South Cheshire Chamber Business magazine

C H AMB E R B U S I NE S S

News and views from the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Q U A RT E R 3 2021

Crewe Market Hall welcomed as new Chamber member PAG E 6

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Welcome

Welcome to the Chamber’s magazine ‘South Cheshire Business’.

It doesn’t need me to tell people that the last 18 months has been one of the toughest periods for the business community in a very long time. While it has been tremendously difficult for many sectors, particularly the hospitality sector and the associated support services, we find ourselves in a position where COVID is relatively under control, although certainly not eradicated, and amazingly many businesses are coming out of the pandemic in a much stronger position.

Businesses will always innovate and adapt their products and services to meet the needs of the customer.

Talking about successful businesses, we didn’t hold our South Cheshire business awards (page 12) last year, but as the economy opens up, later this year we will be able to celebrate and give recognition to those businesses who throughout the pandemic have not only demonstrated excellence, but have been resilient, spirited and shown kindness to others. The awards take place on the 19th November at Reaseheath College, and finalists will be announced on 6th October.

NEW MEMBERS

4-5

CHAMBER NEWS

6-9

CHAMBER PARTNERS

10

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT & CHAIR

11

SOUTH CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS

12 - 13

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

14 - 15

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

16 - 17

CHAMBER PATRONS

18 - 22

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS

23 - 27

COMMUNITY NEWS

28 - 30

MEMBERS NEWS

31 - 34

CHARITY NEWS

35

EXPERT EYE

37

CHAMBER EVENTS

38

INTRODUCTION

Contents

SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER PATRONS

We are clearly not out of the woods with COVID, and we will learn to live with the virus the best we can, but if your business requires help please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Chamber. Our team will do their upmost to help you access advice and support.

The Chamber will continue to push the needs of business to local and national government and being part of the Chamber gives you the latest information, promotion of your products and services; and access to experts who can provide advice and the latest best practice. The Chamber has been working remotely and embracing technology, by moving events and seminars online, but as the restrictions are being lifted, we are beginning to arrange face to face events. So look out for events including speed networking, Coffee & Chat, Local Economic Updates, International trade forum, financial support, Cybercrime and health & safety webinars.

MEET THE CHAMBER TEAM

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

Jacqui Morris International Trade Manager

May I take this opportunity to wish your business every success in the forthcoming months.

Paul Colman Chief Executive @SCCCI_CEO

Paul Colman Chief Executive Jon Barnes Operations Manager

Jake Kennerley Digital Marketing Manager

Richard Weilding South Cheshire Development Agency Development Loan Director Daryl Williams Event Co-ordinator Anne Xiourouppa Accounts

Madeleine Abbey PA to Chief Executive

Dianne Parrish Business Connector Cheshire Connect

Angela Wilkinson Membership Co-ordinator

Sara Pomfret DIT International Trade Adviser

Dominic Hibbert Events & Marketing Co-ordinator

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.

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

3

NEW MEMBERS

Meet the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

New Members Future You Business Coaching Ltd

Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus

2 Carlisle Close, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7HO suzy.futureyou@gmail.com www.futureyou-coaching.com 07515 870305

Crewe Green Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5DU andrewdixon@abhsc.co.uk www.abhsc.co.uk 01270 353200

Nantwich Hub

First Trenitalia West Coast Rail Limited

Ground Floor, 5 George House, Beam Heath Way, Nantwich Cheshire, CW5 5RH info@nantwichhub.com www.nantwichhub.com 07850 202444

Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, West Midlands, B2 4DN customer.support@avantiwestcoast.co.uk www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk 0333 000 2302

The Vurrv Project

Donatable

47 Welsh Row, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5EW caroline@thevurrvproject.com www.thevurrvproject.com 07850 461073

Clement Tree Company

134 London Road, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7JN info@clement-tree.co.uk www.clement-tree.co.uk 07733 266898

Sales Geek Cheshire East Ltd

1 Massey Close, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7RL jonathan.whitby@salesgeek.co.uk www.salesgeek.co.uk 07775 624534

The Cheese Shop Nantwich Ltd

12 Hospital Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5RU chris@cheeseshopnantwich.co.uk www.cheeseshopnantwich.co.uk 01270 620799

Unit 8, Crewe Market Hall, 27 Earle Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2BL debbie@donatable.org.uk www.donatable.org.uk 01270344344

Lafert Electric Motors

17 Orion Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6NG lafertuk@lafert.com www.lafert.com 01270 270022

Buttery Biscuit Base

Crewe Market Hall, 27 Earle Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2BL butterybiscuitbasecrewe@gmail.com buttery-biscuit-base.business.site 07960 452450

Pink Connect Crewe South Limited

1 Maer Mews, Haddon Lane, Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 5EE meir.ziskin@gmail.com www.pinkconnect.com 07565 475117

ICDA Awards Ltd

Ferndale, Whitchurch Road, Aston, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8DB adrian@icda-awards.co.uk www.internationalcheeseawards.co.uk 07842 644506

Tudor Mill Surveys Ltd (Legacy Installations) 378 Hungerford Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6HD legacyinstallations@outlook.com www.legacyinstallations.co.uk 01270 485525

My Fabulosa Ltd

Unit 3B, Apollo Park, University Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6HX james@myfabulosa.co.uk www.myfabulosa.co.uk 0844 335 0816

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

Innervision MSK

330A Nantwich Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 6PB info@inner-visionmsk.co.uk www.inner-visionmsk.co.uk 01270 211466

1. FACILITATION RAISE YOUR PROFILE AND CONNECT WITH OTHER MEMBERS

We welcome all our new members The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce is an amazing place to connect to your local business community, but don’t just take our word for it:

NEW MEMBERS

Why join your local Chamber?

Regular Chamber and member and partner events programme

ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATION

2. INFORMATION

3. REPRESENTATION

“These are challenging times for all businesses at the moment and it is reassuring to know that although many of the normal activities of the Chamber have had to be curtailed due to the pandemic your organisation is still able to provide an invaluable service to its members.”

Sue Judd, Everything Dinosaur

If you would like to share a testimonial, please send it through to jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

5

CHAMBER NEWS

Crewe Market Hall welcomed as new Chamber member South Cheshire Chamber officials have hailed Crewe Market Hall a ‘real asset’ to the town after touring the new facility and meeting traders.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman and Chamber Manager Jon Barnes met businesses who have made the Grade II-listed building their new home after a £3m refurbishment. Now visitors can enjoy a variety of food from pizza, Mexican, as well as desserts and vegan options.

There is also a bar, nail salon, food shop, art gallery and sustainable products stall.

The Market Hall has been welcomed as a new member to the Chamber and Paul and Jon met traders keen to know more about the benefits of membership and connecting with

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

the South Cheshire business community.

Paul said:

“Historically Crewe Market Hall was the beating heart of the town centre and so it is again. The transformation is sympathetic to the heritage of the building and certainly has the ‘wow’ factor."

“The Chamber has lobbied for the support of the project and it has quickly become a real asset to Crewe. We were delighted to meet

traders and see how enthusiastic and excited they are about being part of this town centre resurgence.

“Hospitality has always been key to driving footfall into the town centre and reigniting its night-time economy. The market’s eating and drinking outlets support that and it has more to offer besides with a variety of start-up businesses and exciting events programme.

“The traders we met were pleased with the footfall and how things are going so far. All in all, the Market Hall is a success story and we want to pay tribute to those partners who made it happen, including Cheshire East Council.”

Entertainment is now in full flow with a weekly programme of live music and family

CHAMBER NEWS attractions such as a record fair and Crewe's first ever Young Traders Market.

David Shaul, Digital Media & Events Strategist, said:

“We're pleased to become members of the Chamber and look forward to both utilising our membership to further benefit our local independent businesses and collaborate with others across the region.

Hosting workshops and networking events alongside the Chamber would be fantastic."

“Our first couple of months have been brilliant and what we've managed to achieve already as a collective has been incredible, bringing a fresh concept to Crewe as well as the first ever Young Traders Market and offering

countless opportunities to local community groups, performers and of course businesses.

That's without mentioning quickly becoming the hub of the community where friends and families come to relax, enjoy and socialise.”

The refurbishment has seen the Victorian building’s large archways opened up as entrances and fitted with glazed doors, while external repairs have been made to the brickwork. Inside has undergone a complete redecoration and remodelling and the existing stalls have been replaced with units more in keeping with the building’s rich history.

Doing brisk trade is The Crewe Dog where Paul and Jon sampled craft beer. Also pleased is artist David Jewkes. He said:

“The footfall has been great.

I’ve been able to display my work in a bright and airy environment and meet people really interested in art. Four pieces sold in a day.”

David is hosting a range of painting classes.

"Twenty-five year old Jade Tyson has realised her dream of opening up a nail bar after giving up her job in a call centre and has now many clients on her books. “I love the community feel of the market and working alongside other people,” she said.

Part of a total £50m programme of investment in the town centre, the refurbishment of the Earle Street Market Hall plays an important role in Crewe repositioning itself as a prime leisure and retail destination.

The project was supported by the Government’s Local Growth Fund through Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership.

See Facebook for more on what the Market Hall has to offer. _ For more on joining the Chamber go to www.sccci.co.uk

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

7

CHAMBER NEWS

This Floor Unlike so many of our buildings, many long, lost and gone.

It was Mr Hill who cast this floor, who was a famous John.

A self-made man of pedigree, who stumped up all the cash, who was respected by the many, despite being bold and brash?

With sweat, with bricks, with hopes, with sand He laid this floor with all, forging this place by hand.

A building that’s imposing, and today still sits quite grand.

To fill a social gap, or need, or some may say demand.

Yes, this floor has a rich history, the foundation standing strong, standing the test of time till now, earning its place, to belong.

Yes, this floor has a rich history, warmed by the sun when naked, bare, soaking up its shining glow, before moving on, elsewhere.

Yes, this floor has a rich history, with stalls wheeled around in a parade, Prime place always depending, on who owed rent and who had paid?

A market hall once bustling, with cattle in their herds, morphed into enterprising traders, with a pet shop selling birds.

To Addisons famous tea stall, selling baps and pies and rolls, that stirred up old emotions, deep inside to enrich your soul.

Yes, this floor has a rich history, the stress and strain of market life, working with apprentices, partners, or a wife.

Yes, this floor has a rich history, old stains of butcher’s blood, then mopping every evening, of rubber imprints and dry mud.

Yes, this floor has a rich history, tears, and tantrums, slips and falls, more than a play at the Lyceum, between this halls, walls, and floor.

And now it’s been reborn again, new opportunities to succeed, new chances to find a home again and to take the lead.

Regenerating optimism, generating cash, generating interest for greater impact and make a splash.

Enjoy a wood fired pizza that’s fresh and hot and made for foodies, or a burger, waffle, cake or wrap or super healthy smoothie.

Come and ponder over paintings, staring to find true meaning, or have a beer at Crewe Dog, sitting, standing, leaning.

Yes, this floor will create rich history, new memories laid on old, same ethics, roots and skills required, dynamic businesses, stories untold.

Yes, this floor will create rich history, conversations about first dates, nervous agitations with half eaten food on plates.

Yes, this floor will create rich history, so let us celebrate its new purpose, for the memories, this floor holds are dear and just floating on the surface.

This day we descend upon it, all invited to come down.

To stand right here on this floor again, in the Jewel of Crewe Town.

Written by Gareth Williams www.lifepoemsaboutyou.co.uk

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

ALL THESE SERVICES ARE INCLUDED WITH YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP ADVICE LINES

WEBSITE

HR / Legal / Health & Safety / Tax / VAT

750+ free downloadable template documents

Unlimited access

Knowledge Hub – loads of free information

HR lines are 365 day a year access

Newsroom – articles keeping you up to date in

CHAMBER NEWS

Launch of Quest – Four new services for Chamber members

HR and H&S developments

Need help with HR and Health & Safety compliance?

ALL CHAMBER MEMBERS ARE ENTITLED TO A

FREE ONE2ONE REVIEW FOR MORE INFORMATION OR BOOK YOUR ONE 2 ONE REVIEW PLEASE EMAIL ONE2ONE@QUESTCOVER.COM

The South Cheshire Chamber has an ongoing commitment to provide members with a range of benefits that offer real value to their business. Without doubt services that help protect members are very important and so we have invested in key services that are approved and recommended by the British Chambers of Commerce and adopted by most UK Chambers.

