Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Issue: December 2011

Season's best wishes and Chamber Office holiday period opening times
Successful Annual Lunch raises £5000 for Laura Centre
The Changing Face of your ChamberHR Service
Chamber Roadside Assistance
Chamber News Opportunity
Love East Midlands 2012
Learning South Leicestershire Apprenticeship Information and Recruitment Evening
LLEP Intellectual Property Survey
Business Resilience Survey
Active Together Workplace Challenge
Results of mystery shopping research from consumer champion Which?
A4E
The Future of BBC Local Radio
Exporting for Growth Prize
Bulgarian Market Visit - February 2012
Chamber Events

If your company would like to help the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce continue to provide this informative e-newsletter Good Morning Leicestershire and raise the profile of your own business at the same time then please talk to Sharon Jeffrey on on 0116 204 6618 to discuss sponsorship opportunities, preferential rates are available for Chamber Members.

CHAMBER NEWS

First of all we would like to wish all of our members a very merry festive season and a prosperous New Year.

We would also like to inform you all that the Chamber offices, including the International Trade documentation team will be open on 16 December 9.00am to 12.00pm but closed that afternoon. We will be open Monday 19th December through the following week, but the International Trade dept will be closing at midday with last documents accepted at 12.00pm.

The Chamber offices will then be closed until Tuesday 2rd January 2012.

For those who use our International Trade documentation service note that the Arab British Chamber of Commerce will be closed from Thursday 22 December 2011 to 2nd December 2012 inclusive. No documents will be sent to London for Legalisation after Tuesday 19 December 2011.

Last Friday over 420 Chamber members and guests thoroughly enjoyed the Annual Lunch with this year's guest speaker, Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay. Chamber President Rick Moore told the audience that Leicestershire businesses have a lot to look forward to, despite the economic gloom. Many of our members have told us that they are looking to take on more staff and expect turnover to rise in the next six months.

We would like to offer our congratulations to James Bowie, managing director of The Belmont Hotel in Leicester who was named Chamber President-Elect, to take over next December and also offer our thanks to those who came who managed to raise more than £4000 on the day to help berievement charity The Laura Centre who do such wonderful work supporting parents who have lost a child and children and young people who have lost a significant person. This amount was increased to £5000 by the Chamber.

The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce recognises that keeping abreast with ever changing human resource and employment law legislation can take, not only a considerable amount of time, time which most employers need to focus on their core business activities but also a monetary cost which businesses can ill afford in this current economic climate.

It is for this reason that we invested in ChamberHR as an additional membership benefit. When the ChamberHR web site is used in conjunction with the telephone advice line, businesses can manage their human resource and employment law needs i.e. contracts of employment, policies and procedures by editing and downloading documentation from a bank of hundreds of policy and correspondence templates. Whilst giving the employer peace of mind when dealing with complex HR and employment law matters, this can also increase the efficiency of the business and offers a compliant, documented process putting the business in the best position to defend any consequent action. The correspondence templates maintain objectivity and reduce the emotional strain often associated with employee disputes.

As part of our ongoing improvement programme the ChamberHR website can now be accessed via http://chamber.leics.qdosconsulting.com . Chamber members can continue to use the same login details as previously provided to access all the sites – please contact us if you don’t know your login details. For expert help and support please call the telephone advice line number on 02920 349 614.

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with the British Chambers of Commerce and the AA to bring you preferential rates on the motoring organisation’s range of fleet-wide packages. With road congestion and transport problems said to be costing Leicestershire businesses £1/2 billion every year it is vital to keep your vehicles on the road and operating as cost-effectively as possible.

For an annual fee AA Fleetwide puts your drivers in touch with the UK’s largest motoring organisation, whenever and wherever you need it. The AA’s highly trained, nationwide patrol force will be on hand to assist you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – and there’s a choice of five levels of cover to suit your budget and the size of your fleet. It’s worth noting that without adequate breakdown cover, it could cost you £75 when one of your drivers needs assistance – so it’s easy to see how this service could benefit your business.

