NEW ASSOCIATION WILL GIVE UTILITIES CUSTOMERS A BETTER DEAL
Rising energy prices have opened the door to increasing numbers of opportunists promising to deliver cheaper business energy deals and it can be very difficult for customers to tell the difference between the rogue and respected broker.
With around 60 per cent of utilities being purchased through intermediaries this is now a real concern, says Utility Auditing, which delivers the Chamber Utilities™ service.
In response to this problem, Utility Auditing is one organisation helping to set up a new professional industry body,called the Utilities Intermediaries Association (UIA) to improve professional standards in energy brokerage and consultancy, as well as forcing those underperforming suppliers to take notice and fulfil their responsibilities to improve standards within the market place.
UIA is a not for profit company with a mission to enhance the reputation of the industry and give confidence to customers as well as providing a strong representative voice and support for third party intermediaries. The launch of the Code of Practice is scheduled to take place on 5 July 2006. Jeff Wealands, Technical Director for Utility Auditing and a UIA Council Member, commented: “It's time to regulate our industry and ensure that customers can clearly identify those businesses which adhere to professional standards and will deliver the best service. ”UIA, whose initiative is endorsed by Energywatch, is creating a register of reputable and professional brokers and consultants who meet stringent requirements and agree and operate to a strict code of practice. It is also developing a process whereby dissatisfied customers of UIA registered intermediaries can seek re-dress.For information contact Chamber Utilities™ on 0845 120 2423, info@chamberutilities.co.uk
HOW LAST YEAR'S WINNER INVESTED £25,000 INTO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
You probably have an idea as to what you would do with £25,000 for your business, whether it's staff bonuses, new equipment or staff training.
When presented with the £25,000 Award for Outstanding Business Achievement at the Chamber Awards 2005, Tony Moloney, Managing Director of Anthony Alan Foods, decided that he would use the money to invest directly back into his local community.
He said: “It would be easy to find a home for £25,000 however we decided not to use this money for our business, but for the benefit of the community. As a company we have benefited greatly from the quality of personnel that we have been able to draw from the local area. Tomorrow's entrepreneurs are today's school children and we believe that an interest in business, fostered at an early age, is not only a benefit to the child but to community as a whole. Our aim is to use this money, within local schools, to provide resources to facilitate and encourage active business education.”
Have a think about how you would use the money, and visit the Chamber Awards 2006 website now at www.chamberawards.co.uk for more information and to download your entry forms. 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!
Regeneration Update Breakfast Seminar
Date:15th June 2006
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground,Aylestone Road,Leicester
Time: 7.30am - 9:30am
Cost: £25.00 Chamber Members /£35.00 Standard. Cost includes full English Breakfast
The Leicester Regeneration Company (LRC), a public and private sector partnership currently tackling the physical regeneration of around 1000 acres of central Leicester, launched its Regeneration Masterplan back in November 2002. Work has now started on site in four of the five major projects in the LRC Masterplan, with work happening on ten schemes. John Nicholls, Chief Executive of the LRC, will bring us up to date on these projects and will also look ahead to the next steps in the regeneration process.
Integra Presentation with Janet Meek OBE
Date:21st June 2006
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Junction 21 Approach,Leicester
Time: 6pm –8.30pm
Cost: £32.50 Chamber Members /£42.50 Standard. Includes 2 course meal
Janet started her career as a solicitor in 1971 and became a partner with C Norman Astill & Sons inLeicesterup to 1975. Returning to work in 1992 after a break to have a family she joined the Crown Prosecution Service inLeicesterand took an immediate role in dealing with victims and witnesses and in particular child witness cases.
A member of the Local Criminal Justice Board Public Confidence Group she has taken responsibility for the implementation of Speaking Up For Justice (the legislation for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses). As Chair of the group responsible for establishing the remote site for Victim Support, the first one to enable witnesses to give evidence without having to attend court, she has also taken the responsibility for raising the profile of Victim Support and other voluntary agencies, highlighting their need for extra funding.
Customer Care
Delivered by Business Builder in conjunction with Broaden HR Limited
Date:27th June 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm. Lunch included
Cost: £125 + VAT Chamber Members /£165 + VAT Standard
Delegates attending this course will be able to ensure their customers feel that they receive the best customer service at all times. Delegates will know the benefits of successful customer care and how to work on gaining customer loyalty through customer satisfaction, customer service, customer focus and customer experience management.
Telephone Techniques
Delivered by Business Builder in conjunction with Broaden HR Limited
Date:28th June 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am –5pm
Cost: £125 + VAT Chamber Members / £165 + VAT Standard
This course is aimed at anyone who uses the telephone in the world of business.
Export Foundation Course
Date:15th August 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
Howzat! A Day at the Cricket
Date:16th August 2006
Venue: Leicestershire County Cricket Club,Grace Road,Leicester
Time: 10.30am-6.30pm (approx)
Cost: £32.00
The Leicestershire County Cricket Club is pleased to offer members of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce the opportunity to enjoy a day at the cricket. The Cottesmore Suite at the ground has an excellent private viewing balcony from which to enjoy thisCountyChampionshipgame between Leicestershire and Worcester. The day will include personalised match tickets, a cash bar throughout the day, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea.
