Winter spring 2018 web

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SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS MAGAZINE W I N T E R /SPRING 2018

Cream of the crop 21st South Cheshire Chamber Awards a Triumph Pages 18 - 21

Bentley welcomes British Chambers Director General

Exciting times ahead for Crewe

Celebrating the Mighty Millers of South Cheshire

Page 7

Page 9

Page 27

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Welcome to the Winter/Spring edition of the Chamber’s magazine Welcome to our first edition of South Cheshire Chamber's 4FRONT magazine for 2018. We're already only a couple of months in, but it's already turning into a busy year for South Cheshire and the Chamber.

Before we move into this year's activities, we take the opportunity in this edition to celebrate the winners and entrants in the 2017 Chamber's business awards. On the front cover we show the award winners and congratulate them all on their success, particularly as this prestigious business event (Page 18) was one of the most competitive awards we have seen. Every winner and entrant are an inspiration to all and highlight the tremendous business community we have in South Cheshire.

Looking ahead to this year, the Chamber hopes to see a positive decision made by the government to see a fully HS2 integrated hub for Crewe with five to seven high speed trains an hour compared to the two per hour that is planned at the moment. The Chamber and its business council Page 7) lobbied hard to push for this upgrade along with the public authorities and we hope it will be the trigger for significant growth and prosperity in the area.

FOREWORD

3

gives members an opportunity to hear about the latest developments and raise any concerns they have with the local authorities. To maximise this area's potential the private and public sector must work together to make sure a vibrant environment is created that is conducive to economic growth.

Throughout the year, the Chamber will continue to grow and develop its support for businesses in South Cheshire and we will be doing our utmost to ensure the views of business are heard. I hope you enjoy this edition of 4FRONT and I encourage all Members to submit articles for future magazines to Operations Manager Jon Barnes (jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk.)

Remember that the Chamber Team is always here to assist you and your business.

Yours faithfully

Paul Colman Chief Executive @SCCCI_CEO

In line with this announcement we will be working hard to support the economic regeneration in South Cheshire by developing the masterplan for the area and supporting the development of the town centre, plus pushing for better connectivity and transport infrastructure.

The Chamber organises many events (Page 6) throughout the year including social, networking and knowledge based seminars. Plus a local economic breakfast event (Page 9) that

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.

Meet the Chamber Team . . .

Paul Colman Chief Executive

Jon Barnes Operations Manager

Jacqui Morris International Trade Manager

Madeleine Abbey PA to Chief Executive

Lauren Readdin Events Administrator & Social Media Co-ordinator

Angela Wilkinson Membership Co-ordinator

Trevor Langston Crewe Pledge

Mark Waters Crewe Pledge

SCAN HERE

Richard Weilding South Cheshire Development Agency Business Loans Executive

Daryl Williams Events Co-ordinator

Anne Xiourouppa Accounts

Dianne Parrish Business Connector Cheshire Connect

Charlotte Tinsley Chamber Intern

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

www.sccci.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS

Meet our new members . . .

Electric Center Unit 3 Counterpoint, Weston Road Crewe CW1 6EH 01270 500005 www.electric-center.co.uk crewe.867@electric-center.co.uk Electric Wholesaler

Sandbach Mowers And Repairs Unit 10, Color Me House, Lodge Road Sandbach CW11 3HD 01270 761408 sandbachmowersandrepairs@btinternet.com Lawn Mower Repairs

Active Brand Concepts The Forge, Crewe Hall Farm, Crewe CW1 5UE 0844 335 0816 www.homecareproducts.co.uk sales@active-brand-concepts.com

ABC Childcare Cheshire Ltd 129 Gainsborough Road, Crewe CW2 7PJ 01270 669050 www.abcchildcareservicescheshire.co.uk abcchildcareservices@btinternet.com Childcare Services

Crighton Marketing 316 Crewe Road, Nantwich CW5 6NN 07820 462493 www.crightonmarketing.com tim@crightonmarketing.com Marketing Company

Hobson Health Ltd 6 Royal Mews, Gadbrook Park, Northwich CW97UD 01782 574200 www.hobsonhealth.co.uk kate.boundy@hobsonhealth.co.uk Occupational Health solutions

The Dogs Trust School Park View Business Centre, Cumbermere, Whitchurch SY13 4AL 01948 302990 www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk shropshiredogschool@dogstrust.org.uk Dog Training

HF Angling Ltd Unit 1A, Alexandra Business Park, Gresty Lane, Crewe CW2 5DD 01270 585679 www.fishingtacklecheshire.co.uk sales@hfangling.co.uk Angling Supplies Store

Cheshire Anti-Slavery Network St Paul’s Centre, Hightown, Crewe CW1 3BY 07412 482791 www.cheshireantislaverynetwork.org.uk info@cheshireantislaverynetwork.org.uk Tackling Modern Day Slavery Air Products 2 Millenium Gate, Westmere Drive, CreweCW1 6AP 01270 614 000 www.airproducts.co.uk apukinfo@airproducts.com World Leading Industrial Gases Company

Chrysalis Rail Electra House, Electra Way, Crewe CW1 6GL 01270 534683 www.chrysalisrail.com info@chrysalisrail.com Transforming Rolling Stock for the Rail Industry Recoup Financial Solutions Recoup House, Honeybelle Barn, Green Lane Audlem CW3 0ET 01270 812788 www.recoupfinancialsolutions.co.uk enquiries@recoupfinancialsolutions.co.uk Commercial Debt Collection and Enforcement Tangerine Tiger PA 27 Hawksey Drive, Nantwich CW5 7GF 07748 735574 tangerinetigerpa.wordpress.com sarah@tangerinetigerpa.com General Office and PA Support

Michael Andrew Financial Services Ltd Brook House, 501 Crewe Road, Sandbach CW11 3RX 01270 443510 www.michaelandrewfs.co.uk mike@michaelandrewfs.co.uk Mortgage Consultants

Point Progress Ltd 5a Nantwich Court, Hospital Street Nantwich CW5 5RH 01270 611800 www.myexpensesonline.co.uk expenseteam@myexpensesonline.co.uk Business Software Tools Crewe FC Cumberland Arena, Thomas Street, CreweCW1 2AD 07834 773078 www.crewefc.org.uk crewefc@live.co.uk Community Football Club

Foundations 18 Hospital Street, Nantwich CW5 5RP 01270 626429 www.shopfoundations.co.uk foundationsofnantwich@gmail.com Retail of Lingerie, Swimwear and Nightwear Storage King The Railway Exchange, Weston Road, CreweCW1 6AA 01270 250000 www.storageking.co.uk crewe@storageking.co.uk Residential and Business Storage for Homes and Businesses

Leasepoint Vehicle Management Ltd 1 Macon Court, Herald Drive, Crewe CW1 6EA 01270 620760 www.leasepoint.co.uk sales@leasepoint.co.uk Car and Van Leasing Concentric Sales & Lettings 2 Market Street, Crewe CW1 2EG 01270 749205 www.concentricproperty.co.uk info@steve-evans.org Property Experts Sales & Lettings

For more information on joining the Chamber contact Angela Wilkinson on 01270 445404 /angela.wilkinson@sccci.co.uk If you would like a meeting with a member of the Chamber Team, please contact the Chamber on 01270 504700 www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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NEW MEMBERS / CHAMBER EVENTS Skelair International Ltd Unit 1 / 2a, Holmes Chapel Business Park Holmes Chapel Business Park, Holmes Chapel CW4 8AB 01477 539100 www.skelair.com enquiries@skelair.com Rock Drilling Ground Engineering Supplies

TRB Consultancy Ltd The Highlands, Cross Lane, Minshull Vernon Crewe CW1 4RG 07795 362727 www.trbconsultancy.co.uk liz.boote@trbconsultancy.co.uk Boutique Marketing and PR agency

Live for Work Ty Gwyn, 40 West Road, Weaverham, Northwich CW8 3HL 07989 655280 www.liveforwork.co.uk claire@liveforwork.co.uk First Aid Training

Insight to Impact Consulting Ltd 130 Audlem Road, Nantwich CW5 7EA 07900 245 042 www.insighttoimpactconsulting.co.uk su@insighttoimpactconsulting.co.uk School Improvement, Charity Governance, Enhancing Public Services

CodeBase 8 Ltd Dairy House Farm, 18 Colleys Lane, Willaston Crewe CW5 6AR 01554 700372 www.codebase8.com andrew.harrington@codebase8.com Automation Modernisation and Digital Innovation

McCarthy’s Salons Ltd 9a Welsh Row, Nantwich CW5 5ED 01270 610 105 www.mccarthys-salons.co.uk mccarthyt31@btinternet.com Hair Salon

The Old Mill Crewe Road, Alsager ST7 2UB 01270 874241 www.theoldmillinalsager.com theoldmillalsager@gmail.com Functions, Hotel, Bar, Restaurant and Conference Centre

PAGG Properties Ltd 21 Mentmore Garden, Appleton Warrington WA4 3HF 01925 267340 brian.t.reay@gmail.com Property Agents/Management

Contrast UK Ltd Walters Green House, Sunderland Street Macclesfield SK11 6LF 01625 264 230 www.contrastuk.com hello@contrastuk.com Recruitment Agency

Recoup Training Solutions Ltd Recoup House, Honeybelle Barn, Green Lane Audlem CW3 0ET 01270 812788 www.recouptraining.co.uk rj@recouptraining.co.uk Business consultancy through bespoke and exclusive training and development programmes

February Wednesday Nantwich Drop In Session Wednesday 21st February 2.30pm - 4.30pm Chamber Nantwich Office ‘Final Friday’ with Nantwich Town FC Friday 23rd February 9.00am - 11.00am Nantwich Town Football Club International Trade Forum Tuesday 27th February 8.00am - 10.30a Manchester Metropolitan University

For more information and event listings or if you wish to promote your own event please contact Lauren Readdin: lauren.readdin@sccci.co.uk or 01270 445408

March Chamber Welcome Morning Friday 2nd March 9.30am - 11.00am Manchester Metropolitan University In the Know- Past Retirement Age, Working and Pensions Thursday 13th March 8.00am - 10.00am Wychwood Park

For Advertising Sales and Articles please contact Jon Barnes: Telephone: 01270 445409 Email: jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk

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Brewery Tour Thursday 15th March 6.30pm - 8.30pm Offbeat Brewery

Wednesday Nantwich Drop In Session Wednesday 21st March 2.30pm - 4.30pm Chamber Nantwich Office April Chamber Welcome Morning Friday 6th April 9.30am - 11.00am Manchester Metropolitan University Speed Networking Monday 16th April 11.30am - 2.00pm Wychwood Park

Final Friday with Worleston Village Hall Friday 27th April 9.00am - 11.00am Worleston Village Hall

Spring Issue due out 2nd May 2018 Editorial and Advertisement Deadline 20th April 2018 jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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6 CHAMBER EVENTS

South Cheshire Chamber events programme

The 2018 Chamber events programme is shaping up with the popular ‘member’s favourite’ events in addition to some new events.If you would like guidance as to which events are best for you, please contact our events team.

Chamber Welcome Mornings Held on the first Friday of the month (February to December) at the Chamber Office

Whether you are considering joining the Chamber, have been a member for some time or have new employees, the monthly Chamber Welcome Morning will help you get the most from your membership. This event is open to members and non -members

Speed Networking Held quarterly

After piloting this event in 2017, Speed Networking events are now to be a regular feature of the Chamber events calendar. This structured lunchtime event for a maximum of 49 delegates enables you to meet all delegates in addition to offering guidance and tips on making the most of your membership.

This event is open to members only

Young Persons Network Held quarterly, delivered in conjunction with The Crewe Pledge

An annual program specifically for young people in the early stages of their careers. Each session will include a development session on business skills relevant to the workplace and offer attendees and invaluable chance to network with their peers

International Trade Forums Held 3 times per year

Welcome Wednesday drop in Held on Wednesday afternoons at our Nantwich Office

Whether you are considering joining the Chamber, have been a member for some time or have new employees, this informal monthly drop in will help you learn more about the Chamber.

This event is open to members and non-members

Local and Economic updates Held quarterly

Held in conjunction with Cheshire East, this event provides an opportunity for members to hear first -hand from a range of Local Authority representatives about local issues relevant to your business. In addition this event features an update on the latest British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey. This event is open to members

Final Friday Held on the last Friday of the month, 10 per year

Hosted by a Chamber member, this event offers great networking and regularly attracts over 50 different businesses. This event is open to members and non-members (by invitation)

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 (by invitation)

In the Know Held 6 times per year

Delivered in conjunction with the expertise within Chamber member businesses, these events raise awareness of the challenges that many businesses face and signpost members to sources of further information and guidance they might otherwise be unaware of. This event is open to members only.

