elephone: e 0 01270 127 70 504 504700 700 (ext. (ext. 19) 19) Pr Profile: ofile: www.sccci.co.uk/portal/nadeem-ahmad www w.sccci.co . o.uk/porrtal/nadeem-ahmad tal/nadeem-ah www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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PORTAL NEWS/MEMBERS NEWS 11

Members Get Up To Speed on Using the Networking Platform Valuable guidance for members via web based workshop Held on Thursday, 29 May 2014 at the Crewe and Nantwich branch of the Pitman Training Centre located in Nantwich, the event was a ‘sell-out,’ with Chamber members snapping up all available spaces.

The Chamber’s portal is the online networking platform for member organisations and their employees, providing a space for interaction, networking, information-sharing and relationship-building. The multimedia based platform utilises the tools of social media to enhance the interactive experience and bring the local business community together.

Pitman Training Centre Manager Allan Virr with Chamber Executive Nadeem Ahmad

South Cheshire Chamber has launched a series of special workshops aimed at introducing members to its online ‘portal’ and showing how to make the most of the networking and promotional platform.

Commenting on the workshop, Chamber Executive Nadeem Ahmad said:- “The Chamber Portal is the focal point for all of South Cheshire Chamber’s activities and engagement. It is also a valuable tool for our members to promote themselves and engage with fellow members and the wider business community.

“We are actively encouraging all of our members to use the platform regularly, so it was very encouraging to see so many taking part in the workshop.”

Pitman Training Centre

Members interested in attending the workshops, which will be held monthly, should check the events listing on the Chamber Portal for information and booking. It will also be promoted via the Chamber’s fortnightly e-newsletter, issued to all members and shared through the Chamber’s profiles on popular social networks.

For more information about the Chamber Portal and the Workshops, please contact Nadeem Ahmad via email on nadeem.ahmad@sccci.co.uk or call him on 01270 5047000 (ext. 19).

The next workshop will be held on 26 June 2014 at the Pitman Training Centre in Nantwich

Celebrities have a ball for hospice More than 900 people were welcomed to a ball, celebrity lunch and fashion show at Tirley Garth in Tarporley – the stunning arts and crafts home of TV’s Brookside, Grange Hill and Hollyoaks creator Phil Redmond and his wife Alexis.

A Country Weekend marked the 25th anniversary of St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice in Winsford with proceeds going to its newlybuilt Centre of Excellence near Sandbach.

The centre, due to open later this summer, will offer treatment and support to people suffering from dementia and life-limiting illnesses.

Specialist training will also be provided to people caring for the frail and elderly in the community.

Appeal spokeswoman Martha Hine said: “Our Centre of Excellence appeal has touched the hearts of local people. They were out in force for the weekend of fundraising and gave generously. Phil and Alexis Redmond showed tremendous hospitality and worked with the event committee to make it a huge success.”

Clare Heseltine (wife of Les Dennis), Dean Sullivan (Brookside), Les Dennis, Darren Proctor (Key 103 Manchester) Phil Redmond, Michael Starke (Brookside) and Terri Dwyer (Hollyoaks) Picture courtesy of Pure PR

A star-studded weekend of food, fashion and fundraising put more than £100,000 in the coffers of a new South Cheshire hospice facility.

A giant marquee in the grounds of Tirley Garth provided a stylish art deco-themed venue for the weekend’s fundraising attended by many of Mr Redmond’s celebrity friends from Brookside and Hollyoaks as well as comedian Les Dennis, TV auctioneer Adam Partridge and Granada News presenter Lucy Meacock.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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12 MEMBERS NEWS

Firm unveils new home in Nantwich A firm of chartered accountants has moved to new offices in Nantwich to accommodate a growing client base.

Physiotherapists fly the flag for Crewe in Shanghai

Barringtons, previously based at The Dowery on Barker Street, has moved to Charles House on Beam Heath Way – now the hub of its Cheshire business operation.

Its team of accountants and financial specialists join many topname South Cheshire companies on the growing business park close to Sainsbury.

The firm, which has its head office in Newcastle-under-Lyme, is a regular supporter of South Cheshire charities and events including St Luke’s new hospice at Wheelock and Nantwich Food and Drink Festival.

Barringtons Chartered Accountants managing director Phil Wood

Its sister company BCR hosted a British-themed quiz night at Residence in Nantwich on St George’s Day raising money for the hospice and the Douglas Macmillan facility at Trentham.

Managing director Phil Wood said: “Our client portfolio across South Cheshire has grown considerably since we opened a base in Nantwich four years ago.

“We have welcomed new clients from major employers, such as Bentley Motors, and continue to play an active role in supporting local business through the South Cheshire Chamber.

“These bright and airy offices, close to prime routes into South Cheshire, offer better parking facilities and meeting rooms to greet clients and discuss their tax issues.”

For more information call Barringtons in Nantwich on 01270 623821

Are you receiving the Chamber e-newsletter?

Sent fortnightly to all Chamber Members, the e-newsletter provides the latest information about your local business community network and offers promotional opportunities for your business.

Information • Chamber and Business News & Blogs • Members News & Blogs • Chamber Events (Forthcoming) • Members Events and Training Courses (Forthcoming and on-going) Promotion • Sponsorship - Your advertising banner promoting your company and your support of the Chamber • Advertising - Your advertising banner placed in-between the different section of the newsletter.

Reach out to new marketing opportunities entitled to you through the Chamber membership and reach out to new customers, build your brand, position yourself as a market leader and reinforce your brand to existing customers.

Please contact Nadeem Ahmad at the Chamber for more details nadeem.ahmad@sccci.co.uk Telephone 01270 504700 (ext. 19)

Nicola Suckley, Healthcare Director at ctchealthcare, in Shanghai

Physiotherapy and wellbeing specialists ctchealthcare took their expertise overseas to carry out an ergonomic review of a new site in Shanghai for one of their largest corporate clients.

Nicola Suckley, Healthcare Director at ctchealthcare, attended the Global Healthy Workplace Awards which proved a great opportunity for ctchealthcare to meet with companies from all over the world.

Whilst in Shanghai, Nicola was also able to visit a number of Air Products PLC sites following the highly successful work ctchealthcare have carried out at their UK and European premises. ctchealthcare, which has its HQ in Crewe, recognises the growing problem of industrial ergonomics and previously undertook an ergonomic review of cylinder handling activities for Air Products PLC. In doing so, ctchealthcare has developed Best Working Practice Guidelines (BWPG) - a bespoke ergonomic training programme aimed at preventing musculoskeletal injury during cylinder handling activities.

It also aims to reduce musculoskeletal injuries and illness for Air Products PLC via its Ergonomic Wellness and Education (EWE) programme. EWE provides employees with direct access to a qualified physiotherapist. Contact is made through a telephone triage system with referral to a physiotherapist or occupational health professional if necessary.

EWE has been delivered to Air Products PLC in the UK by ctchealthcare since 2009 with notable success in terms of sickness absence management and ctchealthcare is optimistic this can be replicated in Shanghai.

Nicola Suckley said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Shanghai and spend time with the Air Products team there. The initial stages of the industrial ergonomic review have been very well received and the results will not only benefit the company financially in terms of reducing absenteeism but to improve productivity and the quality of life for employees both inside and outside of the workplace.”

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “It is very encouraging to see a local company exporting its services to Shanghai, one of the largest cities in the world. Not only will this raise our profile locally but it highlights once again that Crewe is a dynamic place to do business, somewhere that exports all over the globe.”

For more information on an ergonomic review visit www.ctchealthcare.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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MEMBERS NEWS 13

Legal eagles are on the move The firm is moving from Mill Street to refurbished offices at The Dowery - a Grade II listed building on Barker Street.

Business development manager Stacey Parkin said: “Poole Alcock provides a wide range of legal services for both businesses and private clients, combining specialist legal advice with excellent client care to ensure that clients feel supported and informed at all times.

“As a result, the firm is growing rapidly and the relocation to The Dowery will provide much-needed space to expand as well as boasting fantastic meeting facilities for clients.”