Summer Networking BBQ
Date: 17thAugust 2006
Venue: Whitwell Hotel & Conference Centre
Time: 12.00 – 2.30pm
Cost: £20.00 one price, includes buffet BBQ and glass of wine
The Chamber’s Summer Networking Luncheon presents a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an informal summer barbeque in the pretty setting of Whitwell Hotel & Conference Centre at Whitwell, near Oakham.
Export Documentation Course
Date:23rd August 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
Export Letter of Credit Course
Date:30th August 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
This course is intended for delegates already having a working knowledge of export documentation, practices and procedures. It is aimed at accounts, export sales and export shipping departments involved in processing letters of credit. In addition to giving some useful background and technical information on letters of credit the course will also look specifically at paperwork matters including sample credits, receiving and checking credits and amendments, analysis of terms and conditions and much more.
Import Foundation Workshop
Date:6th September 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
This seminar is aimed at individuals with no previous import experience and sets out to give a clear overview of the procedures and documentation involved in importing goods into the EU from non-EU countries and in making acquisitions within the EU. Topics to be covered include the import contract, delivery terms, modes of transport, methods of payment, the VAT position and goods insurance.
Customer Care
Delivered by Business Builder in conjunction with Broaden HR Limited
Date:8th September 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm. Includes lunch
Cost: £125 + VAT Chamber Members /£165 + VAT Standard
Delegates attending this course will be able to ensure their customers feel that they receive the best customer service at all times. Delegates will know the benefits of successful customer care and how to work on gaining customer loyalty through customer satisfaction, customer service, customer focus and customer experience management.
An Evening Full of Indian Spices
Date:12th September 2006
Venue: Spice of India, Melton Road, Syston, Leicester
Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Cost: £25 Chamber Members /£35 Standard
Leicestershire Chamber invites you to join us for a networking evening with an Indian touch at one of Leicestershire's well-known Indian restaurants.The Spice of Indiawill be providing a delicious buffet banquet, with several Indian starters and main courses, you can eat as much as you like and go back for more as many times as you want.
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce 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 opportunities.
Employment Law Seminar
Date: 27thSeptember
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground,Aylestone Road,Leicester
Time: 7.30am-9am
Cost: £25 Chamber Members / £35 Standard
This seminar will provide an update on current legislation affecting the world of business including Age Discrimination.
Export Foundation Course
Date:25th October 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
Export Letter of Credit Course
Date:8th November 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
This course is intended for delegates already having a working knowledge of export documentation, practices and procedures. It is aimed at accounts, export sales and export shipping departments involved in processing letters of credit. In addition to giving some useful background and technical information on letters of credit the course will also look specifically at paperwork matters including sample credits, receiving and checking credits and amendments, analysis of terms and conditions and much more.
Import Foundation Workshop
Date:15th November 2006
Venue:Charnwood Court, 5b New Walk,Leicester
Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: £160 + VAT Chamber Members /£200 + VAT Standard
This seminar is aimed at individuals with no previous import experience and sets out to give a clear overview of the procedures and documentation involved in importing goods into the EU from non-EU countries and in making acquisitions within the EU. Topics to be covered include the import contract, delivery terms, modes of transport, methods of payment, the VAT position and goods insurance.
For more information or to book onto any of these events call Kam Atker on Tel: 0116 204 6614 or visitwww.chamberofcommerce.co.ukand click on what’s on/events
DO YOU NEED CASH FOR YOUR BUSINESS IDEA?
Dragons' Den gives entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their proposals to a panel of the UK's most successful business people who have pledged to invest their own money in the best ideas.
If you are an entrepreneur with a fantastic business idea or product that is investment-ready, then get an application form by emailing:dragonsden@bbc.co.uk call: 09011 110 825 (calls cost 25p) or visit our website at www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden
NEW BUSINESS NEW LIFE NEW YOU!
The New Business New Life Campaign, aimed at stimulating an enterprise culture across all communities in theEast Midlandsand helping increase the number, quality and sustainability of new business start-ups, has recently been re-launched.
The campaign, run by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and its Sub-Regional Strategic Partnerships (SSPs), is fronted through a refreshed, modern website, a telephone hotline and an informative business starter pack. It is also supported by the five Business Link providers in theEast Midlandsand targets two specific areas:
• A series of free New Business New Life events.
• A new Universal Start-Up Offer (USO)
The New Business New Life events, due to kick-off shortly, will be held throughout theEast Midlandsand culminate with five roadshows in the autumn. These events are set to raise entrepreneurial awareness and aspirations at a grass-roots level and get across the message that starting a business in theEast Midlandsis a realistic and exciting option.