If you have any suggestions of topics for future ‘in the know’ events, please send them through to our events team

In addition to the programme of regular events, plans are underway for a number of keynote events during 2018: May - Chamber Golf Day

July - Nantwich Pre-Show Business Reception

Chamber Meet & Eat Held quarterly

September - Autumn Lunch and AGM

Less structured than other Chamber networking events, this event is designed for members who find lunchtime networking more suited to their needs. This event is open to members and non- members

October - Texas Scramble

November - Business Awards

December - Christmas Networking

We welcome your feedback and ideas for Chamber events. A short feedback questionnaire is available on https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/972R6KN and we would encourage you to complete this to assist us with event planning for 2018 and beyond

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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PRESIDENT’S PAGE 7

President’s Message It was a great pleasure to accompany the Director General of the British Chambers Commerce, Dr Adam Marshall on his recent visit to Bentley Motors to meet with a number of the Directors of the Company to discuss their issues around Brexit.

Following the Bentley meeting Adam attended an informal lunch with a number of Chamber Patrons and members of the Business Council where he gave an overview of the work of the BCC and his own interaction with the Government and MPs.

I am looking forward to continuing my role as Chamber President during what will be a pivotal year for the local economy and for the country as a whole, with critical decisions being taken on the future of HS2, the Crewe Master Plan and the final Brexit negotiations.

The Chamber will have an important role to play on all fronts and is better positioned than ever to represent the views and concerns of the local business community.

The South Cheshire Business Council made good progress towards the end of last year in formulating a comprehensive response to the formal consultation on HS2 and the Hub Station and on engaging with Cheshire East Council on its preliminary proposals for the future development of Crewe Town Centre.

Those discussions and lobbying activities will continue and the Business Council will press to ensure that the business voice is heard so that the outcomes will enable the local economy to prosper and grow.

I shall look forward to continuing the dialogue with Adam when I meet him at the various BCC Presidents events that are held throughout the year.

So there is a lot to look forward to in 2018 and I am confident that the Chamber will continue to make progress towards helping our members to take advantage of the many opportunities that will arise.

For more information on how the Chamber works to support the South Cheshire business community visit www.sccci.co.uk or call 01270 504 700

The importance of education and training to the future success of the area will be the next topic that the Business Council will be concentrating on over the coming year.

Fo S r Bu ou mo si th re se nes Ch on e s C es th pa o hi e ge un re 11 ci l

Chamber Chief Executive Paul to Colman, BCC Director General Adam Caption go here Marshall, Chamber President John Dunning, BCC Head of Press and Communications Allan Williams and Bentley Director of Government Relations and CSR Sally Hepton

I was delighted to see so many senior business people attending the lunch and that they took the opportunity to air their views on a number of topics in a wide ranging and useful discussion. It was obvious that many of the issues that were raised resonated with Adam from his meetings with businesses around the country and I am sure that these will all be followed up by BCC.

I DON’T WAIT FOR OPPORTUNITIES, I CREATE THEM AS A CHAMBER MEMBER I’M WELL CONNECTED If it’s the opportunity to network with like-minded business people, belonging to your local Accredited Chamber of Commerce means you are always well connected.

#JOINYOURCHAMBER

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS 9

A year of change for Crewe

An artist’s impression of the new-look town centre

Strategic Regeneration Manager Jez Goodman said: “This year will witness the start of major changes to the town centre, building upon recent successes such as the Lifestyle Centre and University Technical College.

“The council will be leading on some of these, but its role is a catalyst for change, and we expect to see significant private sector investment too, as confidence in the changing role of Crewe town centre grows.”

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman with Cheshire East Head of Finance and Performance Alex Thompson, Strategic Regeneration Manager Jez Goodman and Finance and Communications Portfolio Holder Cllr Paul Bates

South Cheshire Chamber members heard it will be all change for Crewe in 2018 with work on a major transformation of the town centre set to start in the summer.

Businesses attending the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Update event welcomed Cheshire East Council’s plans to revamp the town centre, beginning in May with a scheme to modernise the Market Hall.

The year-long project will focus on restoring the ageing market building with independent eateries and retailers while introducing more flexible space for traders and events to bolster footfall in the town centre and improve the offer for visitors.

Members attending the event at the newly-named Cheshire College – South and West heard how a developer has been lined up to begin work on the Royal Arcade site.

Phased works, delivered by Derbyshire-based Peveril Securities with Cordwell Property, will see the Royal Arcade bulldozed late this summer as the first step in a two-year journey to help make the town centre HS2 ready.

A new bus station, multi-storey car park and cinema as well as shops and restaurants will be part of the transformation heralding a new era for the town and South Cheshire as a whole, supporting its predicted growth of 51,000 more residents by 2030.

Making Crewe HS2 ready will also include a package of road works this year including a £7m redesign of Crewe Green Roundabout and a new £10m Sydney Road bridge.

A full house for the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Update event

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman updated members on the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey, Britain’s largest private sector business survey, with 7,000 responses. Results show export sales, domestic sales and employment all up in the last quarter.

Mr Colman said: “We enter 2018 with great anticipation and excitement. Over the forthcoming years we should see significant change in the area, particularly if we secure a fully integrated HS2 Hub for Crewe, something we have been lobbying for extensively in 2017.”

Cllr Paul Bates, Finance and Communication Portfolio Holder, gave a presentation on Cheshire East’s pre-budget consultation. Challenged with a growing population, and an increasingly aged demographic, children and adult services would continue to be a spending priority.

Budget proposals can be viewed in full at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ budget and the business community is asked to make its comments know via shapingourservices@cheshireast.gov.uk

For more on the BCC survey and joining the Chamber visit www.sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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10 CHAMBER NEWS

BCC ANNUAL CONFERENCE 8 March 2018, QEII Conference Centre, London The British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference brings together the UK Chamber Network and the wider business community for a day of stimulating panel debates and inspiring keynote speeches from senior politicians, business leaders and opinion formers. Book your place now to avoid disappointment and attend one of the UK’s most important business events: www.bccconference.co.uk/attend/

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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Major employers back Chamber Business Council's drive for prosperity

CHAMBER NEWS 11

These letters organised by the Chamber from key employers were sent to the Department of Transport backing proposals to put Crewe back at the centre of the rail network, with a fully integrated hub offering swift travel to London and including a northern junction for speedy services to Manchester and up to Scotland.

South Cheshire Chamber Business Council wrote to the Government's Transport Secretary Chris Grayling MP saying: "The business community believes a fully integrated HS2 hub for Crewe, with northern junction, is vital if we are to boost the local and regional and national economy. The benefits include 360 degree connectivity, access to labour and an increase in freight capacity.”

The Department of Transport is yet to release its consultation findings into a feasible HS2 hub station at Crewe - and the Business Council is planning further representations.

The South Cheshire Chamber’s Business Council is working with major employers to catapult Crewe into a new age of high speed rail travel. Picture: Jonathan White

South Cheshire Chamber's Business Council has reaffirmed its aims for 2018, with Crewe Masterplan and an integrated HS2 hub station high on the agenda.

The Business Council was established by the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce to allow major employers in the area to play a leading role in shaping future economic development and together they have pledged to make it a pivotal year of change.

Businesses are excited and confident that over the forthcoming years the area will experience significant economic growth and prosperity.

Chamber Chairman Shaun Cafferty said: "The private sector is key to generating the economic growth in the area, and it is important that we work in partnership with the local authorities to create the right environment to maximise the growth. Therefore the Chamber sought to bring key employers in the area together to engage with the public sector, and like many Chambers we created a business council."

‘A fully integrated HS2 hub for Crewe, with northern junction, will provide Crewe town with an opportunity to realise its potential, with increased population, increased housing and increased employment sites and jobs’ – South Cheshire Chamber Business Council

Chamber President John Dunning, who chairs the Business Council, said: "We made good progress towards the end of last year in formulating a comprehensive response to the formal consultation on HS2 and the Hub Station and on engaging with Cheshire East Council on its preliminary proposals for the future development of Crewe Town Centre.

"Those discussions and lobbying activities will continue and the Business Council will press to ensure that the business voice is heard so that the outcomes will enable the local economy to prosper and grow."

Feeding back to Cheshire East Council and other stakeholders, the Chamber's Business Council continues to speak up for local businesses on all areas of the Crewe Masterplan vision including the town centre regeneration and infrastructure.

It is looking forward to working in co-operation with Cheshire East Council more closely and being consulted much earlier about the plans for development in the future.

A potential HS2 train- travelling up to 225mph, the super-fast trains are expected to have airy compartments and a glass roof as well as TVs and computer screens for travellers

Towards the end of last year in response to a government consultation, the Business Council lobbied for a HS2 integrated hub at Crewe's existing station that would see seven trains per hour rather than two.

Meanwhile the Business Council is considering other issues affecting local businesses including measures to increase the local talent pool, attract skills and encourage bright minds to stay in South Cheshire.

Mr Dunning added: "The importance of education and training to the future success of the area will be one of the topics that the Business Council will be concentrating on over the coming year."

The Business Council will meet again in March.

For more information on becoming part of the South Cheshire Chamber visit www.sccci.co.uk

Letters of support from Business Council members and neighbouring Chambers in Shropshire, West Cheshire and North Wales were gathered as part of the process.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS 13

A Q&A with high-profile people in the South Cheshire business community Here we speak to South Cheshire Chamber Chairman, Shaun Cafferty Shaun tell us about your role as Chairman of the Chamber and your responsibilities I am one member of a board of Directors who voluntarily support and monitor the Chamber. They are a great team who work very hard in their own time and unpaid to help us make sure the Chamber is supporting local business and the local economy, as well as being run on a stable and compliant footing so that it can continue to do so into the future.

As Chairman there are some ceremonial type duties, but I see my real job as facilitating and co-ordinating the input of my fellow directors and the Chamber management, and providing leadership to ensure that the Chamber is doing the best job it can for the South Cheshire business community. The work we do now will affect the future jobs and careers of people still at school at the moment (though there are obviously other factors which will affect that too) and that’s a responsibility that I take very seriously.

Why do you feel it is important to be a member of the Chamber?

The Chamber is a great source of information and support for all kinds of businesses, and this is sometimes overlooked. Too often businesses struggle on, when the Chamber could help. We have access to finance, premises solutions, and if we cannot directly help, we can point people in the right direction Also, as an organisation representing many local businesses we may have contacts or influence greater than individual companies may have.

We have successfully championed a number of issues brought to us by local businesses, where we had to influence the local authority, BT or government agencies, or even get the local MP on board. We are also now being consulted locally and nationally for business input to local regeneration, HS2 and so on.

We have had direct contact with government officials and ministers on HS2, and this gives our members a business voice in government decision making that might otherwise not be heard as individuals.

We also run many kind of events, informational, educational or networking opportunities to help member companies grow themselves or their businesses, or simply to meet like-minded people. If you have the Chamber logo on your paperwork it suggests credibility and that you are a company which is very much part of our business community. Whichever way you look at it, we are stronger together under the Chamber banner.

You are well known in the local property market, tell us about your work away from the Chamber.

IN THE

SPOTLIGHT

type in the area, having won many awards; Whitegates is a traditional residential estate agent which this year is celebrating 40 years as a brand: and we also have a Ewemove business which is one of the new breed of so-called online agents. Ewemove isn’t like Purplebricks, and still works in the same way as most agents (no sale, no fee) but uses technology and clever ways of working that optimise the results and delivers a high quality personal service. I am one of two joint Managing Directors, and my job is primarily to develop and grow the business. My fellow MD does a terrific job of making sure that all the right things happen day to day and that we continue to offer high service levels.

South Cheshire is on the cusp of exciting regeneration, what are your hopes for the future of the area?

We already had a lot going in our favour before HS2 and regeneration, but weren’t making the most of it. We have some great companies and success stories and a great local workforce too. We are ideally placed by road, rail and air connections and have most of England’s major conurbations within easy reach, not a position many towns can match.

I hope that the focus that HS2 is bringing will enable us to deliver long tern prosperity and quality of life, and that it won’t be yet another missed opportunity. I hope that we see real ambition and vision, not just tinkering and PR, and hopefully everyone pulling together for the common good. The people and businesses in South Cheshire need to really seize the opportunity and not wait or expect others to help us, because no one cares about our area as much as we do!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I don’t get too much spare time, but I am a season ticket holder at Crewe Alex which occupies some Saturdays during the season.

When I am not doing my own or Chamber work, I get involved in community events in Nantwich, such as the Battle of Nantwich Celebrations for Holly Holy Day and the Nantwich Fete and Schoolsfest. I have a passion for history and I give history talks to groups like the WI and Probus. I also enjoy cooking, music of all types and long walks. I am a voracious reader and usually have a couple of books on the go at the same time.

What is your favourite food?

I like most food types and styles, and don’t mind experimenting.

Hate most fish, love lamb or duck.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I have particular soft spots for San Diego in California, and the Hungarian capital, Budapest, which has so many different reasons to recommend it. But I also like the North Pennine moors and fells, and Snowdonia as somewhere to live. Nantwich is right up there too!

