INVITE TO LEICESTERSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2004 INTERNATIONAL TRADE DINNER
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Fortis Bank, will be hosting its 2004 International Trade Dinner at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Leicester on October 12th. The event will focus on business opportunities in the new enlarged Europe with special reference to Poland and guest speakers from a number of key organisations, including UK Trade & Investment, the East Midlands Regional Language Network and Fortis Bank.
The International Trade Dinner includes a delicious three course sit-down meal to be served between the guest speaker presentations and excellent networking opportunities for local companies involved in the importing or exporting of goods.
If you are currently importing, exporting or interested in doing so and would like to receive an invitation to this event please email the Chamber’s Commercial Manager Sharon Jeffrey on Jeffrey.s@chamberofcommerce.co.uk.
CHAMBER HELPS BUSINESSES FLUSH OUT RISING WATER COSTS
Leicestershire Chamber is helping local businesses to flush out spiralling water costs, which are likely to rise by an average 7.6 per cent in 2005. The Chamber’s Utility Auditing team can help organisations identify any anomalies in their water liability even helping to recover any overcharges dating back over a six-year period. They can also advise on other methods of cost cutting, such as total water management and leak detection, as well as ensuring that users have the correct meter size.
The steep rises in water bills are because water companies need to carry out vital maintenance and comply with a raft of EU directives but Ofwat, the water industry regulator will set firm price limits this December, proposing an average 13 per cent rise over five years, with half the rise taking effect next year.
The Chamber’s water management service is delivered in partnership with independent utility management company Utility Auditing Ltd, which can also help businesses cut other utility costs, such as gas, electricity, bulk fuels and lubricants. Utility Auditing Ltd is recognised as market leader in utilities management, delivering a comprehensive range of specialist services, totally independent of the utility industry's suppliers. The company manages over £100 million worth of gas and electricity contracts and represents members of 70 UK Chambers and trade associations.
Through the Chamber Utility Auditing service, eligible companies can benefit from free Government-funded Carbon Trust surveys to cut costs through conservation. They can also access 0% interest Carbon Trust loans to assist in purchasing energy saving equipment.
Martin Traynor, Managing Director of Leicestershire Chamber, commented: “With rapidly rising energy and water bills, utilities costs are becoming one of the most expensive business overheads. The Chamber is committed to helping firms reduce these costs by using its expertise to sort out contract problems, such as overcharging, identifying more competitive energy deals, and offering energy efficiency support.”
For help in cutting costs on water, energy, lubricants or fuels, please contact Utility Auditing direct on Tel: 0161 848 9100 and quoting that you are a member of Leicestershire Chamber.
NEW LAWS FOR RESOLVING DISPUTES
A new law comes into effect on 1st October aimed at resolving disputes. The legislation sets out a 3-step process to be followed in the event of a dismissal, disciplinary action or grievance in the workplace. All employers and employees must follow this process or they could face a financial penalty should the dispute reach a tribunal. To find out more visit: www.dti.gov.uk/resolvingdisputes.
Networking Evening-Sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors
Date: 23rd September
Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Venue: Hosted by Astra Zeneca, Loughborough
Cost: £20.00 Chamber Members only
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. Astra Zeneca will be hosting this event which will include a delicious buffet and a tour of the company’s impressive site.
Chamber Golf Day
Date: 29th September
Time: Tee off from 8.30am
Venue: Parkhill Golf & Leisure, Seagrave, Loughborough
Cost: £48.50 Members/ £58.50 Standard
A superb days golf and networking including breakfast and lunch and the chance to win some excellent prizes.
Business Networking Evening with Added Spice
sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors
Date: 20th October
Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Venue: Spices Restaurant at Meridian Leisure Park, Leicester
Cost: £25 Members/£35 Standard
A networking evening with a popular all-you-can-eat buffet at one of Leicester’s largest and smartest Indian restaurants.
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce networking events are
sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors
For more details or to book onto Chamber Events please contact the Events Team on Tel: 0116 247 1800. You can also visit www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk and click on What's On/Events.