Stacey, current holder of the South Cheshire Young Business Person of the Year award, joined Poole Alcock in May.

Poole Alcock managing partner David Gaut, deputy managing partner Scott Harding and new business development manager Stacey Parkin are preparing for a move to The Dowery on Barker Street, Nantwich

Poole Alcock is on the move to new offices just a stone’s throw away in Nantwich.

Meanwhile the firm’s Sandbach base is offering out-of-hours legal advice to help people who struggle to attend appointments during the working day. The Middlewich Road offices are open to 8pm on Thursdays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays on a drop-in basis, no appointments necessary.

For more information visit www.poolealcock.co.uk

Reading charity calls for helping hands Chamber member Beanstalk, the children’s literacy charity, urgently requires volunteer reading helpers to support children in primary and secondary schools in Cheshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

give a child the vital skills they need to read, grow and succeed.”

A team of over 100 volunteers support more than 300 children on a one-to-one basis in schools across Crewe, Nantwich and Stoke-on-Trent.

Area manager Gail Washington said: “By becoming a Beanstalk reading helper, you’ll give a child the one-to-one attention they need to build their confidence and help them catch up with their reading. You’ll give them a chance to learn at their own pace and adapt the sessions to suit them.

Beanstalk reading sessions are relaxed and fun and by working together you can help

Web designer Will Spilsbury, who reads with children at Underwood West Primary School, said: “Hearing a child complete a page and ask to read more is incredibly rewarding. I’ve always loved books and to share this with children is a great way of giving back to the community.”

To help please contact Beanstalk on 01782 827375 or email WestMidlandsApplications@beanstalkcharity.org.uk for more information

Barclays hosts women in business event Barclays hosted a ‘Women in Business’ networking lunch in Cheshire designed to bolster growth by giving female small business owners the opportunity to discuss business issues and share best practice.

Stephanie Barlow, Barclays Business Manager for Crewe & Nantwich, said: “At Barclays we recognise that women in business are a major contributor to the UK economy and we’re delighted to be helping female entrepreneurs grow their business in tough economic trading conditions. The event was a great way to support women on their entrepreneurial journey and a fantastic opportunity for ladies across the region to network and share ideas and knowledge.”

Barclays Business Manager Anne Collins said “One of my customers has an engineering company and has to put contractors up in hotels.

Another customer has a guest house. As a result of the event, my customer will be able to fill that guest house, numbers swapped deal done!”

For further information on this and other clinics in the region visit www.barclays.co.uk/businesshub

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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14 MEMBERS NEWS

Hat-trick for property agents Martin&Co returned home from a national lettings awards ceremony with three of six trophies up for grabs.

see it as a reward for our continued investment in the best industry technology and the right levels of good, highly-trained and knowledgeable staff.”

The South Cheshire outfit carried off awards in the Rightmove-sponsored Best Established Business, Best Market Share and Best Franchise categories.

Director Shaun Cafferty said: “These awards are based on hard facts and cannot be won by paying a hefty entrance fee and working the system as some awards can be. Last year we let over 700 properties across South Cheshire which is no small achievement. I

General manager Sarah Lillico represented the company at the awards event which was attended by over 200 agents at Towcester Racecourse.

Sarah Lillico receiving the Rightmove-sponsored award for Best Business whilst Martin&Co's Shaun Cafferty and Ian Wilson look on

The property business, which recently opened up a Sales and Investment division, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

For more information visit www.martinconantwich.co.uk

Kate conquers all for charity with help from Jones Sheridan where she works as a senior paraplanner, is right behind her effort.

It sponsored her kit and entry into the Up and Under Foundation’s charity bike ride from Crewe to Llangollen which proved a warm up for her more physically challenging cross country effort.

Kate Jayden with Jones Sheridan directors Richard Griffith, John Pemberton, Stuart Banks and Andrew Beattie and managing director David Williams.

Picture by Pure PR

Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting is backing Kate Jayden as she takes on a challenge of a lifetime.

She is hard in training for a cycling and running challenge to raise cash for BEAT – a charity supporting people with eating disorders and the Crewe-based company,

Starting in August, Kate will cycle more 1000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats over 10 days, before running 11 marathons in 11 days - taking her on-foot mileage to around 300 miles.

Kate has conquered the eating problems she suffered when she was younger and wants to raise awareness as well as cash for the charity.

I want to encourage people to speak up.”

Jones Sheridan managing director David Williams, who also led a team in a Coastto-Coast charity cycle ride last year raising more than £26,000 for The Wingate Centre and British Heart Foundation, has offered support - working around Kate being out of the office for a month to complete her latest challenge.

For more information on Jones Sheridan visit www.jones-sheridan.co.uk To support Kate visit the JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/runjaydenrun

She said: “I turned my life round but so many people continue to suffer in silence.

75 year age span at the Foundation Rides wide range of cyclists from the keen clubmen to the occasional leisure rider.

Leading a ride were Cheshire Buddies - a group dedicated to integrating youngsters with disabilities into mainstream activities.

Groups like the Buddies and the Scouts, who also had a significant presence, are beneficiaries of funds raised by the Up and Under Foundation from the ride.

Cyclists of all ages took part in the 2014 Up and Under Foundation Rides.

They travelled from Crewe on routes of 30100 miles, with some going as far as the Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen.

Organised by civil engineering company, the Up and Under Group, the rides attracted a

had carbon fibre super bikes weighing less than some people’s lunch, mountain bikes, tandems and even a postman’s bike!”

Mornflake provided breakfast at the start while ctchealthcare was at the finish to massage aching limbs.

From children as young as nine to the oldest rider at 84, the second rides event was a huge success attracting more than 160 cyclists.

Company MD Andy Fewtrell said: “The event has two main aims - to get people out having fun on bikes and to raise money to support local disadvantaged youngsters. It was great to see age proving no barrier. We

You can donate to the Foundation here https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/upandunderfoundation Contact Andy Fewtrell Tel: 01270 589615 andy@upandundergroup.com

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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MEMBERS NEWS

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£6m new-build dedicated to visionary governor

All aboard for summer networking

Reaseheath College’s newest halls of residence were officially dedicated to the man who helped to make the college a leader in vocational training.

Chamber members enjoyed a sunny welcome to Overwater Marina in Audlem. The picturesque facility was the venue for a Meet with Members event – a new networking opportunity giving business people a chance to meet informally after work.

Platt Hall was named in memory of John Platt OBE, the former chair of the Nantwich college’s Board of Governors, who died two years ago at the age of 82. John was Chair of governors for 14 years and a governor for 20 years, during which time he spearheaded over £50m of capital investment on campus The £6m building, which has 150 en suite bedrooms including special provision for students with disabilities, brings the total of student rooms on campus to 685.

A fine summer’s evening drew an excellent crowd to the marina where members were treated to a boat trip on the RNLI water taxi, Audlem Lass.

Sailing away at Overwater Marina Picture courtesy of Cloverleaf Images

Principal Meredydd David, Emily Thrane, Jeremy Platt, Rev Peter Mascarenhas, Joanna Lomas and Vice Principal Dave Kynaston dedicate Platt Hall to the memory of John Platt

Construction of the next project, an £8.5 million national centre for horticulture and environmental management, starts shortly.

A plaque was unveiled by John’s daughter, Joanna Lomas, and an oak tree germinated by Reaseheath’s horticulturists was dedicated by his son Jeremy Platt. The building was blessed by Rev Peter Mascarenhas.

In addition to his support of Reaseheath, John ran a dairy farm at Lostock Gralam and was Chairman of Cheshire Agriculture Society for almost 30 years. His legacy lives on in the John Platt Travel Scholarship, which enables young people in Cheshire’s agricultural and land based industries to widen their experience through travel.

The award-winning marina, established four years ago, has various facilities on site including 230 boat moorings. There’s a shop, boat hire, caravan site and coffee lounge.

It recently hosted another crowd-pulling fundraising weekend for the RNLI. Attractions included boat trips, police underwater search demonstrations, wild west re-enactments and Irish dancing.

