Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Issue: March 2006

CHAMBER NEWS

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN £25,000!!

The British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Awards are once again open for entries. Now in it’s third year the Chamber Awards are the only award scheme open exclusively to members of accredited chambers of commerce from across the UK.

There are seven categories to choose from, with something for every kind of business.

And once again the overall ‘Winner of Winners’ grand prize of £25,000 is up for grabs, courtesy of Microsoft.

So what have you got to lose? To enter visit the Chamber Awards website at www.chamberawards.co.uk and choose from the following business categories:

The Microsoft Award for Innovation Through Technology –sponsored by Microsoft – for companies that recognise the role that technology can play in improving the business

Business Commitment to the Community– for businesses who make a difference to communities

Business of the Year– the accolade for overall business achievement

Entrepreneur of the Year– sponsored by the Telegraph Business Club - for people who stand out from the crowd in business

Exporter of the Year– sponsored by Travelex - the award for companies with a strong export sales strategy

Most Promising New Business– sponsored by BT - designed to specifically recognise the success of companies that have been trading for 3 years or less

Skills and Workforce Development– to recognise companies that focus on developing their workforce

The awards are free to enter and you can enter as many categories as you wish. The closing date is June 26th so don’t delay and download your entry forms today. If you submit your completed entries by May 31st you will be entered into an Early Bird Draw to win a car navigation system worth over £300!

Due to the increasing burden of employment legislation and the proliferation of “no win no fee” solicitors, dealing with employment issues is becoming increasingly difficult, time consuming and costly. Keeping pace and, more importantly, ensuring compliance with the never-ending stream of employment legislation is a major burden for local businesses.Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce are acutely aware of the need to provide its members with practical assistance to help with employment law and human resource issues. As a result, through the British Chambers of Commerce and Qdos Consulting and Composite Legal Expenses, we are providing you with access to Chamber HR- a complete employment and human resource solution -as part of your membership.

Chamber HR offers:

A compliant contract of employment
A compliant employee handbook
A compliant health and safety policy
Web access to over 150 downloadable policies, procedures, documents, letters, templates and fact sheets.
Unlimited access to a 24/7 human resources helpline

You will shortly be receiving information and contact details on this new service from Leicestershire Chamber, however, should you require further information then contact us on 0116 247 1800.

ACT EARLY TO COMBAT BIG INCREASES IN YOUR ENERGY BILL

Those companies whose energy contracts are up for renewal this spring should shop around early to mitigate the impact of huge price rises says energy management business Utility Auditing Ltd, which supplies the Chamber Utilities™ service to Chamber members.

“Prices have risen by as much as 60% in the last year and by up to 100% over the past two years, so many companies will have some major cost increases to absorb,” says Kay Shah, Business Manager for Utility Auditing.

Her advice is to test the market to try and find a more competitive deal and to seek professional advice to ensure you are on the right tariffs and aren’t paying for excessive supply capacity.

“Companies should start testing the market as soon as possible,” says Kay. “Energy and gas are traded commodities and prices tend to spiral at peak buying times, such as the spring contract renewal period, so the sooner businesses start acting the better. Companies should also build in time to observe cancellation notice periods with their existing suppliers - to avoid being locked into uncompetitive contracts.”

As part of the Chamber Utilities™ service to member organisations, businesses are offered a free annual utilities audit. Utility Auditing can use its strong national negotiating power on behalf of over 60 UK Chambers and trade associations to find the best prices available anywhere in the country.

Businesses spending in excess of £50,000 per year on energy can also benefit from free Carbon Trust surveys, which will typically show the company how to stem wastage and cut bills by up to 20%.

For more information contact Chamber Utilities™ on 0845 120 2423, info@chamberutilities.co.uk

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

The current statement from DTI of forthcoming regulatory changes is now available.

Common commencement dates (CCDs) have been introduced to provide business and stakeholders with greater clarity and awareness about regulatory changes to be introduced, helping them to plan and budget for new measures and reduce costs.

DTI will issue a revised statement in July to take account of changes or new developments.

The coverage of this statement of forthcoming regulatory changes includes:

Changes to take effect on 6 April 2006
Changes to take effect on 1 October 2006
Regulations not aligned with the CCD timetable
European Regulations not aligned with CCD timetable
Other key activity by DTI that will impact on 2006 and beyond

For more details visit www.dti.gov.uk and select Cutting Red Tape/ Common Commencement Dates

Last year marked the conclusion of a five year review of current Fire Safety Law, resulting in The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which, when it comes into force, will replace over 100 statutes of Fire Safety at Work.