EMDA PUBLIC MEETING
East Midlands Development Agency’s (emda) annual public meeting will include a review of the agency’s achievement for the last year as well as a “trip into the future” for a view of life in the east midlands in 2010. The meeting will take place at the Walkers Stadium in Leicester between 7.30am-10am on Thursday October 14th. You can book online at www.emda.org.uk/apm
HOW TO MAKE PROFITS EVENT
The Power of Product and Market Knowledge and How to make Profits
Date: 22nd September 2004
Speaker: Robin Tidd, MBA FCMA MCIM MinstD
Time: 6.30 for 7.15pm start
Venue: Hilton Hotel, J21 Approach. Leicester
Free of charge
If you wish to book for this event then please send contact details (name, address, telephone number, email address) to: Cathy McGrath, Network Officer: East Midlands, CIMA, PO Box 273
Diss, Norfolk IP21 4ZA
CONFERENCE VENUE OPEN DAY
University of Leicester Conference Services are organising an Open Day where local businesses and organisations can go along and see the venue’s extensive facilities. The Open day will be on 22nd September between 10am and 7pm at Stamford House on Stoughton Drive South in Oadby. For more details call the Conference Office on 0116 271 9933.
ONBOARD GOES REGIONAL
Following the success over the last three years of the OnBoard Community Leadership courses in Nottingham and North Nottinghamshire, the OnBoard Programme is about to be launched across the East Midlands region meaning that people in Leicestershire will now have the opportunity to take part in the programme.
OnBoard provides training for individuals wanting to undertake leadership roles in their local community and is the only accredited community leadership programme in the UK. A group of 40 aspiring leaders will have the opportunity to study community leadership, visioning, group dynamics, trusteeship, communication skills, chairing and meeting skills and have the opportunity to build their own personal development plan. Enhanced personal development and confidence has also translated into professional development, building the capacity in the workplace and ensuring that employees are better equipped to carry out leadership roles within their organisation.
For more details visit www.onboard-leaders.co.uk or contact Carol Hall, OnBoard Co-ordinator on Tel: 0115 934 9586 or email: ch@nde.org.uk
ARE YOU SEEKING TO RAISE YOUR COMPANY'S PROFILE?
Could you provide motivated undergraduates with insight into the skills required for today's job market? Are you looking for innovative ways to develop your staff? Then your company or organisation could take advantage of an opportunity available through the University of Leicester's Careers Service. InsightPlus is an ILM accredited programme for students engaged in work experience and organisations are invited to participate both as sponsors of InsightPlus and as assessors themselves, providing feedback and advice to our student cohort.. InsightPlus allows you to have a direct impact on the next generation of the work force. Interested? Visit http://www.le.ac.uk/careers/empinsightplus.html for more information or phone Korin Grant on 0116 252 3890.
FREE MARKETING AUDIT
The summer holidays are usually a time for all of us to recharge our batteries, reflect on what’s gone/happened and take a fresh look at where we are going next. This is especially true for business. It’s important now, post-summer, to know what is working, what needs tweaking and what needs revamping completely- that’s where Midas Marketing can help. Chamber member Midas Marketing are offering a free marketing audit to help you blow away the cobwebs and ensure that you are getting the most out of your marketing investment. Midas will meet with you, analyse your current marketing and make recommendations to drive your business forward.
Midas can be contacted on Tel: 01572 747762 or email Linda@midasmarketing.biz
GOING FOR GROWTH WORKSHOP
Want to sharpen your business skills and knowledge? Then this Business Link Leicestershire event is the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to take your business to the next level.
Date: 30th September
Venue: PERA, Innovation Park, Melton Mowbray
Time: 4pm-8pm
Cost: £35 + vat per person
For more details call 0800 289 076 or visit www.blleics.co.uk
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Export Documentation Course
Date: 10th November
Time: 9am-4.30pm
Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk, Leicester
Cost: £160 Members/£200 Standard includes lunch
Covers the preparation of export paperwork including transport documentation and methods of payment and banking.
Export Letter of Credit Course
Date: 17th November
Time: 9am-4.30pm
Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk, Leicester
Cost: £160 Members/£200 Standard includes lunch
Intended for delegates with working knowledge of export documentation involved in processing letters of credit.
Import Foundation Course
Date: 24th November
Time: 9am-4.30pm
Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk, Leicester
Cost: £160 Members/£200 Standard includes lunch
A beginners course giving a clear overview of the procedures and documentation involved in importing.
For more information please contact the Events Team on 0116 247 1800 or visit www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk