CHAMBER TEAMS UP WITH AA TO KEEP BUSINESS ON THE MOVE
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 Fleetwide 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. The AA Fleetwide options range from roadside assistance and home start through to assistance, recovery, provision of a hire car and accident management. Fleetwide packages start from around £30 per vehicle per year. For more details please email: rogers.v@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
CHAMBER AWARDS
The British Chamber of Commerce has recently announced the launch of the first ever UK Chamber Awards sponsored by Microsoft. The ten award categories are designed to celebrate the achievements of Chambers and Members across the country and will culminate in a prestigious dinner at London’s Guild Hall in November. Award categories for Chambers include Chamber of the Year, Best Use of Technology and Excellence for Networking and amongst those for members are Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year and Most Promising New Business. The closing date for entries will be July 5th. Look out for information on how to get involved with the awards in forthcoming editions of Good Morning Leicestershire and Chamber News.
RENEWABLE ENERGY - JUST A DREAM?
An independent paper recently released casts doubts on the Government’s target of 10% renewable electricity by 2010. British consumption of electricity is growing at 1% a year and is increasing the renewable requirement, in real terms, since the targets were set in 1997.
The four main renewable technologies are wind, biomass, hydro & solar power. The report states that to achieve the target by wind power, Britain would need to build 18,000 megawatts of wind farms at a cost of £13 billion. This is achievable at a cost of scarring the countryside with hundreds of wind turbines. However, the Ministry of Defence has already objected to over 80% of all applications for wind farms because they interfere with defence flight paths.
Biomass would have to utilise up to 10 million acres of land to achieve the 10% target, which would be a non- starter. Hydroelectric dams work well but all the best sites are already being utilised – mainly in Scotland. Wave power is still in research and development and will make no difference to the 2010 targets. Solar power is also a non-starter as it costs six times more to generate than wind and produces most electricity in the summer when demand is at its lowest.
So, in reality, the only two viable sources of renewable energy at the moment are wind and biomass and both have their own inherent problems to surmount. Nuclear energy could solve all the problems of green energy as there are no CO2 emissions but there is a major environmental lobby against this type of fuel. It is interesting to note that Denmark, one of the leaders in renewable energy generation, is not looking to increase the percentage of renewable energy it creates because of severe problems with the stability of its supply network.
For help and advice on conserving energy, or obtaining the best contract price, contact Vicky Rogers at the Chamber on Tel: 0116 204 6601
DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR BUSINESS PREMISES WERE BUILT USING ASBESTOS?
New regulations mean that you must have your business premises checked, whether owned or leased, for the presence of asbestos and, if found, you must be able to prove that it has been either removed or is being effectively managed.
Asbestos was used as a building material up until 1999 and can be found lurking behind radiators, above false ceilings, lining lifts or as a sprayed coating on ceilings. It is difficult to identify and you will be unable to do so without the assistance of an expert.
The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations (2002) require that all non-domestic premises are assessed by a competent person and that if asbestos is identified it is removed or managed as deemed appropriate. In short you have a statutory duty to manage asbestos in your premises and failure to do so could result in a prohibition notice preventing access to your premises, criminal prosecutions, a substantial fine and the inability to obtain Employers Liability Insurance, which is of course, compulsory.
This is a time sensitive issue and you must be able to demonstrate that you are effectively managing asbestos by 21st May 2004. TF Bell, a preferred product supplier for Leicestershire Chamber, can arrange for a qualified consultant to visit your premises and provide you with a free quotation for an asbestos survey. For more details contact your regular TF Bell account executive or email: asbestos@tfbell.co.uk with your contact details.
INTEREST RATES REMAIN ON HOLD
The Bank of England recently decided to keep UK interest rates on hold at 4%. David Frost, Director General of the British Chamber of Commerce said: “This is the best decision for business. After last month’s quarter point increase we should wait and see if consumer debt and house prices stabilize before raising rates any further”.
For more information, visit www.chamberonline.co.uk
NEW TAX DEFINITION OF RD PUBLISHED
Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt has published a new tax definition of research and development (R&D) for tax purposes. The simplified guidelines, which should come into force in April, make the original definition criteria easier to understand for business. It also emphasises that R&D tax credits apply to development work just as much as research and to new or improved processes as well as just new products.