The AA Fleetwide options range from roadside assistance and home start through to assistance, recovery, provision of a hire car and accident management. The service can cover a wide range of company vehicles from cars, minibuses, trucks and vans to specialist vehicles – taxis, hire vehicles and courier vans. There are a range of Fleetwide packages available but as an example a vehicle protected with Roadside, Relay, Relayplus and Homestart would cost just £56.27 a year saving almost £90 on the standard AA price.

For more details please email: leics@chamberofcommerce.co.uk

The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is at the forefront of helping and supporting businesses in the City and County. The Chamber News (printed and on-line each month) is the Chamber's main publication for raising awareness of its services and providing an opportunity to promote companies such as yours to over 1,500 members from small businesses to multinational companies in the city and county.

We are currently reviewing PR and Advertising opportunities through the Chamber News, and would welcome yourselves partnering with us in this way during the first 3 months, or 6 months of 2012. Prices start from £130.00p per edition.

To view a current edition of ‘Chamber News’ please click below
http://www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk/DbFiles/file3402.pdf
If for any reason you cannot open the file, please let us know and we will forward a pdf to you.

For your information, Agora Marketing Communications Ltd are responsible for the advertising and production of each issue on behalf of the Chamber.

If you would like to know more please contact Steve Thomason direct at Agora on 0116 230 4967 or email him at steve@agoramc.co.uk

OTHER NEWS

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is one member of a strategic alliance of 'like minded' businesses and organisations who will be working together to inspire the business community and highlight the many successes within the East Midlands region.

Event date: 14th February 2012

Sharing their success stories, secrets and challenges, because we can all learn from the truly successful companies. we’ve noticed…

They place equal importance over the care over their people as they do over their customers.
Although they value their people highly, they readily admit they don’t offer the best wages
Each business operates in a highly competitive market, but they aren’t the lowest cost option

These businesses all have something else in common, they don’t depend upon finding exceptional people – however through measurable systems and processes their people consistently deliver exceptional service.

Life can be tough in a smaller business, especially if all you see is the doom and gloom of the economy.

At Love Business East Midlands we want to shine the light on those businesses who are exceeding their targets, out performing their competition and succeeding.

Helping business owners of all sized organisations to help each other succeed against the odds –BECAUSE the conditions have changed.

Signposting events, exhibitions and organisations
Providing a free online directory for businesses in the East Midlands
Launching the biggest business event in the East Midlands

This event will take place on the 14th February 2012
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Donington Park, Paddock Suite

Note that early bird stand bookings made before 31 December 2011 get a 50% discount.
Delegates can book on line to attend the event for FREE ( we are just asking for a £1 donation on the door which the East Midlands and Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance will collect).
Free Prize draw for anyone who attends to go around the Donington Track in a V8 Tourer with Donington Parks very own STIG

Working together we can make this happen!

Visit www.lovebusinesseastmidlands.com for information on partners, exhibitors, sponsorship opportunities and much more.

Lutterworth College, Wednesday 8th February 2012, 6.30 – 8.15pm.

Lutterworth College, on behalf of the Learning South Leicestershire consortium of schools, would like to invite employers to participate in a free event - “Learning South Leicestershire Apprenticeship Information and Recruitment Evening”.

The event coincides with National Apprenticeship Week 2012, and aims to provide an insight in to apprenticeship training, progression routes and qualifications, and an introduction to local employers and training providers who recruit young people as apprentices. The event is aimed at Year 10-13 students and their parents/carers from the four upper schools across South Leicestershire (Lutterworth College, Countesthorpe Community College, Robert Smyth Academy, Guthlaxton College).

The event will highlight the growing phenomenon of students following post 16 courses at school/college and then progressing to advanced or higher apprenticeships at age 17+ and 18+. The advanced/higher apprenticeship route is set to become a real alternative to acquiring degree level qualifications at university.

Employers and training providers are invited to the event to represent as wide a range of occupational sectors as possible. It will be an effective way of promoting the apprenticeship opportunities available at your organisation, by staffing a stand and talking to young people and their parents about apprenticeship training in your organisation/ industrial sector.

