4FRONT Magazine (Summer 2016 Edition)

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SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS MAGAZINE

’ h t w o r g c i m o n o c e r o f a ‘New er unning • Page

C

dent John D hamber Presi

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Summer 2016

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FOREWORD

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

Chamber Team

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

Welcome to the summer edition of the Chamber’s magazine and while it’s only been a few months since the last edition, a lot has happened!

We have had significant change. Back in June we had one of the most momentous votes in modern history, and ‘Brexit’ is now on its way. This decision has triggered a change in leadership of the country with a new Prime Minister and cabinet. On both accounts our colleagues at the British Chambers of Commerce are lobbying on your behalf for swift action and clarity on our split from Europe (pg.7) and are requesting that the Prime Minister and cabinet remain committed to infrastructure and construction projects such as HS2 following the ‘Brexit’ decision.

It will be business as usual for our local companies for now, until the implications of the decision are clearer. Our Chamber, with colleagues from the British Chambers of commerce will continue to keep businesses informed and lobby key decision makers to make sure the voice of business is heard.

While there are changes on a national and global scale, locally there has also been significant change. New transport infrastructure built, a new Lifestyle Centre, and the soon to be opened University Technical College is on its way. Yet, through all this positive news, Crewe Town Centre has been in the news again. Nationally BHS has had its well-publicised problems and Marks and Spencer’s have announced a move from the town centre to expand its premises on the Retail Park. It should be said that the Retail Park is a fantastic asset for this area and fortunately there will be no job losses either, but what remains for the Town Centre?

I am glad to say that the Chamber is part of a working group that has been created between the private and public sector to

address the future of the Town Centre. It will be no easy task, but from our initial meetings there is a tremendous desire to rejuvenate the area and create a town centre that Crewe deserves. A trigger for success should be the Royal Arcade which I know the Council are working tremendously hard to develop. This combined with the introduction of a Lifestyle Centre and the University Technical College plus with local assets such as the Crewe Lyceum we can turn it around, but we need everyone working together.

As you will see throughout this magazine the Chamber is extremely active providing local businesses with opportunities to grow their companies. The forthcoming events on (Pg.5), an active Chamber Portal for online marketing for Chamber Members (Pg.13), International Trade support (Pg.21) and loans for local businesses (pg.20) are only part of what we offer. If your company would like to find out more please do not hesitate to contact the team who will be more than happy to explain how you can benefit.

I hope you enjoy this magazine and if your company has good news to share or you’d like to take advantage of the advertising opportunities, please do not hesitate to contact Tina at the Chamber.

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Madeleine Abbey Chamber Executive PA to Chief Executive www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/madeleine-abbey/

Jacqui Morris Tina Hankey Chamber Manager & Membership & Export International Trade Co-ordinator Documentation Co-ordinator www.sccci.co.uk/ www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/jacqui/ portal/tina-hankey/

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

Trevor Langston Chamber Executive Business & Education Co-ordinator www.sccci.co.uk/ portal/trevor-langston/

Daryl Williams Chamber Executive Events Co-ordinator www.sccci.co.uk/portal/ daryl_williams/

Lauren Readdin Chamber Executive Events Administrator www.sccci.co.uk/portal/ lauren_readdin/

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

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

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

Dianne Parrish Business Connector, Crewe and South Cheshire (Working in collaboration with South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce) www.sccci.co.uk/portal/ diannecheshireconnect

Graham Witter Chamber Intern

Clair Visco Business Travel Planning Officer

May I take this opportunity to wish your business well in the future.

Paul Colman Chief Executive

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry @SCCCI_CEO

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.

FRONT COVER PHOTO: Courtesy of MMU Crewe Campus

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS

Meet our new members . . .

Active Cheshire 1 Royal Court, Gadbrook Way, Gadbrook Park Northwich, Cheshire CW9 7UT Telephone 01606 330 212 james.fallon@activecheshire.org www.activecheshire.org Charity

Mark Littler - Independent Auctioneer & Valuer Hill Top Cottage, Slaughter Hill Crewe Green, Crewe CW1 5UP Mobile 07415 145 228 mark@marklittler.com www.marklittler.com Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles

South Cheshire Oven Wizards 3 Wellswood Drive, Wistaston Crewe CW2 6RE Mobile 07413 445 688 southcheshire@ovenwizards.com www.ovenwizard.com Oven Cleaning including AGA

MCM2 The Barn, Daisy Bank Farm Top Farm Lane, Cholmondeston Winsford CW7 4DR Mobile 07765 406 530 martin@mcm2.co.uk www.mcm2.co.uk Marketing services

ECLS Translations Ltd 33 Bucklow Avenue, Mobberley Knutsford WA16 7ET Telephone 01565 228 107 info@ecls-translations.com www.eclstranslations.co.uk The provision of high-quality translation services to corporate clients.

IP Forktrucks Ltd Millbuck Way Sandbach CW11 3HT Telephone 01270 757805 Administrative and support service activities

Commercial Graphics Unit 40a Winpenny Road Parkhouse Industrial Estate Newcastle ST5 7RH Telephone 01782 436 656 info@commercial-graphics.co.uk www.commercial-graphics.co.uk Sign makers

Headkase Crewe Ltd 51 Nantwich Road, Crewe CW2 6AW Mobile 07951 287 226 maireadsloan@hotmail.co.uk Other Service Activities

MM Cleaning Services (UK) Ltd 42 Bramhall Road, CreweCW2 8PT Telephone 01270 669 101 mmcs.commercial@gmail.com www.cleaningservicesmm.co.uk Administrative and support service activities

Pro-Decon Unit 1 Alvaston Business Park Middlewich Road, Nantwich CW5 6PF Telephone 01270 446 601 alan@prodecon.com www.prodecon.com Water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities

Hanley’s Premium Confectionery Unit 10, Alvaston Business Park Middlewich Road, Nantwich CW5 6PF Telephone 01270 618 407 emily@hanleysconfectionery.co.uk www.hanleysconfectionery.co.uk Premium confectionery

The Thatch Wrexham Road, Faddiley Nantwich CW5 8JE Telephone 01270 524 223 johntribe@gmail.com Pub and restaurant

L.A.P Groundworks 179 Bradfield Road, Crewe CW1 3RH Telephone 01270 583 760 lapgroundworks@gmail.com Groundworks, patio paving

ARB Deliveries 4 Edleston Road, Crewe CW2 7HH Telephone 01270 380 110 bestpricedeliveries@hotmail.co.uk Deliveries, storage, home improvements

Wrenbury Hall Wrenbury Hall Drive, Wrenbury Nantwich CW5 8EJ Telephone 01270 781 198 enquiries@wrenburyhall.co.uk www.wrenburyhall.co.uk Exclusive use weddings, events and conference venue

ANSA Environmental Services Ltd Pyms Lane, Crewe CW1 3PJ Telephone 01270 686 589 richard.bramhall@ansa.co.uk www.ansa.co.uk Providing an environmental services ‘One Stop Shop’ for business

Sharp Enterprise Ltd 9 Yewtree Road, Plumley Knutsford WA16 0UQ Telephone 01565 817 111 csharples@sharpenterprise.co.uk Information and communication

Industrial Structures Limited Brook House, 501 Crewe Road Wheelock, Sandbach CW11 3RX Telephone 01270 761 155 jon@industrialsl.com Structural & mechanical analysis & design

For more information on joining the Chamber contact Tina on 01270 504 700 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 EVENTS

Forthcoming Chamber Events AUGUST Meet and Eat Thursday 11th August at Residence Restaurant and Bar 12.00pm - 2.30pm Portal Users Workshop Friday 19th August at Pitman Training Centre, Nantwich 10.00am - 12.30pm Final Friday Friday 26th August at Crewe Alexandra Football Club 9.00am - 11.00am

SEPTEMBER Chamber Welcome Morning Friday 2nd September at Manchester Metropolitan University 9.30am - 11.00am

Business Lunch/AGM Thursday 15th September at Wrenbury Hall, near Nantwich 12.00pm - 2.30pm Chamber Golf Texas Scramble Monday 19th September at Wychwood Park 1.00pm - 8.00pm Portal Users Workshop Friday 23rd September at Pitman Training Centre, Nantwich 10.00am - 12.30pm Theatre Night - The Blues Brothers Thursday 28th September at Crewe Lyceum 7.00pm for 7.30pm Final Friday Friday 30th September at Legat Owen 9.00am - 11.00am

‘In the Know’ Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Tuesday 13th September at The Olive Grove Conference Centre 8.00am - 10.00am

OCTOBER Chamber Welcome Morning Friday 7th October at Manchester Metropolitan University 9.30am - 11.00am Meet and Eat Thursday 13th October at Residence Restaurant and Bar 12.00pm - 2.00pm Quarterly Economic Update Breakfast Thursday 13th October at South Cheshire College 8.00am - 10.00am International Trade Forum Wednesday 19th October at Manchester Metropolitan University 8.30am - 10.30am Portal Users Workshop Friday 21st October at Pitman Training Centre, Nantwich 10.00am - 12.30pm Final Friday To be confirmed

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

For Advertising Sales and Articles please contact Tina Hankey: South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Couzens Building, Manchester Metropolitan University, Crewe Green Road, Crewe CW1 5DU Telephone: 01270 504 700 Email: tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk www.sccci.co.uk/portal/tina-hankey

Autumn Issue due out 7th December 2016 • Editorial Deadline 1st November 2016 Advertisement Deadline 8th November2016 Contact tina.hankey@sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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6 CHAMBER EVENTS

Join us for a full diary of events Looking to network and make new business contacts?

The Chamber has a varied programme of events designed to help put you in touch with business owners across a wide variety of sectors.

Informal, and staged at venues across South Cheshire, these dates offer a chance to meet and mingle at times which can fit in with running a busy business.

Chamber Welcome Mornings Held on the first Friday of the month, these events offer new and existing members an opportunity to learn more about what the Chamber can offer and how we work with you to boost trade on a local, national and international level. They also highlight the various networking, training and export events staged by the Chamber throughout the year.

Join us at the Chamber offices for a Welcome Morning on September 2.

Making new contacts at June’s Welcome Morning

Meet and Eat Lunchtime networking designed to fit into a busy day.

New to the Chamber calendar, these events have proved popular at Residence Restaurant and Bar in Nantwich. There’s a bite to eat and a great atmosphere.

Join us at Residence Restaurant and Bar on August 11 & October 13 Residence in Nantwich is the venue for our lunchtime get-togethers

Final Friday Quick and easy breakfast networking events at member venues across South Cheshire. Generous hosts this summer have included The Yew Tree Inn, in Bunbury, Church Minshull Aqueduct Marina and Poole Alcock in Nantwich.

Join us at Crewe Alexandra Football Club on August 26 & Legat Owen on September 30 Members enjoyed a hearty breakfast at the Yew Tree, Bunbury

In the Know The Chamber works with members to stage business briefings providing access to expert advice and guidance to help your business grow.

Our next event focuses on ‘Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity.’

Join us at The Olive Grove Conference Centre, Regents Park, Nantwich on September 13

Theatre Night - The Chicago Blues Brothers Enjoy a thrilling new stage production celebrating over 30 years of the Blues Brothers. Features a nine-piece band and Blues, Motown & Soul classics from the hit movies. Ticket price, £23, includes a welcome drink and seats in a reserved area for Chamber members and guests.

Join us at Crewe Lyceum Theatre on September 28

Portal User Workshop

The Olive Grove Conference Centre, Regents Park

South Cheshire Chamber Portal is an exciting online tool available to all member businesses and their employees. Our monthly workshop gives members an introduction to the Chamber Portal, as well as guidance on using it effectively to their advantage.

Join us at the Pitman Training Centre in Nantwich on August 19 & September 23

For more information on all these events and others staged by the South Cheshire Chamber visit www.sccci.co.uk www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER EVENTS 7

Important phase in the area’s economic development Business will also want to see a detailed plan to support the economy during the coming transition period - as confidence, investment, hiring and growth would all be deeply affected by a prolonged period of uncertainty.

If ever there were a time to ditch the straightjacket of fiscal rules for investment in a better business infrastructure, this is it.

Businesses need action to maintain economic stability, a timeline for exit, and answers to their many practical, real-world questions about doing business during and after this historic transition.

Chamber President John Dunning – ‘Businesses need action to maintain economic stability’

As Paul Colman our Chief Executive has referred to in his editorial column, the past few months have seen some of the most dramatic and unexpected political changes ever experienced in such a short period of time following the “Brexit“ vote.

