IN THE AUGUST GOOD MORNING LEICESTERSHIRE
- Make Networking your Goal - with the New Football Networking Club
- Member Alert – Beware FastFinders
- Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Meeting!
- Cash In On Energy Savings With Interest Free Loans
- Be Seen By Your Target Audience
- Tigers Don't Just Play Rugby
- Free Event For Local Businesses
- Chamber Member Hosts Charity Event
- Cooper Parry Finance News
- Philharmonia Update
- Business Link Help & Advice
- 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 on 0116 204 6618 to discuss sponsorship opportunities, preferential rates are available for Chamber Members.
MAKE NETWORKING YOUR GOAL - WITH THE NEW FOOTBALL NETWORKING CLUB
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses to get proactive and set themselves loads of networking goals for this coming autumn and winter by taking advantage of its latest initiative – the Football Networking Club, in association with LCFC!
You can cheer Leicester City Football Club (LCFC) along on their journey through the Coca Cola Championship 2009/10 and chat and enjoy the game with fellow fans and Chamber members whilst generating wonderful networking opportunities at the same time.
The Fusions Restaurant at LCFC is a great place to savour good food before settling down to watch the match from your luxury padded seats, conveniently situated just outside of Fusions, with amazing views of the ground. Attending a Leicestershire Chamber Football Club Networking event means you'll also receive a match day programme and a team sheet. Why not use the Football Networking Club as a form of corporate hospitality and impress and entertain your clients at a match?
Tickets are priced at £35 per person per game and include food, ticket for the match, interval tea and coffee and even complimentary parking, dependent upon the number of tickets purchased.
The first game, against Blackpool, will take place on Saturday 12th September, followed by Peterborough on Tuesday 15th September; Preston North End on Saturday 26th September; Crystal Palace on Tuesday 20th October; Plymouth Argyle on Saturday 21st November and the last game in 2009 will be on Tuesday 8th December against Bristol City.
For more details please contact Ellen Fazackerley at the Leicestershire Chamber on Tel: 0116 204 6602 or email: Fazackerley.e@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
MEMBER ALERT ? BEWARE FASTFINDERS
We are currently aware of a company called 'Fastfinders' using Leicestershire Chamber's annual membership directory to target members by falsely stating that they have taken over production of our directory and then asking organisations to re-book their advertising space.
If a business contacting your organisation claims association, members should contact us first to clarify, particularly before signing any documentation. We would like to remind our members that Kemps are our official partner in the production of the directory and we will provide notification should this change.
We are currently working to resolve this scam. Should anyone contact your business about this or if you have any concerns, please telephone us on 0116 247 1800 and ask for the membership team.
GOOD MORNING, GOOD AFTERNOON, GOOD MEETING!
A world class conference venue in the East Midlands- your task is made easy when you book a meeting at the Leicester Marriott Hotel. You can be confident that your delegates will be impressed with excellent food and great service. The Leicester Marriott Day Delegate Package ticks all the boxes and makes doing business easy!
One for you! For every 9 delegates / guest bedrooms booked, the 10 this free! (offer is valid until 31st March 2010) with conference rates from £30 per person Day Delegate Package and £130 per person 24 Hour Package.
Day Delegate Package includes:
- Dedicated event organiser
- Room hire
- Regionally inspired lunch and break menus
- All day tea and coffee
- LCD projector, screen and flipchart
- Marriott Reward Points
- Plus much more…
24 Hour Package includes all of the above plus:
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Breakfast
Central UK Location
- The hotel is minutes from Junction 21 of the M1 and with easy access to the M69/M6/A14
- East Midlands Airport and Birmingham International are within a 1 hour drive
- Travel from London by rail in just over an hour
Hotel Facilities
- 20 air conditioned meeting rooms seating from 2 to 500 delegates, designed to accommodate every kind of event
- 227 luxury bedrooms
- Range of dining options including Miss Restaurant, Tanners Bar, Atrium Lounge and Banquet
- Health Club
- On-site car parking
To book or check for availability call 0116 282 0100 and quote ‘ONE4U’ or visit www.leicestermarriott.co.uk
One 4 U offer is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
CASH IN ON ENERGY SAVINGS WITH INTEREST FREE LOANS
Smaller businesses can now take advantage of zero interest loans for energy efficiency thanks to changes announced by the Carbon Trust – helping more organisations to improve energy efficiency, cut energy bills and survive the recession.
“Micro businesses can now benefit from the interest free funding to pay for energy saving equipment,” advises Gary Collins, National Business Manager for Chamber Utilities™. “Current economic conditions may make it difficult to obtain the credit you need to upgrade to more energy efficient equipment such as lighting and building energy controls. These loans provide a very welcome solution.”
