IN THE AUGUST GOOD MORNING LEICESTERSHIRE
- Business Crime Fraud Forum
- Free IT Workshops
- HR Focus - Upgrade to the Chamber HR System
- Speakers Announced For Top Local Business Event
- Help Create Safer Workplaces
- Work Placements Guide
- The Musical Interlude
- Special Olympics In Leicester
- Business Link Update
- 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
THE BUSINESS NETWORK ONLINE - NEW MEMBER BENEFIT
Have you registered for the latest chamber membership benefit? The Business Network Online Service is an online networking and trading portal operated by Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce. The portal allows your business to reach new markets, building strong business contacts and networks, it also provides the opportunity to generate leads and do business faster and more effectively right across the UK.
This online "Trading platform" matches business opportunities with companies registered on our database who have identified that they can supply a particular product or service.
As a Chamber Member you can select up to 10 business categories to match business opportunities or tenders that you would like to receive and are able to fulfil. Choose carefully as the business categories you select have a direct impact on the business opportunities or tenders you receive. You can change your business categories at any time through the "Manage Your Areas of Interest" section. As matches occur you will receive an e-mail alert or you can subscribe to SMS texts and have alerts sent conveniently to your mobile phone
Business opportunities will be posted by participating businesses as and when required and Business Network Online will automatically alert you to new business opportunities or tenders that match your profile via email or through a text message. Through the portal you can either ask for further details on the specific business opportunity or tender or decline the alert if you feel it is not suitable for your business. The more active you are within the site, the more likely it will be that you will be selected to give a quote so be sure to use the site to find suppliers for yourself.
FREE IT WORKSHOPS
A series of free IT workshops, designed for SMEs and supported by Business Link, are scheduled for the coming months. Details are as follows:
Date: Breakfast Briefings:
30 September Mobile Working
Venue: Quorn Country Hotel, nr Loughborough
Date: Workshops:
29 August Setting Up A Business Podcast At Angel Hotel
8 September Getting The Most Out Of Microsoft Office
17 September Customer Relationship Management System (AM)
17 September Choosing The Right Accounts Package (PM)
In addition a number of web academy clinics, funded by Leicester Shire Economic Partnership, will be running at the Beauchamp College Training Centre. The clinics will run one day a week over a 3 week period and you will need to commit to all three dates. The clinics are free for delegates to attend but only companies based within Leicestershire, with a Leicestershire postcode, will be eligible to book. Details are as follows:
Web Academy Clinics – Online Marketing
Date: 20 Oct / 24 Oct / 4 Nov
Time: 8.30am – 5pm
Web Academy Clinics - Online Marketing
Date: 11 Nov/ 17 Nov / 25 Nov
Time: 8.30am – 5pm
For more details contact Kam Atker at Leicestershire Chamber on Tel: 0116 204 6614,Email: atker.k@chamberofcommerce.co.uk or visit the Ebusiness website at: www.ebusinessclub.biz
HR FOCUS - UPGRADE TO THE CHAMBER HR SYSTEM
The Leicestershire Chamber of Commence, in association with Qdos Consulting based in Earl Shilton, are now offering chamber members an opportunity to gain further human resource support by upgrading their existing ChamberHR membership benefit to the ChamberHR System.
The ChamberHR System is a practical on-site human resource solution that delivers all the benefits of a human resource department without the cost. Furthermore, the ChamberHR System complements the already existing ChamberHR service, this includes a 24/7 human resource advice line and unlimited access to the ChamberHR website.
Those members that subscribe to the system will receive 2 days on-site consultancy, an on-site audit and report, evaluation of contracts of employment and employee handbook review as well as insurance to cover the legal costs and expenses relating to disputes with employees, ex-employees or prospective employees and indemnity against the costs of awards arising out of employment tribunal proceedings without excess.
A representative from Qdos Consulting will be contacting all members over the coming weeks to ensure that you can access the website and answer any questions you may have regarding the ChamberHR service as well as offer the opportunity to book an appointment to discuss your current HR arrangements and the upgrade services that are available. If you would like to arrange an appointment please contact Julie Edwards & Sarj Dattani at Qdos Consulting on Tel: 01455 852028 or email: chamber@qdosconsulting.com
If you do not receive your website log in details or you are a new member and would like to register to use the service please contact the membership team at Leicestershire Chamber, email: leics@chamberofcommerce.co.uk or call 0116 247 1800.
www.chamberhr.co.uk
CALLING ON BEHALF OF THE CHAMBER?