The immediate priorities for UK business as a result of the vote are market stability and political clarity. Some businesspeople will be pleased with the result, and others resigned to it. Yet all companies will expect swift, decisive, and coordinated action from the government and the Bank of England to stabilise markets if trading conditions or the availability of capital change dramatically.

Firms across the UK want an immediate and unambiguous statement from the Prime Minister on next steps, along with a clear timeline for the UK's exit from the European Union.

Firms want help to get Britain back to business at a time of great uncertainty. The health of the economy must be the number one priority – not the Westminster political post-mortem.

This must be the number one priority, and I can assure our members that this is the strong and clear message that is being sent to Government by the Chamber via the British Chambers of Commerce.

Business Council is launched to drive forward growth Not everything happens by surprise however, and that is why the decision recently taken by the Chamber to introduce a South Cheshire Chamber Business Council is very timely.

There are many important issues at the moment that will require a high level of lobbying and pressure such as HS2, Crewe Town Centre and the future of MMU in Crewe.

The Business Council will become a formal part of the Chambers governance structure in line with British Chambers of Commerce best practice for Accredited Chambers and will enable major employers to play a leading role in shaping future economic development strategy.

It will work in partnership with Cheshire East Council and other stakeholders to seek to influence investment decisions that will achieve sustainable economic growth in South Cheshire.

As a consequence of this, I have moved up from Chairman to become Chamber President and will chair the Business Council.

It is an honour and a privilege to hold this position and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our out-going President John Bowler for his long standing service to the Chamber. John has become the Chambers first Honorary Life President and I am sure will continue to offer valuable advice and guidance.

I am looking forward to leading the Chamber and the Business Council through this important phase in the areas economic development.

John Dunning

For more information on becoming part of the South Cheshire Chamber’s growing network of businesses call 01270 504700

Chamber scoops top employer award We stepped onto the red carpet to carry off the title as part of a glittering awards ceremony celebrating life at the Crewe college and student achievements.

Our commitment to supporting young people in the area, offering apprenticeship opportunities in our own offices, and our support of Crewe Pledge since its inception, helped us secure the award.

Bentley Motors representative Colin Jackson, Bentley Motors Apprentice Award Winner Tom Wiles, celebrity Simon Bird, Chamber Manager Jacqui Morris and Cllr Arthur Moran of Nantwich Town Council which sponsored the award

Here at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, we are used to handing out accolades to the great and good in the local community as part of our annual Business Awards.

Now we have one of our own to celebrate - South Cheshire College’s Employer of the Year 2016!

Chamber manager Jacqui Morris was there to receive it. She said: “We were pleasantly surprised to hear that the Chamber had been nominated for this award. When we were informed that we had won we were incredibly happy. The award represents a 12 month journey of working closely with the college and the apprenticeship scheme. We always strive to support students and young people in becoming work ready.

“The Apprenticeship scheme is invaluable and something that we are proud to be part of. Winning this award makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

South Cheshire College is a long-standing Patron of the South Cheshire Chamber.

For more on the awards evening see p22

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

From Westminster with Edward Timpson MP Crewe and Nantwich is often referred to as the 'gateway to the North West'. It can sound clichéd, but it's important that we recognise that we aren't an island, and that we work closely, both in business and in government, with organisations and industries across our region.

I know it can be tempting to become exasperated when we hear the words 'Manchester' and 'Liverpool' all the time: the national media can be very city-centric.

But we mustn't forget that what benefits these conurbations can also benefit us: in jobs; in the public sector; in transport.

Here are a few examples of investment the government has made in our region: £1.25 billion in Local Growth Deals. The five Local Enterprise Partnerships in the North West, will benefit from Local Growth Deals creating up to 38,000 jobs. £400 million Northern Powerhouse investment. Together with the British Business Bank and Local Enterprise Partnerships in the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber and Tees Valley we are creating a Northern Powerhouse Investment fund of over £400 million to invest in smaller businesses. £22 million UK Trade and Investment package for the Northern Powerhouse. This includes £7 million to establish a Northern Powerhouse Investment Taskforce bringing together UK Trade and Investment, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Combined Authorities, and £15 million for trade missions and events to showcase the North and maximise export potential.

Further devolution to Greater Manchester and Liverpool.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer signed a devolution agreement with Greater Manchester in 2014 and with Liverpool in 2015. The agreements will result in devolving new powers and responsibilities and a directly elected Mayor for each city region.

Both Deals were extended in the 2016 Budget, with Manchester working towards greater responsibilities over social justice and Liverpool working closer together with Government on key areas such as health and housing, along with developing pilots to trail 100 per cent business rate retention. Cheshire hasn't decided to go this way yet, but we'll be watching and learning• Great Exhibition in the North. £5 million for a Great Exhibition in the North, which will celebrate the great art, culture and design of the north and £15 million for a Great Exhibition Legacy Fund for future cultural investment in the North. £300 million in local transport improvements. This investment includes £60 million for HS3 between Leeds and Manchester to develop options to reduce journey times to 30 minutes and £3.75 million to support the development of HS2 Growth Strategies. There is also £161 million to Highways England

during this Parliament for major improvements to the M62 between junctions 10 and 12 (Warrington to Eccles) and junctions 20 and 25 (Rochdale to Brighouse). There will also be £75 million for work on a new TransPennine tunnel between Sheffield and Manchester, as well as options to enhance the A66, A69 and the North West quadrant of the M60.

But these are not isolated projects. Over the past five years, both we in Crewe and Nantwich and the country more broadly has been on a long journey, out of a great recession into one of the fastest growing economies in the developed world.

We want to ensure that this is a balanced recovery, which benefits every part of our country. We are rebalancing our economy by pursuing a clear, consistent and sustained plan to hold up the whole of the North of England, including the North West.

We are creating that Northern Powerhouse of jobs, investment, prosperity and bright futures: that is the objective of our longterm economic plan for the North West.

We aim to: 1. Increase the North West’s long term growth rate to at least the forecast growth rate of the whole UK. 2. Raise the employment rate in the North West to the UK average, meaning over 100,000 more people in employment in the North West over the course of the next Parliament.

3. Deliver the largest-ever investment in transport in the region, with £4.5 billion committed to new trains, road improvements and urban transport in the North West over the next few years.

4. Make the North West a global centre for science and innovation by making major investments in the region’s great universities and NHS teaching hospitals.

5. Raise the North West’s quality of life by supporting its great cultural and sporting strengths, building up to 25,000 new homes over the next two years, and getting 75,000 more children in outstanding schools.

6. Give more real power to the great cities and counties of the North West, starting with a new directly elected Mayor for Greater Manchester.

So let's remember that we're part of something bigger.

Whilst we're more than playing our part in South Cheshire in growing new businesses and creating new jobs, we need to remain outward-looking to the rest of our region, and to the West Midlands, to take advantage of the opportunities they have to offer.

We in Crewe and Nantwich are uniquely placed to do so, and should do all we can to cement our position in that Northern Powerhouse of the future.

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

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS 9

Full steam ahead for HS2 Head of Crewe High Growth City, Hayley Kirkham, said: “We were pleased with this early announcement. We can look ahead with great positivity for the area.”

Businesses, however, continued to set up and flourish. Members heard that Cheshire East now has more VAT registered businesses than Manchester.

Plans for a super hub station at Crewe are advancing and a location will be revealed towards the end of the year.

Cheshire East Council, which is leading on the project locally, aims to integrate the station with the town centre and wider Crewe with a focus on ‘quality of place’ as part of its HS2 Masterplan.

Paul Colman (right) with Carol Young, Cheshire East Skills and Growth Company, Alex Thompson, Planning and Performance, Maria Davison, South Cheshire College Learning and Employer Engagement and Hayley Kirkham, Head of Crewe High Growth City. Pictures: By Pure PR

Businesses had the opportunity to be updated on HS2 during the Chamber’s latest Economic Update Event.

They heard that the high speed rail project was still very much on track following Transport Minister Chris Grayling’s appointment and his swift announcement pledging his full support.

Speaking at the event, staged at South Cheshire College, Cheshire East Council’s

She added: “Crewe has connections to the entire North West, North Wales, Scotland and North Midlands which will spread the benefits of HS2 much further. Crewe has a chance to play a pivotal role in rebalancing the whole of the UK economy.”

Chamber members also heard from Cllr Peter Groves, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets, who expressed his regret at Marks & Spencer leaving Crewe town centre.

He said: “This isn’t just a problem facing Crewe. Online sites like Amazon have changed the way we shop. However Marks & Spencer’s move to the Grand Junction Retail Park means we keep them in Crewe, with no job losses.”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman presented the findings of the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).

The independent survey suggests that UK economic growth was uninspiring in the run-up to the EU Referendum.

Overall, figures for both the services and manufacturing firms indicated continued low levels of growth For a full summary of the QES go to the Chamber website www.sccci.co.uk

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10 CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber Business Awards celebrates 20th anniversary!

Business stars to shine at milestone event The event is supported by some of the area’s most high-profile companies.

Sponsoring the Best Start-Up Business category is The Skills and Growth Company, Best Small Business, Beswicks Legal, Best Large Business, RBS and Young Business Person, KPI Recruiting.

The Customer Service award is backed by Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting, Employer of the Year, Manchester Metropolitan University, Contribution to the Community, South Cheshire College and Exporter of the Year, The Travel Visa Company Ltd. The Health and Wellbeing Award is sponsored by ctchealthcare while details of the Apprentice of the Year sponsor are soon to be announced.

Chamber officials and representatives from sponsors gather for the Business Awards launch photo-call at Crewe Hall.

Back row: Cllr George Hayes (The Skills & Growth Company), Martin Gregory (Jones Sheridan), Dr Kevin Gallimore (MMU), Ray Ward (The Travel Visa Company Ltd), Gary Mellor (Beswicks Legal) and Stephen Jackson (RBS) Middle row: Helen Lowe and Vicki Bateman (ctchealthcare), Karen Taylor (The Travel Visa Company Ltd), Nicola Moore (South Cheshire College) and Becky Owen (RBS) Front row: Chamber Event Co-ordinator Daryl Williams, Chamber President John Dunning and Chamber Manager Jacqui Morris

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “The evening is a celebration of all that is great and good about the South Cheshire business community. Success carries considerable prestige and offers excellent publicity opportunities thanks to support from our media partners at the Chronicle.

“Generous support from our sponsors has allowed us to continue the awards over 20 years and make it one of the most talked about nights on the business social calendar.”

Plans have been unveiled for a very special night celebrating the Chamber’s 20th anniversary Business Awards.

A record number of entries were received last year and again the evening will also honour those pipped at the post with Highly Commended certificates and logos which can be used for publicity purposes.

An Oscars style ceremony, packed with high drama, will take place at Crewe Hall on November 25 - and excitement is already mounting amongst the South Cheshire business community over who will pick up the various gongs.

The event is also a memorable social occasion, with a drinks reception and delicious meal in Crewe Hall’s Events Centre. RedShift Radio will compere the evening which also includes music, dancing and a great opportunity to network in five star surroundings.

Widely-regarded as the event of its kind in the region, the awards have been a highlight on the South Cheshire social calendar for two decades – a fantastic achievement of which we are very proud.

With free entry, and a chance to see your name up in lights, there’s no reason not to enter the South Cheshire Business Awards 2016.

Deadline is October 8.

Bringing together the who's who of the business community, this prestigious showcase for entrepreneurial talent continues to go from strength to strength. The Business Awards 2016 will be another glittering occasion when we can honour achievement, innovation and success across all industries.

For tickets or details on how to enter visit www.southcheshirechamber.org.uk

South Cheshire Chamber helps drive networking success Businesses were given advice on how to improve their networking skills at a special event staged by the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

Tips included planning and setting out your networking goals, be positive and approachable and invest time in building new business relationships.

We teamed up with Gateway Motor Company on Crewe Gates Industrial Park to host an In the Know seminar offering tips on making new business contacts.

South Cheshire Chamber events coordinator Daryl Williams leads speed networking in cars at the Gateway Motor Company showroom in Crewe

Chamber events co-ordinator Daryl Williams delivered a presentation which was followed by a fun speed networking session – in the showroom cars!

She said: “Entering a room full of unfamiliar faces can be daunting but there are simple ways to help overcome anxiety and make networking a really effective tool for business growth.”

In the Know are events designed to keep members informed on issues affecting their business growth and performance.

South Cheshire Chamber events coordinator Daryl Williams (left) with Keith Lloyd of Gateway in Crewe and businesses attending an event on how to network

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

For more information on how to attend these events or join the Chamber visit www.sccci.co.uk

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12 DIGITAL DIGEST Latest Chamber Portal Stats South Cheshire Chamber’s unique Online networking and promotional platform for members.