The minimum loan amount has been lowered from £5,000 to £3,000, putting the loans within reach of micro-businesses; and the upper limit has been doubled from £200,000 to £400,000 to meet the needs of small and medium businesses with higher energy spends. Medium sized businesses with electricity spend below £500,000 can now also apply for the loans.
The Carbon Trust’s Energy Efficiency Loans are unsecured and interest free, with no arrangement fees and a straightforward application process. Loans can be repaid over a period of up to four years, and many borrowers have found that their energy savings more than cover their repayments.
As approved consultants working for the Carbon Trust, Chamber Utilities™ can help organisations access Carbon Trust loans and carry out free on-site Carbon Trust surveys to qualifying organisations. Chamber members can also benefit from a range of professional services – from expert advice and support in purchasing energy at the best possible price, to the supply and implementation of energy efficient technologies, such as lighting, building energy management systems, smart metering and combined heat and power.
For further information about Carbon Trust Loans, or to register for a funded utilities assessment, contact Chamber Utilities™ on 0845 120 2423, www.chamberutilities.co.uk
TIGERS DON'T JUST PLAY RUGBY
Leicester Tigers in Association with The Best of & Applause would like to give you the opportunity to attend the opening event in the new Caterpillar Stand on Monday 5th October between 12 noon and 3.30pm.
This is a great opportunity to meet some of the Leicester Tigers Directors and to view our superb new conference facilities and network with local businesses. You will also be entertained by acts from the Leicester Applause events and receive an insightful view of life and business from Richard Wilkins.
A portion of the ticket money will be donated to charities in and around the Leicestershire Area.
To book or for further information on this event contact Jo Neville on 0116 2171200 or email: jo.neville@tigers.co.uk
FREE EVENT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
North West Leicestershire District Council is teaming up with Stephenson College to host its first Business Advice Dayon 22nd October at Stephenson College, Coalville from 12 noon to 8pm. The event will bring local businesses together to access free advice and support on almost every aspect of running and managing a business.
The event will help businesses in North West Leicestershire trade in a fair, safe, environmentally friendly, efficient and cost effective way, as well as encouraging good health and wellbeing in the workplace. It aims to encourage and nurture businesses to develop good practice, management and regulatory compliance to avoid enforcement action.
Who should attend? Business owners, managers, supervisors, the self-employed, sole traders and those offering a voluntary service are all welcome, those businesses part of a large chain or organisation are encouraged to send a manager, supervisor or person responsible for employees to come along to pick up tips and sound advice for them to put to good use in the day to day running of their business.
What is happening? On the day regulatory partners, partnering agencies and organisations (including the Leicestershire Chamber) and third party exhibitors will be joining the district council to make the event informative and enjoyable. There will be specific seminars scheduled throughout the afternoon, including:
- risk assessments, both generic and fire
- what to expect when an environmental health officer calls
- big returns from your marketing budget
- setting-up and doing business online
- trade waste disposal
The café at the college will host a networking area and will also be open for lunch and refreshments.
For more information and a detailed plan of the day, visit: www.nwleics.gov.uk , or contact Jayne Black on: 01530 454568 or e-mail: jayne.black@nwleicestershire.gov.uk.
CHAMBER MEMBER HOSTS CHARITY EVENT
Local charity and chamber member the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is hosting its 4th annual craft fair in the beautiful house and grounds of Ulverscroft Manor near Markfield. The event will take place on Saturday 12th September between 11am and 4pm. Admission is priced at £2 and all profits go towards the work of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.
For more information call 01530 244914, email: admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org or visit: www.shuttlewood-clarke.org
COOPER PARRY FINANCE NEWS - 10 TOP TIPS TO AVOID 50% TAX
From April 2010 a new 50% rate of income tax will come into effect, to be applied to all income over £150,000. Not only is this being introduced a year earlier than planned, the rate is also 5% higher than originally anticipated. The personal allowance is also being abolished for those with income over £112,950, with a pro-rata reduction applying to those with income of between £100,000 and £112,950.
To lessen the pain, those of you affected by these proposals should start planning now to ensure your business and personal finances are structured appropriately. Here’s a list of Cooper Parry's top ten tips:
1. Spread Your Income
2. Pay Dividends
3. Time It Right
4. Incorporate
5. Change Your Accounting Date
6. Use Directors Loan Accounts
7. Set Up An EBT
8. Convert Income Into Capital
9. Invest Offshore
10. Donate
For more details on each of these invaluable tips visit: http://www.cooperparry.com/e-shots/thoughts-2009-issue-3/any-silver-lining
PHILHARMONIA UPDATE
The Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2009/10 season of concerts at the De Montfort Hall,Leicesterwill begin this autumn on Friday 18 September 2009, with Maestro Vladimir Ashkenazy. The wonderful pianist Sunwook Kim will perform Schumann’s elegant Piano Concerto; renowned for its exquisite dialogue between the orchestra and soloist.