The guidelines and further information are available online at www.dti.gov.uk/support/rd_guidelines.htm
NEW SURVEY REVEALS LACK OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS KNOWLEDGE BY SMALL BUSINESSES
According to a new independent study, commissioned by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) British businesses are being held back and paying the price for a lack of understanding of employment relations. The study revealed that one in four employers admitted they were not at all or not very familiar with how recent changes in employment law affected them. In response, ACAS has launched a campaign to boost awareness amongst smaller companies of new working regulations to help them improve relations in the workplace
EU EXPANSION TO ENERGISE GROWTH FOR BUSINESSES
Analysts have predicted that the arrival of immigrant workers from the ten EU accession countries will benefit the UK’s economy. The Centre of Economics and Business Research (CEBR) have said that there will be many benefits to be gained for each individual country. The influx of cheap labour will improve business competitiveness, while inward investment will mean higher demand for EU goods and services. EU expansion is likely to increase interest in bond markets, bring down long term interest rates and lead to cheaper long-term finance for local businesses.
For more information, visit www.businesseurope.com
FIRMS RELUCTANT OVER FLEXITIME
According to the latest quarterly report by TEC International, which charts small business opinion on working conditions, the economy and other current topics, more than 6 in 10 small business bosses still believe that flexible working conditions are not worth introducing. According to the report, employers believe their staff are more likely to be motivated by simply ‘being successful’ or by the businesses own aspirations and goals than by flexible working conditions
For more information, visit www.workplacelaw.net
BUSINESS BUREAUCRACY BURDEN HITS 30 BILLION
A major industry group has claimed that UK businesses spend £30 billion wading through government-enforced paperwork, up 46% since 1997. According to the British Chambers of Commerce, the Government has introduced 700 new items of business-related legislation since 1997 and 400 of these apply significant additional costs. The BCC have called on Government to introduce cost-saving measures for bosses.
For more information, visit www.buisnesseurope.com or www.chamberonline.co.uk
STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY (SMP) IS INCREASING
The lower rate of SMP, currently £100 per week (or 90% of an employee’s average earnings where lower than the £100), is increasing with effect from the 4th April 2004 to £102.80 per week. All employees on maternity leave and in receipt of the lower rate of SMP in April 2004 will receive the £100 per week up to the 4th April and any remaining weeks of entitlement from the 4th April onwards will be paid at the new increased rate.
POSTAGE PRICES: CHANGES FROM 1ST APRIL 2004
Royal Mail’s domestic postage prices will rise on average by a below-inflation 1.2% from 1st April 2004. The price of a basic First Class stamp will remain unchanged at 28p. Basic Second Class postage will rise 1p to 21p. First Class prices for heavier letters will fall but there will be increases for heavier Second Class mail. Parcels sent by Royal Mail will cost more, but there will be no change to Parcel Force Worldwide’s prices for express, time-guaranteed parcels. Most international prices will also rise from April 1. The changes are in line with the formula announced last March by the postal regulator, Postcomm, setting a three-year control for Royal Mail’s prices.
For more information, visit www.royalmail.com
NEW MINIMUM WAGE FOR UNDER-18S
Based on advice from the Low Pay Commission, Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt will introduce a £3 minimum wage for 16 and 17 year olds from October 2004, the government has said. The minimum wage for over 21’s will rise in October from £4.50 to £4.85 an hour. For 18 to 21 year olds it will go up to £4.10 from the current rate of £3.80.
The Low Pay Commission's report is available on the Commission's website: www.lowpay.gov.uk or alternatively for more information visit www.dti.gov.uk
HEALTH SAFETY SEMINAR
Date: 22nd April
Time: 8am - 9.30am
Venue: Belmont House Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester
Cost: £25.00 Members/£35.00 Standard
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.
IS YOUR WEBSITE LEGAL?
