IN THE FEBRUARY GOOD MORNING LEICESTERSHIRE
- Go International In 2008
- The Art of Being Brilliant
- London 2012 Agency Launches For Leicestershire Businesses
- The Musical Interlude
- Midlands Forum Launched To Fight Fraud
- The Cost of Illiteracy
- Vantis Announces £50 Charity Challenge
- Business Link Update
- Get Growing, Go Global
- Forthcoming Chamber Events
GET INVOLVED
If your company would like to help the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce continue to provide this informative e-newsletter Good Morning Leicestershire and raise the profile of your own business at the same time then please talk to Sharon Jeffrey on 0116 204 6618 to discuss sponsorship opportunities, preferential rates are available for Chamber Members.
GO INTERNATIONAL IN 2008
The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce has announced the dates for the next set of export courses taking place in 2008. The one-day courses are designed to help local companies get to grips with the paperwork and procedures involved in trading internationally and exporting or importing goods. Chamber members can book for these courses at a specially reduced rate.
- 20 February 2008 Export Letter of Credit
- 27 February 2008 Import Foundation Course
- 16 April 2008 Export Foundation Course
- 23 April 2008 Export Documentation Course
For more details contact Kam Atker, Events Liaison Officer, on Tel: 0116 204 6614 or email: atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk. Alternatively you can visit www.chamberofcommerce.co.uk and select what’s on/events
THE ART OF BEING BRILLIANT
Business Builder, part of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce group, are running a series of dynamic, thought provoking workshops designed to give you practical tools and techniques for developing your business and improving your competitive edge.
The workshop, The Art of Being Brilliant, is taking place on 20th March at Charnwood Court, New Walk in Leicester. The aim of this course is to raise expectations as to what is possible and inspire delegates to transform the way they think about work, life and relationships to create a positive climate to change. The principals can be applied to our whole lives - in and out of work. The workshop uses concepts of emotional intelligence and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) to explore how you can be you, brilliantly.
Life is full of choices but most people don't realise the range of choices available or the massive positive influence they will have if they make the right choices about themselves and their attitude.
This workshop is priced at just £150 inclusive of VAT for Chamber members and £175.00 inclusive of VAT at standard rate.
For more information please contact Jackie Ledger on 0116 258 7354 or email: info@bizbuild.co.uk
LONDON 2012 AGENCY LAUNCHES FOR LEICESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES
A new service has launched for Leicestershire businesses that want to provide goods or services to London 2012.
‘CompeteFor’ is a ‘business dating agency’ which enables companies based in the region to bid for direct and supply chain business opportunities arising from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Supported by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda), it also links companies with local Business Link services to help boost the long-term competitiveness of businesses in the region.
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) and London Organising Committee (LOCOG) expect to allocate over £6bn of work as part of an estimated 75,000 future business opportunities, covering direct contractors and their supply chains over the coming years.
More than 700 companies in the East Midlands have registered to receive e-alerts about London 2012 procurement opportunities. Even in these early stages, when only a small proportion of contracts have been issued, over 20 companies based in the East Midlands have already supplied the ODA.
For further information about the London 2012 Business Network, visit www.london2012.com/business
THE MUSICAL INTERLUDE
Mahler’s powerful Symphony No. 4 marks the central work for the Philharmonia Orchestra’s concert at De Montfort Hall, Leicester on Friday 28 March 2008. With Maestro Ilan Volkov and soloists Gianluca Cascioli and Solvieg Kringelborn leading the orchestra for the evening’s performance.
Click here for more information and booking details.
The Philharmonia Orchestra is proud to be a member of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce.
MIDLANDS FORUM LAUNCHED TO FIGHT FRAUD
A new initiative in the Midlands will be launched shortly to help the region’s fight against fraudsters. The Midlands Fraud Forum, bringing together the public and private sector, is an initiative which follows the success of other fraud forums throughout the country. Consisting of anti-fraud professionals, the aim of the forum is to promote awareness of fraud and the prevention strategies that can be put in place.