SCCCI Members will now have access to four key services, ChamberHR , ChamberLegal, ChamberH&S and ChamberTax, which provide the following services; • Advice Lines - unlimited access to 5 advice lines – HR, Legal, Health & Safety, Tax and VAT. The HR and legal lines are available 365 days a year • Website - unlimited access to a document library with almost 800 free downloadable template documents plus news articles and general information All these services are integrated and delivered directly by Quest and the companies in their Group. From a member perspective access couldn’t be easier; • One phone number – 01455 852037 for unlimited access to all advice line services. The HR and legal lines are available 365 days a year.

• One website – The website features a document library with over 750 free downloadable template documents covering employment, health & safety and legal matters. All members are issued with individual login details for access by visiting the Chamber Index page at www.chamberhr.co.uk and scrolling down to select South Cheshire Chamber. Alternatively, please email info@sccci.co.uk and we will send across your details.

Steve Charles, Head of Business Partnerships at Qdos said;

“We were delighted to provide these services to members of South Cheshire Chamber.

The four services cover a wide range of support so no matter what size of business you are we can support you.

This is indeed a service for ALL members.”

Paul Colman, CEO of South Cheshire Chamber said;

“The Chamber is thrilled to be able to offer these services which we believe will genuinely protect our members and give them peace of mind in these challenging times. I encourage all members to use these premium quality services.” _ For more information on the four new services for South Cheshire Chamber Members, please email: info@sccci.co.uk or call: 01270 504 700.

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

9

CHAMBER PARTNERS

Winning formula to help make a difference and gain recognition

Cheshire Connect matches the skills and expertise of local businesses and professionals, kindly offered for free, with the requirements of the voluntary and community sector... not merely a box ticking exercise, but to have a direct impact on real people within the local community.

Skill donor volunteers have an opportunity to expand their range of skills while they use their business expertise to support a local grass roots charity, which in turn helps your business to attract talent, encourage staff retention, engagement and productivity.

It’s a win win – the charity gain expertise, your organisation makes a meaningful contribution to the community, you and your

employees gain values-driven experience generating that special ‘feel good factor ’for all!

Plus providing your skill donor support experiences could attract more customers. People are more likely to buy from a business with shared values and can demonstrate that they are living by those values and making a tangible difference to their local community. _ Get in touch with the local Crewe and South Cheshire East Business Connector Dianne Parrish on 07946 639394 or email: dianneparrish@cheshireconnect.org Or to find out more about Cheshire Connect, please visit our website www.cheshireconnect.org

Your valuable skill donor support could help your organisation gain recognition at the prestigious South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Awards 2021.

The entries are now open for all categories, including the ‘Contribution to the Community Award 2021’; if you can demonstrate you have gone beyond the norm over the last 12 months to support your local communities, whether through gifts of money, fundraising, skill share support or developing more sustainable and eco friendly products, processes or procedures, click on the portal weblink to apply. _ southcheshirechamberbusinessawards.co.uk

Recruitment crisis in the hospitality industry

It has been widely reported in the media that there is a growing crisis within the Hospitality Sector with many businesses struggling to recruit to an ever increasing number of vacancies.

Cheshire East is certainly not immune to this.

In response to this challenge, Cheshire East Council is working closely with Job Centre Plus to look at developing a ‘Hospitality Based Work Academy’. This will train local unemployed people in the following areas to ensure they can enter the hospitality workplace with a degree of official training behind them. This is in response to the sector in Cheshire East telling us that amongst a number of issues, they struggle to find the time or resource to train new entrants and this is having a detrimental effect on performance and thus on the individual themselves. The training therefore is designed to allow the individual to

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

hit the ground running, assisting the business from day one. The second part lies in catering which we know if causing real issues across the board.

A customer service hospitality Sector Work Academy Programme (SWAP) that would include learning in customer service, employability, food safety (allergy), work experience, guaranteed interview.

1. A food preparation SWAP to include level 2 food hygiene certification, customer service employability, guaranteed interview, work experience.

To ensure this works for all we need the hospitality industry across Cheshire East to sign up to the scheme. This will require a commitment

to the following: 1. A list of vacancies from each employer.

2. A commitment from the employer that guarantees each successful person who matches the job requirements is granted an interview We are confident that this potential scheme will provide quality candidates for the sector in Cheshire East. I really do hope businesses will get behind this; however before we can commence it would be very helpful if Hospitality businesses in Crewe & Nantwich could let us know if they are willing to be involved. _ For further information, please contact Richard.milkins@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng MP was invited on a tour of Crewe based ice cream van manufacturer Whitby Morrison this week.

It follows the launch of their new cleaner greener vehicle which allows the van to operate on electricity when stationary instead of running the engine. Mr Kwarteng was joined on the visit

by President of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce John Dunning and Chair of Crewe Town Board Doug Kinsman.

The Business Secretary was given a tour of the factory by Ed Whitby, getting to see the process of building a van from start to finish and also tried his hand at pulling a soft serve ice cream cone himself.

Founded by Bryan Whitby in 1962 Whitby Morrison is recognised as the world’s leading manufacturer of ice cream vehicles. From a purpose built factory in Cheshire, England, Whitby Morrison produce bespoke ice cream vans and

associated vehicles for the global market.

The visit follows on from Dr Mullan raising the business in Parliament and setting up meetings between the firm and the Department for International Trade.

Speaking after the visit Mr Kwarteng said “It was great to visit such an iconic family run business at the heart of Crewe's thriving business district. We should never forget that it is families like the Whitby family who are at the heart of our economy creating jobs and securing investment for their communities. Kieran has been championing this first rate Crewe export and success story in Parliament and it was great to see it for myself today and test out my Mr Whippy skills!”

Kieran said “Crewe is the home of ice cream vans and it was great to showcase such a fantastic local business. They are a real ambassador for Crewe and the whole UK, exporting all over the world. I am determined to make sure we make the most of this unbeatable brand as I can’t think of anything better for showcasing Crewe and its business community and the opportunities they create for people to live and work here.”

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT & CHAIR

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng MP visits Crewe

A message from our Chair The term ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ has been used extensively to describe the current stage in the Covid journey. However, I’m now viewing the journey as one of trying to find our way through a dense forest. Sometimes scary as we can’t see a way out and we may not see a straight path ahead of us. In fact, we may feel we have walked this way before and have ended up back where we started. However, in our walk (battle?) through the forest, shafts of light can often illuminate something that is quite amazing, causing us to stop and marvel.

The many stories of selflessness that we suddenly come across on our strange Covid journey through the forest do indeed cause us to stop and reflect. So many of our local businesses have supported the community and have contributed their staff time, skills, and other resources to those who need help.

Too many to mention here, but these stories reflect the spirit of our region.

However, over the last few weeks my attention has been drawn to the work of the voluntary sector in the region and how organisations have risen to the challenge of an increase in numbers of the homeless, the disadvantaged, and the vulnerable during this time. We are so fortunate to have in our community, charities that have kept going through all the difficulties, offering much needed practical and emotional support.

Such charities are led by people with drive, entrepreneurialism, and a passion that this pandemic has uncovered, but at the same time they rely heavily on the contribution that businesses and individuals make. Real prosperity in our region can only happen when we address all aspects of ‘community’ – not just the economic but the social needs as well.

We should not see the Third Sector/Private sector/Public Sector as three separate entities but rather we should view the drive for the prosperity of the region as something that can only be achieved when these three areas are integrated - overlapping and supporting each other.

There is a genuine drive to explore these mutually beneficial relationships.

Organisations such as The Cheshire Community Foundation and Dianne Parrish of Cheshire Connect are doing a brilliant job of brokering relationships between the business and voluntary community. The Crewe Town Board has representatives from all sectors of Crewe to ensure they have an equal say and are working together. The advantage of working with charities is often sold to businesses as indirectly increasing the bottom line.

And yet the community spirit in this region is such that businesses are able to look beyond short-term profit and instead, see the long-term benefit of making this a region that is not only economically successful but

one that addresses social deprivation in our community.

I hope David Edwards of the Lighthouse Centre doesn’t mind if I quote him when he said to me that ‘Crewe has so much going for it, but it is covered with many layers – we need to peel back the layers and see the beauty’.

I believe some of those layers have been peeled back during the pandemic and we have had a glimpse of what can be achieved through collaboration across all aspects of the community.

Dr Diane Wright PhD MA BA (Hons) Chair of the Chamber South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

11

SOUTH CHESHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2021

South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards are back Excitement is mounting as the Chamber prepares to honour all that is great and good about the South Cheshire business community with the return of its annual awards ceremony.

The Awards, postponed last year due to the pandemic, take place at Reaseheath College on November 19 – a venue offering greater capacity to social-distance if required.

This year they are combined with the Chamber’s Annual Dinner featuring Falklands hero Simon Weston CBE as an inspirational guest speaker and tickets are selling fast.

Now the countdown is on to an eagerlyawaited ceremony that has become a highlight on the South Cheshire social calendar over 25 years. Meanwhile judges have the difficult task of whittling down entries to select finalists who will be announced on October 6. Again the standard of entries is excellent.

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

The Awards will also showcase the skills of Reaseheath College students who will be involved in food preparation and serving as well as floristry and venue decoration.

Chamber Chair Dr Diane Wright paid tribute to the main event sponsors, accountancy firm Afford Bond, and support sponsors commercial property specialist Legat Owen and health and safety consultants Rhino Safety.

She said: “The support of these local firms and long-standing Chamber members has been invaluable in helping the event take place and enabling us to have Simon Weston CBE as our guest speaker.

SOUTH CHESHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2021 South Cheshire Chamber Chair Diane Wright (centre) with staff from Reaseheath College and sponsors from Legat Owen, Rhino Safety Ltd and Afford Bond

“There’s tremendous enthusiasm for celebrating all that is great and good about the South Cheshire business community after an unprecedented 18 months.”

All the award categories are sponsored by local Chamber members – and entries have come in thick and fast since the ceremony was announced back in June.

The nine award categories and their sponsors are: • Ambassador of the Year - Cheshire East Council, • Apprentice of the Year - Reaseheath College, • Business of the Year (under 25 employees) - Hibberts LLP, • Business of the Year (25 and more employees) - Cheshire College South & West, • Contribution to the Community - Bentley supported by Cheshire Connect, • Employer of the Year - Assurant, • Excellence in Customer Service - KPI Recruiting Ltd, • Excellence in Collaboration Construction Linx Ltd, (new category for 2021) • Start Up Business of the Year - Right at Home supported by South Cheshire Development Agency

Assurant, Bentley, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire College South & West, Hibberts LLP, KPI Recruiting Ltd and Reaseheath College have all been previous sponsors with considerable experience in judging and identifying winning entries.

New sponsors Right at Home and Construction Linx Ltd have been previous award winners in their own right and bring their own insight into what it takes to submit an awardwinning entry and to enjoy the accolade and excitement of their names being called out on the night.

Enterprising and inspirational businesses have been celebrated by the Chamber since 1986.

There’s always great excitement on the night and nowadays guests set social media alight with their posts. The hashtag for 2021 is #SCCBA21

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said:

“The Awards have played an important role in celebrating achievement and inspiring others over the years. This year more than ever we need to recognise the resilience of our local businesses and their generosity towards supporting others.” _ For further information on the Chamber Business awards past and present go to www.southcheshirechamberbusinessawards.co.uk

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

13

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The Department for International Trade’s Export Academy North West Workshops The Export Academy, from the Department for International Trade (DIT), gives small and micro-businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world with confidence.

What is the Export Academy?

The Export Academy is a free programme of support, where you’ll learn directly from experts in international trade who are on hand to provide support across a range of sectors and businesses, from selling children’s clothes to Spain, to providing PR services for clients in the US. The programme is made up of a series of ten core interactive educational sessions with exclusive content based on feedback from our delegates and designed specifically to help small and micro businesses understand everything they need to know in order to sell internationally.

The North West Programme Please see dates below for the North West specific workshop sessions as part of The Export Academy

Tuesdays and Thursdays 14:00 - 15:00 OR Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00 - 11:00 Registration Visit: www.events.great.gov.uk/ exportacademy For more information please contact Chris Baxter, Export Academy Adviser E: exportacademy@tradenw.org

1. Understanding the benefits of, and barriers to, export

2. Steps to export

3. International market research

An overview of the risks and benefits of export; first steps to making informed decisions about internationalisation; laying the foundation for an achievable export plan.

An overview of export documentation, including customs declarations at home and abroad; as well as invoicing and evidence of export; and additional support.

Understanding what constitutes effective market research; which key markets to prioritise; when your business should consider it; and why it’s important to profitability.

