Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce

Issue: January 2010

Leicestershire Chamber celebrates 150 year anniversary in 2010
Chamber Chairman To Open Conference
Business Builder awarded WNF contracts to ensure businesses have access to skilled local workforce.
Valentine's Celebrations At The Leicester Marriott Hotel
Free Green Travel Advice To Boost Businesses
Timely Tax Return Reminder
VAT Alert For Leicestershire Companies
Budding Innovators Should Take Cue From Pre Budget Report
Council Seeking Views On Top Crime Concerns
Winter Promotion From Market Harborough Golf Club
Philharmonia Update
Business Link Help & Advice
Forthcoming Chamber Events

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.

CHAMBER NEWS

The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce will be organising a series of events throughout the year to celebrate 150 years since its inception. It was in April 1860 that the Chamber was founded following a meeting of Merchants, Manufacturers and others interested in the trade of Leicester held at the Town Hall the previous month as it was seen as “highly desirable that there should be a Chamber of Commerce, to protect and promote the manufacturing and trading interests of the town of Leicester, and that such a Chamber should be forthwith established.”

A century and a half later the Chamber is proud to boast that, though much has changed in the meantime, we are still going strong, promoting and serving the business community of Leicestershire. We have a range of services on offer to our members, networking and other opportunities to grow your company and the contacts for our lobbying on your behalf to really make a difference.

Leicestershire Chamber’s Chairman John Day will be giving the opening address for the “Stakeholders Unite Against The Environmental Crunch” conference to be held on the afternoon of the 26th of January 2010 at the Queens Hall, Percy Gee Building, Leicester University.

The event follows the successful “Managing in Turbulent Times” conference held in June 2009, and brings a line up of local business leaders, authoritative academics and national non-governmental speakers to address the real challenges and opportunities confronting us all including businesses. Whatever your beliefs about the science, Climate Change is a political reality which will compel us to adapt the way we do business. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain insights to devise better, sustainable forward plans.

This initiative as part of the launch of These Young Minds - please see theseyoungminds.co.uk for general information and to register for this event go to http://theseyoungminds.co.uk/booking.php

Following the success of the Work Highcross Retail Recruitment & Skills project, Business Builder, the commercial arm of the Chamber of Commerce, has won 2 new contracts to co-ordinate pre-employment training activity for local people & ensure that this training provision meets the needs of local employers. Working closely with Jobcentre Plus, the local Multi-Access Centre programme, and many other agencies involved in supporting people back into work, and with local training providers, our goal is to provide employers with a single point of access to the plethora of services related to employment & upskilling the workforce.

Many businesses face the challenge of accessing & engaging with various support services and sources of funding being provided by public & private sector agencies can be confusing & often hugely frustrating. The Business Builder ‘one skilled workforce’ project team are available to help ensure that what local agencies & training providers are doing is meeting the needs of local businesses, and co-ordinating a free recruitment service to meet many of your recruitment needs. The sector specialists within our team have first-hand industry experience and can provide practical recruitment advice free of charge, and inform & signpost you to other services & resources that might benefit your business.

For further information on this service, please contact the team on 0116 258 7354 or email info@bizbuild.co.uk

OTHER NEWS

Enjoy a romantic Valentine's weekend at the Leicester Marriott Hotel on Saturday13th February 2010.

Champagne on arrival, followed by a mouth watering six course dinner of crab cakes, sorbet, lamb* or salmon, dessert platter to share, a cheese course and coffee accompanied by chocolate covered strawberries, served in the Mixx Restaurant.
Then relax in one of the deluxe bedrooms and enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning breakfast with a late check-out.

Valentine's Romance Packages:
* Romance Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package - £138.00 per couple.
* Champagne Romance Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package -£158.00 per couple including a half bottle of champagne and chocolates awaiting you in your executive bedroom on arrival.

To book the Romance package please call 0116 282 0100 or reserve online at leicestermarriott.co.uk, and for dinner only reservations please call Helen Fairey on 0116 282 0110.