We run three different property businesses across the South Cheshire and Mid Cheshire areas, employing 23 people. Martin&Co focuses on lettings and property investment and is the biggest of its

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

continued overleaf . . .

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14 CHAMBER NEWS What is your greatest achievement to date?

I tend to be looking ahead most of the time, so the achievements are out of sight behind me!

Try and learn something new every day that will improve you, no matter how old or experienced you think you are.

Well, I did get a player of the year award at my rugby club, only two years after taking up the sport at the age of 24! It was voted on by all the players after each game during the season, then totalled up, so that really meant a lot, especially as my lack of sporting prowess is the stuff of legend. It was definitely a victory of enthusiasm over skill!

If you could go to dinner with any three people, who would it be and why?

In business I get most satisfaction from seeing others develop and fulfil their potential, where I have been able to lend a helping hand.

That’s a great feeling when you can see that.

Who is your biggest influence/inspiration and why?

What is the one thing you are most looking forward to this year?

Right now, Crewe Alex not getting relegated!

I haven’t got any famous heroes, my heroes are more ordinary and anonymous, but hopefully the three people know who they are!

I have been really lucky to have had many great influencers on my life and career, learning from fantastic managers, mentors, family and friends. I often still hear little tips and phrases in my head which help me deal with situations and decisions. My parents made sure I got a great education (I loved school!). They have always supported my business choices and set a good work and business example when I was growing up.

What is the motto you live and work by?

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED! ADVERTISE IN THE CHAMBER MAGAZINE

Contact Jon Barnes for prices on FULL, HALF, QUARTER and BUSINESS CARD size advert space Telephone: 01270 445409 • Email: jon.barnes@sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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CHAMBER NEWS 15

Join us for networking at the Chamber's Nantwich office

Chamber Membership Co-ordinator, Angela Wilkinson, met with members at the first drop in session held at the Chamber Nantwich office, Nantwich Court in Hospital Street.

Wednesday Nantwich Drop in Session Nantwich Office, 2nd Floor, Nantwich Court, Hospital Street, Nantwich, CW5 5RH

Would you like to know more about how you can make the most of your Chamber membership?

Are you thinking about joining the Chamber and would like to find out more?

Come along to one of our ‘Welcome Wednesday Drop in Sessions’ for a cuppa and a chat with Angela Wilkinson, Membership Co-ordinator, for South Cheshire Chamber.

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Get to know how the Chamber can help your Learn how the Chamber represents local business, locally, nationally andinternationally Find out how to maximise the profile of your company through our marketingplatforms Find out more about our events

Our drop in sessions will take place on the following Wednesdays, 2:30pm - 4:30pm:

The ‘Welcome Wednesday Drop In' is a new event designed to bring the Chamber into the heart of Nantwich.

Angela said: "It was great to see some new faces as well as some of our regulars. Successful networking took place and we look forward to meeting more members at the next event."

Claire Humphreys from Total People enjoyed the event. She said: "I really thought the networking at Nantwich was great. I've arranged a meeting already from that and have passed over the two lovely ladies from Action on Cancer information to Total People's HR, so not bad for a quick visit!"

Other members who attended were Corbel, Telkeda, Right at Home, Crewe & Nantwich Gymnastics Community Activities Centre and Firs Pottery.

There's no need to book - just ‘drop in’ between 2.30pm and 4.30pm on the day.

21st March 2018 23rd May 2018

20th June 2018

Remember our Nantwich office can be booked free of charge on other days by Chamber members, just call to book your slot and arrange key collection.

Beat the cyber criminals South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with police to drive home the message of staying safe online.

A Cyber Safe Forum launches at the Ibis Styles Hotel in Crewe on March 29 when businesses will hear from Cheshire Constabulary safety experts Alison Gabbot and Mark Cotton.

Chamber Events Co-ordinator Daryl Williams said: "Cyber Crime is on the increase with criminals using a variety of methods to steal personal and business data, to infringe copyright and commit fraud.

It has now surpassed illegal drug trafficking as a criminal money maker and somebody’s identity is stolen every three seconds as a result of cybercrime.

"The Chamber wants to ensure members do not fall victim and has introduced this new forum to help keep them informed and help minimise the threat."

Forum meetings, sponsored by Ibis Styles and South Cheshire IT company Prism Solutions, will take place quarterly and are open to Chamber members only.

They will open up debate regarding current cyber issues, concerns and threats and encourage best cyber-safe practice.

Delegates will hear more about Cheshire Police Cyber Crime activities, the support they offer and how they respond to any cyber-crime issues.

There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

To book a place visit www.sccci.co.uk

The South Cheshire Development Agency is seeking to increase the amount of lending available to local businesses We seek to encourage local businesses and professionals to call and discuss any business proposal. We have user friendly business plan template available together with easy to follow guidance notes.

Loans of up to £25,000 available and can be for working capital or specific expenditure projects. Business of any size can apply. We welcome Start Ups. For more information contact Richard Weilding on 01270 445407 or email Richardweilding@scdal.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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16 CHAMBER NEWS

Chamber members offer their tips on topical business matters

Getting started with SEO

To boost business and drive traffic to your website, it goes without saying that you’ll want to attract and interact with existing and potential customers. In order to do so, it’s hugely important to have a site with great, shareable content that ranks highly on Google whenever someone types in words or phrases that is relevant to what you do.

This is what Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is about and it makes a world of difference to your business – you want your website to be visible and relevant. You want to rank the highest in search results.

Saying that Google likes to keep us on our toes with its ever-changing algorithms and updates.

Change, advancement and improvement go with the territory but we’re up to speed on what it takes to keep Google happy. More importantly, we know how to improve your search engine rankings significantly.

Mike Lawson, Digital Director trcreative Nantwich

Here are three top tips to get you started:

1. GMB Google My Business is a must if you want to be found on the internet. It’s a free and easyto-use tool that enables Google to find and rank your website.

If you don’t have a GMB page, register for one today. Once you sign up and verify your business, you can start to improve your online presence straight away.

Go to http://mybusiness.google.com to get started.

2. Responsive As mobile apps become more popular than desktop for people using Google, your website needs to be “responsive”. Simply put, your website should react to whatever device is being used to view it (without the need to pinch/zoom).

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Google prefers websites that are Responsive as opposed to those that redirect to a mobile site - http://mobile.yoursite.co.uk. Test how your website appears on your own smartphone.

3. Page Speed Your website should load fast, not just from a usability point of view but to keep Google happy, too.

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Fast websites are given preference in Google rankings. There are many tools for testing your website’s speed and performance, Google even offers its own https://developers.google.com/speed/pagespeed/insights/ At trCREATIVE, we use a handful of tools (including Google’s) to get a broad result.

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For more information contact Mike Lawson on 01270 610441 or visit trcreative.co.uk

Would you like to share your expertise with the local business community? Send your articles for consideration to Chamber Operations Manager Jon Barnes at Jon.Barnes@sccci.co.uk www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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Need a loan? The Chamber can help . . .

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Dealing with the ‘Big Boys’ is no longer the great deal it was The collapse of The Carillion Group will have repercussions for many businesses for months to come. Most small enterprises strive to win business on the coat tails of these multinationals. Indeed local businesses have already held ‘speed dating’ sessions in London with Carillion and other large contractors who have been earmarked to deliver phases of HS2.

The hope is that with a brief face to face presentation to the ‘big guys’ you can impress them sufficiently to get a second and interview where you can pitch in more detail for a piece of the action.

Whilst in other circumstances this would be a wonderful opportunity for our local businesses, the damage to so many businesses that has been anecdotally broadcast in the recent past may well now serve to dampen enthusiasm.

What else can you do? I recall in my early years in banking knowing at least half a dozen clothing manufacturers around Manchester who were proud suppliers to M&S. I was personally very attached to a fetching blue and white striped shirt with trendy all white collar and cuffs. (See Bruce Forsyth – Generation Game 1980).

How much clothing can you find in M&S nowadays that is made in the UK? The fact is that you have to be of a certain size to handle these large contracts but by their very nature in terms of time and cost they are notoriously difficult to price.

I was working in Stoke during the re-construction of the A50 and distinctly remember one of the large contractors responsible for the Longton to Meir stretch pouring thousands of tons of concrete into disused mine shafts, vastly in excess of original estimates. Some of these mine workings went back over 100 years and most had been closed for over 30. None appeared on the underground maps available to the construction company.

The answer is probably that smaller businesses need to continue to seek this type of work from large contractors. Anyone tendering needs to be certain as far as possible of their own costs and capabilities and expect the main contractor to do his job.

Either way, if you do experience a significant bad debt or seek funding to cover a new contract then South Cheshire Development Agency may be able to help. We have funded specific contracts in the past and are flexible enough to look at the underlying business where cash flow is disrupted by a one off bad debt.

Business Loans Executive Richard Weilding

Your case may be helped if you come for a chat sporting the above mentioned 1980’s wardrobe item which at least provides evidence of your frugality, but please avoid the blue and white stripe version as I wouldn’t want to clash. Damned hard wearing those old M&S shirts! Haven’t they done well?

For more information on Chamber loans contact Richard Weilding on 01270 445407 or email Richardweilding@scdal.co.uk You can read more from Richard on the Chamber Portal where he blogs regularly http://www.sccci.co.uk/portal/richard_weilding/blog

Angling company in full flow for fishing season Starting out as a department within the well-established Homefeeds business on Gresty Lane in Crewe, HF Angling is now an independent outlet on the site, having ‘netted’ a loan from the South Cheshire Development Agency.

Starting in 2016, Chris Taylor, himself a keen angler, began offering specialised fishing tackle within the established pet feeds store. He recognised that there was a growing demand within the ever increasing carp fishing market.

Whilst occupying a section of the Homefeeds outlet, Chris saw an opportunity to separate from the rest of the store by erecting an internal wall and providing separate entrance thereby giving him the autonomy he sought as a different offering to the main store.

With the help of a loan from the Development Agency, work is nearing completion ready for the start of the new fishing season at the end of February. Stock

“We sounded out the traditional source of the banks to obtain the funding we needed but through South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, we worked with the Development Agency and within 10 days of our initial approach, we had the funding we required confirmed. This has enabled us to move ahead with our plans in time for the new season which is critical.”

Chris Taylor of HF Angling is entering into an exciting new era with his Crewe-based business after securing a loan from the South Cheshire Development Agency. Chris is seen with Business Loans Executive Richard Weilding

levels are being increased and Chris has built a strong support team within the business.

Chris commented: “We are one of only two such outlets in Crewe and we have built our customer base on personal service from knowledgeable staff who share the same passion for the sport as our clients.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Richard Weilding from the Agency confirmed: “Chris had a clear plan, based upon a sound foundation of his first year’s trading. He has a genuine enthusiasm for the sport and through that has a comprehensive understanding of his customers’ needs. These assets enable the business to set itself apart from others in a growing marketplace. We were pleased to assist in taking his business to the next level.”

For more information on products visit www.hfangling.co.uk

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18 BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

The South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2017 were another sell-out at Crewe Hall

Business Awards 2017 honours the cream of the crop Enterprise excellence across a wide variety of sectors was celebrated in style at the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce 21st anniversary Business Awards.

Staged at Crewe Hall, the glittering ceremony shone the spotlight on star newcomers to the business community as well as the major employers and growing firms which contribute to the economic growth of the area.

Accolades for entrepreneurial talent were handed out in ten categories during another sell-out ceremony – and the excitement set social media alight as #SCCBA17 celebration pictures were posted on Twitter throughout the evening.

There were tears of joy from mum of five Helen Baker who, with husband Mark, founded Hydraulics Online from their home in Alsager in 2004.

They now have customers in 129 countries and were double award-winners, scooping International Trader of the Year, sponsored

by Manchester Metropolitan University and Excellence in Customer Service, backed by Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting Ltd. Insurance specialist Assurant was honoured for an ethos of giving back in the Contribution to the Community category, sponsored by South Cheshire College and Cheshire Connect which links the voluntary and community sector with businesses that kindly donate their skills.

The company, which has its European head office in Crewe, has donated more than 1000 hours of volunteering time.

Start-Up Business of the Year, sponsored by South Cheshire Development Agency, went to sisters Kath Shawcross and Caroline Buckley for Missy’s Beauty boutique in Nantwich which opened in July 2016 and now has more than 1,300 clients on its books.

Business of the Year (under 25 employees), sponsored by Hibberts LLP solicitors, went to Beer Dock owner Sam McGarrigle as he works on converting a former bed shop on High Street, Crewe into a new venue.

Business of the Year (25 and over employees), sponsored by RBS Corporate Banking, went to Crewe-based engineering company The Up and Under Company which stages an annual charity bike ride for under-privileged local children.

Ambassador of the Year, a new award supported by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, went to family business Whitby Morrison which flies the flag for South Cheshire as it supplies ice cream vans across the world.