Tuesday 7 September, 14:00 Wednesday 8 September, 10:00

Thursday 9 September, 14:00 Friday 10 September, 10:00

Tuesday 14 September, 14:00 Wednesday 15 September, 10:00

Sara says:“The Export Academy programme runs regularly and is open to businesses of all sizes and at differing stages of their export journey.

It is ideal for those who are new to exporting

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Dates Core sessions to run: 7 September – 8 October 2021

BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

or have staff who want to upskill their knowledge of exporting on certain topics.

So, if you haven’t been in touch with your International Trade Adviser for a while, then please reach out and they can tell you

more about it. If you are not working with us already and are interested in having a chat, then please contact me and I will be more than happy to talk you through our support and services.”

The North West Programme (continued) Please see dates below for the North West specific workshop sessions as part of The Export Academy 4. Pricing strategy and route to market

5. Customs, export controls, and trade deals

6. Selling services overseas

Getting to grips with price versus cost; export costing; researching prices in a given market; pricing strategies; and routes to market.

Understanding key documentation, and legal requirements; understanding prohibitions and restrictions; overview of free trade agreements.

Marketing your service; ways to develop successful relationships; considering factors that could open the door to opportunity.

Thursday 16 September, 14:00 Friday 17 September, 10:00

Tuesday 21 September, 14:00 Wednesday 22 September, 10:00

Thursday 23 September, 14:00 Friday 24 September, 10:00

7. International commercial (INCO) terms

8. Movement of money

9. Customs, VAT, and rules of origin

Understanding the Incoterm ® 2020 rules; what they do; what isn’t covered; and the impact on the cost of goods.

Getting paid: risks and costs; financial regulation; economic considerations in the movement of money over international borders.

Understanding export paperwork in a little more detail; particularly with regard to VAT and place of service; and key documentation in the shipping process.

Tuesday 28 September, 14:00 Wednesday 29 September, 10:00

Thursday 30 September, 14:00 Friday 1 October, 10:00

Tuesday 5 October, 14:00 Wednesday 6 October, 10:00

10. Creating an Export Action Plan

Master Classes Additional master classes will be available as part of the overall programme, led by international specialist Norma Foster. Norma is a business leader with experience across both public and private sectors. She has particular expertise in economic regeneration and the development and implementation of creative programmes and projects embracing and embedding digital best practice.

Institutional support available in your strategic planning; overseas visits; translation and interpretation; exhibitions and promotions; legal costs; overseas staff.

Thursday 7 October, 14:00 Friday 8 October, 10:00

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

The Department for International Trade’s Export Academy North West Workshops

A step-by-step guide to internationalise your marketing and website Monday 6 September / 20 September @ 10:00 - 12:00 Learn the 7 practical and productive steps to help you win more export business from your marketing and website with case studies from successful exporters LinkedIn – How to win new international business Monday 13 September / 27 September @ 10:00 - 12:00 Learn how to create a LinkedIn All Star profile and generate new business opportunities in 1 simple session – a roundup of our top advice and recommendations to boost your international profile and global sales.

The Northern Powerhouse had a GDP total of £411.8 billion in 2018. In 2020 alone, businesses based in the region exported £50.5 billion worth of goods to every cornerof the globe, yet there remains massive potential for future international growth. The region also has high speed rail links, excellent transport, highly skilled workforces and world-class research, with six northern universities ranked in the top 20 for research excellence nationally.

_ For more information please contact Sara on sara.pomfret@tradenw.org or 07922 581333.

See www.great.gov.uk for more details.

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In the

Spotlight with...

Simon & Cate Walter Rhino Safety

Q. Tell us about your background and the need for compliance We have both had varied career paths, ranging from Primary Teaching to Mechanical Engineering. We both entered the compliance world over a decade ago. We have seen compliance both from the perspective of business owners and employees, and know how hard it can be to get things right. Getting it wrong can have disastrous consequences, so we are on a mission to make health and safety simple and effective. When you are in the same environment day in, day out, you can become ‘nose-blind’ to the risks that develop around you, so working with various industries and sectors enables us to help our clients be consistently aware. Complacency is kryptonite to compliance.

Q. Reacting to the pandemic you introduced new Covid 19 safety packs and advice on employees returning safely to work, how is that going?

Due to the nature of the pandemic, the information, guidance and legislation around dealing with Covid-19 in the workplace has been hard to follow. We’ve found that our clients have really appreciated the dedicated support we provide, keeping up to date with the rapidly-changing rules and regulations, and giving them the peace of mind that they are doing everything they can to protect their workforce and customers from the virus. As more businesses open back up and return to the workplace in person, we are finding more and more new clients are reaching out to us for assistance.

Simon and Cate Walter are the husband and wife at the helm of Rhino Safety. Having started the company from their dining table in June 2015, they now have a team of 13 with offices in the Edwin Foden Centre in Sandbach. They work with over 170 clients nationwide, ranging from micro-businesses with less than 10 employees to large global corporations.

Here we meet the couple and hear about their commitment to helping businesses stay on the right side of the law when it comes to the health and safety of their workforces and customers.

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Q. Over the years you have notched up Chamber awards for Start Up Business, Contribution to the Community and Business of the Year (under 25 employees) how have they helped raise your profile?

When we won our first award (Start Up), the company was barely six months old, so the exposure we received from that was priceless. We had no experience or budget for marketing, so we literally couldn’t have bought that PR. As we grew and won further awards, they really helped us to solidify our reputation and credibility, as well as giving us the personal satisfaction and validation that we were on the right track!

Q. You have supported large-scale events such as the Nantwich Food Festival, tell us about your role to protect the public: A lot of people see the Nantwich Food Festival as a one-weekend event, but the planning and preparation for it happens for 10 months of the year! Our role is much more than patrolling the festival itself and directing people around hoardings; we get involved with traffic planning, writing the risk assessments for the whole event, checking that traders have the right documentation and insurances, inspecting the site during set up and the event itself, providing training to the volunteers… the list is long! So our public-facing role at the festival is a tiny part of what we actually do. But it’s extremely rewarding, and we’re proud to have been involved for so many years with something that feels very local and community-driven but attracts people from all over the UK. Q. You are busy parents to two daughters aged 10 and 13, how do you achieve a work life balance?

Being joint business owners as well as being married and having a family can be a bit relentless, but it works for us! Some people see ‘balance’ as 50/50, but the day to day reality is more like a pendulum. Sometimes we’re 100%

IN THE SPOTLIGHT focused on work, but we try to make time where we completely switch off and focus 100% on family. But we are working towards shared goals that benefit our family as a whole, so even if the ‘balance’ feels a bit off occasionally, it’s worth it.

Q. Tell us about the ethos of your business and dedication to customer service and client retention in these challenging times: We have a very clear ethos and reputation, and we always say that #TeamRhino is our culture, not just a hashtag. When we first started the business we were determined to only work in ways that made us happy, including the people we work with and clients we work for, and that has continued as we’ve grown. People who know us will know our not-suitable-for-print mantra (we don’t work with d***s), which is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek way of demonstrating our integrity and values. We have a reputation for being proactive, dynamic, and solution-focussed, so our clients have full trust and confidence in us. By putting our clients’ needs at the centre of everything we do, we maintain outstanding client retention rates and have grown from just 12 clients when we started in 2015 to over 17 retained clients just six years later.

Q. You are a long-standing Chamber member and now a Premium member, enjoying branding and promotional opportunities, have you found this useful?

Our involvement with the Chamber has been invaluable since we started the business, both from the perspective of the exposure we’ve received and also the support the Chamber give us as a growing business. We have explored various advertising and marketing opportunities in other areas, but the work we do with the Chamber is by far the most effective. Because they work with such a wide range of companies, they know exactly the best ways to get your message across, and this has been incredibly useful for us. Likewise, the connections we have made and relationships we have built with the Chamber’s support have been excellent. We’d recommend it to anyone thinking of joining or upgrading their membership.

Q. Rhino Safety has grown into an international success story, tell us about some of the sectors you work with: To many of our clients, we are effectively their outsourced health and safety department.

We work with such a wide range of clients, from offices to airlines, construction sites to ice cream factories, and everything in between; so our knowledge and experience covers a huge spectrum of compliance legislation. We now have a number of large clients with multiple premises and sites located around the world, but H&S in the UK is seen as the ‘gold standard’, so they often want us to replicate their UK operations elsewhere, whilst still complying with local legislation. Health and safety has a reputation for being boring and dry, but working with so many different clients keeps every day interesting for us, so we can approach it with enthusiasm and energy.

Q. You have recently introduced a new arm to the business with accredited training, how is that going?

We originally focused on health and safety consultancy as that is where our skills and experience lay, but we were always very aware that training was something our clients could get huge benefit from. Around four years ago we added an online training portal to our website that enables people to access high quality basic training, but accredited training (such as First Aid and Fire Safety) was something we always wanted to develop. At the end of 2020, the opportunity to acquire two established training providers arose, so we took the leap, even though face-to-face training was very limited due to the pandemic.

However, it has taken off brilliantly, and we have already established a very full training calendar throughout the year, so much so that we have taken on a new larger office alongside a bespoke training suite at our base in the Edwin Foden Centre in Sandbach.

Q. How do you like to spend your spare time?

We walk our two rescue dogs together and have recently bought a lodge in the Lake District which we’re looking forward to exploring! Cate is a lifelong fan of the Alex (Crewe Alexandra), and Simon is a die-hard Leeds Rhinos fan, so we’re often arguing over whether to watch the

football or the rugby! Both of our daughters play football for Sandbach United, so weekends feel sporty, even though it’s mostly observation rather than participation. We also love to binge-watch boxsets and Marvel films, and can often be found indulging our inner geeks with Lego sets.

Q. You sound very busy, but you have another business as well, Roar Business Coaching. What is that about?

When we set up Rhino we received a huge amount of support from so many other business owners, many of them fellow Chamber contacts.

We’ve always been so grateful of that and wanted to be able to do the same for others. After experiencing a business Mastermind ourselves in 2018, we realised that there wasn’t anything similar being offered locally, so we decided to set one up ourselves! Roar offers business coaching, with its main service being a monthly Mastermind membership where business leaders can get together to work through their issues, set themselves targets, and celebrate their achievements. It’s a really exciting and supportive group, and we get as much from it as our members do.

Q. What would you say is your greatest achievement to date?

Our path to business ownership was not a smooth one, and we’ve gone through some extremely turbulent times and had to make difficult decisions. We think our biggest achievement is remaining true to our values and goals and building a team and company that we are genuinely proud of. We are grateful every day for the successes we experience.

Q. What’s next for Rhino Safety?

More expansion! We’ve just bought out a fire safety company in Blackpool, and are recruiting for more Health & Safety consultants, so growth is continuous for us. We have always been ambitious and set ourselves audacious goals to see what we can achieve. Seeing our plans come to fruition is incredibly satisfying. _ For further information on Rhino Safety call: 01270 440 341 or email: info@rhinosafety.co.uk

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17

CHAMBER PATRONS

AO opens ‘rework’ facility to give new lease of life to returned appliances

to support the second-hand market while also offering some great bargains for our customers.”

Online electricals retailer AO has opened a new ‘rework’ facility to give returned appliances a new lease of life. Operating out of its ‘Latchford’ warehouse in Crewe, appliances returned by customers will be thoroughly tested with the aim of reselling them.

Since opening last month, the facility is currently handling approximately 900 appliances a week, including washing machines, fridges and TVs from a range of well-known manufacturers, that if not reworked may have ended up never being used. Once safety tested, cleaned and repackaged, the appliances are sold for a reduced price on the AO Outlet Ebay shop, available for delivery to all UK postcodes.

said:

Mark Rothwell, Head of Outlet Sales at AO,

“Our engineers take the time to thoroughly test these appliances 3 to 4 times so we can guarantee that they’re as good as new for future customers. At AO, we believe that reuse is the best form of recycling, so we’re really pleased to offer a new facility

The new facility has created several roles for talented engineers in the local area and AO has ambitious plans to launch apprenticeships in this area and external levy approved training in the near future.

Ben Swift joined the team straight from college, working as a runner transporting appliances around the workshop, while being tutored outside work by his senior teammates.

After sharing his ambition to become an engineer, AO trained him up to work in the new facility.

Michael Owen, Rework Production Manager at AO Logistics, said: “In the last few months, Ben has proved to be an invaluable member of the team with new as well as more experienced engineers approaching him for advice. We have now given him a contract to recognise his efforts and look forward to seeing the growth of his skillsets over the coming years.”

Crewe is also home to AO Logistics’ head office and two other distribution centres, Alpha & Omega. AO acquired the two-person delivery company in 2009, and it now offers delivery seven days a week on all items. _ For more information visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/love-slow-cookers-hate-waste.

Assurant continues to support local communities

Assurant actively engages to strengthen the communities where our employees live and work and during the past 12 months, we have worked even harder to support our charitable partners.

Through the Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of Assurant Inc., we have donated US$158,814 to UK charities as well as raised a total of US$30,517 through employee fundraising and fund matching. Every Assurant employee is eligible for up to US$1,000 in matching funds each year meaning our chosen charities can receive more than the initial funds raised.

Assurant is continuing to support the Flag Lane Baths regeneration project and we are really

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

looking forward to seeing some great progress in the months to come. We encourage local residents to find out more about how to donate their services and support to this project.

In addition to Assurant’s corporate fundraising and donation efforts, we have taken time to recognise, sponsor and support local good causes that are close to our hearts. We have sponsored a number of local school football teams, cricket teams and contributed to the local BMX track. These initiatives are supported because they have close links to our employees.

Volunteering has been difficult this year with so many COVID restrictions in place, however Assurant employees are finding innovative

ways to support their favourite charities. From crocheting hundreds of ear savers for medical staff to sponsored cycling, running and weight loss events, Assurant’s employees continue to demonstrate their willingness to go further for their local communities. Every Assurant employee is eligible for eight hours paid time to volunteer in their community, at a local charity or with a non-for-profit organisation.

Assurant is well placed to offer support to organisations that desperately need technology in order to function effectively. In the UK, Assurant donated a number of Chromebooks to a primary school near its office in Mitcheldean to support the children with their learning during the winter lockdown as well as made donations of refurbished tablets and mobile phones to charities supporting the victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery. These initiatives were particularly important during the national lockdowns when schools were closed, and many charities found it difficult to support their clients. _ To learn more about Assurant’s community and social responsibility commitments go to socialresponsibility.assurant.com.

•

Bentley Motors and Cheshire Community Foundation are pleased to confirm details of the local organisations that have successfully secured grants to deliver projects targeting Covid recovery in Crewe over the next 12 months.

The one-off grants, which range from £7,800 to £25,000 have been awarded to projects that tackle food poverty; mental health and wellbeing; debt relief and financial education – recognising that many people will have been affected by all three issues as a result of the Covid pandemic.

The successful applicants include Motherwell the women’s mental health charity, Pennysmart money advice organisation, and Chance Changing Lives community pantry.

These projects will have a real measurable impact, directly involving over 5,000 people, helping to rebuild their lives after the pandemic and sending positive ripples out through the community with an estimated 10,000 further family members due to benefit indirectly.

This new fund has significantly bolstered the funding available to local not-for-profit organisations in 2021, allowing them to focus on their vital work in the community.

The fund will support: • Food and operating costs for a community pantry • Food, staffing and fuel for a food bank to deliver food parcels locally for those unable to collect • Food, volunteer and vehicle running costs at a homelessness centre • Counselling services for young women aged 13-18 • Grief counselling for people bereaved through Covid-19 • Schools based group counselling sessions for children and young people coming out of lockdown

Salary costs, the recruitment of ten new volunteers and IT equipment for local citizen support advisors to meet increased demand • Salary costs and staff training to enhance Mental Health First Aiders • Training volunteer counsellors to enhance support at an LGBT+ charity • Staffing costs and overheads to increase support available for a money advice helpline service • The salary for an additional debt coach in a debt counselling organisation Bentley’s Member of the Board for People, Digitalisation and IT, Dr Astrid Fontaine comments: “Communities everywhere have been profoundly affected by Covid. Our goal in establishing this fund with Cheshire Community Foundation – as part of our wider “Come Back Stronger” – Covid recovery campaign, is to support locally run projects that can make a quick and tangible change to people’s lives in the Crewe area.”

Cheshire Community Foundation works with small charities and voluntary groups across Cheshire, helping to connect them to companies that can help to make a difference. Bentley and the Cheshire Community Foundation have worked together for almost nine years since the foundation was launched in 2012. _ For more information visit www.bentleymotors.com

CHAMBER PATRONS

Bentley and Cheshire Community Foundation confirm support for 11 projects through Covid Impact Fund

Industry experts inspire future generations thanks to Cheshire College’s NEW Lecturer Development Programme Employing over 200 academic staff across its three Campuses, Cheshire College has a passion for empowering individuals to thrive in the workplace and has launched a programme to provide support and training for new lecturers joining, including the opportunity to complete recognised teaching qualifications.

Industry professionals make up over half of Cheshire College’s current teaching staff and bring with them a wealth of specialist sector knowledge to enhance learners’ understanding and skills, with many still working within the business or running their own to keep up-to-date with the latest innovations.

Cheshire College’s new Lecturer Development Programme has a dedicated range of support and development opportunities for industry experts joining their academic team with no prior teaching experience or qualifications, including the chance to complete a Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training before progressing on to a Level 5 Diploma.

Silke Novak, Lecturer in Construction joined the College after 11 years of experience in

industry. She completed her PGCE whilst teaching learners on full-time programmes and said: “Being able to join the College as a lecturer whilst continuing to complete my qualifications on the same site was extremely convenient and meant I was able to draw on my classroom experiences when completing my qualification and vice versa.

“I had a fantastic mentor during this time within the department who supported me with my teaching and completing my qualification, and I’m so glad I made the move from industry into education to inspire the next generation of construction workers.”

Available to all lecturers and assessors joining from industry, as well as those with prior experience, Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) or

trainee teachers, Cheshire College’s Lecturer Development Programme also includes an assigned curriculum mentor and regular 1-2-1 support. _ For more information visit www.ccsw.ac.uk

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19

CHAMBER PATRONS

Moore Park Gardens

Guinness Homes proudly delivering new homes in Bunbury & Crewe

Cardamine Gardens

Broughton Gardens

Enquire today for Shared Ownership homes www.guinnesshomes.co.uk/homes-in-cheshire 0300 456 052

University to help SMEs boost their businesses

Managers of SMEs across the north of England will have the opportunity to boost their business with support from experts at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Business School.

The University will deliver the government’s ‘Help to Grow: Management’ scheme accredited with the Small Business Charter. The scheme offers an in-depth, high-quality curriculum, delivered only by leading business schools.

In collaboration with industry professionals, the University will work with around 900 SMEs over three years to teach them new skills, allow them to reach new customers and boost their profits.

It aims to enhance senior managers’ abilities to lead the growth of their business and support them to build capabilities to reach the business’s full potential.

The programme adds to the University’s portfolio of programmes to support

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

entrepreneurship, local economies, small businesses and their employees at all levels, including most recently the successful Small Business Leadership Programme that aimed to support the resilience, recovery and growth of SMEs during and after the pandemic.

Mandy Parkinson, Project Director and Centre for Enterprise lead at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “I am so proud that we are able to continue to help local businesses. Our success via the Small Business Leadership Programme has allowed us to continue our support for SMEs in the North West to build resilience and networks and ensure their business thrives and builds back better.

“It’s more important than ever for senior managers to build their networks and utilise connections in the industry. The ‘Help to Grow: Management’ programme will have long-term benefits for businesses by building capabilities in leadership, innovation, digital adoption,

employee engagement, marketing and financial management."

“The last 18 months has brought incredible challenges for small businesses and we are delighted that the Centre for Enterprise within the Business School will continue to do its part to support SMEs on their road to recovery.”

Upskilling our workforce: The new executive training programme is 90% funded by the government and is part of its plans to make the UK the best place in the world to start, scale up and grow a business.

The University is part of a national consortium of Small Business Charter-awarded universities and its success in supporting SMEs placed it as the perfect partner for the programme.

The 12-week programme will combine a practical curriculum with one-to-one mentoring from a business expert, peer-learning sessions to give businesses the opportunity to learn from one another, and an alumni network. _ The first cohort of the Help to Grow: Management programme will start in September.

Visit helptogrow@mmu.ac.uk

it was so clear to me how amazing the children have been and how much they’ve missed out on.

We wanted to give them something to recognise this.

A keepsake to look back on as they grow up and reflect on just how far they have come.”

The handcrafted Gainsborough pupils showing off their medals wooden medals were the brainchild Mornflake, home to the country’s best-loved of Natalie and PTA Vice Chair Emma Hartley who Mighty Oats, has rewarded children for their both have children attending Gainsborough. All resilience and hard work during pandemic 400 plus pupils received them before the end of months when their school was closed. term.

The famous breakfast brand answered a Natalie added: “The cost was over £900, plea from Gainsborough Primary School in Crewe and with fundraising events cancelled, it was not where the PTA was looking to fund special medals something we could manage. We approached for pupils recognising their efforts during an Mornflake and the company kindly stepped in unprecedented year. to sponsor the medals. I was so elated we could Chair of the PTA Natalie O’Neill reached do this for the children, I did a little dance. out to Mornflake and did a ‘little dance of joy’ When we gave them out they were so happy and when she received a fast response. She said: “I some classes literally cheered. We can’t thank have experience as a parent and as a teacher, so Mornflake enough for making it happen. It was

such a special thing to do.”

A household name for its premium porridge, granola and muesli range, Mornflake has played a critical role in feeding the nation during the pandemic, supporting the DEFRA parcel scheme with millions of packs of porridge sent to NHS workers, food banks and vulnerable people.

Its swift response to the pandemic was recognised by the GREAT Britain Inspirations campaign led by the Department of International Trade to celebrate the ‘extraordinary’ actions of UK businesses.

Managing Director John Lea said: “We were pleased to support this lovely gesture by a school on our doorstep here in Crewe. The pandemic has left a lasting mark on so many and children will look back on the period when they missed out on classroom education and being with friends. The medals will remind them of what they came through with Great British spirit.”

Crewe Alexandra FC has recently honoured its long-standing shirt sponsor by renaming its home on Gresty Road the Mornflake Stadium.

The firm employs more than 300 local people and its roots in South Cheshire are celebrated on products and signs on main roads into Crewe. _ For more information on the Mornflake story visit www.mornflake.com

CHAMBER PATRONS

Mornflake rewards top class effort during lockdown

MP praises technical advancements at Reaseheath College

Edward Timpson at Reaseheath’s Robotic Milking Centre with Assistant Principal Sharon Yates, Farm Manager Ed Parrish, Principal Marcus Clinton, Chair of Governors David Pearson and Dean of Higher Education Peter Greenall.

Edward Timpson CBE, Member of Parliament for Eddisbury, learned about technical advancements at Reaseheath College and University Centre in Nantwich during a fact finding campus tour.

Mr Timpson was updated on Reaseheath’s latest horticultural innovation, the UK’s largest training and research centre for vertical farming, which has just been completed. Vertical farming is the practice of growing plants indoors in stacked layers under controlled and sterile conditions.

Reaseheath’s project showcases the technological innovations within this fast growing and specialised sector and offers undergraduates

Edward Timpson chats to Assistant Dean Sarah Hopkinson in Reaseheath’s Vertical Farm

and businesses the opportunity for applied research and technical training.

Mr Timpson also visited the college’s new robotic milking centre and its associated data hub, which are delivering training in green technology skills to agricultural staff and students. Both projects have been supported

by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership through its Local Growth Fund.

Edward Timpson said: “I am delighted with the advancements made at Reaseheath College.

As a rural community, more needs to be done to raise our technological profile, so I am glad that the college is showcasing its new facilities.

“It has been positive to see the cooperation between the Government, our Local Enterprise Partnership and our schools and colleges to ensure all young people have equal educational opportunities-both vocational and academic.” _ For more go to www.reaseheath.ac.uk

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CHAMBER PATRONS

Why is it getting harder to find a UK cheque printer?

It’s getting harder to find a UK cheque printer, many have dropped out of the marketplace in the last few years. The diminishing popularity of cheques is one explanation but it’s also a challenge for an accredited printer to adopt all the latest printing security protocols that protect cheque users from fraud.

It was always envisaged that cheques would eventually disappear from our lives, along with fax machines and floppy discs. In 2009 the Payments Council announced their plans to abolish cheques in 2018, with the rise of online banking, fast payments, contactless payments, mobile payments and alike it was assumed that no one would miss such an archaic means of transaction. However, in 2011 these plans were abandoned due to growing unrest from campaign groups, politicians and businesses. Whilst cheque usage has fallen dramatically, falling by 20% to 272 million cheques in 2019, cheques are still popular with certain groups such as the elderly, charities and small businesses that still find it the best way to manage their payments.