However mid January 2006 saw the announcement of the postponed April 2006 date for the coming into force of the new Fire Safety Order (FSO).

Where does this leave industry?

Currently the Fire Brigade will continue to carry out enforcement under the Fire Precautions Workplace Regulations 1997 (amended) and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations. Part of the requirement of these statutes is a mandatory requirement for organisations to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment of the workplace.

Until the new FSO comes into effect, the Fire Precautions Act 1971 still remains in force; meaning that organisations within the specified criteria, are still required to complete a FP1 form via the local Fire Brigade who will then guide the organisation through the process to obtain a Fire Certificate.

As a guide, Fire Certificates are mandatory where more than 20 people are employed or where there are more than 10 other than on the ground floor or where certain types and quantities of highly flammable materials are stored or used. In the case of hotels, this applies where sleeping accommodation is provided for more than six people or where overnight rooms are provide above or below the ground floor.

Until the new legislation comes into force, the Fire Authority can still enforce under these existing regulations and will carry out inspections accordingly. It is critical to note that having a Fire Certificate does not exempt businesses from undertaking a Fire Risk Assessment.

According to Fire Protection Trade Association figures, over 60% of businesses do not have adequate fire protection. To put this in context, every year there are more than 40,000 workplace fires, which unfortunately results in the loss of over 50 lives each year, causes almost 2000 injuries, with an average cost of £58,000 per fire and in 40% of cases businesses do not recover and fold as a consequence.

Legislation is there to encourage businesses to protect their staff and livelihoods, premises and assets and failing to comply can be extremely costly, even without the outbreak of a fire. Enforcement has lead to penalties being imposed of between £4000 and £85,000 where organisations have failed to adequately protect from the risk of fire.

To summarise, the main emphasis is on ensuring that a Fire Safety Risk assessment has been implemented. This should be reviewed regularly and after any change that might affect fire safety in the workplace. When undertaken properly this can help to protect your employees, visitors and your premises.

CHAMBER EVENTS

21st March Export Foundation Course
Time:9am-4pm Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £160 + vat for Chamber Members / £200 + vat Standard.

21st March Time Management in conjunction with Business Builder and Ivan Lawrence Coaching.
Time:9am-5pm Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125+ vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

22nd March Integra Forum 2006
Time:2.30pm-9pm Venue: The Ramada Hotel Leicester
Cost: from £29.50- £90.00

28th March Networking with The Shires
Time:6pm-8.30pm Venue: The Shires Shopping Centre, High Street,Leicester
Cost: Place only, no display stand £25 Chamber Members / £35 Standard
Place and space for display stand £55 Chamber Members / £65 Standard

29th March Export Documentation Course
Time:9am-4pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £160 + vat for Chamber Members / £200 + vat Standard.

29th March How To Build High Performance Teams
in conjunction with Business Builder and Ivan Lawrence Coaching.
Time:9am-5pm Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125 + vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

30th March Doing Business InEurope
Time: 9am-4pm Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £160 + vat Chamber Members / £200 + vat Standard

31st March Customer Care Course in conjunction with Business Builder and Broaden HR Limited
Time:9am-5pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125 + vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

4th and 5th April Project Management For Managersin conjunction with Business Builder and Ivan Lawrence Coaching.
Time:9am-5pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £200 +vat Chamber Members / £240 +vat Standard

5th April Export Letter of Credit Course
Time:9am-4pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £160 + vat for Chamber Members / £200 + vat Standard.

6th April Telephone Techniques in conjunction with Business Builder and Broaden HR Limited
Time:9am-5pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125 + vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

12th April Import Foundation Course
Time:9am –4pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £160 + vat Chamber Members / £200 + vat Standard

13th April Customer Care Course in conjunction with Business Builder and Broaden HR Limited
Time:9am-5pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125 + vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

18th April Telephone Techniques in conjunction with Business Builder and Broaden HR Limited
Time:9am-5pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125 + vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

25th April Making Meetings Work in conjunction with Business Builder and Ivan Lawrence Coaching.
Time:9am-5pmVenue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £125+ vat Chamber Members / £165 + vat Standard

26th April Curry Networking Evening
Time:6pm-8.30pm Venue: Curry Pot,Belgrave Road,Leicester
Cost: £25 Chamber Members / £35 Standard

26th April Developing Export Sales Skills
Time:9am-4pm Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk,Leicester
Cost: £160 + vat Chamber Members / £200 + vat Standard

27th April Business Women’s Link Evening
Time:6pm-8pm Venue: Holiday Inn,Leicester
Cost: £17.63

You can now book all Chamber events online atwww.chamberofcommerce.co.uk or contact Kam Atker on Tel: 0116 204 6614.