Working across both the public and private sectors, the forum is focused on creating a culture of information sharing and discussion among its members.
Simon Dwyer, Chairman of the Midlands Fraud Forum and Director within KPMG’s Forensic team in the Midlands, said: "Almost all businesses are affected by fraud in one way or another and as statistics show, a downturn in economic growth, such as that which could be ahead for 2008, often leads to an increase in fraudulent activity. As a result, we need to do more to tackle this issue. I would encourage members of both public and private organisations to join the forum in order to share best practice and learn about the latest developments in fraud prevention and detection."
The forum’s first major event will be a conference on 21 February at the Botanical Gardens. The conference is open to representatives of local businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, local authorities, law firms, accountants and law enforcement.
For further information on the Midlands Fraud Forum contact Simon Dwyer at KPMG on Tel: 07770 890 801 or visit: www.midlandsfraudforum.co.uk
THE COST OF ILLITERACY
Up to 14.6 million adults in the UK admit that their inadequate literacy skills have lost their company money; 5.2 million of these adults are at or below the literacy standard expected of an 11 year old – a fact that is annually costing the UK economy £10 billion.
A key to saving the economy is to address the problem of writing skills now, according to Heather Ker, creator of Better Writing: Better Business, a web-based solution designed to improve writing skills in business.
Research by Basic Writing Skills (UK) Ltd has revealed that poorly written communication is a major consideration to employers when employing staff; as many as 4 in 10 employers are disappointed with the basic literacy skills of today’s school leavers.
Lost orders, bad communication and poor product quality, all of which cut into business profits can be traced to poor literacy and it is estimated that 50% of jobs are effectively closed to individuals with a minimum level of basic skills.
In response, BWS (UK) Ltd will shortly be launching Better Writing: Better Business. This unique web-based programme is self-paced, which means there is no need for users to leave their place of work and business disruption is absolutely minimal – saving time, reducing stress, and paving the way for increased productivity and business efficiency.
In association with Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, BWS (UK) Ltd is currently undertaking a nationwide survey of literacy levels in the workplace. To take part in the survey and see how good your literacy skills are click below.
VANTIS ANNOUNCES £50 CHARITY CHALLENGE
Vantis, the accounting, tax and business advisory firm with a local presence in Leicester, is giving away 100 crisp new £50 notes to local businesses in a bid to raise money for two local charities: Rainbows Children’s Hospice and the LOROS hospice for adults. Businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland are being invited to pick up their money and then apply their entrepreneurial skills to make the best return they can, with all the proceeds being divided between the two charities. Vantis asks only that companies undertake to at least double their money, and avoid doing anything illegal or unethical in the process!
The challenge will take place over few months, after which teams will be invited to a ceremony at which the winners of the ‘Most Innovative Idea’ and the ‘Most Money Earned’ will be announced.
Teams from local businesses will meet each other – and perhaps exchange money-making strategies - at a launch party on 12 March at the Porsche Centre Leicester. The evening will be hosted by Leicester Tigers’ rugby star Austin Healey. Companies interested in taking part should contact Melanie Rippin of Vantis in Leicester on Tel: 0116 272 8200 for further details or email: melanie.rippin@vantisplc.com
BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION NOW
Business Link has recently introduced a resource efficiency consultation service to identify areas where SMEs can improve their resource efficiency. Once you’ve been through the resource efficiency consultation you may also be eligible to apply for a grant of up to £40,000 to implement the recommendations.
For more information visit: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=5000881189&site=140
IS YOUR BUSINESS TAKING OFF
HighGrowth East Midlands is the exciting new flagship business support programme from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). It has been designed to help ambitious and forward thinking businesses achieve their potential and to enhance sustainability in existing high growth businesses in the region.
