Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Issue: November 2006

CHAMBER NEWS

Two members of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce have recently enjoyed success at the regional Chamber of Commerce awards:

Pall-Ex, of Ellistown near Coalville, was announced as the East Midlands regional winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Chamber Awards 2006.

Brian Colquhoun, Head of Integrated Financial Solutions at award sponsor Yorkshire Bank, said: "Just as they say there is a novel in us all everyone thinks they can spot a business opportunity and create a successful company. This is not true. Entrepreneurs are rare. This award recognises the achievements of the best."

Martin Traynor, Group Managing Director of Leicestershire Chamber, said: "Entrepreneurs are the pioneers of the modern age. They take risks. They spot opportunities when most of us see barriers. The finalists of this award are members of an all too small elite club in this country."

Ento, from Leicester, was announced as the East Midlands regional winner of the Most Promising New Business Award in the Chamber Awards 2006.

Andrew McGregor, Head of Marketing & Strategy at award sponsor BT Business, commented: "Starting a new business is daunting enough, but to take it successfully through the first few years needs courage, talent and tenacity. BT is delighted to recognise this success and applauds those entrepreneurs for their determination and achievement."

Martin Traynor added: "Success in business is always the result of very hard work on the part of the founders. So many businesses fail to make it past their first, let alone their third year. Ento is an inspiration to all of us in business."

Pall-Ex and Ento will both now go through to the national judging and the chance to win the top prize of £25,000, courtesy of Microsoft. The national winners of the Chamber Awards 2006 will be announced at a Gala Dinner at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London on the 23rd November 2006

Following the great success and popularity of the Leicestershire Women of Achievement Awards earlier this year plans are already underway for the 2007 event. The success of women in our society has often gone unrecognised and these awards were originally created to capture the achievements of women from all walks of life throughout Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, who are organising the 2007 Women of Achievement Awards, are encouraging local businesses to get involved and support the awards by nominating family, friends or colleagues as appropriate for one or more of the following award categories:

Business Woman of the Year
Woman in the Community
Woman of the Year
Young Achiever of the Year
Rural Business Woman of the Year
Woman with Determination

For more details contact Headstorm Marketing on Tel: 0870 170 9697 or email: woaawards@headstorm.co.uk

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will be running the following export courses in early 2007:

15th January 2007 Export Foundation Course

22nd January 2007 Export Documentation Course

26th January 2007 Half Day Course on Enlargement of the EU

30th January 2007 Export Letter of Credit Course

8th February 2007 Import Foundation Course

14th February 2007 Export Foundation Course

19th February 2007 Export Documentation Course

28th February 2007 Export Letter of Credit Course

7th March 2007 Export Foundation Course

14th March 2007 Export Documentation Course

21st March 2007 Export Letter of Credit Course

28th March 2007 Import Foundation Course

For more details or to make a booking contact Kam Atker, Events Liaison Officer at Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, on Tel: 0116 204 6614 or email: atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk

S4B, the commercial training arm of Leicester College and the training partner of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, is seeking opinions from Leicestershire businesses on what types of courses and training they would be interested in. Both S4B and the Leicestershire Chamber are continually looking to ensure that the courses on offer are relevant to business needs.

If you would like to offer your constructive comments on this matter then please click here and complete the short survey. Completed forms should be faxed or emailed to S4B, details can be found on the form.

To find out about existing training opportunities please call S4B on Tel: 0116 229 5555 or email:s4b@leicestercollege.ac.uk

A new energy efficiency survey undertaken by the British Chambers of Commerce has discovered that business is embracing the challenge of becoming more environmentally friendly.

The majority of businesses surveyed said that they considered themselves to be energy efficient whilst a large proportion of those that didn't, said that they had plans to do so.

The main area of concern highlighted was the lack of awareness about where to turn for energy efficiency advice, with 32 per cent of businesses not aware of any organisations to offer such help and advice.

Amongst the key findings of the survey were:

52 per cent of businesses considered themselves energy efficient whilst 31 per cent were considering becoming so
81 per cent of businesses said that lower energy bills were the prime motivation to becoming more energy efficient. Reflecting the belief that the business community has a role to play in tackling climate change, 66 per cent listed environmental concerns, whilst 48 per cent said social responsibility was a factor
The biggest benefit to becoming more environmentally efficient is lower energy bills, with 76 per cent listing this.
Of those businesses that have not installed or promoted energy efficiency, 29 per cent said it was not a priority whilst 19 per cent said it was too costly.

David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "This survey shows that business in the UK is striving to meet the challenge of becoming more environmentally friendly.

"Whilst the chance to have lower energy bills is clearly a prime driving force, environmental concerns and social responsibility are also major contributors to the drive to become more energy efficient.

"The challenge for the Government now is to work more with small and medium sized businesses to assist them in becoming more environmentally friendly."

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Membership of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce entitles you to access the website and helplines of QDOS Consulting where you can get accurate, up to date information on all employment law and legislation matters – completely free of charge.

The QDOS Employment and Health & Safety Update covers such things as:

· The arrival of the long awaited Age Discrimination regulations with an overview of how this may impact on your business and how to resolve certain issues.

· Autumn is the time for planning ahead, next year sees further employment legislation and the update has an article giving an outline of the proposals, how they may affect business and ways in which QDOS may assist you.

· The Offshore Industry faces an uncertain time with the potential impact of changes to the Working Time Regulations and the appeal in a long standing case in relation to what is meant by the term "holiday" is considered.

· Employers face many challenges and one of the greatest is dealing with discrimination issues.A recent outcome of a case on religious discrimination is considered and there are some practical points for employers.

· The current state of tribunal outcomes and offers potential solutions to reduce the problem for employers.

For more information visit www.chamberhr.co.uk

UKbusinesses could find themselves fined £2,000 for employing the reported surge of illegal immigrants who are buying Romanian passports on the black market to obtain an EU passport. This warning comes from Fiona Mckay, key spokesperson for MJL, theUK's leading Health and Safety and Human Resources consultants.

With recent reports stating the influx of Moldavians obtaining Romanian passports over the last twelve months (allowing them to convert to EU passports onceRomaniajoins the EU along withBulgaria) could cause significant problems forUKemployers. Under the new Asylum and Immigration Act which is soon due to come into force in the UK, a fixed penalty fine of £2,000 will be issued for employers who employ illegal workers, creating a new criminal offence of knowingly employing or exploiting illegal workers. This could carry a custodial sentence of up to two years and/or unlimited fines. If the offence is committed with the consent or connivance of a director, officer or manager, both the individual and the organisation will be guilty.

Fiona Mckay, Head of Seminars for MJL, stresses: "In order for an employer to satisfy their legal obligations when employing an EU or foreign national they have to be clear as to the validity of the documentation provided by the individual i.e. the passport. Employers will have no idea whom they are employing and could even be employing a serious criminal unless they are vigilant."

John Reid is set to announce restrictions upon entry to work in theUKfrom new ascension countries, both in areas of skilled and unskilled workers. There will be no automatic right to work and live here in theUK. However, this will increase the burden of compliance on employers, as now they will have to sponsor an employee to obtain a work and residence permit. Employers should be aware that where there is a labour shortage, looking toEuropeto fill it, could end up being more costly in compliance than first anticipated.

CHAMBER EVENTS

Date: 19 January
Venue: Scalford Hall, Melton Mowbray
Time: 12 noon- 2pm
Cost: £25 includes buffet meal

This networking lunch with special guest Alan Duncan MP gives local companies the chance to raise any issues of concern to the business community with a local Member of Parliament.

Date: 23 January
Venue: Selfridges Store, Birmingham
Time: 2pm- 8pm
Cost: £25 includes buffet lunch and wine but not travel

Integra, the Chamber's association of women in business, is hosting this excellent networking opportunity along with a behind-the-scenes tour of the impressive recently-built Selfridges store.

Date: 25 January
Venue: Sturgess Volvo, Almond Road, Leicester
Time: 6pm- 8.30pm

Cost: Place only, no display stand (inc. VAT)
£25 Chamber Members
£35 Standard

Place & Space for display stand (inc. VAT)
£55 Chamber Members
£65 Standard

Hosted by Sturgess Volvo this event gives attendees an opportunity to reserve space for an exhibition stand, network and exchange company literature with fellow guests over a glass of wine.

Date: 2 March

Venue: Leicester City Football Club, Leicester

Time: 7pm – midnight

Cost: £50.00 per person / £470 per table of ten.

Celebrate the success of women in Leicestershire at this gala award evening with guest speakers Suzi Quattro and Kay Alexander.

For more information on these events please call Kam Atker on Tel: 0116 204 6614.

OTHER NEWS

Bookings are now being taken for the University of Leicester's Work Experience Fair, which will take place on 7th and 8th February 2007. This exciting event attracted over 1300 students last year and yielded the following results:

* Over 680 students registered their details with an organisation

* Over 2500 brochures, leaflets and general information guides were given out

* Over 300 students signed up to attend future activities with an organisation

The aim of the fair is to bring students into direct contact with potential employers and organisations offering work experience opportunities. The event is split into two themed days, to allow you to choose which is more suitable for your organisation:

Wednesday 7thFebruary

Paid work experience
Commercial & Industrial placements (3, 6, 9, 12 months)
Paid casual or part-time work
Organisations offering advice on enterprising projects and new business start up

Thursday 8thFebruary

Community work in the UK and abroad
Local volunteering organisations
Work abroad organisations
Charities
Social Enterprise

Last year places for this fair, and the sponsorship opportunities on offer, were very popular. If you are interested in booking a place, please do so as soon as possible. You can book by filling out the online booking form www.le.ac.uk/ssds/careers/wefair.html

If you would like to any more information about this event, contact either Aimée on Tel: 0116 252 5117 or Korin on Tel: 0116 252 389

With a staggering 744 million Christmas cards delivered by the Royal Mail last year, Envirowise is calling on companies in the East Midlands to help cut the region's Christmas card "mountain" by sending their seasons greetings electronically.

Envirowise's 2006 Christmas card campaign comes as statistics reveal that one billion Christmas cards, weighing 20,000 tonnes, will end up as waste this Christmas. And many of these cards could still be with us 30 years on as there is evidence landfill sites can actually "preserve" paper items, rather than letting them degrade.

Businesses wishing to make use of the free e-cards will be able to choose from a selection of 10 exclusive designs which can each be personalised by selecting a preferred image and then adding a company logo and message. Companies are urged to get their requests in early and to register before the end of November deadline to avoid disappointment.

Businesses wishing to use the Envirowise Christmas e-card system should register on www.envirowise.gov.uk/ecard by the end of November. The e-cards will then be sent to nominated recipients at the beginning of December. The system is free to use, but businesses are encouraged to make a donation to a charity of their choice

Manufacturers in the East Midlands will have the chance to get the inside track on ways to improve their performance at a series of free workshops being given by the region's leading manufacturing advisers.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service in the East Midlands (MAS EM) has helped the Quality Club put together a specially designed set of six sessions geared at getting SMEs to up their game. The service, which provides straightforward advice and practical support for SME manufacturers to help them improve their business competitiveness, has helped generate nearly £18 million of added value across around 1,700 companies since it was set up four years ago.

This specially designed programme,consisting of six linked seminars, is aimed at small and medium sized manufacturing companies and is free of charge. It will give easily accessible information and practical know-how on business improvement techniques which can lead to increased efficiency, generation of new business and reduced costs. The series of 2-hour sessions featuring short presentations and case studies will be delivered by a variety of practitioners, consultants and ambassadors who will share their vast expertise and knowledge. Participants will have the opportunity to boost their awareness and understanding of the benefits of adopting best practice in areas such as lean thinking, process improvement, leadership, risk management, and accreditation standards. Below is a brief description of each session:

Tuesday 21 November, Process Improvement Made Easy – simple and effective methods that will enable you to quickly make a positive difference to your business
Tuesday 23 January, Cost and Project Management - why good cost and project management is vital
Tuesday 13 February, Supply Chain Development – your suppliers provide a key input to your business, what can you do to be able to better manage them?
Tuesday 20 March, Innovation and Business Development – innovation is a primary driver for any business in any industry, what should you consider when wanting to grow your business?
Tuesday 17 April, Leadership, Team Building and People Development– your staff are your greatest asset so what can you do to make them more productive and happy?

The workshops will be held at Rolls-Royce Plc, Learning & Development Centre in Derby between 5 – 7pm.

For more details about the programme, contact Linda Mee at EMQC on Tel: 0116 252 5926 or email her at: ljm18@le.ac.uk

To find out how MASEM can help your business, telephone: 01664 501301, email: rcme@pera.com or log onto: www.mas-em.org.uk

The threat of corporate identity fraud continues to gather pace, but many businesses still leave the door open for criminals. This concern has led Equifax, a leading ID fraud expert, to launch a pocket guide to combating corporate ID theft & fraud – providing businesses with an accurate and easy-to-read overview of the risks and solutions.

Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director at Equifax, comments: "Far too many businesses are sweeping the issue of corporate ID fraud under the carpet. When you think that Companies House estimates that corporate ID theft could be costing British businesses £50 million a year, ignoring the problem could be very expensive indeed. And the Metropolitan Police believes it could be even higher, with victims of corporate ID theft losing an average of £2 million. By producing this pocket guide we hope to put the issue higher up the agenda for companies and organisations."

The concise guide outlines each of the threats, including fraud, phoenix companies and company hi-jacking. Each section is followed by advice on reducing the risks, ranging from practical steps such as not confirming a trading address to advice on investment in online monitoring tools. The informative booklet also includes a 12-point checklist for businesses outlining key ways to reduce the risks.

The Equifax 12-point checklist to reduce the risk of corporate ID theft & fraud:

· Identify business partners and directors

· Confirm fax and telephone numbers

· Never accept hand written order forms or faxes

· Confirm the trading address of customers and suppliers

· Ask for original headed company paper

· Don’t assume information provided is correct – always double check and follow up references

· Are you sure they are who they say they are?

· Check that the telephone area code is relevant to where the business claims to be trading from

· Can they provide trade or bank references?

· Are all references truly independent?

· Check for any connections to previous companies with similar or identical names

· Did they answer your call with a business name?

Neil Munroe concludes: "This guide offers a clear picture of the very real threat of corporate fraud, providing businesses with an insight into the scale of the problem and most importantly how to protect themselves. Equifax continues to work closely with the Metropolitan Police and other key organisations to combat corporate ID theft and fraud, but by arming companies with key information we can help them protect their business. After all, the cost of ID theft and fraud isn't just financial, a company stands to lose its hard-earned reputation and the confidence of customers – two things most businesses can’t afford to lose."

To obtain a free copy of the Equifax Pocket Guide to Combating ID Theft & Fraud call 01274 759 729.

The Business Channel (TBC), a new digital satellite television channel, will go live on 20th November 2006, broadcasting programmes for 18 hours a day. The brainchild of executive director, Martin Everard, TBC brings a fresh approach to programming for a business-minded audience. Far from competing with the established providers of financial news broadcasts, TBC will feature a much broader spectrum of programmes that will combine entertainment with business information, documentary, education and reality.

Businesses in the East Midlands have only two weeks left to apply for funding under the Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) scheme.

Due to forthcoming changes to the SFIE scheme, the opportunity for applications for funding will draw to a close nationwide at 5pm on Friday 1st December 2006.