OTHER NEWS

UK Skills invites businesses from theEast Midlandswho have achieved success through training to enter the 2006 National Training Awards. These annual awards were set up twenty years ago to recognise and celebrate the people and the organisations which create success through training and personal development.

The National Training Awards are run on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills by UK Skills, an independent organisation which champions vocational skills and learning for work. UK Skills provides support to entrants including free telephone mentoring and half-day workshops.

UK Skills Chief Executive Dr Graeme Hall says one of the reasons the award is the UK's premier training award is because the entry process provides entrants with a valuable benchmarking tool.

"Every year winners tell us how much they have gained from the process of entering the awards. They appreciate the free support and business mentoring they receive from our consultants while completing their application allows them to evaluate what lasting impact their training has had," says Dr Hall.

"We've even had people who have missed out on awards tell us how much they've benefited from the process - and how they can't wait to put in an application for the next year's awards!

"Those who do win awards receive public recognition for the success they've achieved. Their investment in training benefits us all - by raising people's skill levels, individuals and organisations can better meet their potential and that has flow-on effects which benefit communities and the UK economy as a whole."

Anyone and any organisation can enter the National Training Awards. Previous entrants include charities, individuals, multi-national companies, volunteers and the self-employed. Entries for this year's awards close on 28 April 2006.

For more information about workshops and entering the awards call 0800 917 7337 or visitwww.nationaltrainingawards.com.

HSBC launched its 6th annual Start-Up Stars Awards in February 2006 - a nationwide search for Britain's brightest new businesses and the inspirational entrepreneurs behind them. The awards - presented in association with the Daily Express and Sky News - are open to any fledgling firm less than three years old which can

prove it has the creativity, determination and business acumen to succeed in its marketplace.

Organisers say you don't have to be running the biggest or fastest growing company but it should be the kind of venture with the 'X-Factor' that others can look to for inspiration if they are contemplating turning their own business dreams into reality.

Ten national finalists announced in September will share cash and prizes worth more than £70,000, including £25,000 for the winner and £5,000 for the runner-Up. Each national finalist will also win a business prize package worth £4,000, not to mention valuable national and local publicity.

Entry forms for the awards are available by calling the Awards Hotline on 0870 902 3333 or online atwww.hsbc.co.uk.

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is launching a new programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses make themselves more attractive to investors. The programme aims to help 600 businesses across the region over the next three years raise at least £25 million worth of investment

Connect Midlands, part of the University of Warwick and currently based at the Loughborough Innovation Centre, will be delivering the programme from 1 April 2006.

The programme is aimed at start-up, early stage, high growth and technology businesses seeking to raise equity and other types of finance between £15,000 and £3.5 million. Such businesses will be helped to prepare their investment proposals through briefings, events, specialised training, workshops and one-to-one coaching from finance professionals. They will also be given access to investment-raising opportunities both in the UK and overseas.

Connect Midlands are currently looking to recruit businesses for the new Connect InvoRed programme. Interested businesses, individuals and investors should contact the Connect Midlands team at Loughborough Innovation Centre on 01509 228702 or visitwww.connectmidlands.org.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Meet and network with leading Polish and British politicians, industry leaders and experts in the most prestigious surroundings in London. Poland is one of the economies in Europe with the greatest potential for growth. The country has an attractive domestic market, offers significant sourcing opportunities and is strategically located with easy access to markets in intercontinental Europe.

To promote the opportunities offered by Poland, WPROST (the largest Polish publisher), together with the Polish Confederation of Private Employers and Roadshow Polska, are staging a Poland UK Roadshow on 31st March.

On the evening of 30th March the BPCC and Roadshow Conferences are holding a business mixer and networking event at the House of Commons.

Meet experts on Poland from leading industries, the EU Parliament, the British and Polish governments and consulting organisations.
Meet people who can help you understand the real opportunity of Europe's most promising new market

Price:

£55 per person BPCC members
£65 per person non-members

If you wish to attend this mixer please contact the British Polish Chamber of Commerce to register before March 24th.

Tel: 020 8563 0044
Fax: 020 8563 0026
E-mail: conf.ex@bpcc.org.pl
www.bpcc.org.pl

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) are inviting businesses to attend a free of charge breakfast seminar on March 23rd. At this informal and informative event attendees can discuss their international trade enquiries with an experienced advisor whilst ensuring that they are making the most of all available assistance.

For more information contact the UKTI team on 0116 258 7328 or email: info.ukti@blleics.co.uk