Date: 28th April
Time: 8am - 10am
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground, Aylestone Road, Leicester
Cost: £25.00 Members / £35.00 Standard
Many businesses now use websites to advertise their services and trade electronically. There are, however, a number of legal issues that companies need to be aware of when it comes to using IT in these ways, including contracts with web designers and obligations imposed by the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002. This seminar, in conjunction with Harvey Ingram Owston, will look at some of the legal matters businesses need to address.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS FORUM
Date: 11th May
Time: 3pm - 9.15pm
Venue: Leicester City Football Club, Leicester
Cost: Training day, presentation and dinner: £75.00 Members/ £90.00 Standard
Presentation and dinner only: £32.50 Members/£42.50 Standard
Do you wish that you could be more effective? Often feel that you have not made the best use of your day or got the results you wanted in a business meeting? Then this year’s forum entitled “Think Win-Win” is not to be missed. Integra and Business Women’s Link are offering the chance to learn the principles behind the world renowned Seven Habits of Highly Effective People programme. The three-hour training session will cover such topics as personal vision, leadership, management and communication. The training will be followed by dinner and an evening presentation from keynote speakers Dr Ann Demarais and Dr Valerie White, authors of the fascinating book First Impressions. The doctors, who are experienced psychologists and specialise in interpersonal communication, leadership and executive coaching, will be helping attendees to unlock the secrets of positive first impressions.
FREE TRADE
As part of the ‘emidlands broadband for all’ campaign, a number of local business workshops have been planned for March and April this year. The events offer an exclusive opportunity for small and medium sized businesses to test-drive broadband. Broadband is seen to be very beneficial for companies with a whole range of technologies that can get you connected in the way that’s best for your business. As the business world becomes increasingly competitive, broadband could be the way to stay ahead. The Leicester event is scheduled to take place at Leicester City Football Club on Thursday 22nd April from 5.30-7.30pm
If you are interested in attending a workshop, register your attendance online at http://www.emidlands.co.uk/broadband_business_centre/workshops.asp or email sarah.g@chcchoir.com or phone 0115 950 7800
NEW ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
Businesses are being urged to join a new club to benefit from a wide range of expert environmental services. Members of the Environ Business Network will be helped to reduce their environmental impact, comply with legislation and improve profitability. This new network has developed from Environ's successful Greening Business project, supported by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.
Environmental Advisor Richard Ellis said: "Small and medium-sized firms often do not have enough time or resources to invest in improving their environmental standards. But this new network will allow members to tap into a wealth of services and learn from each other's best practice for a minimal charge."
Existing members of the Greening Business project and Environ's Office Waste Recycling Service will receive free membership for the network. New members can join for just £75 per year to gain access to the expert advice and support available through the club, which includes:
• A business helpline
• Email newsletters
• Business Guidance Notes
• Legislation advice
• Discounts on training, reviews and support services
Riverside Housing's Midlands office is looking forward to joining the network after experiencing the benefits of Greening Business. Energy-efficiency advice helped the housing association, based at Western Boulevard, Leicester, to reduce quarterly bills - £170 on electricity and £40 on gas.
The association is also recycling 60% of its waste by using Environ's Office Waste Recycling Service, which will cut waste disposal charges by £80 a year.
Andy Wright, Customer Services Officer for Riverside Housing's Midlands office, said: "By making simple changes, we have made a big difference to our costs. We are a non-profit organisation, so any savings we can make on overheads will have a positive impact on the services we can provide to our tenants."
To find out more about the new Environ Business Network call Richard Ellis on 0116 222 0230 or visit www.environ.org.uk.
ADDITIONAL SPACE CREATED AT THE LEICESTERSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS
If you missed the boat and don’t have a table booked for the Leicestershire Business Awards Ceremony at the De Montfort Hall on 7th May you need not miss out. Following last year’s success the organisers are once again offering business people the opportunity to attend the awards ceremony as balcony guests.
Katie Bennett, Awards organiser, said: “As the East Midland’s most prestigious business event a huge number of local business leaders book their tables a year in advance. By providing additional seating in the balcony more people can experience the awards and share in the celebrations.”
Last year organisations took the opportunity to reserve balcony seats and invited along suppliers and customers as a thank you and also to reward the staff who make their businesses so successful. The balcony guests will enjoy a wine reception and hot buffet before they take their seats to join in the special atmosphere of the awards. They will be involved in every aspect of the evening; listening to the keynote speaker Martin Glenn, President of PepsiCo UK, hearing about Leicestershire’s outstanding businesses and discovering firsthand who the winners are.
