BOGUS CALLS WARNING
Some Chamber members have been ringing us concerned about calls they are getting from a company claiming to be Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and trying to sell IT equipment. When challenged the caller has become quite nasty and aggressive. Fortunately those who have received the calls and brought then to our attention have said that they knew the calls were not actually from the Chamber and that it is not our policy to cold-call selling such products, but they wanted to make us aware of the problem. The Chamber would like to confirm that the calls are in no way connected to ourselves but we will be trying to get to the bottom of the matter and, in the meantime, apologise for any inconvenience or upset caused.
CHAMBER SUPPORTS WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Patricia Hewitt MP, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and Minister for Women recently launched a comprehensive East Midlands Directory of Business Support for Women.
The directory, which will be distributed free of charge to attendees at the Chamber’s forthcoming Integra and Business Women’s Link events, lists local, regional and national sources of advice and support for women looking to start their own businesses. It also carries inspirational case studies as well as tips for anyone aspiring to be their own boss.
The next Integra event will take place on 16th November when Tricia Stewart, the woman whose life inspired the book and movie Calendar Girls, will be the guest speaker for the evening.
The next Business Women’s Link (BWL) event will take place on 23rd November when international communication coach Juliet Erickson will be looking at the art of persuasion and how to influence people and get what you want.
For more information on these events please contact the Chamber’s Events Team on Tel: 0116 247 1800 or visit our website: www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk and click on what’s on/events.
LUNCH TIME
Now firmly established as one of the premier events in the Leicestershire business calendar, the Chamber’s Annual Luncheon is a great way to say “thank you” to valued clients and staff, presents excellent networking opportunities and makes for a highly entertaining and enjoyable way to spend a December afternoon.
It is something of a tradition that the Annual Luncheon attracts high-profile keynote speakers and this year is no exception, as the ever-popular comedian Stan Boardman will be bringing his celebrated style of comedy to the proceedings.
The 2004 Luncheon, sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland in association with Freethcartwright LLP and Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd, will take place on Friday December 3rd at the Midlands Conference Centre, Leicester City Football Club. Over 250 local business people have already reserved their places at this not-to-be-missed event so time and space is running out for those who haven’t booked yet. Prices start from just £45.00 including a delicious 4-course meal, a half bottle of wine and excellent networking and entertainment.
To find out more or make a booking contact the Chamber’s Events Team on 0116 247 1800 or visit: www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk and click on what’s on/events
HELPING BUSINESSES SERVE THEIR DISABLED CUSTOMERS
The Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo has recently announced new guidance on tax allowances available to business to help them make their premises more accessible to disabled people. From 1 October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires service providers to make "reasonable adjustments" to their premises to tackle any physical features that prevent disabled people from using their services.
The new tax guidance is available on the Inland Revenue's website at www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/specialist/disability-act-guidance.pdf
NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE
The new increased rates came into force on 1 October and an extra rate band for 16 and 17 year-olds has been introduced. The hourly rate is increasing from £4.50 to £4.85 for adults and from £3.80 to £4.10 for workers aged between 18 and 21. A rate of £3 has been introduced for 16 and 17-year-olds (except apprentices).
http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw/fpr_final_guidance.pdf
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS
The new 3 step procedures for resolving disputes became law on 1 October. The penalty for failure by either party to adhere substantially to the new procedure is increased or reduced compensation accordingly. For full details visit www.dti.gov.uk/resolvingdisputes
Further advice is also available from ACAS – www.acas.org.uk
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce networking events are
sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors
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.
REGENERATION UPDATE BREAKFAST
Date: 9th November
Time: 7.30am - 9.30am
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground, Aylestone Road, Leicester
Cost: £25 Members/£35 Standard
At this seminar the Leicester Regeneration Company Chief Executive John Nicholls will update everyone on the progress with the regeneration Masterplan including the marketing to developers of the New Business Quarter.
INTEGRA PRESENTATION WITH WI CALENDAR GIRL TRICIA STEWART
Date: 16th November
Time: 6pm-8.45pm
Venue: LCFC, Leicester
Cost: £34.50 Chamber Members/£44.50 Standard
Tricia Stewart’s life is the one on which the hugely popular film Calendar Girls was based and is truly an amazing story. Many people may have seen the film or read the book but this is the chance to meet the remarkable woman who inspired the alternative “nude” version of the famous WI calendar.
BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENING: Sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors
Date: 18th November
Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground, Aylestone Road, Leicester
Cost: £25.00 Members/£35.00 Standard; Attendance & exhibition stand space £55.00 Members/£65.00 Standard
ANNUAL LUNCHEON: Sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
Date: 3rd December
Time: 12.15pm-4pm
Venue: Midlands Conference Centre, LCFC, Leicester
Cost: £45.00 Members (£425 for a table of 10)/ £50 Standard (£475 for a table of 10)
The Annual Luncheon has a great tradition of attracting top name guest speakers and this year is no exception with household-name comedian Stan Boardman stepping into the role.
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.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
The Managing Director of the 2004 Leicestershire Business of the Year described winning the title as “the most wonderful moment I’ve had in business” as he urged others to try to succeed him. Speaking at the launch of the 2005 Leicestershire Business Awards, Ashfield Healthcare MD Chris Corbin relived winning the personality and business of the year titles last May.
The 2005 awards are now open for entries or nominations, with a closing date of December 3. The finalists will be picked in early February next year and the winners unveiled at a gala dinner on May 20.
The launch event was sponsored by the Skills At Work initiative and the overall sponsors of the 2005 awards are the Royal Bank of Scotland, Tenon and Leicester Shire Economic Partnership.
To find out about entering your business or nominating another contact Katie Bennett on 0845 130 2866, email info@bizawards.co.uk. or visit www.bizawards.co.uk.
back to top of page
EAST MIDLANDS TRADE MISSION TO CHINA 2004
NOVEMBER 24TH – DECEMBER 4TH 2004
The East Midlands Trade Mission to China in 2004 is supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), Leicester Shire Economic Partnership (LSEP) and Leicestershire County Council. This visit is open to companies in the East Midlands promoting UK goods and services to China and the mission will be received by the Governor of Sichuan Province in Chengdu. Leicestershire County Council has been twinned with Sichuan Provincial Government for over 16 years, helping to open doors for British businesses seeking business opportunities and securing good business contacts. Being part of this mission will also raise the profile of your business and enable you to network with more experienced exporters whilst taking your products and services directly to the market.
Additional benefits include a pre-visit meeting, business meetings arrangement, support by an experienced Chinese-speaking co-ordinator during the visit and local support provided by British Consulate General in Chongqing, Guangzhou and Shanghai, China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) Chengdu office and local Chinese government.
To obtain an information pack or to register your interest in this trade mission please contact Min He on Email: min.he@blleics.co.uk or Tel: 0116 258 7312 Fax: 0116 285 5951