For further information and to book a free stand please contact Mrs Debbie Wildbore on 01455 554101 or email D.Wildbore@lc.leics.sch.uk

Effective identification, management and exploitation of intellectual property is vital in today's competitive business environment, allowing those that do it well to develop and maintain a lead in their market space.........

Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) are keen to find out how effective the businesses in the area are at developing ideas, protecting them effectively and exploiting them efficiently. They are also keen to establish the levels of interest in a new "programme" that will address the need to liberate and capture new ideas from individuals as young as 14, and that will train them to have a 'can do' philosophy. It will instil the belief that they can have an idea and develop that idea through to successful commercialisation.

To this end, we have asked Greenborough Management to undertake a series of interviews, and to capture the views of businesses in the area using this brief electronic survey. Your views will be held confidentially, and nobody will contact you to follow up on this research unless you expressly permit it in the final question.

Your views are invaluable to us, and I would like to thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.

If you would like more detail please talk to us at LLEP. If you would like to know more about the survey, or talk further with the research team please contact Greenborough.

Thank you for agreeing to take part in this brief survey.

Niloofar Sakari, LLEP
niloofar.sarkari@llep.org.uk , 0116 252 8443

Russell Copley, Greenborough Management
rcopley@greenborough.com, 01332 608243

Did you know? An ABI study revealed that 80% of businesses that do not have an emergency plan in place do not recover from a major incident such as a flood, even where insurance is in place to cover financial losses.

Climate East Midlands is carrying out a survey as part of a project to help SMEs become more resilient to extreme weather. The survey will take no longer than 10 minutes to complete, and will help us to develop free support for SMEs in the East Midlands. If you wish, we will send you the results of the survey and notify you of follow-up support.

We want to hear from as many SMEs as possible, so your input is much appreciated. Please click here to access the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QMF9Q8G If the link does not work when you click on it, please copy and paste the link directly into your browser. Thank you.

For more information about the project, please contact alex.hopkinson@emcouncils.gov.uk or visit our website http://www.climate-em.org.uk

The challenge for you and your business to get active in 2012 www.workplacechallenge.org.uk

Get registered, get active, get involved

The Active Together Workplace Challenge is aimed at organisations in Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland and promotes a more active lifestyle with offers of innovative methods to stay active. It's comprised of three programmes; The Activity Log, Competition Programme and Business Games.

The Workplace Challenge is free to join and once registered there are many tools, resources and support available to help achieve your activity goals and compete for prizes along the way.

Register your interest today and find out more at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk

The Workplace Challenge: Activity Log is a FREE tool to keep track of your levels of sport, physical activity and active travel online and compete with other workplaces at the same time! The more activity you do, the more points you get - and points mean prizes!

You don't have to be a budding athlete to take part and neither do your colleagues - you can make small and simple changes like cycling or walking to work, or getting off the bus one stop earlier than usual.

Just register at www.workplacechallenge.org.uk, then log your activity over the 8 week challenge (Jan 16th – Mar 11th 2012) to be in with a chance of winning prizes! You don't have to log on everyday - it's possible to back-date entries, so what are you waiting for?!

Prizes will be awarded to the top organisations (based on overall activity points earned and Co2 reduction). There will also be prizes for individuals throughout the duration of the challenge to keep motivation levels high!
The Workplace Challenge: Competition Programme is a series of inter-workplace sporting competitions for you to take part in! Each competition has links with either a local sports club or "Back2" sports programme so that you can have the option to continue with the activity after the competition ends!

These exclusive events are only open to participants of the Workplace Challenge: Activity Log but places will be limited so if you and your colleagues are keen to get involved, hurry and register to ensure that you don't miss out!
So far this year we have 6 competitions programmed; Basketball, Football, Netball, Tennis, Badminton and Volleyball. All events are low cost and the emphasis is on fun.

The Workplace Challenge: Business Games isa new event coming on Saturday 12th May 2012 and is inspired by the 2012 Games to get workplaces fit, healthy and active.
Businesses from across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland will be able to take part in a range of team sports alongside a series of fun sporting challenges over a one day event.