A previous Meet with Members was hosted by new member The Barbridge Inn. The Chamber calendar includes many opportunities to network.

Madeleine Abbey of the Chamber with The Barbridge owner James Perrins

For more information visit www.sccci.co.uk

Work in England? C’est bon!

Dentist is all smiles at award

French marketing student Florian Gutbrod has been enjoying his internship at the Chamber.

New Chamber members The Cheshire Dental Centre are celebrating the success of Dr Mark Jones who was honoured as the Dentist of the Year.

Dr Jones has spent 16 years working in dental practice and community clinics, gaining vast experience in many fields of dentistry.

Florian Gutbrod and Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman at a networking event at Rookery Hall

An agreement between his school in Paris, the MMU and the Chamber sees him helping with many tasks at our Crewe Business Park offices. Here he tells of his experience.

He completed an advanced Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry course under the supervision of Dr Paul Tipton who runs a Manchester training academy that is renowned for its standards.

“I have learned many things about England and English people.

The first thing I notice is that the weather is capricious - it can be nice and five minutes later there may be a rain.

The high standard of his work was recognised with the award for Overall Dentist of the Year.

“The second thing I quickly discovered is the amiability of Englishman. Cool weather in the country is offset by the human warmth. The French and the English are very much alike, but the English are more listening and more open minded than the French.

Cheshire Dental Centre practice manager Sandra Pierce said: “Dr Jones is very passionate about his work and enjoys all aspects of dentistry, although he does hold a special interest in Cosmetic Dentistry. He has a very approachable manner and is always willing to listen to patients and establish their individual requirements. We are very proud of his achievement.”

The Crewe-based centre offers all manner of dental procedures including cosmetic, dental implants and orthodontics.

For more information call 01270 256426

“The atmosphere at the Chamber remains as friendly as the first day I arrived and have discovered one of your traditions – tea time! In France it is uncommon to drink or eat at work.

“The open office space is also something unusual. It is easier to work when you are in an open space because you can ask for help quickly and the atmosphere is more convivial.”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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16 MEMBERS NEWS/CHAMBER NEWS

Take pressure off with payroll service

Chamber Members attend Famous Murder Mystery Play

Long-standing Chamber member SGW Payroll is offering outsourced payroll services to help businesses with auto enrolment.

What is auto enrolment?

In October 2012 the government changed the law on the work place pension scheme, applicable to millions of workers in the UK. Workers contribute automatically into a pension scheme - this is to top up their state pension. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the employee has a qualifying pension scheme in place by their staging date for them to be enrolled into.

Who will be automatically enrolled into a workplace pension?

The new scheme means that anyone who works in the UK aged over 22 and under the state pension age, if not already in a qualified pension scheme and earning more than £10,000, will be automatically enrolled.

SGW Payroll say: “There is a vast amount of paperwork involved including pension reports, correspondence to staff and transfer of data to pension companies. SGW Payroll takes the pressure off and can manage this for businesses.”

For more information call 01270 500599

Members attended a performance of the legendary play The Mousetrap this month at Crewe Lyceum Theatre. The play has attracted large audiences during its run at the local venue operated by HQ Theatres. It was the second in a series of theatre outings giving members a break from business.

Theatre director Gordon Millar welcomed members to a drinks reception before the evening’s performance of Agatha Christies’ The Mousetrap .

Chamber Chief Executive, Paul Colman, said: "The theatre is great for South Cheshire and it is important that we show our support . We hope to hold more evenings at the venue where members can come along with partners, friends or treat their employees” The theatre in its Edwardian splendour welcomes businesses looking to stage meetings and conferences . More top productions are planned including the chilling play The Woman in Black.

Look out for the next Members evening to see Woman in Black in October on the Chambers website www.sccci.co.uk

Need a loan? The Chamber can help . . .

By the time this piece goes to press we should be well into the madness of international patriotism that is the Football World Cup. I have recently returned from a trip to Belgium where it was distinctly evident that somewhat foolishly, they have adopted the blinkered optimism which we in England have burdened ourselves with, over so many fruitless campaigns.

A recent 2­0 victory over Sweden in a warm up match was seen as no more than the first step towards their inevitable crowning as World Champions in July. I did try and point out that the Swedes appeared less than enthusiastic and that the midfield four bore a remarkable resemblance to ABBA, but this was dismissed as an irrelevance.

Everywhere was adorned with World Cup promo items where I suppose it does help that the biggest selling beer in the country is the main sponsor. My cousin kindly gave me two flags to slot into my side windows which I would have accepted were it not for the fact that the good people of Crewe and Nantwich would have taken some persuading that it is the Belgian flag that has Black, Red and Yellow vertical stripes as opposed to the German flag where the same colours are horizontal. I somehow feel that the sight of these

colours on any car during the World Cup would not be well received and that the opportunity for my more detailed explanation of their origin would be limited.

You should all be aware that David Platt’s name is still cursed in Belgium for his efforts at Italia 90 and there is a strong belief that this is their first opportunity to repair the heart break of that moment some 24 year ago. On the basis that Wayne Rooney Business Loans Executive Richard Weilding doesn’t emulate him in Brazil should they meet then at least I have a legitimate fall back option in the unlikely event that England fall short. Far more rewarding than merely supporting all Germany’s opponents or any other team that happens to have a member of your own Premiership Team’s Squad hidden within their line­ up.

In the event that you do find the time within this carnival of fun and frustration to consider your business’s growth and always assuming that my complimentary tickets for the tournament have still not arrived, then the Chamber, just like Goalkeeper Rob Green’s legs in the last World Cup, will be open for business.

For more information on Chamber loans contact Richard Weilding on 01270 504700 or email Richard.weilding@sccci.co.uk You can read more from Richard on the Chamber Portal where he blogs regularly ­ http://www.sccci.co.uk/portal/richard_weilding/blog

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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MEMBERS NEWS

Maria has designs on new furniture collection

Training gets a helping hand Chamber member Allan Virr (pictured) hopes to boost the local economy through learning and personal development at a new Pitman Training Centre on Hospital Street, Nantwich.

New Chamber member Maria Dolan (pictured) is a British Furniture Designer with over 20 years experience in the Interior Design Industry.

In 2013 her unique furniture works caught the eye of an International Luxury Furniture maker, Clive Christian, who invited her to consult for his company.

Together as a team she helped to create his ultimate furniture collection, which is now exhibited within his showrooms at Chelsea Harbour, Brooke Street, Harrods London and Nantwich.

Maria is now setting up her own manufacturing site and has already set the design wheel rolling – she is one of few British female upholstered furniture designers.

Her articulate design works, stunning textiles and the detail in her trim options have now paved the way for the brand new launch of her very own British based Furniture Collection.

Maria's Luxury Curved Furniture Collection will feature a clean cut, curvy contemporary range that will be based around tactile fabrics, soft curves, minimal marquetry with an edgy metallic high gloss lacquer finish.

The other more natural Eco Curve furniture will be sourced from sustainable wood for the frames and fabric made from recycled soda bottles!

17

The centre offers support and advice for those looking to return to work or make their businesses more efficient.

Prior to joining Pitman Training, Allan worked for several local businesses, supporting and training staff in the use of the latest office tools and developing high quality administrative systems.

Pitman Training Crewe & Nantwich offers a no-obligation career and training consultation to college leavers, mums returning to work or anyone needing additional skills to get their dream job.

The centre also keeps in touch with the local jobs market and each week updates a jobs board with hundreds of new accountancy, secretarial, administrative, web and IT jobs in the local area, which students are encouraged to apply for as they complete their studies.

Allan said: “I’m very excited about our new premises which really do offer a first class study environment and this really makes a difference.”

There are flexible, tailor-made courses and qualifications with oneon-one student support in subjects including Office Administration, Management, Finance, IT Technical and Web Design.

For more information visit www.pitman-training.com/crewe-and-nantwich

This new collection is set to be launched in September 2014 For more information visit www.mariadolan.co.uk

Mums are in safe hands

A birthing pool in one the midwifery-led unit rooms

Women having babies at Chamber members The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are provided with the safest care available, according to health watchdogs.