In 2015, HM Treasury introduced legislative measures in the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015, amending the Bills of Exchange Act 1882, to allow UK banks and building societies to introduce cheque imaging, an innovation that aims to cut down cheque

clearing times from a possible six days to one day by sending a digital image of the cheque for clearing, rather than the paper cheque itself.

Subsequently in late 2017 we began to see the appearance of mobile banking apps that could scan cheques on a smart phone - a handy feature for those too busy or unable to head to a bank, or perhaps have seen their local branch close down. This was a welcome improvement that will benefit all but unfortunately it also opened up cheque fraud from the serious fraudster who has the time and resources to counterfeit a printed document to anyone with a copy of image editing software.

This has led to the adoption of Image Survivable Feature technology, designed to trap and reject counterfeit, forged and fraudulently altered cheques, including cheque imaging payments. For a custom cheque, this works by taking the variable cheque data - the serial number of the cheque, the sort code and the bank account number, and encrypting it within a unique code printed on the cheque face. The information held in the encrypted code provides validation of the details on the face of the cheque and can greatly help with fraud prevention when the cheque image is scanned and verified within the new Image Clearing System.

Russell Barnard, SG World Product Manager,

said: “The bar is already set very high to be an accredited cheque printer, not everyone has been able to adopt the latest security features and we have seen a reduction in the number of viable UK cheque printers. However SG World have a significant customer base of cheque users, including many schools, and we will keep supporting them with a solution they can trust.”

SG World has over 50 years’ experience in producing laser, continuous and SIMS cheques for schools and business, taking care of the whole set up – including liaising directly with the bank. If you are looking for a reliable, secure and speedy service to use with any accountancy software system in the marketplace, get in touch on 01270 588211. _ For more on the company visit www.sgworld.com

Motherwell moves to new Wistaston home Motherwell Cheshire has moved to new premises in Wistaston thanks to Chamber Patrons The Guinness Partnership.

The charity which works to ‘Encourage, Inspire and Empower’ women and girls aims to expand its services across Cheshire to reach more people and change more lives. Support services include, workshops, counselling, mentoring all focused around mental health.

Founder Kate Blakemore said: “Previously we were based in an office share environment in Crewe and our main office was in Winsford but we needed a firm base for us to continue our Motherwell Community Share Hub. Thanks to The Guinness Partnership, we have recently moved and are now based in the local community of Wistaston, making us even more accessible to those in need of support.

“Our hub is a sustainable, accessible to all scheme that provides a range of different services for families/parents to be, foster carers, and looked after children. We can provide everything from our baby bank and maternity hampers to school uniforms, stationery and period poverty supplies at no cost.”

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Kate, trained counsellor, works with local and national funders to generate funding for the charity as well as working closely with the local Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS and Cheshire and Wirral Partnership to identify the needs of local women.

She added: “Last year we recognised that families were struggling in many ways as a result of Covid and the charity decided to offer the Community Share Hub Scheme which over the last 12 months has gone from strength to strength. The hub helps families access pre-loved school uniforms, school bags and winter coats.

As a mum of three school aged children myself I understand the problems that school expenses can lead to, causing additional stress at such a tough time.”

Community Partnership Manager from Guinness Partnership Brian Hamlin added: “Motherwell Services support our community investment strategy. We look forward to further developing our role with Motherwell in the future.” _ For more on its work go to motherwellcheshirecio.com

Dan Marshall, CEO of the Absolute Solutions Group, looks at the manufacturing, warehousing and industrial sectors.

Q. The pandemic no doubt changed the landscape for the manufacturing, warehousing and industrial sectors. What were the main changes you have seen?

Covid-19 put massive pressure on supply chains; travel restrictions, lockdowns and border closures resulted in not only a shortage of drivers to transport cargo across borders, but also caused the restriction of many key shipping routes. This meant serious disruptions for many companies in the consumer goods, automotive, electronics and pharmaceutical sectors (particularly those manufacturing firms who traditionally sourced many of their components from China). Obviously, supply chains bounced back - albeit not to pre-pandemic levels - but as the logistics sector navigated its way through 2020, new supply chains were established, and the swift action of many governments in regard to pandemic containment measures eased restrictions in many countries, and helped get us back to something approaching normal.

Q. In regards to recruitment, which of these sectors has remained buoyant and which have suffered the most due to the pandemic?

Recruitment for warehousing companies has remained buoyant overall, particularly amongst firms in the food and critical goods

supply chains. Obviously, the early stages of lockdown saw a massive boom in the sector due to panic-buying of food, hygiene products and – of course – toilet paper. This resulted in a massively increased demand for warehouse workers and drivers for several months at the start of the pandemic. We’ve not really witnessed much of a drop-off in recruitment for logistics firms, which is promising for the mid- and long-term future of employment in the sector.

Some of our automotive clients had a short-term reduction in permanent recruitment activity, but this was bolstered by an upturn in the creation of temporary positions to cover those workers who have had to self-isolate or take time off to balance work with childcare and family commitments.

Q. What’s your view of the recruitment market in the next 12 months?

I think there’s every reason to be optimistic about the labour market and the wider UK economy. We’re already seeing an upturn in barometer markets like automotive – both at the standard consumer and luxury ends of the market. Employers across multiple industries are showing a higher degree of confidence, demonstrated by the commercial positions that are steadily starting to come through again.

We obviously still have to contend with the challenges to foreign trade that have been an inevitable result of Brexit, and business leaders will need to continue to stay strong as we battle out of the last stages of this pandemic, but the UK is a nation of entrepreneurs, and we always find a way.

Karen Dennis, Absolute Commercial, offers her views on the commercial/ office sectors.

Q. The pandemic no doubt changed the landscape for the commercial sector. What were the main changes you have seen?

Whilst some industries have been able to continue as ‘normal’, commercial or office based roles changed dramatically. The sudden shift to home working was, for some, a logistical nightmare – making sure staff had the right equipment to enable homeworking; welfare checks to make sure they’re coping; making sure communication remains a high priority etc. What we have seen with a high number of employers is the realisation that maybe a mix of home and office working is the way forward – their teams have demonstrated they can work effectively from home, so why not.

Q. In regards to recruitment itself, what has been the impact on recruitment in the commercial sectors?

Commercial recruitment definitely stalled to a certain degree during lockdown for a lot of employers. Recruitment was definitely not been top of most to do list as many furloughed staff.

Those businesses that have thrived have tended to be within manufacturing, ecommerce and support for essential services. _ If you would like to focus on your business and use the Absolute Solutions Group to find you the best people to help you on your journey, call 01270 509266 or email info@absol-group.com

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS

Ask the Experts – How will different sectors thrive or survive post-Covid?

Alextra assist client with successful multi-million pound acquisition Chamber Premium Members Alextra have recently assisted one of their clients, Aeroco Group, who specialise in the maintenance and repair of aircraft cabin and cargo components, with an acquisition via a Management Buyout.

The multi-million pound transaction, which covers the Company and its subsidiaries, was a long process within a challenging environment and economic climate.

Despite the pandemic, Alextra were able to lead the negotiations and raise the finance to conclude a successful deal in early 2021. Alextra’s team have been with the Company every step of the way of the Management Buyout and the deal facilitated the retirement of the Company’s founder, whilst ensuring a smooth transition to management to secure the Company’s ongoing growth.

Jon Bird, Group CEO commented:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have completed what has

been a long process. We look forward to the start of a new and exciting journey, with some new and welcomed opportunities in the coming months. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation of the efforts of Alextra in helping us complete this transaction.”

in which case it is important to appoint a trusted and experienced team to support them during the process. _ For services go to www.alextragroup.co.uk

The Alextra team have supported Aeroco Group from the start to help finalise and drive the Management Buyout through to completion.

Alextra have a wealth of experience in company sales, Management Buyouts and raising funds.

Other businesses may find themselves in the early stages of considering one of these options,

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

23

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS

New social enterprise launched to engage businesses with the Cheshire community Construction Linx, an active member of the South Cheshire Chamber has seen growth via investment in their brand and company promotion. This led to a new venture being created, founded by Gareth & Rachel Williams along with Debbie Owen to develop a business that supports other companies in promoting their links to local causes that is affordable and beneficial to businesses of any size, across Cheshire.

Donatable is a social enterprise that has been setup to support local businesses, enrich charities and develop a thriving, active community. We understand the opportunity of businesses benefiting locally from investing into their communities as part of a corporate and social responsibility scheme, building businesses brand equity, loyalty, and trust within the local population. Donatable provides businesses in Cheshire the platform to benefit from local PR and press opportunities, whilst supporting the charities and communities in our region.

Gareth notes:

“The idea that a person’s social conscience can have such a positive impact locally really resonates with us.

The problem for many business owners is that they simply are too busy running their business to properly engage with what we traditionally know as ‘corporate social responsibility."

“That’s why we’ve created an easy but impactful way to simplify this for businesses and provide them with a platform to become social impact heroes - improving their business reputation by directly contributing to helping change lives locally.”

The new fundraising model for multiple local charities and community groups is based on a membership organisational structure.

Businesses pay an annual membership fee of between £350.00 and £750.00 depending on their need for a packaged programme of promotional services via Donatable’ s community marketing, social media channels, and community initiatives.

Members receive support in telling their story through a series of positive marketing and PR activities – showcasing their investment in the local community. The Donatable scheme means your business will directly benefit from the community activity and marketing services delivered by Donatable.

Through the membership reward programme, members can earn their membership fee back through the referral scheme, in addition to being awarded financial credit to spend with other Donatable member businesses.

By converting the CSR acronym to ‘Community Minded and Socially Responsible’, Donatable aims to ignite philanthropy, beliefs and most importantly, positive community action into businesses across the South of Cheshire.

_ To find out more about donatable visit our website and register online at www.donatable.org.uk, follow donatable on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

2021 Deals Done so far Retail 85,000 Sq Ft

Offices 124,000 Sq Ft

Talk to the experts

With offices in Nantwich and Chester, we have a strong market presence, in depth knowledge, extensive market contacts and an excellent track record in delivering deals.

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

Industrial 2,575,000 Sq Ft

Commercial Land 20 acres

Residential Land 587 units

Premium members Rhino Safety Limited have seen a significant increase in businesses training their staff in areas such as First Aid, Fire Safety, and Mental Health Awareness since the lifting of Covid restrictions earlier in the year, with their new bespoke Training Suite in Sandbach seeing large numbers of employees and individuals gaining qualifications in recent months. With a long-standing and award-winning reputation for involvement with charitable work, the rapidly growing company has decided to provide a scheme that will benefit businesses and charities simultaneously!

Director Cate Walter explained “We have always been heavily involved with our local thirdsector community, but it has usually been on a skill-donation basis, providing direct health and safety support to those organisations who would otherwise struggle to access expertise such as ours. With our new Training facility, we thought we could widen our scope of provision in a way that benefits multiple people at the same time”.

From October, Rhino Safety will be running one accredited training course per month at their facility that will be free to attend, with delegates being asked to make a donation to a charity in lieu of the usual fee. Employees from #TeamRhino will take it in turns to pick a charity each month, which will then receive all the donations made by delegates.

Director Simon Walter explained

“We want as many people as possible to be trained in areas such as first aid and fire safety, because it is good for businesses and good for the population as a whole. This way, people can gain valuable qualifications whilst also helping out charities, so it’s a real feel-good exercise!”

The course subject will vary each month (starting with Emergency First Aid in October), businesses are limited to booking a maximum of two places, and courses are open to anyone whether via a business or as an individual.

They will be held at the Edwin Foden Centre in Sandbach, and include refreshments, lunch, and all course/qualification materials. Any donation is welcomed, but Rhino recommend £50 (all courses have an RRP of £80+VAT per person).

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS

FREE TRAINING: Gain Qualifications whilst Giving Back with Rhino Safety!

_ To book your place or for more information, look out for Rhino’s social media posts, or contact them on 01270 440341 or email training@ rhinosafety.co.uk with the subject line “Charity Training”.

DID YOU KNOW? Rhino Safety offer

FREE TRAINING every month!

Emergency First Aid, Fire Safety, and many more!

Courses vary, open to businesses and individuals.

Charity donation required.

T&C’s apply.

For more information or to book your place, please call 01270 440341 or email training@rhinosafety.co.uk with the subject line CHARITY TRAINING

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

25

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS

Health science campus marks expansion plans with jobs drive for local people Crewe’s Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus is increasing its workforce after rapidly becoming recognised as a centre for the training of nurses and medical students from around the world.