1680 News

1070 1010 Blogs Events

660 Training

15 Offers

3415 Photos

122 Videos

Are you receiving the Chamber e-newsletters?

News & Blogs Latest News, Blogs, Polls etc.

Events & Training Forthcoming Events and Training Courses, including ongoing clinics, workshops, drop-in sessions, consultations etc.

Offers Latest member offers Mailing list of over 1700 email addresses Subscribe online at www.sccci.co.uk

Promote your Business Chamber Members - reach out to new customers and build your brand through regular promotion in the e-newsletters News, Blogs, Offers, Events, Training, Advertising, Sponsorship

For more details contact Nadeem Ahmad Email: nadeem.ahmad@sccci.co.uk Telephone: 01270 504 700

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

38 Polls

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DIGITAL DIGEST 13

Promoting your Chamber Portal profile and created pages on online search engines Member business profiles on the Chamber Portal and all the pages that are created using those profiles are open pages which can be seen and found on the results pages of popular search engines.

Nadeem Ahmad Chamber Executive Business Community and ICT Development

Search engines refer to websites and pages that are most relevant for the search terms put in by their users; and their relevancy is determined by the content, authority, performance and user experience.

South Cheshire Chamber portal with its unique online community built on a social networking platform, with multiple business profiles and regularly created content related to the South Cheshire business and industry, provides the authority for search engines to refer to its pages when searched.

Combined with a fast loading and easy to navigate website architecture, South Cheshire Chamber’s website has all the ingredients to help your content to be found by the right audience on popular search engine result pages.

South Cheshire Chamber members with their unique profiles have the platform to promote their business online and boost their search engine marketing by maintaining an updated and active presence on the Chamber Portal.

Online search engines are smart technology, but they need help from users in getting the right results showing on their pages, for those looking for the relevant content. The following practice can help your profile and created pages show higher up on the search engine results pages:

Content of Page The content of a page is what makes it worthy of a search result position. It is important to create good content, which from a search engine perspective, a. must supply a demand and b. must be linkable.

If your pages contain useful information, their content will attract visitors. Write pages that clearly and accurately describe your topic.

Think about the words users would type to find your pages and include those words when creating content.

The aim should be to regularly publish helpful, useful articles, videos or other types of media that are popular and well produced.

Hyperlinking

Links help search engine find the pages and can give a webpage greater visibility in search results. Search Engines interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote by page A for page B. Votes cast by pages that are themselves important weigh more heavily and help to make other pages become important.

Internal linking

You can help push traffic around the website and to your other published content which may lead to higher trust signals for search engines through the practice of internal linking. Internal linking has many advantages: • It provides your audience with further reading options.

• It helps to improve your ranking for certain keywords.

External linking to authority websites

An authority website is a site that is trusted by its users, the industry it operates in, other websites and search engines.

Traditionally a link from an authority website is very valuable, as it’s seen as a vote of confidence. The more of these you have, and the higher quality content you produce, the more likely your own site will become an authority too.

Images

Search engines are highly efficient but they still aren’t able to actually see; so, when including images, be as descriptive as possible. The text should be relevant to the image and should explain the image.

Fill the field for the Title and Alt Tag after you upload images. By describing your image in these fields as accurately as possible will increase the chances of the images appearing in image search results.

You should also consider reducing the file sizes of your images to help pageload speed.

Make your headlines self-explanatory and readable

It should come as no surprise that the easier a url is to read for humans, the better it is for search engines.

As the url for the pages your create on the portal take the title of the post, it is imperative that it can be easily understood and is compelling to those seeking its content.

The headlines for your articles should be snappy, attractive and as descriptive as possible and under 70 characters. Finally, make sure your headline does not promise something that the content doesn’t deliver.

Comments

Having a thriving community of regular commenters engaging in dialogue under your posts shows that visitors care enough about your content to either make their own relevant points - to praise or criticise it. Either way, at least people are reading it.

While comments on your pages help boost your page's profile; it is equally, important to be posting comments on other profile's pages for the larger interest of the online community and helping to boost the website's search engine ranking.

Social Sharing

The good practice of creating optimised web pages is not only important to implement on-site, but should extend to other off-site platforms to be considered as multi-channel optimisation. These multi-channel platforms include: • Popular Social media channels - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ etc.

• Email and E-newsletters An active presence on popular social media sites, combined with good network building can help your business reputation, provide a better customer service, develop trust and authority, as well as bringing traffic to the website through the shared links in the posts.

Email and e-newsletters get your content on the website to your targeted audience, providing relevant and important content for the readers, besides increasing the traffic to your created pages.

• It helps search engines crawl and index the website.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER PARTNERS 15

Crewe Pledge celebrates top class first year! set to be launched in other Cheshire towns hoping to offer the same support to their young people.

More than 120 South Cheshire businesses are now signed up to The Pledge, demonstrating their commitment to creating opportunities for the town’s school and college leavers.

Key partners in Crewe Pledge include South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, South Cheshire College, Higher Horizons, Reaseheath College, MMU, Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council. Their representatives, along with those from businesses, education and training providers meet regularly to steer activities.

Crewe Pledge supporters Jane Perkins representing Total People, Ant Sutcliffe, Higher Horizons, Julian Cobley, Cheshire East Skills and Growth Company, Jasbir Dhesi, South Cheshire College, Paul Colman, South Cheshire Chamber and Benn Minshall, Crewe Town Council with Tony Davidson, chairman of the scheme, and coordinators Mark Waters and Trevor Langston Alpha Omega Securities and their apprentice

Coordinator Trevor Langston said: “It’s been a phenomenal first year, with fantastic support from the local business and education community.

Crewe Hall apprentice Surria Champion is thrilled to be working at the hotel, keen supporter of Crewe Pledge

Businesses turned out in force to an event celebrating the phenomenal success of Crewe Pledge in its first year.

More than 100 people representing business and education gathered at South Cheshire College to pay tribute to the scheme which helps town youngsters gain skills, attitudes, work and training by linking them with local employers. They heard how Crewe Pledge had been replicated in Macclesfield and was

“We are proud to say so many young people have found work with local companies and appropriate courses in the town and many more are training to take up roles. We have worked with over 1000 in varying capacities through their attendance at Careers Events and assemblies through to more bespoke programmes.

“Word of this has spread and there is now a Macclesfield Pledge. Knutsford, Wilmslow and Poynton are also looking to follow suit. Local businesses have really seen the merit in connecting with young people and giving them the opportunity to become enthusiastic young employees.”

A great turn-out to the Crewe Pledge first birthday event

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: “The Pledge is a success because all parties in the community have come together to support the vision of helping young people.

“Fresh talent is needed as Crewe continues to grow and The Pledge will be at the heart of things helping to create a pipeline of innovative young employees.

“We are proud to have supported this scheme from the outset and are delighted to see so many of our member businesses involved.”

The celebration also offered a chance to hear from young people supported by The Pledge and now working with local businesses such as Crewe Hall, Alpha Omega Securities, Health Shield and Swansway.

"We are always keen to welcome new businesses to the Crewe Pledge. If you are keen to recruit young people, promote careers in your industry and/or support young people to develop the skills and qualities that they need for a successful career then we would love to hear from you."

Call Trevor Langston 01270 504700 or email trevor.langston@sccci.co.uk

Pictures by Pure PR

Prince’s Trust members benefit from Crewe Pledge education, gaining a possible apprenticeship or job opportunity.

A spokesman for the Prince’s Trust in Crewe said: “We are always looking for support from companies for work placement and progression for our young people or help with resources for our community projects, so the involvement from Crewe Pledge is proving invaluable.”

Prince’s Trust youngsters working on their community project at Shavington Primary School where they helped develop a dipping pond and nature area

Crewe Pledge has linked up with the Prince’s Trust to support young people from the town.

Members of the Crewe team who completed their Prince’s Trust programme in the spring are already moving on to further their

The Prince’s Trust Team programme delivered by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is a free, 12-week personal development course for young people aged between 16 and 25. Qualifications gained during the programme include The Prince’s Trust Certificate in Employability, Teamwork and Community Skills Level 1, Basic Food Hygiene Certificate, First Aid and Health and Safety as well as fire, road, sexual health, drug, alcohol and disability awareness.

For more information please contact Isobel.sykes@cheshirefire.gov.uk or 01606 868 700

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER PARTNERS 17

Brexit - a few words from UKTI As the Governor of the Bank of England said immediately after Brexit, the Bank’s stress tests have shown that UK institutions have enough capital and liquidity reserves. And the Bank can make available £250 billion of additional funds if it needs to support banks and markets.

Britain is a truly great country, and it will always be capable of thriving and prospering on the world stage. We want the UK to be the easiest place in the world to trade with, from and to. This has not changed.

Officials at UKTI North West have spoken out to reassure businesses following the Brexit vote.

Britain’s economy is one of the strongest major advanced economies in the world, and we are well placed to face the future. The UK remains a great trading nation.

We have low, stable inflation. The employment rate remains the highest it has ever been. The budget deficit is down from 11% of national income, forecast to be below 3% this year.

We will retain economic links with our European neighbours, with our close friends in North America and the Commonwealth, and important partners like China and India and others worldwide.

There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.

The process of negotiating bilateral trade deals will be led by the new Prime Minister when in place.

The UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) North West International Trade Team supports small to medium businesses (SMEs) to develop their international sales. It helps first time or experienced exporters enter new markets.

The financial system is also substantially more resilient than it was six years ago, with capital requirements for the largest banks now 10 times higher than before the banking crisis.

International Trade Adviser Paul Wilcox works with the South Cheshire Chamber to offer advice to local companies.

As the Chancellor said on 27 June, the Treasury, the Bank of England and our other financial authorities have spent the last few months putting in place robust contingency plans.

Contact Paul on 0781 667 3217 or email paul.wilcox@uktinorthwest.co.uk

A ‘Partnership’ approach to benefit all Having successful partnerships in business is essential.

Successful partnerships bring many benefits from sharing knowledge and ideas to drive innovation to more physical exchanges such as sharing premises or operating costs to reduce overheads.

A collaborative approach is at the heart of one of our most valued partnerships: Cheshire Connect. A registered charity, Cheshire Connect facilitates skills-exchanges between local businesses and local, grass-root charities and the voluntary sector.

The aim is to provide skills and expertise from the business community to charities that may not normally have access to in order to support the aspirations of local charities and improve sustainability.

Although, as often seen in the Press, the more usual activities such as ‘decorating a room’ for a local good cause have their value and place, the kind of skills exchange that Cheshire Connect delivers is more business-based.

Examples include: providing advisory support to help an emerging community hub develop their Business Plan: preparing a Project Plan to drive the re-development of a new sensory garden for a therapeutic centre: providing a Health & Safety review and policy to ensure legislative compliance of a charity specialising in providing support for children and adults with autism.

The range of businesses Cheshire Connect works with is wide from sole traders through to large corporate organisations.

Bentley Motors (a Patron of the Chamber of Commerce) has established an in-house volunteering hub in partnership with Cheshire Connect and staff members are already working with local charities on some great projects.

All this is co-ordinated through Cheshire Connects’ Business Connectors: Dianne Parrish and Anne Byrne. Dianne is based in the Chamber Office and Anne also looks after the Crewe and South Cheshire area.

Cheshire Connect values its partnership with the Chamber as it provides the perfect solution for Chamber members who want to build or strengthen their Corporate Social Responsibility programme with the support of a dedicated, free external resource to draw on.

C H ESH I R E For further information contact dianneparrish@cheshireconnect.org annebyrne@cheshireconnect.org Cheshire Connect, c/o South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, Couzens Building, Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire Campus, Crewe Green Road, Crewe, CW1 5DU

Business and Charity: Sharing Skills

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

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CHAMBER NEWS / MEMBERS NEWS 19

Historic firm signs up to Profile Plus “There’s already been many enquiries about Profile Plus and we were delighted to welcome Poole Alcock, a household name in South Cheshire for over 120 years, as first onboard.”

Profile Plus benefits include: · Profile Plus branding with an enhanced company profile on the Chamber website receiving some 3000 hits per week.

Chamber Manager Jacqui Morris and Chief Executive Paul Colman presenting the Profile Plus certificate to Poole Alcock Managing Partner David Gaut and Operations Manager Stacey Parkin. Picture: By Pure PR

Businesses are offered a chance to boost their profile and enjoy increased benefits of membership as part of the Chamber’s new Profile Plus scheme.

First to sign up were Poole Alcock solicitors and a Profile Plus certificate was presented at our latest Final Friday breakfast networking event staged at the firm’s offices in Nantwich.