*Vegetarian options are available

Businesses looking to cut their carbon footprint can seek advice from a new online resource. A section has been created on Leicestershire County Council's website to help companies create effective green travel plans and reduce unnecessary employee car journeys. Free advice is also available to developers on the latest travel plan requirements for planning applications.

People travelling to work or making business journeys can also use the site to find local and national journey planning information in one place.

Any Leicestershire employer can get free help from the county council’s Business TravelWise Advisor to produce their own tailored workplace travel plan.

Prof Mike Preston, Leicestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Action, said: “I would encourage employers to have a look at the new resource and take advantage of the help we can provide with green travel plans. Everyone benefits from less congestion and improved air quality."

Leicestershire's largest employer, the county council, is continually working to reduce its own work related and staff commuting mileage. It runs various schemes to encourage staff to use new ways of working or alternative forms of transport to get to work - bikes, buses, car-sharing - as part of its programmes to reduce its carbon footprint and business costs.

The new Employer Travel Advice webpage is available at: www.leics.gov.uk/employer_travel

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing a timely reminder to anyone who hasn’t yet submitted their 2008-09 Self Assessment tax return. The 31 October deadline for paper returns has now passed, which means you must file your return online by the 31 January deadline. If you submit a paper return after 31 October, or you file online after 31 January, you could receive a £100 penalty.

If you’re a first-time Self Assessment filer, or you are new to online filing, you’ll first need to register for HMRC’s Self Assessment Online service. Registering is simple – visit the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa and click “Register for Self Assessment Online”. Once you’ve registered, an activation code will be sent to you in the post – it may take up to seven days for this to arrive, so it’s advisable to register as soon as possible.

When filing online, your tax is calculated automatically, you get an online acknowledgement once you’ve filed, and it’s processed faster, so any money you’re owed is repaid more quickly.

Help is available from the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/sa.
Additional help is available from the Self Assessment helpline on 0845 9000 444, which is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.

VAT-registered businesses in Leicestershire are being urged to get ready now for major changes to VAT return filing and payment coming in next April.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has sent a leaflet to all 1.9m VAT-registered businesses to alert them to the fact that, from 1 April 2010, those with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more (excluding VAT) will have to file their VAT returns online and pay their VAT electronically. Under the changes, businesses registering for VAT on or after 1 April 2010 will also have to file their return online and pay electronically, whatever their turnover.

To file a VAT return online, businesses new to HMRC’s online services need to register for the VAT Online service by visiting www.online.hmrc.gov.uk, clicking “Register” under the “new user” section and then following the instructions. Current HMRC online service users can add VAT Online to their portfolio in the ‘services you can add’ section of ‘your HMRC services’.

HMRC will also be sending formal letters in February 2010 to all existing businesses affected by the new online filing and electronic payment requirements, confirming that in future they must file online and pay electronically. And from 1 April 2010 a letter explaining the requirement to file online will be included in all registration packs issued to newly registering VAT businesses. Both letters will be accompanied by a handy guide on registering for VAT online.

Further help and advice, including an online demonstrator and a step-by-step guide to filing online, is available on HMRC’s website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat, or by calling its VAT helpline on 0845 010 9000 (available between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday).

A surprise tax measure in the pre-budget report means now could be the time for innovation-focused SMEs to start reinvesting in research and development (R&D), according to tax experts at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the East Midlands.

The report saw a surprise relaxation in the qualification rules allowing SMEs to claim relief for R&D activity regardless of whether they hold the relevant intellectual property rights. This move is expected to increase take up of the popular relief.
Historically R&D tax relief is an area that has assisted many businesses in the East Midlands to minimise their tax liability.

Furthermore, under additional new rules due to come into force in 2013, where R&D leads to patent applications, a new, lower rate of corporation tax will apply to income derived from the patented inventions.

People living in Blaby district are being asked what their top three crime concerns are as part of a survey to help set community safety priorities for the area. The Blaby Community Safety Partnership, which includes the district council and Police, will use the results of the six week public consultation to set the focus for anti-crime campaigns.