The Campus, which offers degrees in biomedical sciences plus pre-medical and medical foundation courses, opened in 2019 and already has more than more than 200 British and international students residing in its Booth Hall accommodation building.

With courses and student numbers set to grow, the Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus (ABHSC), based on the former Manchester Metropolitan University site, is actively looking to expand its team of 50 administration, customer care, welfare and site maintenance staff.

Director Amanda Weston said:

“In just 18 months Apollo has expanded into being a significant recruiter of overseas nurses in the North West which is paramount as we face a recovery of NHS services post Covid, and potential winter shortages of NHS staff. Plans are in place to supply thousands of staff to the NHS over the next few years."

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

“The site is now a vibrant campus with a vision to inspire collaborations between healthcare, education, research and innovation to improve patient outcomes and quality of life."

“And we are particularly delighted to be in a position to create jobs for local people. We have been on a drive to double our staffing in the last months and will be continuing to do so in the run up to 2022.”

The site opened as a college in 1912 and Apollo’s main partner is the University of Buckingham, maintaining the academic presence.

Discussions are also taking place with the NHS about further projects to support primary care and the development of Community Diagnostic facilities. Meanwhile the campus has been a base for Covid vaccinations.

In addition to its interests in education, the campus is also home to a number of local community projects, including LS gymnastics, Autism Inclusive, Little Angels, and Jo Dance.

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce also has its headquarters on the site and Apollo has recently been welcomed as a Premium member as it looks to strengthen links with the local business community.

Miss Weston added: “Apollo has become a major recruiter of overseas nurses for the UK, supporting the on-going NHS workforce crisis in the UK.

Words: Jan Roberts, Pure PR Pics: Peter Robinson

“Working with another local partner, GTEC, part of WWL NHS Trust, nurses arriving in the UK are able to complete their training in readiness for their new roles."

“We are now in a position to evolve our initial vision of being a health science campus and have linked with local GP practices to offer them an accessible base for their vaccination delivery during the last year. We look forward to working closely with these going forward.

“As a local person, I am delighted we can also accommodate local community projects, something we set as a target on the initial takeover from MMU.” Work is underway to restore and refurbish buildings on the historic Crewe Green Road site in a bid to attract new partners in technology, innovation and research.

On offer will be modern workspaces, laboratory space and wrap around services for start-ups as well as large areas of green space, a peaceful riverside area and picturesque Japanese garden.

ABHSC is also making available unique event space, short and long term office lettings and use of its sports facilities. Its Wellness Centre already attracts many students and local users to gym and exercise classes. _ For more information on Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus go to www.abhsc.co.uk

CHAMBER PREMIUM MEMBERS

Say Hello to…

Introducing new Chamber Premium member, Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus in Crewe ABHSC is developing in to become a vibrant health sciences campus which inspires collaborations between health care, education, research and innovation to improve patient outcomes and quality of life .

Since 1912 when the Crewe Campus first opened its doors as a college, it has been a centre of education with a history of major educational establishments and ABHSC is proud to continue this heritage.

The Vision:

“A vibrant health sciences campus which inspires collaborations between education, technology, innovation and research partners to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.”

Here’s more on this pioneering facility on the former MMU site on Crewe Green Road • The Apollo Hospitals Group is the largest independent healthcare provider in India.

It is dedicated to clinical excellence, the development and application of modern technology, and innovation and research, to provide affordable healthcare.

• The University of Buckingham, one of just three private medical schools in the UK, is an academic partner on the campus. It currently delivers undergraduate medical

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education and biosciences courses. The number of students for the courses is planned to grow and new courses are being added to the curriculum. The shortage of healthcare workforce globally, is driving the demand for medical education in the UK. ABHSC is proud to be supporting the NHS with the campus currently being used as a vaccination site. ABHSC is in discussion with local NHS partners about a number of other ways in which it might work together to provide conveniently located services, with free parking, to patients in the area.

Other collaborations with the NHS include the international sourcing, training and placement of nurses, doctors and Allied Health Professionals into the NHS, and working with Health Education England and the Royal College of Radiologists on specific projects to expand medical education and training to ensure a sustainable workforce.

Plans are being developed to restore and refurbish buildings on the campus. ABHSC looks forward to attracting new partners in technology, innovation and research, with modern workspaces, laboratory space and wrap around services for start-ups.

The campus has large areas of green space, a peaceful riverside area in which to relax, and a Japanese garden.

The campus boasts a Wellbeing Centre and a gym that attract students and other users to the campus for exercise and dance classes.

With accommodation for nearly 800 students at Booth Hall, the campus lends itself to events and conferences. It has 24/7 security on campus and at Booth Hall, free

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parking and bar/catering facilities on site.

ABHSC is keen to explore and develop local relationships that will utilise the campus and boost the local economy.

The Campus is home to a number of organisations including the charity Autism Inclusive and the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

_ For more go to www.abhsc.co.uk For events, health-related use of lecture facilities, courses and office space enquiries email admin@abhsc.co.uk

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

27

COMMUNITY NEWS

Kickstart creates opportunities for future managers

Recoup Financial Solutions is an international multi award-winning debt collection company based in Crewe. Owner Ryan Jones talks about his experience of Kickstart and the opportunities he has created.

It’s been widely documented that young people have been severely affected by the pandemic with latest estimates suggesting that 40% of all employed 18-24 year olds lost their jobs over the lockdown period.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new six-month job placements for young people who are out of work and/or those claiming Universal Credit to develop their work skills and help them find future employment.

With South Cheshire Chamber acting as the Gateway organisation, we were able to access the funding and offer placements to two candidates through the Kickstart Scheme. We’ve had two young people with very little work experience join us through the Kickstart Scheme recently and to say they have impressed would be understating things.

It was clear from the first week’s training that they had the capability to do more the 25hour week, so we decided to increase their hours to full time. We hope to be able to offer them a permanent position within the company and have structured their training and development on increasing their employability role skills.

As this process has been rewarding for

both the business and the new Placements, we have applied for an additional two candidates through the Gateway organisation South Cheshire Chamber.

It has been our pleasure to welcome these young people and create opportunities for them to become skilled professionals and future managers. _ For more on Recoup Business Support Centre go to www.recoupcentre.co.uk

Mum’s the word for postnatal care at physio firm Physiotherapist Serena Proctor and Emily Carter of ctchealthcare with their children

A health and wellbeing provider has introduced treatments for new mothers to ‘get back to normal’ after caring for families across Cheshire and Staffordshire for nearly 30 years.

Specialist physiotherapists at ctchealthcare are offering Mummy MOTs to support the physical and mental health of women who have given birth naturally or by Caesarean section.

The family run firm, which has clinics in Crewe, Nantwich, Stoke and Stafford, has seen more mothers reach out during the pandemic due to difficulties accessing hospital and surgery appointments.

Mother-of-three Emily Carter, whose husband Rick is owner and lead physio, said:

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“Pregnancy has a big impact, mentally and physically, and we hear from women who just want to ‘get back to normal’ and feel good in themselves again soon after birth and even years later."

“Unfortunately they have been low on the priority list as hospitals and surgeries cope with a patient backlog and it has been our pleasure to give them a private space where they can share their concerns and regain their confidence.”

The Mummy MOT includes an assessment of tummy and pelvic floor muscles and addresses any bladder weakness, back pain and posture issues.

Physiotherapist Serena Proctor said: “Carrying a baby can cause changes to the whole body which can cause problems later in life. The Mummy MOT looks at body alignment as part of a bespoke post-natal recovery programme, taking into account lifestyle and fitness goals. It includes specific and safe post-natal exercises to improve stability, posture and core strength.”

Mother-of-one Serena has been a specialist in women’s health for over 10 years. She added: “Knowing about body changes, scars and intimacy issues can give a better understanding and reduce anxiety post-delivery. The NHS is excellent but strained in time to offer one-to-one support.

Our aim is to help mums feel better and self-care at a time when their energy and self-esteem is often at a low ebb.”

Physios at ctchealthcare have worked throughout the pandemic supporting local communities with professional pain relief and prescription services. _ For more on the Mummy MOT and other treatments call 01270 361363 or go to www.ctchealthcare.co.uk

COMMUNITY NEWS

Flag Lane Baths transformation still on track

Reverend David Edwards, Charity Executive Director Councillor Connor Naismith Andy Morris Commercial Officer, International Markets at Assurant Europe, and Chair of the Flag Lane Baths Campaign Committee

Words and Pictures by Jon Barnes Despite the pandemic, campaigners are pushing forward with plans to transform Crewe’s historic Flag Lane Baths in to a vibrant community hub and local businesses and residents have a unique opportunity to get involved.

Walking past the iconic Flag Lane Baths and seeing it in such a state of deterioration, residents are questioning whether it will ever match its former glory. Campaigners – led by Reverend David Edwards, Always Ahead Charity Executive Director – are keen to reiterate that yes, the site will be an integral part of life for the people of Crewe once again, and not only will we be able to enjoy it, but will also be able to take part in its regeneration.

Due to the building being left empty for the past five years, it has suffered weather damage and vandalism. The Always Ahead Charity is aiming to raise £3.6m to revamp the building and its grounds while preserving the elements which make it great – its heritage, and place in the community.

Now is the time to push for the Flag Lane Baths Project and get Crewe back in the spotlight, as there is potential investment to the town from various regeneration projects and the Royal Ascension of HS2.

Reverend David Edwards said:

“This project is not just exciting, but vital to the local residents of Crewe as it aims to turn what is now a dilapidated building into a beacon of community engagement. Parents and

grandparents who once made happy memories in Flag Lane Baths will once again be able to create memories with future generations. The plans we have for this space will bring the community together – and we would like passionate volunteers to help us any way they can.”

Local businesses and residents are urged to get involved by joining the ‘Friends of Flag Lane Baths’. We want to hear from you, no matter who you are. If you are passionate about keeping alive the heritage of Flag Lane Baths, the regeneration of the area, and would like to be a part of this flagship project from the start, there are ways in which you can help. To find out more information and to become one of the ‘Friends of Flag Lane Baths’ please email friends@flaglanebaths.co.uk Councillor Connor Naismith said: "Supporting the regeneration of Flag Lane Baths was one of the key commitments of my recent by-election campaign in Crewe West and I have been working closely with David for some time now to try and move things along. I am delighted that we have achieved key milestones, giving the project much needed security. Now we need to harness the strength of community spirit of Crewe residents and businesses. I know David and the rest of the team really want the community to have a stake in this project so if you are passionate about the baths then I would encourage you to get in touch and get involved."

Andy Morris, Commercial Officer, International markets at Assurant, and Chair of

the Flag Lane Baths Campaign Committee said: “Giving back to the communities where we live and work is an important commitment for Assurant. We are delighted to support the regeneration of this community space to meet local needs. When complete, the renewed facility will provide a valuable service with an array of resources, while also preserving the heritage of the building and keeping alive the memories of many generations of Crewe residents. In addition to the US$125,000 donation from the Assurant Foundation, the charitable arm of Assurant, Inc., the Assurant team is also volunteering and sharing their skill base. I encourage local residents and businesses to find out more and donate their services in support of this project.”

This project will surpass expectations thanks to the community spirit of Crewe residents. It is so important that we all come together to donate our time and skills, spreading the word of this amazing opportunity. _ For more information on how you can support this important community project, please email friends@flaglanebaths.co.uk or info@flaglanebaths.co.uk

These are just some of the ways in which you can help: Donations Sponsorship Opportunities Volunteer Work Trade Expertise Fundraising Skills Donation Advertising Time Donation

TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

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COMMUNITY NEWS

Crewe Town Council welcomes new recruits

Crewe Town Council has welcomed three new members to the team - a Ranger, Heritage Officer and Events and Communications Manager.

Heritage Development Officer: Vicky Harrison joined the team in March in a new Heritage Lottery funded role. Vicky is drawing on 15 years’ experience, including 13 at York Minster heading up the heritage and learning teams before she started her own heritage consultancy to work with museums and cathedrals at a national level.

Vicky is leading the work to highlight Crewe’s heritage and help people access it more easily. She is working with the community to identify important parts of our heritage and find new, sustainable ways to engage with it. Vicky is currently focusing on the redevelopment of Christ Church, where she is establishing a community trust to hopefully take ownership of the building.

She will then support the trust to find sustainable uses for the building.