Team building and networking opportunities will be scheduled to encourage camaraderie between your colleagues as well as providing he chance to meet likeminded individuals from other organisations.

Represent your company, business or organisation and build employee confidence, loyalty and team spirit!

To find out more about the Active Together Workplace Challenge visit www.workplacechallenge.org.uk or contact Kim Lillie or Andrew Watson at Leicester-shire & Rutland Sport on k.lillie@lboro.ac.uk / a.watson4@lboro.ac.uk / 01509 564888.
Find us on…
Twitter = WorkplaceChall
Linkedin = Active Together Workplace Challenge
Facebook = Active Together Workplace Challenge

December 2011
Banks and building society advisers are giving inappropriate investment advice, according to a recent report from consumer champion Which?

Researchers carried out a mystery shopping exercise between August and October 2011 and found that just five of the 37 tied high-street advisers gave their mystery shopper appropriate advice. Visits to Independent Financial Advisers revealed much better results, with four out of six giving advice that was suitable.

Stockbroker Paul Murray, who opened the county’s first Cave & Sons office in Friar Lane over two years ago, said: “These findings are deplorable, with this research undermining the whole industry. It also means that that good independent advisers are unfortunately often tarred with the same brush.

“We would urge investors looking for high quality financial advice to look for an independent financial adviser, preferably one with at least a diploma level qualification. It is also essential you make sure your adviser is clear on the level of charges and other costs applicable on any proposed investment.”

The Which? research assessed the quality of advice according to a number of factors, including whether the professionals disclosed their status as tied advisers, explained the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, carried out a thorough fact-find, clearly established the customer’s attitude to risk, discussed tax issues and fully explained the product being recommended and its associated fees and charges.

Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks failed all four visits, while Co-operative and Britannia advisers fared little better, passing just one out of three visits. Furthermore the myth of ‘free’ advice was perpetuated with 18 of the advisers claiming that there was no cost for their advice. In the worst case, one Yorkshire Bank adviser suggested that the mystery shopper invested £50,000 into an investment bond which would have netted them £4,400 in commission, without disclosing this fact.

Which? commented: “Our investigation shows that the high street isn't the best place to go for investment advice. If in doubt, consumers should always talk to an independent financial adviser.”

• For further information about Cave & Sons call 0116 2167090, email enquiries@caves.co.uk or log on to www.caves.co.uk

Cave & Sons Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority FSA number 143715

Chamber member A4E was started over 20 years ago in order to provide redundant workers with the training they needed to find work in other industries. And – the flip side of the coin – they were able to supply companies with newly trained and enthusiastic workers.
Today A4e are the largest welfare to work organisation in the the world. They are here in Leicester to support local and National employers in matching the right candidate for your company.
They do not charge for any of their services.
They specialise in all sectors including Retail , Warehouse/Factory ,Admin,Call Centres ,Care,Security,Construction and many more.
Ricky Singh is the Team Leader for Leicester and can be contacted by any employer for more information.
www.a4e.co.uk

BBC local radio is facing a very uncertain future with the introduction of the "Delivery Quality First" initiative. This intends to reduce our services to meet the budget of an unprecedented six-year licence fee agreement. Senior managers at the BBC say no local radio station will close. However we're all to lose staff (5.3 posts in Leicester according to latest estimations) and far more programming, including during the week, will be regionalised. This will have a serious impact on the service provided to the public.

We would encourage our members to examine the proposals and take part in the BBC Trust consultation on the future of local radio, and the wider matters surrounding the 'Delivering Quality First' initiative:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/consult/local_radio.shtml

These consultations close just before Christmas. If you pay the licence fee, we believe you should have your say on how it's spent.

What BBC local radio does is unique - serving audiences that are not provided for by our network colleagues and ignored by commercial operators. Local commercial media is dwindling by the week, as its conglomerate owners concentrate on more lucrative activities. But we are still here to tell your stories and those that matter to you, scrutinise and hold people in authority locally to account, and celebrate what goes on in this part of the world. Despite cuts already implemented, you'll still find superb news, travel and sports coverage, great debate and conversation originating from Leicester - which can turn, in times of breaking news or emergencies like extreme weather, into the best and most immediate source of reliable information.