Chamber Manager Jacqui Morris said: “Profile Plus is a bespoke marketing membership package offering members enhanced promotional opportunities within the local business community “There’s all the standard membership benefits plus a wide range of tools to help you raise the profile of your business and maximise marketing opportunities.

·

A dedicated Profile Plus member’s page on the Chamber website to showcase your business.

·

The opportunity to include your news, blogs and case studies in the prominent Profile Plus area of the Chamber website.

·

A bespoke Profile Plus electronic banner featuring your business logo on weekly Chamber e-newsletters and e-shots.

·

Priority Chamber sharing and re-tweeting of your Twitter feeds and other social media links within 48hrs of your posting.

·

A dedicated Profile Plus section in the Chamber 4FRONT business magazine where you can submit interviews, case studies and articles relating to your business. The quarterly publication goes to 3000 businesses in the South Cheshire area and is available electronically on the Chamber website.

·

A dedicated Profile Plus member pop up banner displayed at up to 90 Chamber events annually.

·

Your Profile Plus status reinforced on Chamber event delegate lists and on your delegates badge.

·

A membership certificate recognising your Profile Plus status.

For full details and costs please contact Jacqui Morris, Chamber Manager, on 07867 785252 or email Jacqui.morris@sccci.co.uk

Home and away - the Chamber drives business ahead and its International Trade advisory service, has seen business take off. In less than six months, TFS has become a leader in the field of transporting packaged and palletised goods across this country and abroad.

With specialist knowledge of the food industry, goods such as bulk cheese and butter, milk powder, cream and frozen foods are sent in temperature-controlled vehicles across the water by ferry or Channel Tunnel.

Simon Thompson has launched his new business, Thompson Freight Services, based at Stapeley House in Nantwich

Freight specialist Simon Thompson has welcomed support from the South Cheshire Chamber as he grows his business overseas.

Simon, a new Chamber member, fulfilled a long-held ambition to run his own company in February when he founded Thompson Freight Services (TFS) after more than 30 years of working in the industry.

Connections made through the Chamber

Simon said: “One of the processes you go through in setting up a business is looking at which trade bodies and associations can best help your new baby to grow.

“I had identified the Chamber as one such organisation in a previous role and had made a mental note to find out more should I ever take the plunge on my own.

“TFS became a member in the first month of trading and since then I have attended various meetings including the Chamber’s International Trade Forum where I came away with some useful contacts. I was also, via the Chamber, able to attend the International Festival for Business in

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Liverpool, again making some useful contacts and getting my business card into the hands of new people.

“The Chamber is certainly helping to raise the profile of TFS – and as we all know you can’t have too high a profile in business.”

The company’s core activity is moving goods within the EU, with customers and suppliers throughout the union. Despite Brexit, there’s been no change.

Simon added: “The world changed when we woke up on the morning of June 24, or at least Europe, and in my opinion not for the better. I thought ‘what about my fledgling company?

“Our trading so far has been 50% with non UK businesses and a similar split in £’s and €’s. Yet we are still trading with our EU partners.

“After the shock nothing has changed, for the moment at least, it is very much business as usual.”

For more information on services provided visit www.tfsfreight.com

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20 CHAMBER LOANS

Mum has the cutting edge with successful hair salon Eight years on, the company employs eight people and is clearly ahead of the game in its field. Mairead said: “Like all businesses we have had our difficulties along the way but the Chamber has always supported me in my ambitions and I feel that our business today is positive proof that the faith they have shown is well founded.

“There is so much more that we offer at our studio as our client base seeks a one stop outlet where they can feel at ease knowing that they will be treated professionally but always with that personal touch.

I remain excited for the future and have other ideas that I am looking to develop where hopefully the Chamber will remain one of the key partners in my plans.”

Mairead Sloan in her hair and beauty salon on Nantwich Road

A young mum is successfully combining a progressive business with the demands of bringing up two children under the age of two.

Mairead Sloan started her ‘headKase’ hairdressing and beauty services business on Nantwich Road in 2008 with the help of a start-up loan from the Chamber. From originally employing three people, she has developed the business by increasing the number of chairs on offer plus significantly expanding the range of services to include nails, facials, eyelashes, holistics, massage and tanning.

With the help of a supportive landlord and a second loan from the Chamber she now oversees a state of the art offering of these facilities on two floors of the ‘headKase’ studio.

Richard Weilding from the Chamber Loan Fund said: ‘Mairead is a great ambassador for our fund having successfully repaid two loans and demonstrated excellent growth in her business. Importantly she has increased her staffing levels and continues to develop her team’s skills through training and personal development programmes. The fact that she has two young children is a remarkable testament to her work ethic and her strength of character.

“We await details of her future plans with anticipation, knowing that she is a determined lady, capable of hard work, sound business strategy and clear objectives. A great example of a local business person who has a proven track record of success.”

To book appointments at headKase call 01270 580668

Fund supports overseas trading

Need a loan? The Chamber can help . . .

After week s of canvassing by both sides, Brexit is now a reality. Twelve months ago all the opinion polls suggested a hung Parliament or Labour majority following the General Election, so it was perhaps not surprising that many people failed to believe that the positive indications from the polls for Brexit would come to pass in June this year.

building information bases in order to adapt to the changes that Brexit will bring.

Reality it is, so my view is to take on Business Loans Executive Richard Weilding the strapline of a major sportswear manufacturer and ‘Just Do It’ (JDI). This is of course completely different to the adaptation which emerged during my latter years in employment – ‘JFDI’.

Our early exit from the Euro 2016 football should not be taken as a portent of our relationship with Europe going forward. As suggested in my previous article, our fate was not entirely surprising and having recently travelled to both France and Belgium, the doom and gloom appears shared equally with our European cousins albeit in the overall context of things this will be fleeting.

The Chamber Loan Fund remains available to help businesses do what is necessary to meet the challenges that lay before us but I suspect that much of the coming months will be spent on assessment and investigation. We retain an active link with UKTI in promoting overseas trade and have finance available from within our Fund.

This latter expression was always used to curtail any protests from staff who might feel brave enough to question a request from their bosses and often steamrollered through unpopular tasks.

Let’s be clear – we are where we are, so we need to take the positives out of what lies before us and not move forward with any sign of reluctance or half- heartedness.

From the doom and gloom portents of Cameron and Osborne leading up to the referendum, the current spin is of opportunity and potential. Every business owner locally knows where he or she stands in the current marketplace and will undoubtedly be

Brexit has created issues but also offers opportunities so whatever tasks lay before us we need to ensure that there remains no ‘F’ in our own JDI. Apparently the marketing company that provided Nike with the Just Do It trademark took the quote from the last words of the murderer Gary Gilmore moments before he was executed in the USA. If ever there was an example of positive opportunity emerging from a difficult situation then this may be it.

For more information on Chamber loans contact Richard Weilding on 01270 504700 or email Richard.weilding@sccci.co.uk Brexit? Just Do It.

You can read more from Richard on the Chamber Portal where he blogs regularly - http://www.sccci.co.uk/portal/richard_weilding/blog

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE

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Date set for International Trade Forum The 2nd International Trade Forum was opened by Stelios Yalarakis from South Cheshire College (International and External Funding Manager). Stelios presented an informative and interesting presentation on the cultural aspects of successfully doing business overseas and the added value it can bring to the local business community of South Cheshire.

Following on from the success of the first two meetings and in response to member’s wishes, the 3rd International Trade Forum of 2016 will be held at the Chamber premises on 19th October. There will be a packed agenda with guest speakers from the local business community and also China Britain Business Council.

Jessica Zhang of China Britain Business Council will explore what is ‘Made in China 2025’ and what it means for Cheshire companies.

This informative talk will unpick the opportunities for businesses to make head way in China and identify trade routes for local companies seeking to access the Chinese market. There is no better time for companies to get out and start forging stronger links with China.

Dan Green of Natwest will explain how to mitigate risk when importing and exporting and the various funding options available in order to take advantage of opportunities around the world. Dan will share a variety of real life examples where he has helped customers to achieve their international trade ambitions.

Philip Ashwell of The Travel Visa Company will highlight and changes to the Visa application service in the last 12 months plus outline the new services on offer to business travellers abroad. He will also explain when a work permit is required instead of a business Visa, when a tourist visa can be used for business and discuss the rules and regulations behind the Schengen Business visa and its importance.

The Chamber is keen to build mutually beneficial and supportive relationships with local businesses. With an extensive member database and the support of UKTI, the Chamber can offer invaluable experience to current and future international traders.

If you are a business working in International trade or are looking to expand and break into the International marketplace, please come along and support us in this initiative.

Join us at the Chamber premises on 19th October for the 3rd International Trade Forum 2016, 8:00-10:30am Including breakfast plus informal networking afterwards.

For more information contact Chamber Manager, Jacqui Morris on 01270 504 700 Ext 25 or Jacqui.morris@sccci.co.uk

Showcasing the very best Britain has to offer

Chambers from all around the world meet with a global business network at June’s International Festival for Business 2016.

The event was housed at the impressive multi-million pound complex “Exhibition Centre” at the former King's Dock in Liverpool.

The main focus of the event was the GREAT Britain Campaign in association with UKTI and in partnership with the International Festival for Business. The innovative showcase space was an exciting and stimulating focal point for the IFB2016.

The purpose of the showcase is to assert the UK as a leading-edge, creative environment for businesses, investors and entrepreneurs from across the world.

Simon Thompson of TFS Thompson Freight Services Ltd, Nantwich is seen here with the GREAT Britain Campaign Truck

Many Chambers invited chamber members along from their local business community. This included members attending from Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar and our very own South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Businesses interested in exporting goods and services are invited to the next International Trade Forum which will be hosted by the Chamber at the Manchester Metropolitan University Crewe campus, 8.30am - 10.30am, on 19th October.

If you would like information about future International trade events please contact Jacqui Morris MIEx, Chamber Manager & Co-ordinator of International Trade, 01270 504 700

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WULVERN The Guinness Partnership and Wulvern Housing The Guinness Partnership and Wulvern Housing have announced they are in early discussions about Wulvern becoming part of Guinness.

Wulvern customers and employees, and increasing our impact across Cheshire by joining a strong, influential and growing organisation.”

Both organisations have signed a commitment agreement to look at how coming together delivers greater value for money, offers more opportunities to our customers and employees, and creates more new homes across Cheshire.

Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive of The Guinness Partnership said: “We’re really excited about this opportunity. Both organisations have a strong social purpose and share a commitment to customer service.”

Founded in 1890, Guinness has a strong record of growth and regeneration, with nearly 60,000 homes across the country and an established care business.

Neil Braithwaite, Chair of The Guinness Partnership, said: “We already have a strong presence in the North West and coming together will provide opportunities to further improve efficiency and to play a major role in delivering more new homes in an area of high growth and demand.”

Created in 2003 through a stock transfer from Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, Wulvern Housing owns and manages 5,500 homes, and a number of extra care schemes across Cheshire.

Phil Morgan, Chair of Wulvern Housing, said: “We selected Guinness following a rigorous and competitive selection process designed to identify the best opportunity to meet our long term strategic corporate goals.”

Sue Lock, Chief Executive of Wulvern, said: “Guinness has corporate objectives which are incredibly well aligned to those of Wulvern and we are delighted at the prospect of providing more opportunities for

Both Boards and Executive Teams are working closely together, ensuring customers, employees and stakeholders are kept informed at all key stages. If our discussions progress well, it is likely that Wulvern would join Guinness in early 2017.

Wulvern provides a range of affordable housing options. We manage over 5,500 homes across Cheshire and Staffordshire.

For more information visit www.wulvern.org.uk

SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGE Red carpet treatment for star students Outstanding South Cheshire College students were invited to receive trophies for their hard-work and achievements throughout the year.

Staff had an opportunity to nominate students in 30 award categories which ranged across all curriculum areas and also included Higher Education, Apprenticeships and Bentley Motor Student of the Year Awards.

Over 300 guests were welcomed in the atrium of South Cheshire College and guided to a drinks reception to socialise, with VIP’s taken to the College’s Academy Restaurant and Deli.

The Sports Hall was completely transformed by an events company who created a purpose-built stage, featuring TV Screens and the latest audio and lighting equipment.

Local compere of events Chris Radford, opened the evening by welcoming Principal Jasbir Dhesi to the stage to look-back on many successes of the 2015/16 academic year. Guest Speaker Simon Bird generated roars of laughter with his sharp-wit.

The award-winners were honoured in the presence of their families, staff, sponsors and local dignitaries as they each came to the stage to receive a trophy, certificate and £50.