The SFIE scheme was introduced in April 2004 as a Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) business support product. It is a discretionary capital investment grant scheme supporting business expansion projects in eligible parts of the UK regions and is delivered by the regional development agencies.

In the East Midlands, the scheme has been funded with support from the DTI, emda and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

You can find out if your business is eligible to apply by visiting www.emda.org.uk/sfi or full details of the SFIE scheme and to download electronic versions of the application form and supporting paperwork. Contact Lewis Stringer,emda's Business Investment Project Appraisal Manager with any enquiries on: 0115 988 8305 or email: LewisStringer@emd.org.uk

Sit pretty in pink this autumn and support Breast Cancer Campaign by proudly sporting a pink chair.

A high-back operator's chair has been designed in aid of Campaign and produced by leading office supplies company office2office and for every purchase of the £64.99 chair office2office will donate £10 to Campaign.

And if pink isn't your colour, but you'd still like to support Campaign, the chair is available in two other colours – charcoal or royal blue. The chairs are fully adjustable with levers for both height and backrest tilt. They’re also padded and moulded for comfort and carry a unique Campaign logo tag.

Paulette Jacobson, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Campaign, comments: "We're hoping offices throughout the UK go 'pink' and support Campaign by buying this chair – adding a splash of colour to offices can be really fun and it will also help us to continue researching the cure for breast cancer."

www.pinkchair.co.uk

The National Forest Company (NFC) is looking to appoint up to three new directors to its Board, to start on 1 April 2007.

The NFC is sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and is charged with the creation of the National Forest across 200 square miles of the English midlands. The forest is one of the country's biggest long-term examples of sustainable development, contributing to many of the Government's environmental, social and economic objectives.

Of particular benefit to the work of the company will be applicants with good knowledge and experience in one of the following areas of expertise: land management; planning; access, recreation and tourism; or biodiversity and nature conservation.

Applications are particularly welcome from individuals from local and minority communities who meet the selection criteria. Those appointed will be remunerated on the basis of working an average of one day each month.

Further information on the National Forest Company can be found on the website at www.nationalforest.org

Those interested in applying can obtain an application pack from Public Appointments at Defra by e-mail: publicappts@defra.gsi.gov.uk or by telephone on: 01905 768839. The application forms are also available from www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/appointments/index.htm

The closing date for applications is 22 November.

Local team seeks business sponsors!

A three person team from Leicesteris taking part in the Polar Race 2007 to raise money for charity. They are an unusual team with considerable media appeal - including the oldest woman ever to visit the Magnetic North Pole and the first mother and son pair. BBC Midlands Today will be following their progress, and local media interest is growing. This is a great sponsorship opportunity for local businesses.

For more information see: www.carpediemtrust.com

The Olympic Delivery Authority has published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) to alert the industry of its forthcoming corporate services requirements.

The scope of the work includes the provision of:

health and safety consultancy services and advice
training and development services
marketing and communications services
sustainability advice
security services and advice
staff surveys
travel and accommodation services
catering services
insurance policies
Programme management and quality assurance services
Banking and investment services

It is anticipated that individual contract notices will be published periodically throughout the next 12 months.

Please note: PINs are for information only and are intended to help potential suppliers prepare for expected upcoming tenders. They are distinct from invitations to tender, expressions of interest and pre-qualification questionnaires that may also be issued.

Please continue to check www.london2012.com/business for the latest information on the 2012 project.

If happy workers make the best workers then encouraging staff to CLOCK OFF this December could prove to be a massive boost for your business.

Far from sending everyone home early, CLOCK OFF for CLIC Sargent is a national campaign which encourages businesses of all shapes and sizes to get together in the run up to Christmas and have some festive fun together, whilst also raising money for the UK's leading children's cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.

