IN THE NOVEMBER GOOD MORNING LEICESTERSHIRE
- Tom O’Connor to speak at the Annual Lunch on 5th December
- Special Offer From Holiday Inn Leicester
- Special Offer From Millington Travel
- EMDA Grant Helps Businesses Find Path To Success
- Economy Makes Bosses Consider Smarter Working
- Are You In Compliance With New Energy Buildings Regulations?
- Local Charity Launches Free CSR Service for Corporates and SMEs
- More Support For High Growth Businesses
- Celebrity Speakers At Business Conference
- Loughborough Santa Fun Run
- The Gift That Grows
- The Musical Interlude
- 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.
TOM O?CONNOR TO SPEAK AT THE ANNUAL LUNCH ON 5TH DECEMBER
Tom O’Connor revisits the popular Chamber Annual Lunch for 2008, which is sponsored by Charles Street Buildings (Leicester) Ltd, Freeth Cartwright Solicitors and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
Why not join fellow Chamber members at the ever popular annual luncheon, due to take place this year on Friday 5th December at Leicester City Football Club. Back by demand is household name and top entertainer and comedian Tom O’Connor. The annual luncheon event attracts nearly 600 local business people to network each year and is often a sell out so be sure to book your places now by calling Kam Atker on 0116 204 6614
SPECIAL OFFER FROM HOLIDAY INN LEICESTER
Members of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce are being offered a special discount on Christmas parties which are booked at the Holiday Inn Leicester. Companies can claim a 10% discount on their Christmas party at the hotel, valid Monday-Thursdays throughout December 2008. This offer is subject to availability. For more details contact Rachel Leigh at the Holiday Inn Leicester on Tel: 0116 242 8704 or contact the hotel on Tel: 0870 400 9048.
SPECIAL OFFER FROM MILLINGTON TRAVEL
Millington Independent Travel will be offering a 10% discount off all Virgin Holiday bookings exclusively to Chamber of Commerce members and their staff.
The offer relates to all 2009 products and bookings need to be made by 31st December 2008.
If any Chamber members are interested in further details then please call their Belvoir Street office to check availability 0116 291 7711 - or call into any of their shops on Market Street (above Waterstone's) Belvoir street, Halford street or Humberstone road.
EMDA GRANT HELPS BUSINESSES FIND PATH TO SUCCESS
East Midlands Development Agency (emda)is making Pathfinder grants available to companies to undertake market feasibility studies in a range of priority technology areas.
The grants, which range between £5,000 and £20,000, are designed to enable businesses to investigate the market potential of ideas they may have to exploit a new technology. The aim of the Pathfinder grant is to support the Regional Technology Framework and to help increase research and development in the region, assisting economic growth and providing new high-skilled jobs in theEast Midlands.
Pathfinder projects, which can last up to six months, need to focus on activities that gather evidence of market validation and establish the commercial opportunity for a new technology. This competitive scheme runs on an open call until December 15th 2008; however grant availability will be subject to demand and emda may end the scheme early if all funds are allocated.
emdais looking to fund projects supporting the following technology areas:
• Materials
• Design
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Energy and Waste
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Biotechnologies and Therapeutics.
David Wallace,emda’s Director of Innovation, said: “The Pathfinder Grant is designed to help businesses to assess the size and nature of the market for their ideas. It is vital for all businesses to have a good understanding of the potential commercial applications for their products before they are developed and the Pathfinder Grant provides funding to enable this important work to be done.”
The Pathfinder awards are eligible to small and medium sized businesses, research and technology organisations or individuals with the relevant intellectual property protection. Pathfinder Grants are awarded on the basis that the company will provide 30% of the funding required to undertake the feasibility study.
For full details about the Pathfinder Grant and to download application forms, visitwww.eminnovation.org.ukor telephone Dr Lisa Thomas, Innovation Strategy Manager atemda,on 0115 947 1736.
ARE YOU IN COMPLIANCE WITH NEW ENERGY BUILDINGS REGULATIONS?
European legislation now requires that the energy performance of many commercial and public buildings must be evaluated and certified. The European Energy Performance Buildings (EEPB) Directive means it is now compulsory for landlords of commercial buildings over 2,500m² to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
An EPC is a record of a building’s energy efficiency and is reflected in ratings ranging from bands A to G, with band A representing an efficient building and G, a very inefficient building.
The legislation also requires Display Energy Certificates (DECs) for public authorities and institutions with buildings greater than 1,000m² which are frequently visited by the public. The DEC shows the actual energy use or operational rating of a building and must be renewed annually, comparing the current operational rating with those of the previous two years.
EPCs are expected to have a major impact on sale and rental prices of buildings. Chamber Utilities™ can manage this complex certification process as well as providing specialist advice on the new challenges and opportunities facing the commercial property sector. It offersa raft of integrated products and services, tailored to meet the specific requirements of individual buildings and significantly boost their certified energy performance. Chamber Utilities can also offer access to combined heat and power solutions that radically reduce carbon emissions while making substantial bottom-line savings.