It seems to be a common tactic for some companies to claim that they are calling on behalf of their local Chamber of Commerce in order to give themselves a legitimacy they would not normally enjoy. If you receive any phone calls from someone who says that they are calling on behalf of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and you are at all suspicious please take their details and then call us on 0116 2471800 and we will be able be able to confirm whether they have any connection to the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce or not.
The latest company who, we have been informed, seem to be using this tactic is called Fastfinders, a company who is not a Leicestershire Chamber member, and, contrary to their statement to at least one of our members, is not calling on behalf of ourselves.
The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce does actively encourage our members to contact each other through such methods as our Networking events, the Online Trading Platform or by using our directories in order to do business with each other, but we feel it is important that you, as a Chamber member, are not misled if you feel that companies are claiming relationships with ourselves which do not exist.
SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR TOP BUSINESS EVENT
Leicester Business Event (LBE) 2008, the premier event for small and medium businesses in the Leicestershire region, will provide all the expertise entrepreneurs need to help increase their business potential.
The free conference will feature a number of high profile keynote speakers, well-known business owners and experts on the issues that entrepreneurs face while developing their business.
Speakers include Alastair Campbell entrepreneur behind the award-winning Ideal Marketing Company who will present the seminar entitled Marketing Breakthrough – the 17 key marketingareas to put your time, money and effort into. Learn how to gain more media coverage, improve direct mail response rates and convert more prospects as well as a host of other important marketing topics in this informative and fast moving seminar.
The conference will also feature an investor presentation showcasing a selection of businesses looking for investment to take their business forward, aimed at young, fast-growing companies. This session is a must attend for investors and funding providers. Any companies wishing to present should call 0116 240 2330.
The exhibition will feature leading specialists in small business management with superb solutions to help businesses increase their efficiency and improve their profitability and develop sustainable growth. Professionals including accountants, lawyers and small business support services will be on hand to advise visitors on all aspects of developing their business.
LBE also wants to address a number of issues and practicalities that affect business owners, ranging from tax and law matters to financial advice, and so anyone who would like to take part should contact Elaine Vandelli on 07802 492348.
To find out more information about speakers and exhibitors at LBE visit www.leicesterbusinessevents.co.uk
The Leicester Business Event is open from 9am on Wednesday 1st October 2008. For tickets call the hotline on 0116 240 2330 or email: info@hi2events.co.uk
HELP CREATE SAFER WORKPLACES
A leading Leicestershire-based health and safety charity is looking for volunteers to join its board to help it achieve a safer world of work.
The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), based in Wigston, is looking for an independent trustee to join its Board of Trustees, which sets and oversees the implementation of IOSH's strategy and ensures it continues to develop and contributes to a world of work which is safe, healthy and sustainable.
Rob Strange OBE, Chief Executive of IOSH, said: "We're ideally looking for someone who has worked at senior management level and has experience of financial issues, law or commercial activities. They should also be someone who is interested in keeping workplaces healthy and safe."
Acting as an IOSH trustee is an opportunity to steer the future of the health and safety profession with an organisation that regularly lobbies Government and contributes to policy affecting health and safety in the workplace.
As well as representing 33,000 health and safety professionals worldwide and co-ordinating their professional development, IOSH also maintains professional standards, produces a range of commercial health and safety awareness training courses, produces research and guidance and publishes books. It employs 125 staff at its Wigston head office and has an approximate annual turnover of £9 million.
For more information on the role of an independent trustee, which is a voluntary opportunity that pays reasonable expenses only, please contact Laura Ostah, governance recruitment co-ordinator, on 0116 257 3190 or email laura.ostah@iosh.co.uk The closing date for applications is 18 September, with interviews due in November.
WORK PLACEMENTS GUIDE
The Higher Education Academy Engineering Subject Centre in partnership with engCETL atLoughboroughUniversityhave just launched a guide to industrial placements for employers. The guide highlights the benefits of offering placements, how to develop links with universities and how to recruit a student for a placement.
The guide is available via the engCETL website at: http://www.engcetl.ac.uk/news/engcetl/ or directly from the Engineering Subject Centre http://www.engsc.ac.uk/downloads/employers-guide-on-placements.pdf
THE MUSICAL INTERLUDE
Conductor Leif Segerstam opens the Philharmonia’s season at De Montfort Hall, Leicester with the world première ofPhilip Herbert’sIncantation: To Seasons of Promise. The programme will also include Wagner’sDie Meistersingerand Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 and Piano Concerto No. 1 with Boris Giltburg on Wednesday 24 September 2008, 7.30pm.