Please help make your voice is stronger in this matter. Have your say on the proposals and make it clear that you still want some of your licence fee to be spent serving where you live!

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UK Trade & Investment is looking for the UK’s best new export ideas and on 10 November launched ‘The Exporting for Growth Prize’ competition. Encouraging export growth is vital for the UK economy, and benefits our entire business community. Help us to help your small business expand and prosper overseas.

The competition is open to all small to medium sized companies (SMEs), which have an active UK trading address and are an SME.

Please visit the website for full details: www.ukti.gov.uk/exportingforgrowthprize

You could win over £5000 worth of advice and support to help your company grow internationally.

What is the prize on offer?

Winners will have access to an exciting range of support including expert business mentoring from HSBC Bank plc and PwC. UKTI will provide up to £5,000 of support through our overseas teams and up to three grants for travel to overseas markets. In addition UKTI will provide access to the full range of services including the flagship passport to export programme and close mentoring from an international trade advisor.

All regional winners will be invited to a prestigious celebratory event in London.

How do SMEs enter the competition?

All entrants need to do is describe their big export idea in no more than 200 words; why they consider it is a good and workable idea and why it’s the right time to convert it into an international business opportunity.

What is the process?

Appropriate SMEs will be invited to present their idea to a panel of business experts. A shortlist of those with the best ideas will be invited to an event in their nearest region to present to a live audience of business leaders and a judging panel who will select the best regional idea.

Deadline for Applications: 13 January 2012

Ensure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Through the business and UKTI support on offer SMEs will have the chance for a head start in making their export idea a reality.

To find out more, visit www.ukti.gov.uk/exportingforgrowthprize or call +44(0)20 7215 8000

The visit is planned to take place between the 5th and 12th February 2012, centred on Sofia, but an extension will be offered to visit Haskovo, in the south-east of the country, where some of their food and wine is produced. Leicester City is twinned with the city of Haskovo, and, with the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, has a long term plan for assistance and co-operation.

5th Feb - Depart UK and arrive Sofia
6th Feb - Market Briefing at British Embassy
Meeting with the Ambassador
Company Visits
Evening Reception at the Ambassador’s Residence
7th Feb - Company Visits and meeting with the Bulgarian Chamber
8th Feb - Company Visits
9th Feb - Return to UK - or travel to Haskovo, via Plovdiv (2nd city)
10th Feb - Meeting with the Mayor of Haskovo
Company Visits
Haskovo Chamber Conference with MPs and visiting Diplomats
Haskovo Chamber Reception and Food Fair
11th Feb - Visit to local vineyard for St Triffon Zarezan Celebration
Lunchtime Reception hosted in municipality or vineyard
Return to Sofia
12th Feb Return flight to UK
During the time in Sofia – we plan to meet the British Ambassador, UKTI staff, representatives of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and targeted companies relevant to mission members. On the Thursday delegates can return to the UK or extend their involvement by visiting Haskovo.
Opportunities will be available for companies to showcase their products (particularly in the food and drink sector) at various Receptions and Meetings, where appropriate.

A registration fee of £300 + VAT is required for each Chamber member and £350 + VAT non members (£350 + VAT Chamber members or £400 + VAT non members if joining the extended visit to Haskovo). Cheques, made payable to ‘Business Builder Ltd’, should be returned to Paul Murphy
at 1 Mill Lane, Leicester, LE2 7HU.

The mission leader is John Townsend, Deputy President of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and an honorary member of the Haskovo Chamber.
For additional information Tel - 0116 279 2586 or Email – JohnTownsend@f2s.com
To register for this event contact:
Mr Paul Murphy at Business Builder Limited
Tel - 0116 258 7354 / 07787 151 471 Email – paulm@bizbuild.co.uk

CHAMBER EVENTS

Choose one or more of the following dates:

9 January 2012
6 February 2012
5 March 2012
Venue: Mercure Leicester City Hotel, Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6ES
Time: 12:15 - 14:00
Cost:

Chamber Member: £18.00 including vat per person per event.
Non-Chamber Member: £23.00 including vat per person per event.