Balcony Guest tickets cost £40 per person (plus VAT) and can be booked by contacting Caroline Birchall at HeadStorm Marketing and Event Management on 01455 633939 or emailing caroline@headstorm.org.uk.
WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITIES
Women In Rural Enterprise (WiRE) East Midlands and Business Link Leicestershire invite you to participate in a programme of interactive workshops that can make a real difference to your business. The following workshops are available to Chamber Members at a subsidised rate of £25 per person plus vat. To find out more or to reserve space on one of the workshops call 0800 289 076 or visit www.blleics.co.uk
Business Finance Demystified
Wednesday 24th March 2004, Melton Mowbray, 10am – 3.30pm
Do ‘numbers’ within your business drive you mad? In this session learn how they can help you to drive your business forward. This practical workshop is not about financial accounting; you will learn and practice using techniques that will help you to make the best decisions by collating and understanding data. You will learn about the dynamics of cost, revenue and cash flow and understand what you can control.
Confidence Boosting Workshop
Wednesday 31st March 2004, Melton Mowbray, 6pm – 8.30pm
Eliminate your low self-esteem and learn how to project yourself and your business with confidence. This fun and interactive session will explore how to create and present a positive image and gain self-belief, certain to give both personal and business results. This workshop will give you the confidence to walk the walk and talk the talk in a room full of strangers! (This event is delivered by representatives of HSBC Bank plc).
HSBC LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR BRITAIN'S BRIGHTEST RISING
BUSINESS STARS
HSBC Bank has begun its search for Britain's top new businesses and the entrepreneurs who run them with the launch of the HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards 2004.
The awards are open to all businesses less than two years old whose owners can demonstrate that they have the skills, inspiration and tenacity to succeed. Now in their fourth year, they are established as one of the most prestigious and highly contested business accolades in the UK.
Ten finalists will share prizes worth £65,000, including £20,000 for the winner and £5,000 for the runner-up. Each finalist will also win consultancy services and software worth £4,000 from Croner Consulting and Intuit.
Launching this year's awards, Nigel Griffiths, Minister for Small Business, said: "Entrepreneurs are the heroes and heroines of our economy. As the world becomes more competitive and technology changes even faster, new businesses matter more to our economy than ever before. It's our responsibility in government to provide them with stability, support and strategies for success - so new firms don't just survive but thrive."
John Rendall, Head of Business Banking at HSBC Bank, said: "HSBC is committed to encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship throughout the UK - we helped over 100,000 businesses get started in 2003 alone. By highlighting the achievements and successes of some of the UK's leading start-up businesses we aim to provide powerful role models for others who have just started or may be considering it. Last year's entries ranged from a tartan designer to a go-kart manufacturer and we again look forward to discovering great examples of the talent, flair and determination amongst Britain's start-ups."
Top prize in 2003 was won by mother-of-two Sally Preston, whose London-based company Babylicious manufactures an innovative range of frozen baby food. Runner-up was TISS, a Blackpool company designing groundbreaking trailer security systems for the haulage industry.
The closing date for entries is Friday 30 April and judging will take place in September to select the ten finalists. The winner and runner-up will be announced before an audience of 300 leading businessmen and women on Thursday 7th October at London's Savoy Hotel.
Entry forms for the awards are available from HSBC branches, online at www.ukbusiness.hsbc.com and will appear in the Daily Express. Businesses can also contact the awards organiser's office on 0870 902 3333.
EIFORUMS 2ND ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRIES SHOWCASE
The EIForum, part of Nottingham Trent University, is a membership led organisation that promotes and supports the interests of Environmental Goods and Services companies based in the East Midlands. A key element of their role is to bring together customers and suppliers of environmental goods and services, as well as raising the profile of the opportunities within the growing environmental market in the East Midlands. This is the 2nd annual showcase that has been organised by EIFourm and is the only regional event where you can showcase your goods and services to local, national and international markets. It is your opportunity to place yourself in front of new clients and to also keep yourself up to date with what is happening in this dynamic market.
The showcase will give delegates the opportunity to:
• Attend workshops addressing environmental / business issues
• Meet experts in the field
• Get free advice and guidance from business support agencies
• Network
The event is free to attend as a delegate and will take place on Thursday 22nd April 2004 from 9am - 3pm at the Pera Innovation Park, Melton Mowbray, Leics.
Exhibitor Cost £175 + VAT Existing EIForum members
£350 + VAT non members
£300 + VAT To join EIForum and exhibit.
Bookings before 31st March will receive an early bird discount of £25.
To book your space as an exhibitor or as a delegate contact Jennie Frampton on Tel: 0115 8484349 or email Jennie at jennie.frampton@ntu.ac.uk
MARKET TOWN AWARDS
Market towns in the East Midlands are being invited to enter for a national award for the best-completed project in the fields of tourism, community, food & drink or business. Entries must be received no later than 5pm on Friday 16th April, and will be judged by the East Midlands Market Town Advisory Forum at the end of April.
Supported by the East Midlands Development Agency, regional winners will be announced at the Regional Market Towns Conference on Thursday 6th May and out of the four category winners, one project will then receive the accolade of the region's "Best Market Town Project" and will go forward to the national final. The overall winner will be announced at the Action for Market Towns National Annual Convention in Romsey, Hampshire in September 2004.
Market Towns wishing to enter the East Midlands Awards scheme are invited to apply for further information and clarification from Stuart Sykes, Action for Market Towns, Tel: 07884 267 061
RAISING AWARENESS: HOME OFFICE SCHEME ALLOWS BUSINESS CRIME VICTIMS TO HAVE THEIR SAY
Members should be aware that a Home Office scheme is available to give business crime victims the opportunity to tell judges and magistrates how their business has been affected by making victim personal statements. These statements, taken by the police but made available to the courts, are designed to give victims of crime a greater voice in the criminal justice system. Although witness statements address the circumstances of the crime, victim personal statements can tell the wider story. Everyone involved in a case, including the police, CPS, magistrates/judges, defence lawyers and the defendant, sees these statements.
More details on victim personal statements can be found on the Home Office website at: www.homeoffice.gov.uk
REGENERATION EAST MIDLANDS LAUNCHED
Regeneration East Midlands has been established to help enhance the effectiveness of regeneration in the East Midlands. It will provide support for individuals, organisation, community and voluntary groups involved in any aspect of regeneration or economic development. Services in four key areas will be provided: Design and the Built environment; Funding Access; Knowledge and Intelligence and Sills and Organisation Development.
To find out more, visit www.regenerationem.co.uk
back to top of page
INTERNATIONAL TRADE COURSES
The International Trade Team at Leicestershire Chamber and Business Link Leicestershire run regular courses to help businesses with international trade export and import matters. The courses are usually held at the Chamber’s Charnwood Court Offices on New Walk in Leicester.
Forthcoming courses include:
EU ENLARGEMENT SEMINARS 29 MARCH 26 APRIL
Seminar to explain the transition of exports,
VAT, documentation and procedures within the
enlarged EU community.
For more details contact: John Moore on Tel: 0116 2587 329
Or fax your contact details to: International Trade Department Fax: 0116 2855 951
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE
'Your Voice in Europe' is the European Commission's 'single access point' to a wide variety of consultations, discussions and other tools that enable you to play an active role in the European policy-making process:
• Consultations: do you want to give your opinion on EU policies and influence their direction? Take part in shaping European policy by responding to a consultation in one of many activity areas.
• Discussions: do you want to discuss the main issues of the day and chat on-line to the EU's leaders? Have your say in discussions on the European Union and its future.
• Your Experience: would you like us to help you overcome problems you have experienced in the EU? Anonymously help to monitor how EU policies work in practice?
• Useful Links: discover other ways in which you can make your voice heard in Europe
You can view the Commission's "Your Voice in Europe" Internet site for more information at: http://europa.eu.int/yourvoice/consultations/index_en.htm
The Leicester Euro Info Centre is your local information point, keeping you informed of new developments in the EU and helping your business to meet the challenges involved in trading with Europe. To find out more call 0845 070 0086 or email: eic@blleics.co.uk