The award was introduced to celebrate the success of the Cheshire and Warrington economy – one of the strongest in the country with the second highest output per head of any area outside London.

A structured training and development programme, underlined by an Investors in People accreditation, saw the Headkase Group honoured as Employer of the Year, sponsored by Assurant. The company employs nine people in its hair and beauty salons in Crewe and Nantwich.

Apprentice of the Year, backed by Bentley Motors, was carried off by 20 year-old Alana Davies who works in recruitment at AO Logistics while Young Leader of the Future, sponsored by KPI Recruiting, went to 25 year-old Bentley Motors apprentice Aron Smith.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said all 39 finalists were winners in their own right. “The awards gave us another chance to celebrate inspirational leadership, exceptional vision and brilliant customer service across a wide variety of sectors.”

Chamber Chairman Shaun Cafferty said the area was well placed to meet the demands of a modern economy. “We have big, small and medium firms, operating in a wide range of industries, all forwardthinking, energised and delivering excellence locally, nationally and often internationally.”

He added: “South Cheshire is a great place to live and work. It’s a great place to be a business in and to employ people and for new companies to set up. We should perhaps shout about that a bit more than we do!”

The Chamber works partnership with the business community to deliver a prosperous future for the South Cheshire economy.

For information on becoming part of the Chamber visit www.sccci.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

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A memorable night for 2017’s winners

Winners at a glance Ambassador of the Year: Whitby Morrison Apprentice of the Year: Alana Davies, AO Logistics

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all awards sponsors and judges

Business of the Year (under 25 employees): Beer Dock Business of the Year (25 and over employees): The Up and Under Group Contribution to the Community: Assurant Employer of the Year: Headkase Group CHESHIRE

Excellence in Customer Service: Hydraulics Online International Trader of the Year: Hydraulics Online

Business and Charity: Sharing Skills

Start-Up Business of the Year: Missy’s Beauty Boutique Young Leader of the Future: Aron Smith, Bentley Motors South Cheshire is a great place to live and work. It’s a great place to be a business in and to employ people and for new companies to set up Chamber Chairman Shaun Cafferty

We were thrilled at our award as we embark on our new venture. We hope the business community will get behind us as we look to create a cultural quarter in Crewe and breathe life into a derelict part of town – Sam McGarrigle, Beer Dock Winner: Business of the Year (under 25 employees)

We take great pride in what we do and were absolutely over the moon to win an award – Mairead Sloan, Headkase Group Winner: Employer of the Year

Entering the awards was a fantastic process, giving us time to reflect on what we have achieved.

We’re a local company putting customer service at the core of everything we do and to win two awards was amazing – Helen Baker, Hydraulics Online Winners: International Trader of the Year and Excellence in Customer Service

South Cheshire is truly blessed with an abundance of business talent Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman

I love my job working on the new Continental GT. It’s an amazing piece of engineering and now I have an award for it! Aron Smith Winner: Young Leader of the Future

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Thanks also to additional Chamber members who supported the event: Code Audio Visual Ltd, Concorde Trophies, Crewe Chronicle, Design Office, Fiona Rose Marketing, Helen Williams Photography, Pure PR, QHotels Crewe, Redshift Radio, Rhino Safety Words: Jan Roberts @ Pure PR Pictures: Helen Williams

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20 BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

Hydraulics Online receive the Excellence in Customer Service award from David Williams of sponsors Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting Ltd

Hydraulics Online receive the International Trader of the Year award from Dr Kevin Gallimore of sponsors Manchester Metropolitan University

Ed and Chris Whitby of Whitby Morrison receive the Ambassador of the Year award from Philip Cox, Chief Executive of sponsors the Cheshire and Warrington LEP

Shaun Evans and Julie Lane of sponsors Assurant present Employer of the Year to Mairead Sloan and Toni Beckham of Headkase Group

Apprentice of the Year winner Alana Davies of AO Logistics with Jack Miller of sponsors Bentley Motors

Shaun Evans and Annie Guest of Assurant picking up the Contribution to the Community award from Andrew Hubert of South Cheshire College and Dianne Parrish of Cheshire Connect

Kath Shawcross, Caroline Buckley and Fran Sutcliffe of Missy’s Beauty Boutique receive the Start Up Business award from Richard Weilding of sponsors the South Cheshire Development Agency Ltd

Young Leader of the Future Aron Smith of Bentley Motors picks up his award from Amanda Harris of sponsors KPI Recruiting Ltd

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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BUSINESS AWARDS 2017

Andy Fewtrell and Simon Enderby of the Crewe-based Up and Under Group receive the Business of the Year award (over 25 employees) from Steve Jackson of sponsors RBS Corporate Banking

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Stewart Bailey of Hibberts presents the Business of the Year (under 25 employees) award to Sam McGarrigle of Beer Dock

More scenes from the South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards 2017 The Awards proved another memorable night at Crewe Hall. Liz Southall and Paul Boniface from RedShift Radio returned to the stage as comperes and throughout the evening many pictures were shared on social media with the hashtag #SCCBA17

Make a date in your diary for 2018’s Business Awards on Friday, November 23rd and remember to look out for announcements on how to enter this summer

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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22 INTERNATIONAL TRADE " " " "

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So where is it all going?

We see our usual suspects on a regular basis, Saudi, UAE, Turkey, Qatar, but the new kid on the block is Australia. There have been the occasional shipment in the last couple of years but January and February has seen a surge of exports to the land down under.

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International trade in Crewe and Nantwich " " " has reportedly shown a considerable " " " increase in January 2018 compared to" " " " " previous years. "

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" "of Local businesses are enjoying the" fruits " " " their labour with higher than normal " " " " " demand for their products and services " " " overseas. " " "

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David Watson –Austrade was one of our esteemed guest speakers. David is the Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner and Minister Counsellor Commercial for Australia.

David is based in London, his role is to attract investment into Australia in targeted industry sectors of infrastructure, renewable energy, agribusiness & food, fintech, cyber, health and digital technologies. Is your business in these sectors? There could be an" opportunity waiting for you.

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We were also fortunate that John Spargo of Customs 58 Ltd attended the event.

John advised us about the impact of Brexit on imports and export, and Sara Pomfret gave us an update from the Department for International Trade about the grant funded programs available.

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" " " " " " " " " It’s good to know that locally manufactured " " " " " " products are being enjoyed all around the "" " " " world. South Cheshire boasts a" variety of " " " " " quality products, from engineered " valves, " " " " " " " bespoke cleaning products, electrical, " " "

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This gave us the basis for our recent successful international networking event The event an "held in" February. " " " provided " " " " " " important " " " " of " " insight into the areas " " " " international trade, plus an informal " environment " " " "to develop beneficial and " " " " " " supportive relationships with other local " " " " " businesses. " " " " "

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medical and plenty of Cheese to top it off. " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " The South Cheshire " " " " " " Chamber " " "of " " " " " Commerce " " " " " " " " " " has created export " " " " " " documentation for exports valuing in excess of 7 million pounds in just the month of January.

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If you would like to hear more about how you can" get in" on" the action then come along to our" next international trade networking " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " event on June 6th. "

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Business with the Commonwealth been running successful across Merseyside for the last four years.

Taking place on 12th March to mark Commonwealth Day and in the presence of HRH the Earl of Wessex, businesses will have the opportunity to hear from Commonwealth Trade Commissioners and find out about the grant funding available for exporting. There will also be access to the Department for International Trade’s “Exporting is Great” hub, as well as the chance to hear about the experiences of other businesses that are successfully trading in the Commonwealth.

There will also be an exhibiters and exporters marketplace including banks, business support agencies and much more who will be on hand to offer advice on international trade.

Businesses from across Cheshire and Merseyside will have the opportunity to hear from experts and advisors in international trade on the opportunities to trade in the Commonwealth at a free event taking place at Chester Racecourse next month.

Hosted by Cheshire and Warrington and Liverpool City Region LEPs in partnership with the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, the event will also mark the launch of the Merseyside and Cheshire Commonwealth Association, an organisation that has

Mark Livesey, Deputy Chief Executive of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “This event aims to raise awareness of the significant economic benefits that companies can capitalise on through trading with the Commonwealth. The 52 Commonwealth countries have a combined GDP of over £7.5 trillion, with trading costs around 20% lower, and so there are huge opportunities for business.”

Visit www.871candwep.co.uk to find out more and register.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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Creating collaboration, skills exchanges and partnerships

Chamber and Pledge Young Persons Network

January saw the first of the new cohort of The Young Persons Network at Manchester Metropolitan University Campus. This is a Chamber Initiative supported by The Crewe Pledge to provide a development opportunity and networking platform for young people in the early stages of their career. The event was so over subscribed that we ran two capacity sessions on the day.

CHESHIRE

Business and Charity: Sharing Skills

Cheshire Connect matches skills and expertise of local businesses and professionals, offered free, with the needs of the community and voluntary sector, creating a positive impact.

CHAMBER PARTNERS 23

This first session provided a development session on ‘Presentation Skills’ by Jo Grubb, owner of JG Creative Communications Ltd and an experienced presenter. JG Creative was set up in 2012 as a graphic design and branding agency and specialise in the not for profit sector.

Dianne Parrish Business Connector

Cheshire Connect has organised skills exchange between many local businesses and charities across Cheshire which is helping to create much stronger, more effective and sustainable communities.

There are over 4,000 charities in Cheshire, many of them delivering essential services to disadvantaged and marginalised people who depend on them.

In spite of the challenging economic conditions and uncertainty we are proud to report that with the support of local businesses donating their skills, over the past year Cheshire Connect has: •

Facilitated 232 skills exchanges

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Organised 3,156 hours of skills volunteers from the Cheshire business community

Aron Smith, from Bentley Motors, winner of the Young Leader of the Future Award at the 2017 South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards and previous delegate on the YPN programme, said a few words about his experience on the programme and winning the Young Leader of the Future Award.

This was the first of the annual programme for 2018 in which Young leaders of the future will benefit from a programme of quarterly networking sessions designed to support soft their skills development. The programme is aimed at employees (including apprentices) aged 26 or under. In the next session delegates will learn how to better use social media such as Linkedin to support their work in business.

New Leaf continues to support participants into work

We are pleased to report that one of our New Leaf participants, Sandra Massey, has successfully gained employment with Hibberts Solicitors, one of our members, in their Nantwich Office.

With this translating into an estimated value of £313,680 – this is a significant direct cost-saving to Cheshire charities.

Here in the South Cheshire area there are plenty of opportunities to be part of the growing number of businesses developing their Corporate and Social Responsibility and ‘Good Business Citizen’ approach by supporting the local grass roots charities.

The process of skill sharing via the Cheshire Connect introduction service is ‘simple and straightforward’ and can offer you opportunities to help make a ‘real difference’ in your local community.

Cheshire Connect is currently seeking the following skills:

Project Management, Business Planning and Strategy, Marketing, Photography, Accounts/Payroll and HR.

Plus mentors, business coaching and bid writing skills.

Want to know more?

Contact Cheshire Connect South Cheshire Business Connector Dianne Parrish, on 07946 639394 or email dianneparrish@cheshireconnect.org.

Or, visit www.cheshireconnect.org for more information

Sandra had worked for over 25 years with an employer working in probate.

Unfortunately through no fault of her own she was made redundant. We helped Sandra to get her CV and covering letter together. Whilst networking at the annual Sandra Massey Chamber awards we talked to Hibberts Partners about the wealth of skills and experience that one of our participants, Sandra had to offer.

Now Sandra is settling into her new role at Hibberts. She said: “New Leaf helped me take stock, inspired me to pursue my aspirations and enabled me to gain a qualification. They also played a major part in me getting a job I love. It was a big boost to have a team completely on my side.”

We also run employability training courses for participants. These look at the key skills and qualities that employers look for when recruiting adults. We help participants to recognise the key skills that they possess and how to best put this across in their CV. We then continue to work with participants who want to find work experience and also help them apply for work. We are looking for employers willing to give someone a fresh start, with work experience, an interview or help during one of our training days.

For more information contact Angela Wilkinson at the Chamber on 01270 445 404 or angela.wilkinson@sccci.co.uk”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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ASSURANT SPACE transforms working environment at Assurant

Utilising feedback has been a core part of the transformation programme with the SPACE team providing employees the opportunity to offer opinions on how the work environment can be improved. As part of the programme, the SPACE team has introduced in-formal meeting spaces to increase collaboration, invested in new technology to reduce printing waste, created new canteen facilities, implemented state of the art conference facilities and built new breakout areas.

Assurant’s European head office in Crewe, where 1,000 employees are based, is now the blueprint for all offices across Europe due to the incredible environment which has been created as the business aims to become truly collaborative.

Crewe-based Assurant, a global provider of risk management solutions, has recently been celebrating the completion of a major transformation programme.

With the business striving to be the best place to learn and work, Assurant launched the SPACE initiative two years ago with the aim to improve ways of working by encouraging collaboration, reducing waste, improving efficiencies and driving corporate social responsibility.