Integra, officially launched in November 1995, is Leicestershire Chamber’s Association of Women in Business. It sets out to raise the profile of women in the Leicestershire business community and provide networking and training opportunities. Integra will work in partnership with Leicestershire Chamber to support women in business, developing their personal and career potential through the exchange of information and ideas, leading to growth in the local economy.

The Aims and Objectives of Integra are:

    To raise the profile of women’s business
    To assist local businesswomen to develop their potential and to prosper through membership of Integra
    To encourage women in business to network by creating suitable opportunities and drawing upon the facilities offered by the Chamber

Integra is keen to encourage women in business to meet and network to develop new potential business and therefore would like to invite you to a wonderful networking opportunity to interact with other women in business whilst enjoying tea, coffee and lunch. There will be a 20 minute informational session at each event on business related topics.

Venue: Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1SB
Date: 10th January 2012
Time: 6.30pm - 10.30pm
Cost: £39.50 (one price only)

Includes show, souvenir programme, buffet meal, glass of wine on arrival and networking opportunity.

Integra brings you the chance to enjoy a touch of Broadway in Leicester.

42nd Street is packed with show-stopping numbers including We’re in the Money, Keep Young and Beautiful and of course the title number 42nd Street.

As part of this corporate entertainment package you will receive:

A complimentary souvenir programme
A buffet meal & glass of wine before the show
Good seats
Opportunity to network

Venue: OMS premises, 1 Dromintree Road, Bardon Hill, Coalville, LE67 1TX
Date: 26th January 2012
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm

Delegates free to attend
Please note: Stand spaces are fully booked

Tea, coffee and buffet food will be provided

Showcase Event sponsored by OMS (Ormerod Management Services) and Quiet Storm Solutions.

Looking for new contacts?
Wanting to raise your business profile?
Need to identify new, competitive suppliers?

…..Then join us on Thursday 26th January at OMS's premises in Bardon Hill near Coalville.

A great opportunity in these uncertain times for you to showcase, market and sell your business at this FREE event.

The chance to network, make new contacts and attend a FREE information session on Health & Safety.

Venue: The Belmont Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester
Date: 28 February 2012
Time: 7.30am - 9.00am
Cost:
£26.50 Members
£36.50 Standard
Includes full English breakfast

Join us for this highly informative seminar, one in a series of seminars by Julian Middleton MA LLM, Managing Partner in Commercial Litigation at Freeth Cartwright Solicitors. Keep up to date with current legislation and keep your business in the know.

This seminar will cover:

Managing Sickness Absence.

How to Deal with Long Term and Repeated Sickness Absences.
Identify barriers experienced by staff line managers and human resources staff in following and implementing current policies and procedures in every day practice.

Discrimination

In relation to religion or belief and sexual orientation.
Looking at what employers can and can't do in relation to a job applicant or employees religious or sexual orientation.
Plus our usual case study round up.
As usual this seminar will look at recent case studies

Venue: Twycross Zoo, Burton Road (A444), Atherstone, CV9 3PX
Date: 7th March 2012
Time: 12.00pm - 2.30pm
Cost:
Chamber members only
£24.00 including VAT

Price includes a two course meal

Leicestershire Chamber is keen to encourage members to network, linking businesses of all sizes and sectors together to enable them to meet, exchange views and identify potential new business.

This joint event is being hosted by Leicestershire and Coventry & Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce and held at the wonderful venue of Twycross Zoo will give businesses from both counties an excellent opportunity to network and exchange company literature with fellow attendees over a 2 course lunchtime meal.

Looking for new contacts?
Wanting to raise your business profile?
Need to identify new, competitive, suppliers?
Then join us on 7th March 2012.

These events are specifically designed to encourage inter-trading amongst members. If you are keen to promote your organisation in Leicestershire and Coventry & Warwickshire then come along and tell your fellow diners about your products or services in this organised but relaxed environment.

For more information on these Chamber events please call Kam Atker on Tel: 0116 204 6614, email: atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk or alternatively you can visit the Chamber website at: www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk and select What’s On/events