Uniting staff from across the business for a festive-themed charity event, such as office bingo, themed lunches or dress-down days, is not just for the benefit of the charity, but can also play a big role in improving morale in the workplace and bringing some diversion to what can otherwise be a very busy period. Bringing everyone together for a fun event where their financial contributions make them part of one big drive to help children this Christmas couldn't be simpler. Free CLOCK OFF for CLIC Sargent information and event packs can be downloaded from www.clicsargent.org.uk/clockoff or requested by calling 0845 121 1925.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The Arab-British Chamber of Commerce invites Chamber members to attend a "Members Get Together and Network" meeting on Tuesday 5 December 2006 from 6pm to 8pm at the Arab-British Chamber in London.

Interested parties please fax /email directly to:

Ms Layla Derraz
Arab British Chamber of Commerce
43 Upper Grosvenor St, London

Direct Fax: 020 7659 4877

e-mail:layla.derraz@abcc.org.uk

November 22nd 2006

The purpose of this workshop is to highlight important selection criteria in China, explore relevant trends in labour and other costs and to minimise location regrets. If you would like further information please contact Linden Rosen at China Britain Business Council on Tel: 0113 247 1584 or email: linda.rosen@cbbc.org.

November 23rd 2006

You're invited to attend this breakfast roadshow in Coalville, if you’re thinking of exporting or you're already an experienced exporter and would like to learn more about the various services and financial support available from UK Trade & Investment. To book a place please Tel: 0845 634 0600 or email: uktradeinvest@emd.org.uk

November 30th 2006

Hosted by Benedict Allen the spectacular East Midlands International Business Awards evening is to be held on Thursday 30th November 2006 at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester. The awards will recognise those East Midlands companies who have embraced the Passport to Export programme and also this year the evening will join together with the East Midlands International Business Communication Awards celebrating the rich diversity of culture and communication around the world. For more information and ticket reservations please contact MYB Events on Tel: 01332 548114 or visit: www.international-awards.org.uk

November 30th 2006

This is a one-day conference to explore the opportunities for British designer makers in Japan and China. The day will consist of an introduction into economic and cultural backgrounds of the two markets including trends and the experiences of designers already working in the Far East and the role of UK Trade & Investment. For further details please contact: info@designfactory.org.uk or Tel: 01529 414830 / 414532.

January 31st– 3rd February 2007

This is a great opportunity for product designers, designing high-quality interior products with the capacity for medium to high volume production essential in exporting to this sophisticated market. UK Trade & Investment are inviting designer makers to spend 3 days in the market, networking with key contacts and meeting potential buyers. If you are interested please contact Christine Johnson Tel: 0116 258 7357 or email: cjohnson.ukti@blleics.co.uk

February 26-28th 2007

Fashionwear companies are invited to spend three days getting to know the market, networking with key contacts and meeting potential buyers. For further details, please contact Suzy Bolton, UK Trade & Investment on Tel: 0116 2587 314 or email: sbolton.ukti@blleics.co.uk

March 11th- 16th 2007
There are great opportunities for companies in food & drink, healthcare & automotive and oil & gas sectors. Companies can spend 5 days in the market visiting new or existing contacts and getting a good feel for the market potential. The visit includes a very competitive travel package and a grant available for eligible companies. For further information on the visit please contact Carolyn Tallett on Tel: 01604 490491 or email: Carolyn.Tallett@ukti-northants.co.uk

March 21st 2007

An event especially aimed at ladies fashionwear companies to enable them to meet a range of overseas retail buyers. Each company will have a mini exhibition stand and a series of short appointments with buyers. This one-day event will take place on Wednesday 21 March 07 at the Walkers Stadium in Leicester. For further details please contact Suzy Bolton, UK Trade & Investment on Tel: 0116 2587 314

The Research & Development Team at Nottingham East Midlands Airport (NEMA) is currently conducting some market research to examine the demand for flights to the Indian subcontinent from the airport. If you would be potentially interested in such flights from NEMA, please fill in this short survey on the NEMA website.