Following the 30 awards, an additional four Golden Awards were given to students of exceptional achievement. These categories were Adult Learner of the Year 2016, Outstanding Progress of the Year 2016, Principal’s Prize Contribution to College Life 2016 and College Award for Excellence 2016.

All award winners with TV celebrity Simon Bird, College Principal Jasbir Dhesi and Chair of Governors Dame Pat Bacon

TV celebrity Simon Bird travelled to Crewe to celebrate student success at South Cheshire College’s glamorous Awards Evening.

Simon Bird, best known for his roles in Friday Night Dinner and as Will in The Inbetweeners, made an impression on the college students, staff and guests as the event’s speaker.

College Principal, Jasbir Dhesi, said: “The Awards Evening was a brilliant way to celebrate the successes of individual students and the college as a whole, with all of our local community partners.”

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

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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MORNFLAKE British bloggers sweat it out in oat crop “Collectively they have over half a million followers which allowed us to deliver a very positive message about our Buy British policy which helps support the livelihood of hundreds of farmers up and down the country. It was a true reflection of their high-regard for Mornflake products and we were thrilled with the feed-back on social media.”

Mornflake staff and the bloggers at the launch of The Oat Games

Health and fitness writers were put through their paces at a sporting event hosted by Mornflake.

More than 20 of the country’s most influential bloggers were invited to put aside their keyboards and take on a hard-core fitness challenge in an oat field near Nantwich.

The Oat Games, hosted by the historic family firm, highlighted the energy-boosting benefits of oats and their journey from farm to the bowl.

With the help of fitness experts Crewe gym, CW1 Crossfit, the firm set up a high intensity boot camp against the scenic backdrop of Foxes Bank – a farm producing oats for Mornflake to mill into its famous porridge, granola and muesli products.

Mornflake brand manager Hannah Smith said: “We had a fantastic response with some of the country’s top bloggers and Instagrammers.

Many were from London and escaped the hustle and bustle of the city to enjoy the picturesque setting. One even flew in from Aberdeen.

Bloggers were kept fuelled with Mornflake products after a fitness challenge which included an oat field running track

Participants began the day with a Mornflake Oatbran smoothie before taking on the course which included pulling weights, jumping hay bales, swinging kettle bells and racing around a track through the oats.

Hannah added: “Staging the event allowed us to reach some of the country’s most influential healthy lifestyle writers and highlight just how much goes into bringing a bowl of porridge to the table.”

For more on the company and its products visit www.mornflake.com

BENTLEY Bentayga SUV carries off prestigious accolades The Bentayga, built in Crewe by Bentley Motors, has been named SUV of the Year by Robb Report.

As part of its annual Best of the Best Awards, Robb Report unveiled its list of hotly anticipated products among the luxury sector, with the Bentayga (pictured) taking top honours in the guide to the world’s finest automobiles.

“This outstanding acknowledgement from Robb Report is a testament to the continued momentum of the Bentayga,” said Michael Winkler, President and CEO of Bentley Motors Inc. “The Bentayga has created a new category of SUV that redefines the luxury category and

offers a breadth of performance, design and technological abilities. This go-anywhere vehicle is changing what it means to drive an SUV.” In high demand since launch, the Bentayga has attracted new customers to the Bentley brand from around the world, offering a true Bentley driving experience and showcasing technological innovation, luxury features and a powerful all-new W12 engine.

Widely regarded as the single most influential journal of living life to the fullest, the Robb Report covers the newest in what matters most to its affluent audience, including luxury cars, aircraft and jewellery.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

The recognition came hot on the heels of a Game Changer Award from Autocar magazine.

The accolade, which honours cars for setting new standards and defying convention, was bestowed on the Bentayga due to its unique combination of luxury and go-anywhere ability.

Designed, engineered and built in Crewe, the sector-defining Bentayga provides effortless Bentley performance, unrestrained by climate or terrain. It combines ultimate luxury with sporting ability, demonstrating its unique capabilities both on and off road.

For more information on Bentley visit www.bentleymotors.com

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REASEHEATH Reaseheath plays key role in launch of UK’s first national land based college

Reaseheath students enjoy the college’s campus

Reaseheath College is playing a leading role in the establishment of the UK’s first virtual national land-based college which will draw from the best minds in education and industry and offer students clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement.

The National Land Based College (NLBC) is a collaboration of leading colleges, universities and industry experts working together to offer nationally co-ordinated training programmes which are tailored to the needs of both students and employers.

College Principal Meredydd David said: “By working together, this collaboration of landbased colleges has developed professional and technical qualifications that are truly responsive to the current and future skills needs of the industry.

Courses will be delivered through ‘blended learning’ offered by a national network of member colleges and will be supported through online teaching and by industry experts in the workplace.

“Businesses will also benefit. Multi-site businesses can be assured of consistent standard of delivery to staff throughout the country while smaller and more specialist enterprises will find it easier to access expert trainers.”

They will cover a variety of subjects including agriculture, gamekeeping, equine management and horticulture and are aimed at providing an essential balance between theory and practical skills training.

For further information visit www.reaseheathfoodcentre.com

College accolade for Bombardier apprentice engineer

Apprentice of the Year Liam Barnett receiving his award from Bombardier General Manager Tony Webb

An apprentice engineer at Bombardier’s Crewe works has been crowned Reaseheath College’s ‘Engineering Apprentice of the Year’.

internal and external customers. Liam is currently a member of the tram refurbishment team.

Liam Barnett, 21, from Biddulph, received his award from Bombardier General Manager Tony Webb at a workshop floor presentation in front of fellow apprentices and work colleagues. He is one of 16 engineering apprentices, aged 16 to 50, who are employed

by Bombardier and trained by Reaseheath’s specialised staff.

He attends Reaseheath once a week to learn academic and practical skills and is supported by college assessors at his workplace as well as by his colleagues.

Bombardier’s Crewe factory specialises in servicing and overhauling rolling stock for

The college currently has 355 apprentices studying agriculture, animal care, construction, construction plant, engineering, food industry skills, horse care, horticulture, motor vehicle and sports turf.

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY Manchester Metropolitan University trail-blazes new degree apprenticeship Manchester Metropolitan University is leading the way with a brand new earn whilst you learn supported degree scheme, which will be available from its Cheshire Campus in Crewe.

The Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship offers the perfect balance for businesses looking to expand with new talent or develop existing employees, aged 18 or over, with degree-level apprenticeships. With the degree backed by generous government incentives, employers could even receive full funding for the degree.

The Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship places the renowned educational institution at the forefront of the development and delivery of Higher Education.

The new scheme is fully-integrated and combines academic learning and practical training essential to business success. Co-created by the Chartered Management Institute, Chartered Associated of Business Schools, Manchester Metropolitan University and employers, the government-supported degree will increase the skills of management teams and capabilities of UK firms.

Manchester Metropolitan University is one of only a select few institutions in the UK, and the only one in the North West, to offer the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

Enterprise Fellow Trevor Brown said: “With government funding and support from Manchester Metropolitan University, our Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship not only delivers degree-level employees, but also offers fantastic business return on investment for employers.

“For example, if you are a company with less than 50 staff, you develop a current manager through the programme in 2016 and they complete the course, the programme would have cost £900 per year.

“Through our scheme, businesses can benefit from employees who are developed to degree-level, and are equipped with the right academic know-how and practical training in order for them to be a successful leader.”

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship is available as a flexible study programme. Graduates will achieve a BA (Hons) Business Management Professional qualification, CMI Chartered Manager status and CMI membership.

For more information visit www.mmu.ac.uk/cheshire/apprenticeship

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SG WORLD SG World welcomes latest exchange student marketplace for cheques in the UK. The research project would help SG World achieve even greater success in this field, as well as allowing the company to understand this marketplace more and give them an even stronger presence in this field.

Armed with her own knowledge, resource books and the wonderful World Wide Web, Julie spent time finding out everything she could about cheques - how they fall into the UK marketplace and, of course, SG World’s competitors.

She also attended classes at MMU for some classroom-based learning on marketing. She told SG World at the time: “This week, we’re going to be watching Undercover Boss - I think it will be a really good reference tool into how businesses are operated here in the UK. I’m also starting a Wednesday writing class soon, to support me with my English writing.

Danish marketing student Julie Mikkelstrup joined SG World as part of a foreign exchange scheme

For many years, SG World has put great emphasis on its commitment to supporting the development of young people via its work experience placements, student site tours and foreign exchange placements.

Julie Mikkelstrup a Marketing student from Denmark, joined SG World for three months, as the latest student to take advantage of the company’s foreign exchange initiative alongside Manchester Metropolitan University.

Julie worked on a special project for SG World during her internship, which supported Julie and SG World two-fold. The project would build on Julie’s AP Degree in Marketing Management (the equivalent of a HND here in the UK) and saw Julie research the

“Working life is lovely here in the UK – the people are nice and chatty, everyone seems happy and they all smile a lot!”

Making their foreign exchange students feel welcome and getting the most from their time here in the UK is important to SG World.

In her first three weeks, Julie visited Chester, Middlewich and Liverpool after recommendations from her colleagues.

At the end of her placement, they presented her with gifts, cards and a meal at her favourite local Indian restaurant in Crewe.

SG World were sad to say goodbye but have kept in touch with Julie since she went home to Bjerrinbro in Denmark.

For more information on the company visit www.sgworld.com

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26 CHAMBER NEWS

Smarter Ways to Travel returns to Crewe!

Transport isn’t just about getting from A to B - it's an essential part of business. Smarter Ways to Travel can help you: • • • • • •

Reduce car park congestion Reduce business mileage costs Improve access to your site for staff, visitors and customers Enable a healthier and more productive workforce Aid with staff recruitment and retention Become more sustainable

including access to skills and employment and traffic congestion, which must be addressed to avoid stifling growth and impacting on business productivity.

To this end, Cheshire East Council has been successful in its bid for funding from the Department for Transport to improve access to employment and skills through active travel. It will help to enable access to the new Crewe University Technical College and employers within the area, as well as helping to release valuable highway capacity.

Crewe is a key economic driver in South Cheshire, supporting over 40,000 jobs and located at the centre of a strategic road and rail network, with approximately five million people within one hour’s travel. The ambitious plans for growth around Crewe linked to HS2 will capitalise on its current and future connectivity, capacity for growth and growing competitiveness.

The nine month project will build upon the successes of the previous Smarter Ways to Travel project, which completed in 2015.

It is however recognised that there are barriers to economic growth,

If you want to know more, please get in touch, email clair.visco@sccci.co.uk

The funding will deliver a range of support in the Crewe area, including: • Travel planning for businesses and education providers • Business grants to improve sustainable travel options for employees • Linking with the Tour of Britain in September to run our very own Cycle Challenge • Cycle training to help employees and students gain the confidence to cycle to work or college.”

Michael moves on after a ‘great’ year Friday and proved a very capable extra pair of hands. He was very much part of the Chamber team. Helping to prepare spreadsheets and update our data-base platform, was all in a morning’s work for the North East born teenager who now plans to go to college to pursue his studies in IT.

Chamber staff have said a sad farewell to Michael Swales after more than a year helping out with office duties.

Before he left the Chamber he completed a Global Chamber Directory in excel format, including 1300 addresses from around the world. This is now a working document within the South Cheshire Chamber and has been shared with others.

Michael, 18, a pupil at Springfield School in Crewe, worked at the Chamber offices every

Michael said: “The year has been packed with highlights, like attending the Welcome

Mornings where I have met a wide variety of business owners “I left with very mixed emotions, looking forward to the future but also sorry to be leaving people who have become friends and workmates over the past year. The whole experience has just been great.”

He didn’t leave empty handed though. His school sent him along to the Chamber offices on Monday where the Chamber team threw him a surprise lunchtime party. He was presented with cards, gifts and a framed collage of all the people he has worked with.

Golfers in full swing for Chamber event The team prize was won by Bentley Motors who picked up the Chamber’s aptly named ‘Bentley Trophy’.

Jez Mellor, Shaun Gara, Anthony Jones and Stephen Roberts of Bentley Motors played extremely well.

Paul Colman greeted teams as they arrived at the club in the morning while South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce President John Dunning presented prizes in the evening.

CaJez Mellor of Bentley Motors won the Chairman’s prize, for the best individual golfer

Representatives from high-profile businesses and organisations from across the region teed up to take part in the South Cheshire Chamber’s annual golf day.

Staged at Crewe Golf Club, the event saw teams of four battle it out from tee to green for an overall team prize and organisations.

Bentley Motors were winners of the Bentley trophy

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Paul Colman said: “We were delighted that local businesses and organisations came along to support the tournament which was another excellent event and very competitive.”