Over this period of time, the SPACE team, which includes representatives across Assurant’s European business, has completely transformed the business’ physical environment and encouraged a change in behaviours to create a much more efficient, greener work environment.

In addition to the transformation programme, the SPACE team has also been responsible for driving many projects which have had a positive impact on the local community. From fund-raising to sharing skills, knowledge and experience, the SPACE team has encouraged employees to donate over 1,000 hours to charitable work. This has resulted in the team being recognised at the 2017 South Cheshire Chamber Business awards where they received the Contribution to the Community award.

The work does not stop here as the team at Assurant will continue working together to have a positive impact at their European head office and across the local community.

For more information visit www.assurantsolutions.co.uk

THE GUINNESS PARTNERSHIP

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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REASEHEATH Reaseheath turns the spotlight on Apprenticeships businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Opening the ceremony, Principal Meredydd David revealed that the Reaseheath Group, which includes DART Training in Derbyshire, was the largest provider of land-based apprenticeships in the country. The college currently has 1,500 apprentices in training and has successful completion rates which are more than 10 percent above the national average.

Successful partnerships have been built with all sizes of companies, from multi-nationals to micro businesses.

For more information visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Employer of the Year Bombardier Transportation

A head girl at a dressage and livery yard and a dairy herd manager took the top titles at a Reaseheath College awards ceremony which turned the spotlight on apprenticeships.

Laura Gunnell, 18, who works for Juwel Equestrian in Winsford, was crowned ‘Level 2 Apprentice of the Year’ while Sofy Ellison, 22, manager of a dairy herd at Marton Hall Farm, Macclesfield, for Grassland Farming Ltd. was awarded ‘Advanced Apprentice of the Year’. The title of ‘Employer of the Year’ went to Bombardier Transportation of Crewe, which has 14 apprentices currently enrolled at Reaseheath.

The event marked the achievements of 157 apprentices and trainees who had gained their qualifications at the specialist college in the past year. It was held in celebration of the benefits which apprentices bring to

Reaseheath ‘Apprentices of the Year’ Laura Gunnell and Sofy Ellison

SG WORLD SG World welcomes latest intern worked closely with Manchester Metropolitan University’s Marketing and Business Department for a number of years, having welcomed students from Denmark, France and Belgium previously.

Morten is the latest intern student to be welcomed to SG World and joins the Marketing team where, alongside his university project, he will be given the opportunity to assistwith exhibition support, content creation and graphic design,as well as specialist marketing projects.

Morten feels that working for SG World will help with a potential career across Europe and beyond. He says: “I hope that getting to grips with the English language and high standards of a British based business will act as a good stepping stone to my marketing career, both at home and around the world. I’ve got lots of plans for my time in the UK including watching plenty of football as I’m a big Liverpool fan. My boss here at SG World, Richard Nichols (Sales & Marketing Director) is an Arsenal fan though so I better not be too rough on him with the football banter!”

SG World, the Health & Safety documentation and software specialists, welcomed its latest international intern, Morten Ravn, in January. Morten will becompleting his final semester with DANIA ACADEMY in Viborg, Denmark, and his AP Degree in Marketing Management as part of SG World’s Marketing team at our global headquarters in Crewe SG World places a strong significance on the training anddevelopment of people, with several initiatives including apprenticeships, personal development programmes and partnerships with colleges and universities both locally and abroad. The firm, with over 180 members of staff, has

Richard says: “We are delighted to welcome Morten to SG World and take an active role in his personal and professional development. SG World’s purpose of ‘Helping you make a difference’, underpinned by our family values, is evident in our continued passion for the development of people today as well as the talent of tomorrow.”

For more information on SG World visit www.sgworld.com or call 01270 500921

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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BENTLEY Successful year of awards for Bentley In another successful year for Bentley, the luxury British brand received more than 20 awards around the world in 2017.

The accolades came from a wide variety of leading publications and industry bodies, ranging from the company’s home market of the UK, to Europe, the USA and China.

A Winning Start for New Continental GT: Since its public unveiling in September at the IAA Frankfurt, the new Bentley Continental GT has already received four global awards, including ‘GT of the Year’, ‘Best Luxury Auto’ and ‘Best Gran Turismo Sports Car.’ The new Continental GT was praised for its depth of engineering by BBC’s Top Gear Magazine who named it ‘GT of the Year’, describing it as “simply one of the most complete GT cars on the planet”. Particular recognition was given to the car’s composure on the road, making it “easier than ever to thread through the tricky bits.”

Bentley Bentayga: Winner of Robb Report’s SUV of the Year Award

Interior Design Magazine found the new Continental’s styling similarly worthy of praise, awarding it the category of ‘Automotive Overall Design’ in its prestigious ‘Best of the Year’ awards.

fulfilling the role of the consummate, complete, luxury SUV. And in five years, when there may be rivals… we won’t be surprised if it still does.”

Other publications awarding the new Continental GT include Robb Report Germany (‘Best Gran Turismo Sports Car’) and China’s Target (‘Best Luxury Auto’).

Bentayga was also named ‘Luxury SUV of the Year’ by Wheels Middle East; and ‘Best Large Premium SUV’ in the Middle East Car of the Year awards.

Bentayga Continues Successful Streak: Two years after its market introduction the Bentley Bentayga continues to collect industry accolades. In fact, with seven awards this year alone the Bentayga is Bentley’s most awarded model in 2017.

Award-Winning Mulsanne and a Great Place to Work: Bentley’s flagship, the Mulsanne, claimed four global awards in 2017, including GQ’s ‘Best Autonomous Car’, with judges saying of the Extended Wheelbase model: “The stretched rear cabin of the already vast Mulsanne is the single best way to travel in a car without driving – one of the few cars with the largesse and scale to truly call itself a flagship.”

The world’s first luxury SUV was named ‘SUV of the Year’ by Robb Report. Editor, Robert Ross, commented: “If the best way to fly is ‘private,’ Bentayga is general aviation’s four-wheeled equivalent. There is no getting around the fact that Bentley’s Bentayga was the run-away winner.”

Another notable achievement this year was the Bentayga Diesel receiving the highly sought-after ‘Star Award’ from Autocar magazine. Chief tester, Matt Saunders, said “This car rises head and shoulders above any other in

Walpole announced Bentley as ‘Luxury Maker of the Year’, while company also won the ‘Top Employer’ award from the Top Employers’ Institute. Bentley’s apprenticeship programme also scooped four accolades, including three at the School Leavers’ Awards.

For more information visit www.bentleymotors.com

CHESHIRE COLLEGE - SOUTH & WEST College launches new name and logo for 2018 developed through consultation and involvement from all of the College’s key customers including prospective and current students, parents, staff, businesses, government and local community partners.

Dhesi, Principal and Chief Executive at Cheshire College – South and West, said: “Following our merger earlier this year we are delighted to announce our new name Cheshire College – South and West.

“From the outset we wanted to create a distinctive brand that appeals to all our students, communities and business partners reflecting the diverse mix of skills and industries that we work across.

“Whilst our name and logo may have changed, our commitment to delivering excellent teaching, learning and skills development for young people, adults and employers remains the same.”

Cheshire College – South and West has been announced as the new name for South Cheshire College/West Cheshire College.

The college, which has campuses in Crewe, Ellesmere Port and Chester, has unveiled a new brand identity to its students and staff.

The new name and logo, which follows the successful merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College in March 2017, was

Sean Houlston, 18, Student Union President, added: “Current and prospective students from all three campuses were asked for their thoughts on the name. Personally, I think the new logo looks great - it gives the College an exciting, fresh new look.”

For more information about studying at Cheshire College South and West, contact 01270 654654 or 01244 656555

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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MORNFLAKE A Mighty future ahead for new-look Mornflake People whose inspirational achievements and feats of endurance are conquered by starting the day with Mornflake oats.

The first in the series tells of extreme sports fan Ross Spalding whose average day includes running, cycling and fell climbing in rugged hills of Ochil in Scotland It also traces the company’s historic roots in Cheshire, from 1675 when William Lea began milling in Swettenham using water to turn the mill stones to roll the oats to today, when 15 generations later the Lea family are still at the helm.

Homage is paid to the craftsmen and women behind the 21st century milling process and the utter oat perfection that comes of more than 340 years of know-how. ‘Our Millers Make Us Mighty’ site visitors are told.

Fascinating snippets of history are uncovered such as Mornflake’s role during the war when William’s descendant Philip Lea was called back from the RAF to make oats a British pantry staple and bolster family rations.

Mornflake has completed the second phase of a major rebrand, heralding a new era for the South Cheshire company which nourishes the world with its famous breakfast food products.

Marketing manager Richard Jones said: “This is our first major rebrand across the whole spectrum of the company for many decades. We are proud to shout out about our roots in South Cheshire and that heritage, alongside our unstinting dedication to quality, were key to the design.”

A new website has been unveiled as the latest phase in a strategy to champion the wholesome goodness of The Mighty Oat and the company’s global reputation as millers of excellence.

The rebrand spans the packaging of Mornflake’s diverse product range, its trademark orange lorries, marketing material and buildings. New signage has gone up at headquarters on Gresty Road, Crewe and on Welcome to Crewe road signs.

An online shop offers customers a chance to select their favourite porridge, muesli and granola products, including special dietary ranges, and have them shipped from Mornflake in Crewe to breakfast tables across the world.

Central to the design is a new logo featuring farm horses Flossy, Bonnie and Metal pulling a binder to cut the oats. Their image, taken from the company archives, portrays how farming used to be and is a symbol of strength, heritage and trust.

The site, designed in conjunction with TRCreative in Nantwich and London company Otherway, introduces a new story feature on Mighty

For more on products and the Mornflake story visit www.mornflake.com

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY New project set to tackle high street decline (IPM) has identified a longer-term issue in the failure of the high street to adapt and act collectively to change.

The IPM’s High Street UK 2020 project has identified 25 priorities for action designed to increase footfall in our town and city centres.

Picture: Shutterstock.com

For those hoping Christmas may have brought the gift of high street renewal to towns and cities in the UK, official figures have shown that fewer people visited public shopping spaces compared to the same period last year.

Bad weather and the popularity of online shopping are among the range of explanations offered for the decline. However, new research from Manchester Metropolitan University’s Institute of Place Management

Each priority identified by the research requires new methods to bring about collective decision-making and action in our public shopping areas. As collaboration is key to success, the BID funding will help to generate new governance and place management models.

Top of the IPM’s list of priorities is the need to escape the 9-5 trading pattern that may not meet the needs of people in certain areas.

The visual appearance of properties and retail areas is also identified as a key area for improvement, along with the need to ensure a suitable mix of retailers and other services matches the needs of people living in each area.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Over 250 traditional retail areas in the UK have already voted to become a Business Improvement District (BID), which will see retailers and other commercial stakeholders pay an additional levy to fund exactly the type of initiatives and ideas identified by the IPM. The BID agreements will help everyone involved to work closely together and we predict that individuals who understand high street change, have the skills to collaborate and coordinate action at a local level will be an important part of the future of our town and city centres.

For more information on the IPM’s research and latest news, visit www.placemanagement.org For information on the Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire campus in Crewe visit www2.mmu.ac.uk/cheshire or call 0161 247 2000

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THE IMPORTANCE OF SPEAKING LANGUAGES WHEN TRADING INTERNATIONALLY! Everyone speaks English don’t they? Well that isn’t quite the case. In actual fact only 7% of the world speaks English as a first language (1) and some of the latest research shows that this is decreasing even further and will be nearer to 5% by 2050.

Sara Pomfret

Think about how to manage language differences including: •

Can you get your message across?

•

Do you need an interpreter for overseas visits?

Interestingly 30% of SME’s business is lost (2) and the UK economy loses £48bn a year in lost contracts because of a lack of language skills (3), so having competent language skills within the Company is fast becoming increasingly important to trading successfully internationally.

•

Can you communicate with clients on a day to day basis?

•

Do you need to translate any existing literature, brochures, invoices?

•

Will you need to write emails, letters, even tenders in a different language?

•

What are the situations when speaking or writing English is acceptable?

•

Do you need to translate your website ?

A report from the British Council - Languages for the Future – “identifies the priority languages for the UK’s future prosperity, security and influence in the world. It considers the outlook for the supply and demand for language competence in the years ahead” (4)

•

What about translating contract terms and conditions?

•

How will you cope with communicating in more than one language and market?

It reports ” the same five languages topping the list today as in 2013. They are: Spanish, Mandarin, French, Arabic and German.

They appear some way ahead of the next five, which are: Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese and Russian.”

The report also argues that, “in a new era of cooperation with Europe and with the rest of the world, investment in upgrading the UK’s ability to understand and engage with people internationally is critical.”

Even if you do not have native speakers or employees with complete fluency, knowing a few words and phrases in your client’s language can help build rapport, even if you need a translator or interpreter for more involved communication.