Developing from the successful New Business New Life show, these events aim to build on previous achievements by targeting outreach support to potential entrepreneurs in more localised communities.
Each event will offer a wealth of advice, including the chance to speak to a Business Link adviser and hear first-hand experiences from people about what is involved in successfully setting up a new business.
The introduction of a new Universal Start-Up Offer (USO) is part ofemda’scommitment to ensure that high quality advice and support is available to people wanting to start a business across the region in a consistent manner.
Potential entrepreneurs coming into contact with their local Business Link provider - either through New Business New Life or an alternative route - will be able to access a range of courses and self-help tools (e.g. in business planning, managing money, risk management or sales and marketing), including training and mentoring, based on the USO.
To find out more about New Business New Life visit www.newbusiness-newlife.com or ring 0845 155 0144
EUROPEAN FUNDING ENHANCES LEARNING AND SKILLS
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has released an additional £2 million of European Social Funds (ESF) to stimulate the growth of learning and skills across the region and boost economic growth.
The funding will target six key areas; social enterprise, disability entrepreneurship, women's enterprise, leadership and management, ICT (Information Communications Technology) support and raising standards of business support through skills.
It will be used to target projects which will help increase the number of new business start-ups and develop the competitive edge of existing companies across the East Midlands.
Intermediaries, such as local authorities or Business Link organisations, will play an important role in sign-posting potential beneficiaries to this additional funding. Interested individuals, groups, organisations or businesses can also apply directly.
John O'Reilly,emda's Business Support Director, said: “We're committed to helping businesses across the East Midlands develop and grow in competitive markets, and the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) - due for publication this summer - highlights this. We hope these ESF funds can be used to support innovative and exciting new projects, and look forward to receiving expressions of interest in the coming weeks.”
Funds will be allocated on a competitive basis only and to ensure projects can commence by 1 September 2006, expressions of interest must be submitted by 5pm on 23 June. emda has developed detailed guidance to make the application process easier. To apply, visit www.emda.org.uk/erdf and click on 'Measure 1.5 ESF.' For further information or assistance, contact Geff Daley on 0115 988 8371.
BULGARIAN OPPORTUNITY
At the end of June, John Townsend, Deputy President of Leicestershire Chamber of commerce, will be joining a UKTI Market Visit to Bulgaria.
John will be looking at the property market and checking out the investment opportunities offered by this fast developing market, boosted by the prospect of joining the EU in 2007 or 2008.
Business opportunities exist in the commercial centre ofSofiaand also in the mountain resorts (summer and winter sports) and the Black Sea coast - the summer playground of eastern European states.
As on his previous visit to Bulgaria last September, John is happy to make enquiries on behalf of other companies whilst out there, using the facilities of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce, to which the Haskovo Chamber is linked and with which we have a co-operation agreement.
Contact John direct on Tel: 0116 279 2586 or through the Chamber on Tel: 0116 247 1800.
UKTI EVENTS
The Perils and Pitfalls of Trading with China
June 15th2006
Is it all hype or is China still the promised land- flowing with milk and honey? Leicester Shire-China Trade Bureau, in association with ConnectChina, invites you to a free morning seminar to help you to learn how to develop business relationships and trade successfully with China and avoid the common mistakes made by many businesses. For more information, please contact Richard Metcalfe on 0116 2575 611 or e-mail richard.metcalfe@blleics.co.uk
East Midlands International Trade Association (EMITA )
June 21st 2006
EMITA have published details of their forthcoming programme of events for 2006-07 and it includes:
Talking Turkey – A major market in Asia Minor
June 21st2006
Please refer to the EMITA website (www.emita.org.uk) for more information.
Commercial Officer Visit from British Embassy, Madrid
July 21st 2006
On Friday 21st July, Fernando Pons who is the Commercial Officer from the British Embassy in Madrid is due to visit Leicester to discuss opportunities in Spain for companies across the region. UKTI will be holding meetings with local companies who are working in the following sectors: Aerospace, Railways, Marine, Ports and Logistics, Airports, Engineering and Police or Security.
If you would like more information, please contact Jason Loomes on 0116 258 7311 or e-mail on jloomes.ukti@blleics.co.uk
Export Awareness Roadshows
September 21st2006
UK Trade & Investment is holding a series of free and informal meet and greet events introducing UKTI and explaining how it can guide you through the exporting process successfully. On September 21st 2006, they will be holding a workshop in Market Harborough and are looking forward to seeing you there to discuss how they can give you all the help and support you need to start or continue exporting. For further information, please contact your local UKTI team on 0116 258 7329 orexport.ukti@blleics.co.uk
Trade Mission to China
November 4th-11th2006
UK Trade & Investment and Leicester Shire China Trade Bureau are organising a market visit to Sichuan/Chongqing, November 4th - 11th 2006.There is a travel grant for eligible companies and the visit will also include the EU-China Partnerariat event to take place in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province, where 850 businesses from EU and China will have match-making business meetings. For more information, please contact Min He on 0116 258 7312.