Councillor Ted Webster-Williams, Community Partnerships Portfolio Holder at Blaby District Council, said: “We want Blaby to be a safe place to live, work and visit and hopefully by asking people what their main concerns are we can focus on the problems that need most attention.”

The community safety partnership brings together people and organisations that are committed to working to reduce crime, the fear of crime and to working closely with communities to bring a sense of safety for all.

The consultation period ends on January 31st. People wishing to give their views can do so online at www.blaby.gov.uk/communitysafetysurvey

For more information or to request a copy of the questionnaire by post or email please call Blaby District Council’s community safety team on 0116 272 7725.

Visiting golfers who take advantage of the new winter promotion at Market Harborough Golf Club could find that they are able to play another 183 days free of charge - the clubs ‘183’ winter offer includes a chance to grab a club membership worth over £500.

This means that there could well be a lot more hanging on a game at Market Harborough this winter than simply the bragging rights over a group of friends. The ‘183’ offer includes 18 holes for just £19.95. Included in the deal, visitors can also choose from a selection of dishes from a special winter offer menu, served with a choice of either tea or coffee.

Every visitor will also receive a free 2 for 1 voucher to come back and play the course again and a free entry into a draw for a temporary club membership which will give unlimited golf until the end of September 2010. The ‘183’ promotion runs from January 1st until March 19th 2010.

All tee times have to be booked and are available on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays and after lunchtime on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. To book, call 01858 463 684. Full details of the winter offer are on the club website at: www.mhgolf.co.uk

This month Maestro Vladimir Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia Orchestra will return to the De Montfort Hall, Leicester to conduct two pieces by Elgar on Saturday 23 January 2010, 7.30pm. Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto will also be performed by the sincerely expressive James Ehnes. You can also join in with the popular annual Family Music Day on the same day at 12.00pm with percussion and craft workshops preceding a special live concert.

Click here for more information and booking details.

Click here for more information on the Family Music Day.

The Philharmonia Orchestra is proud to be a member of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce.

BUSINESS LINK HELP AND ADVICE

Over the last 12 months more than 3,000 Leicestershire businesses have benefited from a Business Link Health Check which has helped them to limit the impact of the economic downturn.

The Health Checks are open to all businesses, regardless of size and sector. Following an initial review, qualified experts can help develop business plans, while Business Link also provides a follow-on and monitoring service to ensure the plan is working.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation contracted to deliver the regional Business Link service, said: “Accessing professional and impartial support and advice is particularly important in these challenging times and we now have even more advisers available to support and help local businesses to start, grow and prosper.”

The Health Check is just one of a number of services that Business Link provides. In the year 2008/09, Business Link in the East Midlands provided services to over 67,000 business people and a further 14,500 entrepreneurs who were thinking of starting a business.

To find out more visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands, or telephone 0845 058 6644.

Businesses and individuals are being urged to support the10:10 campaign - an ambitious project launched to unite every sector of British society behind one simple idea: to work together to achieve a 10% cut in the UK’s carbon emissions in 2010.
The regional Business Link service is reminding businesses that there is free help and advice readily available to support those businesses wanting to find out how they can reduce energy consumption, increase their resource efficiency and boost their bottom line.

The Environment Agency, Envirowise and the regional Business Link service are working in partnership to host two events in the East Midlands, focused on the business benefits of resource efficiency, environmental management systems and incident management. A series of workshops have been designed to inform businesses, in a jargon-free way, of the low cost practical steps they can take to manage resources that will have a clear and defined impact on the bottom line and the long term health of their business.

To find out more contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/resourceefficiency

For more information on the10:10 campaign, visit www.1010uk.org

Business Link is encouraging businesses across Leicestershire to ensure they are doing all they can to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Eric Carveth, Leicestershire Area Manager for the regional Business Link service, says: “While business-related crime is not significantly higher in the East Midlands than elsewhere in the UK, all businesses need to be aware of the risks and to put appropriate measures in place to reduce them.”