The Maternity Unit at Leighton Hospital achieved the highest rating provided by the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts.

Head of Midwifery Pam Cornwall said: “The rise to becoming a Level 3 Unit is a meteoric achievement, as a progression usually takes at least three years per level. We achieved Level 1 status in December 2010, Level 2 in March 2012, and now we have the highest available. This means the care we provide is officially amongst the safest in the country.”

The unit now boasts a purpose-built Midwifery-Led Unit attached to the main Labour Ward, with birthing pools, ambient mood lighting, en-suite facilities and a private courtyard accessible from each room.

For further information maternity services, including video tours, visit www.mcht.nhs.uk/maternity

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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18 MEMBERS NEWS

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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MEMBERS NEWS 19

Food festival gets bigger and tastier Preparations are in full swing for a new-look Nantwich Food and Drink Festival offering visitors more delicious displays and activities to get their teeth into over the weekend September 5-7.

Organisers have unveiled a lay-out which includes a new giant food hall on Love Lane car-park in the centre of town.

The Bowling Green car-park will be a key venue once again with a vast marquee housing delicacies from around the world and a seated food court giving families a chance to eat their purchases alfresco.

Returning to the town square will be a food demonstration theatre with celebrity Brian Mellor displaying his culinary talents alongside chefs from Cheshire pubs and restaurants. Businesses across town will throw open their doors to stage events

including whisky tasting sessions, sausagemaking workshops, cup cake decorating classes, Aga food demonstrations and more.

Nantwich Food and Drink Festival Ltd, a notfor-profit organisation, promises a vast array of regionally produced gourmet foods with more than 2,000 products to sample including speciality dishes such as ostrich, buffalo meat and haggis.

Festival chairman Deborah Robb said: “The whole point of the event is to support Nantwich and showcase it as a great place to visit and spend money in local shops.

With around 30,000 people visiting each year we believe it does that.”

For more information on Nantwich Food and Drink Festival 2014 visit www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk

MMU graduate joins marketing team Bare Bones Marketing has welcomed Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire graduate Gemma Lennon (pictured) to the team.

Gemma first joined in September 2013 as a Marketing Intern whilst completing her third year for a BA (Hons) Business and Marketing degree. After making a great

impression, she has now joined permanently as marketing assistant.

Bare Bones Marketing is now a team of four and its latest recruit plans to further her knowledge of the industry by completing a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) course in September.

For more information on the company’s services visit www.bbmarketing.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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20 PATRONS

BENTLEY New models drive jobs growth at Bentley Strengthening Bentley’s skill base not only in the immediate, but long-term will see the recruitment of 51 new apprentices in the 2014 intake. 40 of these will be part of a new dedicated manufacturing scheme focused on strengthening core skills as Bentley builds up to the introduction of the Bentley SUV, in 2016.

The company remains committed to developing its skills base

Bentley Motors is creating over 140 new jobs at its headquarters in Crewe. Recruitment includes 90 skilled engineers and 51 new apprentices - the biggest single apprentice intake in ten years.

The announcement follows on from Bentley’s record year in 2013, delivering 10,120 cars, the highest in the company’s 95year history, and aim to reach 15,000 cars by 2018.

90 new engineers will work on an expanding model range, as part of a £800 million investment over three years on model and facility development. This will be in a number of engineering disciplines, including Chassis, Powertrain, Electrical, Body and Trim and Whole Vehicle.

Bentley’s iconic headquarters at Crewe

Bentley’s new manufacturing apprentice approach sees the introduction of dual education; a tailored method to vocational training based on competence profiles and dedicated placements within chosen professional areas in Manufacturing.

latest developments in powertrain technologies - an example of which Bentley recently displayed with the Bentley Hybrid Concept, while committing that 90% of Bentley’s production will be available with a plug-in hybrid option by the end of the decade.

The new engineers will help develop a new generation of Bentleys, which will share the same commitment to performance, quality and engineering excellence. Bentley is not just creating a new segment with the Bentley SUV, but developing its current model range, innovating with new products and new markets.

Bentley was recently named as one of Britain’s Top Employers for the third year running by the Top Employers Institute.

Highlighted was its dedication to the personal development, working environment and employee culture of the 3,700 colleagues at Crewe.

For more information visit www.bentleymotors.com/careers

Its engineers bring together traditional skills associated with natural materials and the

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY ‘Crewe is here for a purpose’ - Pete Waterman Known for his love of railways, the founder of the Waterman Heritage Railway Trust added: “Crewe is here for a purpose. It worked for our Great-Great-Grandparents but then was allowed to fall into disrepair.

Now I think it’s the key town for opening up

Pete, who became one of music’s biggest hitmakers as part of the Stock Aitken Waterman dream team, also had some advice for young people studying in MMU’s Department of Contemporary Arts who may wish to follow in his footsteps.

“You have to have enthusiasm,” he said. “You have to take the bad with the good and make mistakes – and then you have to learn from those mistakes.”

In the chair - the celebrity is quizzed

Waterman follows in the footsteps of Olympian Dame Sarah Storey and Camelot CEO Dianne Thompson in taking to the interviewees chair for the lecture series, where guests are quizzed by MMU’s Cheshire Dean Dennis Dunn before giving a keynote speech to an audience of invited local businesses and dignitaries.

Music mogul Pete Waterman has reiterated his commitment to helping Crewe become a high speed railway hub at a special event held at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Cheshire campus.

Waterman, who was speaking at the final event in the Cheshire Lecture Series at the campus, said: “I want to be part of the legacy of this railway town and its potential to unlock the North West like no other town.”

the region. It has the connections that no other town has and it opens up so many places – what other town can do that?

Nowhere!”

MMU - Cheshire Campus’ Dean Dennis Dunn welcomes Pete Waterman

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

For more information on MMU call 0161 247 2000

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PATRONS 21

REASEHEATH Chancellor applauds plans for cutting edge Food Futures Centre “Reaseheath College is rightly renowned for the quality of the education it provides, especially in the agriculture industry. I always want to try to provide funding for projects like this.

“One of the key elements of our long-term economic plan is to deliver the best schools and skills for young people in all sectors so the next generation can succeed in the global race.”

George Osborne cuts the first sod for the National Centre for Food Futures and the Environment, watched by Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David, MP Stephen O’Brien, MEP candidate Kevin Beaty and Martin Smout, executive chairman of construction partner GB Building Solutions

Chancellor George Osborne has congratulated Reaseheath College’s efforts to help food producers meet the challenge of world population growth and climate change.

Cutting the first sod on the site of a £8.5 million National Centre for Food Futures and the Environment, Mr Osborne said:

The industry-led project will enable the college to support the government’s agri-tech strategy, which aims to make the UK a world leader in agricultural technology, innovation and sustainability. The Department for Business Innovation and Skills, through the Skills Funding Agency, has allocated £5.8m of capital grant for the project. The remainder has come directly from the college.

The building will provide a national centre for horticultural production, environmental management and conservation and renewable energy, and will be the leading one

of its type in the country. It will include a visitor and interpretation centre and a schools unit and is the latest of a string of world class facilities to be built on campus. It will open for students and the public in September 2015.

Space released by the relocation of the horticulture department has been earmarked for further halls of residence, with construction planned to start this summer.

Principal Meredydd David said He said: “I am thrilled that the government has identified Reaseheath as its preferred location for investing capital to develop this national food futures centre. This ensures we can continue to deliver specialist technical and educational training to next generation leaders.”

Mr Osborne was accompanied on his visit by local MP Stephen O’Brien and MEP candidate for the north west Kevin Beaty.

For more information on the college call 01270 625131

SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGE College helps hit new heights for charity Climbers from across the community hit the heights in a mammoth challenge to raise cash for charity. The ‘Everest Challenge’ brought together climbers of all ages and abilities in a quest to scale the heights of the South Cheshire College Climbing Wall.