Events and Communications Manager: Rachel Rhodes has joined the team in June from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. With 13 years’ experience of working within local authority in communications, culture and events roles, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

This role will continue to lead on the development and delivery of a program of highquality events within Crewe, whilst managing the councils communications strategy and working closely with the Crewe Town Board and partners to drive forward the Crewe Place Brand.

Crewe Town Council Ranger: A new Crewe Ranger was welcomed in March, bringing this popular service up to a team of three. With a background in landscaping and highways maintenance and earlier days spent assisting on local farms, he brings some new skills to the team and as usual, lots of enthusiasm to make Crewe better for its residents and businesses.

The new recruits will work closely with the existing team, bringing additional skills, experience and resources to the mix. Enabling the town council to play a pivotal role in supporting Crewe’s post pandemic recovery whilst also driving forward positive change that will impact Crewe, its residents, businesses, and visitors.

Full steam ahead for Crewe’s heritage

McLean Collection of Crewe & District Local History Association

When you think about Cheshire towns packed with history, Crewe is probably not top of the list. But Crewe Town Council think it is time for this to change. In just 184 years, Crewe has transformed from a group of farming settlements of just 900 people, to a vital transport gateway and industrial centre, home to more than 70,000 people from across the world. Understanding this rapid growth is recognised by the Town Council, the Town Board and the Crewe Branding Project as a key consideration in planning future regeneration.

To help begin this important work, Crewe Town Council has been working with local experts and interested organisations, to produce a Heritage Strategy for Crewe. The strategy identifies themes and ways of working which will

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help people access the town’s past. It is available from https://www.crewetowncouncil.gov.uk/ heritage-strategy-for-crewe/ The Town Council, with support from the Architectural Heritage Fund, has also appointed a Heritage Development Officer to deliver the strategy.

In the coming months you will see many heritage projects starting to develop. Our main focus is the redevelopment of Christ Church through the establishment of a community trust.

The intention is for the trust to take ownership of the church and create a sustainable future which benefits the community, while safeguarding this important historic building. Consultation has just begun on these proposals so watch this space as we will soon be looking for members to join the trust. We are also working with the Market Hall to develop a display area exploring Crewe’s

The Mayor of Crewe, Cllr Tom Dunlop, commented:

"The ability to recruit such a high calibre of candidates is a testament to the collaborative working, opportunities, ambitious vison, and potential of Crewe. The additional resource will allow us to work alongside partners to develop and deliver largerscale and more ambitious programmes of work focused on regeneration, community, heritage, events and greenspace.” _ For more on job opportunities with the council and events go to www.crewetowncouncil.gov.uk

history through permanent and temporary displays. Other areas of work include supporting the Crewe Heritage Centre to develop their visitor offer and partnering with Cheshire East Council to develop the Local List which identifies buildings of local importance. _ Crewe Town Council know there is a lot more to the town’s heritage than currently understood.

We are keen to involve people and businesses in piecing this together. Whether it is sharing your story, alerting us to objects you hold or sponsoring a project, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us via heritage@crewetowncouncil.gov.uk.

McLean Collection of Crewe & District Local History Association

By Fran Johnson Audit Partner Most auditors will tell you that one of the things they enjoy most about their jobs is spending time in clients’ businesses. Taking the time to understand their products, processes, people, and even the Sunday evening routine of checking the traffic hotspots and planning the route for the Monday morning commute is ingrained in our minds. So, what do you do when everything changes, a pandemic breaks out and visiting clients is no longer possible?

At WR Partners, pausing our audit work until we could re-enter our clients’ premises was not an option. Fortunately, our IT systems were already set up for the switch to remote working, with our business using paperless files and cloud-based software for several years, with a few minor adjustments, our virtual service was ready to go. By using a range of video calling software, we could match the platforms our clients were working with and our team were easily able to keep in touch when working together. A suite of secure data transfer options allows us to get the large volumes of information needed for a remote audit from our clients safely and simply.

Looking to a post-pandemic world, is the current model the future? And moving forward, how much of a factor should location be in choosing your auditor? There is no denying that physical visits still build relationships better

than video calls, but the old times (and costs) of placing multiple audit staff on site for weeks at a time, tying up clients’ employees, may well be over. The rapid development and implementation of remote auditing processes, which still give the same quality of evidence, allows us to consider a hybrid model for the future, benefiting clients and staff alike. Lockdown isn’t something that

Behind every great business...

anyone wants to repeat, but it has shown that there are many efficiencies to be made and opportunities for those that are willing to take them. _ WR Partners are a firm of accountants, business advisers and tax specialists. Get in touch on 08000 664664 or email hello@wrpartners.co.uk

MEMBER NEWS

Adapting auditing for a pandemic and beyond

Is a great accountant.

Build your business with our advisers at wrpartners.co.uk or call 08000 664 664

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MEMBER NEWS

Art in the frame at Market Hall “I have deliberately kept prices low so that the classes are open to everyone,” said David.

“I appreciate that it has been a tough 18 months and people need a new outlet.”

Students can choose classes in sketching, watercolours, acrylics or pastels, whatever you would fancy trying your hand at. _ For more information contact David on 07557 446163 or email him on david-jewkes@sky.com

Budding Crewe artists are being offered the unique opportunity to be taught art by a local Slade trained artist David Jewkes.

David who, won a scholarship to study Fine Art at Masters level at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art in London, has just opened a studio shop in the newly renovated Crewe Market Hall.

These new one-to-one art classes are available from 11-4pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Booking is essential to reserve a space.

David charges £10 per hour but asks students to provide their own materials. This also helps reduce the risk of Covid-19.

Positive forces of inspiration unite on Crewe Business Park “Corspace Community is an on-line and physical space offering a dedicated environment for a range of business professionals to meet, talk and grow. We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate and benefit learners and local businesses,”

Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal/ Deputy CEO at Cheshire College South & West, visiting the gallery at Corspace

Cheshire College - South & West together with flexible office providers, Corspace have joined forces to ignite creative thought by exhibiting learner artwork in a satellite gallery set alongside new and existing businesses.

The first gallery exhibition at Corspace showcases a diverse collection of 38 original pieces of mixed media A Level and BTEC artwork is now open for viewing over two floors of the Corspace building on Electra Way. This exhibition will rotate with a second collection due for installation at the Grosvenor Museum in Chester.

A full catalogue of the exhibition is being made available to all members of the Corspace Community, with an opportunity for learners to promote their artwork for sale at the end of each

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exhibition season.

Plans are underway to regularly add new learner work to the exhibitions and Corspace has also been invited to prepare a design brief for future art projects to encompass a commercial “tilt” to assignment work. Cheshire College learners will be encouraged to visit Corspace to view the exhibition to gain insight and awareness of Crewe’s vibrant commercial presence.

“Our satellite galleries encourage conversations and stimulate ideas between learners, business owners and local communities,” said Helen Nellist, Deputy Principal/Deputy CEO at Cheshire College - South & West.

added Jayne Ford, Head of Commercial Development at Corspace.

As well as providing high quality flexible workspace for local companies, Corspace have set up a complimentary community space to promote and champion the skills and resources available in and around Crewe. Strengthening links between academia and business the alliance between Cheshire College and Corspace, aims to open opportunities for students, professionals and entrepreneurs locally as they showcase the rich source of home-grown talent consistently developed at Cheshire College. _ For more go to www.corspace.co.uk

The Largest Dedicated Commercial Property Consultants in Cheshire We Advise on all aspects of commercial property throughout Cheshire and the UK, covering all sectors including Industrial, Offices, retail, leisure and land.

TO LET/FOR SALE

TO LET

4 Hospital Street, Nantwich Retail Unit in Nantwich Town Centre 645 Sq Ft (59.92 Sq M)

Nantwich Court, Nantwich Office Premises 254 Sq Ft to 730 Sq Ft 23.6 Sq M to 67.82 Sq M)

FOR SALE

TO LET/FOR SALE

THE NANTWICH TEAM

Andy Butler

andybutler@legatowen.co.uk

Matthew Pochin

mattpochin@legatowen.co.uk

8 Solway Court 1 Mallard Court, Crewe Crewe Business Park, Crewe Office Investment located High self contained on quality Crewe Business Park office 1,367 Sq Ft (126.99 Sq M) 1,437 Sq Ft

3 First Wood Street, Nantwich 8 Solway Court Crewe Park, Crewe SelfBusiness Contained Offices suitable for aself variety of uses High quality contained (subjectoffice to planning) 717 Sq Ft (66.61 1,437 Sq FtSq M)

Hannah Baker

hannahbaker@legatowen.co.uk

TO LET

TO LET UN

DER

OFF

ER

Sam Davis

samdavis@legatowen.co.uk

Rockwell House, Crewe Warehouse/Manufacturing/ Office 28,509 Sq Ft (2,648 Sq M)

12 Oat Market, Nantwich Prominent Retail Unit 2,299 Sq Ft (213.58 Sq M) Gf: 1,153 Sq Ft (107.1 Sq M) Ff: 1,146 Sq M (106.5 Sq M)

With offices in Nantwich and Chester, we have a strong market presence, in depth knowledge, extensive market contacts and an excellent track record in delivering deals.

For a free copy of our ‘Property Focus‘ magazine, call or email the team.

MEMBER NEWS

Security firm steps in to support Cheshire autism charity A charity supporting children and adults with autism has received a boost from a nearby company as it introduces more popular gaming sessions at its specialist centre in Crewe.

Teenager Aiden Taylor, who has the condition and is a keen gamer, was the inspiration behind the donation to Autism Inclusive from security firm Alpha Omega based on Crewe Business Park.

Aiden’s dad Andy Taylor, who is Operations Director at Alpha Omega, saw how much users of the centre loved attending the Monday night sessions and asked what the charity needed to expand them.

Andy, from Crewe, said: “Aiden is 18 and will soon have to leave his specialist school in West Kirby but the one constant joy in his life is Autism Inclusive. He’s high functioning autistic and to the outside world people wouldn’t realise there’s an issue but everyday sound is one area where he struggles and he goes about in headphones.

“Playing the Xbox is something he really loves and Autism Inclusive has its own Gaming Area where he can be around other young people playing games and making friends with a similar interest. Alpha Omega does a lot for local

charities but this one is very close to my heart of course and we arranged to pay for what they needed to expand the sessions.”

Alpha Omega Managing Director Ken Lawton added: “I know what a tower of support the charity has been to Andy’s family over the years. It does great work in the local community and we’re delighted our donation will mean so much to the young gamers.”

Autism Inclusive, based on Crewe’s Apollo Buckingham Health Science Campus, is now hosting two sessions every Monday evening from 5 to 7pm and 7.30 to 9.30pm for youngsters 14 and over.

Co-Chairperson Elly Holstead: “To extend the gaming sessions we needed external hard drives so the players can save where they are up to and load more games. Alpha Omega kindly stepped in with the best part of £500 to pay for these. Obviously items for our Gaming Area are not cheap so we are tremendously grateful for this fantastic support.”

Alpha Omega, a major employer of more than 230 South Cheshire people, provides mobile security, static guards, CCTV monitoring and keyholding services for a wide range of high-profile

Ken Lawton and Andy Taylor of security company Alpha Omega meet up with the team at Autism Inclusive in Crewe

companies and local authorities.

Autism Inclusive is just one of the charities supported this year. At the height of the pandemic the company arranged food drops for mothers and children in rural African communities and it remains a regular supporter of Leighton Hospital’s Lost Little Ones appeal to create a suite on the labour ward for bereaved parents. _ For more on Alpha Omega services visit www.alphaomegauk.com

County Group goes fairway to support good cause

A charity golf day organised by The County Group was a big success at Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club. Left to right are Karl Garcia, Chris Hoesli, Alastair Christopherson and Andy Worth from the company’s first team

Major South Cheshire employer The County Group swung back into action with a charity golf day to support a cause close to the heart of colleagues.

The insurance specialist drew 14 teams of

golfers from across the region to a tournament staged at Wychwood Park Hotel & Golf Club in Crewe to boost funds for the mental health charity Mind.

A grand sum of £2,740 was raised which included a very generous bid at auction by Steve Smith, Managing Director from Guardian Insurance, for the prize of lessons with golf pro Ben Hallam.

Teams, comprising of more than 50 people from businesses such Kindertons Accident Management, GMS Group, Global Risk Partners and Rawlins Insurance, played 18 holes. There were prizes for Beat the Pro, Nearest Pin, Longest Drive, Individual first, second and third and overall team winners. First were Guardian Insurance, second GMS Group and third, Kindertons Accident Management.

Alastair Christopherson, Group Managing Director, said: “Over the years the golf day has

raised more than £40,000 for charities nominated by employees at our Crewe office.