Often the crimes reported could have been averted by implementation of appropriate security measures and Business Link continues to work with its partners to raise awareness of the issues and what positive steps can be taken.

“Often businesses in industrial and business parks can work together to reduce crime,” continues Eric. “Our advisers can help businesses to access information on crime reduction and on how working together can bring mutual benefits and reduce costs.

“We can help businesses to set up secure networks and gain access to the information and support them need to increase security and reduce crime.”

Business Link can also provide access to a range of crime reduction factsheets and information guides for businesses. These documents cover a comprehensive set of crime reduction topics to help protect businesses against crimes such as theft, fraud in international trade, internet crime, intellectual property theft, road-freight crime and credit card fraud.

All the information can be found on the dedicated crime section on the award winning website www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/crime or you can call Business Link on 0845 058 6644 email info@businesslinkem.co.uk for more details.

CHAMBER EVENTS

Come and watch a great game of football with fellow footie fans from the world of local business, thanks to the Chamber’s Football Networking Club, in association with Leicester City Football Club. The Fusions Restaurant at LCFC is the perfect place to enjoy good food before watching the match from luxury padded seats. Why not entertain your valued or prospective clients and use this as a corporate hospitality opportunity? Tickets are priced at £35 per person, per game and include food, interval tea and coffee and complimentary parking dependent on the number of tickets purchased.

Football Networking Club events for the next few months include the following matches:
9 Feb    Doncaster Rovers
13 Feb  Scunthorpe United
13 Mar Cardiff City
21 Mar Coventry City
23 Mar  Reading
5 Apr    QPR

Sponsored by Ruth Ingman Limited
Dates: 18 January, 15th February, 15th March
Venue: Express by Holiday Inn, Leicester
Time: 12:30pm – 2pm
Cost: £15 plus vat per person
Integra, officially launched in November 1995, is Leicestershire Chamber’s association of women in business, and invites you to participate in a wonderful networking opportunity with these regular lunchtime meetings.

Date: 3 February
Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk, Leicester
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: Chamber Members £195 plus VAT / Standard £235 plus VAT

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce will be running a one day programme for import administrators, freight forwarders and all those who are looking at importing goods from overseas. The course will cover, amongst other things, HM Customs And Revenue requirements & procedures, import documents, import clearance procedure and duty and VAT - how they are calculated, calculating total import costs, import licensing, payment methods and freight forwarder relationships and transport types / procedures.

Date: 10 February
Venue: Devonshire Place, London Road, Leicester
Time: 12pm - 2.30pm
Cost: Chamber Members £32.50 / Standard £42.50
Includes a two course meal with coffee and a welcome drink.

Come and join us at the latest Integra presentation which will feature a talk by Catherine Mason a solicitor, qualified nurse and coroner for Leicester and South Leicestershire. The coroner's office, based at Leicester’s Town Hall, is responsible for investigating and establishing the causes of deaths, especially where there are any unusual circumstances.

Date: 17 February
Venue: Chamber Offices, Charnwood Court, Leicester
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Cost: £175 plus VAT

Public speaking is an art, but it is also a skill. This workshop, in association with Iliffe Consulting, will cover how to capture your audience in the first 10 seconds, how to structure your speech to get the right message across, handling questions and answer sessions, body language, voice projection and coping with nerves.

Date: 18 February
Venue: Best Western Three Swans Hotel, Market Harborough
Time: 8am- 9:30am
Cost: Chamber Members only at £22.00.

Looking for new contacts? Want to raise your business profile? Come and network over breakfast with fellow Chamber members. Bring along your business cards and join us 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 Three Swans Hotel.

Date: 2 March
Venue: Chamber Offices, New Walk, Leicester
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: Chamber Members £195 plus VAT / Standard £235 plus VAT

Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce will be running a one day programme on export documentation and how to get it right. The course will provide an understanding of the role of the export administration and the documentary content and its significance.
The Exporter’s Commercial and Official Documentation will be covered along with
transport documentation and payment considerations such as cargo insurance, payment methods, documentary collections and bills exchange, and L/Cs - introduction and typical documents.

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