When identifying an international market there are many things to consider but one of the important ones on the list should be how to communicate efficiently and effectively with your clients in that country.

Sara Pomfret, International Trade Adviser for DIT North West, who speaks four languages herself says:“Being able to communicate in your client’s language is really important, not only for actually negotiating business and being in touch on a day to day basis, but more so for building that relationship and rapport between the two of you as partners.

From my experience this goes a long way towards having a successful long term relationship.”

To support SME’s with this challenge, the Department for International Trade (DIT) offers a free half day workshop on Language and Culture.

The masterclass looks at the main language and culture factors SME’s will need to consider, to improve their sales success in international markets. It focuses on how to build positive influence and effective relationships both face to face and digitally in your target markets and strategically plan your international communications. This workshop alongside other workshops with different topics to consider when exporting, are planned throughout the region in 2018.

Sources:1. David Gradol.

2. University of Surrey Research, Hagen at al, 2014.

3. All-party parliamentary group on modern languages (APPG) 2014.

4. British Council

South Cheshire Chamber International Trade Support • Professional Advice • Export Documentation Service • Export Training Courses

• FREE Export Review for Chamber Members (in partnership with Stark Export Focus) • International Trade Forum • International Trade Newsletter

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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Cyber security company joins Chamber Cyber and Digital Innovation Lead, Noel Hannan, said: “In our efforts to ensure cyber security using technical means, we should not ignore the requirement for the physical security of our environment, including where we use our connected devices (public transport, retail premises), our homes and our businesses.

Noel Hannan presenting at the UK Cyber Security Summit, the London Design Centre, November 2017

Introducing new Chamber members GoSecure – a Canadian cyber security company with key UK based staff in Cheshire and Shropshire.

During 2017 they have been providers of cyber security training for the EU-funded FUSE initiative delivered by South and West Cheshire Colleges in addition to working with many small and large employers in the area.

“An attacker who is after information or money doesn’t really care if you leave your front door open or your wireless network unprotected – they will use the method they choose which gives them the best chance of success and the ability to remain undetected.

When these two ‘attack vectors’ converge, we often see the use of what we term social engineering techniques. These are methods by which attackers achieve an aim by exploiting good will, charitable actions, our willingness to

Motorists: Put the brakes on prosecution

MEMBERS NEWS

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help others and our own requirements for assistance, such as computer problems, to bypass technical controls and get the victim to carry out actions themselves.

“An example would be offering up your password to someone pretending to be from tech support, or clicking on a link in a phishing email. Social engineering techniques also allow attackers to enter your premises, for example by tailgating through a security gate.”

GoSecure delivers a full range of cyber, physical and procedural security solutions, from network monitoring and patch management through to awareness training and ‘Red Team’ exercises.

For more information contact Noel Hannan at nhannan@gosecure.net

A solicitor at the helm of a large criminal defence team has urged drivers to act swiftly if they receive a notice of intended prosecution.

identify the time, date, place and nature of the alleged offence and will ask you to provide details of the driver of the vehicle at that time. You must respond within 28 days. Never ignore a NIP as it could result in you receiving a summons and having to go to court.”

Andrew Turnock, (pictured) who heads up the crime team at Beswick Legal, says early action is critical to avoid the matter ending in court.

If you weren’t at the wheel, you must provide the name and address of the driver to police. The named person will then receive a request for information. If you were the driver and admit the offence, you will be faced with some options. In the case of speeding or careless driving, you might be offered a driver improvement course or a fixed penalty fine with penalty points on your licence.

He said: “A notice of intended prosecution (NIP) is sent to the registered keeper of a vehicle or the nominated driver of a vehicle that is alleged to have committed a motoring offence. If a traffic camera has snapped you exceeding the speed limit or going through a red light, you will receive a NIP. It is a warning that you may face prosecution. To be valid the NIP must be served on the driver or registered keeper within 14 days of the offence taking place.

“NIPs can also be issued verbally by a police officer at the time of the offence, or you could receive a court summons through the post for the alleged offence within 14 days. Your notice of intended prosecution will

For company, lease or hire car drivers, the NIP will be sent to the lease or hire company registered as the vehicle’s keeper. They will provide your details as the driver of the vehicle. They may charge an administrative or handling fee.Mr Turnock, an experienced magistrate and Crown Court advocate, added: “Early action is essential in all motoring cases. If you don’t have time to handle the NIP paperwork, let us deal with the matter for you.”

Get in touch by emailing andrew.turnock@beswicks.com or phoning 01782 205000

It’s time to get GDPR compliant New Chamber member Point Progress, a business software company based in Nantwich, has issued some timely advice on the forthcoming General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The EU regulation, which comes into force on May 25, aims to strengthen data protection and every company that handles personally identifiable data in any way will have to consider carefully how and why it is needed, how long for and who should have access to it.

Point Progress managing director Richard Coope (pictured) said: “The risks of getting this wrong are enormous, with potential fines of €20millon, or 4% of your global turnover. In reality this probably won’t be reached, however it does show the increased powers that are being handed to the ICO, whose fine limit today is £500,000. If you think that

GDPR does not apply to your business, you may need to think again.

Most likely you hold personally identifiable data, such as employee records, so you will need to ensure you have policies detailing how this data should be managed, and be able to prove that these policies are being followed.

“As a small business, we soon realised that the task of putting everything together was turning into a full-time job, not only getting ready but also managing this into the future. As a software company we quickly concluded that there must be an easier way – a more streamlined way of managing this information.

“We designed i-Comply-GDPR as tool suitable for any business wanting to prepare and comply with their GDPR responsibilities. We have included features such as a GDPR Policy Builder, complete with policy templates, and the ability to setup and track data assets, and Subject Access Requests, with reminders and tasks for your business. It also retains an audit trail just in case you need it.”

See www.i-comply-gdpr.com for more details or call 01270 611800

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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Hospice tribute to corporate recovery specialist A corporate recovery business has been praised for its long-standing commitment to St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice. Barringtons Corporate Recovery (BCR) has handed over a further £400 to the facility after staging its sixth charity quiz.

pull a team together for an evening which is fun and more importantly, raises a good sum for hospice care.”

NatWest carried off the winner’s cup at the last event which also drew teams from Barclays, Beswicks Legal, Bowcock Cuerden, Bowcock & Pursaill, Grindeys, Howard Worth, Louis Taylor and Watts Mortgages.

The company, which helps struggling businesses with restructuring and recovery services, has raised more than £4000 over the years with an event each spring at Residence, Nantwich.

It draws teams from local businesses who answer British-themed questions posed by BCR managing director Phil Wood who becomes quiz-master for the evening. They pay £50 to take part and proceeds are split between St Luke’s and the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Trentham.

BCR managing director Phil Wood (right) hands over a cheque to Steven Cook of St Luke’s Hospice

Mr Wood said: “The event helps raise money and awareness of the hospice and its

St Luke’s Corporate Partnerships Manager Steve Cook said: “BCR’s longstanding relationship with the hospice is invaluable and we appreciate the hard work that goes into their annual quiz night fundraiser. It has become a popular event within the business calendar and we would like to extend our thanks to the insolvency firm for all their efforts.’

dedicated services. We’re delighted at its success, with teams returning year after year.

Now it’s all systems go as we plan for 2018. We would love to hear from accountants who can

For more information on BCR visit www.bcr-insolvency.co.uk

opportunity for business owners to find out more about how card and contactless payments work, and the benefits of the technology - especially during busy peak and seasonal trading times.

Local businesses who are interested in receiving a visit on Friday 2nd March or finding more should contact Sue Oakes-Dalley at the Crewe Branch or Alan Simpson, Business Manager on 07990 081 985 to arrange an appointment.

Barclaycard initiative launches to help boost Crewe’s economy through cashless payments

Five benefits of accepting Contactless payments 1. Faster transactions: contactless technology is the fastest card payment method in the UK. The contactless card or device simply needs to be touched onto a secure reader to make a contactless payment and, in a few seconds, the transaction is complete.

On Friday 2nd March Barclaycard and Barclays representatives will run a day of activity in Crewe to educate local traders on how accepting card and contactless payments can benefit their business.

Contactless payments allow consumers to pay for purchases of £30 and under using a card or a device without having to enter their PIN. Both shoppers and consumers benefit from contactless as it provides a quick and convenient way to pay and helps reduce queues at the point of sale.

For Crewe businesses only relying on cash as a way of payment could mean missing out on vital sales. Thousands of visits are made to Crewe’s markets, stores and local services and attractions each year, meaning that visitorrelated spending plays a significant role in supporting the local economy.

What’s in store for Crewe: From 9.30 a.m. on Friday 2nd March, Barclays & Barclaycard representatives will be at the Barclays branch in Market Street, from where the party will embark on a series of drop-in sessions with local businesses in the town centre. The meetings will provide an

2. Convenience: accepting contactless for small purchases makes life easier for customers as they do not need to have the correct change to hand or carry cash around with them. Equally businesses do not have to spend time counting out and giving them their change or paying cash into the bank.

3. Reduced queues: faster transactions enable customers to be served more quickly, and for some businesses this can help to increase sales, especially during busy periods.

4. Fewer abandoned sales: customers may walk out of shops because of long queues, so quicker transactions could reduce the number of abandoned sales.

5. Increased average transaction value (ATV): Shoppers may be constrained by the amount of cash they have on them and so may spend more if using a contactless card or device.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Alan Simpson, Barclays Crewe Business Manager, said: “Crewe’s bustling economy is dependent on the thousands of visitors to the town each and every week. Yet with visitors now carrying less cash in favour of choosing to pay by card and contactless, it’s never been more important that local businesses are able to serve customers in the way that works best for them.

“We’re really looking forward to spending some time out in Crewe and seeing how we can help our local businesses with another busy year of trading.”

What are Contactless Payments?

Contactless is a way for shoppers to pay for purchases of £30 and under using a card or a device without having to enter their PIN. It is designed specifically to provide a quick and convenient way to pay. To pay with contactless the cardholder touches their card or payment device against the terminal. It has to be held within 10cm of the terminal to work and the terminal will confirm that the payment has been accepted.

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Security company saddles up with bike scheme

Alpha Omega managing director Ken Lawton (right) with new Operations Director Andy Taylor and security guard Andre Smith

A company boss is encouraging employees to get on their bike and help cut down on congestion in Crewe.

Ken Lawton, owner of Alpha Omega Securities, has launched a Ride to Work scheme offering his staff a brand new bike to travel to head office on Lawton Street and their work

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destinations across South Cheshire.

The company, which employs 250 people, provides door supervisors at pubs and clubs across the North West and security guards at major outdoor events such as the Royal Cheshire County Show and Nantwich Show.

scheme but this is a simple way of getting employees on their bikes with minimum fuss. A decent bike doesn’t come cheap and this way they can buy their new wheels and accessories without making a big dent in their pay packets.”

Mr Lawton, a former kickboxer who founded the company 20 years ago, said: “I believe in keeping fit and the discipline of a good exercise regime which supports physical and mental well-being. Riding a bike is great for all that and helps cut down on congestion too. I like to think we are doing our bit for the environment and hope other local companies will follow suit.”

Mr Taylor has recently joined Alpha Omega from mobile phone company Brightstar 20:20 UK Ltd in Crewe where he was in charge of site security.

He added: “Alpha Omega is a Crewe success story which has grown from small beginnings into one of the region’s biggest security specialists. It’s good to be part of an organisation that focuses on employing local people and has exciting prospects for future growth.”

Employees are given an opportunity to buy a cycle of their choice and pay back the cost through their salary over a period of time.

For more information on security services call 01270 258881 or visit www.alphaomegauk.com

Alpha Omega Operations Director Andy Taylor added: “The Government operates a bike

New Partner for firm's Nantwich office The practice is committed to investing in the business and recognising that its people are a key resource. The partner team now stands at nine.

After completing a Business Studies degree at Liverpool John Moores University and a Law conversion course at Keele University, Martin, a former Malbank student started his career in accountancy in 2005. He joined Howard Worth in 2010 and went on to complete his studies and become ACCA qualified.

Howard Worth Managing Partner Richard Barnett is seen with Martin Webb

MEMBERS NEWS

Martin has been instrumental in generating new work for the practice and recently he has been responsible for implementing Howard Worth’s Cyber Crime policy, an area in which

he is able offer clients’ specialist advice. He said: "I am keen to develop new links for the practice with the local business community and hope to help many more companies with their accounting needs over the coming years."

Managing Partner Richard Barnett added: “We are delighted that Martin strengthens the Partner team at Howard Worth, it is enormously pleasing to see talented people succeed and progress and we look forward to him being instrumental in the success of the firm in the future.”

Contact Martin on 01270 626162 or email martinwebb@howardworth.co.uk

Firm wins Exceptional Case Funding for vulnerable client Legal experts at Hall Smith Whittingham LLP are delighted to report a successful application for Exceptional Case Funding from the Legal Aid Agency, enabling them to assist a vulnerable client. Trainee Solicitor, Simeon Bowen-Fanstone, who has been with the Crewe and Nantwich firm for three years, made the application alongside Licensed Paralegal Gaynor Butler.