To find out more about the next Chamber golf day, please contact Paul Colman, Chief Executive, South Cheshire Chamber on 01270 504700

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CHAMBER NEWS / MEMBERS NEWS 27

Chamber proves a crowd-puller at business reception the MBE to past Chairman John Broomhall and shows in what high esteem the Show is held nationally.”

He congratulated Robert Eardley on successfully completing his three year term as President and wished Elizabeth Richardson success as Deputy President. Commenting on Brexit and its impact on the agricultural community, he said: “It has been, to say the least, an incredible few weeks on the national political scene since the Brexit vote and I know that for many businesses and indeed those in the agricultural sector there is great uncertainty at the moment.

Chamber President John Dunning welcomes Nantwich Show President Robert Eardley and Chairman Michael-John Parkin to the business reception

Our Nantwich Show business reception proved a resounding success attracting more than 200 people to Dorfold Park on the eve of the event.

Sponsored and hosted by the South Cheshire Chamber, the free event proved another hugely popular date on the summer networking calendar.

Members had the chance to see behind the scenes of the showground and the International Cheese Show marquee before thousands of people descended on the agricultural extravaganza.

Welcoming guests, Chamber President John Dunning said: “It is not always appreciated just how big the Nantwich Show is – the largest one-day show in the UK, The Cheese Show, the largest in Europe if not internationally. It is a real flagship event. “The economic boost that it gives to this area is incredible and the opportunity that it gives for businesses to promote their goods and services is without parallel. It is one of the best business showcases that there is.”

Show Chairman Michael John Parkin says ‘hat’s off’ to Mornflake for sponsoring the show for 40 years

Mr Dunning paid tribute to the work of show volunteers who this year carried off the Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

“What businesses urgently need from Government is clarity on a number of fronts and clear and decisive action so that they can have the confidence to make investment decisions that will help to create economic growth. “This is particularly pertinent in South Cheshire and I can assure our members that this is the clear and strong message being sent to Government by the British Chambers of Commerce. Whatever changes are going on around us one thing that is certain is that the Nantwich Show will go on from strength to strength.”

He added: “The number of volunteers involved is phenomenal and is the reason why this event is so successful and why this honour is thoroughly deserved. This award follows on from last year’s award of

For details on becoming a Chamber member and attending events on our networking calendar call Tina Hankey on 01270 504700

In Case of Emergency Chamber member Safefleet UK has developed a new safety product for drivers with medical conditions.

medication, so it seemed appropriate to pursue a visual means of notifying First Responders to the medical needs of incapacitated car drivers, passengers and pedestrians. Hence the Safefleet/ABS ICED Disc was born.”

The Safefleet/ABS ICED Disc, which attaches to a vehicle windscreen, gives instant access to information on existing medical conditions and history in the event of an emergency.

The ICED Disc allows easy access to essential details such as the Name, DOB, Blood Group and an ID photo of the driver or holder, details of any allergies, conditions and medications.

The company has taken this a step further with ICED Packs which include cards held in plastic wallets, with additional wristbands, lanyards, key fobs and window stickers alerting responders to essential needs and requirements.

Managing Director Gary Stokes said: “We decided that it was time to think outside of the box, to adapt and diversify from our core service of fleet safety supply, but maintain our level of service and care for our customers by incorporating new and important products into the services we offer, Vehicle Dashboard Safety Cameras being one, and now the new ICED disc.

Gary added: “Safety, either on the road or at work is the core mission of our business and at Safefleet we are dedicated and committed to providing methods to improve individuals general well-being, the ICED Disc is yet another step in achieving that goal. If this simple, cost effective product assists in the full recovery of just one person then we will have achieved that objective.”

“We all know or work with someone who suffers with allergies, medical conditions such as diabetes, or maladies that may require

For further information visit the online shop at www.safefleet.co.uk

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28 MEMBERS NEWS

Farm shop scoops silver in food awards Owners Stuart and Karen Morris (pictured) received the award at a Gala Dinner at Chester Racecourse after the shop received many customer votes and glowing feedback from a mystery shop.

The shop was opened in 2007 after the couple decided that dairy farming was no longer a viable option on their 120 acre farm.

Hall Farm Shop in Alsager carried off a silver award in the final of the Taste Cheshire Competition 2016 for the Best Local Produce Shop.

Now it showcases food from many local suppliers and farms – some just a stone’s throw away, such as ice cream and duck eggs from Buttertons Lane Farm which is based just up the road in Oakhanger.

The couple were thrilled to win the award which they hope will put their farm shop and café on the map for customers passionate about local produce.

Stuart said: “Around 80% of our customers are local to the Alsager area and we hope this will spread the word further across Cheshire.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had in the Taste Cheshire competition from all our fabulous customers and local people.”

For more information visit www.hallfarmshopalsager.co.uk

Lamb comes from even closer to home as the farm still operates on site.

Garden takes prize at RHS Tatton Flower Show Combermere Abbey was awarded a silver medal at RHS Tatton Flower Show, as one of seven back-to-back show gardens at this year’s show, representing ‘Cheshire Gardens of Distinction’.

All seven encapsulated the theme ‘English Gardens’, with the county’s most coveted gardens on display. Other medals awarded within this prestigious collection were The Adlington Hall Garden (Silver Gilt); and Fryer’s Roses and the National Trust’s Biddulph Grange Gardens (Silver).

Combermere’s garden design, entitled ‘An Eye on Combermere’ was designed by Head Gardener, Phil Tatler, and influenced by the Walled Victorian Gardens at the Abbey and in particular, their unique fruit tree maze. The show garden’s central point was eyeshaped, and within this, the focal point was a Golden Apple, designed and made by Peter Beckett, symbolically representing ‘The Apple of My Eye.’ The show garden had five areas, a reflection of the number of paths within the maze, representing the five petals on a fruit blossom flower. Each of the five areas mirrored elements from the Abbey’s stunning walled gardens.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey, said: ‘Phil and the team worked extremely hard to replicate the essence of the walled Gardens at Combermere, which cleverly wove in many key design elements and symbolism from its features. Knowing the

exacting standards of the RHS, I think that this is a superb achievement for our very first show garden with the RHS and an accolade to Phil’s creativity.’

Combermere’s Walled Gardens will be open to the general public on several dates this summer for a series of Charity Open Garden events. The next open day is on August 24 when funds will be raised for The Wingate Centre in Wrenbury For more information visit www.combermereabbey.co.uk

Accountants conquer the sky for charity from Dare-devils Alextra Accountants completed skydives from 10,000 feet to boost funds for Leighton Hospital’s MRI Scanner Appeal.

Their effort raised a fantastic £3,523.

Director Alextra Gallimore, Shawn who was one of the The Alextra team hand over a bumper cheque to Laura Riddle of Leighton Hospital’s eight skydivers said: MRI scanner appeal “The whole team had such a fantastic time. There was a great sense of spirit and camaraderie amongst us and even the spectators who came to show their support.

“The MRI Scanner Appeal is a great cause and it makes the whole experience worthwhile knowing we are supporting the local community. I on behalf of Alextra would like to thank everyone who has shown their support through donations and well wishes.”

The current MRI scanner in place works to full capacity between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, and a new MRI scanner is needed to allow the hospital to continue delivering first-class healthcare to over 300,000 people.

Appeal spokeswoman Laura Riddle said: “I would like to sincerely thank the Alextra Accountants team for taking on this fantastic and very brave challenge in support of our MRI Scanner Appeal. It is wonderful to receive such support from a local business, particularly at this stage in the appeal, and thanks to them we are now even closer to our target.”

For more information on Alextra visit www.alextragroup.co.uk

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Royal honour for show volunteers Michael-John Parkin, Chairman of the Nantwich Agricultural Society, spoke of the honour he felt representing the third generation of his family to be involved with the Show.

Volunteers modelling new ties and scarves distributed on the evening Pictures: By Nantwich Events

the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service the MBE for volunteers.

David Briggs, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire presented the crystal trophy, official letter and certificate from the Queen at a cheese and wine evening organised by the show directors.

Robert Eardley, Mr David Briggs and Chairman Michael-John Parkin at the celebration event

More than 120 Nantwich Show volunteers attended a celebration evening at the Show Ground to mark the official presentation of

Out-going President Robert Eardley reflected on his enjoyment and satisfaction of being the show’s President for the last three years.

Elizabeth Richardson, wife of the late John Richardson and Deputy President, who passed away earlier this year, officially took up the role of Deputy in his memory.

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He said “I am immensely proud to be the Chairman of such a wonderful organisation with so many dedicated, loyal and hard-working volunteers. My heartfelt thanks go to all the Directors, committee chairpersons and individual volunteers who work together year after year to bring this internationally recognised event to South Cheshire.”

Her Majesty’s representative for Cheshire, Lord Lieutenant David Briggs, spoke of his amazement of the ratio of paid-tovolunteer staff. Mr Briggs commented that for an event and organisation of this size, turning over in excess of £800,000 a year and attracting over 30,000 people with just one full time paid member of staff is quite extraordinary.

The evening was enjoyed by volunteers from across the event including cheese stewards and judges, cattle, sheep and home-crafts committee members and representatives from the Girl Guides, Scouts and Rotary who help with setting up the site and marshaling at the event.

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30 MEMBERS NEWS

New fee scheme and charity partner for law firm to progress their case quickly which will usually lead to better outcomes and lower long term legal costs.”

The flat fee, £100 plus VAT, covers a first meeting to gain a detailed understanding of circumstances with specific advice, direction and reassurance in a friendly environment.

David added: “The appointment will allow us to deal with any initial emergency actions that are so often needed in children and financial cases. We will also seek to explain any paper work or court documents you may have been served and answer important questions and issues which may be worrying you.”

Family lawyer David Lago of Beswicks Legal in Nantwich services up tea to law firm colleagues and neighbours on Beam Heath business park in Nantwich

Beswicks Legal has underlined its commitment to South Cheshire with a new fixed fee arrangement and fundraising partnership with St. Luke’s Hospice.

The law firm, based on Beam Heath Business Park in Nantwich, has launched a £100 flat fee scheme to help couples get the best advice and keep their marital clashes out of court.

Family lawyer David Lago said: “Many solicitors offer a free initial interview which is often nothing more than a marketing tool used to bring new business to the door. “In many cases this consists of just filling in a questionnaire and a brief chat, often with a junior member of staff, before booking an appointment with a solicitor at their normal hourly rate. We don’t believe this is helpful to a client going through the trauma of relationship breakdown.

“Because we are charging for our time new clients see a specialist matrimonial solicitor at the outset. They will receive immediate advice

Beswicks Legal acquired the practice of David Lago & Co in August 2015. It has embedded in South Cheshire as a sponsor of local events, including the Chamber Business Awards and Nantwich Food Festival.

Already a supporter of Nantwich Food Bank, the firm is now also backing St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice. A launch event saw kind-hearted solicitors swap their suits for aprons and welcome neighbours on Beam Heath to a coffee morning. The kettle was on the boil all morning for businesses to call in and sample cakes and biscuits made by lawyers from its family, wills and estate planning and property departments.

David added: “Beswicks Legal has become very active in the South Cheshire community since opening a Cheshire office in Nantwich last year. This was a great way to say hello to our business neighbours while raising money for a good cause.”

The event, including a raffle and guess-the-weight of the cake contest, raised more than £200. Collections are continuing among Beswicks Legal staff at Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle under Lyme.

For more information on services call Beswicks Legal on 01270 504850

Science and motion success at Crewe Noisy Toy’s created a science extravaganza in Victoria Square to provide edu-tainment across the weekend. The free interactive exhibition demonstrated how science can be fun and used to create futuristic sounds like the star wars lasers from simple objects such as an oscillating Slinky.

Cheshire East Council hosted a crowd-pulling free Minecraft Fabrication Workshops which enabled children to create pattern based Minecraft builds starting with a hammer and a paper read by Infrared LED technology and transformed via code to build blocks on Minecraft which would be produced on 3D printers.

Further activities included children exploring their creative side for the Design your Future Car competition by Crewe Library. The competition proved popular building on Crewe’s rich heritage in engineering.

Benjamin Fitzwalter and Charlotte Bowman at the Minecraft Fabrication Workshop at trAction Crewe

Crewe Engineering & Design UTC was a success with supporter OSL Rail & Engineering which created fun rail-related activities for kids, while Wheels In Motion caused gridlock in Market Square with their go karts.

Crewe as trAction took over the town in a festival of science and motion.

Crewe Transport Festival run by Crewe Heritage Centre was part of trAction Crewe and featured military vehicles, vintage tractors and modern classics.

The new festival was hailed a success as families flocked to Crewe to celebrate its rich heritage in railways, science and engineering.