“These efforts underline our mission statement of giving back to the community where we live and do business. It fosters team spirit and creates a sense of pride in working for a company that takes its corporate social responsibility seriously.

“Postponed last year due to the pandemic, there was great enthusiasm to organise the golf day and return to the fairways. We were very lucky with the weather, the sun shone for most of the day despite the forecasted rain, making it even better. Well done to all of our winners and thank you to everyone who attended the day.” _ The County Group, based on Crewe Business Park, is a long-standing sponsor of Nantwich Town FC and Nantwich Cricket Club. For more information on insurance products go to www.countyins.com

Post-Covid recovery at Park View Business Centre

Park View Business Centre has welcomed several new faces to its rural setting on the Cheshire/ Shropshire border.

Like many office providers Park View, located at Combermere, saw a dip in demand as a direct result of the pandemic but now there’s an uplift as businesses get back to ‘normal’ and take advantage of the facilities.

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

Managing Director Peter Beckett said: "Unfortunately, we lost about 15% of our tenants in the last year but I am delighted to say that we seem to have turned a corner and new enquiries have started again. Last week alone, we signed up two new companies, we have attracted back someone who used to have an office with us three years ago, and we have helped an existing tenant with taking two further spaces to meet their expansion.

“Our co-sharing space has had some take up and we suspect that those people working for larger, city-centre based organisations will be considering how best to set up a hybrid way of working in the future - part main office and part closer to/at home. It's terrific that there are some

green shoots showing."

Park View Business Centre has also made itself available for hosting special weekend events. It was the venue for Dachshing Doggies, organised by its resident dog-groomer and is set to welcome enthusiasts to the latest in a series of Classic Car events. _ Park View has availability for people looking to run their businesses from its beautifully converted Cheshire brick barns. There’s superfast broadband up to 100 mbs plus an on-site gym and café. For more information visit www.parkviewbusinesscentre.co.uk

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity (MCH Charity), which is the registered NHS charity for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has launched a new fundraising appeal.

The Children’s Emergency Care Appeal aims to raise £40,000 this year, which will be used to purchase high-tech equipment and items for the paediatric area of Leighton Hospital’s A&E department. It’s hoped the items will make the area more calm and child friendly for the thousands of poorly babies and children who visit the Emergency Department every year.

Emma Robertson, MCH Charity Manager, said: “We’re delighted to be back with a new, exciting appeal which we know will make a huge different to the care and experience of local children who need urgent medical care.”

“We’re really pleased with the support we’ve got so far, which includes registering five members of NHS staff with a place in this year’s Great North Run, lots of local people and businesses signing up to our ‘Freedom Miles’ event, and brilliant support for our summer raffle.

“We’re obviously conscious that we can’t hold some of the events that we would usually like to and that’s why it’s even more important that we reach out to our local business community to ask for their help to get us to our £40k target so we can start making a difference as soon as we can.”

Carole Salmon, MCH Charity Community Fundraiser, added: “Luckily, last year I was able to keep in touch with my fantastic business networks as most face-to-face meetings quickly switched online. I’ve built up some amazing relationships with members of the South Cheshire Chamber, who have offered lots of support to us, from holding their own events to sponsoring our events, or by simply donating or buying a raffle ticket!

“But I’m keen to keep building more links with businesses, especially as there is so much value in giving something back to local NHS services through supporting the charity. I would ask anyone working in a local business wanting to find out more to get in touch to arrange a chat with me, either virtually or maybe even face-toface.”

For more information go to mchcharity.org/ appeals/childrens-emergency-care

Ceri Donovan Paediatric Advanced Clinical Practitioner and (R) Dr Jo Tillet, Consultant in Emergency Medicine

CHARITY NEWS

Hospital launches new children’s appeal

Hall Smith Whittingham Solicitors sponsors of MCH Charity Young Fundraisers Scheme and Freedom Miles.

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35

Do you have enough on your plate running a business? A smart meter could help

Running your very own restaurant, coffee shop or bar might be a dream, but you are up against huge competition, and it can be tough out there. For survival and success, you may want to consider the following: • Find your niche: small independents can compete with the big chains – but you need to find your USP. How are you different?

• Location is key: aim for areas of high footfall with few competing businesses nearby • Build the right team: you need to find great staff who can deliver outstanding customer service – you can’t do it on your own • Pick your suppliers carefully: your customers will only turn into regulars if you’re offering quality food and drink

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

• And finally, don’t forget your bottom line: you also need keep an eye on regular outgoings such as your energy bills Energy is a key expense for small catering businesses which makes it a crucial area for these businesses to save money and take control of their finances. Smart meters could give businesses additional visibility over energy use and costs to make it easier to identify where changes and savings can be made.

In addition, sustainability is a key focus for many businesses across Great Britain – the smart meter rollout is predicted to reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 34.4m tonnes – so by getting smart meters installed in your business you’re helping achieve this, making your business that bit more sustainable.

Your smart meter works as hard as you do Running an independent coffee shop,

bar or restaurant is a round-the-clock job and supplying your energy readings is often not a top priority. Smart meters send your gas and electricity readings directly to your energy supplier, saving you time to focus on other jobs.

Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible and installations can be arranged at a convenient time to ensure minimal interruption to your business and your clients. _ To find out more please click here https://www.smartenergygb.org/en/ about-smart-meters/smart-meterbenefits-for-small-businesses?utm_ medium=Email&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_ campaign=Partnership&utm_content=SouthCheshire Contact your energy supplier or broker today and see if you are eligible.

The Absolute Solutions Group

EXPERT EYE

Expert Eye with...

Dan Marshall

Joint CEO, Absolute Solutions Group

Dan Marshall is joint CEO of the Absolute Solutions Group, a leading group of North West Recruitment companies with the HQ based in Crewe and serving Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire. Here he offers tips on hybrid working and returning to the office.

With so much disruption from the pandemic, people’s expectations around work, how they fulfil their role, and how they reconcile work and domestic responsibilities may have changed dramatically. This is an ideal time for employers to think more creatively about effective ways of working, and harness more agile and flexible working practices to meet individuals’ changing expectations.

At the heart of any company’s plans should be a commitment to support flexible, remote and hybrid working where possible.

With recent surveys suggesting that over half of workers would like to retain a mix of working at home and their workplace, and three quarters expect employers to offer it, you should be thinking about your approach or policy toward hybrid working.

Before the pandemic, 65% of employers either did not offer regular working from home at all or offered it to 10% or less of their workforce. After the crisis, that 65% is expected to fall dramatically to 35% and this will be offered much wider to employees than ever before, representing a significant shift in ways of working, which business leaders will need to prepare for.

Employees now expect more home working and hybrid working and employers now trust their employees much more, aided by proof that meetings can be conducted effectively using technologies such as Teams and Zoom. In theory, this saves hours of wasted time driving around the country to the ‘old school’ face to face meeting!

While some employees may want

to work from home all the time after the pandemic, most would prefer a balance where they are in the office for some of the week and at home for the remainder. This has led to the use of a relatively new term: hybrid working. Many organisations are now considering what ‘hybrid’ means for them, how they might meet this new employee demand, and what will need to be in place in order for these new ways of working to be effective.

For most organisations, the introduction of hybrid working will require a significant culture shift and establishing new ways of working and associated policies and practices. We can learn some lessons from working from home during the pandemic.

However, in some ways hybrid working will make greater demands of managers and organisations than the urgent shift to total remote working.

Why hybrid working? The significant interest in more flexible forms of working, and hybrid working in particular, have created new employee expectations and desires. Organisations who do not support flexible forms of working may therefore risk increased employee turnover, reduced employee engagement and limitations on the ability to attract talent in the future.

What are the benefits of hybrid working? Despite the many complexities and challenges of living and working through the global pandemic, employees have still identified many benefits from working from home, for both them and their organisation.

These benefits include a better work–life balance, greater ability to focus with fewer distractions, more time for family and friends, saved commuting time and costs, IT upskilling and higher levels of motivation.

Other benefits of flexible working include savings on office space, higher levels of employee job satisfaction and reduced absence rates.

Top Tips for Hybrid working Determine if there are any roles that should be prioritised for return to the workplace. Are there traditional ‘office’ roles that could be predominately home based?

Calculate safe office occupancy levels in order to maintain social distancing.

Encourage and support every manager to have a oneto-one return meeting with every employee, where a key focus is on health, safety and well-being. This is especially important for those who have been furloughed and may not have been in the workplace for some time.

Identify any employees who need to continue to work from home in the short term, for example, because they remain vulnerable, have ongoing health conditions or are undertaking caring responsibilities.

Establish and communicate a plan for when employees will work from the office and when they will work from home.

Consult with employees on plans for returning to the workplace and encourage them to raise questions or concerns.

Make sure that your working environment – meeting rooms and communal areas such as kitchens – follow social distancing guidelines and have robust cleaning routines.

Consider whether you really need a face-to-face meeting at work or whether technology such as Zoom or Teams might suffice?

With the return of furloughed staff, and for some businesses, hopefully, now needing to recruit and fuel growth post-pandemic, we believe that employers have a fantastic opportunity to attract top talent and maintain high levels of staff morale and satisfaction.

There are other significant savings to be had in terms of travel time, expenses, vehicles and premises whilst increasing revenue and profitability. We encourage employers to review their hybrid working practices and embrace the expected new way of working that your employees will demand and expect. _ For more on the Absolute Solutions Group go to absol-group.com TO JOIN TODAY GO TO WWW.SCCCI.CO.UK

37

CHAMBER EVENTS

South Cheshire Chamber Events Programme

Virtual Speed Networking

How to Maximise your Membership

Held bi-monthly Whether you are considering joining the Chamber, have been a member for some time, or have employees who may not be fully aware of all the benefits of Chamber membership, this event will enable you to fully utilise your membership. This event is open to members and non-members.

Held bi-monthly Speed Networking events are now a regular and efficient fixture for meeting other Chamber members. This structured event enables you to meet all delegates virtually in addition to offering guidance and tips on making the most of your networking. This event is open to members only.

Local and Economic updates

Final Friday

Held on the last Friday of the month Hosted by a Chamber member, this event offers great networking and regularly attracts over 50 different businesses. This event is open to members.’

Held quarterly January, April, July, October This event features an update and comparison of the local, regional and national responses to the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey. In addition, the event will feature a second speaker who will provide an update on local project activity e.g. HS2, Crewe Town Centre. This event is free to members. Nonmembers may attend subject to capacity and will be charged an attendance fee.

International Trade Forums

Held three times per year With a range of expert speakers, this event provides an excellent source of information, knowledge and contacts for any business that is currently, or plans to, trade internationally. This event is open to members and non-members

Chamber Meet & Eat

Planned for return!

Less structured than other Chamber networking events, this event is designed for members who find lunchtime networking more suited to their needs. Events are held at local venues and include a welcome drink, 2-course lunch and tea/ coffee. This event is open to members and nonmembers (non-members subject to availability).

These events are charged with a discounted cost applicable to Chamber members.

For further details and dates of forthcoming Chamber events visit www.sccci.co.uk/portal/event/

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

Our Mission Statement

“To be an asset that is integral to the success of the local business community and influential in promoting the future prosperity of the area”.

Networking / Representation / Crewe Signposting / Events / Nantwich / Knowledge Hub / Export Training / Sales / International Trade Awards / Facilitation / Support Mentoring / Voice of Business / South Cheshire Seminars / Start-Up Advice / Local Economy Interactive Portal / Promotion / Information

For more information on how the Chamber can help your business please contact Angela Wilkinson on angela.wilkinson@sccci.co.uk

We welcome your feedback and ideas for Chamber events. A short feedback questionnaire is available on www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/972R6KN and we would encourage you to complete this to assist us with event planning for 2019 and beyond

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BUSINESS NEWS QUARTER 3 2021

Next issue due out on December 10th 2021.

Editorial and advertising deadline November 1st 2021. For advertising Sales and Articles, please contact Jon Barnes: 01270 445409 or jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk

We are a nationwide group of local insurance specialists.

The County Group is comprised of over 35 community focused insurance brokers and well-known insurance brands.

As a leading UK insurance group, we offer a complete spectrum of business and personal insurance products.

0333 200 0053 countyins.com

1 Millenium Gate, Westmere Drive, Crewe, CW1 6AY Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (305560). Registered in England & Wales (No. 4787941).

Registered office: 7th Floor, Corn Exchange, 55 Mark Lane, London, EC3R 7NE.

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