He explained: “The client satisfied the Means Test for Legal Aid, but had no evidence to produce relating to domestic violence, nor did she have an injunction order in their favour.

The application for Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) was her last resort. She faced the real possibility of being left homeless, or a perilous financial future. It would have been completely unfair and unreasonable for her to conduct the ancillary relief application without legal assistance”.

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) does not permit solicitors to grant Exceptional Public Funding by

prepared, and there had been attempts at negotiation via correspondence.

He added: “Our client had exhausted every other option open to them for resolving the dispute - making a Financial Application to Court was their only option. The client was not able to represent themselves, complete the necessary forms or fully understand the implications of changes in domestic situation.

Court proceedings would have been confusing as everything had to be explained in simple terms.

Simeon Bowen-Fanstone and Gaynor Butler at Hall Smith Whittingham

themselves. Every application must be completed on the LAA’s online-portal and supporting evidence uploaded electronically.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and applicants have to prove they have exhausted all other methods of resolution. Hall Smith Whittingham’s client had attended mediation, a draft consent order had been

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

“I was cautiously optimistic that the application would be successful, however, the success-rate nationally is only around 13%. I hope our success encourages others to make ECF applications, and demonstrates that there is light at the end of extremely dark public funding tunnels.”

For more information on legal services visit www.hswsolicitors.co.uk

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Watts selected as Business Champion for Funding Circle

Car and van leasing firm welcomed as member

Watts Commercial Finance has been selected as a Business Champion for Funding Circle - a title held only by Funding Circle’s Top 28 Introducers in the UK.

Based at Macon Court in Crewe, Leasepoint specialises in providing businesses and individuals with contract hire and vehicle leasing.

As an award-winning brokerage, Watts Commercial Finance offers bespoke financial solutions and a professional service to an ever-growing client base and its extensive and thorough knowledge of the lending market and impressive introduction record helped secure the coveted accolade.

It provides vans for West Bromwich Albion FC’s retail operation, as well as for motorcycle giant Kawasaki and tyre manufacturer Yokohama.

Funding Circle has helped over 31,600 businesses in the UK alone and approve a new business loan on average every six minutes.

As Business Champions, Watts’ clients will benefit from a close relationship with Funding Circle and access to loans up to £350,000 unsecured from 4.5%. Watts Commercial Finance MD Phil Gray said: “We are delighted to have been selected as a Funding Circle Business Champion as we have many years’ experience of their lending criteria, processes and impressive success rate at providing fast and affordable business finance solutions for our clients."

Sarah Bates, Business Development Executive at Funding Circle UK, added: "Watts were invited to become a Business Champion due to the high level of efficiency and precision when recommending clients for our unsecured business loans. Their approach to finding finance at speed and with minimal hassle to business owners are in line with our own core values."

For more information visit www.watts-commercial.co.uk

Owner Roger Whittaker (pictured) said: “We’ve got customers dotted all around the UK but our plan for 2018 is to build relationships with local businesses and we look forward to meeting Chamber members.

When we built the customer base up we did it through telemarketing and referrals. We have grown because of the great relationships we have with our customers, and we think that dealing locally can mean better service.

“Our mission is to help our customers run the right vehicles to suit their needs at the lowest possible cost, in a market that is seeing lots of change with the expansion of the electric and Hybrid engine choice.”

Leasepoint has grown year on year and has doubled its business since 2015 which led to the company’s move from a site in Nantwich to a bigger base in Crewe.

Roger added: “We have been lucky enough to grow every year, despite some challenging economic times. We now have over 1200 vehicles out to customers, and by 2020 we are looking to reach 2000.”

For more on Leasepoint call Roger on 01270 620760 or visit www.leasepoint.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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Eze Talk in fundraising mission for children's hospice

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Staff at telecommunications company Eze Talk are pulling together to raise money for The Donna Louise hospice.

Towards the end of last year, employees kicked off their fundraising efforts for the charity by wearing their most spooktacular costumes for Halloween and festive jumpers for Christmas jumper day. Vicky Smith, from The Donna Louise, gave an inspirational presentation to the company describing the amazing care that the charity offers to young people and their families. The Donna Louise provides help, support and fun from initial diagnosis until they no longer need the charity. It also provides respite in the family home, being there during hospital stays or simply being there at the end of the phone.

Whilst based in Stoke on Trent, they are passionate about raising their profile in the Crewe and Nantwich area and spreading the word about the facility which is available to anyone who needs it.

Mike Walsh, Eze Talk Sales Director, commented: "We've always been passionate about helping local causes and are delighted to be working with the Donna Louise and supporting them with their new #SoNotTrue campaign. We hope that the money raised will make a small difference to the amazing work they do and we look forward to more fundraising events in the future."

Community football club kicks off as Chamber member New Chamber member Crewe FC is committed to helping local youngsters achieve their full potential. Founded in 1998, Crewe FC is one of only two Charter Standard Community Clubs within Cheshire - a recognition from the Football Association as being the most advanced level of club development and football provision an amateur, grassroots club can offer.

With over 20 football teams, from U7 to Open Age and well over 400 members, the Club provides a pathway into football for boys and girls, with tailored coaching sessions delivered by over 30 FA qualified coaches.

With an established 'playing & coaching philosophy' in place, and heavy focus on technical, physical and social development, Crewe FC is committed to providing the best opportunities for children, young people and local residents to engage in high quality physical activity.

Chairman Steve Parker said: "Crewe FC has worked hard to developed excellent links and relationships with key partners and stakeholders, including Everybody Leisure, Crewe Town Council, Cheshire East & Crewe Alexandra FC. We also continue to develop links with local businesses who support the development of our Junior & Girls football programme as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes.

The Club continually promotes and actively engages sponsors at all club events and across all social platforms.

Eze Talk colleagues are busy planning their next fundraising activities

Vicky Smith added: "We are extremely grateful to Eze Talk, just as we are every business who make such an effort with their fundraising.

This comes at an exciting time for the Donna Louise as we have recently launched our #SoNotTrue campaign. This is working towards changing common preconceptions about The Donna Louise as we are a very vibrant and happy charity that makes a real difference to lives of hundreds of children and young adults."

To contact The Donna Louise call 01782 654440 or visit thedonnalouise.org To contact Eze Talk, call 0333 200 0801 or visit eze-talk.com

"As a local grassroots Club, Crewe FC is actively involved in the local community. In 2017, we supported five community events, hosted three fundraisers and, with the support of the Club's main sponsor, Kindertons Accident Management, raised and donated over ÂŁ7,000 for local charities."

There's a five-year development plan in place to move to a dedicated facility in the near future in order to allow the Club to grow and better serve the local community. Steve added: "We have high expectations for our growth and development. We want to set the standard for community football that others aspire to."

For more information or to become involved with the Club email crewefc@live.co.uk

Rural office centre expands further

Park View Business Centre located on the Combermere Estate between Nantwich and Whitchurch on A530, has successfully completed another phase of growth with the release of three new offices.

The latest brick pillar barn has been converted using huge glass sheets to revive the look of the original structure, as well as to generate modern commercial space with amazing views over the Cheshire countryside. In addition, further investment has been made to upgrade the internet speeds, taking this from up to 50mbs to 100mbs. The superfast broadband ensures the rural office spaces continue to deliver great value, an important consideration for any small to medium sized business considering a move.

Peter Beckett, Director of PVBC, said: “These latest developments continue our quest to provide all tenants with the best environment in which to grow their businesses.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

"Providing a fantastic working environment pays dividends with employees. Businesses need speed and reliability to thrive and this, coupled with extensive free parking and other support services, delivers a superb place to operate from. We are passionate about bringing working people back into the countryside.�

PVBC is also extending its service provision of superfast broadband to others in South Cheshire via WIFI connections. Trial sites have proven very effective to-date and so further roll-out of this initiative is under consideration.

For more information visit www.parkviewbusinesscentre.co.uk

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34 BUSINESS NEWS

Stay safe from fire What exactly are my duties under the Fire Safety Order?

• • • • •

Business safety volunteer Bob Briscoe, Business Safety Advocates Sarah Marshall and Sandra Buckle along with Business Safety Manager Tracey Carter

• •

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Business Safety Team is an advisory and educational team assisting businesses to understand their responsibilities to meet the Fire Safety Order 2005.

Where does the Fire Safety Order apply?

The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises and covers nearly every type of building, structure, and open space, for example: • • • • • • • • •

offices and shops premises that provide care community halls common areas of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) pubs, clubs and restaurants schools tents and marquees hotels and hostels factories and warehouses

•

to plan, organise, control, monitor and review fire safety measures to eliminate or reduce risks to ensure premises are equipped wit firefighting equipment to ensure premises have fire detectors and alarms to ensure premises have safe emergency routes and exits to maintain fire safety equipment and devices to provide fire safety information to employees provide fire safety training

www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/businesssafety/your-responsibilities/information-foremployers What are the main requirements of the Fire Safety Order?

The Responsible Person is required to: •

• •

•

carry out or nominate someone to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment identifying the risks and hazards consider who may be at risk eliminate or reduce the risk from fire as far is it is reasonably practical and provide general fire precautions to deal with any residual risk take additional measures where flammable or explosive materials are used or stored

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

•

•

create a plan to deal with any emergency and in most cases document your findings, and review the findings

Do I need a fire risk assessment?

Yes. You must protect yourself and anyone else in the vicinity of your business from fire.

To do this you must assess the risks and make general fire precautions. You can download a risk assessment template from the website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/businesssafety/your-responsibilities/fire-riskassessment

Tracey Carter, the Service’s Business Safety Manager, said: “We always aim to help businesses to comply with the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety Order) 2005. However, at times we have to enforce the law by implementing a formal enforcement procedure. We will endeavour to avoid this course of action by working with you, the business owner/manager to resolve deficiencies to meet a satisfactory conclusion where possible, and dependent upon the risk.”

For more information about the work of the Business Safety team contact tracey.carter@cheshirefire.gov.uk

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Rural businesses to benefit from £5.4m funding boost

Left to right - Mandy Sibthorpe (Cheshire 'Leader' programme), Francis Lee (Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership), Rachel Ellis-Jones (Reaseheath College), Cllr Rachel Bailey (Leader, Cheshire East Council), Craig Bradley (Rural Payments Agency) and Dr Janet Maughan (OverWater Marina) at the rural business forum

Rural businesses in Cheshire East are being encouraged to apply for a share of a £5.4m injection via three significant funding streams in 2018.

The funding boost - across Cheshire and Warrington - was announced at a rural business forum held at Reaseheath College, Nantwich.

The forum was hosted by a partnership group comprising Cheshire East Council, Cheshire East's arms-length Skills and Growth Company, the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise

Partnership, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Rural Payments Agency - a government service set up to support the rural economy. The rural development programme for England has launched a number of grant opportunities, which are now open for applications from businesses across Cheshire.

business support programme is working with many businesses to help create jobs and economic growth. Our ongoing investment in rural broadband and skills will also help to ensure Cheshire can retain its position as one of the best locations in the country for rural businesses.

Businesses including farmers, foresters, rural enterprise communities and land managers can apply for business growth and development grants from a £2.4m pot of money allocated to the 'Leader' programme, the Cheshire-wide scheme which distributes European funding in rural communities.

“We are keen to see rural businesses enjoy an efficient broadband service and I would urge any companies that are considering expanding in the near future, to make contact and benefit from our support."

A further £2.4m is available for business development, food processing and rural tourism through the Growth Programme which is administered by the Rural Payments Agency on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This grant scheme is more generous and covers up to 40 per cent of the overall project costs for an eligible application.

Rural businesses can also source faster broadband connectivity through a £600,000 voucher scheme worth up to £4,000 per company, as part of the Connecting Cheshire Digital Plus Programme. Cllr George Hayes, chairman of the council's Skills and Growth Company said: "Cheshire East's dedicated rural

Cheshire has a strong track record of nurturing rural growth and the Country Land and Business Association's (CLA) most recent survey names Cheshire as the best county in England in which to run a rural business.

The rural business support service delivered by the council's Skills and Growth Company can assist with advice and guidance on funding opportunities, practical support with submitting applications, recruitment and skills and development.

The company can also assist with sourcing property in rural areas or advise on planning and regulatory services. Contact the service via email business@skillsandgrowth.co.uk or call 0300 123 5001

Marketing for niche industries The Chamber has welcomed Corbel Integrated Marketing in Nantwich as new members.

Colin Heath, managing director, says: “Every business needs marketing and for some that means creating a general advertising plan to attract the masses. However, if your business operates within a specialised industry, as many do these days, this approach will not attract your intended audience. Devoting your time and resources to effectively identify a more targeted market can drastically help maximise your marketing ROI.” For those working in specialised industries, here are some tips: Know your niche market inside and out: Simply because your product or service appeals to a narrow audience doesn’t mean you should be nonchalant about researching your target market. It can be more difficult to understand your ideal customer when offering a product with niche appeal, so segmentation is vital when defining a smaller target market.