For more on the weekend visit www.tractioncrewe.co.uk

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BUSINESS NEWS 31

Crewe attracts major name in house sales “There’s a great buzz about the town, its good employment prospects, and its future linked to London by high speed rail. Many take the view now is the best time to buy before prices increase”.

“This has led to enquiries in our other local offices about buying property in Crewe. So when it came expanding our network further across Cheshire, Crewe was the obvious choice.”

Established in 1978, Whitegates uses state-of-the-art systems to match properties to potential buyers across the UK. A standard package includes premium listings on Rightmove and a property minivideo which can be shown on social media platforms and sent to prospective buyers.

Paul Rowley with the team at the newly-launched Whitegates office on Nantwich Road, Crewe

The company also showcases homes through its glossy lifestyle publication Property Scene and a virtual magazine which sends details to the inboxes of more than 45,000 regional buyers.

Crewe’s growing reputation as a prime location to live and work has attracted one of the country’s biggest names in residential sales.

All of which help Whitegates achieve staggering results for customers and live up to its claim to sell a property "Every 25 Minutes".

Whitegates, part of the UK’s fourth largest estate agency group, has opened offices on Nantwich Road as part of a growth strategy which also saw a branch open in Chester last month.

Heading up the Crewe team is Paul Rowley, a well-known estate agent who has also been a professional valuer and auctioneer in the area for almost 40 years. He said: “Nantwich Road gives us an excellent landmark location and just after a week of opening, we have received many enquiries.

The agent, which has 40 offices across the UK, has seen a surge of enquiries from buyers looking maximise the potential of HS2 and superfast travel to London.

Whitegates managing director Michael Stoop said: "We are delighted to add Crewe to our network of offices across the North West”

“We’re looking forward to a great future in Crewe.”

For more information on services visit crewe.whitegates.co.uk

‘John Heath Insurance Brokers’ is a trading name of John Heath (UK) Limited – Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Registered in England and Wales as a Private Limited Company, company no. 07636523

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32 BUSINESS NEWS

Double joy for Crewe insurance giant “Despite record growth, we remain steadfastly committed to providing a first class customer service. Renewal rates of up to 90% are testament to that. Our achievements are also down to the quality of the people we have working here and I am thrilled to see this recognised with another major award under our belt.”

Founded in 2003, The County Insurance Group has grown into one of the region’s largest providers of insurance products, with 18 branches and more than 40,000 customers.

Company growth is currently running at more than 30% a year and customer premiums are riding high at £60m. Staff numbers have increased to 230 and there are plans to create 30 new jobs at Crewe over the next few months.

All that has led to expansion and a move from Fourth Avenue to a 10,000sq ft base off Westmere Drive - big enough to accommodate a growing workforce.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman, with The County Group Marketing Director Tim Crighton and CEO Dave Clapp, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the company’s new premises on Crewe Business Park

Insurance specialist The County Group is celebrating a major industry award and the launch of new headquarters in Crewe where further expansion is planned.

The firm was named ‘Regional Broker of the Year’ at the prestigious British Insurance Awards staged at The Royal Albert Hall before a crowd of 2000 guests drawn from the industry nationwide.

Mr Clapp added: “This year, we will provide well over £60m worth of insurance for our clients and have plans to keep growing the branch network by two to three each year. All this will create exciting opportunities for people looking to enter the industry.”

The County Group is the current holder of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce ‘Large Business of the Year’ award.

Based on sales figures and customer feed-back, the awards are billed as an ‘unrivalled badge of excellence for the insurance sector’ and champagne corks were popping as news broke amongst staff at County House on Crewe Business Park.

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman, who performed the official opening of the new premises, said: “County Insurance Group is a true success story and a fantastic asset to Crewe and South Cheshire. The company has grown tremendously, while it remains loyal to its roots and continues to create job opportunities for people. This office move has laid the foundations for even more success in the future and we wish them well.”

CEO Dave Clapp said: “We started out as a small high street broker and have diversified into niche areas, such as taxi insurance.

For more information on services and insurance products visit www.countyins.com

Self-Storage solves problems for Crewe Start Up Storage Boost, the selfstorage facility on Weston Road, is celebrating their newest addition to the centre’s business community, Raqnation.

As a local online start-up business selling TV, music and gaming merchandise, Raqnation needed to find a cost effective and flexible solution to storing their growing supply of stock.

As well as selling at trade shows, Raqnation’s owner Rachael Haspell (pictured) was seeing an increase in sales through her website and needed an order picking area for t-shirts, mugs and figures. Within a few days of setting up their headquarters at Storage Boost, Rachael had shelving fitted in the unit to help organise the stock and to facilitate the order picking process. Combined with the flexibility and small overheads that Storage Boost offers, the main benefit for Rachael was the on-site Reception team to accept deliveries on her behalf.

Storage boost co-founder Nick Wood said: “As a family run company with experience in start-ups, we value the importance of flexibility and scalability when starting and growing new business ventures. At Storage Boost assisting businesses to find their feet, flourish and grow, is one of our passions and we pride ourselves on the fact that we have helped thousands of people achieve their goals since opening in 2005.”

For more information visit www.storageboost.co.uk

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Date set for UTC launch in Crewe There are a number of academic and industry partners involved in shaping the curriculum, including Bentley Motors, Air Products, Network Rail, OSL, GE, Siemens, Bosch, Leoni, James Walker, Chevron Racing, 3D Optical, Unipart Logistics and Cheshire East Council.

Crewe E&D UTC aims to deliver the next generation of skilled and work-ready industry professionals. Students will work collaboratively on real life projects with partners throughout their curriculum.

Crewe Engineering & Design UTC is preparing to open its doors on September 8.

The new government-funded school, specialising in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, is designed for 14–19 year olds and aims to bridge a gap between the current education system and employment.

Crewe E&D UTC offers courses to combine National Curriculum requirements with technical and vocational elements. It will also develop business skills and IT, offering clear routes into Higher Education, apprenticeships and employment.

David Terry, Principal, said: “As we move through construction, gearing up towards our opening in September, we look ahead, with support from our partners, students, parents and the local community, to ensure we deliver the highest quality of schoolleavers who will be the next generation of engineers, innovators, technicians and designers.”

UTC is holding an induction event on September 9 which will see students, staff, governors and partners come together for a fun, engaging team event.

Open days will also be staged on November 17, January 19 and March 16.

For more information visit www.utccrewe.co.uk

Confidence boost for students at Crewe Engineering & Design UTC Crewe Engineering & Design UTC hosted an action packed engagement event for their students due to start in September 2016.

Held in participation with PDP, specialists in youth education and character building, the event was a great success with many students attending.

Under the umbrella of ‘Mission Impossible’, attendees were divided into five groups and challenged to six different progressive activities that develop problem-solving and team working skills.

Young people work as a team on a problem-solving exercise at the UTC engagement event

The next event days for the Crewe E&D UTC are August 25 for Year 12s Enrolment Day; Year 10’s Enrolment Day on August 26 and the local community are invited drop-in and visit the UTC for a tour on August 30 from 3-5pm.

Eye Care Centre extension to benefit thousands of patients more than 50,000 patients a year. Due for completion in August, the two-storey extension and remodelling will allow the service to see more patients and, with the extra space, to improve patient experience.

Work has started on a hospital extension that will see more patients being able to access eye care services.

The project, a joint venture between the Trust (MCHFT) and Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, will see the Eye Care Centre at Leighton Hospital extended and further specialist staff recruited.

Over recent years the centre has seen an increase in demand and currently serves

Zoe Harris, Service Manager for Opthalmology at the Trust, said: “It has been reported nationally that eye services are facing increased demand due to an ageing population that require long-term care. “The redesign of the Eye Care Centre is just one of the things that we, along with Novartis, are doing to ensure we can keep up with this demand and that patients with serious eye conditions continue to access high quality services.”

Hugh O’Dowd, Country President, United Kingdom and Ireland and General Manager of Novartis, added: “By working closely

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with Leighton Hospital we hope to develop a redesigned Eye Care Centre that delivers greater accessibility and outcomes for patients, increases capacity and provides more efficient use of resources.”

Leighton Hospital, a Chamber member, provides general and speciality Ophthalmology clinics that cover a wide range of eye diseases and visual problems.

Services will continue to run as normal during the development work.

The hospital is part of the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust which also manages the Victoria Infirmary, Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate care Centre, Winsford. It employs some 3,200 members of staff and has around 540 hospital beds For more information visit www.mcht.nhs.uk

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34 BUSINESS NEWS

Industry accolade for leading lettings firm an office covering the mega wealthy London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

It was rewarded at a ceremony at Towcester Racecourse after fending off competition from more than 400 agents across the country in a search led by The Property Franchise Group to find the branch with the best lettings figures and customer service.

Delighted owner Shaun Cafferty, a director with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Figures show over 90% of tenants and landlords stay with us. And in a recent survey, 92% of customers said they would recommend us to others. These are fantastic results which ranked us as the best letting agents outside of London and only second to an office handling some of the most expensive properties in the country.”

Shaun Cafferty and staff members Hannah Wharton and Elena Arena celebrate the ‘Franchise of the Year’ award for Martin & Co branches in Crewe and Nantwich

Property specialist Martin & Co is celebrating a major industry award for its letting services in Crewe and Nantwich.

The award was the 8th notched up by Martin & Co Crewe and Nantwich in 11 years. Other accolades have been presented for Outstanding Customer Care, Best Managed office and Market Share performance.

The firm was runner-up in the ‘Franchise of the Year’ award scheme with a set of staggering results that came second only to

For more information on properties to let in Crewe and Nantwich visit www.martinco.com

Businesses - Nantwich needs you! the Queen’s 90th birthday event at St Mary’s Church and was part of the team behind July’s crowd-pulling Nantwich Fete and Skoolfest. Next up is Nantwich Food Festival in September.

He said: “Nantwich has a fantastic community spirit with volunteers giving a massive amount of time to organising events which put the town on the map for visitors from across the country.

A leading Chamber member is calling on businesses to throw their weight behind Nantwich and its busy summer schedule of community events.

Shaun Cafferty, who sits on the Chamber board as Nantwich Director, helped organise

“All this helps the town to thrive but the organising committees would be greatly supported by sponsorship be it in cash or kind. Some businesses are supportive but it is mainly the same few and the town needs a wider range to come forward.”

Mr Cafferty, managing director of Martin &

Co, is also a sponsor of Nantwich in Bloom.

Its organising committee also needs more business support as it works to turn the town into a riot of colour ahead of this year’s Britain in Bloom contest.

Nantwich in Bloom chairman Tony Percival said: “We have made contact with most of the large corporates in the town centre but sadly no sponsorship has been forthcoming.

“The exception again is Martin & Co which has sponsored our main flower bed on the town square for a second year.”

Britain in Bloom judges have named Nantwich Best in the North West for the past two years and organisers of the local effort hope to make it a hat-trick this summer.

Enter the Dabbers’ Den in 2016 the chance to submit their application to win a prize from the prize fund which is worth £10,000.

If your business is based in Crewe, Nantwich, Sandbach, Middlewich or Tarporley and was established after 1st June 2015 then you are eligible to enter.

Dabbers’ Den sees Howard Worth Chartered Accountants and Poole Alcock Solicitors once again join forces with NatWest and Cheshire East Council.

Dabbers’ Den judges left to right, Natalie Taylor (NatWest), Mike Doherty (Howard Worth), Scott Harding (Poole Adcock), Councillor Peter Groves (Cheshire East)

Now entering its fifth year The Dabbers’ Den competition is back bigger than ever for 2016.

The competition is open for entry from to 28th October 2016 and gives entrepreneurs who have a great new business or business idea

As well as the amazing prize for the winner there are also rewards for the top five places. The winning business will receive one year’s free business advice and support from Howard Worth and legal mentoring from Poole Alcock in addition to a £3,000 cash prize.

For more information visit www.dabbersdencompetition.co.uk

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BUSINESS NEWS 35

Top honour for College Academy Restaurant and Deli A qualified AA Hotel and Restaurant inspector dined at the Academy Restaurant, before meeting with students, staff and employers to form a judgment on accreditation. People 1st inspected the Academy Restaurant and Deli on the same day, measuring quality across ten different categories, including using feedback from the AA inspector.

The Academy Restaurant and Deli was praised for its links with employers where students had progressed from College into employment at companies including Brunning & Price and Residence Restaurant and Bar in Nantwich.

Collaboration with local companies was also recognised in the report, with reference to the College’s work with Rodney Demsem Wines, providing catering for Nantwich Town Football Club and Marks and Spencer Money through the partnership with The Little Food Company.