Up to 175 climbers tackled the wall 885 times between them in 15 different teams and were roared on by family and friends in the College’s Sports Arena.

The event raised £600 for Crewe-based CLIMB (National Information Centre for Metabolic Diseases).

Youngsters from local schools, cubs and scouts groups and the Audley Climbing Club turned out in force to take part in the event and they smashed the challenge on the state-of-the-art indoor climbing wall.

The climbs, which took place in three separate climbing shifts, were equivalent to the height of Mount Everest in the Himalayas - the earth’s highest mountain at 8,850 metres.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and his son Sam supported the fundraising stunt and Mr Timpson officially launched the event at an opening ceremony before climbers swung into action.

Students showcase business enterprises a special South Cheshire College exhibition.

Over 70 BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Business students organised the event to publicise business enterprises which they have been working on for several months during their courses.

Representatives from local businesses and the South Cheshire Chamber attended the exhibition to analyse and give feedback on the different projects.

Young people displayed their innovative ideas for exciting new business ventures at

Students unveiled ideas for different industry sectors including food and catering, leisure,

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

sport, entertainment, technology.

clothing

and

Nadeem Ahmad who attended from the Chamber said: “I think it’s fantastic for students to think about new business ventures which could benefit the local and regional economy. I’m sure the students who took part in this project have a bright future ahead of them in the business world.”

For more information on South Cheshire College courses visit www.scc.ac.uk

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22 PATRONS

MORNFLAKE Win pots of joy for employees South Cheshire businesses are being offered the chance to win breakfast every day of the week for employees.

Mornflake would like to reward a flourishing local company with a massive delivery of its Superfast Cereal Pots.

Based on Gresty Road in Crewe, the famous breakfast foods manufacturer has proved a hit with the launch of its latest product Superfast Cereal Pots – which are being sold

in supermarkets after months of research in the firm’s creative kitchen.

Marketing manager Richard Jones said: “The energy-giving benefits of eating a wholesome breakfast are widely known. But sometimes that’s hard to do in a hurry.

“Our Superfast Cereal Pots contain an ingredient which becomes a refreshing milk when you simply add cold water.

“They are great to pop into a bag to take to work and eat any time of the day. We have been thrilled at the response to this new product. The feedback on Twitter and Facebook has been excellent.”

The pots, available at outlets including

Waitrose and independent stores, have a special patented lid which holds a plastic spoon. They come in a range of flavours including Fruit & Nut Muesli, Fruit & Fibre, Raisin, Honey & Almond Granola and Sultana & Apple Oatbran Flakes.

A medium-sized company of up to 50 employees will receive 250 pots delivered to its doorstep.

To enter the competition simply answer the following question: Mornflake is based where in Crewe?

Email topbreakfast@morningfoods.com by June 30.

Team Mornflake run the Market Drayton 10k Mornflake staff were well fuelled on the company’s famous porridge as they ran the Market Drayton 10k.

Five brave members of the team ran the course along with 1,967 others with marketing manager Richard Jones coming in 343rd place with a spectacular time of 46.01 minutes!

Otis, the firm’s vintage-styled van, went along for the ride offering sample bags of delicious oats to keep the runners topped up.

For more information on Mornflake visit www.mornflake.com

SG WORLD Arcadia chooses SG World’s Visitor Pass for flagship store 3 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.

The site has a specific two-stage evacuation process which is printed on the actual pass and can be drawn to the visitor’s attention for reading as they wait to be collected from reception.

Crewe-based SG World has forged a prestigious link with shopping giant The Arcadia Group.

The Group owns many of the UK’s High Street brands such as BHS, Burton, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge.

When it came to upgrading its visitor ID system, it turned to SG World for help.

Matt McDonnell, Fire, Health and Safety Manager Top Shop/Topman, said: “We are situated on one of the busiest streets in central London. The Topshop/Topman visitor reception area is a constant hive of activity, the gateway for 1000 plus staff and over 50 visitors per week. I wanted a visitor management system that was easy to use for this volume of people, which would contribute to site health and safety and, most importantly, reflect the brand.”

The SG World visitor pass system allows organisations to issue all of their visitors with a branded ID pass featuring health & safety rules that must be followed whilst on-site, a key component of Regulation

This pass is then visibly worn by the visitor throughout their stay in a clear plastic wallet with a branded lanyard, clearly indicating that they are authorised to be on site. Once the visit is complete, the pass can be handed back in to the point of issue and the Emergency Evacuation Register updated indicating that the visitor has now left the site.

The passes are also used to identify visiting contractors and worn in an armband wallet.

He added: “I would describe our previous system as adequate but it didn’t project the professional image we needed for our flagship store. Visitors didn’t always return the old paper passes whereas the SG World design encourages them to hand the badges back and be formally checked out through the visitor book.

“Contractors would occasionally remove the neck lanyard passes if they got in the way when working whereas the armbands are completely unobtrusive so the contractor ID is clearly visible for the whole duration on the job, which is a definite improvement.

“It was very easy to work with SG World. All of our requirements were handled promptly and efficiently.”

For more information on SG World products visit www.sgworld.com

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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PATRONS 23

WULVERN Housing Minister digs deep to get new development underway Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has performed the official sod cutting ceremony to mark the start of a £10.6 million development scheme in Crewe.

since 2010 and have already committed to investing £23billion in public and private funding from 2015 to deliver even more.

“So I’m delighted to have seen work starting on the first 82 properties of this exciting new development, the largest single development by Wulvern to date. I look forward to coming back to Crewe next year and meeting the residents settling into the new homes.”

The development by Crewe-based housing association Wulvern, will initially provide 82 much needed affordable new homes on Badger Avenue, and with planning permission for more secured, is the largest single development scheme by Wulvern to date.

The Minister joined representatives from Wulvern, Cheshire East Council and the Homes and Communities Agency to cut the first sod at a ceremony on the site of the former Ludford Street School marking the start of construction.

The scheme will be completed in two phases with the first homes, a mix of two and three bedroom houses and one and two bedroom apartments, all at an affordable rent, handing over in March 2015.

Wulvern has secured grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency towards the cost of delivering the £10.6 million scheme and has appointed MCI Construction to build the homes.

Housing Minister Kris Hopkins cuts the first sod watched by Homes and Communities Executive Director North West Deborah McLaughlin, MP for Crewe & Nantwich Edward Timpson, Wulvern Executive Director (Growth & Enterprise) Kevin Williams and Wulvern Chief Executive Sue Lock

The MP’s visit coincides with the closing deadline for bidding to the Homes and Communities Agency which, if successful, could see a further 25 homes built on the site along with other ambitious development plans by Wulvern.

The Minister commented: “Our affordable homes programme is at the heart of our plans to get Britain building – we’ve delivered 170,000 new affordable homes

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Executive Director (Growth and Enterprise), Kevin Williams said: “We are delighted to be building new affordable homes for local people. The current economic climate means there is a high demand for affordable housing. This development will not only address this need but the local community will also be boosted in terms of job creation and economic activity.

Wulvern is already well on the way to delivering one of the regions largest HCA funded programmes and we are delighted that the HCA has shown confidence in our ability to deliver by supporting us to build these homes under the Affordable Homes Guarantee Programme”.

For more information on Wulvern visit www.wulvern.org.uk

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24 ADVERTISING

Bentley targets top engineers of the future A team from Bentley brought a car to South Cheshire College to meet students and hand out information about the company.

The company has announced it is to create more than 140 jobs at the factory and wants 90 skilled engineers and 51 new apprentices.

Bentley after sales team were greeted by many South Cheshire College students

It will be the biggest intake of trainees in ten years and follows a year of bumper

sales in 2013 when the company delivered 10,120 cars – the highest in Bentley’s 95 year history.

Engineering students flocked to see one of the prestigious Bentley cars on display at the front of the college.

For more information about apprenticeships call South Cheshire College on 01270 654654

Travel Visa Company celebrates hat-trick Crewe Hall-based The Travel Visa Company has secured a trio of impressive contracts.

