NEW CHAMBER LEGAL HELPLINE CARD
Chamber members are able to gain access to free advice and guidance across a broad range of issues including new legislation, employment law, debt recovery, credit management and company and contract law. This service is provided through a scheme offered only to members by fellow Chamber member Croner Consulting. In order to ensure that this service is exclusive, all members whose membership is up to date should by now have received their new card for 2004 containing the telephone number to be called and the Scheme Number to be quoted when making an enquiry. Could everyone who currently holds one of the old Legal Helpline cards please swap it for the new one as the current Scheme Number will no longer be valid once the new cards come into use. For more information on this and other membership benefit products please call Vicky Rogers on 0116 204 6601 or email rogers.v@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
FREE BUSINESS FACTSHEETS FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
As a Member of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, you have exclusive access to a wide range of free factsheets to assist in running your business. These will help you deal with issues such as absence control, unfair dismissal and the dangers of e-mail and Internet use.
There are over 70 factsheets covering a wide range of issues relating to company law, employment, tax and VAT. To access this information all you have to do is to visit the Chamber Website www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk , members only area and click onto Services, Business Helpline.
The factsheets are designed to complement the Business Support Helpline by providing background information on the subject concerned.
NEW PENSIONS BILL OFFERS MORE CHOICE, SECURITY AND SIMPLICITY
The new Pensions Bill, which has been published with details of the Pension Protection Fund, will provide new security for pension scheme members. The fund will be complemented by a flexible Pensions Regulator that will make it easier for businesses to get on with running good pension schemes. It will focus on the under-funding, fraud and mal-administration that can threaten members’ benefits, whilst minimising interference for well run schemes. Simplification measures will also make it easier for employers to provide pensions, by cutting through red tape. Schemes will be able to set their investment strategy to their own particular characteristics and a host of regulations around administration on trustees, dispute resolution and contracting out-will be simplified.
Factsheets on the Pensions Bill are available at: www.dwp.gov.uk
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT CHALLENGES UK LONG HOURS
The European Parliament has decided to call on the European Commission to end the UK’s individual opt-out from the 48-hour average limit on the working week, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC). This follows the European Commission’s decision to review the opt-out. Only the UK government extends the opt-out to everyone at work.
For more information, visit www.cronerconsulting.co.uk
EMPLOYEES ARE MAJOR FACTOR IN SPREADING COMPUTER VIRUSES, NEW SURVEY REVEALS
A recent survey of office workers in the UK has revealed that the majority of employees are failing to take even the most basic measures to prevent the spread of computer viruses. Ignorant employees are costing UK businesses millions of pounds a year in cleaning up viruses that they unwittingly propagate and leaving industry exposed to unnecessary risks. Many modern viruses, including the original strains of the MyDoom virus, can be transferred through e-mail systems. It is therefore vital that employees are aware of the role they must play in protecting network and information security.
For more information, visit www.workplacelaw.net
STATUTORY PARENTING RATES INCREASED
The standard rates of statutory maternity pay, statutory paternity pay and statutory adoption pay are increased to £102.80 per week (or 90% of the person's average weekly earnings if that is less than £102.80). The changes come into force on April 4 2004.
COMPENSATION FOR INJURY TO FEELINGS NOW AVAILABLE IN UNFAIR DISMISSAL CASES
Based on a Court of Appeal’s decision in Dunnachies-v-Kingston Upon Hull City Council, an award for unfair dismissal can now include compensation for more than just loss of salary and fringe benefits from the date of dismissal. This decision might proceed to the House of Lords, which may reverse this decision. However, for the time being, the knock-on-effect of this decision is likely to be to increase the overall size of compensatory awards in unfair dismissal claims therefore making it even more important for employers to follow proper disciplinary and grievance procedures.
For more information, visit www.workplacelaw.net
EU WORKERS WELCOMED BY BRITAIN
The UK and Ireland are the only EU Member States not to impose restrictions on migrant workers from most of the countries due to join the EU on 1st May. Many existing states feared citizens from the poorer accession countries would migrate in search of better-paid jobs and unbalance their labour markets. However, the British government believes migrant workers will bring economic benefits.