Click here for more information and booking details.
The Philharmonia Orchestra is proud to be a member of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN LEICESTER
The 8th Special Olympics GB National Summer Games 2009 will take place in Leicester between 25th and 31st July 2009. Involving 2700 athletes, 1200 coaches, 1500 volunteers, 6,000 families, 21 sports and 7 days of achievements, there are lots of ways you can get involved.
For more details visit: www.sol2009.com
BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH
Use Business Link East Midlands tools and guides to get advice that could help your business combat the effects of the credit crunch.
The potential impact of the credit crunch may be a worry for some businesses. Business Link have a range of resources that can help organisations take steps to protect themselves and prepare for the adverse business conditions. The business health check tool can help identify areas that could help improve performance and your chances of survival. It is also important to think about managing risk in order to prevent crises that can be foreseen.
To read the full article visit:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/creditcrunch
BUSINESS CRIME SEMINAR
Date: 21 August
Venue: Leicestershire Constabulary HQ, Enderby
Time: 6 – 8pm
Cost: Free
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. The fraud forum will provide an excellent way to bring together all the relevant agencies to tackle fraud and identify the benefit of the public and private sectors joining together
INTEGRA PRESENTATION WITH JO SALTER
Sponsored by Sytner
Date: 4 September
Venue: National Space Centre,Leicester
Time: 6pm - 8:30pm
Cost: Chamber Members £32.50 / Standard £42.50
Includes a two course meal and welcome drink
Join Integra for what promises to be a motivational evening with Jo Salter,Britain’s first female fighter pilot. As a combat-ready pilot Jo experienced operational tours of duty and took part in large international NATO exercises around the world. Her military experience is multifaceted, technical, professional, managerial and political. Add five years of e-commerce experience and management consultancy, in both the public and private sector, an MBA and no wonder Jo is so successful in combining management and leadership theory.
EMPLOYMENT LAW SEMINAR IN CONJUNCION WITH FREETH CARTWRIGHT SOLICITORS
Date: 9 September
Venue: Leicester Tigers Ground,Leicester
Time: 7:30am - 9am
Cost: Chamber Members £25 / Standard £35
Join us for this highly informative seminar, one in a series of seminars by Julian Middleton MA LLM, Managing Partner in Commercial Litigation at Freeth Cartwright Solicitors.
PRESIDENT'S GALA DINNER 2008 SPONSORED BY BUSINESS LINK
Date: 24 September
Venue: Marriott Hotel, Leicester
Time: 7.30pm – 11.30pm
Cost: Chamber Members £49.50 / £59.50 standard. Tickets for tables of ten can also be purchased at £470 for chamber members and £570 standard.
Dr Andrew Sentence, an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England, is to be the guest speaker at the President's Gala Dinner event hosted by the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce and sponsored this year by Business Link.
For access to information, advice & support to start, maintain and grow your business - call 0845 058 6644 email info@businesslinkem.co.uk or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands
CHAMBER AUTUMN GOLF DAY
Date: 25 September
Time: 8.30am – 4pm approx.
Venue: Kibworth Golf Club in south Leicestershire
Cost: £49.50 Chamber Members / £59.50 Standard
For networking with a difference come along to the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce Autumn Corporate Hospitality Golf Day. For several years now the Chamber has been organising and hosting popular golf day events which enable local business people to meet, chat and network informally whilst enjoying a round of golf.
Prizes are sponsored by HWCA and there is also a hole-in-one prize of a car sponsored by Sytner.
CURRY NETWORKING NIGHT SPONSORED BY THE BUSINESS BOOSTER
Date: 7 October
Venue: Spice ofIndia, Syston
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. The Spice of India 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.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS SEMINAR WITH THE BUSINESS BOOSTER
Date: 7 October
Venue: The National Space Centre, Leicester
Time: 8am – 10.30am
Cost: Free
This short presentation will give you tips on how to grow your business and deal with those every day challenges. This educational, informative & inspirational seminar will also show companies that there is another way of doing business. Everything around us has changed, computers, cars, phones, yet we are still doing business in the same way as we would have 10 years ago. The market places are changing and the way a consumer buys has changed, this seminar will show businesses how to combat all of these challenges.
REGENERATION UPDATE SEMINAR
Date: 28 October
Venue: LeicesterTigers
Time: 7.30am – 9am
Cost Chamber Members £25 / Standard £35
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 Master plan back in November 2002. John Nicholls, Chief Executive of LRC will bring us up to date and share insights on where it all goes from here.
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