For more information visit:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=5000948732&site=140
10 WAYS TO ENERGISE YOUR BUSINESS IN 2008
New Year is a natural time to think about your business fortunes in the year ahead. It’s also a perfect time to plan for and introduce change – whether in the form of fresh challenges or new ways to tackle old problems. Business Link East Midlands has produced ten top tips to help invigorate your business over the coming months. The tips include advice on benchmarking your current performance, how to attract new investment and looking for gaps in your market.
For more information visit:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=5000944727&site=140
GET GROWING ... GO GLOBAL
UKTI is hosting an event where local businesses can overcome the potential barriers to trading overseas and hear from specialists on the best strategy for identifying and entering international markets.
Attendees will also be able to discover how in-country expertise, available from UKTI’s commercial teams based around the world, can help their business to grow and prosper, plus they can save time and valuable resources by learning about the help available to identify new customers overseas. Presentations from UKTI, Business Link and HMRC will cover the major aspects of exporting, including customs procedures and VAT requirements plus information on the support available to help your business succeed overseas.
This event is running on 26 February at Breadsall Priory, Derby and also on 11 March at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester
Book your free place on either of the seminars by visiting: www.eventsforce.net/getgrowing2008
HEALTH & SAFETY SEMINAR IN CONJUNCTION WITH PENINSULAR
Date: 19 February
Venue: The National Space Centre, Leicester
Time: 8am – 10am
Cost: Chamber Members £20 / Standard £25
This seminar will look at the Corporate Manslaughter & Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and ask, can you afford to get it wrong? The rising tide of new rights for employees in recent years has had significant implications for business owners, directors and senior management.
AN EVENING FULL OF INDIAN SPICES
Date: 6 March
Venue: Signature Restaurant, Oadby
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Cost: Chamber members £25 / Standard £35
Leicestershire Chamber invites you to a networking evening with an Indian touch at one of Leicestershire's well-known Indian restaurants. Signature Restaurant will 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.
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2008
Date: 14 March
Venue: Leicester City Football Club, Leicester
Time: 7pm - midnight
Cost: £50 per person / £470 Table of ten
Price includes a four course meal. Discounted rates are available for finalists, their guests and local community groups.
This unique celebration is designed to capture the achievements of women in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The gala dinner evening will commence with a wine reception, followed by a sit-down dinner, special guests include Kay Alexander and Jennie Bond.
LEICESTERSHIRE MEETS NORTHAMPTONSHIRE - NETWORKING EVENT HOSTED BY STANFORD HALL
Date: 22 April
Venue: Stanford Hall, nr Lutterworth
Time: 6pm - 8:30pm
Cost: Chamber members £25/ Standard £35
Leicestershire Chamber is keen to encourage members to network, linking business of all sizes and sectors together to enable them to meet, exchange views and identify potential new business. Hosted by Stanford Hall this event gives members an opportunity to network and exchange company literature with fellow attendees over a glass of wine as well as participating in tours of this wonderful venue.
THE GLIDING EXPERIENCE
Date: 20 May
Venue: The Gliding Centre, Husbands Bosworth
Time: 5pm - 8:30pm
Cost: Winch Package £45 /Aerotow Package £65
Experience the spectacular views of south Leicestershire in silent flight from the cockpit of a modern glider - an exclusive, discounted opportunity for Chamber members to take the ‘Gliding Experience.’
CHAMBER GOLF DAY
Date: 21 May
Venue: Kibworth Golf Club, Kibworth Beauchamp
Time: 8:30am – 4pm
Cost: Chamber Members £49.50 / Standard £59.50
This year's corporate hospitality golf day will take place at Kibworth Golf Club and includes a superb days golf along with breakfast and lunch. Players will be arranged into teams of four with a chance to win both individual and team prizes, with Sturgess kindly sponsoring a car for a lucky hole in one winner.
For more information on these Chamber events please call Kam Atker on Tel: 0116 204 6614, email: atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk or alternatively you can visit the Chamber website at: www.chamberofcommmerce.co.uk and select What’s On/events