For further information contact Chamber Utilities™ on 0845 120 2423 or visit:www.chamberutilities.co.uk
LOCAL CHARITY LAUNCHES FREE CSR SERVICE FOR CORPORATES AND SMES
Did you know that an estimated £1.37 billion worth of obsolete goods are wasted byUKbusinesses each year? Potentially at least £80 million could be donated to worthy causes.
Leicester based charity Konnect9 works in partnership with businesses and charities to redirect business surplus from landfill to those in need.
Konnect9 has:
- Re-directed almost £1.5m of business surplus
- Helped over 150,000 people
- Diverted 200 tons from landfill
Konnect9 is launching a new, freeservice –www.GivingWorldOnline.com- an online portal linking businesses with surplus goods directly with beneficiaries.
Businesses:
- Reduce your business surplus to landfill
- Achieve your environmental and social responsibility targets at no cost
- Reduce your storage, disposal and administrative costs
To find out more you are warmly invited to Konnect9's launch event on Tuesday 2nd Decemberin the Auditorium at the Peepul Centre, Orchardson Avenue, Leicester LE4 6DP, from 4.30pm until 6.30pm (followed by a buffet and networking)
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
To book your place:
Email: launch@konnect9.org.uk or Tel. 0116 210 2456
MORE SUPPORT FOR HIGH GROWTH BUSINESSES
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has announced that it is seeking a further 90 businesses to join High Growth East Midlands, its flagship business support scheme in 2009.
Launched earlier this year, the programme is designed to help businesses increase profits, enhance their competitive edge and create conditions for long-term success. Despite the current economic climate, more than 70East Midlandsbusinesses are already benefiting from taking part in the initiative. The scheme forms part ofemda’s long term strategy to stimulate high-quality innovation and accelerate regional economic growth.
HighGrowth East Midlands includes two programmes – Growth Readiness, for businesses that are ready and ambitious for growth, and High Growth, for businesses that are already growing rapidly.
The Growth Readiness programme provides a six-month package of support which includes diagnosis of the potential for development; a one-day coaching module focused on developing a strategic vision and plan and five days of individual coaching. It is designed to unlock the growth potential of the business and support the development of a strategic growth plan.
The High Growth programme provides 20 days of intensive coaching and a three-day residential masterclass for managing directors and chief executives which focuses on ‘Retaining your Competitive Edge.’ The programme also provides training for middle managers within businesses on the subject of ‘Gearing up for Growth’. The High Growth programme aims to help existing high growth companies to sustain their growth in the longer term.
Applications for the 2009 HighGrowth East Midlands programmes are now being accepted. Interested businesses can apply online at www.hgeastmidlands.com or call the helpline on 0845 365 4769 for further information.
CELEBRITY SPEAKERS AT BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Record producer Peter Waterman OBE, entrepreneur Emma Harrison, Tim Campbell,star of TV show The Apprentice, and BBC newsreader Matthew Amroliwala all came to Nottingham recently to speak at a business conference supported by the Learning and Skills Council East Midlands (LSC).
The speakers described first hand how they have coped with setbacks, the importance of developing skills and knowledge and the impact of skills on their industry. In addition to these celebrity business experiences, delegates were able to access significant information, advice and guidance from relevant exhibitors to help support their businesses.
East Midlands Chambers partnered the LSC along with other organisations - Business Link, EMQC Ltd, Jobcentre Plus and East Midlands Development Agency who have over £252 million to invest in local businesses to develop the skills of their workforce and help raise productivity, improve their ability to compete in global markets, create new employment opportunities and build a more sustainable East Midlands economy. The conference was the perfect medium for local businesses to tap into this resource and find out what support is available to them.
Karen Woodward, Regional Director of Skills, LSC East Midlands, said: “These personalities are widely recognised and admired within business for their achievements and their ability. We wanted people that were instantly recognisable to speak at our free conference which was open to employers across theEast Midlands, because we wanted employers to invest their time to attend.
“The conference provided networking opportunities and a chance to share best practice with organisations from across the region. Delegates left with new ideas, contacts and the knowledge of how to take their business forward, and most importantly how they can benefit from the public funds and support available to make a business successful through workforce development.”
A series of informative seminars ran throughout the day. Each led by further personalities including executive coach, facilitator and author, Lisa Spencer-Arnell, who shared her experiences of working with a wide range of organisations, and Sharon Roberts, a successful entrepreneur, published author and managing director of two highly successful international consultancy businesses delivering innovative business solutions.