College's Academy Restaurant and Deli awarded highest AA Rosettes

South Cheshire College’s Academy Restaurant and Deli is celebrating after being awarded Highly Commended AA College Rosette and named a Centre of Excellence for Service.

The AA inspection resulted in the College’s Academy Restaurant and Deli being Highly Commended in areas of Service, Hospitality and Cuisine.

The training restaurant is based on the ground floor of the College’s campus, featuring a modern and innovative twist on Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter in its facilities and décor.

Director of Faculty of Arts, Business and Services, Mark Parsons, said: “We are incredibly proud of the team of staff and students who have led our Academy Restaurant and Deli to being recognised by both the AA and People 1st. We have now set the bar high with these achievements, both as a training college and as a Restaurant.”

South Cheshire College’s Academy Restaurant and Deli is open to the public during term-time serving coffee and lunch. The facility is also available to hire for private functions including Breakfast Meetings.

Outside catering is also available.

Book now - bookings@scc.ac.uk or call 01270 654654

Chamber supports Pride of Crewe awards including Bentley Motors, South Cheshire College, Mornflake, Virgin Trains and QHotels.

Also supporting the evening are RedShift Radio and Jan Roberts of Pure PR. Patron of the campaign Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “I am very much looking forward to the Pride of Crewe ceremony, as it celebrates the rich heritage and commendable personalities that make our town so formidable. The people of Crewe are fiercely proud of their town and rightly so.

“It is a wonderful place to live and work, and has a deep and generous community spirit. I am delighted to be a part of this campaign, and am looking forward to sharing a special evening of celebration with the nominees.”

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman, President John Dunning, Edward Timpson MP, Cheshire East Council leader Rachel Bailey and Chronicle Chief Story Editor Barry Ellams with representatives from Crewe Hall, Virgin Trains, Mornflake, RedShift Radio and Pure PR at a photo-call announcing the Pride of Crewe awards

The red carpet will be rolled out for the great and good of the town at a glittering Pride of Crewe gala awards dinner.

The lavish evening hosted at Crewe Hall Hotel on Thursday September 22, will be the grand finale of the Chronicle’s Pride of Crewe campaign which was launched in February last year.

The event is being staged in partnership with Cheshire East Council and the South Cheshire Chamber and is backed by local employers

Former Granada TV presenter Trevor Green will compere the evening with RedShift Radio presenter Liz Southall. Crewe Male Voice Choir will also sing at the event. Awards will be presented in the categories: Global Export, Excellence in Industry, Community (Individual), Community (Team), Young Person, Sporting Achievement, Award for Courage, Contribution to Crewe, Ambassador for Crewe, Lifetime Achievement.

Commenting on the awards, Chamber President John Dunning said: “South Cheshire Chamber is extremely proud and delighted to be part of the ‘Pride of Crewe’ event. Crewe has a wonderful business history and has played a major role in the success of the country.

“This event should not only look back at the success this area has achieved and the strong foundations it has laid, but look to the future with huge optimism and positivity.”

For more information on the Pride of Crewe awards visit www.crewechronicle.co.uk

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36 BUSINESS NEWS

Brexit - the liberation of employment law?

“With no precedent for a Member State leaving the EU, nobody knows what will happen or what our new relationship will be. We’ve seen market volatility but the real economy, people working and remaining in employment, has been unchanged. Canada, the USA, and Member States have requested trade agreements and intense negotiations will follow.”

He adds: “Two models, Swiss and Norwegian are under discussion. Neither is a Member State but both trade with the EU, Switzerland, with over 120 free trade agreements and Norway with conditional agreements.

Employment law specialist Alf Murphy

Chamber member Employment Law Solutions poses the question: ‘Vote leave will be liberation from regulation and employee friendly laws – won’t it?’

Alf Murphy comments: “Immediate changes will be small - long term, expect a piecemeal approach to employment law depending on Theresa May’s government and its relationship with the EU.

“The former would mean less regulation whereas the latter would still fetter employers, the EU being unlikely to allow UK employers to undercut Member States.

Further, Norway pays the EU almost as much as the UK so the Swiss model would be preferable.

“There’s talk about annual leave, weekly working, agency/temporary workers’ rights, paternity/maternity and equal pay. Would the UK have introduced these rights?

Probably; UK legislation relating to discrimination and equal pay pre-dated the EU. Further, rights introduced by the EU

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have been exceeded by the UK, holiday entitlement to name one. There are also areas still under control of the UK for example, National Minimum Wage.

“What about UK courts? Take Lock V British Gas relating to commission payments and cases relating to overtime/bonus payments.

European judges held these payments should be included in holiday pay; a bugbear for many employers.

These decisions were out of the hands of UK judges, made by Maltese, Latvian, Austrian, French and Italian judges. Will this now change?

That entirely depends on the Brexit negotiations.

“Since June 23 we’ve seen racism, xenophobia and hatred; there is risk for employers who must ensure that staff, subcontractors and visitors do not discriminate on the grounds of race or nationality.

Further, bullying or creating an unpleasant work environment could found other claims. Employers should ensure equality and diversity policies are enforced fairly and effectively alongside disciplinary and grievance procedures.”

For more information on Employment Law Solutions visit www.elslegal.co.uk

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BUSINESS NEWS 37

Inspector places community at the heart of his role Introducing Stuart York who has taken over from Alan Fairclough as the response Inspector for Crewe Local Policing Unit which covers Crewe, Alsager, Middlewich, Holmes Chapel, Nantwich and Sandbach and surrounding areas Stuart says: Alan has done an excellent job in leading response police officers through a significant period of change this last year and I hope to build on his successes providing an excellent service to the public including you, the business community.

A few years ago I was the neighbourhood policing Inspector for Congleton which at the time included Alsager, Middlewich, Holmes Chapel and Sandbach and the vast majority of my 18 years’ service has been in Cheshire East so I know the area very well!

Recently I have fulfilled the role of Partnerships Inspector and been the thematic lead for Crime Prevention, Information Sharing, Integrated Offender Management (reducing reoffending and rehabilitation) and the partnerships approach to tackling Organised Crime in our communities. One of my

responsibilities this year has been to formulate and propose to the Chief Officer Group the force Crime Prevention Strategy which makes combatting business crime a key priority.

I applied for my new role as I wished to return to a more operational post serving the community in which I live, to ensure that the response officers are there where and when they are needed to give victims the best possible service. The response team I will be responsible for has 95 police constables and 10 sergeants.

They are supported by detectives skilled in investigating serious and complex crime, and the beat team of officers and PCSOs that work to resolve community problems - they are led by Detective Inspector Alison Ross and Inspector Kate Woods respectively.

If you want to see some of the work we are doing follow Crewe LPU on Facebook or Twitter or visit the force website. You can also prescribe to Cheshire Police Alert (www.cheshirepolicealert.co.uk) for updates relevant to the area where you live or work

Independent fire risk assessor and care home in court Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning businesses to treat fire safety as a legitimate business requirement, after an independent fire risk assessor has been given a four month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay £1,000 costs after 'paying lip service' to assessing a Cheshire care home.

At the same hearing before Judge Tina Landale at Warrington Crown Court on Thursday June 23, Surrey-based nursing home company Minster Care was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £15,000 in costs after pleading guilty to serious breaches of fire safety regulations at Croftwood Care Home in Runcorn.

Graham Foote, 70, a former firefighter and retired independent fire risk assessor of Old Road, Beverley in Yorkshire was given the sentence after he had been appointed by Minster Care to provide a fire risk assessment for Croftwood Care Home and failed to give adequate advice and

information. Judge Tina Landale summed up his sentence by saying: "Graham Foote's assessment almost entirely misses the point and the inadequacies are patently obvious."

Minster Care pleaded guilty to four serious breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. These related to provision of fire alarms, duty to take general fire precautions, evacuation procedures and training.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service first pointed out inadequacies in fire safety in September 2011, and served an enforcement notice on the property for fire safety breaches in March 2014.

Judge Landale added that she accepted fully that the company had now taken steps to help deal with issues, but that this wasn’t enough: "This is a serious charge because there are 22 residents who use wheelchairs or frames, with one confined to bed. The company paid very little attention to the notice in 2011 other than appoint Mr Foote.

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It is obvious that, should fire have occurred, a highly ambitious plan would have been needed to evacuate these residents."

Simon Gibbins, Head of Protection at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service aims to help and support any business to operate safely. However we will take action when companies choose not to treat fire safety as a legitimate business requirement. We urge all companies to take their fire safety obligations seriously to avoid prosecution.”

Simon added: "It is important that anyone employing a fire risk assessor must understand that the fire risk assessment is not just a document but the beginning of a process that must involve the cooperation and understanding of both parties."

Anyone who has concerns about fire safety should contact the Service.

More information can be found on the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

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38 CHARITY NEWS

Best of British quiz helps hospice care

Steven Cook, St Luke’s new corporate partnerships manager, picks up a £400 cheque from BCR managing director Phil Wood

St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice has received a cash boost from insolvency specialists BCR. The company, which helps troubled businesses get back on their feet with

recovery and restructuring services, presented £400 from a British-themed quiz staged at Residence in Nantwich.

A total of £800 was raised which has been split between St Luke’s and Douglas Macmillan Hospice at Trentham.

There was another excellent crowd of local bankers, lawyers and accountants taking part with each team paying £50 to be tested on their knowledge of all things British including questions on sport, geography, TV, music and current affairs.

BCR managing director Phil Wood said: “This was our fifth annual event and once again we were delighted to see so many businesses support the evening.

Brainbox bankers from NatWest enjoyed further success, carrying off the winner’s cup for the third time.

Other local companies attending included Weaver Accountants, Howard Worth, Barclays, Handelsbanken, Beswicks Legal, Bowcock & Pursail, Grindeys, Myers and Luis Taylor.

“There was good-humoured rivalry and some great banter between professionals from quite different backgrounds but they were united in an effort to support the hospices.”

For more information on BCR visit www.bcr-insolvency.co.uk To support the hospice visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk

Rotary Club rewards creative talents which attracted a record 860 entries from nine local primary schools.

The theme was ‘The Queen’ for the Art Competition and ‘The National Anthem’ for the Handwriting Competition – and teachers, friends and family members of the winners waited with eager anticipation to hear what they had won.

The winning art entry by Jeremy Shorthose, Acton C of E Primary School

Edward Timpson MP, Minister for Children and Families, presented prizes at the Nantwich Museum to winners and runners up of the Rotary Club of Nantwich Primary Schools Art and Handwriting Competition,

Ian Sutton, Manager of Nantwich Sainsbury’s presented trophies and a voucher for £25 to the Overall Winner of the 2016 Art Competition which was won by Jeremy Shorthose, 11, of Acton C of E Primary School, and the Overall Winner of the 2016 Handwriting Competition, Jessica Martin, eight, of Stapeley Broad Lane CE Primary School.

Highfields Community Primary School was awarded a cheque for £250 for Overall Outstanding Contribution. This was presented by Amanda James from The Charity of William Hodgkin which donated £400 for competition prizes.

Meanwhile Nantwich Rotary Club has welcomed children from the Nantwich Primary Academy who visited to voice their thanks for their trip to Chester Zoo, which was donated by the club. The pupils wore their elephant mask creations, read out thank you letters and sang a song celebrating elephants to show their appreciation.

Visit www.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk for more information

Firm makes bear-y special effort for charity Event tickets will include general admission to the grounds, so the whole family can also take advantage of Cholmondeley’s extensive facilities – including a children's play area, picnic site, farm animals and aviary with many varieties of birds. The popular tea-room will sell a large variety of home-cooked treats for the whole family to enjoy.

The firm has shown its commitment to other charitable causes.

Martyn Kinch, Chairman of Training Byte Size, raised over £400 in the recent Alzheimer’s 100 Charity Bike Ride to support the fight against dementia.

Training Byte Size is once again sponsoring a family-friendly Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Cholmondeley Castle on August 14.

Over the past six years the event has helped raise more than £20,000 for children’s charities and this year proceeds will go to The Wingate Centre in Wrenbury. Planned activities include a Teddy Bear hunt with treasure maps and prizes included, a Punch & Judy show, bouncy castle, arts & craft area, hook a duck, facepainting, tombola and much more.

Keeping on the cycling theme, Training Byte Size also sponsored the Nantwich cycling group event cycling from Nantwich to London, a huge 220 miles in one day.

The contribution from Training Byte Size provided funding for a support vehicle. Training Byte Size, based in Nantwich, provides project management training via local classroom courses as well as onsite with clients and through their online platform.

For more information on services visit www.trainingbytesize.com

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