The international visa specialist will now be the preferred supplier of visas for two tour operators; Riviera Travel and TransIndus and travel agent Newells Travel, helping holidaymakers with the complex application process for countries that require a visa on entry.

Its expert team will provide an exclusive service, personally collecting visas directly from embassies and delivering them to homes around the UK. With 14 years experience of providing both tourist and business visas, as well as longstanding relationships with Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates in London,

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Birmingham and Manchester, The Travel Visa Company is also the main visa provider for TUI, Thomas Cook, Co-Operative Travel, Worldchoice and Birmingham Airport.

Head of sales Philip Ashwell (pictured) said: “Countries have ever-changing visa requirements, so it is vital that travellers are kept up-to-date with new information. As the visa application process has now changed for holidaymakers visiting Turkey, we are keen to stress the importance of purchasing your evisa prior to travelling, as it can result in costly charges at the airport.”

For more information on visas or on The Travel Visa Company visit www.thetravelvisacompany.co.uk

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MEMBERS NEWS/CHAMBER NEWS 25

‘Good infrastructure is at the heart of our Year of Delivery’ – Michael Jones, Cheshire East Council A message from Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council.

Since I became Leader in 2012, my focus has been on bringingin jobs and investment. Everything we do tries to make Cheshire East a great place to live, visit and invest in.

This is the challenge I set my officers and I’m proud to say that 2014 will be our year of delivery.

There’s the prospect of a HS2 superhub station in Crewe for starters. We’ve worked hard on our bid and the major reports from Sir David Higgins and Lord Deighton show that Crewe is the best, most logical place to build a new station.

We find out this autumn whether we have been successful. If so, then it’s a game-changer for the whole of South Cheshire, bringing in £1.5 billion of new investment and creating up to 60,000 new jobs.

It will revolutionise our connectivity, reducing travel times to London to just 58 minutes. But it’s not just about shortened journey times.

our local rail services.

Talking of infrastructure, work is about to begin on improving the capacity of Junction 16 of the M6/ A500 near Barthomley, as part of the Government’s Pinch Point Programme. Again, capacity is the name of the game.

Then there’s our Local Plan. We have just submitted it to ministers and hope to find out in the autumn whether we have been successful. It is the culmination of four years’ careful work and 40,000 submissions from the public. It will provide a blueprint for jobs-led sustainable growth up until 2030.

Finally, our geothermal energy project in Crewe is making good progress. We have enough potential under Crewe to give everyone in Britain a hot daily shower for 142 years!

So our approach to infrastructure is clear. Make the most our geography by getting the right road and rail systems in place.

Maximise the potential of our natural assets, especially in energy.

Get a robust plan in place to deliver sustainable housing and jobs and that meets the needs of people across Cheshire East today, and in the future.

What HS2 means is getting badly needed extra capacity for new passenger and freight services while at the same time preserving

‘Beartown’ greets baton in style Jane said: “There were thousands of families, from tiny tots to a lady about to turn 102 and has seen every Baton Relay. Everyone was having a go at a range of sports and cheered the baton on all the time. I was honoured to have been a bearer.”

Jane Whetnall, co-founder of the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports & Arts in Crewe, had a key role to play in welcoming the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton Relay to Congleton.

The town was the only non-city in England to host the baton on its epic journey to Glasgow and Jane, who received an MBE at New Year, was selected as a baton bearer alongside Olympic gold medallist Ann Brightwell.

Everybody, the new charitable organisation set up to run leisure services in Cheshire East, commemorated the day with a festival of sport, games and music.

Before reaching Congleton, the baton had visited 63 Commonwealth nations helping to create an international buzz about the Games taking place in July.

Jane Whetnall and Ann Brightwell were cheered on by huge crowds as Congleton welcomed the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton Relay

For a gallery of pictures from the day visit the Everybody Sport and Recreation website www.everybody.org.uk

Seminars indicate South Cheshire Boom More evidence of increasing confidence in the local economy could be seen at a series of Property Investment seminars staged across South Cheshire.

investment companies.

Crewe and Nantwich property agents Martin&Co, mortgage specialists Watts Mortgages and local solicitors Hibberts joined forces to deliver professional advice and opinions on a range of property-related topics to an audience of landlords and investors.

“It was flattering that they were coming to hear our professional opinions and local market knowledge. The interest in buying houses in Crewe and Nantwich was very high indeed.

Our estate agency division is already breaking records. We had some investors telling us that if we had 20 or 30 suitable two and three bedroom properties for sale, they would take them immediately!”

Martin&Co director Shaun Cafferty was “very surprised” at the exceptionally high interest shown in the seminars. He said: “Such events often attract 20-30 people, but over the two days we had over 150 people attending, which is unprecedented. We had people who had come down from Wilmslow and Knutsford, as well as representatives from some leading

Andrew Watts, managing director of Watts Mortgages, confirmed that investors are now a major force in the housing market and are often in a stronger position to buy than first time buyers and homeowners. He added: “The current interest in the Buy to Let market is very buoyant, with some great mortgage offers available. Lenders have a strong appetite to

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

lend to investors.”

Martyn Measures of Hibberts solicitors confirmed an increase in conveyancing transactions with many being generated by landlords.

The seminars were held in the function rooms at Crewe Alexandra FC and Residence in Nantwich.

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26 ADVERTISING

‘We’re backing Crewe’ says specialist tools supplier better-looking station entrance. Much is said about the town but we feel confident it is going places.”

Heamar was set up to provide specialist wire preparation and connectivity solutions including wire cutting, stripping and termination for building electrical harnesses.

It now offers a dozen full-spectrum product lines designed to meet every tooling need, including a broad range of military qualified and commercial tools.

High-profile customers include British Aerospace, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Red Bull and McLaren F1.

In South Cheshire they include Unipart and LNWR.

Mark and Heather Burley of specialist tools supplier Heamar (front) with new recruits Caroline Stokes, Paul Nicklin and Reece Burley

A specialist tooling company is backing Crewe with a move to premises near the town’s newlook railway station entrance.

Heamar, which supplies mil-spec tooling solutions to the aerospace, military, motorsport and mass transit industries, has signed a five year lease on First Avenue, off Weston Road.

The family business, named after its owners Mark and Heather Burley, was previously based

off Barony Road in Nantwich but rapid growth over the past two years forced a need for bigger premises close to Crewe’s rail and motorway links.

Managing director Mr Burley said: “We’ve enjoyed phenomenal growth and it’s great to be in a position where we can create new jobs and invest in Crewe.

“It offers fantastic connectivity and we can now drop our international visitors off at a much

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The company has also enjoyed significant growth in web sales. To meet demand it has recruited administration and marketing staff, bringing the workforce to seven.

He added: “We were all about ‘planes, trains and automobiles’ but now enquiries are coming in for both specialist and more general tooling, from full DMC Electrical kits for Boeing and Airbus aircraft to Tronex pliers used in cutting the fine wire used in jewellery-making.

“Despite what remains a tough market we have a packed order book and a great future ahead.”

For more information on the company and its products visit www.heamar.co.uk

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ALL CHANGE FOR CREWE 27

£16m funding boost for strategic Crewe link road for the 1.1km-long dual-carriageway link road running between the A500 Hough-Shavington bypass and the A5020.

Ministers have earmarked £15 million for a key link road to help boost growth for Crewe and Nantwich.

Cheshire East Council and key developers have committed to meet the outstanding funding required for the Crewe Green Link Road South.

Work on Crewe Green Link Road is set to get underway in July and be completed by the autumn of 2015.

Council leader Michael Jones said: “This is a major project which is central to our All Change for Crewe plans to greatly enhance the future prosperity of Crewe and make it a nationally-significant economic centre by 2030.

The road is a crucial element of the All Change for Crewe strategy designed to regenerate the town and unlock its economic potential.

The £26.4m project aims to create an alternate bypass for Crewe, and improve access to the A500 and M6, alleviating traffic passing through the town.

“It will improve connectivity between areas of deprivation to the north of Crewe, the town centre, the rail station and major employment opportunities to the south east and it will also act as a major catalyst for further commercial investment and the creation of thousands of jobs.

Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones

It will also help kick start work at two major employment sites at Basford and help facilitate the creation of up to 12,500 jobs in high-value employment over 20 years.

“This latest funding follows our moves to secure a strategic HS2 rail hub in Crewe, worth up to £2.8bn in investment and economic benefits by 2030, investment of £6.177m to improve access to Crewe Rail Station which opened this month, and planned improvements and congestion pinch points at M6 junctions 16 and 17.”

The new funding is a key piece of the jigsaw for the necessary road infrastructure improvements in and around Crewe.

Recent successful bids to the DfT also include £9.5m to ease congestion around junction 16 and £2.7m of ‘local pinch point’ funding towards the Basford West spine road linking the A500 at Shavington with Gresty Road in Crewe.

The Department for Transport has confirmed £15.64m funding

Station new-look is just the ticket of this station, not just for this project but what’s going to come in the future,” he said.

The scheme involved the bulldozing of the former Royal Mail buildings to construct the new entrance, 244 space car park and refurbishment of an existing subway.

Edward Timpson cuts the ribbon officially opening the new station entrance

Crewe was given another boost with the opening of a new £7m entrance at its famous railway station.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson joined council officials and Pete Waterman at an opening ceremony.

Cheshire East leader Michael Jones praised the efforts of all involved and said the combination of private sector, government and Cheshire East had worked well to bring about the £7m investment.

“Really, it’s great thanks to this man, our local MP Edward Timpson, who has backed us on all the things we’ve moved forward,” he said.

Mr Timpson thanked everyone who had worked so hard on the project – including ‘Patrick McLouglin and his team’ at the Department for Transport.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure they understand the significance

Mr Timpson also thanked Cheshire East, Network Rail Virgin Trains, station manager Sheila Breeze and contractors Balfour Beatty for their work.

Station manager Sheila Breeze said passengers had already commented on how much more convenient the Weston Road entrance is. “They can park here, walk straight down the stairs and on to platform five for London,” she said.

Picture courtesy of Crewe Chronicle

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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28 ADVERTISING/MEMBERS NEWS

Show pays tribute to major sponsor Mornflake has reaffirmed its commitment to the country’s farming industries as a major sponsor of the Nantwich Show.

supporting our local agricultural industries.”

The Lea family have milled oats in South Cheshire since 1675 when it founded its first mill in Swettenham. Much of its grain is 'contract grown' on specially selected farms throughout the UK. Mr Lea added: “Oats were once one of the UK's largest cereal crops but are now one of the smallest.

“By placing some of the largest contracts with specially selected UK farmers we are one of the biggest contributors to the continued growing of this traditional crop. Our aim is to conserve oats as an essential part of the British agricultural economy for many more years to come.”

Mornflake marketing coordinator Catherine Sadler will fly the company flag at this year’s Nantwich Show

The iconic Cheshire breakfast-foods manufacturer will welcome thousands of people to the Mornflake Food Hall on show day, Wednesday, July 30.

Managing director John Lea, a former President of the Nantwich and District Agricultural Society which stages the event, said: “It has been our pleasure to be part of this major showcase of British agriculture and farming for around 30 years.

“Although the show has grown into a really big affair, attracting many thousands of people, its roots are still in farming and promoting all that is great and good about the countryside. It reflects what we are about as a company - quality, tradition and

Nantwich Show organisers have paid tribute to the company as they plan the ‘biggest and best show yet.’ There will be all the usual attractions – including the popular cattle, sheep, horse, horticulture, homecraft, floral art and pigeon and poultry sections – as well as new attractions such as a ringside display of vintage cars and machinery.

Cheese producers from all over the world will compete for Supreme Champion status in the International Cheese Awards.

Show chairman Michael John Parkin said: “Mornflake’s support of the show over many years has without doubt contributed to its growth and success. Costs of staging the show rise every year but Mornflake has remained loyal. It’s our biggest sponsor and a great friend of this important local event.”

Mornflake is also a major sponsor of the Nantwich Food and Drink Festival in September.

For more information on Mornflake visit www.mornflake.com

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL/MEMBERS NEWS 29

Crewe workforces benefit from the new Smarter Travel Business Partnership the scheme and urged partners to network and build positive relationships to bring about change in travel behaviours in Crewe.

"We have had good people turn down jobs in parts of the town when they realise how difficult their daily commute will be due to congested roads at peak times of the day.

This can only be bad for Crewe's economy.

If we can get more people cycling, walking, using the bus or car-sharing it will be a real advantage for Crewe," he said.

Cheshire East Council and the South Cheshire Chamber are taking steps to make the daily commute easier for people living and working in Crewe.

The Smarter Travel Business Partnership was launched at MMU in Crewe in May as part of the Smarter Ways to Travel Programme, which aims to enable people living and working in Crewe to make 'smarter' travel choices, unlocking the growth potential of the town by supporting business investment and job creation and making the journey to work easier.

The Partnership is inviting more Crewe businesses to get onboard to encourage their staff to walk, cycle, choose public transport and car share more often, to reduce traffic congestion and improve journey times across the town.

Through the Partnership, businesses can also access Smarter Travel Grants from the Department's for Transport's Local

Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF), enabling them to install facilities such as secure cycle storage and showers to make active travel easier for staff. So far 19 grants have been awarded.

Many employers are going the extra mile and developing staff travel challenges and other initiatives to boost the number of people opting for greener, more sustainable ways of travelling.

Active travel is often the quickest and cheapest way to make short everyday journeys, ensuring that people get to work and training on time. With more workers in sedentary jobs, this free form of exercise is an important factor in keeping workforces and the local economy healthy.

Speakers at the launch included Jenny Marston, Programme Manager, Cheshire East Council, who outlined the aims of Smarter Ways to Travel and Paul Colman, CEO of the South Cheshire Chamber, who welcomed

Cllr David Topping, Environment Portfolio Holder, Cheshire East Council, commented "It's great to extend our close working relationship with our business community in encouraging sustainable travel in Crewe.

Forming this new Partnership is a very positive step".

Delegates also heard Fiona Soutar from JMP Travel Consultants explain the travel planning process, giving real life examples of what had been achieved in other parts of the UK by similar LSTF schemes. Partners including MMU, recently voted the UK's 'Greenest University' and ctchealthcare also shared best practice.

Clair Visco, Smarter Travel Officer with Cheshire East Council and the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “We'd like to work with more employers to ease the daily commute faced by staff and keep Crewe businesses moving forward.”

To find out more about the Smarter Travel Business Partnership, contact Clair Visco on 01270 504700 or e-mail: clair.visco@sccci.co.uk.

To find out more about the Smarter Ways to Travel programme in Crewe visit www.allchangeforcrewe.co.uk/smartertravel

Treasure revamp at Nantwich Museum of the display. The ring belonged to one of the prominent local families, one member of whom built Dorfold Hall and another Townsend House in Welsh Row.

Nantwich Museum has secured a grant of £8,250 under the 'Treasure Plus' scheme through the Art Fund, supported by The Headley Trust, to consolidate and update its 'Nantwich Treasure' display.

The objects involved have all been discovered locally and shed light on the lives of people who once lived in the town and the surrounding area.

They include Roman coins and brooches, a Saxon pendant cross and pottery dating over a 600 year period. In addition to this the Wilbraham signet ring will also be part

The Hurleston Brooch and the The Wilbraham Signet Ring

The Treasure Plus grant will be used for the acquisition of a new display case, revised interpretations of the objects and interactives to involve visitors. Particular attention is being paid to the needs of children boosting the museum's work with schools.

For more information on Nantwich Museum call 01270 627104

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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30 BUSINESS AWARDS

South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2014 Winning the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards offers many benefits.

Join us at Crewe Hall on November 28.

The high-profile publicity and kudos that goes with carrying off an accolade helps businesses prosper and individuals go on to achieve great things in their workplace.