For more information, visit www.cronerconsulting.co.uk
BROWNE CLAIMS BEST LABOUR MARKET FOR A GENERATION
Minister of State for work, Des Browne, has welcomed new figures that show the labour market continuing to improve. Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show employment at record levels. There are 28.16 million people in work in the UK, up five thousand this quarter and 156 thousand compared to this time last year. ILO unemployment is 4.9%, claimant unemployment is 2.9% and the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance has fallen to below 900 thousand for the first time since 1975.
For more information, visit www.dwp.gov.uk
UK INFLATION RATE RISES TO 1.4%
The Office for National Statistics has shown that inflation in Britain rose to 1.4% last month. The government’s preferred Consumer Prices index (CPI) measure went up by 0.1% of a percentage point in Jan. The rate still remains well below the Bank of England’s new government set inflation target of 2.0%.
For more on this, visit the story at www.bbc.co.uk/news or www.nationalstatistics.co.uk
EBUSINESS CLUB: INTEGRATING E-COMMERCE
Date: 23rd March
Time:7.30am - 9.30am
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground, Leicester
Cost: £17.63 One price only
E-Commerce is an important part of trading nowadays and this event will cover everything you need to know to be able to put together your own effective website and set up automated trading with your customers. E-security, a key issue when integrating e-commerce within a business, will also be covered to ensure that both systems and transactions are safeguarded
JOBCENTRE PLUS- HELPING BUSINESSES PEOPLE TO WORK
Date: 31st March
Time: 8am – 9.30am
Venue: Jobcentre Plus, New Walk, Leicester
Cost: £15.00 One price only
Jobcentre Plus and the Leicestershire Chamber are hosting this informative event to help businesses find solutions to their recruitment needs. Attendees will gain a valuable insight into the work of Jobcentre Plus, there will be a tour of the organisation’s offices and demonstrations of the latest touch screen Jobpoints.
HEALTH SAFETY SEMINAR
Date: 22nd April
Time: 8am - 9.30pm
Venue: Belmont House Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester
Cost: £25.00 Members/£35.00 Standard including breakfast
Keeping up to date with rules and regulations is an important part of business and this particular workshop, in conjunction with Chamber Services, will focus on areas of health and safety.
BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENING WITH ADDED SPICE
Date: 27th April
Time: 6pm - 8.30pm
Venue: Spice of India Restaurant, Syston
Cost: £22.00 Members/ £30.00 Standard
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 new business opportunities. The Chamber’s curry networking events are always popular and this evening the Spice of India Restaurant will provide a superb buffet banquet allowing guests to taste several starters and main courses- you really can eat as much as you like.
Leicestershire Chamber networking events are sponsored by Blue Arrow.
For more details or to book onto this event you can book online by logging on to our website www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk or contact Kam Atker on 0116 2046614 or email at atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
OPPORTUNITY TO TENDER FOR BUSINESS LINK WORKSHOPS
Three tender opportunities have arisen through Business Link Leicestershire that you should be aware of. They regard the provision of support to the Start Up & New Business customer base.
The three tenders are looking to cover:
• One - to - one business support for New Start Up Business
• Starting In Business Workshops
• Business Skills Workshops
Please feel free to submit a bid for these projects if you feel appropriate - also feel free to forward them to any appropriate colleagues/partners etc.
If you have any queries or questions please contact Sumeet Kanwar (Start Up Manager Business Link Leicestershire) on 0116 2575693 or on sumeet.kanwar@blleics.co.uk
LEICESTER REVEALED: WHAT PEOPLE REALLY THINK OF LEICESTER
At the beginning of February, Leicester Shire Promotions launched the findings of a research study entitled ‘A Taste of Leicester. An Attitudinal Survey.’ This research is part of Leicester Revealed, the seven-year campaign programme currently underway to transform perceptions of Leicester. The campaign has already attracted international media attention for using slogans as part of its advertising strategy like ‘Boring, Boring…Leicester!’ or ‘Leicester! – Nothing to Shout About’.
The research, which was undertaken by international cultural analysts Comedia, surveys current attitudes expressed about Leicester. The research targeted a wide audience from a range of backgrounds including local residents, business leaders, members of Leicester’s international communities, people who know the city well, and those who have never visited Leicester before.