Click here for more information and booking details.
Click here for information on Corporate Partnerships with the Philharmonia.
The Philharmonia Orchestra is proud to be a member of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce.
LEARN HOW TO WIN NEW BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC SECTOR
East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has re-launched a key project to help local companies win more business from the £175bn UK public procurement market.
Winning Public Sector Business, delivered through the regional Business Link service, will extend emda’s support and advice to SMEs, helping them work out if this market is for them, and compete successfully within public sector supply chains locally, nationally or beyond.
The programme incorporates a range of specific events tailored to SMEs, guiding them through every stage of how to work alongside the public sector.
The programme is designed to introduce potential suppliers to working with the public sector.
Taking place across the East Midlands, events and advisory sessions will give an excellent overview of the public sector and will feature procurement experts, as well as presentations by region-specific public sector bodies.
For more information visit: www.procurementem.co.uk Alternatively, please contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644
LEICESTERSHIRE LIBRARIES HAVE TEAMED UP WITH BUSINESS LINK TO HELP ENTREPRENEURS
Leicester Libraries have teamed up with the regional Business Link service and opened its doors to help budding entrepreneurs access the best resources available.
The new partnership is making it easier for local Library users and Business Link customers to access one-to-one advice and business resources.
Adrian Wills, Head of Libraries & Information Services, from Leicester City Council says,"Libraries offer much more than just books. We are in the heart of the community and have access to a wealth of information and resources. By working in partnership with the regional Business Link service we can offer those who are in business or just starting out, a chance to access an even wider range of information and support under one roof."
Sanjay Pancholi, from Skills forEnterprise, the organisationresponsible for providing local access to the regional Business Link Start-Up service says, "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to deliver access to business support within the local community. By teaming up with the libraries we are adding yet another point of access to our services, ensuring that even more businesses are informed of the support that is available to help them."
The joint service is being trialled at various local libraries on a weekly basis.
Leicester Libraries is amongst one of the first library groups within the East Midlands to pilot the innovative scheme, and has been working closely with the regional Business Link service to offer a range of facilities and information for potential business start-ups and those who have just got their business up and running.
A Business Link Adviser will be available for FREE drop-in sessions on a first come, first served basis every Wednesday starting from the 12th August at Westcotes Library, Narborough Road between the hours of 10:15 to 12:45 or at the Learning and Information(Reference) Library located on Bishop Street, Town Hall Square from 14:00 until 16:45pm
For those individuals wanting more information or for details on how to book advice sessions outside these hours, contact the Business Link Library Hotline on 0116 251 8730.
EAST MIDLANDS MARKET VISIT TO SICHUAN AND CHONGQING
On the 14th October 2009 the East Midlands China Business Bureau will be taking a delegation of regional companies to South west China for a 7 day visit. There are a couple of big events in the area at the time, Western China International Economy and Trade Fair and EU-China Business & Technology Cooperation Fair, which companies can benefit from attending, as well as the opportunity to arrange their own specific meetings with our support.
Leading China’s Go West strategy to close gaps between China’s East and West, Chongqing and Chengdu are two pilot cities for industrial, economic and financial reform. They offer a massive market with increasing purchasing power, rich natural resources, major infrastructure building programmes, rapid development of industries, less competition (than coastal cities) and strong Municipal and Provincial Government support due to the links between East Midlands and this region.
For further information or to register your interest please contact: Cheryl Maguire on 0116 257 5611, cherylmaguire@emd.org.uk or Min Rose on 0116 258 7324, minrose@emd.org.uk
HEALTH AND SAFETY SEMINAR
Date: 2 September
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Braunstone,Leicester
Time: 8am – 10am
Cost: Chamber Members £20 / Standard £25
Are you aware of the current health & safety legislation within your organisation? At first sight this can appear to be daunting, time consuming and a costly requirement. This Health and Safety Seminar will provide the chance to network and consider common experiences whilst receiving professional advice on the impact of changes in legislation, with the opportunity to review the current health and safety practices within your organisation.
EMPLOYMENT LAW SEMINAR
In conjunction with Freeth Cartwright Solicitors
Date: 10 September
Venue: Express By Holiday Inn, Leicester
Time: 7.30am – 9am
Cost: Chamber Members £25 / Standard £35. Includes breakfast.
Join us for this highly informative seminar, one in a series by Julian Middleton MA LLM, Managing Partner in Commercial Litigation at Freeth Cartwright Solicitors. This seminar covers the new unfair dismissal rules and disciplinary procedures -keep up to date with current legislation and keep your business in the know.
INTEGRA PRESENTATION WITH CATHERINE MASON, HM CORONER FOR LEICESTER AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE
Date: 10 September
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Leicester Marriott Hotel, Grove Park, Leicester
Cost: Chamber Members £32.50 / Standard£42.50
Includes a two course meal and welcome drink.