Businesses requiring information about how to benefit from the public funds and support available for workforce development can contact the Train to Gain service on 0845 057 1817 or visit the website at:www.traintogain.gov.uk
LOUGHBOROUGH SANTA FUN RUN
Bigger and better is the theme for the fourth Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run. On Sunday 7th December the Rotary Club of Loughborough, together with support from Loughborough University, are planning for 1500 runners to set off at 11am on the 6km circular route from Loughborough University running track and through the centre of Loughborough.
Last year 1050 fun runners raised £50,000. The main beneficiaries were Rainbows, LOROS and STEPS plus 46 other local and Rotary charities. This year the main beneficiaries will be Rainbows, LOROS, Macmillan Cancer Support and the British Heart Foundation together with local charities.
So how can you enter and join in the fun? You can enter on-line through www.raceentry.co.uk, you can request an entry form from David Hollins on 0116 229 0495, pick up an entry form at the Tourist Information Office at Loughborough Town Hall, collect a form from the Loughborough Building Society on High Street, or call in at the Loughborough Echo Office. Teams are also welcome, last year 35 teams in suitable festive attire battled for the Bateman’s Brewery Cup.
A new feature this year, supported financially by the Loughborough Building Society, will be the presentation of a specially struck “Great Loughborough Santa Fun Run” medal to all entrants who complete the course. In addition sponsorship has been received from Burleigh Court, East Midlands Airport, Subway and Per Temps
THE GIFT THAT GROWS
The chance to plant a tree in the National Forest is an inspiring gift, and at a time when many people are tearing their hair out over the Christmas shopping, all inspiration is probably welcome!
The National Forest is a new wooded landscape for the nation across 200 square miles at the very heart ofEngland. It is a symbol of hope for the nation and reflects the growing awareness of our need to protect and cherish our environment, our desire to pass it on undamaged, and even enhanced, for future generations.
Plantatree is a life affirming gift and a positive contribution to one of the boldest environmental initiatives in the country. It is a meaningful and hugely enjoyable thing to do. The best bit is, unlike other schemes, you actually get the chance to get your hands dirty and plant a tree yourself. Appealing to all ages, it’s inspiring to be part of a forest in the making.
In return for supporting the Plantatree scheme you, or the person you are buying for, receives:
- An invitation to a special tree planting event
- A choice of tree to plant, normally oak, ash or birch
- A personalised certificate, commemorating your planting
Each tree is £25 which reflects the true cost of creating and developing the new woodland, including its future care and maintenance.
Buy online at www.nationalforest.org/giftshop or for further information email enquiries@nationalforest.org or Tel: 01283 551211.
THE MUSICAL INTERLUDE
The Philharmonia Orchestra will be performing Handel’s Messiah with the Leicester Philharmonic Choir at De Montfort Hall, Leicester on Saturday 6th December 2008 at 7.30pm. The popular annual Family Music Day will be taking place on the same day at 12pm with percussion and craft workshops preceding a special live concert. Early booking is recommended!
The Philharmonia Orchestra is proud to be a member of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce.
The Philharmonia Orchestra’s October podcast has just been made available online.
It's presented by the Philharmonia’s Co-Principal Trumpet Mark David and features interviews with George Benjamin and Sir Charles Mackerras. It also explores the subject of synaesthesia as part of the Messiaen concert series; which will take place at the Royal Festival Hall,London.
Please visit the site below:
http://www.philharmonia.co.uk/thesoundexchange/backstage/podcasts/
BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH
You can 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 toprotect 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
HARBOROUGH AREA LUNCHEON WITH EDWARD GARNIER QC MP
Date:21 November
Venue: Kilworth House Hotel, Kilworth, Leicestershire
Time: 12 noon – 2pm
Cost: £25 (one price only) includes buffet lunch.
At this luncheon Edward Garnier, MP for Harborough since 1992, will comment from a local perspective on national issues, providing a valuable opportunity for delegates to raise questions. This event is an excellent opportunity for business people to network and make new contacts.
BREAKFAST SPEED NETWORKING
Sponsored by The Business Booster
Date:2 December
Venue: Belmont Hotel, De Montfort Street, Leicester
Time: 8am - 9:30am
Cost: £20 Chamber Members only.
Come and network over breakfast with fellow Chamber members. Looking for new contacts? Want to raise your business profile? Then bring along your business cards and join us on 2nd December for this speed networking event, which aims to bring together the business community to enjoy networking opportunities with a full English breakfast in the comfortable surroundings of the Belmont Hotel in Leicester
JOINT NETWORKING EVENT WITH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE CHAMBER
Date: 27 January 2009
Venue: Holiday Inn Rugby, Junction 18 off of M1
Time: 11.45am - 2:30pm
Cost: £25 plus vat Chamber Members only.
Come and network with fellow Chamber members from across the border. Looking for new contacts? Want to raise your business profile? Then bring along your business cards and join us on 27th January for this speed networking event, which aims to bring together the business community to enjoy networking opportunities.
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.chamberofcommerce.co.uk and select What’s On/events