Paul Brookes, the Director of Leicester Revealed, welcomes the report “Leicester is the most cosmopolitan city in the UK and will be the first to have a culturally diverse majority. The city’s varied cultural heritages and strong business environment have contributed to an enterprise culture which has all the ingredients for a successful city. The campaign programme has got off to an excellent start; the challenge is now how to sustain the momentum of change for the long-term.”
Already, over 70 organisations from various sectors have shown their support to the programme and pledged themselves as a partner. Leicester Revealed invites members of the business community to pledge their support and play a part in shaping the city and county into one that really delivers results, builds business success and helps to produce a better quality of life.
For information on supporting Leicester Revealed, getting involved in Taste Leicester! or for a summary copy of the‘ Taste of Leicester’ survey , please contact Sam Naik on sam.naik@l-p-l.com or visit www.goleicestershire.com.
A Full copy of the research can be emailed to you by request, and is also available on the above website.
PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT
University Purchasing Managers recently met with small business representatives in Leicester. Excellent coverage of the event by the Leicester Mercury will help increase mutual understanding between the two groups. Some of the key points of the meeting were:
• Public sector buyers want value for money;
• Any purchase of goods or services will be defined by a combination of quality, speed, flexibility, dependability and price;
• Public sector buyers are keen to help small buyers understand how they operate;
• EU legislation, the need to demonstrate probity and ethical and professional standards all influence public sector buying strongly;
• Some of the small businesses were already dealing with De Montfort University;
• Faculties and departments within universities have devolved power to select suppliers. Many deals are struck by phone, fax or email;
• Many public sector bodies ask for the same or similar information. So the response for one application could be applied to many;
• Buyers will consider simplifying paperwork, provided they can still meet the standards required of them.
• Universities often buy with credit cards to keep administration costs down.
De Montfort University will advertise tenders at http://www/dmu.ac.uk/aboutdmu/services/finance.
DISABILITY RIGHTS SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOLKIT NOW ONLINE
The Disability Rights Commission has developed, in partnership with BT, an online self appraisal toolkit for SMEs. The aim of the interactive Toolkit is to enable SMEs identify areas where business development could help them to respond positively to the current and forthcoming requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
By responding to online questions the Toolkit assists the user to produce, and print out, a clear customised action plan improving access, communications, employment and service delivery for disabled people.
Additional sources of information, a glossary of terms and useful contact addresses are also included to point the user in the direction of further advice and support.
The SME Online Self Appraisal Toolkit is located at www.disabilityaware.org
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EXPORT / IMPORT COURSES
Export Documentation Course
Date: 5 March 2004
Venue: Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk, Leicester
Covers the preparation of export paperwork, Including transport documents through to methods of payment and banking.
Export Letter of Credit
Date: 12 March 2004
Venue: Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk, Leicester
Intended for delegates with working knowledge of export documentation involved in processing letters of credit.
For detailed information contact: John Moore Tel: 0116 2587 329
OPPORTUNITY HONG KONG - INVITATION
Following November 2003's successful visit to London by Mr C. H. Tung, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London(HKETO) is staging the exhibition 'Opportunity Hong Kong' from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 February at the Royal Horticultural Halls in Victoria. The exhibition will focus on arming British businesses with the information required to either establish or grow a presence in Hong Kong.
The event has been created to provide a forum for British businesses that may be considering entering the Mainland China market through Hong Kong. It will enable visitors to seize the 'know how' for businesses operating out of Hong Kong - Asia's world city. Throughout the exhibition, specialist advice will be available from Invest Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, HSBC and Cathay Pacific.
The exhibition is designed to highlight Hong Kong's strengths including its ability to leverage the China market, especially the Pearl River Delta (PRD), its financial services, creative industries, trade and tourism sectors.
At 6.30pm on Monday 23 February at Lindley Hall, Elverton Street, London, Andrew Leung, Director-General of HKETO, will be holding an opening.
If you are able to attend, please contact Ms Jeanette Fung on 0207 290 8214, fax: 0207 629 2199 or email jeanette_fung@hketolondon.gov.hk