Catherine Mason, a solicitor and qualified nurse, took up her post as coroner for Leicester and South Leicestershire in March of this year. The coroner's office, based at the Town Hall, is responsible for investigating and establishing causes of deaths, especially where there are unusual circumstances.
CHAMBER GOLF DAY
Date: 14 September
Venue: Market Harborough Golf Course, Market Harborough
Time: Tee off from 9am
Cost: Chamber Members £49.50 / Standard £59.50
Price includes breakfast, 18 holes & lunch
This popular corporate hospitality event includes a superb day of golf, beginning with refreshments and a light breakfast. Players will be arranged into teams of 4 with a chance to win both individual and team prizes with the Hole in One prizes kindly sponsored by Sturgess Motor Group
PRESIDENT'S DINNER WITH DR VINCE CABLE MP
Date: 17 September
Time: 7pm for 8pm, 10pm finish
Venue: Ramada Jarvis Hotel,Granby Street, Leicester.
Cost: Chamber Members £49.50 / Standard £59.50
Table of 10: Chamber Members £470 / Standard £570
Includes three course dinner with wine.
The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce presents its next President's Dinner in the elegant surroundings of the Ramada Jarvis Hotel inLeicester. The evening will include a three course meal with wine and the chance to hear the special guest speaker, Dr Vince Cable, MP and Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
NETWORKING WITH THE NEIGHBOURS - JOINT EVENT WITH COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE CHAMBER
Date: 21 September
Venue: Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa, Burbage, Hinckley
Time: 12 noon – 2pm
Cost: Chamber Members only at £25 + VAT
Price includes sit down meal and drink on arrival.
Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to bring you "Networking with the Neighbours" - your opportunity to speed network with members of Coventryand Warwickshire Chamber. Looking for new contacts? Wanting to raise your business profile? Then don't miss this event.
MELTON AND RUTLAND AREA LUNCHEON WITH ALAN DUNCAN MP
Date: 16 October
Venue: Scalford Hall, Nr Melton Mowbray
Time: 12 noon – 2pm
Cost: £25 includes buffet meal.
As part of the Chamber's ongoing series of luncheons around the county, Alan Duncan MP will be the guest speaker at this Rutland & Melton Area Luncheon.This event provides an excellent networking opportunity and gives business people the chance to raise issues of concern with their local MP.
INTEGRA MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Date: 19 October
Venue: Hilton Hotel, Junction 21 Approach, Leicester
Time: 12:30 – 2pm
Cost: £15 plus vat per person
Integra, officially launched in November 1995, is Leicestershire Chamber's Association of Women in Business and is keen to encourage women in business to network AND to develop new potential business. Integra invites you to a wonderful monthly networking opportunity with these lunch meetings, each sponsored by The Phoenix Partners Limited.
TAPAS NETWORKING EVENING
Date: 28 October
Venue: Canas Y Tapas Bar, Leicester
Time: 6pm - 8.30pm
Cost: Chamber Members £25 / Standard £35. Includes tapas and glass of wine
A wonderful, and unusual, networking opportunity at which you can enjoy the Spanish tradition of Tapas at the popular Canas y Tapas Bar in Leicester's newly developed Highcross Centre. Network and exchange company literature over a glass of wine or Spanish beer and enjoy a selection of the 70 top quality Spanish dishes on offer!
INTEGRA MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Date: 16 November
Venue: The Hilton Hotel, Junction 21 Approach,Leicester
Time: 12:30 – 2pm
Cost: £15 plus vat per person
Integra, officially launched in November 1995, is Leicestershire Chamber’s Association of Women in Business andis keen to encourage women in business to network to develop new potential business. Integra invites you to a wonderful monthly networking opportunity with these lunch meetings, each sponsored by The Phoenix Partners Limited.
CHAMBER ANNUAL LUNCHEON
Date: 4 December
Venue: Walkers Stadium,Leicester
Time: 11:30am AGM. Luncheon 12:15pm – 4pm.
Cost: Chamber Members £55 / Standard £65
Table of 10 Chamber Members £520 / Standard £570
The Christmas season begins with the Leicestershire Chamber's popular Annual Luncheon - a great meal, superb entertainment and the chance to network with up to 600 fellow guests at this wonderful event. The guest speaker this year will be the comedian, author and radio and TV presenter Sandi Toksvig.
INTEGRA MONTHLY NETWORKING LUNCHEON
Date: 14 December
Venue: The Hilton Hotel, Junction 21 Approach, Leicester
Time: 12:30 – 2pm
Cost: £15 plus vat per person
Integra, officially launched in November 1995, is Leicestershire Chamber's Association of Women in Business andis keen to encourage women in business to network to develop new potential business. Integra invites you to a wonderful monthly networking opportunity with these lunch meetings, each sponsored by The Phoenix Partners Limited.
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