For details on how to enter or be part of this great night as a sponsor call Madeleine Abbey at the Chamber on 01270 504700 Ext 20

Here we update you on winners who made headlines last November.

Employer of the Year - Swansway Garages Ltd Swansway has gone on to prove its status as a great employer moving up to 32nd in the Sunday Times best Companies to Work for List and 13th in the Great Places to Work Survey.

The company is reaping the benefits of looking after its employees with profits up a remarkable 57% on 2012 to £5.1m.

Director John Smyth said: “We believe these results reflect our culture of ‘caring, honest and proud.’ Every member of our 600 plus team lives and breathes our values and we in turn treat them in the same way.”

David Smyth of Swansway Garages Ltd receives the award from Jacqueline McLean on behalf of sponsors the Manchester Metropolitan University

Best Start-Up Business of the Year - KidzKitchen We have secured a contract with a national food festival organiser and now deliver children's workshops at beautiful stately homes across the UK. We are continuing to build our relationships with local charities including The Caudwell Children, Cheshire Young Carers and YMCA Crewe. Schools remain the main focus of the business with several in Crewe and Nantwich having experienced our workshops. In the next few weeks we will be working not only with local schools but also with schools in Derbyshire and Manchester.

Cllr Peter Groves of sponsors Cheshire East Council present the award to KidzKitchen founders Tracey Cooke and Gill Fox

Best Large Business of the Year - Wulvern Housing Ltd Since winning the award we have achieved Investors in Excellence accreditation, Best Companies Star Accreditation and an Investors in People Gold Award. On top of that we were recognised as the 58th best not for profit organisation to work for in the Sunday Times Top 100 list for 2014.

We continue to invest in the local economy and are well underway with our latest development programme providing 1000 new affordable homes. We have also carried our service improvements across all our customer facing roles, ensuring we have a skilled a knowledgeable team who are able to deliver brilliant social housing to our 15,000 customers.

Steve Jackson of sponsors RBS Corporate Banking South Cheshire presents the award to Sue Lock of Wulvern Housing Ltd

Health and Wellbeing Award - Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Since receiving the award we have continued to work hard on improving our sickness absence rates which continue to fall and have been contacted by other hospital trusts asking to meet with us to learn about our approach.

We will shortly be looking at providing immediate physiotherapy services for those with musculoskeletal problems. Our clinical colleagues work hard every day to provide a brilliant service to our community. Any improvement that we can make, no matter how small, benefits everybody.

Rick Carter of sponsors ctchealthcare presents the award to Adriana Roscoe of the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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32 MEMBERS NEWS

Wedded bliss in new home A husband and wife have realised a dream by making a big success of their wedding services business.

Now new Chamber members Dane and Kirsten Corbett have moved Dream Weddings to bigger premises on Newcastle Road in Shavington.

Bride-to-be Fiona Bunting cuts the ribbon to open the new showroom

Established in 2006, from small beginnings in their own home then to Spring Farm Business Centre, the couple have successfully nurtured and grown their business leading to the opening of the showroom.

They say it is their ‘dream location’ providing a light, airconditioned and relaxed environment for prospective brides and grooms to enjoy planning their big day with a range of professional wedding services including bridal gowns, men’s formal wear, bridesmaid dresses, wedding photography, videography, wedding cakes and venue dressing services.

Dane said: “We love providing wedding services and it is a real privilege to help prospective brides and grooms to achieve their own dream wedding.”

The pair are both qualified wedding photographers, so bridal couples can have two professional wedding photographers for the price of one.

Kirsten makes and designs the wedding cakes while Dane creates the wedding albums.

To mark the occasion of their showroom opening they asked brideto-be Fiona Bunting, who is using Dream Weddings, to officially cut the ribbon.

For more information call Dream Weddings on 01270 747757

Best butties go down well Nantwich business, Bloom, has been awarded gold for the Best Sandwich Shop at the 2014 Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle awards.

Seen receiving her award, Sarah Roberts, owner of Bloom, said: “We were over the Tom and Sarah Roberts receiving the award from moon to have even Stephen Wundke of Chester, Food and Drink Lifestyle been nominated for Festival after a mystery shop saw Bloom scoop gold the award after only 12 weeks in business. We’re truly blown away to have won gold. We’re really pleased our menu has gone down so well and enormously grateful to all those who nominated us!”

Bloom opened its doors in January with an innovative menu, offering something a little bit different from other sandwich shops in the area.

Judges commented on “the impressive variety with lots of different fillings, including homemade sauces and chutneys”.

For more information on Bloom or to discuss any catering requirements, call Sarah Roberts on 01270 618882 or email sarah@eatatbloom.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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34 CHESHIRE CONNECT

Welcome to Cheshire Connect, the brand new name for Cheshire SkillShare

By Donna Okell, CEO Cheshire Connect We are delighted to share with you the news that the charity Cheshire SkillShare has changed its name to Cheshire Connect.

The reason for this change is to avoid any confusion with the “SkillShare” service that is offered independently by Chester Voluntary Action.

C H ESH I R E

Business and Charity: Sharing Skills

make a positive difference to our local community and have skills and expertise to share. If you would like to get involved please contact Donna Okell at donnaokell@cheshireconnect.org We’re hiring!

Thanks to the financial support of UK Fuels, we have an exciting opportunity for a new Business Connector in Crewe.

Our Business Connectors develop trusted relationships with local businesses. They identify skills and expertise and secure opportunities to share those valuable resources with the voluntary sector. This experience can add real value to employee development, and demonstrates meaningful corporate social responsibility at a local level.

Cheshire Connect will continue to match the valued skills of local businesses with the needs of the voluntary sector in Crewe and Nantwich and across the whole of Cheshire.

Over the past year Cheshire Connect has successfully supported more than 100 local voluntary, community and faith organisations with over 150 separate projects. We are indebted to those local businesses and their employees for so generously donating time, skills and expertise to deliver those projects. We estimate that the value of those skills donated is over £450,000!

Cheshire Connect’s Business Connectors are also responsible for identifying which local voluntary organisations will benefit from access to local business skills and expertise and make relevant matches so that all parties benefit.

We’re looking for a new Business Connector for the Crewe area who: 

Is well-connected in the local business community;

Please take a minute to have a look at our updated website and our brilliant short film featuring Bentley Motors and Cheshire Without Abuse at www.cheshireconnect.org



Understands business strategy;



Can work independently, and is a strong team player;

The team at Bentley have worked closely with Saskia Ritchie at Cheshire Without Abuse and together have made huge progress.

Saskia explains how her experience working with Bentley has made such a difference: ““I have often struggled with business like language. We’re a charity, not a business and we are experts at dealing with victims of domestic abuse. Once I met Angela Hodgson from Bentley however, I soon realised that if we improved our planning and became more efficient and business like, we could help more victims.”



Is a confident and effective communicator;



Is flexible and adaptable, will communicate effectively with both the business and voluntary sector;



Can think creatively;



Consistently delivers results against targets;



Is tenacious;



Is values-driven, and keen to support the local community;



Is solutions- focused.

Since the last edition of 4Front magazine the project we highlighted at Christ Church Crewe continues to develop its dream. This is a large scale opportunity and has the potential to make a significant difference to the heart of Crewe. It will take some time to develop and Cheshire Connect is keen to continue to support them.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the businesses who have supported us to date, and the voluntary sector organisations who have worked with them. We look forward making an even greater difference together in Crewe in the year ahead. We would like to talk to businesses that are keen to

The role is initially a one-year contract for three or four days per week.

Paul Colman recognises the important role businesses play in improving our community: “A number of our members have generously offered their business skills to Cheshire Connect and found the experience extremely valuable. It’s a meaningful way to demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility, and as a Chamber we are keen to encourage our members to support our local voluntary sector through Cheshire Connect.”

If you are interested and would like to know more please email your CV and a brief covering letter to: Donna Okell, CEO Cheshire Connect, donnaokell@cheshireconnect.org or Tina Hankey, Chamber Executive Membership Co-ordinator, Tina.Hankey@sccci.co.uk

Business and Charity: sharing skills www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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