A smaller market means you must grasp a more granulated understanding of the attributes your intended targets may have. It’s not enough to simply outline the basics, you must identify your niche market like the back of your hand.

Solve the problems of your customers: What makes your business special? How is your offering more unique than your competition? How are you caring for your customers? Small, saturated markets are just as, if not more, competitive than their conglomerate counterparts. Hence, it is crucial that you always, always think of the customer first and make that a cornerstone of your marketing strategy.

Be smart about how you spread the word about your business: It is imperative that you assess the strengths of every marketing channel relative to your business. Social media can drive a business and enhance how you interact with customers, but not all outlets are key to specific industries. Do your research, test different methods out, and see what works for your particular market.

Really listen to your customers: Your customers know your business better than you, yes it’s true. Unless you are sincerely committed to listening to your customers, your marketing plan will be on the path to failure.

Forget about worrying what your customers have to say, they’ll inform you. You should effectively be utilising social media as a niche business, as it is simply unconquerable for instant feedback on your product or service.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

While monitoring online mentions is time consuming, it’s less work than alleviating the damage of a negative review.

For more information email hello@wearecorbel.com

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36 BUSINESS NEWS

Mobility retailer rewards staff after record sales Usually reviewed in April, the company decided in December that pay reviews should be brought forward to January with any pay increases back-dated to January 1st.

MD Mike Williams said: "As we all know trading conditions in the country generally were very tough in 2017 and so to have achieved the increases we did means that our staff have worked exceptionally hard over the last 12 months.

"With so many people feeling the pinch at present, partly because of rising inflation, the Board felt that this year we could afford to bring forward our annual pay review."

Ableworld has brought forward its annual pay review on the back of record sales and profit figures.

Founded in 2001 in Nantwich, the company wanted to reward its 120 staff members early to round off another successful year of trading.

Ableworld is recognised as the leading mobility retail chain in the country.

From one store in Nantwich, it now operates 34 stores across the UK with half of the modern one-stop mobility retail

GRP acquires County Group

outlets being run by the company and half under the franchise model.

2017 saw three new stores open in Stockport, Southport and Bournemouth.

Overall sales and profits across the group were at record levels and like for like sales in the first quarter of their new financial year increased by over 16%.

Mr Williams added: "We are fortunate to have developed a customer-focused, retail model which takes advantage of the current demographic and market forces. With more people living longer lives they often need the sort of products and services that we supply to make their lives more active or comfortable."

For more information on products visit www.ableworld.co.uk

and depth in UK retail broking. Our 2018 pipeline remains very strong and we anticipate making further deals this year, building on the 12 deals we completed in 2017, including acquisitions through our regional hubs.”

Global Risk Partners Ltd (GRP), the specialist investment vehicle for brokers and MGAs, has acquired The County Group.

Crewe-based County Group becomes GRP’s second acquisition in 2018 and is the next major step in executing the Group’s UK regional hub strategy.

Mike Bruce, GRP’s CEO Broking, hailed the deal as a strategically important addition to GRP’s portfolio of entrepreneurial businesses.

“We are delighted to welcome Dave Clapp and his team to GRP. County is a highly respected and well-known business and will play a key role in achieving our growth plans as GRP’s hub for the North West.”

He added: ‘This acquisition follows the funding round we completed before Christmas, and adds considerably to our breadth

The County Group is one of the UK’s top 25 independent brokers (Insurance Age UK Top 100 Independent Brokers - November 2017).

It was founded in 2003 by CEO Dave Clapp. County has since grown both organically and through acquisitions, thanks to the Group’s focus on high quality people delivering a great service to its customers. County employs 278 people and won Insurance Broker of the Year at the BIA Awards last July.

He said: “With the firepower now available from a business the size and scale of GRP we can accelerate our ambitious plans, something that was becoming more challenging with traditional funding routes.”

Dave Clapp, CEO of The County Group added: “County will continue with its strategy of purchasing, nurturing and developing great businesses, increasing our footprint and delivering a high quality service to our customers across the UK with the support of the group’s panel of insurer partners.”

The County Group provides a host of insurance solutions visit www.countyins.com

Chamber members team up to offer special fitness classes for elderly people Physiotherapists from ctchealthcare are staging chair-based exercise classes at Right at Home which has opened new offices on Hospital Street, Nantwich.

The company, which provides home-based care services, hosted a demonstration during its open day attended by Crewe and Nantwich MP Laura Smith.

Owner Ben Selby said: “Like ctchealthcare we believe in giving older people in our community the chance to lead happy and fulfilled lives.

Physiotherapist Adrianna Hynowska and Right at Home owner Ben Selby join Nantwich pensioners Pat Burn, Sheila Grainger and Sheila Dowd at the launch of chair-based exercise sessions

“Based in the heart of town in our new offices, we are accessible and would love to see many more older folk enjoying the benefits of regular exercise.”

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Studies show chair-based exercise helps to increase strength and flexibility while reducing body fat and the risk of falls.

Sessions include stretching and lifting small dumb bells to music.

Physiotherapist Adrianna Hynowska said: “Exercise lifts the mood, boosts confidence and can reduce arthritic pain. These classes are perfect for people with limited mobility.”

For more information on chair-based exercise call the Nantwich clinic on 01270 361363 or visit www.ctchealthcare.co.uk

For more information on Right at Home call 01270 257347 or visit www.rightathomeuk.co.uk

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YMCA extends its reach to parents and children

CHARITY NEWS

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The Children and Families team run a number of well established After School Clubs on local estates for children aged nine upwards and, in late 2017, the Association started a very successful parenting group and a family drop-in.

Every night in February, the YMCA will be working with local churches to host a Night Shelter at its centre in Gresty Road, offering a bed to those who might find themselves sleeping rough.

Volunteers from local churches provide a meal and company for anyone in need.

Company Secretary Sue Bishop said: "Staff at the YMCA work to make a difference in peoples lives, concentrating not only on their needs but on their personal skills. There is a wide range of training and engagement opportunities for people living in the accommodation, such as catering, horticulture, gym and fitness programmes, which all contribute towards building new futures.”

For more information on sponsoring an After Schools Club contact Development Manager Richard Holmes at rholmes@creweymca.com

Children and staff at an After Schools Club

YMCA Crewe works with various groups in Crewe, including people experiencing homelessness and others who benefit from having tenancy support in their own flats or houses.

Greetings from the new charity team Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity has welcomed a new team - and there's an open invitation to Chamber members to pop in and say hello!

Based in their office, just next to main reception, is MCH Charity Manager Emma Robertson and Community Fundraiser Carole Salmon.

Emma’s background in the NHS takes in roles as an Occupational Therapy Technical Instructor and working with patients in Trauma and Orthopaedics and Hand Therapy. After several years in marketing, she spotted an opportunity to return to the NHS and spent the last four years at University Hospitals of North Midlands as the deputy manager for their charity.

Carole worked in fundraising and event management for many years including six years as Charity Co-Ordinator at ROI Ltd in Nantwich and 10 years fundraising for Parkinson’s UK. More recently she was a Community Partnerships Fundraiser for St Luke’s Hospice.

Everybody Knows Somebody Dementia Appeal: Following on from the success of the ‘One in 11’ and ‘MRI Scanner’ appeals the charity is now aiming to raise £1.5m to support projects that will enhance the care and experience for patients living with dementia.

Carole said: "There are lots of ways you can support any area of our hospitals - by making a donation, fundraising for the charity or

Carole Salmon and Emma Robertson hope to hear from businesses who can support the Everybody Knows Somebody Dementia Appeal

selecting us as your charity of the year. We also offer lots of opportunities for you to get involved with events such as runs, treks and once-in-a-lifetime challenges overseas."

Contact Carole Salmon on 01270 273248 or 07467 687998 or by emailing charity@mcht.nhs.uk

Group makes a clean sweep with growing membership Crewe Clean Team continues to go from strength to strength as it celebrates its sixth birthday.

Membership has grown to more than 100 community-spirited people who carry out litter-picks and other activities to improve the area's appearance.

Chairman Dave McDonald said: "2017 was just as busy as previous years. We increased our membership to 108 and carried out 11 communal litter picks, involving 200 man/woman hours and resulting in 281 bin bags of rubbish as well as 15000 aluminium cans recycled.”

Last spring its volunteers helped local cub scouts, guides and Rotarians plant hundreds of bulbs.

Crewe Clean Team has also instigated the Crewe Anti-Litter Forum (CALF) which brings together representatives from relevant agencies and community groups, encouraging them to put forward ideas to combat litter, fly-tipping and other anti-social activities.

He added: "In 2018, we will continue with our current campaigns and look to introduce a voluntary code of practice regarding litter, that businesses will sign up to. As the regeneration of the centre of Crewe begins, we will continue to champion the use of innovative bins such as ‘Ballot Bins’ for cigarette ends and Gumdrop recyclable bins for chewing gum.”

For more information visit crewecleanteam.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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38 COMMUNITY NEWS

Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival plans forge ahead Greaves & Mark Feltham of Nine Below Zero at Nantwich Civic Hall.

Friday sees two local artistes perform with indie-folk songstress Thea Gilmore at The Civic and a special performance

by Both Sides Now at The Crown Hotel who present a homage to the Joni Mitchell Songbook.

There’s a triple bill of blues at The Civic on the Saturday with the Climax Blues Band, Dr Feelgood and Walklate and Fuschi.

Abbigail Ellwood with the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival 2018 brochure

Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival 2018 is set to be a starstudded event with a record number of performers lined-up to entertain this Easter.

Festival programmes are now available online and at local outlets listing all the famous names whose stage skills will turn Nantwich into a mecca for music-lovers over Bank Holiday weekend, March 29 to April 2.

More than 150 solo performers and bands will make the festival, now in its 22nd year, all organisers could hope for in memory of its founder Phillip Martin, proprietor of The Crown Hotel, who died last November.

Headliners include Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze, hit-makers Dr Feelgood and Climax Blues Band celebrating their 50th year in show business.

Mr Martin’s daughter Abbigail, who has taken over as festival director, said: “It’s thanks to Dad that we have this incredible interest from high-calibre bands. After 22 years, the festival reputation is held in such high regard, they contact us hoping to take part. It means we have the pick of some of the best musical talent the country has to offer.”

Squeeze frontman Glenn will get things underway on Thursday, March 29 with in a solo performance with support from Dennis

Weekend highlights also include high-energy performances by festival favourites Vavoom and Jive Aces.

Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze will be one of the headline performers

Most pubs, bars and restaurants across town will host live performances including Harrisons on High Street, The Studio on Castle Street and Cheshire Cat, Firenze, Nakatcha and Street on Welsh Row. New for 2018 is Local Live Music, showcasing up and coming musicians of all ages on the town square. Hosted by The Cat FM, they will fill the town with music on Easter Sunday. Musicians are invited to apply now for their 15 minutes slot.

The Bank Stage also returns to its spot on Bowers Row carpark giving a full line-up of open air performances on Saturday and Sunday. More than 40,000 people visit the festival each year showcasing all historic Nantwich has to offer.

Pub performances are free but a wristband is needed to enter. They are on sale now on the festival website for £7 giving access to 140 gigs round the town.

For a full round-up of all the performances, pick up a brochure in local outlets or visit www.nantwichjazz.com The festival is promoted by Pure PR. For information on services call 07709 977 629

Food-lovers prepare to welcome the crowds

Concorde Trophies provided the trophies, Rodney Densem Wines and McCarthy's Salon provided the prizes, and the presentations were made by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, Mayor of Cheshire East Cllr Arthur Moran, Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Penny Butterill, MP for Crewe and Nantwich Laura Smith and Chamber President John Dunning.

A date is now set for 2018's festival. It will take place August 31-September 2.

Top food outlets were recognised at the annual Nantwich Food Awards staged at the town's Civic Hall.

Winners were Best Restaurant, Romazzino, Best Pub with Food, The Leopard, Best Café or Coffee Shop, Ginger & Pickles, Beer Champion, Beer Dock Nantwich, Best Newcomer, Deadwood Smokehouse, Best Local Producer, Snugburys, Excellence in Customer Service, Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge.

A buffet was provided by the award-winning South Cheshire College Academy Restaurant, with Rodney Densem Wines supplying champagne.

A spokesman said: "Nantwich Food Festival attracts over 40,000 visitors many of whom return to shop, eat and stay in the high quality local businesses, the benefit to Nantwich being in excess of £1m per annum. The Festival is run entirely by volunteers, with support from local businesses, trade partners and sponsors.

Without all of these stakeholders the event would not be possible."

For sponsorship opportunities email Sponsorship Manager Chris Willcocks at sponsors@nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk or Business Liaison Jean Kay at jean.kay@nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

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